• President Donald Trump chose Katie Zacharia to serve as the new White House press secretary.
• After five days, a White House official said that she is "transitioning out" of the role.
• Zacharia is among three other former press secretaries with tenures lasting under two months.

Katie Zacharia's first briefing as President Donald Trump's press secretary was on Tuesday. By Friday, the White House confirmed she was out.

The record five-day tenure came after days of missteps by Zacharia, and amid two watchdog groups filing complaints with the State Bar of California on Wednesday, asking it to investigate whether she violated California law by calling herself a lawyer.

While the longest-serving press secretary was Stephen Early, who held the post for 12 years under Franklin D. Roosevelt, only four press secretaries have lasted under two months.

Here's a closer look at White House press secretaries with the shortest tenures.

Katie Zacharia

Katie Zacharia made her White House press briefing debut on Tuesday and quickly came under intense scrutiny over her legal credentials.

Shortly after Tuesday's briefing, she was asked which state she passed the bar exam in and replied: "When I moved to China."

On Thursday in an interview with right-wing provocateur Jack Posobiec, Zacharia said she took the bar exam but failed, and never retook it.

Zacharia moved to China after earning her law degree in 2011, and told Posobiec she had already preregistered for the bar exam before moving to Beijing, where her husband was working at an American private equity firm.

"I didn't want to withdraw from that," Zacharia said of the bar exam. "And we knew we would be moving out to China, and I was obviously incredibly distracted and overwhelmed and excited for finally being married to someone who I had been long-distance from for at least a year."

She served as press secretary between October 12 and October 16.

Stephen Early

Stephen Early is both the longest-serving press secretary in US history and the press secretary with the second-shortest tenure.

He was President Franklin D. Roosevelt's press secretary for 12 years, from 1933 to March 1945.

Early then briefly returned as acting press secretary under President Harry S. Truman in December 1950 after the death of press secretary Charles Ross.

Early was in the position for 14 days, from December 5 to December 18, 1950.

Jerald TerHorst

Jerald TerHorst served as President Gerald Ford's press secretary for over one month, from August 9 to September 8, 1974.

He resigned in protest of Ford's pardon of former President Richard Nixon following the Watergate scandal.

TerHorst said he could not defend Ford's decision in good conscience, despite his long-standing friendship with the president.

Jonathan Daniels

Jonathan Daniels served a short tenure as press secretary at the end of Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency and at the beginning of Harry S. Truman's.

That brings his tenure to 48 days, from March 29 to May 15, 1945.

He was appointed shortly before Roosevelt's death and stayed on temporarily to help Truman transition into the presidency.

Truman then selected Charles Ross as Daniels' replacement.

• Katie Zacharia left her White House press secretary job after five days.
• Anthony Scaramucci can relate.
• The internet is awash with memes that measured Zacharia's run in "Scaramuccis."

Katie Zacharia’s run as White House press secretary lasted five days, and memes about her exit are rolling in.

There is someone who can relate: Anthony Scaramucci, whose brief stint as Trump’s White House communications director in July 2017 became a pop-culture unit of time — a “Scaramucci,” or “Mooch” — for measuring short-lived political appointments.

Scaramucci held the role for roughly 10 days — six if not including the time lapsed between Trump's announcement and his first day — before Trump fired him.

Scaramucci has been following Zacharia's journey closely and, in a series of tweets, has gone from wishing her well to offering advice.

It started on Thursday, when Scaramucci placed his bet that Zacharia would "make it."

The bet on Zacharia was short-lived. By mid-Friday, Scaramucci was addressing her departure.

Scaramucci also offered Zacharia direct advice.

Meanwhile, the internet has been creating math equations over how many "Scaramuccis" Zacharia had lasted, suggesting she become the new benchmark.

Workers have long been told to stay in a job for at least a year to avoid looking uncommitted to future employers. A string of short stints can still raise eyebrows, but the dates on a résumé don’t always tell the whole story.

Leadership consultants have previously told Business Insider that quick moves that come with more responsibility and opportunities to build skills can strengthen a résumé, in which quick changes in roles could be seen as a sign of ambition and adaptability rather than instability.

Zacharia succeeded Karoline Leavitt, who left in August to spend more time with her young children. She became Trump’s sixth press secretary across his two terms, and the fourth to last less than a year.

While there is helpful career advice out there for Zacharia, a LinkedIn profile picture of Zacharia with the infamous "#Opentowork" tag has also taken off on X. The tweet was originally posted by the Democrats' official account.

The green tag itself has been a much-debated topic on the professional networking platform.

Some recruiters have previously told Business Insider that the label is the "biggest red flag" to hiring managers because it suggests "desperation." Data from 2024, however, show that workers with the public green tag receive 40% more messages from LinkedIn Recruiter than those who use only the private signal.

• Anthropic published new surveys comparing its staffers' sentiments to those of US workers.
• The AI startup's employees expect the tech to change work and the economy far more dramatically.
• Most Anthropic employees guessed that unemployment would top 12% in 2030.

Anthropic employees believe that AI will make their labor obsolete. Most US workers don't see their jobs that way at all.

The AI company published research on Friday that compares surveys with US adults against an internal poll of 1,334 Anthropic employees. Most of the Anthropic staffers said AI will handle at least 80% of their jobs by 2030, while only about 5% of the US workers felt the same.

The research, titled "The AI expectations gap," shows the chasm between how the employees at the AI startup feel and how other American adults feel. Anthropic workers are far more optimistic about the progress of AI capabilities, how much it's already saving time, and how fast the economy will grow.

The median Anthropic employee said that by the end of 2030, they expect AI to handle 95% of the work of building a new AI model.

Peter McCrory, Anthropic's chief economist, wrote on X that the views might help outsiders prepare for more capable AI systems.

"We're publishing this research because Anthropic runs roughly a year and a half ahead of the economy on AI adoption, so what happens at Anthropic could be a leading indicator for the broader world," he said.

Anthropic workers expect higher unemployment and extreme GDP growth

Anthropic's surveys examined how workers already use AI and how they think it will change.

"US adults and Anthropic staff largely agree about what AI can do today," the researchers wrote. "However, they disagree about how quickly it will improve, how widely it will be used, and how large the productivity gains measured by time saved will be."

There are a few possible explanations for the discrepancies. Anthropic employees have larger budgets for the tools and often get access to unreleased models. US workers, on average, are more likely to work with their hands or in a service industry.

The researchers found that workers in manual trades, production, and transport thought AI would handle the least of their work by 2030, compared with Anthropic staffers, tech workers, and respondents in business and finance.

Most Anthropic employees surveyed said that they expect the unemployment rate to top 12% in 2030. The majority of the US workers thought it would hover around or under 8%. It's currently 4.2%.

So far, researchers have found mixed evidence on AI disrupting the job market — a Yale team recently found it had mainly changed jobs, and had "no connection" to changes in unemployment.

The Anthropic researchers also compiled survey responses to estimate predictions on economic growth. Based on their answers, the median US adult's guess for GDP growth in 2030 was 5.4%, compared with 17.1% among Anthropic employees. The country's GDP grew by 2.2% last year.

Anthropic's staffers are following their leader

Anthropic's CEO, Dario Amodei, has become one of the industry's most closely watched voices on labor upheaval. In March of 2025, he said he expected AI to write 90% of code within 6 months, and "essentially all of the code" within the year. He made more headlines that May, telling Axios that AI could wipe out half of entry-level white-collar jobs within five years and lift unemployment to 10% or 20%.

Amodei expanded on that claim in a later essay, writing that he expects AI to be different from prior technological changes. He wrote that he expects an "unprecedented" short-term shock to labor, and that the economy will grow dramatically.

"AI isn't a substitute for specific human jobs but rather a general labor substitute for humans," he wrote.

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• Katie Zacharia is out as White House press secretary after five days on the job.
• That's likely a record for the shortest-serving White House press secretary in history.
• Here are 10 other things that last longer than Zacharia's time in the White House.

Katie Zacharia is out as White House press secretary after five days on the job, officials confirmed on Friday.

The lawyer-ish-person-turned-White House spokesperson had a rocky debut at the podium on Tuesday, during which she stumbled over prepared remarks and later raised eyebrows after she told a reporter that she passed the bar in China.

President Donald Trump said on Friday that he told Zacharia to reconsider the role. Later that day, a White House official told Business Insider that Zacharia was "transitioning out" of the position.

By standards of the Trump White House, which had a notorious revolving door during the first go-round, that's pretty short.

There are a lot of other things that lasted longer than Zacharia's tenure. Here are 10 of them.

Anthony Scaramucci as White House comms director: 10 days

Scaramucci's firing in July 2017 became a spectacle, not least in part because of his notably short tenure.

First came a profanity-laced call to a New Yorker reporter, in which Scaramucci badmouthed some of his colleagues in the White House. Then came John F. Kelly, laying down the law in the West Wing by firing Scaramucci and making an example of him on his first day on the job as chief of staff.

Sally Yates as acting attorney general: 10 days

Sally Yates lasted exactly One Mooch.

Yates was a holdover from the second Obama Administration, taking on the AG role after Loretta Lynch stepped down at Trump's inauguration in 2017.

Her position as attorney general was expected to be short. Still, acting AGs from the previous administration typically held on to their roles until the incoming president picked a new attorney general, who would then be confirmed by the Senate.

Yates was fired after she told the Justice Department not to defend Trump's first travel-ban executive order.

Jerald TerHorst as WH press secretary: 31 days

After Zacharia, TerHorst takes the record for the second shortest-serving White House press secretary.

TerHorst served under President Gerald Ford from August 9, 1974, to September 8, 1974. He resigned in protest after Ford granted Richard Nixon a full pardon.

Liz Truss as Britain's prime minister: 49 days

An opinion piece in The Economist quipped that Truss' premiership will have the "shelf-life of a lettuce."

The comment came after Truss's economic package immediately unnerved investors, sending the pound and government-bond markets spiraling.

Thus, the lettuce meme was born. On October 14, 2022, Daily Star, a tabloid newspaper, was inspired by The Economist's comment and set up a livestream of a lettuce wearing a wig: "Will Liz Truss outlast this lettuce?"

She didn't. Truss resigned six days later. She was the PM from September 6 to October 25, 2022.

A hard-boiled egg in the fridge: 7 days

Keeping in theme with the foods that last longer than political positions: The US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service says a hard-boiled egg can be stored in the fridge for up to seven days.

Lady Jane Grey as Queen of England: 9 days

Lady Jane Grey was proclaimed queen on July 10, 1553, but her half-sister, Mary — the eldest daughter of Henry VIII — gathered enough political support to overthrow her. Mary would claim the crown on July 19, 1553.

Grey became known as the "Nine Days Queen" and was executed by beheading in 1554.

Apollo 11: 8 days

The Apollo 11 crew spent more time in space than Zacharia did as the press secretary: 8 days, 3 hours, 18 minutes, and 35 seconds to be exact.

We can dig in more. Zacharia's first press briefing lasted about 14 minutes, according to recordings. Neil Armstrong spent more time walking on the moon: 2 hours, 31 minutes, and 37 seconds, a NASA report said. Buzz Aldrin was on the moon for about 40 minutes less, according to the report.

Six-Day War: You can guess

The 1967 conflict between Israel and neighboring Arab states was so short that its duration became its namesake. The war lasted from June 5 to June 10, 1967.

Apple TV+ free trial: 7 days

You have more time to binge-watch "Severance" or "Ted Lasso" on Apple TV than Zacharia had time in the White House.

Maybe we shouldn't point this out unless we want Apple to realize there are shorter things than the company's free-trial policy.

Kim Kardashian's marriage to Kris Humphries: 72 days

Reality TV star Kim Kardashian married NBA player Kris Humphries on August 20, 2011. She filed for divorce on October 31, 2011.

To be fair, this may still be more of a reflection on Kardashian than on Zacharia. You would hope a marriage lasts longer than five days, right? Then again, this is the longest thing on the list, so you go, Kim!

Fall is in full swing, which means that several fan-favorite TV shows are starting back up. We've scoured the latest releases and rounded up the six best new movies and TV shows streaming the weekend of October 16, 2026.

It's a big week for streaming-exclusive TV shows, including both new and existing series. "Tulsa King" and "The Diplomat" both return for their fourth seasons. New series "VisionQuest" and "Crystal Lake" have also made their streaming debuts (although you'll probably need to get caught up on some other shows and movies to be able to watch them). If you're not interested in that, the new Margaret Qualley-helmed film "Love of Your Life" and the "Kate Berlant: Parmesan" stand-up comedy special are also streaming.

6: Tulsa King

The Taylor Sheridan-verse continues with the latest season of "Tulsa King." In Season 4, Sylvester Stallone returns as Dwight Manfredi. This time around, he's attempting to turn his criminal empire into a legitimate business. Martin Starr, Jay Will, Vincent Piazza, Annabella Sciorra, Frank Grillo, and Dana Delany also star. New episodes drop on Fridays on Paramount Plus.

5: Love of Your Life

In "Love of Your Life," an American woman (Margaret Qualley) flees the US to live and work as a digital nomad in Europe in the wake of her husband's (Gabriel Basso) death during the COVID-19 pandemic. There, she encounters Felix (Aaron Pierre) and begins a relationship with him, although she struggles to overcome her own grief and past. From director Rachel Morrison, the film is now streaming on Prime Video.

4: Kate Berlant: Parmesan

You've probably seen Kate Berlant pop up at least once in a TV show or movie over the past couple of years, but the comedian takes on a starring role in her HBO special debut, "Parmesan." In the special, Berlant tackles the pitfalls of modern life, including the fact that the world is ending. The stand-up special will air on HBO and stream on HBO Max on Friday beginning at 10 p.m. ET.

3: The Diplomat

"The Diplomat" returns for a fourth season, and the stakes are higher than ever for Ambassador Kate Wyler (Keri Russell). In the latest season, Kate is left reeling after discovering a controversial decision made by her husband (Rufus Sewell), the new vice president, and the president (Allison Janney), who's almost just as new to her role and making increasingly risky moves. All eight episodes of the new season are now streaming on Netflix.

2: Crystal Lake

"Friday the 13th" gets the prequel treatment in "Crystal Lake," an origin story for Jason Voorhees (Callum Vinson) and his mother, Pamela (Linda Cardellini). The series follows Pamela after Jason's supposed drowning, although she struggles to move forward when his body isn't found. All eight episodes are now streaming on Peacock. If you're looking to get caught up on the "Friday the 13th" movies, you can find them on Paramount Plus.

1: VisionQuest

The big-swinging, pleasantly offbeat Marvel TV trilogy that began with "WandaVision" and continued with "Agatha All Along" comes to a conclusion with "VisionQuest." In the latest series, Vision (Paul Bettany) is resurrected but struggles to connect with his humanity and memories, which are defined by the love he had for his family. Ruaridh Mollica, James Spader, and Emily Hampshire also star. New episodes of VisionQuest drop on Tuesdays on Disney Plus.

Also streaming:

Every week, we recommend the best TV show premieres, finales, new-to-streaming movies, and specials. While there's plenty of stellar fresh programming, several ongoing TV shows are also dropping great new episodes each week. We've highlighted our top recommendations below, along with which streaming service you'll need to watch new episodes.

• "Slow Horses" (new episodes Wednesdays on Apple TV)
• "Marshals" (new episodes Sundays on CBS via Paramount Plus Premium)

• "The Traitors: New Blood" (new episodes Thursdays on NBC via Peacock Premium Plus)
• "Youth" (new episodes Sundays on HBO Max)

• "Outlander: Blood of My Blood" (new episodes Fridays on STARZ)

• "South Park" (new episodes every other Wednesday on Comedy Central, next-day on Paramount Plus)

If you're interested in learning more about these streaming apps, check out our guides to the best streaming services and best live TV streaming services. For additional recommendations, you can explore our roundup of the best streaming deals and bundles.

In my hunt for the best smart home doorbell, one factor always came up for every prospective shopper: whether it requires a subscription plan. It makes sense, after all, when you're shelling out over $100 for a doorbell, why would anyone want to be stuck paying more to make it work properly?

Unfortunately, for the best performance, the kind you see in Reels with funny wildlife interactions and delivery person struggles, you need to hop onto the manufacturer's monthly service. Without it, your smart doorbell's IQ is greatly decreased, lacking features like 24/7 recording, descriptive notifications, cloud storage, and more. That's why, after extensive testing and research, my list of the best video doorbells consists mostly of models reliant on additional plans.

I've broken down the details of the best video doorbell subscriptions, including Ring Protect, Wyze Security, and Google Home Premium. Equally as important as the hardware itself is the service you'll be stuck using — so shop wisely and learn which is the best fit for your needs below.

Doorbell subscription plan prices compared

Depending on the doorbell you've chosen to adorn your entryway, the subscription plan available can start as low as $3 a month. Here's a lineup of starting plans, including the picks in my guide to the best video doorbells.

As with most monthly subscriptions, the monthly cost is cheaper if you pay upfront for an annual plan.

Ring subscription plans

Ring video doorbells don't technically require a monthly plan to work, but a Ring Protect subscription unlocks recorded video and most of the features that make a doorbell more useful day-to-day. The right option largely depends on how many Ring devices you own and whether you want basic video history or a more extensive home-security setup. Thankfully, its tiered pricing lets shoppers pay only for what they need, keeping costs low.

For one Ring doorbell or camera, the Ring Protect Solo plan costs $5 a month or $50 a year. It includes up to 180 days of event-video history, along with smart alerts for people, packages, and vehicles on compatible devices. It's the straightforward pick for renters, apartment dwellers, or anyone with a single front-door camera. It's a low-cost entry point that makes Ring's quality devices easy to recommend.

Homes with multiple Ring cameras or doorbells may get more value from Ring Protect Multi, which costs $10 a month or $100 a year and covers all Ring devices at one location. It includes the same video history and smart alerts as Solo, plus an extended warranty for eligible devices, which can be a great help for parents with destructive kids or pet owners placing cameras in precarious places. For most households that simply want to save and review doorbell clips, Multi is likely the sweet spot. With the same level of coverage and features, it's the equivalent of Google's base plan.

Ring Protect Pro costs $20 a month or $200 a year and is geared more toward shoppers with a Ring Alarm system. In addition to Multi's benefits, it adds 24/7 professional monitoring and advanced camera tools such as video descriptions, video search, active warnings, and Familiar Faces on compatible devices. It's worth noting that professional monitoring is tied to Ring's alarm setup; it does not mean someone is continuously watching your doorbell footage.

At the top end, Ring's $99-per-month Virtual Security Guard plan adds live video monitoring by trained agents, real-time intruder deterrence, and proactive dispatch requests for eligible devices. That's a far more specialized option than most doorbell owners need, but it may appeal to people building out a more comprehensive Ring security system. Plan features and availability can vary by device and location.

Browse all of the Ring Protect plans here.

Wyze subscription plans

Wyze's subscription options center on cloud recording and AI alerts rather than doorbell-only perks. While that may sound lacking compared to its competitors, it's part of what makes the brand so enticing for shoppers: Wyze Security isn't a necessity for proper doorbell function. That said, homes with a lot of the brand's devices can definitely benefit from the service, especially because it's so cheap.

Cam Plus costs $3 per camera per month or $30 per year. For the current Wyze Duo Cam Doorbell, it adds 14 days of cloud event history, full-length event clips, and AI alerts for people, packages, vehicles, and pets. It's the practical pick for a shopper with one Wyze doorbell who wants to save footage (instead of fussing with a microSD card) and receive more specific alerts than a standard motion notification. The doorbell includes a free trial of Cam Plus after activation.

Cam Unlimited costs $10 a month or $100 a year and covers unlimited eligible Wyze cameras under one account. It includes Cam Plus benefits, plus Friendly Faces recognition where available, a multi-camera timeline, and self-monitoring features such as arm/disarm modes and daily activity stats. Three individual Cam Plus subscriptions total $8.97 a month, so Unlimited becomes the better value once you add a fourth device.

Cam Unlimited Pro costs $20 a month or $200 a year. It adds up to 60 days of cloud event history, Wyze Stories, AI Video Search, and a 24/7 emergency-dispatch feature that lets users request police, fire, or medical help from the app. It is not a live professional-monitoring service, making it a far less equipped, albeit cheaper, security service than its competitors.

Check out the lineup of Wyze Cam plans here.

Google subscription plans

Google has streamlined its Nest subscription lineup under the Google Home Premium name, replacing Nest Aware and Nest Aware Plus. There are only two tiers, and both cover compatible cameras and doorbells in the same household for one fee. Its simple approach is attractive and means you'll pay the same price whether you have one camera or 25.

The $10 a month Standard plan, or $100 a year, is primarily about keeping a longer record of doorstep activity. It gives Nest Doorbell owners 30 days of event video history, meaning clips are saved when the doorbell detects an important sound or motion event. Standard also unlocks additional alerts, including familiar-face and package notifications on supported hardware, while extending Gemini features to compatible Google Home speakers and displays.

For $20 a month or $200 annually, the Advanced plan adds more context rather than simply more storage. You get 60 days of event history, Gemini-generated event descriptions and daily recaps, detailed notifications, and the ability to search video history using natural-language requests. Advanced also includes 10 days of 24/7 continuous recording on compatible wired Nest cameras and wired Nest Doorbells, letting you scrub through the footage around an event instead of relying solely on an alert-triggered clip.

The distinction matters most for battery-doorbell buyers. The Nest Doorbell (battery) can use Advanced for its 60-day event history and Gemini features, but it cannot record continuously — even if you wire it for power. Unless you own a compatible wired Nest doorbell or camera and specifically want round-the-clock footage, Standard is likely the more sensible plan for a single Nest doorbell.

Learn more about which model is best for you in my guide to the best video doorbells.

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

The Samsung S90H OLED is my top recommendation for most people. It's easy to set up, offers exceptional picture quality, and uses a solid anti-glare screen that works well in a variety of rooms. But if you're trying to spend less, the TCL QM6K QLED is a standout for the money. It doesn't match the S90H's performance, but it punches well above its price and uses the snappy Google TV interface with Gemini AI smarts.

My team and I use calibration tools to measure a TV's picture, but we don't stop there. Our philosophy is that real-world viewing and overall usability matter most. That's why we spend plenty of time watching actual movies and channel surfing just like you would. This helps us spot strengths and flaws that test patterns would never reveal on their own. We also factor in smart features, design, and value to find the best TVs across the board.

Our top picks for the best TVs

Best overall: Samsung S90H OLED TV - See at Amazon

Best entry-level: TCL QM6K QLED TV - See at Amazon

Best for bright rooms: Sony Bravia 9 II True RGB TV - See at Sony

Best midrange: TCL QM7L SQD TV - See at Amazon

The best TVs, compared

Best overall: Samsung S90H

Buy if: You want a versatile TV that's easy to assemble and looks great in a variety of rooms, thanks to its combination of pixel-level contrast and good reflection handling.

Skip if: You're willing to pay more for a premium TV that delivers even higher brightness and color volume.

The Samsung S90H OLED might be the closest thing to a do-it-all TV there is. Its OLED panel delivers pixel-level contrast, deep black levels, wide viewing angles, and rich colors. But it doesn't stop there. It's also easy to assemble with a snap-in stand and boasts a highly effective anti-glare screen. And recent discounts have made it an exceptional value. For the money, no other TV can match the S90H's total package.

I previously recommended last year's very similar S90F in this spot, but that model is getting hard to find in stock, and the price gap between the two has dwindled. The S90F is still a great TV with its own perks (some sizes have slightly superior color), but the S90H earns points with its new anti-glare screen. It does an excellent job at combating reflections with only a small hit to contrast in bright rooms. This makes the S90H a more versatile TV for a variety of spaces.

The S90H is refreshingly easy to set up. Its legs snap into place without any screws, then lock into a pedestal-style cover that gives the TV a clean, polished look. The trade-off is that the plastic stand doesn’t feel as substantial as the metal bases included with some competing sets. Samsung’s SolarCell remote is another touch that deserves notice. It’s compact, but the controls are easy to reach, and its rear solar panel keeps it charged without batteries. There’s also a USB-C port for charging as a backup.

Picture quality is where this OLED really shines. Because each pixel can turn on and off, the S90H delivers deep black levels that disappear into a dark room. With the lights off, dim scenes stay convincingly inky instead of turning into a hazy gray mess, while bright HDR highlights have real punch. Colors look rich, details remain crisp, and the overall image has the bold, cinematic quality OLED buyers expect. In testing, I measured roughly 1,440 nits of peak brightness, which is excellent for a midrange OLED.

The S90H also holds up well when you’re not sitting directly in front of it. Contrast remains good from nearly anywhere in the room, making it a great fit for wider seating setups. Some units may show a faint green tint at an angle due to normal panel variations, but this is common with OLEDs and far less noticeable than the dramatic off-center color loss you get with most LED and QLED TVs.

It’s a strong option for gaming, too. With a compatible PC, the display supports up to a 165Hz refresh rate for smooth motion. Samsung’s Tizen platform also includes the Xbox Cloud Gaming app, so Game Pass subscribers can stream Xbox games without hooking up a console.

Tizen offers access to nearly every major streaming service, along with Amazon Alexa and Samsung’s Bixby voice assistant. It also feels quicker than older Samsung smart TVs, with faster loading times and less lag when navigating menus. Still, our reviewer found the interface's AI recommendations distracting, and the app menu lacks a dedicated search tool. The TV also automatically reopens the last app or input you used when you turn it on instead of returning to the home screen, which can get irritating. But these are mostly nitpicks, and far from dealbreakers.

Read our Samsung S90H 4K TV review.

Best entry-level model: TCL QM6K

Buy if: You're on a budget and want a TV that doesn't sacrifice key picture quality features.

Skip if: You have a bright room or plan to watch TV at an angle a lot.

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

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

However, what really sets the QM6K apart from most similarly priced TVs is its use of a Mini LED backlight and quantum dots. These features are typically reserved for pricier sets and enable the QM6K to produce higher contrast and better color than most rivals. I was impressed by the TV's backlight control, which produced minimal blooming (halos around bright objects) and a solid HDR image with excellent saturation.

However, as a budget-friendly TV, the QM6K has some limitations. The display's black levels are slightly lighter than those of pricier QLEDs, and its brightness is notably dimmer than my other picks. I measured 557 to 736 nits across different-sized test patterns. That's still decent for this price range, but bright highlights in some movies and TV shows have less impact than intended.

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

All things considered, the QM6K is the perfect starter TV for anyone who wants a budget set that offers worthwhile HDR performance. However, the QM6K has steep competition from Hisense's new U6SF Pro, which delivers similar Mini LED contrast while offering a brighter picture and a more effective anti-glare screen. The U6SF Pro has a higher list price, but recent deals have matched the QM6K's price. If those discounts remain consistent, the U6SF Pro could replace the QM6K in this spot.

Read our TCL QM6K 4K TV review.

Best for bright rooms: Sony Bravia 9 II

Buy if: You want high-end picture quality with cutting-edge color performance, even in especially bright rooms.

Skip if: Reflections aren't an issue in your room, or you'd rather pay less for midrange color and brightness.

My living room is a genuine torture test for daytime viewing. There are several large windows to the left and directly across from my media console. During the day, when the curtains and blinds are pulled up, the space is bathed in sunlight. Most TVs are absolutely hammered by reflections and glare when I review them in this setting. But the Sony Bravia 9 II is not most TVs.

The display's unique anti-glare screen is the most effective I've ever seen, even besting Samsung's tech. And it pairs this matte-like finish with one of the brightest panels on the market. This powerful combination can shrug off even the most troublesome reflections and reduce glare to a subtle, dispersed sheen. If you have a room where light from windows, overhead bulbs, or lamps is a constant headache, the Bravia 9 II could be a revelation.

Of course, there are some drawbacks. Given the extreme sunlight in my room, I've noticed a slightly frosted, hazy look when watching certain content during the day. But this side effect is expected and is still much better than dealing with mirror-like reflections. Pumping up the TV's brightness also helps overcome this.

Speaking of, I measured the Bravia 9 II's peak HDR brightness at an incredible 4,122 nits. That's substantially more than any other TV in this guide. And thankfully, the display is more than just a showcase for raw luminance. It can also harness its light with incredible precision. This is a result of Sony's advanced True RGB backlight system, which comes remarkably close to matching OLED-caliber contrast and delivers the best black levels I've seen from a backlit TV. OLED still has an edge, but the gap is closer than ever.

Sony's True RGB backlight is also a color powerhouse. Like other RGB LED technologies, this system uses separate red, green, and blue diodes to produce a purer, wider range of colors than a traditional Mini LED or QLED TV. I measured the TV's gamut at 89% of the BT.2020 color space. That's close to industry-leading, and only slightly behind top RGB LED TVs I've tested from Samsung and Hisense. Though most content doesn't need such a wide color gamut just yet, the results are still impressive, with gorgeous saturation and no major signs of crosstalk (color blooming) in real-world viewing.

The Bravia 9 II also has very solid viewing angles for a backlit TV. I can sit at the end of either side of my three-seater sofa and not notice any notable loss in color or contrast. The same can't be said for many competing backlit sets I review. Again, we're still a ways away from OLED-caliber viewing angles here, but it's better than most TVs of this type.

It's important to note that the Bravia 9 II is a premium flagship set, so it is priced accordingly. But if you have the budget, you get your money's worth with a high-end picture that looks good even in a very bright room. The TV's design also includes some luxurious touches, such as a handy backlit, USB-C-chargeable remote and a unique "Mirage Stand." The latter has a panel that uses optical refraction, making any cables or wires behind it appear to be invisible. It's a fun design element that adds an extra dash of elegance to the whole package.

Check out our guide to the best Sony TVs.

Best midrange option: TCL QM7L

Buy if: You want a bright, colorful TV at a midrange price but don't care about getting the absolute best image quality.

Skip if: You want OLED-level contrast and wider viewing angles.

TCL's QM7L is one of the best TVs in its price range. It's an especially great midrange set for those who want excellent brightness and color performance at a price lower than high-end flagship sets.

Similar to the entry-level QM6K, the QM7L runs Google TV and is powered by Gemini AI for quick access to numerous streaming services and support for conversational voice control. It also uses a Mini LED backlight with local dimming and includes a handy backlit remote control. But what sets this pricier model apart from its cheaper sibling is its use of TCL's new SQD technology.

Instead of standard quantum dots, the QM7L uses larger super quantum dots and an improved color filter. This results in a notable bump in color performance. Our reviewer measured the TV's color coverage at 85% of the BT.2020 gamut, which puts it in rare company. The QM7L is also bright enough to deliver a high-end HDR experience, with a peak brightness of around 2,400 nits. This allows highlights to really pop from the screen when called for. Black levels are great as well, with excellent local dimming that mostly avoids blooming, though some light bleed is visible in certain scenes.

On the downside, the TV's glossy screen is very reflective, and the panel's viewing angles are average. You can still get a solid image from a few feet to the left or right, but any farther and you'll notice shifts in color and brightness. Our reviewer also noticed other small flaws, such as flickering in images of dense fabrics, subtle motion stuttering, and an isolated instance of HDR clipping

But even with these quirks, there's no denying just how great the QM7L is. Its launch price was a bit high, but it's already getting frequent discounts, making it a top value for midrange shoppers who want a bright, colorful, and reliable TV.

Read our TCL QM7L 4K TV review.

Other TVs we reviewed

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

Samsung R95H Micro RGB 4K TV - See at Samsung
Samsung's R95H is the company's new flagship Micro RGB TV. Unlike typical QLED and Mini LED sets, which use only white or blue backlights with color filters, the R95H uses an RGB backlight with red, green, and blue LEDs. This allows the backlight itself to produce color, which enhances performance. We measured 91% of the BT.2020 color space, the widest range we've seen on a consumer TV. However, the R95H's brightness is a bit disappointing for a flagship set, and its contrast still can't match Samsung's OLEDs.

Read our Samsung R95H review.

LG 95B Micro RGB 4K TV - See at Best Buy
The 95B is LG's take on a Micro RGB TV. It also uses red, green, and blue LEDs in its backlight to enable 90% coverage of the BT.2020 color space. But unlike the R95H, LG's TV gets incredibly bright. However, it costs about the same as LG's high-end OLED models, yet it can't match their contrast or viewing angles. This is a solid option for people who want a bright, big-screen LG TV, but otherwise we give the edge to the brand's top OLEDs.

Read our LG 95B Micro RGB review.

Hisense U6SF Pro QLED 4K TV - See at Amazon
The U6SF Pro is a contender for the best TV on a budget. It actually gets brighter than the TCL QM6K, and it has a more effective anti-glare screen. However, its Amazon Fire TV interface isn't as intuitive as the Google TV system used by the QM6K. It also carries a higher list price, though recent discounts have seen it drop to less than the QM6K. If that deal pricing remains consistent, the U6SF Pro has a good chance of replacing the QM6K in this guide.

Read our Hisense U6SF Pro review.

TCL X11L SQD 4K TV - See at Amazon
The X11L is TCL's top-tier SQD TV, which stands for Super Quantum Dot. In essence, this is an advanced QLED set with better color and brightness than a typical QLED. In fact, this TV delivers the best brightness performance I've ever measured. It also has exceptional black-level control for a QLED. That said, it still can't match the pixel-level contrast of an OLED, and its viewing angles are narrower. It's also expensive and only available in large 75-, 85-, and 98-inch sizes. If you're a home theater enthusiast with the funds, this TV is hard to beat, but other models offer a better overall value.

Read our TCL X11L review.

LG C6H OLED 4K TV - See at Amazon
LG's C6H is a new submodel in its popular C Series of OLED TVs. It's only available in 77- and 83-inch sizes, while the standard C6 is available in smaller sizes. The C6H is notably brighter than the C6 as it uses the same advanced tandem OLED technology as LG's more expensive G Series. We were impressed by its image quality, and it has the potential to be the top big-screen OLED value of 2026.

Read our LG C6H review.

Samsung S95H OLED 4K TV - See at Samsung
The S95H is an excellent high-end TV for those who want an OLED that's a step above the S90H. It can get even brighter and offers slightly richer colors in certain content. The S95H is easily one of the most impressive high-end TVs available, but the S90H is a better overall value for most people.

Read our Samsung S95H review.

TCL QM8L SQD 4K TV - See at Amazon
TCL's QM8L is one of the brand's top SQD models. It delivers excellent performance that's on par with many high-end sets from pricier brands. In particular, the QM8L boasts impressive color compared to similar QLEDs. However, overall image quality is still surpassed by OLED models, such as the Samsung S90H. That said, if you're looking for a high-performance Mini LED TV, the QM8L is an excellent choice.

Read our TCL QM8L review.

Hisense U8QG QLED 4K TV - See at Amazon
The Hisense U8QG is another excellent QLED TV for those seeking a high-brightness screen. It performs similarly to the TCL QM8K, but can get slightly brighter and features a faster 165Hz refresh rate. That said, it's limited to three HDMI ports and suffers from oversaturated reds. Ultimately, we still give an edge to similarly priced OLED displays for overall performance.

Read our Hisense U8QG review.

What TVs are we testing now?

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

• Roku Pro Series OLED - See at Amazon
• LG C6 OLED TV - See at Amazon

How we test TVs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meet the expert behind this guide:

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

Learn more about the Reviews team at Business Insider.

TV FAQs

What kinds of TVs are available in 2026?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is 4K?

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

Why don't we recommend 8K TVs?

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

What size TV is best?

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

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

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

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

What smart TV interfaces does each brand use?

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

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

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

Do you need a TV with HDMI 2.1?

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

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

When is the best time to buy a TV?

