• Kevin O'Leary says you need at least $5 million in liquid assets to be genuinely wealthy.
• The "Shark Tank" investor said people aren't rich if their money is "tied up" in cars and homes.
• O'Leary previously said that hitting the $5 million mark is the "true definition of success."

You could own a row of Bel Air mansions, a fleet of Bugattis, and a closet full of Birkin bags and still not be wealthy in Kevin O'Leary's eyes.

"You're not rich if it's all tied up in real estate, you're not rich if it's in jewelry and in cars and in boats and all that stuff," the "Shark Tank" investor told Fox Business' "Varney & Co." this week.

The O'Leary Ventures founder and self-proclaimed "Mr. Wonderful" said that many wealthy people lack a sufficient "safety net" as they don't have enough assets that can quickly be converted into cash.

The "magic number" is $5 million in liquid assets, he said, as that should yield around 5% a year or $250,000 in pre-tax income — enough to provide for a family of four if the "poo-poo hits the fan in your world and everybody loses their job."

O'Leary said he personally keeps at least that much in Treasury bills, a form of highly liquid US government debt. He minted his fortune in part by cofounding SoftKey in the mid-1980s, acquiring The Learning Company, then selling the combined business to Mattel for $4.2 billion in 1999.

During another interview late last year, O'Leary said that securing $5 million in liquid assets was the "true definition of success." He underlined the difficulty of saving that much as "you're always tempted to buy a watch with it, or to lend it out to somebody, or help your cousin open a restaurant or whatever."

"That is not what it's for," O'Leary continued. "It's there to guarantee your financial freedom and that of your family for the rest of your life."

O'Leary has been preaching the importance of having cash in the bank for years. In his 2012 book, "Cold Hard Truth on Men, Women & Money," he wrote: "You aren't really living within your means until you've saved three months' salary as a protective cushion, and that's on top of all other non-liquid assets."

Without that safety net, he continued, "you're just one major illness, one job loss or one big market correction away from penury, or from losing your house, or worse."

O'Leary is far from alone in emphasizing the importance of liquidity. Warren Buffett — who mandates his Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate keep at least $30 billion in liquid reserves — wrote in his 2010 shareholder letter that "having loads of liquidity, though, lets us sleep well," and means that during crises he's "equipped both financially and emotionally to play offense while others scramble for survival."

• An OpenAI exec said it's getting closer to building AI systems that can work as well as research interns.
• Chief Scientist Jakub Pachocki said he "definitely" sees the company "on track" to hit that goal.
• OpenAI is aiming for an "AI research intern" by 2026 and a fully autonomous one by 2028.

OpenAI is getting closer to one of its milestone goals: systems that can function at the same level as research interns.

On an episode of the "Unsupervised Learning" podcast on Thursday, OpenAI's chief scientist Jakub Pachocki said recent breakthroughs in coding, advances in math research capabilities, and progress in physics suggest AI is on track to handle increasingly complex, multi-step technical work with less human oversight.

"I definitely see this as a signal that something here is on track," he said.

He said the key measure is how long a model can work mostly autonomously.

"The way I would distinguish a research intern from a full automated researcher is the span of time that we would have it work mostly autonomously," Pachocki said, pointing to longer task horizons as the key metric of progress.

At a company livestream in October, Pachocki outlined OpenAI's internal goal of building an "AI research intern" by September 2026, followed by a fully autonomous AI researcher by March 2028.

In an X post following the livestream, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said OpenAI "may totally fail" at the goal, but that it was important to be transparent given the potential impact.

'Explosive growth of coding tools'

Pachocki said the company is already seeing fast progress in the kinds of tasks that matter for that goal, pointing to coding agents like Codex, which he said are now handling much of the company's programming work.

He also pointed to math benchmarks as a "north star" for improving model reasoning, since they are easy to verify.

"We've seen this explosive growth of coding tools," Pachocki said. "For most people, the act of programming has changed quite a bit."

He added that the near-term challenge is moving toward systems that can tackle specific technical tasks with more autonomy, use more compute, and work for longer stretches of time.

"For more specific technical ideas, like I have this particular idea how to improve the models, how to run this evaluation differently, I think we have the pieces that we mostly just need to put together," he said.

Still, Pachocki was clear that AI isn't ready to operate independently at the level of a full researcher.

"I don't expect we'll have systems where you just tell them, 'go improve your model capability, go solve alignment,' and they will do it, not this year," he said.