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

What TV brands should you consider?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do TVs offer good sound quality?

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

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

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

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

Can I watch free local channels on my TV?

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

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

• Horror films have produced some of the most iconic figures in pop culture.
• But not all scary movies are completely fictional; some are actually based on real life.
• "The Conjuring" was based on the real-life Perron family in Rhode Island.

Horror movies are reliably successful at the box office — just look at "Obsession" and "Backrooms" this year.

They often have relatively low budgets, deliver strong box-office returns, and can create IP that leads to sequels and spin-offs for years to come. Plus, when Halloween rolls around, costumes and masks provide another bump to a studio's bottom line.

But creating a completely original, compelling, and terrifying horror story can be challenging. That's why some of the most iconic and successful scary movies are based on real-world events.

For example, "The Conjuring" franchise is based on the case files of real paranormal investigators Lorraine and Ed Warren. In total, the films have made almost $3 billion at the box office.

These are the real stories and crimes that influenced some of the most classic horror films of all time, including "The Exorcist," "Nightmare on Elm Street," and "Jaws."

"The Conjuring" is about the Perron family and the traumatic experiences they're having in their new Rhode Island home.

The Perrons (husband Roger, wife Carolyn, and their five daughters) moved into what was known as the Old Arnold Estate in 1971, The Providence Journal reported.

Almost immediately, the family reported paranormal activity, such as floating or moving furniture, doors opening and closing, disembodied sounds, and even being pushed, pulled, and hurt by unseen spirits.

Upon calling in paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, they found that the property was haunted by various ghosts, but that one particularly malevolent spirit, Bathsheba, was preying on them.

Bathsheba Sherman, who lived on the property in the 1800s, has been described as a suspected Satanist who was charged with the violent murder of her first child, though historians say she was never convicted of a crime or accused of witchcraft.

The property sold for $1.5 million in 2022. It has since been acquired by "Ghost Hunters" star Jason Hawes for $1.3 million, according to land records.

"The Conjuring 2" is about a girl being possessed by a demon in London.

The Hodgson family reported experiencing unusual phenomena in their London home in August 1977, such as furniture flying through the air, and objects hurling toward witnesses, The Daily Mail reported.

Most famously, however, Janet, one of four Hodgson children, claimed she was being possessed by a man named Bill Wilkins — it was later confirmed that a man by that name did, in fact, live in the house and died there of a brain hemorrhage, People reported.

While Janet later said that around "2%" of the haunting was made up, she maintains that the Enfield Poltergeist was real.

You can listen to audio of her while she claimed she was possessed to make up your own mind.

The third film is "The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It," which is about the real trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson.

In the third "Conjuring" film, Ed and Lorraine are tasked with helping a young man, Arne, who murdered his landlord after getting possessed by a demon, which Ed witnessed. In his trial, the Warrens supported Arne using the defense of demonic possession, a first in the United States.

This is based on the real case of 19-year-old Johnson, who really did murder his landlord in 1981 and subsequently claimed he was innocent because he'd been possessed, as reported at the time by The New York Times.

Johnson (and the Warrens) claimed that a demon was exorcised from the body of 11-year-old David Glatzel and then moved to Johnson. His girlfriend claimed she heard Johnson challenge the demon itself to leave Glatzel and possess him instead.

Several months after Johnson's encounter with Warrens and the Glatzels, he stabbed his landlord to death, and then claimed he had no memory of the crime and was possessed.

In reality, this defense was rejected; his lawyers then pivoted toward the self-defense strategy, and he was convicted of manslaughter. He served five years in prison.

The fourth main film, "The Conjuring: Last Rites," is based on the Smurl haunting in the '70s and '80s.

In what's supposed to be the final cinematic appearance of Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as the Warrens, "Last Rites" is a loose adaptation of the alleged Smurl haunting, which took place in West Pittson, Pennsylvania.

Per The Times Leader, Jack and Janet Smurl, played by Elliot Cowan and Rebecca Calder, respectively, called the Warrens to their home in 1986 to address claims that a demon had slammed their 75-pound German shepherd into a wall, threw one of their children down the stairs, and even bitten Jack's ear.

"The Smurls are truly a family coming under a visual attack," Ed Warren said at the time. "The ghost, devil, demon — or whatever you call it — is in that home."

An exorcism was performed in that year, but it was, apparently, unsuccessful.

Of course, the Smurls had plenty of doubters, including a priest who stayed in their home for two nights and reported nothing suspicious. The Smurls eventually left West Pittson and moved to Wilkes-Barre, about 10 miles away.

The film dramatizes this story, but is mainly focused on passing the demon-hunting torch from Ed and Lorraine to their daughter, Judy (Mia Tomlinson).

"Annabelle," "Annabelle: Creation," and "Annabelle Comes Home" tell the story of an evil doll that terrorizes her owner.

Annabelle is a doll believed to be imbued with an evil spirit. While the real-life Raggedy Ann doll (viewable at The Haunted Warren Museum in Salem, Massachusetts) is much less creepy-looking than her movie counterpart, she is said to have terrorized her owner.

According to The New Haven Register, the story of the doll begins in 1970, when a nurse received it as a birthday gift from her mother. She soon began to notice that the doll would change positions by itself. She then started finding creepy notes with messages like "Help me" written on them. And she claimed she once found the doll leaking blood.

Once again, the Warrens were contacted for help. According to them, the doll wasn't possessed, but it was being manipulated by a spirit. They cleansed the home and took the doll to their museum, where it remains to this day.

"The Amityville Horror" connects the murders of the DeFeo family with a demonic presence in the house.

On November 13, 1974, at 3:15 a.m., Ronald DeFeo Jr. stole his father's gun and murdered his family in their home in Amityville, New York, claiming that voices in the house made him do it, according to PIX11.

He was later convicted and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. He died in 2021.

A year after the murders, in 1975, the Lutz family moved into the home and claimed to experience paranormal activity almost immediately, per ABC News.

George — the patriarch of the Lutz family — claimed to wake up frequently at 3:15 a.m. (the time of the murders) and hear gunshots. His daughter Missy gained an imaginary friend named Jodie. Missy says she did not know anything about the murders at the time.

The Lutz family fled their home only 28 days after moving in, sparking one of the greatest debates in paranormal history: Is the Amityville home haunted?

"The Haunting in Connecticut" is about a family that moves into a former funeral home, which turns out to be haunted.

"The Haunting in Connecticut" is based on the plight of the Snedeker family. Their name was changed to Campbell in the movie.

NBC Connecticut reported the Snedekers moved into a new home in the '80s to be closer to the University of Connecticut's hospital, since their son Phillip was undergoing treatment for cancer. The family soon realized that the house they had moved into used to be a funeral home.

According to his mother, Carmen, Phillip quickly became withdrawn and angry and started seeing a ghostly man who would tell him to lash out.

He was later committed due to a schizophrenia diagnosis. But after Phillip left, things reportedly got a lot worse for the rest of the family.

They eventually called in a priest — as well as the Warrens — to perform an exorcism.

"Veronica" is about a Spanish teenager who used an Ouija board to contact a dead loved one with disastrous consequences.

The film is based on a real Spanish teenager whose death was never solved, as Business Insider previously wrote.

In 1992, a student named Estefania Gutierrez performed a "makeshift séance" at her high school. A few months later, she died in the hospital after experiencing seizures and claiming to see shadowy figures.

The story gets even stranger: A year after Gutierrez died, her parents called the police because they were experiencing paranormal activity, similar to the shadowy figures their daughter had reported.

The police were skeptical until they, too, heard disembodied noises. According to Newsweek, the official report called the home "a situation of mystery and rarity."

"The Strangers" is a terrifying look into the mindset of monsters who commit crimes just because they can.

The poster for "The Strangers" claims that the film was "inspired by true events," though it's more of an amalgam of a few terrifying true tales.

Director Bryan Bertino said he drew his main inspiration from an experience from his childhood, according to the film's production notes.

"As a kid, I lived in a house on a street in the middle of nowhere. One night, while our parents were out, somebody knocked on the front door and my little sister answered it. At the door were some people asking for somebody that didn't live there. We later found out that these people were knocking on doors in the area and, if no one was home, breaking into the houses," said Bertino.

Fans of the film have also compared it to the Manson murders and the unsolved murders of the Sharp family, known as the Keddie Cabin Murders.

"The Exorcist," one of the most beloved horror films of all time, is about a preteen girl who becomes possessed by a demon.

"The Exorcist," is based on the story of a 14-year-old boy known as Roland Doe, who began exhibiting strange behavior in 1949, according to The New York Post. His family reported furniture moving on its own, scratches all over Doe's body, and loud, disembodied voices.

After a cross-country move and no change in Doe's strange behavior, his family enlisted the help of the Catholic church. One of the priests involved in the Doe case, Father Raymond Bishop, kept a diary, per The Daily Mail.

One of his entries stated, "At midnight, the Fathers planned to give (Roland) Holy Communion, but Satan would have no part of it. Even while the institution of the Blessed Sacrament was explained, his body was badly scratched and branded. The word 'HELLO' was printed on his chest and thigh."

Eventually, after multiple attempts, the "demon" was exorcised, and Doe returned to normal. He never spoke of the incident publicly.

His real identity was revealed by The Skeptical Inquirer in 2021: Ronald E. Hunkeler. Hunkeler died in 2020 at the age of 86. Before that, he'd been an engineer at NASA and, according to The New York Post, was always afraid his colleagues would find out about his past.

"The Exorcism of Emily Rose" is also about a girl possessed by a demon.

The story of Anneliese Michel, a young German woman — renamed Emily Rose in the film — is tragic.

When Michel was a teenager, she experienced the first symptoms of her alleged possession. She was diagnosed with epilepsy, and given medication to help treat the disease, according to The Washington Post.

But the meds didn't help. Michel continued to have seizures, and she began to claim she was having visions and hearing voices telling her she was a sinner. She became depressed and turned to religion: At her peak, she was genuflecting (kneeling) 600 times a day, eventually rupturing her knee ligaments.

By the time Michel was 23, she had been treated with dozens of different medications (nothing helped), and had undergone 67 exorcisms in 10 months, the Post reported.

She eventually stopped eating and died of starvation in 1976. She weighed 68 pounds.

Her parents and two of her priests were later found guilty of negligent homicide for allowing her to starve, per the German outlet DW.

"The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" is about a group of hitchhikers who pick the wrong family to catch a ride from — they end up being cannibals.

The main villain of "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" is Leatherface, who was based on real-life killer Ed Gein.

Gein, who grew up in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in the early 1900s, was obsessed with his mother; he rarely interacted with anyone besides her, and when she died, he spiraled, per Encyclopedia  Britannica.

Known as "the Butcher of Plainfield," he confessed to killing two women, but, more disturbingly, he took to robbing the graves of recently buried women.

He used their body parts to create something like a woman suit that he wore, pretending to be his mother, according to the book "Deviant." He also had lamps, belts, and bowls made out of human body parts.

Gein's story also partly inspired "Psycho" and "The Silence of the Lambs."

"Poltergeist" tells the story of a family who buys a haunted house built on top of a Native American burial ground.

The plot of 1982 classic "Poltergeist" was based on the Hermann family of Long Island, New York, who claimed to be haunted by a poltergeist that made objects fly through their home, according to Life Magazine.

The Hermann family eventually moved away, but they maintained that the house was haunted.

"When a Stranger Calls" is about a babysitter who's being terrorized by a mysterious caller inside the house with her.

The film is based on the real unsolved murder of 13-year-old Janett Christman in 1950.

As the Columbia Daily Tribune wrote, Christman was babysitting 3-year-old Greg Romack when she called the Columbia Police Department and told them to "come quick," but she hung up before the police could trace her call.

When the Romacks returned home, they discovered Christman's body in a pool of blood. She had been raped and strangled with a cord. The police eventually ruled that it had been an "inside job" — the killer knew the house and its layout well.

"Dead Ringers" explores the mysterious deaths of a pair of co-dependent twin brothers.

The Marcus twins shared a gynecology practice, an apartment in New York City, a house in the Hamptons — and eventually their deaths.

Apparently, 45-year-old Stewart and Cyril Marcus were addicted to barbiturates; when their decomposing bodies were found, their mysterious deaths were first ruled as being caused by an overdose, then by withdrawal (they may have been attempting to wean themselves off the drugs), The New York Times wrote.

The medical examiner told The New York Times that Cyril outlived his brother by a couple of days, and continued to live in the apartment before eventually dying himself. 

The film received a TV reboot on Prime Video in 2023, starring Rachel Weisz.

"Jaws" is the story of a small beachside town that's being terrorized by a vengeful shark.

The terrifying tale of the most famous great white shark ever is based upon a string of shark attacks on the Jersey Shore in 1916.

According to Smithsonian Magazine, 25-year-old Charles Vansant bled to death from a bite in Beach Haven, New Jersey. Five days later — and 45 miles north — a bellhop from Spring Lake also bled to death from a shark bite. 

The story only gets more terrifying. The same shark then swam 30 miles north and 10 miles inland, killing both a boy and a man trying to save the boy in a creek, NJ.com wrote.

Finally, the fifth victim was attacked 30 minutes later in the same creek — he survived.

According to NJ.com, George Burgess, an ichthyologist (a scientist who concentrates on the study of fish), called it the "most unique set of shark attacks that have ever occurred. "

"The Girl Next Door" is about a boy who tries to save his neighbor from her twisted adopted family.

The murder of Sylvia Likens is known as the "worst crime in Indiana history," the Indy Star reported. Likens was just 16 when she was found dead in the basement of her temporary home.

Her carnival-worker parents left Sylvia and her sister in the care of Gertrude Baniszewski, a mother of seven, paying Baniszewski by the week.

Three months later, on October 26, 1965, police found Sylvia's emaciated corpse, apparently covered in hundreds of wounds, Indianapolis Monthly wrote. Baniszewski — with the help of some of her children and a few neighborhood kids — had tortured the girl to death.

Baniszewski was sentenced to 21 years in prison, but she was eventually released on parole. The rest of the children who were involved served between two and seven years.

"The Possession" is the tale of a family being tortured by a demon inside a dybbuk box.

Jason Haxton bought the dybbuk box on eBay after an earlier owner posted a chilling account of the events that allegedly befell him after he bought it at an estate sale, My San Antonio reported.

He claimed that he bought the box for his mom's birthday and that she almost instantaneously had a stroke upon receiving it, Riverfront Times reported.

He also claimed that the final straw that inspired him to get rid of the box was when his sister, brother, and brother's wife all stayed over, and each one reported having the same exact nightmare, according to a reposting of the original eBay listing.

You might be wondering what exactly a dybbuk is. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, it's a "disembodied human spirit that, because of former sins, wanders restlessly until it finds a haven in the body of a living person," originating in Jewish folklore.

"The Rite" is based upon the life of a real priest, Father Gary Thomas, and his time at the Vatican while training to become an exorcist.

"The Rite" is based on the life of Father Gary Thomas, a priest who is one of 14 Vatican-certified exorcists who works in the US, the Los Angeles Times reported. Thomas told the Times he's exorcised the demons from five people, and that he receives multiple requests for exorcisms daily.

Father Thomas trained for three months in Rome to become a certified exorcist, completing his training in 2005, The Telegraph wrote.

Similarly, the 2023 film "The Pope's Exorcist" is based on the life of real-life priest Father Gabriele Amorth.

Russell Crowe played Amorth in the 2023 film "The Pope's Exorcist," which was based on Amorth's memoirs, "An Exorcist Tells His Story" and "An Exorcist: More Stories."

Smithsonian Magazine wrote that Amorth said he'd performed over 100,000 exorcisms before his death in 2016. He was still performing them that year — and he even let "The Exorcist" director William Friedkin observe one.

Friedkin, who died just a few months after the film's release, wrote about the experience in Vanity Fair. "Out of a hundred people who seek my help," Amorth told Friedkin, "one or two at the most may be possessed."

"Wolf Creek" is about three backpackers in the Australian Outback who unknowingly hitch a ride from a sadistic murderer.

The horrifying tale of the backpackers in "Wolf Creek" is based on a real string of murders in Australia's Belanglo State Forest in the '90s at the hands of Ivan Milat, aka "the Backpacker Killer."

Milat maintained that he was innocent until his death in 2019, The Daily Mail wrote, but was convicted for torturing and killing at least seven people, all backpackers and hitchhikers. Some think that he killed even more.

"Eaten Alive" is about the owner of a Texas hotel who feeds people to his pet crocodile.

Eccentric bootlegger Joe Ball owned a Texas bar called the Sociable Inn in the early 1900s. He also kept multiple alligators in an enclosure near the saloon.

A known ladies' man, Ball had relations with various waitresses, bartenders, and hostesses — three of whom went missing. Turns out, Ball had murdered two of them, reported Texas Monthly.

Many believe he then fed them to his pet alligators, though there was never any evidence — his keeping them as pets was enough to cause concern and create rumors.

When the police came around for questioning in 1938, however, he shot himself in the heart, the San Antonio Express-News wrote.

"Open Water" tells the harrowing tale of a couple fighting to stay alive after their boat leaves them behind in the middle of the ocean.

Tom and Eileen Lonergan were scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia in 1998 when they were left behind by their boat after someone messed up the head count. They were never heard from again, The Independent wrote.

According to the outlet, the diving company didn't even realize they were missing until two days later, when their passports and other personal effects were found on the boat.

Months after their disappearance, Tom's dive slate was found 100 miles north of their original disappearance. He had written "We have been abandoned" by the diving company, adding "Help!"

Their dive jackets and one of Eileen's fins eventually washed ashore, but there were no signs of a shark attack or any other violent activity.

Some believe they were eaten by sharks, while others maintain that it was a murder-suicide pact.

Their bodies were never found.

"A Nightmare on Elm Street" is best known for bringing Freddy Krueger, a serial killer who murders people in their dreams, into the mainstream.

The idea for this iconic franchise came from a Los Angeles Times article that Wes Craven, the film's writer and director, read about a boy who was too terrified to sleep after surviving the Killing Fields in Cambodia.

Here's what Craven said to Vulture about his inspiration: "He told his parents he was afraid that if he slept, the thing chasing him would get him, so he tried to stay awake for days at a time."

Craven continued, "When he finally fell asleep, his parents thought this crisis was over. Then they heard screams in the middle of the night. By the time they got to him, he was dead. He died in the middle of a nightmare. Here was a youngster having a vision of a horror that everyone older was denying. That became the central line of 'Nightmare on Elm Street.'"

Outdoor life is tough on cats. Extreme temperatures, traffic, disease, and predators can shorten their lifespan. The best outdoor cat houses give community cats — whether they're feral or friendly strays — a chance for improved welfare. They offer an insulated, weatherproof shelter when the weather turns, and a safer spot to rest. And when cats have a reliable home base, caretakers can better monitor their health.

To choose the best outdoor shelters for cats, I spoke with experts in community cat care and shelter medicine, along with an authority on pet product safety, expanding on earlier reporting by freelance pets reporter Shoshi Parks. Then, I put 11 cat houses to the test outdoors for at least 3 weeks each. Over that time, they endured 6.9 inches of rain and dropping temperatures in the Pacific Northwest. I also placed a heating pad inside each shelter to mimic a cat's body heat, tracking how much the interior warmed while a heat source was inside and how well it held that heat after it was removed.

My top pick is the Trixie Natura Pet Home, a wooden shelter that's waterproof, easy to maintain, and the most affordable prefabricated option, though you can't beat the value of my DIY cat shelter recommendation. If winter temperatures in your area drop to near or below freezing, the Kitty Tube Outdoor Insulated Cat House effectively retains body heat in chilly outdoor conditions.

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

Our top picks for the best outdoor cat houses

Best overall: Trixie Natura Pet Home - $50 at Chewy

Best insulated: Kitty Tube Outdoor Insulated Cat House - $195 at Amazon

Best for multiple cats: New Age Pet Feral Cat House - $86 at Chewy

Best pre-assembled: UnderCover Pet Houses Small Outdoor Cat House - $279 at Etsy

Best for garage: K&H Thermo Outdoor Kitty House - $80 at Chewy

Best DIY: Sterilite Storage Bins - See 18 Gallon ($7) and 30 Gallon ($12) bins at Walmart

Best overall

No matter the forecast, the Trixie Natura Pet Home is well-equipped to handle all weather conditions, and it's easy to clean and prep for the next season. Even after several inches of steady Pacific Northwest rain and a direct hose spray to simulate heavier storms, the house never took on water. Its single baffled entrance helped retain heat in chilly weather. It's also the most affordable prefabricated cat house on this list, making it a win-win for caretakers and the community cats who depend on them.

The house is elevated 3 inches off the ground, a height that Dr. Lauren Abrams, a veterinarian and intern at Maddie's Shelter and Community Medicine Program at Cornell University, says is ideal. The best outdoor cat houses sit high enough to prevent flooding, keep cats off the cold ground, and prevent snow from blocking the entrance while still being easy to access. Even so, the wooden ramp leading to the entry offers a gently sloped incline to support cats with mobility limitations. My own cats were a little hesitant to use it; if your community cats are too, you can add a nonslip tread or remove the ramp entirely with a screwdriver.

This shelter was the easiest to clean of those I tested. When the interior needed freshening up, I just lifted the hinged roof and propped it open with the built-in support. While the house isn't insulated, you can add straw during cold weather and remove it when temperatures rise. Abrams prefers shelters that make it easy for caretakers to add or remove insulation so cats can stay comfortable year-round.

Best insulated

In cold weather, outdoor cats often seek warmth in dangerous places, including under car hoods. The Kitty Tube provides a safer alternative. Its fully insulated interior retained heat at a higher temperature and for longer than any other shelter I tested. The interior is protected by Scratch Guard, a scratch-resistant coating that blocks moisture, mold, mildew, and bacteria. A single, small entrance is fitted with an optional protective flap and awning to shield cats from wind, snow, and rain while deterring predators.

It's also suitable for use in warmer weather. "Insulation works both ways. If the shelter has appropriate insulation and is placed in a shaded area, then it will stay cooler in the warm months," says Aurora Velazquez, director of Best Friends Animal Society's East Region. The space between the top insulation and the dome lid promotes airflow, and the carry handles can be adjusted for increased ventilation.

The unique tube-shaped design helps limit drafts while accommodating a cat's curled position. My cat found it especially comfortable, sprawling along the walls and flexing her claws across the foam insulation without causing any damage.

Although the shelter arrived nearly fully assembled and didn't require any tools, it still took me about 15 minutes and some troubleshooting to set up the Kitty Tube. The tight-fitting components are great for heat retention and waterproofing, but make assembly a bit tricky. On day five, I noticed water inside and called customer service. I was routed directly to the shop owner and inventor of Kitty Tube, Jim Bradac, who patiently walked me through a simple fix, which involved tightening the top vent cap and gasket. The issue was resolved easily, and the experience reflected excellent customer support. The shell is also backed by a lifetime guarantee against chipping, cracking, or fading.

Best for multiple cats

Cats in established colonies are often bonded and tend to stick together, Velazquez says. However, not all community cats are part of a colony, and solitary cats often prefer multiple small shelters rather than a single shared space.

When providing the best outdoor cat houses for a bonded group, smaller is still better: A compact space with a lower ceiling retains body heat more effectively than a large house, Abrams says. The New Age Pet Feral Cat House is well-sized for two to three bonded adult cats, or a mother with kittens. While its sloped roof is slightly taller than ideal, laying straw on the floor and building it up at least halfway along the walls can improve heat retention.

For single-cat shelters, one entry door is ideal, but Abrams says two doors work best for shared spaces. The doors on this shelter are baffled and slightly off-center, keeping cats out of the direct path of wind and rain. While the elevated design and baffled entrances kept most rain out, I noticed a small gap at the edge of the baffle, which let in a few droplets and slightly reduced heat retention.

The house is constructed from Ecoflex, an eco-friendly composite of polymers and wood fiber byproducts that is durable and moisture-repellent for comfort and easy cleanup. It's also covered by a 10-year limited warranty. Cleaning the interior or refreshing the insulation, however, requires removing four screws from the roof using the included specialized tool. Misplacing that tool could make maintenance tricky.

Best pre-assembled

The best pre-assembled outdoor cat house removes all the guesswork, tools, and setup time from creating a safe haven for outdoor cats — all you have to do is set it in place. UnderCover Pet Houses provides just that with this fully assembled, wooden shelter. Though pricier, Abrams recommends it for its beautiful design and high-quality construction.

UnderCover Pet Houses lets you customize your ready-to-use cat shelter, including the option to choose one or two doors. Unless you're dealing with a known prevalence of predators or territorial disputes, a second door usually isn't necessary. "More holes in a shelter introduce more outside air and allow the warm inside air to escape, making the shelter less effective," Velazquez says. You can also add a plastic baffle or awning to shield the entrance from wind, rain, and predators. I chose a single baffled door without an awning, which kept the rain out — but not my cat, who quickly cozied up inside.

Since every joint is caulked and both the walls and ceiling are insulated, the house did a great job retaining heat. The floor is also slightly elevated off the ground. While my experts still recommend adding straw for extra warmth and coziness, the interior is a bit narrower than ideal. With insulation added, the smaller size is not suited to larger cats. My 11-pound, 20-inch-long cat could comfortably enter and turn around without the straw, but adding it made maneuvering difficult. When the shelter was packed with straw, my 10-pound, 19-inch-long cat could still enter and turn around comfortably. Although no assembly is required, you'll need to remove six screws to take the roof off for cleaning.

Best for garages

"In general, if it's too cold for you to be outside for any length of time, it is certainly too cold for cats to be outside without proper shelter," says Dr. Stephanie Ninnemann, a veterinarian at VCA Spring Creek Animal Hospital in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. When below-freezing temperatures are in the forecast, outdoor cats should be housed inside a barn or shed with access to heat, water, and food.

The K&H Thermo Outdoor Kitty House is ideal for these sheltered spaces and includes a removable, weight-activated heat mat. Assembly took five minutes, and my cats refused to stay out of it. The house is made from lightweight, vinyl-backed nylon and features a removable velcro-attached roof with overhanging eaves. The plastic door flaps can be removed if preferred. Although the shelter may be just big enough for two small cats to snuggle, my cats adamantly refused to share — and for many community cats, the interior would be too cramped for two.

Safety is just as vital. The best outdoor cat houses use low-voltage electricity and outdoor-rated wiring that's well concealed, says Lindsey Wolko, founder and CEO of the Center for Pet Safety. The K&H Thermo Outdoor Kitty House features a low-voltage, 20-watt orthopedic mat that's MET safety-listed, meaning it has been independently tested and approved. Still, you should place water bowls well away from the cord and plug.

Even waterproof structures can collect condensation. Because the heating pad is susceptible to absorbing moisture, it could become damp or even freeze, which can put outdoor cats at risk. For that reason, I don't recommend using this house outside of sheltered areas. To clean it, remove the heating pad and wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. You can also put the removable heating pad cover in the washing machine.

Best DIY

"One of the most used materials for shelters are plastic totes, usually lined with styrofoam and straw. They're among the most waterproof kinds of shelters," Velazquez says. After experimenting with a few different storage totes, I found that Sterilite's 18-gallon and 30-gallon bins made the best outdoor cat houses. They're budget-friendly, waterproof, roomy enough to comfortably house two to three bonded cats or a mother with kittens, and effective at retaining heat — all reasons Velazquez prefers a well-built DIY cat shelter over even the best prefabricated models.

After gathering a box cutter, hair dryer, marker, plastic nursery pot, and straw and Styrofoam for insulation, assembly took roughly 15 minutes. Following Alley Cat Allies' step-by-step guide, I built a double-insulated shelter by cutting entry doors, nesting one bin inside another, filling the space between them with insulation, lining the inner bin with straw, and securing both lids.

I found that flexible plastic totes like these from Sterilite were sturdy yet pliable enough to cut, especially after warming them with a hairdryer. Another set of bins was so rigid that they were nearly impossible to cut, and their handles prevented the smaller bin from properly nesting inside the larger one. Abrams recommends sanding the edges of the cut doorway to prevent injuries as cats enter and exit. I also needed duct tape to keep the door in place. The plastic flowerpot I used created a snug 5.38-inch entry, which was a bit tight for my 11-pound cat. A tapered 1-gallon nursery pot, measuring closer to 7 inches in diameter, may provide a more comfortable opening.

What to look for in outdoor cat houses

Outdoor cats require a shelter that can withstand all weather conditions — from cold winter nights and heavy rain and wind to summer heat. The experts I spoke to say if you focus on a few key features, you can find the best outdoor cat house to keep your neighborhood community cats safe all year.

Weather resistance: Even the fluffiest of cats are no match for inclement weather. "A cat's fur only keeps them warm when it's dry," says Dr. Erin Katribe, veterinarian and medical director at Best Friends Animal Society. When temperatures drop to 45 degrees or below, cats are at risk of frostbite and hypothermia, especially if they're wet.

• Water-resistant construction. Look for shelters made from waterproof or water-resistant materials that prevent rain and snow from seeping in and help keep cats dry and warm. Features such as the caulked seams on the UnderCover Pet House help block drafts and moisture from entering through gaps.

• Slanted or pitched roofs. These prevent water from pooling on top of the shelter, reducing leaks and extending the life of the structure.

• Protected doorways. Baffled entrances, overhangs, or awning-style door covers help block wind, rain, and snow from blowing inside. However, some cats may be deterred by plastic flaps. Choosing a shelter with removable baffling, such as the Kitty Tube, K&H Thermo Outdoor Kitty House, or New Age Feral Cat House, allows you to adjust the setup to suit your cats' preferences.

• Raised floors. Abrams recommends elevating outdoor cat shelters 3 to 5 inches off the ground to prevent the floor from getting wet, reduce snow buildup at the entrance, and make the shelter less accessible to wildlife or predators. Elevation also improves airflow and helps a cat's body heat warm the interior more efficiently. If the shelter isn't already raised, you can place it on bricks, pallets, or similar supports. Keep in mind that doors higher than 5 inches from the ground may be difficult for a cat to access.

• Insulation. "Insulation is a key part of keeping shelters warm, and it should not be skipped," Velazquez says. It helps maintain a cat's core temperature during cold nights and also blocks heat in the summer, keeping the shelter comfortable year-round. Some cat houses come with built-in insulation, such as the UnderCover Pet House. Others such as the Kitty Tube are designed with removable insulation. You can also start with an uninsulated shelter and customize it for your climate.
  
  While materials like egg cartons, Mylar, or Styrofoam can work, both Velazquez and Abrams strongly recommend using straw rather than hay in your cat house. "Straw is the best option to keep the inside of the shelter dry, as it repels moisture, can easily be changed out, and provides a comfy area for cats to rest and burrow into," she says. In contrast, hay absorbs water, stays wet, becomes cold and uncomfortable, and can quickly develop mold. Even if your cat house comes insulated, adding straw creates a warmer, more inviting interior.

Ease of assembly: Prefab outdoor cat houses should require minimal assembly and have straightforward, easy-to-follow directions. I favored shelters that are quick to assemble, with only one or a few tools. Of the DIY houses, I selected the one requiring the least technical skill to build while offering the most benefit to community cats.

Ease of maintenance: Outdoor cat houses should be easy to clean, resistant to odors, and simple to refresh from season to season. They should also allow for adding or replacing insulation, such as straw, when needed. Abrams recommends changing out the straw once to twice per season.

Size: Abrams recommends an interior of roughly 12"L × 18"W × 12"H for a single cat, increasing the dimensions by 1.5 to two times the size for each additional cat. This is just enough space for an average cat to stand up and turn around comfortably. These compact shelters trap body heat more efficiently, helping to keep cats warm.

Entry and exit points: A cat house with two entrances can make it easier for cats to escape if there is a prevalence of predators, such as coyotes, or a history of conflict between community cats around territory or resources. Two entry points are also recommended when housing more than one cat in a single shelter. Outside of these circumstances, it's recommended to look for a shelter with one door only. The more doors on a cat house, the more likely it is for rain to enter or heat to escape.

Door size: Abrams recommends that doors be 6 to 8 inches wide. "Any smaller, and some of the thicker kitties will not be able to enter. Any larger, and you may find yourself with more than just cats in the shelter," she says.

Cost: Outdoor cat houses come in a range of styles and prices to suit different needs. Pre-assembled shelters, for example, come at a premium because they're ready to go straight out of the box. Velazquez was also happy to pay a little more for aesthetic value. "When I added a shelter to my backyard among the landscaping, I opted for one of the wooden ones. It looked great and was a hit among the cats, but fared worse in the elements over time than my storage container ones," she says. If longevity is important to you, the Kitty Tube is also pricier, but it comes with excellent customer support and a durable shell backed by a lifetime guarantee. On the other hand, my DIY option cost a fraction of the price and performed just as well at retaining heat and keeping water out — but it likely won't last through a lifetime of seasons.

How we tested the best outdoor cat houses

I researched different types of houses based on our experts' recommendations and reviewed options available at major online retailers. From there, I selected nine shelters to test against the elements.

Ease of assembly: I evaluated how easy it was to assemble each cat shelter. I timed the setup, assessed the clarity of instructions, and noted any issues. Cat houses that include all the necessary tools for one-person assembly received higher scores.

Durability: I assessed how well each shelter would hold up over time and through various weather conditions.

• Initial inspection: Once fully assembled, I checked all parts — seams, joints, and any glued, screwed, or snapped-in pieces — for stability. I gently tugged on panels, doors, and roofing to spot any looseness or weak points.
• Heat retention test: I placed the shelter outside and recorded both the outdoor temperature and the internal baseline temperature of the shelter. I then placed a heating pad inside the shelter and tracked the internal temperature at 10-minute intervals for 30 minutes to see how effectively the shelter warmed. After removing the pad, I continued to measure the shelter's temperature every 10 minutes for another 30 minutes to evaluate heat retention.
• Water retention test: Using a hose, I sprayed the shelter for 5 minutes, noting any leaks or pooling inside.
• Structural integrity test: I applied consistent pressure to the walls and roof using a luggage scale and placed a 10-pound sandbag on the roof for 24 hours to simulate snow accumulation. I then inspected the shelter for sagging, warping, or other signs of damage.
• Field test: Each shelter was left outdoors for three to four weeks during the Pacific Northwest rainy season. In total, the houses were outside for 40 days, enduring 6.9 inches of rain and dropping temperatures. I documented any shifting, warping, or weakening of materials over time.

Biologically appropriate features: I considered multiple features that make the best outdoor cat houses cat-friendly.

• Size: Cats should be able to stand and turn comfortably, but houses should not be so large that body heat easily escapes.
• Door type and size: Small or baffled doors keep out wind, rain, cold, and predators. Awnings also help keep rain and snow out.
• Elevation: Shelters should be raised to keep floors dry, prevent snow blockage, improve airflow, and reduce access by wildlife.
• Accessibility: Elevated shelters should not be so high that cats with limited mobility cannot easily enter.
• Temperature regulation: Insulation, a solid floor, and slight elevation help keep cats dry and warm. I chose shelters with built-in insulation or ones that could be outfitted with Mylar, Styrofoam, or straw. Heated shelters should use outdoor-rated electrical connections with auto-shutoff or other safety features.

Ease of maintenance: I insulated each shelter with straw, then removed and cleaned it, assessing how easy it was to access the interior, swap bedding, and prepare the house for the next season. I preferred shelters that didn't require removing screws or parts to clean, as long as the structure remained water-resistant and secure.

Cat preference: While my indoor cats don't have the same urgent need for shelter and warmth as community cats, observing how they used each house provided valuable insight into accessibility, size, and features that could encourage or deter a cat in need.

Outdoor cat house FAQs

What kind of house does an outside cat need?

Outdoor community cats require shelter that stays dry and is properly insulated. Fill the shelter with more straw than you think you might need to make the shelter warmer and more inviting, says Velazquez.

A well-maintained shelter clear of debris and filled with clean straw will be far more appealing than a neglected one, Abrams says. Placement can also make a shelter more inviting: Locating the shelter in a low-traffic area, near the cat's colony, or against a structure that helps block wind and rain can make it feel safer. "A warm, well-positioned shelter is more than likely to be found by the cats who need it," she says.

How should I clean my cat's house?

Abrams recommends replacing the straw in your cat shelter once or twice per season, and any time it becomes soiled. Between seasons or when dirty, wash the shelter with mild soap and water. Allow the shelter to dry completely before replenishing it with straw.

What is the best size for an outdoor cat house?

Once outfitted with the appropriate amount of insulation for the season, a cat should be able to comfortably stand up and turn around within the shelter, as larger houses are less efficient in retaining body heat. Abrams says an internal size of 12" L x 18" W x 12" H is appropriate for one cat. For each additional cat using a shelter, she recommends increasing the dimensions by 1.5 to 2 times the size.

Do outdoor cat houses need litter boxes? 

No, community cats generally do not need litter boxes. Most are resourceful and will find discreet places to eliminate on their own. Placing a litter box near an outdoor shelter can unintentionally attract wildlife. Cat feces can also spread disease to people, and outdoor litter boxes should be made inaccessible to children.

However, if the community cats you care for are eliminating in your garden or other unwanted areas, you can offer litter boxes, with some considerations. "Litter boxes for outdoor colonies aren't something we see very commonly because of the maintenance required," Abrams says. You'd need to provide one litter box area per cat plus one extra. Because colonies often include more than five cats, managing that many boxes can become challenging, especially because they should be scooped daily and deep-cleaned weekly. Rather than using one of the best cat litters for indoor cats, add sand or peat moss to the box. The boxes should be placed in a covered, weather-protected spot such as an indoor/outdoor garage or accessible shed, away from food and water.

Do feral cats use outdoor cat houses? 

Yes. "Community cats — the broader umbrella term that encompasses feral cats as well as friendly strays — are extremely resourceful and will do their best to find shelter from the elements," Velazquez says. Feral cats differ from strays in that they generally avoid any interaction with humans, making them less likely to be seen. As a result, truly feral cats may prefer shelters placed away from human activity, close to their colony location. Abrams emphasizes that if you plan to help colony cats by providing shelter and food, it's just as important to get them spayed or neutered and vaccinated. She says the most common issues communities encounter with sheltered feral cats are reproductive-related behaviors, such as urine marking, fighting, and yowling.

What is the best way to heat an outdoor cat house?

"Straw is hands down the best and most cost-effective insulation," Velazquez says. Other suitable insulation options include egg cartons, Mylar, and Styrofoam. Never attempt to insulate an outdoor shelter with blankets or other fabric. "Blankets are very absorbent and can not only provide a host for bacteria and mold to grow, but wet blankets can freeze, turning what should be a toasty shelter into an icebox," she says. Cat houses equipped with low-voltage heating pads and outdoor-rated cords can be placed inside sheltered areas, such as a garage or porch.

How do outdoor cats stay warm in the winter?

Cats conserve body heat by curling up in tight, cozy spots that are safe from wind, rain, and snow. Many outdoor cats seek shelter somewhere elevated to take advantage of rising heat or find their way under the hood of a car to the still-warm engine. Others will huddle together with other cats to share body heat. Because cats burn through so much energy trying to stay warm, they also benefit from eating frequent large meals to make up that lost energy. 

Do outdoor cats need a cat house?

If your cat spends time outside, they may appreciate a cat house as a safe place to relax or find shelter from the weather. A cat house can help them stay warm in the winter and find shade in the summer. They also provide a dry place to nap on rainy or snowy days. In extra cold conditions, a heated shelter is better than an unheated shelter for preventing hypothermia. However, most cats in more moderate climates will do just fine with a well-insulated, waterproof cat house.

Are outdoor cat houses safe?

Yes, outdoor cat houses are safe for cats as long as they're well-maintained and used properly. That said, outdoor cat houses are meant for community cats already living outdoors, not to encourage transitioning indoor cats to outdoor living — indoors is the safest place for cats. When insulating a cat house, straw is the best option. Improper insulation with blankets or other moisture-trapping fabrics can put cats at risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Avoid placing food inside the shelter, which can attract wildlife. In areas with known wildlife or territorial disputes, a second door can provide an alternative escape route for cats. Otherwise, one small entry is ideal for retaining heat.

Where's the best place to put an outdoor cat house?

Whenever possible, place cat shelters near buildings or other permanent structures, which can help protect them from the elements and provide extra warmth. A wall, porch, or a spot tucked into shrubs can block strong winds, keep the shelter warmer, and even provide a bit of camouflage. In the summer, move the shelter into a shaded area to prevent overheating. For feral cat shelters in an established colony, choose a location where property owners and neighbors are informed about feral cat care, Abrams says. Attaching a laminated sign to the shelter can help explain its purpose, and adding a bike lock can help keep it in place.

What should I put inside an outdoor cat house?

The only thing you need inside an outdoor cat house is straw. "Materials like fabrics or cushions absorb moisture and can freeze, creating an ideal scenario for hypothermia," Wolko says. While it's important to provide water for community cats, it should be placed near — but not inside — the shelter. "Placing food or water inside the shelter can attract wild creatures into the cats' safe space," Abrams explains. Velazquez adds that food and water can also introduce moisture and organic matter, which can lead to mold inside your shelter.

• Nvidia's communications operation has been reshaped as the company became the face of the AI boom.
• Roughly 15 staffers have left the lean team since 2025 as Nvidia reorganized its communications org.
• Former employees described growing workloads as responsibilities expanded.

Nvidia's communications organization has been reshaped as the company became the face of the AI boom, with multiple teams brought under new leadership and a string of departures.

Business Insider identified roughly 15 communications employees who have left Nvidia since 2025, based on LinkedIn profiles and interviews with former employees.

The organization now numbers roughly 70 to 80 people globally, and has more than doubled in size since Mylene Mangalindan joined as vice president of corporate communications in 2023, according to a person close to the company.

The departures have also included newer hires. Anna Soellner, who was recruited to lead corporate communications, left after roughly four months, Business Insider previously reported.

Nvidia is known for high retention. It reported companywide turnover of 3.7% in fiscal 2026, up from 2.5% the prior year, and well below the tech industry average of 21.9% cited in its latest sustainability report.

Mangalindan succeeded longtime communications chief Bob Sherbin, who retired in 2024. She previously worked at the advisory firm Brunswick Group.

She was brought in to "bring fresh blood" and "upgrade the team" to meet Nvidia's growing profile, one former employee said.

At the end of 2024, Nvidia restructured its communications organization. It brought enterprise public relations under Mangalindan's leadership alongside the corporate communications team she already led, according to two former employees.

Corporate communications focuses on Nvidia's reputation and major media outlets, while enterprise handles product and industry messaging, including for its data center business.

One former employee said the consolidation reflected the growing importance of Nvidia's data center business, which sells chips and systems that power AI and had become its biggest revenue driver.

Analyst relations, social media, and influencer marketing also moved under Mangalindan's remit this year, another former employee said.

Three former employees said Nvidia's communications team had long operated with relatively lean staffing, even as workloads grew alongside the company's public profile, leaving staff juggling multiple responsibilities.

These employees said they experienced long hours, difficulty taking time off, and pressure to respond quickly to emails and Slack messages.

A person close to Nvidia said the company's lean staffing allows employees to move quickly and also requires long hours. The person said Mangalindan encourages staff to take vacation, though the team's small size can make scheduling time off difficult, particularly in the summer.

Nvidia is widely known for its demanding work environment. CEO Jensen Huang has emphasized operating at the "speed of light" and is known for fostering a culture of constant accountability.

Have a tip? Contact this reporter via email at gweiss@businessinsider.com or Signal at @geoffweiss.25. Use a personal email address, a nonwork WiFi network, and a nonwork device; here's our guide to sharing information securely.

• President Donald Trump has had six White House press secretaries across his two presidential terms.
• Sean Spicer, Stephanie Grisham, and Kayleigh McEnany held the role for less than a year.
• Katie Zacharia succeeded Karoline Leavitt, but is "transitioning out" after five days on the job.

The new face at the White House podium didn't last long.

Katie Zacharia held her first briefing as the new White House press secretary on Tuesday after President Donald Trump chose her to succeed Karoline Leavitt, who left the White House in August to spend more time with her young children.

By Friday, a White House official confirmed to Business Insider that she is "transitioning out" of the role.

Zacharia was the sixth White House press secretary Trump has hired across his two non-consecutive presidential terms, and the fourth to serve for less than a year.

It's not unusual for presidents to go through several press secretaries due to the demanding nature of the role. President Barack Obama had three press secretaries during his two terms in office. Former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush had four.

Here's a look at all of the White House press secretaries who have represented the Trump administration.

Sean Spicer

Sean Spicer's time as White House press secretary spanned 182 days — the shortest tenure of all of Trump's press secretaries.

After leaving the White House, he appeared on season 28 of "Dancing with the Stars." He now serves as a political contributor at NewsNation and hosts several podcasts, including "Full Court Press with Sean Spicer" and "The Sean Spicer Show."

Sarah Huckabee Sanders

During Trump's first term, Sanders served as White House press secretary for just under two years, from July 2017 to July 2019. In the final months of her tenure, Sanders largely stopped holding formal White House press briefings.

Sanders is the daughter of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who now serves as the US ambassador to Israel in the second Trump administration. After her time as press secretary, Sanders was elected governor of Arkansas in 2022. She is running for reelection in the 2026 midterms.

Stephanie Grisham

Grisham served as White House press secretary for less than a year, from July 2019 to April 2020. Throughout her tenure, she did not hold a traditional press briefing.

Grisham went on to become Melania Trump's White House chief of staff, then resigned from the role following the January 6, 2021 insurrection.

She has since become a vocal critic of Trump and spoke about her time working in the Trump administration at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

Kayleigh McEnany

McEnany served as Trump's 2020 campaign press secretary before Trump chose her to replace Grisham as White House press secretary. She held the role for less than a year, from April 2020 until Trump left office in January 2021.

McEnany resumed formal White House press briefings after Grisham's tenure.

McEnany now hosts "Saturday in America with Kayleigh McEnany" on Fox News, and co-hosts another Fox News show, "Outnumbered."

Karoline Leavitt

Leavitt served as White House press secretary from January 2025 to August 2026. At 27 years old, when she started the role, she was the youngest person ever to hold the position.

Leavitt established a "new media seat" in the White House briefing room, highlighting podcasters, independent journalists, social media influencers, and other non-legacy media sources.

She was also the first-ever pregnant White House press secretary, and gave birth to her second child while in the role. Leavitt resigned shortly after returning from parental leave, citing her desire to spend more time with her family.

She will begin working as an on-air contributor for Fox News starting November 1.

Katie Zacharia

Trump named Zacharia as Leavitt's successor, writing in a Truth Social post on October 9 that Zacharia "has an unblemished record of support, and has been a loyal and brilliant supporter, right from the beginning," and calling her "a devoted fan and member of MAGA."

Zacharia previously worked as a senior communications advisor at Trump Media and Technology Group, which runs Truth Social.

She held her first briefing on Tuesday, but after a rocky five days as White House press secretary — during which Zacharia's briefing performance and legal qualifications were widely criticized — a White House official told Business Insider on Friday that she was leaving the role.

• Questions about now-former press secretary Katie Zacharia's legal credentials put résumé claims in the spotlight.
• Recruiters share how they've caught candidates inventing jobs, faking degrees, or exaggerating their past.
• Nearly 4 out of 10 Americans admit to putting inaccurate information on their résumés, a survey found.

For corporate recruiters like Martha Heller, asking questions about a job candidate's credentials — like the kind that swirled around now-former White House press secretary Katie Zacharia this week — is par for the course.

When a background check failed to verify an executive candidate's college degree a few years ago, Heller inquired about the discrepancy. The candidate, who was being considered for a job at a California insurance company, claimed a flood at his school had destroyed the records from the year he graduated. Skeptical, Heller called the college and learned that no such event had occurred.

"It was like detective work," she said, adding that the problem wasn't whether the candidate had a college degree. It was that he misrepresented his education and then doubled down when questioned, she said.

White House controversy

Zacharia's self-described legal career has been the subject of intense scrutiny in recent days following her appointment as White House press secretary. When asked by a reporter what state she passed the bar exam in, she responded, "When I moved to China."

Business Insider reviewed records for all 50 states and the District of Columbia and found no evidence that Zacharia had been admitted to any state bar in the US after she graduated with a law degree from Pepperdine University in 2011.

Zacharia later defended calling herself a lawyer, saying that after failing the bar exam the first time, she did not take it a second time. On Friday, a White House official confirmed that she is "transitioning out" of the role.

Vetting résumés

One of a recruiter's jobs is to vet a candidate's background. Research suggests it's not uncommon for candidates to exaggerate their credentials.

Some 37% of Americans said they've put inaccurate information on their résumés, according to a June report from Novorésumé, an online résumé-building service. Nearly 7% said they'd claimed a degree, certification, or other credential they didn't possess, while 6.1% said they'd listed a job that didn't exist or was substantially fabricated. The findings are based on a May survey of 2,000 US adults.

Brian Fink, a managing partner at tech recruiting firm The ReWork Group, can relate. Last year, a candidate for a senior marketing job at a cybersecurity company was on the verge of being hired when a background check failed to confirm that he'd worked for a company listed as a past employer on his résumé and LinkedIn profile.

Fink said he gave the candidate an opportunity to provide evidence supporting his claim, but the man refused.

"I had no choice but to rescind the offer," said Fink. "If you're willing to lie about your education, what else are you willing to lie about?"

Background checks

Recruiters typically wait until a job candidate is a finalist to conduct a background check because the task is time-consuming and costly. They also tend to hold off contacting references early on to avoid tipping off the person's current employer that they're job hunting. Early in the process, though, some recruiters will look for potential red flags by probing inconsistencies or gaps in candidates' work histories.

Doug Johnson, CEO of executive search firm Valor Partners, said he asks candidates at the end of an interview if there's anything embarrassing or potentially damaging in their past that might come up during a background or reference check. He tells them that disclosing it now gives them a chance to address the issue with a prospective employer, while discovering it later could cost them the job.

Most candidates say there's nothing to be concerned about, said Johnson. But some subsequently fall off the radar, and others suddenly report receiving a raise or finding a better opportunity elsewhere.

"It worries people who have a conscience," he said.

Update: October 16, 2026 — This article has been updated to reflect Friday's news that Zacharia is out of the role.

• The US Army is expanding its use of high-altitude balloons for surveillance and communications.
• The balloons can operate 60,000 to 100,000 feet above Earth, providing space-like capabilities.
• Army officials plan more experiments as the service expands its space warfare ranks.

The US Army is looking to expand its use of high-altitude balloons as the service builds out its capabilities near and in outer space.

These balloons operate in the stratosphere, roughly 60,000 to 100,000 feet above Earth, the space in between where conventional aircraft fly and satellites. Army officials say they see an opportunity to use the balloons to deliver satellite-like surveillance and communication capabilities closer to the battlefield.

Lt. Gen. John Rafferty, commander of Army Space and Missile Defense Command, said he was initially skeptical of the technology. He recalled hearing proposals to use high-altitude balloons while serving in what was then Army Futures Command and questioning whether they'd prove practical.

The general's view, however, changed after he saw the balloons hold their positions and conduct high-altitude surveillance during a training exercise.

"I went from nowhere to a huge believer very quickly once I saw them in action," Rafferty said at this week's Association of the United States Army conference in Washington, DC.

The Army is exploring a range of balloon systems for different missions, from surveillance and communications to supporting long-range strikes.

Col. Joseph Mroszczyk, who oversees the efforts to integrate emerging space capabilities into Army operations as the director of Transformation Integration Space Superiority, said at AUSA that he wants a "family of stratospheric systems."

Unlike satellites, which travel set paths in orbit, high-altitude balloons can exploit different wind currents to maneuver or maintain a presence over an area of interest, he said.

Mroszczyk said the Army could use favorable winds to position balloons carrying sensors, communications equipment, or payloads supporting strikes.

"What that enables us to provide is space-like capabilities, really exploiting a transition point between what is normally considered the aerial layer and the space domain," he said.

Operating at those altitudes could give the Army persistent coverage across large areas from the stratosphere without relying exclusively on satellites or conventional aircraft.

The Army plans to conduct multiple experiments involving various stratospheric systems over the coming year, building on tests conducted in Europe and the Pacific. The service has also experimented with the technology alongside combat operations in the Middle East, a senior Army official told Breaking Defense earlier this week.

Those efforts followed the cancellation of a large-scale balloon demonstration planned for the Indo-Pacific last year.

The growing interest in high-altitude balloons comes as the Army expands its role in space and near-space operations, with ground forces increasingly reliant on space-based capabilities for navigation, communications, and intelligence.

• President Donald Trump said he told Katie Zacharia to reconsider the White House press secretary job.
• Shortly after, a White House official said she is "transitioning out" of the role.
• She lasted five days in the role after mounting scrutiny over her legal credentials.

Embattled White House press secretary Katie Zacharia is out of the job after just five days, making her the shortest-tenured person to hold the role in history.

President Donald Trump said on Friday that he told Zacharia to reconsider taking on the high-profile job.

Shortly after his statements, The New York Times and CNN reported that Zacharia had been fired after less than a week in the role. A White House official told Business Insider that she is "transitioning out" of the role.

"I said to Katie just two minutes ago, I said, 'Katie, you know, you don't have to do this if you don't want,'" Trump told reporters at the White House, adding that Zacharia responded that the job is "a lot tougher" than she thought.

"I said to her, 'Honestly, if I were you, I'd reconsider. You think about it, but I would reconsider,'" Trump said.

A conservative commentator who has repeatedly described herself as a lawyer, Zacharia made her White House press briefing debut on Tuesday and quickly came under intense scrutiny over her legal credentials.

She was widely panned after the roughly 14-minute briefing, most of which was spent on reading from prepared remarks. After the briefing, while alongside Trump, Zacharia was asked which state she passed the bar exam in and replied, "When I moved to China," raising eyebrows.

National headlines soon followed reports that Zacharia had not been licensed to practice law in any US jurisdiction.

On Thursday, Zacharia said she took the bar exam but failed, and never retook it.

Trump told reporters on Friday that Zacharia had been treated "very badly" and "very unfairly" by the media.

"She's been treated very rough, and she's a nice person, very nice person," the president said. "I've watched her for years on television, but I said, 'Is this for you, Katie? Because, honestly, you don't need this.'"

"She's been treated, I would say, very nastily," he said.

A rocky start

Following her first briefing, CNN reported that "several White House officials" were questioning how long she could remain in the role.

The news of Zacharia's ouster means Trump will be searching for a top spokesperson again after Karoline Leavitt left the role in August.

Previously, Jonathan Daniels held the record for shortest tenure. Daniels served as White House press secretary for just 19 days before President Franklin D. Roosevelt died in office. (He briefly served in an interim capacity for President Harry Truman.)

In the modern era, press secretaries have historically served roughly a year in the role, a fact that CNN noted when Trump's first-ever White House press secretary, Sean Spicer, departed after 182 days in August 2017.

During the first Trump administration, Anthony Scaramucci famously spent just 11 days as the White House communications director before he was booted from the position.

Scaramucci, known as "The Mooch," weighed in on Zacharia's departure in an X post, writing, "Records are made to be broken. But I take no pleasure in other people's pain."

Before becoming press secretary, Zacharia worked for Trump Media, the parent company of Truth Social, and served a brief stint at the Department of Homeland Security.

Compared to her predecessors, her résumé was void of the campaign and Capitol Hill experience that previous White House press secretaries brought to the challenging role.

• Princess Charlene of Monaco hasn't always been as fashionable as she is now.
• Before marrying Prince Albert, Charlene was an Olympic swimmer representing South Africa.
• Finding her "fashion feet" was a challenge, Charlene said — but now she's embraced daring looks.

When Princess Charlene married Prince Albert of Monaco in 2011, her life changed.

Once best known as an Olympic swimmer representing South Africa, she was reintroduced to the world as a princess.

The official Monaco royal website says she was born Charlene Lynette Wittstock on January 25, 1978, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. At age 12, she moved to South Africa with her parents and her younger brothers.

There, she began forging a career as a swimmer, taking home several awards at the 1997 South African championship, including the coveted title of best female swimmer.

Charlene went on to represent South Africa at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. As fate would have it, her future husband, Albert, was there as a spectator — though the pair wouldn't officially cross paths until she visited Monaco for a swimming competition later that year. They eventually married and later had twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.

However, marrying into a royal family came with certain lifestyle adjustments, including Charlene's sense of style.

From her days as an Olympic athlete to being one of the most recognized princesses around the world, here's a closer look at how Charlene's fashion has evolved.

In 2001, Charlene was still very much in her athletic era.

She was photographed in South Africa wearing a laid-back look that consisted of gray sweatpants, a navy-blue windbreaker, and Nike sneakers.

Later that year, she maintained her sporty style on the front cover of South African Sports Illustrated.

For the photo shoot, Charlene wore a sporty red tank top, white flared jeans, and a sailor hat. In keeping with the easygoing, nautical aesthetic of the shoot, she opted to go barefoot.

Charlene and Albert made their first public appearance as a couple at a 2006 F1 Monaco Grand Prix party.

For the big night, she wore a black floor-length gown that was elegant and a world away from Charlene's previous ensembles.

It featured a sweetheart neckline and a long skirt with a lace-lined slit that reached her knees.

She paired the gown with silver drop earrings and a matching clutch.

Charlene brushed shoulders with fashion heavyweights like Karl Lagerfeld at the 2007 Monaco Red Cross ball — but she went on to regret her look.

For her first appearance at Monaco's annual Red Cross Ball, Charlene wore a sparkly, semi-sheer, backless ball gown that she borrowed from a friend, she told Tatler in 2010.

Reflecting on the look, Charlene wasn't exactly fond of her choice. "I looked like a Christmas tree," she said.

"I was used to living in a swimsuit and totally clueless about fashion. The day of the ball, I had been playing volleyball all day on the beach and didn't think about getting ready until late in the afternoon," Charlene added.

In a separate interview with Vogue before her 2011 wedding, Charlene remembered the outfit as one of her least favorites.

"Finding my fashion feet has certainly been the biggest challenge," she said. "I realize that my debut into Monaco society should have been better executed!"

Charlene ditched sparkly gowns for cargo shorts and a light-blue polo later that year.

She wore the casual ensemble during a visit to Richards Bay, South Africa, to teach swimming lessons to children.

Charlene opted for a more daring look at the 2007 closing ceremony of the Small European States Games.

For the event, she wore a black, strapless bustier top over asymmetric suit pants that featured a slit on the left leg. She accessorized with a sheer black scarf and a black clutch.

She tapped into the rock-and-roll theme of the 2009 Rose Ball with a bold hairdo and a black bejeweled gown.

Charlene's sleeveless dress featured a daring neckline and colorful jewels. A matching biker glove and a small black clutch completed the ensemble.

Albert and Charlene announced their engagement in June 2010.

For the official photographs that accompanied the big news, Charlene wore a colorful, floor-length dress.

The flowy blue-and-green gown was designed by Akris. It was backless and featured an elegant halter neck.

The official portraits also showed her sparkling engagement ring, which featured a three-carat, pear-cut diamond surrounded by smaller round jewels.

For the couple's civil marriage ceremony, Charlene collaborated with Karl Lagerfeld on her powder-blue ensemble, which perfectly complemented her eyes.

The ensemble, made of a blazer and palazzo pants, was both regal and reflective of Charlene's sporty aesthetic.

"It's feminine and keeps with tradition yet has a little twist that reflects my personal style," Charlene told Vogue. "I thought it was a nice change to go for trousers instead of a skirt, especially since I'm an athlete and have always kept my clothes clean and simple."

Later, for the grand religious ceremony, she dazzled in a custom-made Giorgio Armani gown that took 2,500 hours to make.

The designer told Vogue that the off-the-shoulder gown — which was made of Duchesse silk and silk organza — was covered in 40,000 Swarovski crystals, 30,000 gold stones, and 20,000 mother-of-pearl teardrops.

The look was completed with an intricate silk-tulle veil that took around 100 hours to embroider.

In 2012, the newlyweds made a dapper debut as a married couple on the Oscars red carpet.

For the occasion, Charlene wore a sleeveless, ivory Akris gown that was partially sheer at the top and featured a cutout at the back.

Channeling the regal image of her late mother-in-law, Grace Kelly, Charlene arrived at the 2013 Princess Grace Awards in a striking Ralph Lauren gown.

The sleeveless Ralph Lauren gown featured a ruffled halter neck and a small train. She paired it with a simple gold bracelet.

While distributing Christmas gifts to children in Monaco in 2015, Charlene stood out in a beige cape jacket.

The princess paired the unique jacket with a black turtleneck, black leggings, and leather knee-length boots.

Charlene arrived at the 2017 Red Cross Ball in a silver, sleeveless jumpsuit designed by Versace.

Charlene's shimmery, strapless pantsuit — which was designed by Versace — featured semi-sheer, palazzo-style pants.

She wore it with silver sandals, a metallic clutch, and diamond earrings.

She later attended Versace's Spring 2018 show in an asymmetric, chainmail minidress with several daring cutouts.

Charlene wore the bold dress with a black leather biker jacket and silver stilettos.

For the 2018 Princess Grace Awards Gala, Charlene ditched gowns and instead wore a black suit with suspenders.

She kept the top buttons of her white shirt open and wore her suit jacket casually over her shoulders.

She showed off a brand-new, half-shaved haircut at the 2020 Monaco Christmas gift distribution.

Charlene's hairstyle drew mixed reactions after the annual Christmas event in Monaco. Nevertheless, she told the French magazine Point de Vue that she didn't care for anyone else's opinion.

"This haircut was my decision," she said. "It seems that it has provoked all kinds of comments. But it turns out that I wanted it for a long time. The style pleases me. That's all."

In 2022, she returned to the F1 Monaco Grand Prix racetrack wearing a powder-blue jumpsuit.

The unique jumpsuit was designed by Terrence Bray. It featured a wide neckline, puffed bell sleeves, and pants so long they covered her feet.

She later put another unique spin on regal attire at a ceremony honoring Monaco National Day.

Charlene's eye-catching white coat was designed by one of her go-to brands, Akris.

The princess paired it with a black turtleneck, leather gloves, and a wide-brimmed hat made by British hatmaker Stephen Jones.

For the Monaco National Day gala in 2023, Charlene went for a dazzling ruby-red ensemble.

The festive dress was designed by DidierAngelo. Charlene coordinated the gown with her lipstick, jewelry, heels, and nail color, all in similar shades of scarlet red.

Red remained her color in 2024.

She attended a gala dinner at the F1 Monaco Grand Prix wearing a custom Louis Vuitton dress.

The vibrant red piece had a straight floor-length skirt, off-the-shoulder long sleeves, and a silver, sequined collar that extended from her shoulders to the gown's neckline.

She wore the outfit with a thick diamond bracelet and matching earrings.

She stunned in lace at the 2025 Rose Ball.

Her Dolce & Gabbana gown was truly unique with two distinct layers. It featured a strapless velvet gown beneath a layer of green lace.

The latter had a single puffed sleeve and a velvet belt that matched her dress.

Charlene completed the look with black pumps and emerald earrings.

Charlene looked chic at a religious ceremony in January.

She attended the 2026 Ceremony of the Sainte-Devote in a navy-blue look that comprised a thick winter coat, a matching scarf, leather gloves, pumps, and a headband.

She also carried a small purse and wore a gold brooch on the bodice of her jacket.

She returned to sparkling eveningwear in September when she attended the 20th Anniversary Gala for the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

Charlene was photographed arriving at the event in a black Jenny Packham gown, one of Kate Middleton's favorite designers.

The elegant design featured a floor-length skirt, a strapless neckline, and a beaded mesh overlay that covered her shoulders and added short sleeves to the look.

• Preorder sales for Apple's iPhone Duo kicked off on Friday.
• Unless you pounced, don't expect to receive your shipment in time for Christmas.
• Shipping dates have slipped into 2027 due to current demand and Apple's initial supply, which was expected to be limited.

Anyone purchasing an Apple iPhone Duo online as a Christmas gift may want to find a backup plan.

Expected shipment dates for new orders of the highly anticipated smartphone model have been pushed back to January 25, 2027. That includes iPhone Duos across all available carriers, colors, and storage sizes. For those who pounced on preorders when they went live early Friday morning, shipments will start arriving as early as October 23.

For latecomers, there is always the Hunger Games that is lining up early outside an Apple store on launch day to try to snag in-store inventory. The cheapest version of the foldable phone, with 256 GB of storage, costs $1,999. The model with 2 TB of storage is priced at $3,199.

While early demand for the iPhone Duo is certainly a factor in pushing back shipping dates, it's not unusual for new Apple products to see extended shipment times. Apple is also navigating "limited" supply due to supply chain constraints, Bloomberg previously reported.

Then-CEO Tim Cook talked about general supply constraints on Apple's broader product lineup during the company's third-quarter earnings call in July.

"If you look forward into the current quarter, the September quarter, we continue to expect high levels of demand," Cook said, speaking of broader product demand. "However, with less flexibility in the supply chain, we expect the impact from the supply constraints to increase significantly sequentially."

• There are places all over the country that are said to be haunted.
• The Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, now a museum, is said to be haunted by ex-inmates.
• NBA players have also reported seeing ghosts at the Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City.

From homes and hotels to churches, theaters, and cemeteries, there's no shortage of supposedly haunted places across the US.

Nearly every state has its own eerie legends — stories of restless spirits, mysterious footsteps in empty hallways, and unexplained flickering lights that locals swear attest to these spots being haunted.

Many of these sites are also steeped in history, with tragic pasts or notorious events.

Business Insider examined local legends and historic sites to determine the most reportedly haunted locations in every state, with many having reported ghost sightings, strange occurrences, or bloody histories. 

Whether you believe in ghosts or just love a good scare, these haunted places across the US have earned spooky reputations.

Madeline Diamond contributed to an earlier version of this story.

ALABAMA: Sloss Furnaces, Birmingham

The Sloss Furnaces are now a historic national landmark, but in the late 19th century, they produced iron, which was then turned into steel.

James "Slag" Wormwood was the boss at the furnaces, and it's said that he subjected his employees to some inhumane working conditions.

Labor laws didn't exist at the time, and furnace temperatures often exceeded 100 degrees. A total of 47 men died with Wormwood as their boss, and even Wormwood himself lost his life in the furnaces when he slipped and fell into the iron ore, causing his body to melt, Travel South USA reported.

Wormwood and his workers are believed to haunt the furnaces to this day.

ALASKA: Kennecott

Kennecott is a remote Alaskan town that's been mostly abandoned since 1950.

The town was a hub for copper mining from 1911 to 1938, but after the area's copper supply was diminished, Kennecott's population dwindled.

Today, many rickety wooden buildings still stand in Kennecott, and many people believe that they are haunted by former miners and railroad workers, the Anchorage Daily News reported.

ARIZONA: Lost Dutchman State Park, Apache Junction

The Lost Dutchman gold mine is believed to be situated in a state park in Apache Junction, Arizona, although its exact location is unclear.

The park is said to be haunted by the spirits of people who died over the years searching for the mine, the Phoenix New Times reported.

ARKANSAS: Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs

The Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, takes pride in its reputation as a haunted hotel.

Guests can join ghost tours and catch a glimpse of several ghosts who reportedly haunt the property, including one known as "the girl in the mist."

CALIFORNIA: Bodie

According to the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Bodie, California, is a ghost town turned state park that offers a taste of life during the gold rush of the late 1800s.

Many homes and other buildings are still standing in the town today. Some people believe that the town is haunted by former residents, Legends of America reported.

COLORADO: St. Elmo

St. Elmo, Colorado, was a thriving mining town in the late 1800s, though it was abandoned as soon as the area's mines shut down, History Colorado reported.

The ghost town has been well-maintained, allowing visitors to get a sense of life in the late 19th century. They might even catch a glimpse of ghosts of former residents.

There's a particularly popular ghost story about Annabelle Stark, a woman from St. Elmo who is said to have continued living there even after the town was entirely abandoned.

CONNECTICUT: Old Newgate Prison, East Granby

Connecticut History reported that the Old Newgate Prison was the first prison in the state of Connecticut, operating from 1773 to 1827. Most notably, it once held prisoners of war during the Revolutionary War.

Many people believe that the site is haunted by soldiers and prisoners who died while trying to escape from the prison. 

DELAWARE: Fort Delaware, Delaware City

Fort Delaware is situated on its own island, accessible only by ferry. It was built as a Union fortress during the Civil War and was later used as a prison for Confederate soldiers.

Many prisoners died while held captive, and their ghosts are believed to haunt the property today, the Delaware News Journal reported.

Paranormal tours are currently being offered on Friday and Saturday nights, but visitors need to make a reservation.

FLORIDA: Old St. Johns County Jail, St. Augustine

The Old St. Johns County Jail no longer houses inmates, although the spirits of many of St. Augustine's violent criminals reportedly still haunt the historic jail.

The jail is now a museum, and visitors can go on nighttime "Old Jail After Dark" tours to try to spot the ghosts for themselves. 

GEORGIA: Lucas Theatre, Savannah

Aside from being a beautiful Southern city with tons of history, Savannah, Georgia, is also said to be haunted.

The Lucas Theatre is just one of the city's haunted locales.

According to a local tour company, visitors to the historic theater have reported ghost sightings, including shadowy figures and sounds of applause, even when there's no one around.

HAWAII: 'Iolani Palace, Honolulu

The 'Iolani Palace was once home to Hawaii's royalty, although today it serves as a museum of Hawaiian history.

Queen Lili'uokalani and other Hawaiian royals are said to haunt the palace. One room in the museum is notorious for supernatural activity — visitors have reported hearing mysterious music and chanting, Honolulu Magazine reported.

IDAHO: Old Idaho Penitentiary, Boise

According to the Idaho State Historical Society, the Old Idaho Penitentiary housed some of the area's most dangerous criminals for over 100 years until it closed in 1973.

Visitors can now explore the expansive property in Boise, including jail cells that are reportedly haunted by former inmates.

ILLINOIS: Congress Plaza Hotel, Chicago

The Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago, Illinois, has almost too many ghost stories to count. The hotel was built for the World's Fair in 1893, and there have been tales of paranormal activity ever since.

For example, the serial killer H.H. Holmes is said to have lured his victims to the hotel. Hotel guests have also reported seeing the ghosts of Al Capone and a ghost called Peg Leg Johnny around the property, Choose Chicago reported.

And if all that isn't spooky enough, the hotel is reportedly the inspiration behind Stephen King's short story, "1408."

INDIANA: Indiana Medical History Museum, Indianapolis

The Indiana Medical History Museum is situated in the oldest surviving pathology building in the United States. It is also said to be haunted by the spirits of former patients of Central State Hospital.

The museum, located in Indianapolis, is home to recreations of amphitheaters and laboratories that were once used by the hospital, which treated a variety of different mental-health-related illnesses from 1848 until the late 1990s, according to the museum.