• United Airlines' CEO said the company relies on "well-liked" pilots to assess potential hires.
• Kirby said the aim is to hire people who employees actually want to hang out with.
• United will receive 75,000 applications for a few thousand flight attendant openings, Kirby said.

You might be qualified for the job, but do people actually like hanging out with you?

That's a question United Airlines is interested in when assessing new hires — and uses a unique tactic in order to answer it.

Scott Kirby, United Airlines CEO, told McKinsey chief Bob Sternfels in an interview published in early April that he started a new process at the company aimed at evaluating if a candidate is a good cultural fit.

Kirby said he asked the head of flight operations to identify a dozen pilots who are "well-liked by everyone." When candidates come in for interviews, those popular pilots will hang out with them — walk them around the building, have lunch with them, and escort them to interviews.

"I told this group of pilots, 'Your job is just to assess: Is this interviewee someone I would like to take a four-day trip with? And if you say no, then they're out. You get a veto vote,'" Kirby said. "The idea is to pick people who care about others, who you want to hang out with, who you want to be with."

A spokesperson for United told Business Insider that practice is one part of a larger process for hiring pilots that includes "the rigorous standards set by United and the FAA."

Assessing for culture fit is common in hiring, but the stakes could be especially high when it comes to flight crews who can spend days at a time working together on consecutive flights.

Jobs at United Airlines can also be competitive. Kirby said in the interview with McKinsey that when United lists openings for 2,000 to 3,000 flight attendant roles, the company can receive 75,000 applications in a couple of hours.

"So for us, the question is: How do you find people who have the right mentality and customer service attitude?" he said. "We can train them to do the jobs, but how do you build a process to pick the right people and keep them excited?"

As of December 2025, United Airlines had around 113,200 employees, according to company financials, after several years of head count growth.

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

Go to Miami, they said. It's "Wall Street South," they said.

Since the early days of the pandemic, the 305 has been pitched as the "new" Wall Street. Warm weather and low taxes! What's not to love?

But "Wall Street South" hasn't really materialized, despite hedge funds touting big investments in the city. BI's Bradley Saacks has the numbers to prove it.

Last year, eight of the world's largest hedge funds had 218 investment professionals in Miami, according to public filings. A year later, that number dropped by 20, even as firms increased their investing head count by more than 11%.

So as hedge funds bulk up, Miami isn't where they're sending their money-makers.

This isn't Miami's obituary.

The city has become a hot spot for the world's richest people looking to escape a potential California wealth tax.

Some Wall Street firms still have big plans for South Beach. Citadel has been headquartered there since 2022 and is building a 58-story tower. A person close to the $19 billion hedge fund Schonfeld told Bradley its Miami presence has grown year over year.

But Bradley's story highlights that funds' key employees — the ones deciding where to invest — aren't taking their talents to South Beach.

(No disrespect to the middle- and back-office workers, the unsung heroes. After all, if a trade doesn't reconcile, did it even happen?)

Much of that front-office hesitancy stems from a lack of critical mass.

"There wasn't enough flow," one hedge-fund manager, who started his firm in Florida but relocated to New York, recently told Bradley.

That's a tough reputation to shake. Young, ambitious financiers are less likely to take a chance on Miami if the action is still up north.

Being in a financial hub isn't a prerequisite for success. Renaissance Technologies, historically one of the top-performing hedge funds in the world, has done just fine on the eastern end of Long Island. (That may not sound far from NYC, but the Long Island Expressway takes no prisoners.) Still, proximity to the power brokers certainly helps.

As for Miami, instead of constantly pegging it as the next Wall Street (or any industry), maybe it's time to recognize it as something else entirely. Whatever that may be.

• EY is testing more individualized career paths in the AI age, including agile promotions and expanded use of assessments.
• The goal is to better align people to roles and reflect when someone is ready to take on greater scope or impact.
• The Big Four firm's chief talent and culture officer told Business Insider that managers' roles are also "evolving quickly."

AI isn't just reshaping how corporate America works. It's also rewriting the rules for standing out — including how companies evaluate promotion potential.

Big Four firm EY, for example, is rethinking what career pathways look like in the age of AI, as the tech influences everything from recruitment to onboarding to talent development and promotion.

"Undoubtedly, AI is changing how work is done," Ginnie Carlier, EY Americas' chief talent and culture officer, told Business Insider in an interview. "The traditional organizational pyramid is giving way to more flexible career portfolios, where impact matters more than title or tenure."