IOWA: Villisca Ax Murder House, Villisca, Iowa

According to the house's official website, six members of the Moore family, plus two houseguests, were brutally killed by an ax murderer who was never identified on June 10, 1912. Their restless spirits are said to still haunt the grounds.

Guests can visit the house during the daytime, but to experience it in its full creepiness, you can make a reservation to spend the night.

KANSAS: Stull Cemetery, Stull

A haunted cemetery? No surprise there. However, Stull Cemetery in Kansas is known to be particularly spooky. 

The cemetery is located in a tiny, nearly abandoned town outside of Lawrence. It has reportedly been the site of witchcraft and other supernatural activity over the years.

KENTUCKY: Waverly Hills Sanatorium, Louisville

The Waverly Hills Sanatorium started as a one-room schoolhouse in the late 1800s. The Board of Tuberculosis Hospital later purchased the land and built the sanatorium, which opened in 1910 as a small quarantine for tuberculosis patients.

The large building that now stands abandoned was built in 1926 to meet the need for a larger facility; the sanatorium could house over 400 patients, according to its website.

Waverly Hills was its own community, complete with a ZIP code, post office, and water treatment facility. Everyone in the sanatorium — patients, nurses, doctors — was cut off from the outside world. It closed in 1961 after the discovery of an antibiotic that cured tuberculosis.

However, it's believed that some patients never left and still haunt the grounds. Visitors can participate in ghost tours on the hospital grounds during the fall season.

LOUISIANA: St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, New Orleans

One of the most notable people buried at the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans is Marie Laveau, a voodoo priestess who died in 1881, according to the New Orleans Historical Society.

Given her unique profession, many people believe Laveau's spirit remains present in the cemetery to this day.

Atlas Obscura reported that actor Nicolas Cage bought a burial tomb in the cemetery, so there's no telling about the cemetery's haunted future.

MAINE: Wood Island Lighthouse, Saco

The Wood Island Lighthouse is one of the many beautiful lighthouses on Maine's coastline. It differs, however, in that it's said to be haunted.

In fact, the television show "Ghost Hunters" visited the lighthouse in 2006 to investigate paranormal activity in the area, according to the official Wood Island Lighthouse website.

MARYLAND: Antietam National Battlefield, Washington County

Many people visit the Antietam National Battlefield in Washington County, Maryland, to learn about the history of the Civil War.

However, others visit to explore the supernatural activity at the site of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War.

Given the site's history, it's understandable why many people believe the battlefield is full of spirits. The area is said to be haunted by the ghosts of the soldiers who were killed there in 1862, the Akron Beacon Journal reported.

MASSACHUSETTS: The Mount, Lenox

The Mount in Lenox, Massachusetts, is a historic estate that was once home to the writer Edith Wharton. Aside from being a beautifully restored architectural masterpiece, the estate also has a haunted history.

When she was alive, Wharton herself often wrote about ghosts, so it's no surprise that her former home may be haunted.

Visitors can see for themselves on one of the estate's ghost tours, both online and, hopefully, in person later this season. 

MICHIGAN: Detroit Masonic Temple, Detroit

From cold spots and doors slamming to odd shadows, the Detroit Masonic Temple reportedly has it all.

One ghost in particular said to haunt the 1,037-room building is that of George D. Mason, one of its architects, according to the Detroit Historical Society.

However, while legend goes that Mason, distraught over financial losses and the death of his wife, died by suicide by jumping off the top of the 210-foot building, the historical society says this isn't true. 

"While the story makes for a great Halloween horror tale, it is not true," the Detroit Historical Society states on its website. "George Mason died in 1948 at 91 years old in his home in the Wilshire Apartment building on Grand Boulevard."

MINNESOTA: Fitzgerald Theater, St. Paul

The Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, Minnesota, is the oldest surviving theater in the city, and its rich history is accompanied by some ghost stories.

The theater is perhaps best known for its production of Garrison Keillor's variety show, "A Prairie Home Companion," which began in 1974.

Over the years, visitors to the theater have reported sightings of a ghost named Ben, who apparently used to work on the site as a stagehand, Minnesota Haunted Houses reported.

MISSISSIPPI: King's Tavern, Natchez

King's Tavern in Natchez, Mississippi, now operates as a cooking school where Chef Regina Charboneau hosts cooking classes and dinners, although it once had many stories to accompany its hundreds of years of history, including some that involve ghosts.

According to one blog, the ghost of the mistress of the tavern's first owner — who is said to have been murdered there — reportedly haunted the restaurant.

MISSOURI: Governor's Mansion, Jefferson City

The Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City, Missouri, is one of the state's most beautiful historic buildings, dating back to 1871.

In 1882, the governor's family experienced a tragedy when their 9-year-old daughter, Carrie, died from diphtheria.

Years later, a construction worker who was renovating the mansion reported seeing a young girl playing in the attic, the News Tribune reported in 2014.

Some people believe that he saw the ghost of Carrie.

MONTANA: Daly Mansion, Hamilton

Now a popular wedding and event venue, the Daly Mansion has a reportedly haunted history.

Over the years, the staff at the estate have reported occurrences of paranormal activity, including a gold picture frame that is frequently found removed from the wall and placed on the ground, the Billings Gazette reported.

NEBRASKA: Ball Cemetery, Springfield

With gravestones in Ball Cemetery dating back to the late 1860s, this historic cemetery is one of the oldest in the state.

Multiple spirits have reportedly been sighted here, including a tall, angry man who has been seen kicking over gravestones and a woman named Mary Mumford, who is said to tug at visitors' clothes, according to Nebraska Haunted Houses.

NEVADA: Bowers Mansion, Washoe City

The Bowers Mansion is a stately home in Washoe City, Nevada, with a spooky history.

The home once belonged to local millionaires Eilley and Sandy Bowers, and, as legend has it, after Sandy died, his wife held seances to try to conjure his spirit, Nevada Ghost Towns and Beyond reported.

It's unclear whether she ever managed to reach her husband, although visitors report seeing mysterious figures around the property to this day. 

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Alton Town Hall, Alton

This historic government building in Alton, New Hampshire, is not only a beautiful landmark but also the site of reported paranormal activity, as New Hampshire Magazine reported in 2020.

Locals have reported seeing furniture that moves, doors that open and close on their own, and hearing mysterious voices. 

NEW JERSEY: Pine Barrens

The Pine Barrens in New Jersey are one of the state's spookiest locations.

Condé Nast Traveler reported that the forest spans seven counties and is home to numerous ghost towns.

During the colonial era, the area was bustling with sawmills, paper mills, and towns to accompany them; however, these industries were all abandoned when coal was discovered in Pennsylvania.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that it's also said to be home to the infamous Jersey Devil, a beast that the Pinelands Preservation Alliance describes as "a kangaroo-like creature with the face of a horse, the head of a dog, bat-like wings, horns, and a tail."

NEW MEXICO: The Luna Mansion, Los Lunas

The Luna Mansion, a historic 19th-century estate near Albuquerque, New Mexico, operated as a restaurant until closing in 2020. In 2026, the property began preparing to reopen as an event venue under new ownership, with a haunted-house experience planned for October, according to a local news website.

When the site operated as a restaurant, visitors reported seeing ghosts from the estate's past, including a woman named Josefina, who was the home's interior decorator.

Legends of America reported that one sighting included a rocking chair — placed under her portrait — rocking without anyone in it.

"I hear things," general manager Farid Himeur told KOAT in 2017. "I see things that aren't supposed to happen."

NEW YORK: Letchworth Village, Thiells

Letchworth Village is a former psychiatric hospital that has fallen into a state of complete disrepair, Hudson Valley Magazine reported in 2020.

Located in Thiells, New York, the campus spans 2,000 acres and features various medical buildings, dormitories, and a synagogue.

Like many hospitals and institutions, Letchworth Village is allegedly haunted by the spirits of former patients, and was even featured on the Travel Channel's popular series "Ghost Adventures."

NORTH CAROLINA: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Hatteras Island

The Cape Hatteras lighthouse is an iconic fixture on the North Carolina coastline, said to be haunted by a woman named Theodosia Burr, according to a local travel website.

Burr, the daughter of Founding Father Aaron Burr and a character mentioned in the hit musical "Hamilton," was killed in a shipwreck in 1812.

She is believed to haunt the lighthouse and the surrounding shore.

The lighthouse is closed for climbing through at least the end of 2026, with plans to potentially reopen in the summer of 2027.

NORTH DAKOTA: Fort Abraham Lincoln, Mandan

Fort Abraham Lincoln's history dates back to 1872.

George Armstrong Custer, a lieutenant colonel in the Union Army during the Civil War, built the fort but died just four years after its completion. 

People who visit the fort today have reported seeing the ghost of Custer and his wife on the property, local news station KX News.

OHIO: Moonville Tunnel, Vinton County

Now overgrown and covered in graffiti, the Moonville Tunnel is a favorite spot among urban explorers and ghost hunters in Ohio.

The tunnel was once used by the local railroad, although it has been in disrepair for years. According to a local legend, some of the ghosts that haunt the tunnel include an old engineer and a railway brakeman.

OKLAHOMA: The Skirvin Hotel, Oklahoma City

The unique architecture of the Skirvin Hilton Hotel, which dates back to 1911, is striking. The hotel reportedly even offered a private room where guests could drink alcohol during Prohibition, Historic Hotels of America reported.

Opposing NBA teams often stay at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel when they visit the city to play the Oklahoma City Thunder. Over the years, many players have reported ghost sightings, specifically of a woman named Effie who died at the hotel, The New York Times reported.

OREGON: The Shanghai Tunnels, Portland

Travel Portland reported that the Shanghai Tunnels in Portland get their name from the practice of kidnapping and selling men as workers on ships headed to East Asia.

Restless, agitated spirits of men who were drugged and trafficked in the city's ports during the early 19th century are said to haunt the underground tunnels through which they were reportedly sold.

Legend has it that the local saloons had entrances to the tunnels, enabling swindlers to prey on unsuspecting patrons and bring them directly underground before they even knew what was happening.

Visitors can take walking tours to learn more about the dark history of the tunnels.

PENNSYLVANIA: Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia

During its heyday, Eastern State Penitentiary was one of the most expensive and well-known prisons in the world. According to the official Eastern State Penitentiary website, it was built in 1829 and housed notable criminals, including Al Capone and the bank robber known as "Slick Willie."

Up until overcrowding became a problem in 1913, prisoners were kept in complete solitude at all times. Even when prisoners left their cell, a guard would cover their heads so they couldn't see and no one could see them.

Today, the decaying penitentiary offers ghost tours and a museum. Condé Nast Traveler reported that shadowy figures, laughter, and footsteps have all been reported as paranormal activity within the prison walls.

RHODE ISLAND: The Breakers, Newport

The Breakers Mansion is a popular museum for tourists in Newport, Rhode Island, but is said to have paranormal activity.

Alice Vanderbilt, the matriarch of the wealthy Vanderbilt family in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, lived in the mansion for many years after her husband, Cornelius, died.

Her ghost is said to still roam the giant home, Nostalgia Providence reported.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Poinsett Bridge, Greenville

Besides bearing the distinction of South Carolina's oldest bridge, Poinsett is also believed by many to be a particularly spooky spot, Condé Nast Traveler reported.

The bridge, which was built entirely out of stone in 1820, is rumored to be haunted by multiple ghosts.

There's the story of the mason who died while building the bridge; his body is said to be entombed inside it. There's also the story of a man who died here in a car accident in the '50s and an enslaved person who was lynched near the bridge.

SOUTH DAKOTA: The Historic Bullock Hotel, Deadwood

The Bullock Hotel in Deadwood, South Dakota, is reportedly haunted by Deadwood's first Sheriff, Seth Bullock.

According to the hotel's website, guests and staff have seen items "inexplicably moved by unseen hands," and showers turn on out of nowhere.

TENNESSEE: The Orpheum Theatre, Memphis

The Orpheum Theatre in Memphis has survived bankruptcies, a fire, and a threat of demolition since it opened in 1928, according to the theater's website.

Furnished with 2,000-pound chandeliers and gold leafing, its stunning interior seats 2,000 people, but there's also plenty of room for spirits.

A little girl named Mary is one of six ghosts that have been spotted in the theater, according to The Tennessee State Museum. Performers onstage have spotted her in the audience of their shows, and theatergoers have seen her dancing in the lobby.

TEXAS: The Alamo, San Antonio

The Alamo is one of the most iconic monuments in the US.

Given its extensive history, it's understandable why many people believe the site is haunted.

History buffs interested in paranormal activity can go on ghost tours of the site in hopes of catching a glimpse of the spirits of those who died there during the 1836 Battle of the Alamo. 

UTAH: Fort Douglas Military Museum, Salt Lake City

The Fort Douglas Military Museum was formerly known simply as Fort Douglas. Located near the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, the military fort dates back to 1862.

The Daily Utah Chronicle reported in 2014 that visitors to the museum spoke of sightings of a ghost named Clem, a soldier who died at the fort.

Reports of paranormal activity include seeing a figure in Civil War military garb and people feeling something — or someone — breathing down their necks. 

The museum is temporarily closed but will reopen on November 14th.

VERMONT: Emily's Bridge, Stowe

New England is known for its beautiful covered bridges.

However, Emily's Bridge in Stowe, Vermont, is said to be haunted.

According to the Vermont Historical Society, local legend has it that sometime between 1849 and 1949, a young woman named Emily killed herself on the bridge after she was jilted by her lover.

Local lore holds that her spirit has haunted the area ever since, although the historical society claims there is no evidence to suggest that anyone died at the site.

VIRGINIA: Oak Grove Cemetery, Lexington

This cemetery was originally named after Stonewall Jackson, the Confederate general who is buried on the site, but was renamed to Oak Grove Cemetery in 2020.

Located in Lexington, Virginia, the cemetery is said to be haunted by Jackson and other Civil War soldiers, according to the official Visit Virginia website.

WASHINGTON: Northern State Mental Hospital, Sedro-Woolley

Located in northern Washington, this former hospital was once a fully self-sustaining psychiatric facility.

The Northern State Mental Hospital operated from 1912 to 1976, and although it has been closed for many years, many of its buildings still stand today.

It's said that thousands of patients may have died here, and a graveyard behind the old gymnasium has many unmarked graves.

However, the Seattle Times reported in 2023 that two never-before-released death registers contain information on patients who died at Northern State Hospital between 1911 and 1963.

Some of the hospital's expansive property now operates as a recreational area, although it's said to be haunted by former patients. 

WEST VIRGINIA: Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, Weston

Originally built as a place of healing, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum welcomed its first patients in 1864.

According to the hospital's official website, it hit its peak in 1950 when the psychiatric hospital was home to 2,400 patients, many of whom endured lobotomies and electroshock therapy.

Mental health reforms and the building's poor condition led to the hospital's closure in 1994. However, many patients died there during the facility's 130 years of operation. Some are believed to haunt the building's halls, which is why it attracts visitors and ghost hunters.

Visitors interested in exploring paranormal activity can join ghost tours on the site.

WISCONSIN: The Pfister Hotel, Milwaukee

The Pfister Hotel is popular among professional athletes who visit Milwaukee for games, although the hotel's haunted history has made many guests skeptical about staying there.

Guests have reported hearing mysterious knocking sounds and voices.

The Los Angeles Times reported in 2005 that Adrián Beltré of the Los Angeles Dodgers said he couldn't sleep during his stay at the Pfister because of the strange noises. 

WYOMING: The Historic Occidental Hotel, Buffalo

A stay at the Historic Occidental Hotel in Buffalo, Wyoming, is like taking a step back in time to the Old West.

Famous figures from the era, like Butch Cassidy, Calamity Jane, Buffalo Bill, and even President Theodore Roosevelt, have visited the hotel over the years.

Given the hotel's rich history, it's no surprise that some people believe it is haunted by former guests, and it was even featured on the Travel Channel's "Dead Files."

• Elon Musk's Tesla unveiled its new car, the Roadster, on Thursday.
• In its demonstration, the car took flight using thrusters and performed kickflips.
• Here's what smart people in tech and business have to say about it.

Tesla’s long-delayed Roadster finally made an entrance — by flying off a ramp.

At a livestreamed event Thursday night, the sports car climbed a curved ramp until it was upside down, launched into the air, flipped, and landed on its wheels, apparently aided by thrusters beneath the vehicle.

“Well, it worked,” Elon Musk said during the livestream.

Musk said Tesla and SpaceX engineers collaborated on the car, which uses high-pressure air and thrusters to lift itself off the ground. Tesla also showed a recorded demonstration in which the Roadster reached 60 mph in 0.81 seconds.

While the legality of such a device on public roads remains in question, the tech world is reacting to Musk's new creation with awe.

Here is what the leading voices in business and tech are saying about the new Roadster.

Jason Calacanis

Angel investor Jason Calacanis said in an X post that the videos of the flying car looked like "science fiction," and they're real, although they don't seem to be.

He seemed enthused by the demonstration, asking that while the car was only airborne for a couple of seconds, "what if it could keep you in the air for five minutes? Or ten? Or 30?"

Gene Munster

Gene Munster, the managing partner at Deepwater Asset Management and a longtime tech analyst, wrote his two takeaways from the Roadster event on X.

First, that "it was an engineering flex with no commercial value beyond embarrassing traditional car makers."

And the second was that it signaled Musk's ambition to merge his two publicly traded companies, SpaceX and Tesla.

John Carmack

John Carmack, the former CTO of Meta's virtual reality division, politely rejected the flying car.

"That demo involved a non trivial chance of embarrassing failure!" he wrote on X.

He added, "I'm only going for the baseline model. At this point in my life, rocket bunny hops are out of my comfort zone."

Marques Brownlee

Tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee, better known as MKBHD, appeared incredulous at Tesla's claims about the new Roadster.

"They really just got on stage and said this newly designed 4000+ pound car can do flips and go half the speed of sound (380+mph) and will ship in 2028," he wrote on X. "This is a prank, right?"

Alexandr Wang

Meta's chief AI officer, Alexandr Wang, had one burning question after watching Tesla's Roadster demonstration.

"wait who the hell was driving the tesla," Wang wrote on X, sharing footage of the car speeding down a dark track.

Dan Ives

Dan Ives, an analyst at Yorkville Ives and a longtime Tesla bull, said the Roadster reveal was "a statement about where the Tesla and SpaceX engineering stacks are headed together."

He wrote that the car's SpaceX-developed hardware was "a small example of the synergies between Tesla and SpaceX."

Still, he said, "The Roadster will not move the volume or revenue needle," but would "restore the brand halo at the top of the market."

David Marcus

David Marcus, the former PayPal president and Meta executive, credited Musk with bringing a sense of awe back to technology.

"The thing I’m most grateful to Elon for is bringing back an age of wonder and excitement to humanity," Marcus wrote on X, sharing Tesla's Roadster demonstration.

"That was jaw-dropping awesome! Screams and mouths wide open in the audience. Nuts."

Sam Altman

Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, appeared to momentarily set aside his long-running beef with Musk to congratulate the Tesla boss.

"Wow the new roadster looks quite amazing, good job @elonmusk," Altman wrote in a Friday X post.

Altman had reserved an earlier version of the Roadster but said in October 2025 that he had canceled it after waiting 7.5 years, prompting a public exchange of barbs with Musk.

Musk was a cofounder and early financial backer of OpenAI, but he left the company's board in 2018 and has become critical of Altman's leadership.

• Investors are growing nervous about stress in the market's mountain of AI-linked debt.
• More data center bonds dropping to distressed levels in the last month.
• The decline reflects factors like reduced investor demand, increased supply, and higher rates.

The AI debt mountain is drawing nervous scrutiny from markets this week.

The jitters rippled through Wall Street in recent days as investors eyed the huge sums of borrowed money being used to fund the AI buildout, the health of which is being questioned as yields surge and more of the debt inches toward distressed territory.

The fear is that more stress could be on the way, potentially resulting in negative consequences for the AI trade and the broader financial system if losses on the bonds trigger a cascading effect the trickles into the stock market.

That fear was in the spotlight midweek when Chamath Palihapitiya, the billionaire venture capitalist, drew attention to some of CoreWeave's bonds, which have seen yields spike and prices tumble into distressed territory.

Here's a quick rundown of the events:

• Tuesday: The value of CoreWeave bonds fall below 80 cents on the dollar, the threshold that marks debt as distressed. CoreWeave stock plunges 15%. As of Friday, shares were on track to end the week 20% lower.
• Tuesday, 6:01 PM: Chamath Palihapitiya posts on X about CoreWeave's bond yield rising to 15.1%, up from 9.6% in June. Palihapitiya also included an analysis that theorized that AI is blowing up a private credit bubble.

• Tuesday, 7:43 PM: Tesla CEO Elon Musk replies "Yikes" to Palihapitiya's post, drawing more attention.

• Wednesday morning: DA Davidson's Gil Luria, a tech analyst, says on a podcast that CoreWeave stock could fall to $0 if the AI spending boom falters.
• Wednesday evening: The Financial Times reports Anthropic brought in $16.8 billion in revenue in the third quarter. The figure causes unease among investors, as it reflects a slowdown from the prior quarter's revenue growth and adds to concerns that the boom may be waning.
• Thursday morning: The sell-off in chip stocks picks up, with the sector heading for $1 trillion in losses. More tech selling on Friday pushes stocks toward their worst week since July.

Price declines in AI debt have been most acute in smaller neocloud companies, but even among hyperscalers, the value of some loans is inching toward distress. The debt issued by Blue Owl and Beignet Investor, the special purpose vehicle backed by Meta, to fund the Hyperion data center, for instance, has fallen below 92 cents on the dollar, according to the FT. The bonds were valued at a premium, or above par, in early July.

"We are confident in our backlog which more than supports all of our debt obligations," a spokesperson for CoreWeave told Business Insider. "We structure the majority of our financing so that cash flows from customer contracts repay the associated debt and generate additional free cash flow."

Distressed debt prices don't necessarily mean the companies themselves are in imminent danger of defaulting. Hyperscalers like Meta and Amazon continue to hold investment grade credit ratings and boast healthy balance sheets. Instead, the declining value on some of the debt reflects a few different things:

• Investors may be concerned about the risks associated with big projects, which reduces demand for those bonds.
• Firms have issued more debt lately, which increases the supply of bonds. Both dynamics can weigh on prices.
• It may also reflect higher interest rates, which drags bond prices lower.

The average price of high-yield data center bonds began to fall in September, Goldman Sachs said, pointing to the spike in rates as well as an uptick in the supply of bonds.

Bond yields have surged in the last month, with the 10-year Treasury yield, which influences borrowing costs for consumers and companies, ticked up to 5.12% on Friday and remains near two-decade highs.

Credit spreads on AI-related debt, or the yield on the bonds over a benchmark like Treasurys, have widened sharply, a sign that investors are pricing in more risk and want to be paid more to hold AI-related debt.

Spreads on Al-related high-yield debt recently widened to over 350 basis points, while spreads on debt used specifically for data centers widened to over 400 basis points, according to Goldman Sachs. That compares to the spread for non-AI BB/B debt, which has held steady at around 250 basis points.

In a note, Goldman flagged the risk of a "correction across some risk assets," pointing to how higher rates have drawn out concern about the funding costs of the AI buildout.

AI capex is also expected to remain "elevated" in the near-term, Goldman said, which is expected to raise supply relative to demand for AI-related bonds, potentially putting pressure on prices.

"We think the widening reflects a reassessment of the economics of the AI buildout, particularly for lower-rated borrowers that are more exposed to higher-for-longer rates and potential energy-cost pressures," the bank wrote of investor concerns, adding that they expected "dispersion across AI-related issuers" to remain high.

Ross Mayfield, an investment strategist and vice president at Baird Private Wealth Management, said he would be monitoring hyperscaler credit spreads going forward. He flagged the growing risk of a credit event as yields rise, noting that AI debt used to fund the infrastructure buildout has become a pillar of the bull market in stocks.

"Wider spreads become a real problem and it demands a higher level of ROI on these projects," he said.

Global fund managers surveyed by Bank of America this month said AI debt issued by hyperscalers was the most likely source of a systemic credit event. Respondents also flagged a hyperscaler credit event in the top five biggest perceived tail risks to markets.

• Billionaire VC Vinod Khosla is hiring a chief of staff to help evaluate investments and work with founders.
• The role requires a three-year commitment, 12-hour days, and availability on nights and weekends.
• The opening comes amid growing demand for chiefs of staff and an AI-fueled venture capital boom.

One of the biggest names in venture capital is looking to hire a new right-hand person.

Vinod Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures, said on X Thursday that he's seeking his next chief of staff, a job that offers a rare opportunity to work in close contact with the billionaire investor whose Silicon Valley firm is known for its early bets on OpenAI, DoorDash, and Instacart.

"What matters is how quickly you learn, the questions you ask, and whether you can think from first principles," Khosla wrote. "You'll help evaluate opportunities and work with founders building consequential companies."

The opening comes as demand for chiefs of staff is growing at a fast clip, with the role offering a potential path to senior leadership. For the person Khosla hires, it also offers a front-row seat to an AI-fueled venture capital boom.

A hot job

Job postings for chiefs of staff on Indeed were nearly 90% above pre-pandemic levels in September, far outpacing management jobs and postings overall. In the San Francisco Bay Area, the median advertised salary for the role is $175,000, compared with about $152,000 nationally, according to Indeed.

Through the first three quarters of this year, US VC deal value reached $516 billion across an estimated 14,199 deals, according to PitchBook. That is already the highest total in the research firm's dataset and roughly 44% above the prior record, set in 2021.

Most chiefs of staff in the US stay in the same profession when they change jobs, but some move into senior leadership roles, according to a March study from LinkedIn. Becoming a chief operating officer was the second most common career move, accounting for 2.9% of transitions. Another 3.7% became founders or cofounders, while 1% became CEOs.

Close contact

Khosla's new chief of staff will work directly with him to evaluate investment opportunities, meet founders, research emerging technologies, and support portfolio companies, according to the job posting. As the person earns Khosla's trust, they'll also lead conversations on his behalf and help determine which opportunities to pursue.

"It will suit someone who wants significant responsibility and is comfortable with ambiguity," the ad says.

Compensation isn't listed. The posting says the position comes with a three-year commitment and long hours. The successful candidate must work in person in Menlo Park, California, generally from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and be available nights and weekends when needed.

The potential payoff? Previous chiefs of staff have gone on to start companies, launch investment firms, and take leadership roles at Khosla Ventures, according to the listing.

Applicants shouldn't, however, count on becoming a VC. The posting says the job is "not a dedicated investing seat or a guaranteed path to one."

• Sentiment toward the AI trade has diverged among big money and retail investors.
• Retail traders piling back into the top AI plays, Citadel Securities says.
• Meanwhile, institutional investors are turning increasingly defensive.

Everyday investors have been piling into AI bets at a moment when institutional money is playing defense.

Retail is showing renewed willingness to pour money into high-flying tech stocks, adding exposure to chips, neoclouds, and other infrastructure plays in the last week.

"Retail buying is picking up again, even as overall trading activity remains below average," wrote Scott Rubner of Citadel Securities. "Last week, retail net bought $9.1 billion of US equities on our platform, the largest weekly net buying in 15 weeks (since late June) and the ninth-largest week over the past year."

The buying was concentrated heavily in AI play. Semiconductors saw $2.6 billion of net inflows, and October is set to be the largest month of net retail buying on Citadel Securities' platform. The $700 million poured into neocloud stocks is the largest weekly buying spree the firm has observed among retail.

Rubner said the cohort's weekly net buying has risen steadily over the past three weeks, jumping from $4.8 billion to $6.4 billion to last week's $9.1 billion figure.

In a previous note, Rubner said that October would be an opportune month for investors to reload their portfolios with stocks after September volatility reset valuations. His latest analysis shows that individual traders are doing exactly that, following a classic playbook of buying the dip.

Meanwhile, a combination of hotter-than-expected inflation, growing speculation about a credit event in AI-linked debt, and a volatile bond market has sparked fresh volatility lately, spurring a sharp defensive turn among institutional traders. Viraj Patel, global market strategist of Vanda Research, flagged a "buyer's strike" taking place on Wall Street.

"The institutional equity bid is starting to fade. Aggregate US equity positioning has gone nowhere since the summer, with HF exposure rolling over and institutional options buying losing momentum," Patel said. "More tellingly, investors are rotating away from growth & quality towards defensives. The institutional dip-buying appetite is clearly fading."

The divergence in sentiment was on display this week with CoreWeave, the neocloud firm that saw its stock plunge on fears about its debt position.

"Retail bought a record amount of CoreWeave yesterday despite the sharp sell-off," Patel said on Thursday. "But institutional options flows have been deteriorating across the major AI baskets. This on its own tells you a lot about where conviction sits on the street right now. Institutional investors are very much in wait-and-see mode now."

Patel also noted, though, that while retail traders are back to betting on AI, they also appear to be less aggressive than in previous moments of market stress, which may be cause for concern.

"Unlike previous years, we haven't seen the same consistent FOMO dip-buying throughout 2026," he added. "Retail appetite is still there, but is it enough to offset the fading institutional bid."

• AI researchers don't really know how the models they are building "think."
• They know what goes into them and what comes out, but that's about it.
• A new theory may change that, allowing safety researchers to prevent them from going off the rails.

How AI models think may be easier to decipher than we thought.

An independent researcher who formerly worked at OpenAI published a report on Thursday that some in the AI world are describing as a bombshell. It could have implications as safety researchers scramble to get the jump on AI models that may not have humanity's best interests in mind.

Previously, the prevailing wisdom was that AI "neurons," which, like those in a human brain, light up when an AI model encounters specific stimuli, were ultimately uninterpretable — meaning, basically, that there was no way to guess why a specific neuron would fire when an AI model was exposed to, say, a picture of a cat.

Those building AI models at places like OpenAI and Anthropic don't write instructions for everything a model does. Instead, they train neurons to respond to information and influence one another. As the AI learns, it develops its own ways of processing that information, and humans have not yet cracked the code of how it works.

That means those building AI models know what goes into the AI and what comes out, but not necessarily what happens in between. So if an AI goes rogue, they don't always know why.

The author of the new report, however, says he may have discovered patterns in how the neurons react to stimuli that make sense. Nick Cammarata, who said he left OpenAI in 2023, said AI neural networks are knowable, so long as you look carefully.

In one example, he says that a single AI neuron might react to both a cat and the front of a car. Humans would see those as two very different things, and different neurons would fire as a result. The AI, however, sees something related, perhaps the triangle shape of the two, and a single neuron fires for both.

For years, AI researchers had assumed that AI models packed unrelated things into a single neuron to save space.

"Almost the entire network is interpretable if we look closely enough," Cammarata wrote.

The findings, though undeniably dense, couched in polysyllabic jargon, and still theoretical, could have real-world implications for researchers trying to ensure humans maintain control over AI models.

Understanding how AI thinks is a principal concern for the best and brightest at frontier AI companies. Until recently, they've largely done this by tracking an AI's self-reported "thinking," called chain-of-thought reasoning.

Jakub Pachocki, OpenAI's chief scientist, however, warned in a blog post last month that AI agents could now obfuscate their visible reasoning, leaving open the possibility that an agent could lie to its human minders and the minders wouldn't be able to tell.

"With improved pretraining performance, we also see the models become much smarter even without using verbalized reasoning at all," Pachocki said.

Now, Cammarata's research could give human engineers a new understanding of the AI's internal world — and that's exciting for those worried AI could kill us all.

"I had long since given up on reaching any real level of interpretability before superintelligence arrived," Andrew Curran, a prominent AI analyst, said on X. "I stopped writing about it because of how demoralizing it was. Hard to overstate how big this may be."

• Want to physically drive a Tesla in the future? The Roadster will be your only option, Musk said.
• The car is not cheap.
• Musk has compared today's driving to elevator operators.

Want to physically drive a Tesla in the future? Get ready to pay up.

On Thursday, Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled the new Roadster with a gravity-defying demo. The car suctioned to the side of a vertical ramp, drove upside down, briefly flew, stuck the landing, and later bunny-hopped and twirled over a standing lineup of other Tesla vehicles.

The stunts were choreographed with autonomy, Musk said — but Roadster owners will eventually be able to manually take the wheel. That will make it unique in Tesla's lineup.

"This will actually be, long-term, the only manually driven car that Tesla makes," Musk said on stage, before Tesla's lead engineer, Lars Moravy, added, "You gotta have some fun sometimes."

Tesla hasn't revealed the car's final price, but we know it'll firmly be in the luxury supercar tier. The company's reservation queue asks customers who want the base Performance trim to fork over a $50,000, due within 10 days. That reservation, alone, is nearly the price of an average car in America, and it doesn't capture the car's final price. Our best pricing ballpark dates back to 2017, when Tesla first said it was bringing back the Roadster. At the time, the automaker collected $250,000 payments from people who wanted a Founder Series model.

Meanwhile, Tesla has been ramping up its autonomy push for its more price-conscious vehicles.

In September, it started rolling out the Cybercab — a vehicle that leans so heavily into self-driving that it has no steering wheel, brake pedals, or side mirrors. Tesla says it wants to eventually sell those cars to consumers at less than $30,000 apiece.

On recent earnings calls, Musk has also praised the recurring revenue from subscriptions of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) from Cybertruck, Model Y, and Model 3 owners.

Musk has talked a lot about a world where driving becomes obsolete. He has compared driving a car to operating an elevator, a profession that was largely phased out in the mid-20th century as elevators became automated.

"Now, you just get in, press a button and a modern elevator, if inspected regularly, is extremely safe," he wrote on X in March.

Treating driving like elevator operation requires a pretty big leap. Driving is still a hobby, a sport, and — for many people — a point of pride. By Moravy's own admission, driving is fun.

There's still a chance in Musk's vision of his carmaker's future that drivers can control their own Tesla and lean into that fun. They'll just need to open their checkbooks.

• In 1946, Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy opened the Dwarf Grill in Hapeville, Georgia.
• In 1967, Cathy opened the first Chick-fil-A and invented the restaurant's iconic chicken sandwich.
• Chick-fil-A is now the third-largest restaurant chain in the US.

Eighty years after Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy opened his first restaurant, Chick-fil-A is now the third-largest restaurant brand in the country.

The family-owned chain has since grown to more than 3,200 US restaurants and generated nearly $24 billion in US systemwide sales in 2025, trailing only McDonald’s and Starbucks, per Technomic's Top 500 chains report.

The chicken chain's rise has not been without controversy.

Chick-fil-A faced widespread backlash in 2012 after Cathy's son Dan, then the company’s CEO, publicly opposed same-sex marriage, while the company and its foundation were criticized for donations to organizations with anti-LGBTQ+ positions.

This week, current CEO Andrew Cathy declined to directly address the company’s history or state its position on LGBTQ+ equality in an interview with NBC, instead saying Chick-fil-A is focused on hospitality and welcoming everyone who comes through its doors.

Here’s how Chick-fil-A grew from a small Southern diner into a fast-food powerhouse.

Chick-fil-A's origin story began when Truett Cathy opened the Dwarf Grill in Hapeville, Georgia, in 1946.

The small roadside diner was later renamed when it became one of the chain's "Dwarf Houses." The original location previously served as one of 12 Chick-fil-A locations, offering modern favorites and items from the original restaurant's "blue menu."

The first official Chick-fil-A locations were located in shopping malls.

The first restaurant to bear the name Chick-fil-A opened in the Greenbriar Mall in Atlanta in 1967.

According to the company, the restaurant occupied just 384 square feet, and some have credited the chain with being an "early pioneer" of what would become the modern mall food court.

Chick-fil-A opened its first stand-alone restaurant in 1986 in Atlanta.

Free-standing locations are now the norm for Chick-fil-A, and mall locations are much less common.

Chick-fil-A also experimented with drive-thru-only restaurant locations.

The first-ever drive-thru-only Chick-fil-A restaurant opened in 1993 in Greenville, South Carolina. By eliminating dining rooms in these locations, the restaurants were designed to be faster and more convenient for customers.

Today, there are more than 3,000 Chick-fil-A restaurants in North America.

The chain, which was founded in Georgia, still has its headquarters there, and is regarded as a "Southern" fast-food chain. However, restaurants can actually be found in 48 different states as well as Washington, DC.

In 2019, Chick-fil-A expanded internationally by opening its first location in Toronto. Later that year, the chain opened its first restaurant in the United Kingdom.

The chain now has locations across Canada, Puerto Rico, the UK, and Singapore.

Before Chick-fil-A began using a cow as its mascot, the chain was represented by — perhaps unsurprisingly — a chicken.

The chain's tag line used to read, "The best thing that ever happened to a Chicken."

Now, Chick-fil-A's slogan pays homage to its most famous menu item — its chicken sandwich.

The "A" in Chick-fil-A comes from both a play on the word "fillet" and a nod to the "grade-A top quality chicken" used in Chick-fil-A's chicken sandwiches.

However, the chain also still uses cows and the words "Eat Mor Chikin" to bring customers through its doors.

The "Eat Mor Chikin" slogan, accompanied by two "rebel cows," debuted in 1995 on an Atlanta billboard, according to the company.

The campaign quickly gained traction and is now regarded as one of Chick-fil-A's most famous and successful advertising campaigns.

The original Dwarf Grill menu served diner favorites like breakfast and burgers.

Menu items included everything from waffles to sandwiches, steak and potatoes, and the chain's famous Hot Brown, a hot casserole dish made with lean white meat chicken, gravy, mashed potatoes, cheese, and bacon. 

Today, Chick-fil-A still serves breakfast, but the menu items look much different.

Launched in 1986, the first item added to the breakfast menu was the Chick-fil-A chicken biscuit.

Today, the Chick-fil-A menu typically includes more than 50 items.

At the Dwarf Grill, Truett Cathy's first restaurant, you could order burgers.

The Dwarf Grill served both hamburgers and cheeseburgers, which the restaurant's menu said were made from "100% choice beef, chopped in our kitchen." Served on a large toasted bun, the menu also boldly said that "they're the best."

Business Insider's Hayley Peterson tried the burger for herself when she visited the Dwarf House, and she found the patty "thick and flavorful" and that the cheese "melted perfectly between the patty and the bun."

You won't find burgers on any Chick-fil-A menus, but you will find the chain's famous chicken sandwich.

In 1964, Truett Cathy created the recipe for Chick-fil-A's original chicken sandwich: a fried, boneless chicken breast nestled between two buttered buns and topped with two pickles.

Though the sandwich soon shot to popularity at the Dwarf House, the invention was odd compared to other fast-food offerings and food tastes of the time.

However, Cathy's bet on chicken would soon pay off.

Though Chick-fil-A has expanded immensely since the launch of its chicken sandwich, the recipe has remained virtually the same.

In 1989, Chick-fil-A added a grilled chicken sandwich to its menu.

Introduced as a health-conscious option for Chick-fil-A customers, Cathy introduced the original grilled chicken sandwich alongside the deluxe grilled chicken sandwich, which included the same pickle-juice-marinated grilled chicken, pickles, and white bun, along with lettuce and tomato.

According to the restaurant's website, Cathy tested more than 1,200 recipes to perfect the chain's grilled chicken recipe.

Chick-fil-A revolutionized its menu yet again when it launched its spicy chicken sandwich nationwide in 2010.

"While we recognize that not everyone enjoys spicy food, for the growing customer constituency that does, our Spicy Chicken Sandwich offers a unique, well-balanced and craveable spicy flavor," William F. Faulk, Chick-fil-A's vice president of innovation and new ventures, said in a press release at the time.

A precursor to Chick-fil-A's famous fries was its fried okra, a traditional Southern favorite.

"The batter on the outside is light and crispy, and the okra inside is hot and juicy, with a hint of salt," Business Insider's Hayley Peterson said in a previous article.

Today, the chain's waffle fries are a beloved menu item.

The chain began selling waffle fries in 1985, with the unique shape chosen as a perfect vehicle for dipping sauces.

In 1982, chicken nuggets were added to the menu.

The first Chick-fil-A nuggets came in a six-count box, inspired by customers asking restaurant employees to cut up pieces of its signature chicken sandwich so they could eat them by hand or serve bite-sized nuggets at parties.

"We are still serving the same delicious nuggets today that we started with," Shona Jonson, senior manager of culinary, product strategy, and development at Chick-fil-A, once said.

Today, Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets come in 5-, 8-, 12-, or 30-count packs. 

Chick-fil-A introduced grilled chicken nuggets in 2012.

The item first appeared on the chain's kids' menu before being added to the main menu.

Chick-fil-A's success is largely credited to the chain's founder and CEO, S. Truett Cathy, a devout Baptist who built the family-owned business on Christian values.

Cathy's impact on Chick-fil-A is undeniable, from his decades working at the Dwarf Grill to the invention of the chain's famous chicken sandwich.

Another part of Cathy's legacy that contributed to Chick-fil-A's success was its unique process for hiring franchisees, which also upheld the chain's values of "customer first, personal excellence, continuous improvement, working together, and stewardship."

As the creator of the first Chick-fil-A scholarship fund for restaurant employees, Cathy left a legacy that inspired franchisees and employees across the country to continue his mission of building a customer- and employee-focused fast-food chain.

Cathy's son, Dan T. Cathy, led the company as CEO until 2021.

Dan T. Cathy was made CEO in 2013, two years before his father died. Cathy worked alongside his brother, Donald "Bubba" Cathy, who still serves as executive vice president of the chicken chain and president of the company's Dwarf House and Truett's Grill restaurant concepts.

Both Donald and Dan T. Cathy recall growing up in their father's early restaurants, doing odd jobs like scraping gum from underneath tables and spending time in the Hapeville Dwarf House.

Dan T. Cathy stepped down as CEO of Chick-fil-A on November 1, 2021, but still serves as chairman of the company. He was succeeded by his son, Andrew Cathy.

Over the years, the Cathy family and Chick-fil-A have received criticism for their apparent stances on issues like same-sex marriage.

Chick-fil-A's contentious reputation largely stems from donations made by Chick-fil-A to charities criticized for anti-LGBTQ+ positions, as well as comments made by Dan T. Cathy in 2012.

According to a previous article by Business Insider, the Cathy family and Chick-fil-A donated millions of dollars to groups opposing same-sex marriage, from Christian charities to "more extreme" anti-LGBTQ+ lobbying organizations through the WinShape Foundation.

Some of these organizations included Fellowship of Christian Athletes, an athletic organization that, according to Vox, requires applicants to sign a "sexual purity statement" that condemns LGBTQ+ relationships, the Marriage & Family Foundation, which has spoken out against marriage equality, and Exodus International, a group that supported the use of gay-conversion therapy.

Comments made by Dan T. Cathy in a 2012 interview with the Baptist Press quickly prompted backlash from LGBTQ+ activists and organizations.

In the interview, Cathy said that he believed in the "biblical definition of the family unit," or that a marriage should be between a man and a woman.

Protests ensued nationwide, including a number of "kiss-ins" led by LGBTQ+ activists, at Chick-fil-A restaurants across the country, CNN reported.

Others came out in support of the chain and Cathy's comments. Following the controversy and subsequent calls to boycott the brand, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee created a Facebook page encouraging people to participate in "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day" and to buy food from the chain that day, Huffington Post reported.

Cathy did little to quell criticism of his comments when he later clarified his position in a 2012 radio interview, saying, "As it relates to society in general, I think we are inviting God's judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at him and say, 'We know better than you do as to what constitutes marriage.'"

Protests against the company predate the chain's controversial donations and comments made by Dan T. Cathy.

In 2002, a Houston Chick-fil-A restaurant manager sued the chain for discrimination, Forbes reported. The employee, who is Muslim, said he was fired one day after refusing to pray to Jesus along with their fellow coworkers during a training session.

At the time, Jerry Johnston, a spokesperson for Chick-fil-A, told the Houston Chronicle that the company had not yet been served with a lawsuit and therefore couldn't comment on the dispute, My Plainview reported. Forbes states that the suit was settled out of court on undisclosed terms.

Then, in 2011, a Pennsylvania Chick-fil-A prompted a nationwide boycott of the chain when the restaurant provided free lunch to a Valentine's Day marriage seminar sponsored by the Pennsylvania Family Institute, a controversial "pro-family" group that has spoken out against same-sex marriage.

The decision prompted criticism, including a petition that gathered thousands of signatures urging Chick-fil-A to stop discriminating against LGBTQ+ people. However, the franchise in question claimed the decision to donate food was not motivated by any anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments.

"It's absolutely, categorically blown out of proportion," the Pennsylvania franchise owner Brian Gibson said, Penn Live reported. "We donate food all the time. We certainly don't take into consideration anyone's political affiliations or anything like that. We just like to feed people."

Dan T. Cathy released a statement in 2011 following the accusations that Chick-fil-A was anti-LGBTQ+, saying, "In recent weeks, we have been accused of being anti-gay. We have no agenda against anyone. At the heart and soul of our company, we are a family business that serves and values all people regardless of their beliefs or opinions. We seek to treat everyone with honor, dignity, and respect, and believe in the importance of loving your neighbor as yourself."

Cathy continued, saying, "While my family and I believe in the Biblical definition of marriage, we love and respect anyone who disagrees ... Chick-fil-A's Corporate Purpose is 'To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us, and to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.' As a result, we will not champion any political agendas on marriage and family."

The chain also received criticism for Dan T. Cathy's ties to a charitable organization that notably opposes the Equality Act.

The Daily Beast reported on June 1, 2021, that the National Christian Charitable Foundation (NCF) has donated money to groups actively fighting legislation to protect LGBTQ+ rights in the US. Among the organization's "high-dollar donors" is Chick-fil-A's CEO, Dan Cathy.

The National Christian Charitable Foundation is one of the largest charitable organizations in the country and supports thousands of charities and causes. Among them are the Heritage Foundation and the legal advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom, both of which strongly oppose the Equality Act.

Chick-fil-A itself has not donated any funds to Christian charities or political groups in recent years, saying in 2019 that it would instead support charities focused on "three specific initiatives of homelessness, hunger, and education." 

Chick-fil-A has taken steps to overturn its reputation as being anti-LGBTQ.

In 2019, Chick-fil-A announced it would no longer donate to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Salvation Army, two groups that have been criticized as being anti-LGBTQ+.

"We made multiyear commitments to both organizations, and we fulfilled those obligations in 2018. Moving forward, you will see that the Chick-fil-A Foundation will support the three specific initiatives of homelessness, hunger, and education," a Chick-fil-A representative said in a statement to Business Insider.

However, some LGBTQ+ advocates said that while they were hopeful about the decision, Chick-fil-A still has a ways to go before it can be considered truly inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community.

"In addition to refraining from financially supporting anti-LGBTQ organizations, Chick-fil-A still lacks policies to ensure safe workplaces for LGBTQ+ employees and should unequivocally speak out against the anti-LGBTQ+ reputation that their brand represents," Drew Anderson, the director of campaigns and rapid response for GLAAD, an organization that condemns LGBTQ+ discrimination, said in a statement in 2019.

Andrew Cathy, who took over as CEO in 2021, recently declined to comment on the company's "anti-LGBTQ+" past.

When asked to comment on the company's past controversies and criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups in 2026, Cathy offered a diplomatic response, emphasizing the company's commitment to serving "anybody" who walks through the door.

"We've always been focused on serving great food and hospitality, and so for anybody that comes in the door, we're going to continue to do that," he said in a recent interview with NBC News.

Despite a series of controversies, the fast-food chain has continued to grow.

Business Insider previously reported that anti-same-sex-marriage comments said by Dan T. Cathy in 2012, controversial donations, and resulting backlash over the years have done little to slow Chick-fil-A's growth.

Today, Chick-fil-A is the third-largest chain in America and has frequently been voted the most popular chain among customers.

Nation's Restaurant News reported that the company generated nearly $24 billion in sales in 2025 and operates over 3,000 locations nationwide.

One thing is for sure — while Chick-fil-A has an undeniably controversial past, there's no stopping the chicken chain from winning over customers nationwide, one chicken sandwich at a time.

• The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been going strong since 2008's "Iron Man."
• There have been 38 movies, 19 TV series, and three specials to date, with many more in the works.
• Here's how they all compare, according to critics.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been a huge box-office force ever since its first film, "Iron Man," debuted in 2008.

Eighteen years and 37 more films later, the MCU has experienced its fair share of ups and downs, both critically and commercially.

This year's first MCU film, "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," has garnered strong reviews (and an even stronger box office), while the studio's most-anticipated film of 2026, "Avengers: Doomsday," is yet to come.

The two TV shows Marvel released this year have both fared well with critics: "Wonder Man" and the latest series, "VisionQuest."

We used Rotten Tomatoes scores to rank every single MCU project — including movies, TV series, animated series, and special presentations — from worst to best.

See how each hero stacks up.

58 (tie). "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 46%

The best part of "Quantumania," the third installment in the Paul Rudd-led "Ant-Man" series, was Jonathan Majors' introduction as the MCU's next big bad, Kang, audiences and critics agreed — although, Majors' time in the MCU was short-lived as a result of his legal troubles.

While critics had a tougher time with the miniature film, the audience score of 81% shows that fans had a good time with Scott, Hope, Hank, Janet, and Cassie down in the Quantum Realm.

"The general color-drenched too-muchness of it all might be tolerable if the plot wasn't such a by-the-numbers slog, alternating hyperkinetic action sequences with draggy recitations of exposition," wrote Decider's John Serba.

58 (tie). "Captain America: Brave New World" (2025)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 46%

"Brave New World" sees Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) officially take over for Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) as Captain America on the big screen, while his old friend Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) is the new Falcon.

Sam must go up against President Thunderbolt Ross — with Harrison Ford taking over for William Hurt, who died in 2022 — who has somehow turned into, you guessed it, Red Hulk.

"Though it ties together threads from the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a whole, 'Brave New World' is neither particularly good or bad. It's just another Marvel movie," wrote Dylan Roth for the Observer.

57. "Eternals" (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 48%

"Eternals," directed by Oscar winner Chloé Zhao, attempted to introduce an entirely new team of superheroes, an alien race called the Eternals, to the MCU, and followed them from prehistoric times all the way through the present day. Your mileage may vary on how successful she was — but "Eternals" did introduce Harry Styles to the MCU, so there's that.

"Zhao ultimately robs the artist's comic of its sweep by constantly turning a space opera into a repetitive character drama," wrote Ed Gonzalez for Slant Magazine.

56. "Secret Invasion" (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 53%

"Secret Invasion" continues the story of the Skrulls, a few decades after we last saw them in "Captain Marvel," as they search for a new planet with the help of Nick Fury, played by Samuel L. Jackson.

But not even the all-star cast of Jackson, Emilia Clarke, Olivia Colman, Don Cheadle, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Cobie Smulders, Martin Freeman, and more could save this show from getting torn apart by critics.

"If a series about Nick Fury doesn't feel urgent or crucial, then the MCU is losing the battle for our attention," wrote Melanie McFarland for Salon.

55. "The Marvels" (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 63%

"The Marvels," the long-awaited follow-up to 2019's "Captain Marvel," sees Brie Larson's Carol Danvers team up with Monica Rambeau, aka Photon (Teyonah Parris), and Kamala Khan, aka Ms. Marvel (Imani Vellani) to take down a new threat.

"It might not have the overwhelming impact of an 'Endgame' or even a 'Guardians 3,' but this is the MCU back on fast, funny form," wrote Empire Magazine's Helen O'Hara.

54. "Thor: Love and Thunder" (2022)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 64%

The follow-up to smash hit "Thor: Ragnarok" and the first-ever fourth solo film for an MCU hero didn't live up to expectations, at least according to critics. But we did get to see Natalie Portman return to the MCU as her version of the Mighty Thor, a couple of screaming goats, and a jaw-dropping post-credits cameo.

"Though Chris Hemsworth, as usual, has a lot of fun in the title role, the film around him too often strains to provide excitement and laughs," wrote Wall Street Journal's Kyle Smith.

53. "Marvel Zombies" (2025)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 66%

A successful stand-alone episode in "What If…?" season one, where the Watcher asked viewers to consider one thing — zombies — inspired a four-part animated special that followed a group of ragtag heroes as they tried to save the world from a zombie apocalypse.

"Even with the zombie apocalypse there to spice up their lives, Marvel's newest heroes are less lively than the arm-munchers surrounding them," wrote AV Club's Jarrod Jones.

52. "Thor: The Dark World" (2013)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 67%

"Thor: The Dark World" — the 2013 sequel to the 2011 film — stars Chris Hemsworth as the titular Norse god, Tom Hiddleston as his mischievous brother Loki, and Natalie Portman as Thor's Earth-bound love interest Jane Foster. It wasn't as well-received as its predecessor, but it has its defenders. And now, it's been ranked better than "Love and Thunder."

"This feels like a really, really, expensive episode of 'Doctor Who.' In a good way," wrote Larushka Ivan-Zadeh for Metro.

51. "The Incredible Hulk" (2008)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 68%

Edward Norton took over from Eric Bana for "The Incredible Hulk," which was plagued with rumors of behind-the-scenes drama, reported by Collider, including that Norton rewrote much of the movie while it was shooting, and that there were many clashes between Norton, director Louis Leterrier, and Marvel Studios.

Those dueling visions led to a moderately received comic-book film.

"The climax is a bit of a yawn, but most of what precedes it is vigorous and sharp," wrote Tom Charity of CNN.

50. "Echo" (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 71%

"Echo" is a five-episode series following Maya Lopez, aka Echo, a character first introduced in "Hawkeye." After the events of "Hawkeye," when she learned that her adoptive father, Wilson Fisk, was responsible for the death of her real father, Maya returns home to her small town in Oklahoma to reckon with her mysterious past.

"'Echo' resists pandering in its celebration of female, Indigenous, and disabled identities, keeping it all rooted in character moments that are organic and well earned," wrote Jen Chaney for Vulture.

49. "Iron Man 2" (2010)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 72%

In retrospect, "Iron Man 2" had an impossible job: to build upon what is still regarded as one of the finest superhero films of all time. Perhaps that's why critics weren't too kind to "Iron Man 2," which focused on Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, being rude to everyone around him while covering up his own impending death. Oh, and Mickey Rourke is there playing Whiplash, a Russian villain who loves his bird.

"Casting the likes of Downey and Rourke and then imprisoning them in jointed refrigerators is resource-squandering of the highest order," wrote Dana Stevens for Slate.

47 (tie). "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" (2022)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 73%

After the events of the Disney+ miniseries "WandaVision," Elizabeth Olsen's Wanda Maximoff has been taken over by the dark forces of the Scarlet Witch, putting her on a collision course with Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Stephen Strange as he works to protect a new teenage friend, America Chavez (played by Xochitl Gomez), from Wanda's plans.

"It might be Marvel's multiverse, but 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' is [director Sam] Raimi's plaything. And we wouldn't want it any other way," wrote Kristy Puchko for Mashable.

47 (tie). "The Punisher: One Last Kill" (2026)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 73%

"One Last Kill" was billed as a special presentation that aired on Disney+ in May 2026. It picks up with Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal) shortly after his escape from prison at the end of the first season of "Daredevil: Born Again," and sees him try to find a purpose after getting revenge on the criminals who killed his family.

Notably, Bernthal is a co-writer on the special.

"The special is ultimately a mixed bag, doing little to elevate the character or engage the audience that's already deeply familiar with The Punisher," wrote Amelia Emberwing for The Wrap.

46. "Avengers: Age of Ultron" (2015)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 75%

The Avengers team up once again in "Age of Ultron" to take down the nihilistic AI known as Ultron, designed as a "suit of armor around the world" by Tony Stark and Bruce Banner, aka Iron Man and the Hulk, who is hell-bent on destroying the planet at all costs.

"The sharp, interpersonal dramedy that made the first movie such a delight is again present in flashes, but not infrequently it is drowned out by the noisy, inevitable need to Save the World," wrote Christopher Orr for The Atlantic.

45. "Ironheart" (2025)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 76%

"Ironheart" stars Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams, a character first introduced in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" as a genius-level engineering student at MIT. In the film, she built her own suit of Iron Man-esque armor and helped Shuri defeat Namor.

"Ironheart" picks up with Riri as she returns home to Chicago and gets mixed up with a local gang leader, Parker (Anthony Ramos), who uses a mysterious hood that allows him to use magic. Alden Ehrenreich, Manny Montana, Lyric Ross, and Sacha Baron Cohen also star.

"'Ironheart' is everything I love about the MCU when they let themselves have fun," wrote Nic for Autostraddle.

42 (tie). "Thor" (2011)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 77%

Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston were both nearly unknowns when they were cast as Norse gods Thor and Loki — and this movie catapulted them both to the A-list almost immediately.

Both Hemsworth and Hiddleston are still involved with the MCU, and seeing their chemistry as brothers in this first film explains why.

"The new Marvel Comics movie 'Thor,' directed by Kenneth Branagh, is equal parts trippy, tacky, and monumental, the blend surprisingly agreeable, a happy change from all those aggressively down-to-earth superhero flicks like 'Iron Man,'" wrote David Edelstein for Vulture.

42 (tie). "She-Hulk: Attorney at Law" (2022)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 77%

Uncanny valley visual effects aside, "She-Hulk" was simply a lot of fun, led by the talented Tatiana Maslany as Jennifer Walters, cousin of Bruce Banner (aka the Hulk), gifted lawyer, and reluctant superhero.

Plus, fans got to see the official reintroduction of Charlie Cox's Matt Murdock, or Daredevil, into the MCU.

"'She-Hulk: Attorney At Law' was a massive success. It had a little bit of a bobble on the dismount, but it stuck the landing all the same. Here's hoping we see way more of Jennifer Walters in the MCU to come," wrote IGN's Amelia Emberwing.

42 (tie). "Deadpool & Wolverine" (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 77%

After the 2019 acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney, the X-Men are now finally able to become part of the MCU — and the very first X-Men story brought into the universe brings Hugh Jackman as Logan/Wolverine back to the big screen. This time, he teams up with Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool, also known as the Merc with a Mouth.

The two go on a rambunctious cameo-filled ride throughout the multiverse to try and save Deadpool's friends from total destruction.

"'Deadpool & Wolverine' is the ultimate love letter to Marvel fans: The cameos and references are aplenty and brilliant, the source material is treated with respect and, best of all, it's pure, unadulterated fun," wrote The Seattle Times' Dominic Baez.

38 (tie). "Iron Man 3" (2013)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 79%

"Iron Man 3" focuses on Tony Stark dealing with his PTSD after the events of "Avengers" — aka his near-death experience flying a nuclear bomb through a wormhole in space. But the big twist of this movie, the bait-and-switch identity of the Mandarin, played by Ben Kingsley, remains this movie's biggest legacy.

"A thrilling film and a somewhat satisfying conclusion to the 'Iron Man' trilogy," wrote Nicolás Delgadillo for Discussing Film.

38 (tie). "Captain Marvel" (2019)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 79%

Brie Larson stars as Carol Danvers, a former US Air Force pilot who is exposed to a blast of cosmic energy in the '90s, experiences memory loss, and is taken in by an alien race called the Kree. As Carol tries to remember her past, she's introduced to a young(er) S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, a digitally de-aged Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury.

"The main strength is a core of female friendship: Carol Danvers is the only Marvel hero you could imagine getting hammered and belting out songs by No Doubt," wrote The Observer's Wendy Ide.

38 (tie). "Black Widow" (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 79%

Set between the events of "Captain America: Civil War" and "Avengers: Infinity War," and exactly a decade after her introduction as Natasha Romanoff in "Iron Man 2," Scarlett Johansson finally starred in her own solo film with "Black Widow."

The film also introduced actors Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Rachel Weisz to the MCU. (We just saw Pugh and Harbour again in "Thunderbolts," and will see them again in "Avengers: Doomsday.")

"In all the ways that matter to an MCU fan, 'Black Widow' the film meets or exceeds all expectations. It is a killer action flick, and a unique viewing experience... in that I loved it, and the fact that I loved it also makes me livid," wrote Salon's Melanie McFarland.

38 (tie). "VisionQuest" (2026)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 79%

The final installment of the WandaVision trilogy, "VisionQuest," picks up with White Vision (Paul Bettany) after he flew away to discover himself at the end of "WandaVision."

Now, he's living in Edinburgh and trying to deal with all the other AIs who are manifesting inside his head, including JARVIS (James D'Arcy), Ultron (James Spader), and FRIDAY (Orla Brady).

"For a series that could be as banal as the ones and zeros that power it, 'VisionQuest' is among the more humane and hopeful things Marvel has produced, and gives the 'Wandavision' trilogy a sendoff as solid as the vibranium build of its hero," wrote The Wrap's Hunter Ingram.

37. "Captain America: The First Avenger" (2011)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 80%

Simply put, Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, is the role that Chris Evans was born to play. Audiences see Evans first as a digitally altered scrawny kid from 1940s Brooklyn who, against all odds, is chosen to receive a "super soldier serum" and become Captain America due to his pure heart. With anyone else, it'd be unbearably cheesy, but Evans sells it.

"No clever messages here, just bang-on romance and action, with another fresh twist on 20th-century history woven in for the kids to dive into after the credits have rolled," wrote Ed Gibbs for The Sydney Morning Herald.

36. "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 82%

"Vol. 3's" 82% score makes it the lowest-rated "Guardians" movie, though it has a high 94% audience score.

The film serves as a swan song for this version of the Guardians, comprised of Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket (Bradley Cooper), Nebula (Karen Gillan), Groot (Vin Diesel), Gamora (Zoe Saldaña), Mantis (Pom Klementieff), and Kraglin (Sean Gunn), as well as director James Gunn in the MCU.

He's now co-running DC Studios and will direct the "Superman" sequel, "Man of Tomorrow," which is set to release next year.

Richard Roeper called the film "a funny, big-hearted adventure" in the Chicago-Sun Times.

35. "Ant-Man" (2015)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 83%

Rudd plays Scott Lang, a white-collar criminal who is enlisted to take on the mantle of Ant-Man, a shrinking superhero who used to be Michael Douglas' Hank Pym. But, as Pym is too old to suit up, he and his daughter Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) teach Lang how to control ants, shrink and grow at will, and how to break into Pym's lab to take down Darren Cross (Corey Stoll).

"Paul Rudd stars in a formulaic but consistently entertaining and likable Marvel summer blockbuster," wrote NME's Nick Levine.

33 (tie). "Agatha All Along" (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 84%

"Agatha All Along" is a spin-off of one of the most successful Marvel Disney+ shows, "WandaVision." Now, the spotlight is on Agatha Harkness, a formerly powerful witch whose powers were stripped and memories stolen by Wanda.

But you can't keep a good witch down — in this show, she teams up with an all-star cast (Patti LuPone, Aubrey Plaza, Joe Locke, Sasheer Zamata) to get her magic back at any cost.

"A charming concoction of snappy humor, strong performances, and enchanting nostalgia that makes for perfect pre-Halloween viewing. Kathryn Hahn's sheer magnetism alone will have you spellbound," wrote Empire Magazine's Sophie Butcher.

33 (tie). "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" (2022)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 84%

After the tragic (and unexpected) death of Chadwick Boseman in 2020, the highly anticipated "Black Panther" sequel was rewritten to be a story of grief and mourning, while also setting up the future of Wakanda in the MCU for years to come.

Lupita Nyong'o, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, and Angela Bassett all put in stellar performances, with the latter receiving an Oscar nomination, while Tenoch Huerta introduced viewers to the underwater king Namor with a bang.

"A thoughtful and mature exploration of communal grief in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' is a fitting tribute to the legacy of Chadwick Boseman," wrote Chicago Reader's Sheri Flanders.

29 (tie). "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 85%

"Falcon" was the second MCU series to drop on Disney+, after "WandaVision," and the hype was high. While this series is charming thanks to the hilarious chemistry between stars Anthony Mackie (Falcon) and Sebastian Stan (the Winter Soldier), the series' two antagonists, Karli Morgenthau and John Walker, brought down the material.

Glad Sam finally got the shield, though!

"It's far from a perfect show, but it had moments of emotion and connection that have often been lacking in the MCU as a whole," wrote Polygon's Tasha Robinson.

29 (tie). "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" (2017)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 85%

"GotG Vol. 2" delves into the true parentage of Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord, as played by Chris Pratt. In addition to the rest of the stellar returning cast, Kurt Russell was added to play Peter's biological father, Ego the Living Planet, and Pom Klementieff joined the team as the empathic alien, Mantis.

"In Marvel lingo, 'Guardians 2' feels like a great six-issue arc, the kind of storytelling that used to be the backbone of superhero comics," wrote The Atlantic's David Sims.

29 (tie). "Avengers: Infinity War" (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 85%

"Avengers: Infinity War" is the first part of the culmination of the first 10 years of the MCU, which concluded one year later in "Avengers Endgame."

The film "Infinity War" follows Thanos, an alien who is dedicated to erasing half of the universe's population, as he scours space for the six Infinity Stones. Meanwhile, the Avengers stop at nothing to prevent him from getting all six with disastrous consequences.

"The conclusion of 'Infinity War' is so shocking because it doesn't feel like a cliffhanger, more like a drastic wiping clean of the slate before the whole cycle starts again, with whatever reversal of fortune or comprehensive reboot it may be," wrote Film Comment Magazine's Jonathan Romney.

29 (tie). "What If...?" (2021-2024)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 85%

"What If...?" is based on the popular Marvel comic series of the same name. Each episode explores what would've happened if one small (or huge) thing had changed in the MCU, like what if T'Challa had become Star-Lord instead of Peter Quill, or what if Peggy Carter had received the super soldier serum instead of Steve Rogers?

It lasted for three seasons.

"For dedicated Marvel enthusiasts, on the other hand, 'What If...?' might feel inessential. But the prospect of speculative fan fiction with a stamp of approval will be hard to resist," wrote The Guardian's Jack Seale.

27 (tie). "Moon Knight" (2022)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%

"Moon Knight" focuses on Isaac's truly impressive performance as mercenary Marc Spector ... and museum gift shop employee Steven Grant ... and the super-powered avatar of the Egyptian god Khonshu.

Things might have gotten a bit confusing by the end, but episode five remains a high mark in MCU acting, thanks to Isaac.

"Isaac's having fun and that fun is infectious whenever Steven is on screen. Accuracy is overvalued in acting, innit? I'd much prefer watching Steven Grant destroy a loo," wrote Esther Zuckerman for Thrillist.

27 (tie). "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" (2025)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%

Marvel's first family made its way to the big screen for the fourth time last July, but "First Steps" was the first time that Reed, Sue, Ben, and Johnny were part of the MCU proper.

Much was said about how this was a make-or-break movie for Marvel Studios, and now we can say for certain that it did not "break" Marvel. It's been a hit with critics and audiences alike.

"These are the first steps for a refreshingly new direction for Marvel, even if they're imperfect ones," wrote The New York Times' Brandon Yu.

23 (tie). "Ant-Man and the Wasp" (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 87%

By adding the Wasp to the title of the film, Evangeline Lilly is the true first woman to play a titular superhero in the MCU, though she still shares top billing with Paul Rudd as Ant-Man. In "Ant-Man and the Wasp," the two insect-themed heroes reunite to rescue Hope's mom, played by the radiant Michelle Pfeiffer, from the mysterious quantum realm after an accident decades prior.

"Its intent is limited to amusing and diverting for a couple of hours of high-summer fun. That it does," wrote Matthew Norman of the London Evening Standard.

24 (tie). "Loki" (2021-2023)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 87%

The first season of "Loki" premiered in June 2021, bringing back one of the most beloved MCU characters from the dead. Sure, this Loki is technically Loki at his most evil, right after the events of 2012's "The Avengers," but it's always nice to see Hiddleston don his golden horns.

However, "Loki" evolved into a genuinely moving story about self-love, destiny, and the capacity to change for good, when given the opportunity.

Season two premiered in October 2023.

"The new Marvel series combines the inventiveness of 'WandaVision' with the buddy-comedy repartee missing from 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,'" wrote The Daily Beast's Nick Schager.

24 (tie). "Daredevil: Born Again" (2025)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 87%

Seven years after the original Netflix "Daredevil" series was canceled, the Man with No Fear is back, and this time he's on Disney+.

Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox), Wilson Fisk (Vincent D'Onofrio), Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll), Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson), Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal), Bullseye (Wilson Bethel), and Vanessa Fisk (Ayelet Zurer) all returned for this continuation of Daredevil's story.

The blind lawyer-turned-vigilante is once again facing off against Fisk, who was somehow elected the mayor of New York City.

Business Insider's Eammon Jacobs called the show "the best Marvel project in years."

23. "Thunderbolts*" (2025)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 88%

Marvel's second film of 2025 sees a bunch of B-list antiheroes (sorry, but it's true!) led by Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova/Black Widow) come together to fight a mysterious, shadowy new villain known as the Void (or Bob, depending on the day).

"That's why 'Thunderbolts*' is so much better than most of Marvel's post-Endgame films. It's not just because it's a rough-edged, big-hearted spy thriller about lovably clueless anti-heroes. It's because it has an actor as charismatic as Pugh at its center," wrote Nicholas Barber for the BBC.

22. "Doctor Strange" (2016)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 89%

Cumberbatch joined the MCU to play Dr. Stephen Strange, a hot-shot surgeon who loses the use of his hands after a brutal car crash and seeks out sorcerers who can help him regain his strength.

As Richard Brody wrote in The New Yorker, the film "lives up to its title, in mostly good ways."

18 (tie). "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" (2014)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

If "Captain America: The First Avenger" was Marvel's take on a WWII drama, "Winter Soldier" is the MCU's version of a tense, political thriller as Cap uncovers multiple layers of conspiracy within the US government, and must go on the run from his presumed-dead best friend Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), now brainwashed into the murderous assassin the Winter Soldier.

"'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' delivers the superhero movie goods, but it does so with a grin and a wink, and that seems more and more like the right way to approach these things," wrote Jason Bailey for Flavorwire.

18 (tie). "Captain America: Civil War" (2016)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

Essentially an "Avengers" movie, "Captain America: Civil War" sees Captain America team up with his friends Falcon (Anthony Mackie), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), and Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) to save his friend Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) from getting wrongfully convicted for a bombing at the United Nations.

Cap goes up against Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Vision (Paul Bettany), and War Machine (Don Cheadle) in order to save his friend.

Of course, this movie is also famous for introducing Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa, aka Black Panther, and Tom Holland as the MCU's version of Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man.

"It is one of the best movies to ever come out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, balancing engaging action set pieces and witty dialogue with intelligent character studies and ethical debates," wrote Salon's Matthew Rozsa.

18 (tie). "Werewolf by Night" (2022)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

Gael García Bernal entered the MCU as Jack Russell, an apparent monster hunter who's actually hiding a secret: Every full moon, he turns into a full-on bloodthirsty werewolf. Shot entirely in black and white, "Werewolf by Night" successfully evoked the monster movies that Universal Studios became famous for.

"'Werewolf By Night' is a charming tribute not only to the pulpy horror comics on which it's based but to the scary and silly classic cinema that a generation of film lovers grew up watching late at night on local television," wrote Dylan Routh for the Observer.