"Managers' roles are evolving quickly," she added. "They're increasingly responsible for cultivating a psychologically safe environment where people can experiment, fail forward and learn from AI; coaching and developing others; and leading teams comprised of both humans and agents."

While most career models were built on a "linear progression," Carlier said, AI is reshaping workflows and roles are becoming more fluid as "the contributions that matter most increasingly cut across skills, experiences, and outcomes rather than static job descriptions."

To adapt, EY is factoring in additional signals to assess performance and promotion potential.

Promotions have traditionally been based on business needs and an employee's ability to perform at the next level, a spokesperson for the firm told Business Insider. The changes EY are testing are part of its evolution into a more "skills-powered organization," they added.

"We're already testing more flexible, individualized career paths, including agile promotions and expanded use of skills assessments, to better align people to roles and to reflect when someone is ready to take on greater scope or impact," Carlier said.

While skills like rote analysis, manual research, and slide production were prized in the old world, the firm's focus now is on freeing workers to spend more time interpreting data, applying judgement to AI outputs, and telling a compelling story, she added.

AI is changing who gets through the front door

EY now requires all early-career applicants to complete a skills-based assessment. It has also shifted to a hiring model that better identifies candidates who can grow alongside the technology, Carlier said.

The EY exec also pointed to a program the firm launched in the summer of 2024 called 360 Careers, where early-career employees rotate across different parts of the business to build a broader set of skills. The program is part of EY's broader $1 billion investment in talent and technology that also includes higher early-career pay, AI-enabled audit and tax platforms, expanded support for college students, and enhanced wellbeing benefits.

As a result of the changing landscape, Carlier said the firm is recruiting from a widening pool of talent. Two decades ago, EY was almost exclusively made up of accounting professionals, she said. Now, its workforce includes engineers, creatives, technologists, and as a result of its latest changes, candidates without degrees, neurodiverse professionals, and those with highly specialized skills, Carlier said.

In a LinkedIn post in January, Carlier said AI's impact has been both broad, yet hard to predict.

"What we do know is that workforce transformation is changing the shape of our workforce and the skills we'll need to succeed. In turn, we need to completely change the employee experience — everything from talent processes and procedures on how we hire and develop our people, to how we assign them to work and manage their performance and career trajectory."

EY isn't the only consulting firm rethinking parts of the employee lifecycle — like performance evaluation — in response to AI.

At Boston Consulting Group, using AI has become table stakes.

"There's no box on our forms that says, 'Are you using AI?' It is an expectation," Alicia Pittman, the firm's global people team chair, previously told Business Insider.

Nearly 90% of BCG's 33,000 employees now use AI, and about half use it daily, Pittman said.

Consultants may use AI to surface insights, but they're still evaluated on how they interpret those insights and turn them into decisions for clients, Pittman said.

Do you work in consulting and have a story to share about using AI? Business Insider would like to hear from you. Email Lakshmi Varanasi at lvaranasi@businessinsider.com from a non-work email and device or contact her on Signal at lvaranasi.70.

• Walmart submitted about 312 certified H-1B visa applications in the final three months of 2025.
• The number is down more than half from the same period a year earlier, and 40% below two years ago.
• Several major employers have curtailed use of the program after President Donald Trump made it more expensive.

Tech's hiring slowdown has come to Walmart.

The retail giant submitted 312 certified H-1B visa applications in the final three months of 2025, down sharply from recent years, according to the latest data from the US Department of Labor.

The period, which marks the first quarter of the federal fiscal year, offers the first indication of how changes to the work visa program that began rolling out in September are influencing corporate hiring activity.

Walmart's total is down more than half from roughly 860 in the same period a year earlier, and about 40% below its level two years ago.

By comparison, retailers like Target, Home Depot, and Lowe's each had fairly consistent numbers of certified H-1B applications over the same two-year period, though all four companies posted higher numbers at the end of 2024 than at the end of 2025.

Still, Walmart's skilled worker visa program numbers are an order of magnitude larger than the others.

The company was not immediately available to comment on this story.

Walmart's changes track with several major tech employers — including Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft — that have likewise curtailed their use of the program after President Donald Trump announced changes that made it more expensive and difficult to obtain visas.

Amazon, which had the highest number of records in Business Insider's review of the data, saw its quarterly certified applications fall to 3,057 from 4,647 the year before — a decline of about one-third.