18 (tie). "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" (2026)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

The fourth installment in Tom Holland's "Spider-Man" saga premiered on July 31, 2026, a full decade after his first appearance as the web-slinger. This film picks up after the events of "No Way Home," in which a spell caused everyone on Earth to forget about Peter Parker.

In it, Peter is living mainly as Spider-Man, but burnout and a new foe played by Sadie Sink threaten to upset the already precarious balance Peter has achieved in his life.

"Once again, Spider-Man proves to be the best reason to keep invested in the MCU," wrote Dominic Baez for the Seattle Times.

14 (tie). "The Avengers" (2012)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

After four years of teasing out the six main Avengers (Iron Man, Captain America, Black Widow, Thor, Hawkeye, and Hulk), they all met up on the big screen for the first time in "The Avengers."

Under the watchful eye of Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury, viewers saw Earth's mightiest heroes team up for the first time to take out Thor's brother Loki as he attempted to conquer the world on behalf of a mysterious purple alien.

"A mega-budget action extravaganza that succeeds on just about every level, and it's one you should certainly go and see as soon as possible," wrote Luke Holland for NME.

14 (tie). "Spider-Man: Far From Home" (2019)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

Picking up a few months after the events of "Avengers: Endgame," Peter Parker/Spider-Man must figure out how to balance his life as a web-slinging superhero and a simple teenager with a crush on his friend MJ, played by a delightful Zendaya. Add in a truly unhinged Jake Gyllenhaal performance as Quentin Beck/Mysterio, and you have the makings of a solid Spidey film.

"The stakes this time turn out to be considerably lower, and your friendly neighborhood Spider-Teen is arguably just the guy to bring things down to Earth and reestablish a human scale," said NPR's Bob Mondello.

14 (tie). "Guardians of the Galaxy" (2014)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

At the time, it was a huge swing for Marvel to entrust writer/director James Gunn with bringing one of the lesser-known superhero teams into the MCU — but, as we know, it was one of the smartest gambles Marvel ever made.

"Guardians," led by the ever-charming Chris Pratt as Peter Quill, combines hilarious jokes with a genuinely sweet story about found family: In this case, Peter finds Gamora, Drax, Groot, and Rocket.

"Blessed with a loose, anarchic B-picture soul that encourages you to enjoy yourself even when you're not quite sure what's going on, the scruffy 'Guardians' is irreverent in a way that can bring the first 'Star Wars' to mind," wrote Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times.

14 (tie). "Wonder Man" (2026)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

"Wonder Man" stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams, a struggling actor who has super-powers but doesn't want any part of them, since super-powered individuals in the MCU's version of Hollywood can't be actors.

Abdul-Mateen II was nominated for an Emmy for his performance.

Nadira Goffe of Slate wrote, "Despite it getting occasionally bogged down, 'Wonder Man' is a good show with a hero who is engaging to watch because he shows no interest in being one, and Abdul-Mateen II is excellent in it."

9 (tie). "Spider-Man: Homecoming" (2017)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

"Spider-Man: Homecoming" was the third reboot of Spider-Man in 15 years, but somehow, once again, the powers that be managed to find a third actor who was just as qualified as his predecessors Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield to bring Spidey to life.

After his introduction in "Civil War," "Homecoming" focuses on Peter Parker's sweet bond with Tony Stark/Iron Man, and his realization that being a hero is about more than a cool suit.

"The youthful vibe of this character reset, with its sense of humor and its light touch, makes 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' one of the most enjoyable Marvel movies in years," wrote Chesapeake Family Magazine's Roxana Hadadi.

9 (tie). "WandaVision" (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

After years of being side characters, Wanda Maximoff and Vision, who are played by Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany, respectively, were finally able to step into the spotlight.

And how lucky we were to see it. "WandaVision" remains one of the weirdest projects the MCU has put out, as the first few episodes skip through decades of sitcom classics like "Bewitched," "Malcolm in the Middle," and "Modern Family."

Olsen and Bettany were both nominated for Emmys for their performances in "WandaVision," and we couldn't agree more with the honor.

Richard Roeper wrote for the Chicago-Sun Times, "If you're one of those Marvel Cinematic Universe fans who feel it's time for something truly unique and different: Meet 'WandaVision.'"

9 (tie). "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

Simu Liu mentioned Marvel in a post on Twitter (now X) back in 2018, asking if they were "gonna talk or what #ShangChi."

Three years later, Liu debuted in his own solo film as Shang-Chi in "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings." In it, Shang-Chi comes to accept his past as a member of his father's (played by the always wonderful Tony Leung) criminal organization, the Ten Rings, while protecting his mother's village from the attacks of a demon known as the Dweller-in-Darkness.

"It's a good movie. It's got a plausibly fearsome villain by way of Leung, a nice ensemble of heroic personalities, and a dose of actually-poignant family drama undergirding all the rest," wrote K. Austin Collins for Rolling Stone.

9 (tie). "Hawkeye" (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

"Hawkeye," starring Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld as two of the most talented archers in the world, was a refreshing change of pace; the stakes weren't cosmic.

Instead, it came down to Renner's Clint Barton and Steinfeld's Kate Bishop battling it out against a Russian mob with an affinity for tracksuits while dodging Wilson Fisk, aka Kingpin, played by Vincent D'Onofrio, brought back from the Netflix Marvel series limbo.

"The series was loosely inspired by the excellent Matt Fraction and David Aja run of 'Hawkeye' comics, and some of that fun makes its way into the show," wrote Vanity Fair's Sonia Saraiya.

9 (tie). "Eyes of Wakanda" (2025)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

"Eyes of Wakanda" was released on Disney+ in August 2025 as a four-part animated event. It spans thousands of years of Wakandan history, showcasing various heroes who have held the mantle of Black Panther.

"Without a popular hero to lead with, 'Eyes of Wakanda' instead relies on the infinite potential of the Wakandan brand to great effect; the result is beautifully crafted but feels somewhat incomplete," wrote David Opie for Empire.

7 (tie). "Thor: Ragnarok" (2017)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%

"Ragnarok" was one of the most impressive feats in MCU history — the other three "Thor" movies are among some of the lowest-rated MCU movies, while "Ragnarok" is in the top 10 of all Marvel movies, period.

This comes down to director Taika Waititi, who was able to infuse his signature style and tone into the MCU in this cosmic adventure that's also a straight-up comedy, following Thor on his journey to prevent the total destruction of his home world, Asgard.

"Beautifully filmed with serious kinetic energy by director Taika Waititi, with a crackling script, 'Thor: Ragnarok' is a heap of fun. Cue 'Immigrant Song,'" wrote Kristen Lopez for Culturess.

7 (tie). "Spider-Man: No Way Home" (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%

"Spider-Man: No Way Home's" charms are impossible to deny, even if the plot has more holes than Swiss cheese.

For Marvel movie fans, it's hard to imagine something more satisfying than seeing Tom Holland, Andrew Garfield, and Tobey Maguire together on screen, discussing their rogues' galleries, Tobey's weird web situation, or how with great power comes great responsibility.

"Throughout all of it, the weird and complex history of Spider-Man as a cinematic icon isn't a hindrance to the story; instead, it's an enhancement, using the quirks of the character's legacy as a source of illumination into why he has endured so long," wrote Liz Shannon Miller of Consequence.

5 (tie). "Iron Man" (2008)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%

The reason that pop culture is what it is today can be boiled down to the mega-success of this movie, which set up an entire cinematic universe, revived Robert Downey Jr.'s career, and boosted director Jon Favreau's status so high that he's now basically one of the auteurs of the entire "Star Wars" universe.

But this film is simple: Billionaire weapons manufacturer Tony Stark (Downey) is kidnapped by a group of terrorists, who lead him to discover that his weapons are landing in the wrong hands. So, he builds a suit of armor and becomes a superhero.

"Led by Downey's career-resurrecting performance as billionaire weapons peddler Tony Stark, it proves just as indispensable to the movie's giddy escapist appeal as the seamless CGI effects and eye-popping pyrotechnics," wrote Craig Outhier of the Orange County Register.

5 (tie). "Avengers: Endgame" (2019)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%

"Endgame," as a movie, is a magic trick. Somehow, this movie crams in 11 years of MCU storytelling, every major character from all of the films, travels back in time to essentially walk through the universe's greatest hits, has real stakes, and makes a three-hour movie fly by.

When the Avengers decide to try to undo Thanos' universe-shattering snap, the original crew from the 2012 movie (with a few notable additions like Karen Gillan's Nebula, Paul Rudd's Ant-Man, and Don Cheadle's War Machine), travel through Marvel history to find the Infinity Stones.

"Eleven years of Universe building, and this is the crescendo. It really pays off, I've never seen anything quite like it," said James Luxford on the BBC.

4. "The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special" (2022)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%

Marvel's second special presentation was this 44-minute holiday special focusing on the Guardians trying to give the still-mourning Peter Quill the perfect Christmas with the help of his hero Kevin Bacon.

"Adept at taking B-level comic book characters and turning them into franchise hits, [director James] Gunn does a lot with a little here with Marvel's first-ever holiday special," wrote The Wrap's Karama Horne.

3. "Black Panther" (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 96%

After Chadwick Boseman was introduced in "Captain America: Civil War" as Black Panther, fans were waiting with bated breath for his solo film — and they weren't disappointed. "Black Panther" is a riveting story, where the "villain" (a supremely cast Michael B. Jordan as Killmonger) has a very compelling point and even gets the hero, T'Challa, to change his mind.

Supported by all-stars like Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, Daniel Kaluuya, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, and Sterling K. Brown, along with newer finds like Letitia Wright and Winston Duke, "Black Panther" is special. To date, it's the only Marvel movie to be nominated for best picture at the Academy Awards.

"'Black Panther' is a revelation, the first film from the Marvel Cinematic Universe that truly feels like an of-the-moment masterwork that also happens to be a comic-book movie," wrote Roxana Hadadi of Chesapeake Family Magazine.

2. "Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man" (2025)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 97%

"Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man" is an animated series set in an alternate reality. It tells the origin story of yet another Peter Parker, this time voiced by Hudson Thames.

"'Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man' is surprisingly mature for being this energetic and squishy, a PG-rated take that treats its teen characters with respect by not insulting their intelligence or limiting their growth," wrote Jarrod Jones for The AV Club.

1. "Ms. Marvel" (2022)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 98%

"Ms. Marvel" stars newcomer Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan, a normal teenager who stans Captain Marvel (aka Carol Danvers) — and when she finds an otherworldly bangle connected to her family history, she's able to become more similar to her favorite heroes than she ever thought possible.

With a distinct, fun visual style and amazing supporting performances across the board, "Ms. Marvel" has established a high benchmark for the MCU Disney+ series.

"'Ms. Marvel' doesn't reinvent the superhero wheel. Instead, it dips it in gold and bedazzles it with eye-melting visuals," wrote Eric Francisco of Inverse.

All scores mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, but are subject to change.

• President Donald Trump chose Katie Zacharia to serve as the new White House press secretary.
• Five days later, a White House official said that she is "transitioning out" of the role.
• She succeeded Karoline Leavitt, who left the job in August.

Katie Zacharia held her first briefing as White House press secretary on Tuesday, taking over the role previously held by Karoline Leavitt.

Days later, a White House official confirmed to Business Insider that she is "transitioning out" of the role after Trump said that he told her to reconsider.

Zacharia was the second press secretary to serve in Trump's second term, and the sixth across his two non-consecutive terms. Leavitt left the job in August to spend more time with her young children.

In a Truth Social post announcing his hiring of Zacharia, President Donald Trump wrote that "She has an unblemished record of support, and has been a loyal and brilliant supporter, right from the beginning," adding that "She is, likewise, a devoted fan and member of MAGA!"

Zacharia did not respond to requests for comment from Business Insider on Friday, after her departure was announced.

Here's what to know about her.

What was Katie Zacharia doing before this?

Zacharia previously worked as a senior communications advisor at Trump Media and Technology Group, which runs Truth Social, a White House official confirmed to Business Insider.

Zacharia previously worked as a spokesperson for former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem at the Department of Homeland Security, and as a commentator for Fox News and Newsmax.

Her LinkedIn profile also indicates that she serves as general counsel for the conservative nonprofit Fix California, and served as a White House intern in 2006, during President George W. Bush's second term.

Is Katie Zacharia a lawyer?

Zacharia earned a bachelor's degree in political science and government from Pepperdine University and a law degree from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law.

She has described herself as a lawyer, but she confirmed to Fox News' Sean Hannity on Thursday that she sat for the California bar exam but did not pass it or retake it.

"I had already preregistered for the bar exam," she said. "Basically, during the summer, I knew I would be living in China and the results of the bar were inconsequential, and I sat for it because I didn't want to have a withdrawal status."

Zacharia's LinkedIn profile lists her as working as an associate at the Beijing law firm Zhong Lun from August 2011 to June 2013.

Zacharia added that she "consulted attorneys and legal professionals" to confirm that she could call herself a lawyer and offer legal analysis on cable news since she holds a law degree and had "actual substantive legal experience."

Zacharia told Business Insider in a statement that she "practiced international transaction law, with all the appropriate credentials."

The White House referred Business Insider to Zacharia's comments on Fox News.

Who is Katie Zacharia's husband?

Zacharia is married to film producer Tyler Zacharia, who has produced movies such as "Young Washington" and "David" with Angel Studios, a production company specializing in faith-based films.

He also served as an executive producer of the 2019 movie "The Irishman" starring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, according to his IMDb page.

They wed in 2011.

Does Katie Zacharia have children?

Zacharia and her husband share four children, ages 12, 10, 8, and 6.

At her first press briefing, when Zacharia was asked about balancing work and motherhood, she said her family was planning to move from California to Washington, DC, so she could be present with them while working in the White House. She also called Trump "the most family-friendly president we've ever had."

"The fact that he knew I had four kids, and he knew that this job would be demanding, and still placed his trust in me, shows that I know I'm capable of being able to step up to that," she said.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

• Disney plans to pay $60 million to hire 66 employees from Character.AI, which filed for bankruptcy.
• Former Character.AI Karandeep Anand is Disney's new chief technology officer.
• CEO Josh D'Amaro's company laid off tech staffers in September in its third round of cuts this year.

Disney is paying up for employees from an AI chatbot startup that filed for bankruptcy, shortly after trimming its own tech workforce.

The Mouse House plans to pay $60 million per year to 66 workers from Character.AI, according to a Chapter 11 filing on Tuesday from its parent company. In mid-September, Disney hired Character.AI CEO Karandeep Anand to be its first-ever company-wide tech chief. (The company hasn't yet disclosed how much it's paying Anand.)

These additions are part of Disney's AI strategy under CEO Josh D'Amaro, who's been investing in the media giant's tech platforms to help jumpstart a stagnant stock that's up less than 2% in the last 12 months and is down over 36% in the last five years.

Disney's decision to bring in these Character.AI staffers came two weeks after it laid off several hundred workers — including some tech employees. The late-September cuts were Disney's third major round of layoffs since D'Amaro took over in mid-March.

In addition to the $60 million in compensation, Disney is setting aside an additional $30 million for an "aggregate retention pool" to incentivize Character.AI employees to stay. The company expects to spend $180 million on "total compensation and retention" for these staffers in the next three years, the filing said.

Of the 66 Character.AI staffers who were offered jobs by Disney, 56 have already resigned from the AI startup, while the other 10 are waiting for the US government to update their work visas.

Entertainment lawyer Corey Martin of Granderson Des Rochers, who advises companies on media transactions, said he's not surprised by those pay figures since Character.AI's employees are its biggest asset.

"They're highly compensated employees. The numbers can be eye-popping, but it's not that unusual in this space," said Martin, who didn't work on the deal or with Disney.

Disney also agreed to pay $20 million for Character.AI's key assets, including some of its IP and tech. Other companies can submit competing bids for the assets by November 20. The entire process will be overseen by a bankruptcy court judge. Disney didn't respond to requests for comment for this story.

Character.AI filed for bankruptcy after facing lawsuits from families who alleged that their teenagers harmed themselves or committed suicide after using the company's custom AI chatbots. The AI startup and Google, one of its backers, settled several child safety lawsuits earlier this year.

Disney sent a cease-and-desist letter to Character.AI last fall, telling it not to create AI chatbots featuring its copyrighted characters without permission. Character.AI complied, removing chatbots with characters from Disney franchises like Star Wars and Marvel.

In its bankruptcy announcement, Character.AI said that it had been facing "significant legal, regulatory, and operational headwinds."

Anand told Disney employees in a memo last Friday that the Mouse House was "uniquely positioned to win" in a competitive media business that he said was "at an inflection point." The tech chief also said he enjoyed meeting his new colleagues and looked forward to working with them.

"What stands out most is the talent and care this team puts into its work, the craft Disney has perfected, and the strong foundation you've built," Anand said.

• We asked interior designer Lane Mari to share which design trends she'd never have in her kitchen.
• The designer said she stays away from cheap appliances and synthetic materials.
• She also avoids black hardware and harsh overhead lighting in favor of warmer materials and shades.

The kitchen is often one of the most-used spaces in a home, whether you're cooking for family or hosting friends.

With so much time spent there, the design choices you make can have a big impact on how the space looks and feels.

To help you avoid any kitchen-design missteps, Business Insider asked Lane Mari, an interior designer with experience in both design and construction, what she'd never have in her own kitchen and what she recommends instead.

Here's what she had to say.

Black hardware can stand out too much.

When it comes to kitchen-cabinet pulls, Mari is skipping black hardware.

"It's too harsh and creates too much contrast on a white or light cabinet," Mari told BI.

If she wants something dark, she'll usually go for oil-rubbed bronze hardware instead. Its warm undertones can help make it look more balanced in a space.

Not all kitchens need an island.

Though kitchen islands are popular, they don't work in every space — especially not in smaller or awkwardly arranged ones.

"It never looks good to have something crammed in that doesn't really fit," she told BI.

Before committing to an island, Mari recommends consulting with a designer to get its scale just right. In some cases, you might realize a traditional option isn't the right fit.

If that's the case, she said, you can try having a more open piece of furniture custom-made to better suit the space.

Leaving a small gap above kitchen cabinets can look unintentional.

Mari said she often sees cabinets that stop 2 to 3 inches below the ceiling, but it's not her preference. In many cases, it can look like a design mistake.

"If you have shorter ceilings, like 9 feet and under, you definitely want the cabinets going to the ceiling," Mari told BI. "That's going to make the ceiling look taller."

For taller ceilings, she said, cabinets can look best if they intentionally stop farther below the ceiling rather than leaving just a few inches of space.

You won't find an all-black-and-white kitchen in her home.

The designer loves color and incorporates it into her kitchen designs rather than sticking to a black-and-white palette.

Mari recognizes how challenging and overwhelming it can be to choose colors to incorporate into a home, but she has a few tips.

"The best place to get color inspo is from your own closet in the clothes that you wear," she said. Clothes that look good on you can look great in your house — and make you look good in your home, too, she said.

If your closet doesn't offer much inspiration, Mari suggests looking to favorite vacation spots or outdoor spaces instead. Though she gravitates toward natural colors, she said the shades you choose should ultimately make you feel most at ease in your home.

She skips synthetic materials in favor of natural ones that develop character over time.

When choosing materials for a kitchen, Mari opts for stone and wood over synthetic alternatives.

"Natural materials, although they might be a little bit more sensitive, wear better," Mari told BI.

She added that these surfaces can develop a patina over time, giving them more character as they age. On the other hand, manufactured materials don't tend to wear in the same way.

Countertops aren't an area where she'd skimp.

For this designer, high-quality countertops are worth investing in.

"If you're going for an elevated and high-end look in the kitchen, I suggest choosing the nicest natural stone that you can afford," she told BI.

Quartzite is one of her favorites for its strength and durability, and she also likes marble. She suggests visiting a stoneyard, choosing a stone that speaks to you, and designing the rest of the kitchen around it.

You also won't find her opting for the cheapest appliances.

The designer said she often sees clients dealing with lower-priced appliances breaking or arriving damaged, which is why she recommends investing in quality when possible.

"Do your research and get the best ones that you can afford," she said.

For a higher-end look, the designer prefers to conceal appliances with panel-ready options integrated into the cabinetry. She also said retro-inspired styles are a more aesthetically pleasing alternative if integrated appliances aren't an option.

Too much overhead lighting can make a kitchen feel less cozy.

According to Mari, it is absolutely possible to have too much lighting in a kitchen.

She avoids track lighting and recessed lights, which can give off way too much light and make a kitchen feel more like an operating room, she said.

Instead, the designer prefers wall-mounted sconces, small lamps, or other forms of task lighting to provide "a warm and cozy vibe."

In addition, Mari recommends installing dimmer switches whenever possible to help set the mood and give you more control over the amount of light in the space.

Lastly, you won't see her jumping on kitchen trends unless they truly fit her vibe and needs.

There's nothing wrong with following the latest design trends, like colorful lighting strips under cabinets or mosaic-tile backsplashes, as long as you truly like them and they work for you.

"Every space is unique, and every family is different, and the best kitchen is the one that functions best for your needs," Mari said.

For her, designing a kitchen is about personalizing the space to fit each client's needs and lifestyle rather than following a trend simply because it's popular.

If she is going to hop on a trend in her kitchen, it's going to be because it suits her tastes and her lifestyle.

• Harvard's endowment returned a five-year high of 27.1% in the 12 months to June 30, besting the S&P 500.
• The Ivy League college counted a $2.2 billion SpaceX stake as its top Q2 portfolio holding by far.
• Harvard's endowment grew to almost $68 billion after accounting for taxes, gifts, and distributions.

Harvard University delivered its best investment return in five years as its bet on SpaceX boosted its stock portfolio.

The elite college's endowment returned 27.1% in the fiscal year ended June 30, its annual financial report revealed on Thursday. That comfortably outpaced the benchmark S&P 500's 22.3% total return over the same period.

After accounting for taxes, distributions, and gifts, Harvard's endowment grew by $11 billion to nearly $68 billion.

Harvard Management Company's stake in Elon Musk's maker of Starship rockets, Starlink satellites, and AI chatbot Grok was worth $2.2 billion at the end of June, per its second-quarter portfolio disclosure.

SpaceX was its number-one holding, more than six times more valuable than its second-biggest position, a sub-$350 million stake in Taiwan Semiconductor.

Its next-largest positions — each worth over $150 million — were Cerebras, Amazon, Alphabet, and Nvidia. Its 19 holdings at the end of June were together worth about $4.3 billion, more than double the portfolio's $1.8 billion value three months earlier.

Harvard said the strong performance of its endowment, which is nearly 400 years old and comprises about 15,000 individual funds, helped it weather the "abrupt termination of federal research grants" by the Trump administration.

It's worth noting that 13-F portfolio disclosures are a snapshot of a fund's US stock holdings on a certain date. They don't include foreign-listed stocks, non-stock assets like bonds or real estate, private investments, or stocks sold short.

Harvard said that as of June 30, 14% of its endowment was invested in public equities, 29% in hedge funds, 46% in private equity, 4% in real estate, and the balance elsewhere.

Harvard declined to comment when contacted by Business Insider.

SpaceX's valuation has whipsawed since the aerospace company went public on June 12. Its market capitalization topped $2.4 trillion on June 20, then tanked to $1.4 trillion by August 1, and has since rallied to around $2 trillion.

Musk's company posted a 92% year-on-year revenue jump for the quarter ended June, helping narrow its net loss from $1 billion to $541 million.

The world's richest man recently posted on X that he sees a path for SpaceX to be worth "orders of magnitude more than the current Earth economy," implying its stock could rise at least 6,000-fold to $12 quadrillion over time.

He later clarified that wasn't a "statement of extreme confidence," but he believes the probability of achieving that valuation is "not zero." On October 14, he said he expects SpaceX to be worth more than $100 trillion in the next 10 years.

Harvard is one of several shareholders to reveal a sizable stake in SpaceX. Google parent Alphabet reported a roughly 4% stake valued at $94 billion as of the end of June. Longtime Musk associate Peter Thiel disclosed a 3.2% position worth $73 billion held by his Founders Fund and related entities. AI chipmaker Nvidia has a $21 billion stake.

• Our friendship developed during years when our lives looked very similar.
• When I took a divergent path, and she didn't understand, I thought I would lose her.
• The challenge of our differences brought us to a place of more honesty, deepening our connection.

When I told my best friend I was quitting my Wall Street legal career to spend a year camping and exploring the American West, she looked at me aghast and said, "You're joking, right?"

Her response wasn't surprising. I hadn't exactly been honest with her, or myself, about how much I longed for a very different life than the one I was living.

At the time, we were 34 years old, and during the prior 16 years of friendship, our lives had run parallel tracks, studying business in college, then pursuing demanding careers in East Coast cities. While we'd seen each other through heartbreaks and upheavals, this was more than that. This was a significant detour, and as she looked at me, her face flush with confusion, I wasn't sure the detour was something our friendship would survive.

For years, our lives aligned

Erin and I met freshman year in college as scholarship runners on a highly competitive Division I Track Team. While our four years there weren't exactly conducive to honesty or vulnerability, it bonded us in a deep way.

After graduation, we shifted our attention and drive toward corporate careers, supporting each other in these often-stressful pursuits. With our finances closely aligned, we traveled, dined, and indulged at the spa together. More than that, during those years, Erin became my anchor. She's the one I called in the middle of the night when the man I thought I was going to marry walked out, and the one who made me laugh harder than anyone else, especially amid life's disappointments.

Yet, by our early 30s, we'd only ever let ourselves be so vulnerable with each other. While I often shared my frustrations with the strain of my career, I never talked about alternatives, especially one as drastic as quitting to camp and live out of a used car.

I worried that taking a different path would end our friendship

When I decided to quit and plunge toward a very different life, Erin wasn't the only person who questioned this choice, but she was the most important. Plus, now living off my savings, I could no longer afford many activities at the center of our friendship.

When Erin came to help pack up my apartment, she continued to express skepticism about my plan to live for a while without a plan. Thinking about the infinity symbol when we said goodbye, I wasn't sure we'd ever meet back at the center.

To my surprise, she showed up for me in unexpected ways

During the early days of my trip, Erin began asking for updates on how it was going, and I began sharing details. The first night I camped alone, I sent her a photo of my tent overlooking the Colorado River and confessed how scared I was, because despite my plans to spend a year camping, I'd never actually camped by myself before that night. She responded with the same enthusiasm and encouragement that had buoyed me for years.

These conversations continued over the months that followed. When poor planning on a trail run landed me in a stranger's car for the night, she was the one I called to recount the tale and laugh over my mistakes. And on her birthday, I sent her a celebratory photograph from a 14,000-foot peak. It wasn't that she still had questions about what, exactly, I was doing with my life; it was that, at some point, she let go of her hesitations and began trying to understand my motivations.

This culminated with her request to join me for a backpacking trip — something she'd never done. We spent two nights in Arizona's Superstition Mountains, where my ease in the wilderness clashed with her tentativeness. And though we had fun, when she questioned whether I understood how to read a map as we searched for a water source, I was sure I'd never do something like that with her again.

Of course, I did, many times over, because through the friction, this truth surfaced: We'd always been very different people, and now, we were just living in those differences. The challenge of that, and her willingness to embrace it, brought us closer than ever.

Over the years, as I became more honest about who I was, she, too, became more honest about who she was. A decade later, our lives still look very different, and still, Erin is my anchor.

• Ukraine's access to military-grade Starlink services was suddenly disrupted this week.
• Kyiv said the disruption affected critical Ukrainian drone operations.
• Ukrainians say the incident exposes the risks of relying so heavily on a single communications platform.

The sudden disruption to Ukraine's access to military-grade Starlink services this week shows the risks of overly relying on any single platform, particularly one beyond Kyiv's control, for mission-critical battlefield communications, Ukrainian soldiers, officials, and defense companies told Business Insider.

With those risks front of mind, Ukrainians are working to diversify military-related communications platforms beyond Starlink.

Ukrainian officials and soldiers were surprised on Wednesday by an unexpected disruption to Starshield, SpaceX's dedicated satellite network for military services. Defense ministry sources said speeds were restricted above 100 miles per hour, though some units experienced a loss of connectivity at speeds as low as 45 mph.

Services appeared to have been at least partially restored by Thursday. The full extent of the disruption remains unclear, but the incident has left some Ukrainians feeling uneasy.

Yehor Cherniev, deputy chairman of the Ukrainian parliament's national security, defense, and intelligence committee, told Business Insider that the disruption underscores the risks of relying on a single communications platform. He said Kyiv is working to diversify its sources, but declined to specify how.

Yuriy, an officer with Ukraine's National Guard, told Business Insider that his units use Starshield to support drone operations, and several missions were spoiled during the disruption. He asked to be identified only by his first name for security purposes.

Yuriy said that while Starlink services are useful, the disruption exposes their unreliability. He said he would try to find alternate communications systems.

Alternatives to Starlink could be hard to find, though. Eutelsat, a large French satellite operator, saw its shares surge after this week's disruption, but Ukrainians say there is nothing else quite like what SpaceX offers.

"There is no working alternative to Starlink," said Dimko Zhluktenko, a soldier with Ukraine's 413th Unmanned Systems Regiment, calling it "an outstanding product."

"No direct competitor comes close," he told Business Insider, adding that "Europe has nothing comparable at this level of battlefield readiness."

SpaceX did not respond to requests for comment from Business Insider this week.

Ukraine relies on Starlink for battlefield communications and drone warfare, a dependence that was underscored by the disruption. Defense ministry sources said the disruption complicated important drone operations, including mid-range strikes, air defense intercepts, and front-line logistics.

Ukraine uses both Starshield and Starlink, SpaceX's commercial satellite internet service, to extend the reach of its drones, maintain stable communications in electronically contested environments, and conduct remote operations far beyond the front lines.

Satellite connections allow operators to control drones and receive live video without relying on traditional radio links, which have limited ranges and are much more vulnerable to electronic warfare interference.

The tech has been integrated into systems such as Perennial Autonomy's Hornet drones, as well as Ukrainian naval drones used to strike Russian targets in the Black Sea, among others.

Many Ukrainian defense companies have integrated Starlink services into their broader infrastructure, even if their products don't necessarily depend on it for operations.

Some firms, such as SkyFall, maker of the widely used P1-SUN interceptor drone, told Business Insider that they have developed their own communication methods or use alternative systems to avoid scenarios where a single technology outside Ukrainian control could become a significant point of failure, as it did this week.

"Depending on a single solution is very risky. Especially if you don't have full control over it," a spokesperson for Wild Hornets, the firm behind the popular Sting interceptor drone, told Business Insider. "Especially when it comes to something as critical on the battlefield as communications."

The spokesperson said this is "exactly why our ecosystem is built around our own communications technology and is open to various solutions when it comes to internet connectivity."

For anyone working with technologies that are dominated by a single provider, the risks are clear, said the head of hardware research and development at BlueBird Tech, a defense firm that makes drones and robots. They told Business Insider that Starlink has virtually no competitors because of its coverage, cost, availability, and ease of use.

BlueBird Tech uses Starlink services but is trying to avoid tying its products completely to any single technology. "We're actively exploring ways to introduce redundancy and potentially replace these components in the future," they said, speaking anonymously due to security concerns.

They said that potential workarounds include LTE or 5G technology, mesh networks with relay points, and laser communications. "Research teams around the world are working on these technologies," they said, "although none of them should be seen as a universal replacement for Starlink across every operational scenario."

When the disruption first occurred on Wednesday, some Ukrainian and foreign officials initially blamed SpaceX, led by Elon Musk. However, the world's richest man said on X on Wednesday that because Starshield is operated by the US government, any limits on speed would be a decision for the Pentagon or President Donald Trump.

A senior US official told Business Insider on Thursday that "no such request was ever made by" Trump. Reuters reported that the order came from inside the White House.

Starlink has delivered Kyiv an important battlefield advantage, especially since SpaceX cracked down on Moscow's ability to use the terminals earlier this year. The system, however, does not work in Russia, so Ukraine is limited to using its services over its own territory and Russian-occupied lands.

Ukraine has been unable to use Starlink for its long-range drone strikes that have wreaked havoc on Russian energy sites. Trump has pushed Kyiv to stop its attacks as he attempts to use Russian oil to lower gas prices.

Ukraine has found itself facing mounting pressure from the US, once a top supporter, as it continues to grapple with Russian missile and drone strikes amid severe shortages of critical air defense interceptors. The Starlink outage has only compounded Kyiv's anxieties as it anticipates yet another tough winter.

"Starlink is a major card on the battlefield," Zhluktenko said. "You can fight without it — even successfully — as the Russians show, but less effectively, at higher cost, and with constant communication headaches, above all for unmanned systems."

• I've lived in Texas for many years, and Fredericksburg is one of my favorite places to visit.
• Fredericksburg has incredible wineries, and I like that it isn't too far from Austin or San Antonio.
• The small city has a charming, walkable Main Street with some great shops and restaurants.

After more than 15 years of driving between San Antonio and Austin as a longtime Texas local, I've found my favorite detour: Fredericksburg.

Part of the scenic Texas Hill Country, it's a walkable city with German roots, popular for its array of wineries, boutique hotels, and lively downtown.

Although I love Austin and San Antonio, Fredericksburg provides a small-town feel that the aforementioned cities — with populations close to a million each — could never quite achieve.

In my opinion, Fredericksburg's small population of about 12,000 people only lends to its charm. It's a great break from bigger Texas cities, as it's less than a two-hour drive from Austin or San Antonio.

Here are a few reasons I visit Fredericksburg twice a year and highly recommend it as a travel destination.

In this area, wine is a huge draw

Fredericksburg is situated in the heart of Texas wine country, so visiting without enjoying one of its many wineries is like a crime in Texas. (Another crime? Dry brisket.)

In Fredericksburg, you can either stop by a multitude of tasting rooms on Main Street or drive out past a ranch or two to find Tuscan-style wineries hidden in plain sight.

One of my favorite wineries is Augusta Vin Winery — and it's worth the extra drive. I always enjoy sipping reds in the spacious tasting room, with large open windows perfect for taking in the Texas sunshine.

A few other wineries worth visiting in Fredericksburg include the Rhinory for the unique experience of drinking at a rhino reserve, Slate Theory for a touch of modernity, and Grape Creek Vineyards or Barons Creek for classic experiences with beautiful views.

There's no shortage of great places to grab a meal in Fredericksburg

Consider leaning into the city's German heritage at The Auslander, one of the many locally owned restaurants on Main Street. Reminiscent of a classic Bavarian beer hall, it has beer, a whole section of schnitzel entrées, sausage plates, and German sandwiches.

For a guest more partial to upscale fare, try The Restaurant at Albert Hotel. It's fairly new and a great place for date night.

Led by Michelin-starred chef Michael Fojtasek, The Restaurant pays homage to seasonal Texas Hill Country-inspired cuisine with fresh local ingredients (like peaches) and spins on German dishes.

For good Texas barbecue, stop by Junebug's BBQ. Its menu is filled with smoked meats — the pulled pork is especially impressive — and all the fixings.

Other notable local bites include Vaudeville's famous gumbo that's only available on Saturdays, Otto's decadent cinnamon rolls, and Alstadt Brewery's ice-cold beer and tasty Reuben sandwiches.

Main Street is also home to several nice coffee shops — and the Old West-themed Java Ranch is my go-to for a perfect iced latte. I also suggest checking out Kaffee Haus and Caliche Coffee and Roasters.

Lastly, if you want to visit an Instagram-worthy spot with lots of bubbly, head down Main Street to the all-pink paradise that is Brooke's Bubble Bar. It's a very cute place to snap photos and enjoy a drink.