The Labor Department reviews and certifies H-1B and similar visa applications to ensure that prospective immigrant workers will be paid as much as typical US workers in similar roles, and won't adversely affect employment for those workers.

Some of Trump's changes to the H-1B program include a preference for higher-paid workers and introducing a onetime $100,000 fee for each new application.

In addition to new rules that made the visa process costlier and placed applicants under tighter scrutiny, companies have also generally focused on leaner, more specialized teams in the last year.

The median base salary in Walmart's Q1 H1-B applications was $150,000, up from $144,000 and $145,000 from the prior two years.

• A winner has been crowned for Business Insider's stock bracket.
• Alphabet took down Amazon in the title match as the stock readers most want to own for the next 10 years.
• Sign up for First Trade, Business Insider's daily markets newsletter.

After three weeks of voting and general bracket madness, First Trade readership has selected ALPHABET as the Magnificent 7 (plus Palantir) stock they'd most like to own for the next 10 years.

The Google parent capped off a dominant run through the bracket, commanding 56% of final-round votes. Its opponent, Amazon — which squeaked through its previous two matchups — brought in a respectable 44%.

The bracket championship reaffirms what's already been made abundantly clear for months: Alphabet is a force to be reckoned with.

It's increasingly becoming an AI power player. It has a firm foundation of existing high-margin businesses, like Google Search and YouTube. Its cloud business is growing. Waymo gives it a presence in self-driving cars. It's everything everywhere all at once.

Given that you voted so overwhelmingly for Alphabet, you probably already know all of this. So let's get into other main takeaways from the first annual First Trade stock bracket:

You want to own what you know

Peter Lynch, the renowned Fidelity stock-picker who crushed the market for years, famously said: "buy what you know." That's exactly what you did with your bracket picks.

Generally speaking, the more tangible and widely accessible the company's product, the better it did in the bracket. Pretty much everyone has an iPhone — Apple routinely dismantled Tesla. Google has 90% market share in search — Alphabet destroyed Meta. And so on.

On the flip side: You avoided the speculative names

The two stocks with the most theoretical valuations — Tesla and Palantir — lost badly in the first round. They may have the most vocal retail-investor armies, but that didn't show up in the vote.

The fact that Tesla barely put up a fight against Apple was perhaps the surprise of the tournament for me. I underestimated how much voters would prioritize stability.

You want market experience

The semi-finals of our bracket featured four of the five companies that have been public the longest. As for the title game, is it a coincidence that both finalists — Alphabet and Amazon — are grizzled veterans with multiple decades of public-market experience? Probably not.

A lot can happen in 10 years, and it makes sense that investors would prefer the steady hand of a proven entity.

Meta just doesn't do it for you

The biggest blowout of the tournament came when Meta was unceremoniously routed by Alphabet in the first round, grabbing just 12% of the vote. This could speak to the strength of the opposition — Alphabet did win the whole thing, after all. But its two other opponents put up a much stiffer fight.

What gives? My best guess is that you're completely unmoved by Meta's AI ambitions. The company is spending tens of billions on something that may not yield results for years. That's enough to make you overlook a thriving ads business. It's a good stock … just not championship material.

If you voted and want to share any insights I missed, email me at jciolli@businessinsider.com.

• Wall Street H-1B filings are down year-over-year following Trump's visa crackdown.
• While some large visa filers, like Goldman Sachs, are down year over year, others are up.
• Financial firms often use H-1B hires to boost their technical staff, but AI could complicate that.

H-1B visa filings fell at major financial firms like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan last year, while other major firms, like Citi, increased their petitions compared to the same time the previous year.

This is the first data available showing how the financial industry reacted to President Donald Trump's changes to the work visa program, which made new applications more expensive.

The Department of Labor data shows that the financial firms that filed the most certified H-1B applications in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 filed 10% less than they did in the same period the year before. The federal fiscal year's first quarter runs from October through December.

Certified H-1B and similar visa applications are those that the Labor Department has reviewed to ensure that a prospective immigrant worker will be paid similarly to other workers in similar roles, and won't adversely affect employment for those workers.

The named firms either declined to comment or did not respond to requests for comment.

H-1B applications fell sharply in the tech industry during the same time period, with all major firms Business Insider analyzed seeing reductions except for Nvidia.

Looking at 20 of the financial firms that are the biggest users of the program in the quarter, the firms filed 25% fewer than they did the previous year.

JPMorgan Chase saw the biggest drop in filings, from 724 certified applications from October through December 2024 to 516 a year later, a nearly 29% decrease. The change in applications dropped it from the biggest financial firm user of the program in the first quarter of last fiscal year to the second biggest user in the same quarter of this fiscal year. The firm's H-1B filings appear to be largely focused on tech roles.

The largest percentage decrease in the quarter came from Goldman Sachs, seeing a more than 60% drop from 256 filings to 101. The firm's remaining filings include a mix of front-office financial roles and technical roles.

While these two financial titans had a decrease in filings, some of their large banking competitors have actually seen their filings rise year over year, with Citi's filings up nearly 20%, Barclays' up nearly two-thirds, and Morgan Stanley's up more than a quarter. Citi and Barclays' filings show a mix of financial and technical workers, while Morgan Stanley's filings do not show the underlying job function.

Another company with a more modest 4% year-over-year increase, Capital One, filed for many data science- and machine-learning-oriented roles, including director-level roles in data engineering and data science, and a machine learning senior lead role.

The figures only reflect Labor Department certifications, not final visa approvals or lottery selections. Multiple filings can correspond to a single worker. And while Q1 numbers offer a preliminary snapshot, annual tallies could also vary based on hiring cycles or other factors.

Trump's administration has made some major changes to the H-1B program, including a $100,000 fee unveiled late last September, social media vetting requirements, and a wage-based lottery system that gives the highest-paid applicants a better chance in the annual H-1B lottery.

The H-1B lottery, which took place last month, is typically when the lion's share of applications are filed. When those filings are released, the impact of Trump's policy will be made clearer. Immigration lawyers previously told Business Insider that constant policy shifts and uncertainty are causing many corporations to curb their sponsorship of work visas.

The dip in filings also comes as fear is rising about generative AI's potential impact on white-collar workforces, especially technical workers, who are often among the main targets of H-1B-sponsored hiring.

• Deutsche Bank is projecting 19% earnings growth for the first quarter, surpassing estimates.
• Elevated oil prices and AI sector growth are driving strong earnings in tech and energy, it said.
• However, investor concerns persist despite Deutsche Bank's optimistic outlook on earnings growth.

First-quarter earnings season is set to kick off next week, and Deutsche Bank says it'll be a doozy.

The bank is eyeing 19% year-over-year earnings growth — above the Wall Street consensus of 16%, which is already the most bullish level in four years.

In a client note on Thursday, the bank cited a few tailwinds for its uber upbeat outlook:

• Elevated oil prices will be a boon for energy-sector earnings — to the tune of 10.3% growth in Q1, compared with 2.2% in Q4
• AI beneficiaries like Nvidia and Micron should see strong earnings growth, as should the broader mega-cap tech stocks. Financial sector earnings should also grow by almost double to 20%
• A rising ISM manufacturing index that is now indicating economic expansion, and earnings for industrial cyclical stocks will grow from 2.8% in Q4 to 7.9% in Q1
• A depreciating US dollar, which they think will boost earnings by 4.1 percentage points as foreign buyers have more purchasing power for US goods and services
• Earnings in the materials sector should keep pace at 30% growth, thanks to rising metals prices

While Deutsche Bank has adopted a rosy view of the coming earnings performance, investors don't seem convinced yet, it said. On the contrary, they seem worried about underwhelming results, thanks to factors like the war in Iran and the AI scare earlier this year.

"Equity investor positioning meanwhile is significantly underweight and in line with an imminent collapse in earnings growth," Binky Chadha, the bank's chief US equity strategist, said in the note. "Positioning is notably low for sectors in the market cross hairs currently, like Financials and Tech, especially Software."

Historically, earnings growth and investor positioning have been moderately correlated, indicating a rare disconnect between the two.

• Meta's release of its Muse Spark AI model has sent downloads of its AI app soaring.
• Muse Spark is the first model released by Meta Superintelligence Labs.
• Meta has spent billions leading up to this moment.

This is exactly the spark Mark Zuckerberg was hoping for.

According to Sensor Tower's estimates, Meta AI reached an all-time high in daily web visitors in the US. Meta's iOS AI app saw roughly 46,000 downloads, an 87% day-over-day increase in downloads on the US Apple App Store.

As of Thursday evening, Meta's AI assistant and glasses app is No. 6 among the most-downloaded free apps, a major improvement from its average rank of 65 in the previous month.

The market intelligence firm said the surge went beyond the US.