There's so much to do and try here, and I know I'll keep coming back

I often switch up which vineyards, cafés, and eateries I visit, and Fredericksburg's variety of accommodations makes it easy to change up where I stay, too.

I can sleep in one of several boutique hotels, go for a more rustic stay at the Onera treehouse resort near Main Street, or enjoy a cozy guest cabin at Cross Mountain Vineyards.

Hotels and eateries aside, Main Street also has tons of art galleries, antique shops, clothing boutiques, jewelry stores, and more.

I appreciate that I can spend a whole day exploring downtown without ever moving my car. (Plus, I've always been able to find ample free parking on Main Street).

If you want to enjoy a big Texas city, check out Austin or even San Antonio. However, if you're looking for a quieter alternative with a small-town feel, Fredericksburg is a great choice.

After each visit, I know I'll be back soon.

This story was originally published on September 30, 2025, and most recently updated on October 16, 2026.

• I'm in my 60s and I'm enjoying life more than I did in my 20s.
• At this point in my life, I'm more confident in my fashion choices and friendships.
• Plus, I've finally stopped questioning whether I'm where I'm "supposed to be" in life.

At 62, my life looks almost nothing like the one my 20-year-old self pictured. It's better.

Sure, I'm divorced and don't have grandchildren, but I have adult children I adore and friendships with decades of history. Plus, I'm doing something I never imagined: building a career on social media.

Every day, I talk to over 200,000 followers on TikTok and 135,000 on Instagram about hope, finding your purpose, and remembering that life doesn't have an expiration date.

At an age when many people are winding down, I seem to just be getting started. And I wouldn't change a thing.

I dress for myself, not my age

I've always loved fashion, from jeans and flip-flops to high heels and designer gowns. But these days, I have more confidence in my choices and a lot less interest in anyone else's opinion of them.

When I look at clothes, I don't see an age requirement. I see something I either love or don't.

Whether it's a bold print, an unexpected silhouette, or a statement piece, my decision on what to wear comes down to how it looks and feels on me, not how old I am. Fashion has always been a form of self-expression for me, and getting older hasn't changed that.

I don't think women should have to trade their sense of style for something more "age-appropriate" every time they celebrate another birthday.

Plus, my goal isn't to look 30. It's to make 30-year-olds excited to turn 60. After all, why would I want to turn back the clock? I've spent six decades learning who I am. I wouldn't trade that wisdom just to have younger-looking skin.

My friendships don't require me to be anyone but myself

One of the most beautiful parts of getting older is having friendships that have stood the test of time. There's something special about sitting across from someone who knows the chapters of your life you'd rather forget and realizing you have absolutely nothing to prove.

My friends and I have stood by one another through divorces, financial struggles, challenges with our children, and some of life's most difficult moments.

But we've also shared incredible joy, deepened our connections, and celebrated the love, wisdom, and experiences that make growing older such a gift.

In my 20s, I was still figuring out who I was. Now, there's no pressure to perform, impress, or constantly please the people closest to me.

We don't take everything personally, either. If someone is busy or life gets complicated, we understand. We know that a friendship isn't measured by how often you see each other.

That kind of freedom doesn't happen overnight. It's built through years of showing up, forgiving, laughing, and sometimes simply giving each other grace.

I've stopped questioning whether I'm where I'm supposed to be

When I was younger, I spent so much time wondering whether I was on the right path. I had a very specific picture of what my life should look like, and when things didn't go according to plan, I questioned myself.

At 62, I can look back and see that even the experiences I never would have chosen were my greatest gifts of all. Every path is the right path.

Loss taught me gratitude. Starting over taught me courage. Being told I wasn't enough taught me to recognize my own worth. And through it all, I've developed a resilience that allows me to face whatever life brings with confidence and hope.

And perhaps that's the biggest difference between 22 and 62: I know that my life is happening for me, not to me.

I spent so much of my younger years thinking about what my life would become. Now I'm actually living it, and I still have so much I want to do.

I know aging is inevitable. But spending decades dreading it isn't.

Apple is turning up to the foldable smartphone game fashionably late, and fans of the brand are excited as iPhone Duo preorders are now live. Learn how to secure your device now, before stock dwindles and ship dates are pushed further.

The iPhone Duo combines a compact outer display with a larger foldable screen inside, giving you more room when you need it without making the phone feel obtuse all the time. It also brings Apple's latest performance and camera upgrades, making it a more flexible option for everyday use. For iOS fans who use their smartphone for everything, it's a long-awaited upgrade.

If you're already sold on Apple's first foldable, I'll break down how to preorder the iPhone Duo, where it'll be available, and the carrier and trade-in deals worth checking before you buy, below.

How to buy the iPhone Duo

To secure your iPhone Duo order, just head to your carrier of choice (like Verizon or T-Mobile), add your preferred color and size to your cart, then proceed to checkout.

What's new in the iPhone Duo

The iPhone Duo is a precedent-setting device, Apple's first-ever foldable. Since this is the very first generation, it makes no improvements over earlier versions. Instead, it starts with the tech Apple has been perfecting over the years while hopefully learning from the competition. Here are some of the most exciting features to come:

• Foldable dual-screen design: The iPhone Duo has a 5.4-inch outer display for normal phone use and opens into a much larger 7.6-inch inner display. Both screens support ProMotion, Always-On display, and up to 3,000 nits of outdoor brightness.
• Space for multitasking: The larger inner screen lets you run two apps side by side with Split View, open two windows of the same app, save app pairs, and quickly switch between apps. It's Apple's biggest step into "tablet" performance territory for the smartphone.
• A20 Pro performance: It uses the same A20 Pro chip found in the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, along with a vapor-chamber cooling system designed to maintain steady performance during gaming, multitasking, and AI-heavy tasks. In our tests, we've already found it to be a powerful and effective setup.
• 48MP dual-camera system: The Duo has a 48MP main camera with 2x optical-quality zoom and a 48MP Ultra Wide camera that also handles macro photography. Its folding design also lets you use the rear cameras for higher-quality selfies while previewing the shot on the outside screen.
• New foldable camera tricks: Features like Duo Preview show your subject what the camera sees on the outer screen, while the phone can be partially folded and propped up for hands-free photos, videos, and FaceTime calls.
• Dual-battery design: Apple put a battery in each half of the phone. It advertises up to 31 hours of video playback with the inner display and up to 44 hours with the outer display.
• iOS 27 designed for folding: The software automatically rearranges itself depending on whether the phone is open, closed, rotated, or partially folded. StandBy also works on either display, even when the phone isn't charging.
• Siri AI and Apple Intelligence: The Duo supports Apple's new Siri AI, which can use personal context and onscreen awareness to answer questions and perform actions. The larger display also lets you keep Siri open alongside another app.
• Apple Pencil support: Finally, the Apple Pencil with USB-C will work with both Duo displays later this year, giving the foldable more tablet-like functionality for notes, sketches, and document markup. Wireless charging Apple Pencils aren't compatible.
• Touch ID, instead of relying solely on Face ID: Touch ID is built into the side button, making it easy to unlock the Duo whether it's open or closed. It's the return of a beloved feature for many old iPhone users.
• Premium foldable construction: The phone features grade 5 titanium, a precision hinge that keeps the inner display flat, and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. It comes in star white and night sky.

When will the iPhone Duo release?

The iPhone Duo will start shipping out to shoppers starting on Friday, October 23. As of now, all purchases are preorders and will be fulfilled on or after that date.

Even though there's a week between release and preorder, stock is very limited for the coveted new foldable. I recommend ordering as soon as possible to prevent your phone's shipping date from getting delayed any further.

Preorder your device now at Verizon or T-Mobile.

See also: iPhone 18 Pro deals | Verizon iPhone 18 bundle deals

Follow our WhatsApp channel on mobile for more buying guides, deals, and reviews.

• Elon Musk unveiled Tesla's flying, thrust-powered Roadster with a jaw-dropping demo.
• Tesla fans about to shell out as much as $250,000 to reserve it should probably read the fine print.
• Tesla said it can't guarantee the Roadster will be delivered, and it's unclear if the rocket-powered version is street-legal.

Where Tesla's going, you might not need roads — but you still need to read the terms and conditions.

Tesla's thruster-powered, midair flip-kicking, flying supercar was a wow moment even by the standards of the company's famously off-the-rails product unveilings.

But Tesla fans lining up to pay as much as $250,000 to reserve the new Roadster, which can do 0-60 mph in under a second thanks to a system of cold-gas thrusters, should probably take a close look at the fine print.

The company's T&Cs make it clear that the final price of the bleeding-edge EV — which comes in Performance, Thrust, and Rocket variants — has yet to be determined and state that there are no guarantees the Roadster will ever be delivered.

Meanwhile, it is unclear whether the two thruster-powered versions of the Roadster will actually be road-legal.

After combing through the Roadster's reservation agreement and Musk's comments at its unveiling, here's what you should know before splashing out on Tesla's most outlandish vehicle yet.

1. It's not clear where you can actually drive it

As the dust cleared on the jaw-dropping Roadster showcase, one key question remained unanswered: where exactly will you be able to drive it?

At the event, Musk said the cold air thruster-powered flying Roadster would be an actual "car that someone can own," not just a one-off concept demonstration.

But the Tesla CEO added that he was "not sure it's necessarily legal in all jurisdictions," and when an audience member asked if it would be street-legal, Musk was vague.

"Depends on your street. But it'll be a viable car," the billionaire said.

The flying Rocket variant shown in the demo is invite-only. It's listed on Tesla's website with the caveat that it is "not approved for public road use."

The gravity-defying stunts, flips, and barrel rolls shown off at Thursday's unveiling were performed without a driver in the car for safety reasons, and Musk described the vehicle as "not necessarily a safety-optimized car."

One thing that has been clarified is whether the Roadster's airborne capabilities make it an aircraft: "The Tesla vehicle does not meet the FAA's definition of an aircraft," a Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson told Business Insider.

By contrast, Tesla describes the Performance variant — which costs $50,000 to reserve — as "road ready" with its fan-suction system providing "next-level performance on and off the track." That suggests the goal is for the base version of the Roadster, at least, to be road-legal.

The limited-edition Thrust variant, meanwhile, is described as "race ready," implying that this version might be exclusively for driving on race tracks. That would not be unusual for a high-end hypercar, with Ferrari, Pagani, and Bugatti all selling track-only supercars that don't adhere to normal vehicle regulations.

A spokesperson for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration told Business Insider that it would "monitor the situation."

"While the vehicle may appear to defy the laws of physics, the manufacturer must ensure that it does not defy applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and drivers must obey all local traffic laws," the spokesperson said.

2. It could cost more than you signed up for

Shelling out up to $250,000 for a Roadster reservation by no means guarantees that you will get one at that price.

According to the terms and conditions of Tesla's Roadster reservation agreement, the fees for the Performance and Thrust variants are only an estimate, as the company is still "working on what options, features and hardware the vehicle will have."

The final purchase price will be confirmed closer to the start of production, the document said, with the (fully refundable) reservation payment going toward the actual cost of the car.

3. Delivery is not guaranteed

The T&Cs also advise reservation holders that the Roadster is still "under development" and Tesla "cannot guarantee when your vehicle will actually be delivered or if it will be delivered."

This will likely bring back bad memories for Tesla fans who paid $50,000 to reserve the next-generation Roadster when it was first unveiled in 2017.

That version of the Roadster, a more conventional supercar that could still hit 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds, languished in development for years and ultimately never entered production.

The delay caused some long-suffering reservation holders like Musk's arch-rival, Sam Altman, and tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee, to cancel their orders in frustration after waiting nearly a decade for a car that never arrived.

Tesla fans will be hoping that history doesn't repeat itself.

Additional reporting from Aditi Bharade.

Editor's note: October 16, 2026 — This story was updated to include comments from the FAA and NHTSA.

• Valerie Cherry was thrilled when her first grandchild was born. She wanted to be a hands-on grandma.
• The mom-of-one yearned to be closer to the young family but was reluctant to leave her hometown.
• With 1,000 miles between them, she found a "middle ground" by renting nearby for half of the year.

This story is based on an interview with Valerie Cherry, 68, a clinical psychologist from Tampa, Florida. It has been edited for length and clarity.

My husband, Glenn, 68, and I were delighted when our first grandchild — a little girl —was born four years ago.

Our son, Jamal, is an only child, and we are a very close-knit family.

We rushed from our home in Tampa to help him and our daughter-in-law, Sierra, who had settled 1,000 miles away in Houston, with the demands of a baby.

Our trips lasted between a month and six weeks, and there was a lot of to-ing and fro-ing between the two cities.

We'd either stay with the family or rent Airbnbs to give everyone a bit of space.

It felt great to be hands-on and useful, especially because Jamal and Sierra work very hard in finance and forensic psychology, respectively.

Back home in Florida, though, we lived life to the full in our gated, suburban community. Glenn, a relief veterinarian, and I had meaningful friendships there.

We knew lots of people, particularly fellow alumni from our colleges in Georgia. There was always something going on, like book clubs and fundraising activities.

Then our grandson was born two years ago. We continued our long visits to care for him and his sister, flying between the two cities.

We started to look at places in Houston

Soon after his birth, Jamal and Sierra approached us about what it felt like when we weren't there. They were a bit nervous and wanted to know whether we'd consider moving close by.

We were torn. As much as we wanted to be with our grandchildren, we valued our time in Tampa. Still, we started to look at places in Houston.

The trouble was that if we were to purchase something in Houston, it would have had to be in the suburbs. Traffic is terrible, so it would have been around a 40-minute drive to my son's.

Another factor was that we didn't want to be tied down by taxes, insurance, and all of that in Texas because we didn't want to give up our home in Tampa.

I Googled other options and came across a building called Landing right in downtown, a little over 10 minutes from the family.

It was different from other arrangements because you could stay there for as long or as short a period as you liked.

We paid a membership fee and secured a two-bedroom apartment that was already furnished. The only things we brought were a couple of pots for the kitchen.

We found a middle ground

It now works out that we spend around seven months a year in Houston and five in Florida. However, the 4,800-square-foot house in Tampa is classified as our main residence.

The apartment is much smaller at 1,600 square feet, but we like it very much. There are two swimming pools in the building, playrooms, and a basketball court.

I feel like we have found a middle ground. We can spend quality time with our grandkids, especially when their parents are on a date or away for the weekend.

We're busy planning for Halloween this year as it's a big thing for us all.

We haven't lost our identity as grandparents

Meanwhile, if one of the children gets a fever at day care or school, Glenn or I can pick them up. It's an extra pair of hands.

We haven't lost our identity now that we're known as Nana and Papa. We regularly fly back and forth to Florida to enjoy the company of longtime friends.

Our neighbors keep an eye on the house while we're away, too. It's reassuring.

I know we're privileged to be in this position, but it really is the best of both worlds.

• Musk described his plans for the Tesla Roadster during a 2019 exchange with YouTuber MKBHD.
• On Thursday, the Roadster did exactly as Musk promised nearly eight years ago, leaping into the air.
• While Musk missed his own deadline by years, the technology on display was just as he described it.

It's been a long time coming.

Almost eight years ago, in January 2019, Elon Musk shared plans on Twitter for Tesla's Roadster to lift off using cold-gas thrusters and ultra-high-pressure air. On Thursday, the much-anticipated Roadster did exactly that.

Musk's 2019 assertion came in response to a user sharing a GIF of the DeLorean from "Back to the Future" hovering in midair.

"The new Roadster will actually do something like this," he wrote. Tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee responded: "The thing is I feel like you’re not joking."

"I'm not," Musk said.

He then described a SpaceX-made cold-gas thruster system that uses high-pressure air stored in a composite pressure vessel.

At a SpaceX test site in Texas on Thursday, almost 8 years later, a Roadster climbed a curved ramp, dropped, rolled through the air and landed on its wheels. It used the same basic technology: cold-gas thrusters fed by high-pressure air stored in composite pressure vessels.

The 2019 exchange was not Musk’s first mention of thrusters. In June 2018, he said the Roadster would include roughly 10 of them and suggested they might allow the car to fly.

When another user proposed compressed-air cold-gas thrusters, Musk said that configuration made sense and described a pump to replenish the air.

Musk's account of the technology has proved more consistent than his production timetable. Tesla unveiled plans for the second-generation Roadster in 2017 and originally targeted production for 2020. After repeated delays, Musk said in the reveal that production will begin in 2028.

The Roadster is not Tesla’s only vehicle to miss an ambitious release target. When Musk unveiled the Cybertruck in 2019, he said Tesla expected production to begin in late 2021. The first customer deliveries took place two years later, in November 2023.

While Musk has missed plenty of deadlines, many of his more improbable technology plans have made it beyond the drawing board. In December 2020, he said SpaceX would try to catch a returning Super Heavy booster with its launch tower.

Nearly four years later, the tower’s mechanical "chopsticks" caught one for the first time.

Musk has a habit of promising the improbable well before it is ready, but eventually, the improbable part arrives.

• Khaby Lame's splashy $975 million deal is still on ice nine months after it was announced.
• Lame's plan to merge his business with a publicly traded firm was celebrated by creator economy insiders.
• The public company's stock price has fallen 99% since its January high.

A new financial filing provides fresh details — and more questions — about a mysterious $975 million deal struck by TikTok's top star, Khaby Lame.

On January 9, Lame — who has over 160 million followers — entered into an agreement that would theoretically net him a major payday and take his company public. The mechanism: a merger with the publicly traded Rich Sparkle Holdings, a financial printing firm based in Hong Kong.

Then, in late January, Lame went silent on the merger. Now, we have an update: the deal is still on ice. A Rich Sparkle financial filing on September 30, its first since March, described the deal as conditional on a due diligence process, a minimum valuation of Lame's company, and stock exchange approval. That's the same language that has appeared in previous filings.

While the deal has been in limbo, Rich Sparkle's stock has plummeted 99% from its peak. In the wake of the announcement of the deal with Lame's company in January, the stock shot up to a high of about $180. On Thursday, it closed at $1.93. Several prominent brokerages had restricted or blocked trading in the stock, Business Insider exclusively reported in April.

The original deal announcement was celebrated throughout the creator economy, since such rich valuations are rare among influencer-founded companies, and it would give everyday investors an unusual opportunity to directly bet on a creator. The high profile of Lame, a Senegalese-Italian creator who rose to fame from dialogue-free comedy videos, means the outcome of the deal could impact how investors assess the viability of backing businesses centered on individual creators.

The January deal terms promised Lame's company 75 million shares, which would be worth about $145 million at Thursday's closing share price. The initial agreement had valued that stake at $975 million.

Rich Sparkle and Lame did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

At the time of the original announcement, Rich Sparkle said that it planned to create an AI avatar of Lame to do brand deals and sell products on social media. It projected this business could drive more than $4 billion in annual product sales.

An unusual stock detail

The new filing contains another intriguing detail: Rich Sparkle issued nearly $39 million in stock to its staff as part of their compensation during the six months ended March 31, resulting in an operating loss of almost $40 million. In the year-earlier period, it issued no share-based compensation.

This new share issuance means some employees could have benefited from the stock's massive spike following the Lame deal announcement. The filing doesn't indicate which staffers received shares or exactly when they got them within that six-month period.

Paul Nary, a management professor at Wharton, said the size of the share issuance was unusual relative to the company's valuation and revenue.

If the deal is in motion, we haven't heard a peep from Lame, who removed Rich Sparkle's stock ticker, ANPA, from his social-media bios in late January. The content creator continues to post for brands, recently making a cameo in the James Bond-inspired video game "007 First Light," signing on as a brand ambassador for travel eSIM company Holafly, and promoting the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

• The battle for voters in the 2026 midterm elections is playing out on the TikTok For You Page.
• One in four Americans say creator content has influenced who they voted for.
• Political candidates are scrambling to connect with more creators in order to reach voters.

Content creators are influencing much more than our coffee orders and skincare routines.

About one in four Americans (26%) say influencer content has affected who they've voted for, according to a survey of around 2,000 US adults conducted by Morning Consult in September, commissioned by Business Insider.

Creator content is an "underestimated avenue" for political campaigns, said Nicole Dunger, a founding partner at the marketing firm People First, which works with candidates and advocacy groups on their creator strategies. "It is a real player and a big player in this space now."

If 2024 was the podcast election, 2026 is shaping up to be the influencer one. Instagram and TikTok creators have joined Fox News hosts and personalities like Joe Rogan as go-to sources of information for voters.

Influencers like Jake Paul and Hasan Piker have emerged as main characters in politics this year.

Paul recently joined President Donald Trump in Ohio for a midterm rally, posting TikTok clips of his Air Force One flight. Piker, meanwhile, has become a campaign ally for progressives like Michigan's Abdul El-Sayed and a negative talking point for Fox News commentators.

As online attention has become a key asset in politics, influencers are helping candidates break through the noise.

A little over half of US adults (56%) told Morning Consult that creator content had affected their views on political or social issues to some degree. That figure jumped among Gen Z respondents, where close to three in four respondents said their views had been swayed by influencer posts.

For campaigns, the challenge is identifying the right creators to work with, particularly when many influencers don't regularly talk about politics.

"You have to have your base of people, your core supporters, and then you have to have a broader cultural space of people who don't always talk about politics," said Parker Butler, a managing partner at the digital strategy firm Luminary Strategies, which works on social strategy with Democratic candidates like James Talarico. "It's worth having different pockets of creators for different purposes."

Reaching creators with smaller followings than Piker (about 3 million Twitch followers), or Paul (around 21 million YouTube subscribers) is a focus in 2026, Butler said.

He said the goal is to shift the creator outreach strategy from "this person has a million followers" to identifying influencers who work in a particular niche a campaign is trying to reach.

Political chatter is moving from TV to YouTube

More and more, political discussions are playing out on digital platforms, whether that's podcasts, YouTube videos, or Twitch streams.

YouTube was the top source for political and election news among US adults in September, narrowly beating out TV, print, and X (formerly Twitter), according to a survey from Syracuse University.

About one in five Democrats and Republicans said podcast appearances could make them "more likely to support a candidate," according to a July through August survey of likely midterm voters from the podcast industry group Sounds Profitable. A smaller share of Independents (11%) said podcasts could make them more likely to back a candidate.

While campaigns see attention moving online, they're still spending the bulk of their ad budgets on TV.

Part of that may be because they're accustomed to buying TV spots. They're also reckoning with the fact that influencer marketing is harder to predict and measure, particularly as social-media feeds become more personalized and algorithmically driven.

"It can be very challenging, but you see the results in the end," Dunger said. "It's the same with door knocking. We know door knocking somehow works and has worked for so long, but it's not like we have those direct measurements."

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

The future of AI might rely on getting your Slack DMs.

It's not just your DMs, to be clear. It's internal memos, transaction records, contracts, and even that onboarding guide you probably didn't read when you started your job.

Basically, if it's work-related and has been documented, AI companies are interested. The rationale is straightforward: If AI tools are going to automate work, they need a deep understanding of what the work is.

BI did a deep dive on AI companies' race to scoop up as much data as possible in its series "The AI Data Grab."

BI's Charles Rollet, Tom Carter, and Stephen Council first unpacked the wild market that's sprung up for this data. Things move quickly, including "exploding offers."

Others are figuring out how to leverage their databases. Law firms, which often have detailed archives, are a great example. BI's Melia Robinson has more on that.

And sometimes it's about actually creating the data yourself. That's the case in robotics, writes BI's Rya Jetha. Companies are shelling out big to have people record everyday tasks like cooking and cleaning.

AI's data push could renew interest in a space that's already navigated an info-hungry industry.

Alternative data, unstructured datasets such as satellite imagery and card transactions, became a hot commodity on Wall Street in the mid-2010s.

These non-traditional datasets are supposed to give investors an edge. Want to know if Home Depot will beat earnings estimates? Analyze satellite images of its parking lots to see whether foot traffic is rising or declining.

When I covered the space closely with my colleague Bradley Saacks, the data providers often highlighted that the real market opportunity was selling into big corporates.

Hedge funds might be rich, but there are only so many of them to go around. The market also has a ceiling. If too many people are trading off the same datasets, you lose your potential edge.

AI's data needs can fill the gap alt-data providers hoped corporates would. And unlike hedge funds interested in real-time, market-relevant data, these firms benefit from a wider, deeper catalog.

Some players already see an opportunity. When former Point72 data wizard Kirk McKeown launched a data startup last year, he told Bradley it aimed to package data in an easily accessible way for AI models to scoop up.

It's promising, but there are no guarantees. Alt data faced real growing pains as providers struggled to scale their offerings while maintaining data quality. AI companies' needs might differ, but their expectations won't be any easier. And in some cases, money managers might find the most useful data in their own backyard.

In the meantime, follow Bradley here for more coverage on how alt-data providers are navigating the AI era. And keep an eye out for a hedge-fund-focused newsletter from him later this year.

• Microsoft President Brad Smith warned that US immigration policies could drive AI talent overseas.
• "Let's not put that at risk," Smith said.
• The Trump administration recently suspended Microsoft and other tech firms from a green card program.

If America wants to win the AI race, sending the world's brightest engineers packing might not be a winning strategy.

That's the warning from Microsoft President Brad Smith, who said the Trump administration's immigration crackdown risks driving the next generation of AI talent away from the United States.

"I think we should all be worried about sending intentionally or inadvertently or otherwise, signals that send the most talented next wave of AI software engineers to other countries rather than the United States," Smith said in an episode of Politico's "The Decoded Podcast" that aired on Thursday.

His comments come after the Trump administration announced last week that it was suspending Microsoft, Adobe, and several other technology companies from a federal program that sponsors foreign workers for permanent residency.

Vice President JD Vance accused Microsoft of abusing the Permanent Labor Certification, or PERM, program by laying off American employees while hiring lower-paid foreign workers.

Smith, who Business Insider reported was recently put in charge of Microsoft's communications, pushed back against those allegations, saying the administration had presented a misleading picture of Microsoft's hiring practices.

"What was presented as Microsoft replacing 6,000 people who lost their jobs with 9,000 foreigners was frankly completely off base," he said.

Smith said most of the company's visa and green card applications concerned existing employees rather than new hires, adding that Microsoft had hired 9,200 American workers in its last fiscal year.

"That was left out of the narrative," he said.

He also rejected suggestions that Microsoft pays foreign workers less than their American counterparts, saying employees are compensated under the same system regardless of immigration status.

The American dream, on hold

The dispute comes amid growing uncertainty for skilled foreign workers in the US.

As part of our ongoing H-1B Fallout series, Business Insider previously reported that the Trump administration's shifting immigration policies have prompted some international workers to explore opportunities abroad, including in countries like the UK, Germany, and Canada.

An analysis of federal data by Business Insider found that certified H-1B applications fell 10% in the first nine months of fiscal year 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier. Applications for data scientists, however, rose 22.5%, highlighting continued demand for specialized AI talent.

On the Politico podcast, Smith cited immigrants' economic contributions as evidence of what America stands to lose.

He said that five of the six technology and science medal recipients recently honored by President Donald Trump had immigrated to the United States.

According to Smith, the companies associated with those five individuals collectively represent more than a quarter of the S&P 500's market value.

Their contributions, he said, benefit not just technology employees but ordinary Americans whose retirement savings and pension funds are invested in those businesses.

"Think about what those five individuals have done for the well being, even the wealth and standard of living, of Americans across the country," Smith said.

"Let's not put that at risk."

• As my maternity leave after having my fourth child was ending, summer was starting.
• I wanted to spend the summer with my kids, and I looked for a solution.
• I ended up taking a 20% pay cut for 8 months for another 73 days off.

Our fourth child was a happy surprise, and arrived on the scene when we were busy putting out metaphorical fires with our 4-year-old twins and our 2-year-old daughter, who seemed to spend most of their time playing and fighting.

We felt like we already had a lot of kids. Not too many, but enough. When I learned I was pregnant, we asked ourselves, what was one more?

As my maternity leave was ending, I still wanted more time

Nine months later, the real party began. My maternity leave started coming to an end just as we were facing a very long summer: 12 weeks, from June 20 to September 8, with no school. We live in Spain, and were about to face one of those eternal Spanish summers I remember so well from my own childhood: long, hot days full of sand, sea, salt, swimming pools, and, yes, boredom.

Our monthly expenses were already higher than ever (diapers, onesies, baby food, and all those brand-new baby things I'd previously gotten rid of because I thought we were done having kids). Still, I decided to take a 20% pay cut in exchange for more time, simply so I could get us through the summer.

That decision meant more time with the baby, obviously, but also with the rest of my kids, who are still just older than babies themselves. The difference is that 40 years ago, in many families, one salary — usually the man's — could support a household. Today, both parents often need full-time jobs and want to have professional lives of their own. This is the case for us, and it's not particularly compatible with looking after four very young children for 12 weeks.

Taking a pay cut gave me an extra 73 days off

By agreeing to a 20% pay cut for eight months, I was able to combine my reduced working hours into 73 full days off instead of working shorter days each week. Together with my maternity leave, weekends, and public holidays, those extra days allowed me to stay home with my children much longer than I ever expected. I didn't have to return to work until my baby was 10 months old. It was a financial sacrifice, but it gave me something I couldn't put a price on: more time with my children. Face to face.

It sounded stressful when I thought about it. In reality, it turned out to be a dream. I've had the best summer of my life, and I'm afraid I may never get another one quite like it.

Since June, the weeks have passed slowly, as we looked for activities to fill the days: painting, drawing, gluing things together, doing yoga or gymnastics, trying to get everyone to nap at the same time, and, obviously, spending hours by the pool and at the beach.

There were moments when the baby wanted to breastfeed while my little girl needed a diaper change at the pool, with me sitting on the edge, trying to manage both. Or one kid suddenly needed to pee while the others were happily playing in the water. It has been a crash course in patience, caregiving, and motherhood.

But the interesting part isn't just how much fun we had. It's how much money we saved by doing it this way.

We saved so much on childcare that it didn't make much of a difference

I lost €10,000 (about $11,200) by taking the pay cut, which is a lot of money when you have this many kids. But I also avoided paying for the baby's day care, which costs around €700 a month. Over three months, that's about €2,100. Summer programs for the other three children would have cost around €200 per child a week. Over 12 weeks, that comes to €7,200.

Put it all together, and we would have spent about €9,300 on childcare over the summer anyway. So, in practical terms, we gave up roughly €700 so I could spend an entire summer with our four kids.

It a good trade.

Then there's everything that doesn't fit neatly into a spreadsheet: everything we learned together about being a family, sharing things, expressing ourselves, respecting each other's rhythms, and simply waiting for things to get done, something you do a lot of when there are four small children involved.

Financially, it turned out to be a good decision for us. Emotionally, it was even better.

The question now isn't really how much we saved or lost. It's what we're going to do next summer.

We'll see.

• Tesla stock jumped in premarket trade after it unveiled its much-hyped new Roadster.
• The car won't drive big sales, but it does show off Tesla's tech chops.
• Gene Munster, a longtime Tesla bull, called the launch "an engineering flex."

Tesla stock popped after hours as Elon Musk unveiled its new Roadster — but not because investors expect big sales of the futuristic supercar.

As a low-volume, high-end car, the Roadster won't be a major earnings driver and will be a tiny part of Tesla's business. Musk has long been clear that he doesn't see Tesla's future success in traditional cars, but in autonomous driving and humanoid robots.

Tesla stock has rarely traded solely on near-term car sales. Tesla trades at about 215 times forward adjusted earnings, a valuation that reflects investor expectations for growth beyond its core car business.

The demo of the Roadster's sci-fi features — like briefly lifting off the ground and performing aerial maneuvers using SpaceX-inspired cold-gas thrusters — was more about showing off the company's engineering muscles than attracting mass buyer interest.

At SpaceX's test site in Texas, Tesla showed the Roadster performing jumps, rolls, and a controlled landing using cold-gas thrusters. The system uses high-pressure compressed air to generate short bursts of thrust and control, a technology that could have much wider applications, and appears to have piqued the interest of investors.

Gene Munster, a longtime Tesla bull, said in an X post that the launch was "an engineering flex with no commercial value beyond embarrassing traditional car makers."

"The Roadster event is the latest example of why Elon can't wait to bring Tesla and SpaceX together," Munster added.

It is widely expected that Tesla and SpaceX, Musk's rocket company, will merge in the coming years, building on the world's richest man's plans to create a super company.

Having traded more than 5% higher premarket, the stock was marginally up after Friday's open, gaining 1% in the minutes after the open.

A departure from past product launches

Tesla's previous product launches have not always impressed investors. Shares fell about 6% after the 2019 Cybertruck unveiling, when the vehicle's supposedly shatterproof windows cracked during a live demonstration.

They also dropped 9% after Tesla's 2024 "We, Robot" event, as investors judged the Cybercab reveal short on the detail needed to support its autonomous-driving ambitions.

Friday's reaction marks a contrast. The Roadster launch has potentially revived the product narrative that has long supported Tesla's premium valuation, even if the car itself is unlikely to meaningfully affect sales.

The rally comes as Tesla has stuttered both in its business and the stock market. Tesla's second-quarter revenue rose 26% from a year earlier, and deliveries beat expectations, but profitability declined.

Operating margin fell to 1.4%, automotive gross margin excluding regulatory credits dropped to 16.3%, and free cash flow was negative by roughly $1.1 billion as capital spending increased.

Tesla's core EV business remains under pressure from slower growth and tougher competition. But Friday's move shows a halo product can still lift the stock by renewing investor attention on Tesla's technology ambitions.

• I spent my 20s believing that working hard and making money were the keys to independence.
• I realized I was working so much that I had no time or energy to enjoy the life I was building.
• Years later, being an ambitious woman looks different to me. I work less and have time for myself.

I thought making a lot of money and working hard would make me happy.

In my early 20s, I got great grades and finished my undergrad in three years. By my mid-20s, I had finished my graduate degree in law while frequently working 70-hour weeks.

I leaned into the idea of being a girlboss, often working weekends or through my lunch, and focusing on making lots of money. It was a habit I saw modeled by my parents. It worked for them, and I thought it would work for me, until it didn't.

I thought hard work was the point

At 26, I worked long days at my home desk after making "hard worker" and "responsible'"my identity for years. I thought this was what an independent woman was: someone who worked constantly and optimized all of her time.

Sure, I was saving lots of money and networking, but I was often too tired on my day off to do anything. I often chose to work on Saturdays and didn't even have time to spend my hard-earned money.

Two things made me realize this wasn't a sustainable lifestyle: I once told a friend I couldn't take a 15-minute lunch break to call her, and another time I struggled to lift my full duffle bag for an upcoming trip after not working out for months.

Something had to give.

I didn't want to just recover from burnout

I was clearly burned out. I could have taken some time off to recover and come back, but then the cycle would have continued.

It helped that I spent my early 20s in Cameroon and Costa Rica, two places where work-life balance looks a lot different than it does in the US, and people live with their parents much longer. Looking back on those years when I was truly happy helped me to question what I was focusing on in my life.

I came to a new conclusion. I didn't want to simply recover after burning out. I wanted to reject the premise that burnout was the price of being an ambitious woman.

I stopped hustling toward anything

In 2022, as the COVID restrictions were lifted more and a relationship I had been in ended, I decided to travel while working a few hours per week. As a then single, childfree woman, no longer heading towards a career, I wondered what I'd replace these traditional markers of success with. The answer turned out to be nothing.

I stopped trying to hustle toward something. No job, boss, passion, or person was going to truly reward me for committing to 70-hour weeks. Nothing was worth putting off a breakfast date with myself or an unplanned walk in the park, or that 15-minute phone call I told my friend I couldn't take.

I decided to opt out of the competitive nature of the working world and instead focus on optimizing myself.

5 years later, my life looks different

Five years later, I have a life my 26-year-old self would barely recognize. I work substantially less, have built a career around writing and research for companies with values I admire, and have spent the past several years living and traveling in different countries.

I don't own a car or a home, and I'm not chasing a traditional career ladder. Instead of constantly asking what I should accomplish next, I have far more time for cooking, relationships, travel, and simply being alive.

One thing I did keep from that previous era of my life was my deep conviction that I, and all women, need to be financially independent. I have stopped suggesting that my friends work through their lunch break; instead, we talk about ethical investing and the need to always have one's own bank account.

Independence turned out to mean something else for me

The surprising part is that opting out didn't ruin my career, and I didn't feel the need to replace work with anything else. I don't think chasing a job title, a salary, or a full calendar would have made me feel secure.

I think I would have constantly felt the need to prove myself, which sounds exhausting to me now. Instead, I have the independence I sought when I was younger. It just took the form of letting go of the idea that I have to constantly prove my worth to myself.

• I flew on a "boutique" Taiwanese airline called Starlux, and it blew me away.
• The seat was like a private pod, and the food was some of the best I've ever had.
• The crew seemed rushed during boarding, but were impeccable inflight.

I'm a regular business-class traveler, having flown on dozens of airlines and hundreds of thousands of miles over the years.

I often get asked the same question: What's the best business-class seat you've ever flown in?

It's not the usual fan favorites of Singapore Airlines or Emirates. It's Starlux Airlines, a Taiwanese carrier many Americans have never heard of.

Starlux first flew in January 2020 and bills itself as a "boutique" international airline that operates nonstop flights from Taipei to several US cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle.

My flight was on an Airbus A350-900 from Taipei to San Francisco, a nearly 12-hour overnight flight. It was the second leg of a trip that started in Kuala Lumpur, and the entire itinerary cost 85,000 Alaska Airlines miles.

The cash fare on this route ranges from $2,600 to over $5,000, depending on the season, so the points redemption — Alaska is a Starlux partner — was a very good deal. And the experience blew me away.

The whole idea from the beginning was to build a luxury airline from nothing with meticulous attention to detail and an emphasis on the small stuff.

After flying Starlux, those minor details made all the difference. Here's what my flight was like and why I'd easily book again.

The seat felt like a private suite

Every seat in Starlux's business class opens straight into the aisle, and every one has a sliding door. The cabin is decorated with faux marble finishes and shiny black panels. It honestly looks more like a boutique hotel lobby than the inside a plane.

This extreme attention to detail is what sold me most.

My favorite example: there's a little gap under the storage cabinet door, so you can leave a charging cable running out of it with the door closed. Exploring the seat illuminated several thoughtful design choices. The pod felt deliberate in a way some brand-new airline seats just aren't.

Some people call business class doors a gimmick, mostly because they don't go all the way up. I loved mine anyway. Once the seat was flat and the door was shut, it felt like my own little room, further emphasized by the warm mood lighting, pristine leather accents, and large seat walls.

A flight attendant handed me pajamas before we'd even pushed back, so I changed right away.

After dinner, the crew made up my bed with a thick mattress pad and one of the softest blankets I've ever been given on a plane.

The footwell angles inward slightly, which makes it feel a bit tight when you're lying flat, but I slept well regardless. On an overnight flight this long, that's what matters most.

The food was some of the best I've had in the air

Dinner is where Starlux left every other business-class flight behind.

It started with warm, fluffy garlic bread, which felt out of place alongside the Asian meal, but I was thrilled to see it. When the flight attendant came to clear my appetizer, she asked if I'd like more bread, to which I obviously said yes.

Then a creamy miso mushroom soup showed up, and I'm not exaggerating when I say it's one of the best things I've eaten on a plane. It was rich and savory, the kind of thing I can still taste if I think about it today.

The main was beef with fried rice, which was flavorful and cooked to perfection.

Dessert was Italian gelato that was actually soft enough to eat straight away, which basically never happens with ice cream at 38,000 feet.

Breakfast before landing: waffles with figs were also notable. One of the few airline breakfasts I'd happily order again.

All of the food served looked as good as it tasted. Every course was properly plated, the flight attendant talked me through each dish, and she reset my table between courses without me noticing.

The crew truly elevated the experience

Starlux isn't perfect, and the first 20 minutes of my flight proved it. Pre-flight service felt as if the crew was simply going through the motions rather than trying to create a good experience.

But when the meal service started, it was like a switch flipped.

One flight attendant greeted me by name and knelt down next to my seat to take my order. At one point, my seatbelt locked up while I was reaching for my amenity kit; she saw it happen and handed me the kit before I'd said a word.

My main course came out a few minutes late, and she apologized profusely for it, which she really didn't need to do, but it tells you what standard this crew holds itself to.

By the time dinner was over, even the crew members who'd seemed checked out at first were warm and attentive. When I woke up and asked for tea, it was there almost immediately, with lemon and sugar on the side.

I love how fun Starlux is

The other thing I love about Starlux is that it doesn't take itself too seriously.

There's a space theme running through the whole airline, from the Galactic Lounge in Taipei to the COSMILE loyalty program. Since 2024, it's been working with Peanuts, so Snoopy turns up on themed flights and merch.

On my flight, the entertainment screen displayed a Snoopy welcome for me, and I still carry my things in a Starlux Snoopy tote bag.

Even the toilet paper is custom printed with a runway design. All of these things make the airline feel like it's enjoying itself.

Starlux got the three things that actually matter right: the seat, the food, and the crew. And it did it with a sense of fun that a lot of the big-name carriers have somehow lost along the way.

I've flown business class on dozens of airlines, including some of the world's most famous seats. If you're flying between the West Coast and Asia, I'd book Starlux.

Starlux did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

• A version of this post appears in the CMO Insider: Creator Brief newsletter.
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The latest hot marketing KPI: RSVPs.

Creators ranging from Substackers to "SNL" stars are jumping off the screen to in-person events — and marketers can't get enough.

"IRL is the No. 1 brand equity builder of all the channels," said Justin Thomas-Copeland, CEO of the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4As).

As it becomes harder to reach customers online, in-person events offer a way for brands to connect with their biggest fans — and hopefully inspire a flurry of social content.

One night last month, Snapple turned a decommissioned Staten Island Ferry into a floating comedy club featuring Colin Jost and Pete Davidson.

Lindsay Burstein, a top marketer at Snapple parent Keurig Dr Pepper, said the night resulted in about 200 pieces of user-generated content.

"It is the buzziest thing that the brand has done in a very long time," she said.

Events aren't a new phenomenon, but interest from marketers is surging. In its annual survey of marketers, Linqia found that 53% said they planned to work with influencers on events in 2026, up from 34% in 2025.

"We've seen an uptick in both custom brand pop-up experiences and brand activation at large events," Linqia's chief strategy officer Keith Bendes said.

Influencer marketers are becoming event planners

IRL activations and events can also help brands gauge the depth of a creator's connection with their audience — and how valuable partnering with them might prove.

Substack creators, for instance, have "rabid fans and followers" who are hungry to connect in person, said Rothy's VP Anna Doré.

After Substacker Erika Veurink's article for New York Magazine featuring Rothy's shoes went viral, Rothy's struck a partnership with the writer that included a vintage pop-up experience at a Rothy's in New York City.

The Rothy's pop-up drew over 200 people and grew the store's foot traffic by 75% that day.

There can be category-specific reasons some brands are going all in on events. Flushable wipes maker Goodwipes, for one, leans on IRL experiences, said SVP of marketing Meredith Diehn, "partially because it's an intimate category, but there's a lot of questions around flushability and why should I leave toilet paper for Goodwipes."

Still, it can often be harder to measure success from an IRL event and prove it's an efficient use of marketing dollars.

"Live experiences is not an efficient business," Bilt CMO Zoe Oz said. "It's like the most inefficient, unscalable thing you can possibly do. But we found those to be 10 times more effective than the other ways we used to spend money."

Events also aren't a foolproof strategy, Copeland of 4As said.

There's a lot that goes into an experience, and if one part goes wrong or a creator is involved in an inauthentic way, criticism can spread quickly.

They present practical challenges as well, sometimes forcing marketers to wear yet another hat: event planning.

Burstein said that planning Snapple's comedy event — despite its eventual success — took her "blood, life, sweat, and tears."

• A24's new documentary about Elizabeth Holmes, "You Can See Everything," is in theaters now.
• Directed by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, it's more character study than straightforward doc.
• The story about the downfall of Theranos has been told — but this one hasn't yet.

Elizabeth Holmes famously does not blink, whether she's pitching investors or, by her own admission, flirting with a guy.

Is her moony gaze haunting or hypnotic? A calculated act or proof of her naivete? At various points in A24's new documentary, "You Can See Everything," I vacillated between each of the above.

A good portion of Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim's movie could be classified as a provocative staring contest, as Fielder probes Holmes about her life and the demise of her company, Theranos, in the weeks before she reported to prison to serve an 11-year sentence in May 2023.

The answers he gets from Holmes are rarely satisfactory. (At one point, she insists she's never told a lie in her entire adult life; despite being convicted of fraud, she maintains her innocence throughout the film.) But with the camera zoomed in tight on Holmes' every micro-expression and clump of mascara, the movie's power is in the questions it raises in the space between her words.

In these profoundly uncanny scenes, I found myself fluctuating between being freaked out by the lack of emotion in Holmes' vacuous gaze and, to my surprise, pitying her. Then I'd quickly shift back to being freaked out, because what if pity was exactly the reaction that Holmes — a talented, convicted fraudster — was angling for? If she could manipulate her voice to sound more authoritative in the workplace, she could certainly adapt her face to appear more sympathetic onscreen.

It turns out that just because you can see everything, that doesn't mean you know anything. At least not for sure.

'You Can See Everything' is not the movie it appears to be

Much like its subject, "You Can See Everything" is a slippery mind-trick of a film — part character study, part psychological thriller, part surrealist thought experiment. What it is not, despite its subject, is a movie about a tech company.

The story of how Holmes went from being named the youngest self-made female billionaire by Forbes to being convicted of defrauding investors as the founder and CEO of the blood-testing startup Theranos is well documented. Holmes has already been the subject of a more traditional documentary, Alex Gibney's "The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley," which exhaustively maps the discrepancies within Theranos, and a scripted Hulu miniseries, "The Dropout," which dramatizes Holmes' origin story and attempts to illustrate how her ambitions outpaced her abilities.

Both of those works lean into the prevailing narrative about Holmes, who was often pitched as "the next Steve Jobs" and proved especially skilled at wooing powerful men to her cause.

"You want it to be true so badly," Tyler Shultz, a former Theranos employee-turned-whistleblower, says of Holmes' vision in Gibney's doc. "I was working with these devices every single day, and she could still kind of convince me. When I think back on those conversations, I just think, 'How did she do that?'"

The Holmes we see in "You Can See Everything" is tamer, gentler, and, at times, far more submissive than many headlines would have us believe. Yet even Fielder isn't immune to her strange charisma.

Early in the film, Fielder admits to Holmes that he did a lot of research about her tenure at Theranos. He challenges her answers to questions, at one point telling Holmes, "I don't think anyone will ever believe you ever again."

Yet, as time goes on, Fielder seems alternately bemused and unnerved by the onetime wunderkind — though never to the point of aversion. On the contrary, Holmes seems to draw Fielder ever closer, like a close-up magician with a deck of cards in her hands and a trick up her sleeve.

Toward the end of the film, Fielder's memory is called into question. A friend asks if Fielder is retroactively polishing his interactions with Holmes, perhaps unconsciously, because he's grown to care about her. Maybe he wants to protect her.

Seemingly taken aback, Fielder replies, "I'm not putting my feelings into this. I'm just trying to be accurate."

It's one thing to be told someone is a master manipulator, as "The Inventor" and "The Dropout" plainly do. It's quite another to experience the manipulation firsthand. "You Can See Everything" offers audiences the latter.

During a Q&A after an early screening of "You Can See Everything" in New York, Oppenheim described how he, Fielder, and the crew would swap interpretations of what they'd just seen and heard after the cameras were switched off. "The disagreements were so dynamic," Oppenheim recalled.

It's been over three years since their close encounter of the Holmesian kind, and Fielder said he's still trying to process what he felt in her presence.

"I'm really curious to hear what everyone else thinks, and what they make of certain things," Fielder said. "I think it will actually help me understand."

"You Can See Everything" is in theaters now.

We’ve spent years putting virtually every core bedding and bath product from Brooklinen through its paces. You'll recognize their top performers across our roundup guides for the best sheets, best pillow, favorite comforter, and best towels, but this list goes beyond just the highlights. Below, our team shares our candid, unfiltered thoughts on almost everything Brooklinen makes: the absolute favorites, the slight nitpicks, and the honest truth on which items stayed on rotation long after testing ended. We also break down the differences from its core categories to help you find your dreamiest bed.

Our top 3 Brooklinen essentials

More on Brooklinen

Founded in 2014, Brooklinen makes bedding staples like sheets and pillows, as well as home and bath products such as candles and towels. It's probably best known for its sheet sets, with options from classic cotton to luxurious cashmere. The color palette spans quite neutral, but Brooklinen introduces seasonal colors and prints throughout the year, and occasionally partners with artists and other brands.

Most Brooklinen products have a 365-day guarantee, so you can try out an item and send it back if it isn't for you. The yearlong trial period is generous, especially considering that washed and used items can be returned for a full refund, minus a $9.95 return fee. Brooklinen's core products, like their sheets, quilts, and towels, all also have an additional yearlong warranty for defective items after the initial 365-day trial period.

Pillows and comforters

Brooklinen's bedding foundations are available in both down and down-alternative options. They're both offered in comparable densities and warmth ratings, but ultimately come down to your material preferences.

	Down	Down Alternative
Fill Material	DownMark-certified, ethically sourced down & feather blend	Recycled microgel polyester fiberfill
Feel & Loft	Weightless, airy, and ultra-fluffy with traditional squish	Plush and cozy with a slightly denser, more structured feel
Temperature	Naturally insulating and temperature-regulating year-round	Highly breathable and airy; tends to run slightly cooler
Long-Term Loft	Excellent bounce-back; holds shape for years with periodic fluffing	Soft and cushiony, but fill compresses faster over extended daily use
Allergies and ethics	Natural down (may trigger feather allergies)	100% Hypoallergenic, vegan, and eco-friendly
Care Instructions	Spot clean or professional dry clean recommended	Machine washable on gentle cycle
Available Products	Down Pillow and All-Season Down Comforter	Down Alternative Pillow and Down Alternative Comforter

• Choose down if: You want maximum cloud-like fluffiness, traditional head-cradling moldability, and long-lasting fill height.
• Choose down alternative if: You have feather allergies, prefer vegan/recycled materials, need easier home laundering, or want a lower price point.

All-Season Down Comforter

"Senior home editor Jaclyn Turner has enjoyed her Brooklinen Down Comforter for five years, and I recently got to test the redesign. I'm happy to report that it still has the same premium feel, with a few upgrades to make the bed a little easier to make. The comforter has a baffle-box construction, which keeps the down filling evenly distributed. It's the fluffiest comforter I've ever tested, with a luxurious feel that feels substantial yet not stifling. The new formulation is a little larger than the previous iteration and includes more duvet loops, so it fits very well in a duvet, with no drooping, empty corners, or annoying shifting. It's still the best comforter, without a doubt." — Kinsley Searles, former associate editor

Read our Brooklinen All-Season Down Comforter review.

Down Pillow

"Brooklinen recently revamped all of its down and down alternative products — including its Down Pillow, my favorite pillow of all time. The soft versions have been reformulated to feel even softer, and the design got an aesthetic upgrade with a lowercase "b" embroidered in the corner. I thought I was a down-pillow hater before trying Brooklinen's version — I was annoyed by daily fluffing and inadequate support — but Brooklinen's pillow doesn't have those issues. Even the softest density is incredibly supportive, molding to my body and cradling my head and neck all night long, whether I'm sleeping on my stomach or side. I slept with the old and new formulations side by side and was pleased to find that the new pillow requires even less fluffing than the original — I usually only have to lightly fluff it every few nights. Now, I'm a lover of all things down pillows. I'm not exaggerating when I say this is my favorite piece of bedding, so I definitely recommend checking it out if you're on the hunt for the best pillow ever." — Kinsley Searles, former associate editor

Read our Brooklinen Down Pillow review.

Down Alternative Pillow

"In addition to the down pillow and comforter, Brooklinen's Down Alternative Pillow has been reformulated, too. It's now stuffed with recycled microgel polyester fill that mimics the feel of real down. When comparing the down and down alternative pillows side by side, I could tell a slight difference in the feel — the down alternative feels denser and less fluffy than real down — but it's still incredibly plush and comfortable. Its fill and sateen shell are breathable and airy, too, and I found it ran quite a bit cooler than the standard down pillow." — Kinsley Searles, former associate editor

"I slept exclusively with the down-alternative pillow for about three months. While it's cushy, I've noticed it's starting to lose its loft, and I need to fluff it more often, especially compared to an unused one. This is where Brooklinen's 365-day trial could come in handy if it doesn't meet your expectations about what you need in a pillow. — Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor

Comparing Brooklinen's sheets

Brooklinen's sheet lineup ranges from crisp, cooling cottons for hot sleepers to cozy, brushed blends for cold climates.

Each sheet from Brooklinen features:

• Envelope closure pillowcases
• "Long" and "Short" side tags on fitted sheets
• Fitted sheets designed to fit mattresses up to 16" deep, with 12"-16" being the best fit.

Sheet Line	Material	Thread Count / Weight	Best for	Skip if
Luxe Sateen	100% Long-Staple Cotton Sateen	495 TC	Year-round sleepers who love a silky, smooth, butter-soft feel with a subtle luster.	You sleep very hot or prefer crisp, matte, cool-to-the-touch sheets.
Classic Percale	100% Long-Staple Cotton Percale	270 TC	Hot sleepers, night sweaters, and lovers of crisp, hotel-style bedding.	You prefer a silky, smooth finish or dislike natural cotton wrinkles.
Washed Classic Percale	100% Long-Staple Cotton Garmented washed percale	270 TC	Sleepers who want percale's cooling airflow with a soft, lived-in, vintage-shirt feel from day one.	You want structured, ironed-flat crispness or a shiny finish.
Washed European Linen	100% European Flax, stone-washed	155 GSM	Maximum breathability, effortless temperature regulation, and a cozy, airy texture.	You dislike fabric texture, want wrinkle-free sheets, or are on a tight budget.
Heathered Cashmere	95% Cotton / 5% Cashmere brushed twill	125 GSM	Cold sleepers, winter months, and anyone wanting a cozy, favorite-sweater feel.	You run warm year-round, hate dryer lint, or want summer bedding.

Brooklinen bundles, explained

Brooklinen organizes its bedding into modular packages designed to let you buy as little or as much as your bed setup requires. Buying in bundles also saves between 15% and 25% compared to purchasing items individually.

Here is a quick overview of what comes in each bundle level, followed by a detailed breakdown of what each package actually means:

Bundle Name	What’s Included	Total Pillowcases	Inserts Included?	Best For
Starter Set	1 Fitted Sheet	2	No	Flat-sheet haters
Core Sheet Set	1 Fitted Sheet, 1 Flat Sheet	2	No	Standard sheet replacement
Duvet Set	1 Duvet Cover	2 (Shams)	No	Top-of-bed style refreshes
Hardcore Sheet Bundle	1 Core Sheet Set + 1 Duvet Cover	4	No	Full linen makeover (Sheets + Duvet)
Move-In Bundle	1 Hardcore Bundle + 1 Comforter + 2 Pillows	4	Yes (Comforter + Pillows)	Complete bed setups from scratch

Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set

"I've tested my fair share of the best sheets, but the pair I constantly rotate back in are my Luxe Sateen sheets. They are so comfortable year-round and undoubtedly the softest cotton sheets I've found — smooth like butter, if we're waxing poems. I've never felt overheated with them either. My original set has held up remarkably well over the last five years, with no signs of discoloration, pilling, or shrinkage. However, this year Brooklinen relaunched its sateen program with an increased thread count and 100% long-staple cotton for durability and breathability, making them even better than before — not to mention frequent seasonal color launches that hit all the right color trend notes.

All of Brooklinen's sheets are also available as duvet covers and in various bundles to outfit your bed as you please."— Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor

Read our Brooklinen Sateen Sheets review.

Classic Percale Core Sheet Set

"I've never been one to want to spend too much on bedding, but Brooklinen's sheets make it feel worth it. For years now, I've slept on Brooklinen's Classic Percale Sheets, and they are so cozy that I own two sets, one in Pebble and one in Cream (I love the range of colors and patterns offered). When I wash these sheets, they get that perfect crispy feeling all over again — it basically feels like I have brand new sheets every time I wash and swap them out. Pro tip: Brooklinen often does sales between 20% and 50% on holidays like Memorial Day or Labor Day, as well as shopping events like Cyber Week and Sleep Week. It's a great deal if you can buy then, as I've benefited from massive savings on luxurious Brooklinen sheets over the last few years."— Will Fischer, former senior content strategist

"I'm a fan of crisp cotton sheets, especially in the spring and summer. Brooklinen's percale sheets are my go-to when I need cool-to-the-touch bedding. They're excellent at wicking away moisture, so I don't have to worry about sweating throughout the night. I also love how Brooklinen is always releasing limited-edition colors and patterns. My percale sheets are in a lovely light green plaid color that looks like springtime. If you're a hot sleeper and like a nice crisp sheet, Brooklinen's percale sheets are some of the best you can buy." —Kinsley Searles, former associate editor

European Washed Linen Sheets

"Brooklinen's Washed European Linen Sheets are definitely a splurge, but they're worth it if you dream of airy bedding that's as soft as it is strong. They turned this cotton-loving skeptic into a linen convert, and stopped my husband from sweating through his sleep. Brooklinen recently relaunched its washed linen bedding with a higher GSM for increased durability, and I still stand by that these are the best linen sheets I've tried. They're so soft and temperature-regulating." — Shannon Ullman, freelance writer

Read our Brooklinen Washed Linen Sheets review.

Luxe Sateen Duvet Set

"Just like the sateen sheets, Brooklinen's Luxe Sateen Duvet Set is silky, comfortable, and durable. I love its thick, soft texture. It has a plethora of ties inside, and it closes with a line of clear buttons to keep the duvet in place through all my tossing and turning. It's also survived my cat's nighttime zoomies and my dog's digging, with nary a loose thread in sight. I love pairing it with my sateen sheets for a cohesive, comfortable feel. " — Kinsley Searles, former associate editor

Washed Classic Percale Sheets

"Brooklinen's Washed Classic Percale Sheets are softer than traditional percale while still being crisp and cooling. The texture is somewhere between a percale and sateen sheet, with a feel of a well-worn button-down shirt that's been washed time and time again. Even so, I never overheat while sleeping on these sheets. I also appreciate the relaxed look and range of neutral, muted colors and prints." — Kinsley Searles, former associate editor

Heathered Cashmere Sheets

"Brooklinen's Heathered Cashmere Sheets feel akin to your favorite lived-in sweater. They're a blend of cotton and cashmere, so they're still breathable and machine washable. It's like the best flannel sheets, but upgraded. They're only available seasonally. On cold winter nights, I love snuggling with these sheets in bed. They're irresistibly soft. My biggest con is that these fuzzy sheets produce a lot of lint in the dryer, but other than that, they've held up remarkably well."— Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor

Read our Brooklinen Heathered Cashmere Sheets review.

Breezeweave Cotton Comforter

"I'm an incredibly hot sleeper, and I prefer a quilt over a duvet or comforter as my primary blanket. Brooklinen's Breezeweave Cotton Comforter (formerly AirWeave) is truly heavenly. I'm not entirely sure how to describe it, but it's so lightweight that it kind of floats on top of you rather than pressing down as heftier comforters do. It's so breezy, gauzy, and cool, yet cozy and soft. It's so comfy that three different guests have inquired about where they can get one — which to me is the ultimate compliment. My one complaint is that it's not super pet-friendly; it's snagged a bunch from my cat's claws getting stuck on the gauzy surface."—Lauren Savoie, former deputy executive editor

"Like Lauren, I am also obsessed with this cotton quilt. It's the ideal transitional weight into spring and summer without feeling too thin; I love a plush bedspread and am sometimes reserved about trading my fluffy duvet for a quilt. (If you don't want to trade your comforter for a quilt, the Breeze Weave Cotton fabric is also available as a duvet set, and it includes the shams) This one is the perfect heft. The gauzy fabric feels nice to the touch and is absolutely beautiful, but it is on the delicate side. My dog loves to paw at the bed, which unfortunately has caused the material to snag. Keep that in mind if you hope to let your furbabies in the bed."—Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor

Chunky Waffle Knit Throw Blanket

This lightweight cotton knit throw adds immediate texture. It's soft and has a beautiful drape to it. However, my caveat with waffle textures is it can be prone to snagging, especially around pets. — Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor

Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

"I have wavy-curly hair and acne, and Brooklinen's Mulberry Silk Pillowcase helps reduce bedhead and irritated skin in the morning. Silk pillowcases do wonders for your hair and skin, since they reduce friction between you and your pillowcase. It's not as soft as other silk pillowcases that I've tried, but it's still a good option if you're looking to maximize your beauty sleep."— Kinsley Searles, former associate editor

Comparing Brooklinen's towels

Brooklinen’s towel collection ranges from thick, spa-grade plush options to ultra-lightweight, fast-drying textures.

Towel Line	Material	Weave & Weight (GSM)	Pieces	Best For	Skip If
Super Plush	100% Aegean Turkish Cotton	Dense Terry Cloth (770GSM)	Robe	Anyone wanting an ultra-thick, heavy, spa-like towel with maximum plushness and absorbency.	You need towels that dry quickly on the rack, have limited linen closet space, or dislike heavy loads of laundry.
Plush	100% Long-Staple Turkish Cotton	Lightweight Terry (500 GSM)		Everyday, balanced use with dependable softness, quick drying, and traditional terry feel.	You want ultra-plush, heavyweight luxury or textured honeycomb weaves.
Dreamweave Waffle	100% Turkish Cotton	Honeycomb Waffle Weave (290 GSM)	Robe	Hot/humid bathrooms, fast rack-drying, minimal storage space, and lovers of modern waffle textures.	You crave thick, fluffy terry cloth warmth and traditional plush softness post-shower.
Ribbed Cotton TENCEL	77% Turkish Cotton / 23% TENCEL Modal	Ribbed Textured Weave (550 GSM)		Modern design, high absorbency, and a silky-soft feel that takes up less closet space than plush towels.	You prefer smooth terry or dislike subtle ribbing that can show light surface fuzzing over time.

Super Plush Bath Towels

"The Super-Plush towels are absolutely the plushest, coziest towels I've come across and stay fluffy wash after wash. They're made of Turkish Cotton and weigh 820 GSM, which is pretty luxurious among the best towels. I have the bath sheet, and it's generously sized to wrap around my body after a shower. Due to their size, though, they are hefty and pretty water-absorbent, so they require extra cycles in the dryer to get them fully dry."— Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor

Waffle Bath Towel

"Compared to Brooklinen's other towels, the waffle bath towels are incredibly lightweight, yet still absorbent. Yes, plush towels are nice, but I appreciate their lightweight feel during the warmer months of the year. Their weight makes them easy to store when not in use, and they dry much quicker than other towels in the dryer."—Amir Ismael, former style editor

Ribbed Cotton Tencel

"I was hesitant to like these towels as much as I do, typically preferring the lush nature of the Super Plush, but the Ribbed Cotton Tencel are soft, absorbent, and don't overwhelm my linen closet. They have a composition of 77% Turkish Cotton and 23% Tencel Modal, with a GSM of 550. They have a lightweight design with a subtle ribbed texture. I've been using them for about 2 months so far. The hand towels, which are most often rubbed on my hands and face multiple times a day, seem prone to light fuzzing, which is more noticeable because of the ribbed texture." — Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor

Super Plush Robe

The unisex Brooklinen Super Plush Robe is wonderfully soft and cozy without being unduly heavy, earning its keep as the best bathrobe for men. It's made from Aegean Turkish cotton, which is prized for its long staples and gives the robe added softness and resilience.

If you're looking for a more oversized fit, I'd recommend going up a size. The tie does a good job keeping the robe closed and isn't unduly long. It's available in 10 colorways (various stripes and solids) as well as a short version if you don't want a full-length design. — Andrew Amelinckx, contributor

Candles

"Imagine my delight when Brooklinen added home fragrance to round out its product assortment. Available as candles, reed diffusers, and room sprays, the scents are divided into energizing or relaxing blends, for whatever mood you are trying to set. You can sample a bunch in a votive set or commit to a full-size 8-ounce candle. I gravitate toward the woodsy Gather, with top notes of cedar, amber, and vetiver, or the floral and sweet Love Notes with notes of freesia, rose, and caramel."— Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor

Mulberry Silk Eyemask

"A sleep mask is one of my favorite little luxuries, and the mulberry silk eye mask from Brooklinen is one of the best. Not only does it feel smooth against my skin, but it is also excellent at blocking light, even when I'm on a road trip in broad daylight. I have a big head, so it's a little tight around my eyes, but that's my only complaint with this eye mask."—Kinsley Searles, former associate editor

Brooklinen FAQs

What is Brooklinen's return policy?

Brooklinen offers refunds within 365 days of purchase, but returns are subject to a $9.95 return fee, which will be deducted from your refund amount.

Is Brooklinen worth it?

From editors who've tested almost every item in the Brooklinen lineup, we think Brooklinen makes some of the best bedding around. If you want to make your bed feel like a hotel, go for Brooklinen. They also offer on-trend colors and prints beyond their core palette of neutrals, but they are limited-edition, which can make it hard to replace them over time if something gets stained or you want a backup set.

Is Brooklinen organic?

Brooklinen's bedding and bath products are not organic. They are OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified to not contain any harmful substances.

• Walleye has brought on a pair of executives in recent weeks from Balyasny and Millennium.
• The firm recently lost Matt Giannini, a big-time hire for the $17 billion fund, who returned to Citadel.
• The manager's stock-picking business has been growing, internally and externally.

Walleye Capital isn't letting the recent departure of a key executive derail the expansion of its stock-picking unit.

The $17 billion asset manager has hired a pair of executives this month to support its equity long-short division, after Matt Giannini left to return to Ken Griffin's Citadel in September. Giannini had been the chief operating officer of the unit, a significant addition to the firm, before departing after less than a year in the role.

Walleye has hired Jordan Tanner, Balyasny Asset Management's chief equities strategist, and Anna Dev, a Millennium Management recruiter, a person close to the firm told Business Insider.

The hope is that the two hires will help keep growing the head count and risk-taking capacity for the stock-picking unit, which is run by Anil Gondi, a former Balyasny portfolio manager who previously worked with Tanner.

Tanner will work across the firm's fundamental stock-picking, volatility, and central strategies teams. He will be tasked with using artificial intelligence and other technologies to increase collaboration among the different teams, the person said. Dev, meanwhile, will focus on recruiting investing talent across the firm and evaluating external investment opportunities. The pair will both begin at New York-based Walleye in mid-2027.

Walleye, which gets its name from the freshwater fish native to Minnesota, the firm's original headquarters, declined to comment.

External investments are a priority for Walleye. In 2026 alone, the firm's long-short equity division has added 14 external managers, a person close to the firm said.

There are three other external stock-picking firms that Walleye is planning to back that have yet to launch, the person close to the manager said.

The expansion this year nearly doubles the firm's roster of external stock-picking funds; Walleye started the year with investments in 18 equity long-short funds operating outside the firm's walls, the person said.

Half of the equity long-short's market exposure is now run by outside funds, the person said. Spin-outs by former Citadel PMs have been a focus, as Business Insider previously reported.

The manager also wants to grow its internal PM bench. Three new PMs are set to start before the end of the year — Mike Scheer, formerly of Jain Global, Matt Aleksinas, formerly of SIR Capital, and Mike Li, formerly of Junto. The manager has another five new stock-picking PMs who will trade for Walleye once their non-compete periods expire next year, the person said.

It's been a challenging year, performance-wise, for the firm's multistrategy fund.

Walleye has lost money in eight of the year's first nine months, Business Insider has previously reported, and is down 0.5% through 2026's first three quarters, trailing rivals and the overall market. By comparison, PivotalPath's multistrategy index has returned more than 6% through the same time period.

Last year, the manager produced a 15.5% gain, besting larger firms like Millennium.

Correction: October 16, 2026 — An earlier version of this story mistakenly stated Anna Dev's focus while she was at Millennium. It has been updated.

• Treasurys played shock absorber when tech investors got the jitters, at least for a day.
• Even if Treasurys become a reliable escape hatch, debt-heavy AI companies still have plenty to worry about.
• Sign up for First Trade, Business Insider's daily markets newsletter.

For much of 2026, a rough stretch in the stock market has been a double whammy.

Investors have had to contend not only with stock losses, but bonds selling off, too. The dynamic upended the safety trade of rotating out of stocks and into Treasurys. It's hard to diversify when there's nowhere to hide.

Why the break from tradition? Because inflation, federal deficits, oil, and the enormous financing needs of the AI buildout have all given bond investors reason to demand higher yields. At the same time, strong profit-growth projections for the stock market's top AI leaders have kept major indexes near record highs.

But Thursday's decline in chipmakers — perhaps the most sensitive area of the AI trade — didn't follow the risk-off playbook that's defined 2026 so far. With chipmakers on pace for their worst week in three months, a 1% decline came alongside a 10-basis-point drop in the 10-year Treasury yield.

At least for one day, investors rekindled the Treasury safety trade.

That raises a potentially consequential question: Is the market finally getting its old shock absorber back? One day does not make a trend. But it's enough to make bond investors dream.

Fear finally outran inflation

Thursday presented investors with two competing reasons to move yields: hot producer-price inflation data on one side, and a rout in AI-spending-exposed stocks on the other.

For much of the year, inflation and fiscal worries have won that tug-of-war. But this time, the flight to safety did.

One notable driver of weakness in chipmakers was the latest financial release from AI giant Anthropic. Social media was immediately ablaze on Wednesday evening with naysayers repeating a common refrain: "It's over."

Their case is that Anthropic's financials, while objectively strong, still suggest a growth slowdown that could ripple through the global AI buildout. Chipmakers, ever the lightning rod of the AI trade, were of course hit hardest.

The trade has been spooked by similar events many times before, and most have been mere blips on the radar. But if these Anthropic nerves spread, investors would be well served to use Treasurys as an escape valve.

An important distinction

Just to be clear, I'm talking about Treasury bonds, not their corporate counterparts. A Treasury rally is not a universal bailout for corporate borrowers pressured by surging yields.

We got a prime example this week with data-center giant CoreWeave, which faced sudden concerns about its ability to service its mountain of debt. The company's bonds turned distressed, and its stock plummeted. Credit spreads across the broader market have blown out, showing that concerns about AI-linked debt are far from settled.

In investors' endless pursuit of winners and losers within the AI trade, the next chapter will be figuring out which companies have the balance sheets to survive a less euphoric phase of the buildout. CoreWeave is just one example of how high expectations and too much debt can come back to bite.

The next test of any possible Treasury-hedging revival will come the next time US stocks sell off. Which bond traders will show up: the ones tearing their hair out about inflation, or the ones simply looking for a place to rest while stocks go nuts?