"The excitement surrounding Meta AI's new AI Model, Muse Spark, wasn't limited to the US as downloads of the app on iOS in Canada, the UK, France and Germany soared 51%, 32%, 27% and 25% day-over-day, respectively," Sensor Tower wrote in a report.

Muse Spark is the first AI model released by Meta Superintelligence Labs. Meta invested billions in its AI buildout, including a $14 billion investment in Scale AI, which led it to poach Scale AI's cofounder, Alexandr Wang. Top Wall Street analysts were also pleased, which sent Meta's shares higher.

"Muse Spark is the first step on our scaling ladder and the first product of a ground-up overhaul of our AI efforts," Meta said in a release.

Abe Yousef, senior insights analyst at Sensor Tower, told Business Insider that, before Thursday, Meta's AI app hadn't cracked the top 10 of the US Apple App Store in more than 90 days. Its highest ever ranking, No. 2, came on April 30, 2025, around the time of its launch.

Meta's surge demonstrates how AI companies are increasingly using viral moments to make a dent in the consumer generative AI market, which is dominated by OpenAI's ChatGPT. On Wednesday, OpenAI said ChatGPT has 900 million weekly users.

Anthropic's Claude, one of OpenAI's chief rivals, briefly stole ChatGPT's US Apple App Store crown on the heels of an outpouring of public support following the Pentagon's decision to effectively blacklist Anthropic.

Overall, AI continues to dominate the App Store. Of the top 6 most-downloaded free apps, four are AI-related.

Meta is 6th, Google Gemini is 5th, and Anthropic's Claude is 3rd. ChatGPT lost its crown again and is in 2nd, though this time it's behind Augusta National's The Masters Tournament App, home of exclusive coverage of golf's first major. The first round in the quest for the famed Green Jacket began on Thursday.

• Pegasus California School has been the focus of a federal investigation and a blistering audit.
• It has claimed it was founded with the backing of the California education department.
• The state says that's not true and demanded it stop.

California's education department has demanded that a Chinese boarding school stop claiming it was founded with the "blessing and support" of the agency following a Business Insider report.

Pegasus California School is a private high school in Qingdao that costs thousands of dollars to attend and promises admittance to top U.S. universities. The school was the subject of a federal investigation and scathing state audit prompted by a 2021 Business Insider story on its ties to a California school district and state education officials.

The audit released last month by the Riverside County Office of Education found "sufficient evidence" of "fraud, misappropriation of funds, or other illegal fiscal practices," and referred its findings to the county prosecutor and other authorities.

Last month, Business Insider asked the California Department of Education about a claim on the Pegasus website that it was founded "with the blessing and support of the California Department of Education, to become the first and only high school in China that offers authentic California education." The website also describes how Pegasus offers its students a "true California-style instruction."

In response, the state agency sent a cease-and-desist letter in late March to the school, China's top market regulator, and the U.S. China Business Council.

California's Business and Professions Code Section "makes it unlawful for a non-governmental entity to use a state government name in a manner that could reasonably be interpreted as implying connection, approval, or endorsement by the state government," Len Garfinkel, the department's general counsel, wrote in the letter.

"You are on notice that the California Department of Education is not connected to, does not approve and does not endorse Pegasus California School," Garfinkel added.

Following Business Insider's inquiry, Steven Ma, Pegasus California School's founder, said that he has asked the school's administration to begin updating the website.

Pegasus changed the English version of its website to say that it was founded "with the blessing and support from the former California State Superintendent of Public Instruction." As of Thursday, it still mentioned the department on the Chinese version of the site, saying it was "authorized by the then-Secretary of Education of the California Department of Education."

Ma told Business Insider that the school administrator told him that "there is not a direct equivalent to the role of 'State Superintendent of Public Instruction' within the Chinese provincial governmental structure. As a result, in translation, it may have been rendered more generally as 'head of the California education department.'"

He added that, "the school will continue its review of all public-facing materials to ensure that language across different versions is clear, consistent, and does not create any potential for misunderstanding."

A California Department of Education spokesperson told Business Insider that "we're looking into this latest update."

Business Insider's 2021 investigation revealed that current and former state officials — including Tom Torlakson, who at the time was the state superintendent of public instruction, and David Long, a former California education secretary — worked closely with Pegasus' founder, a businessman named Steven Ma, to set up the school.

Wealthy Chinese students who attended Pegasus enjoyed perks that included California high school diplomas from the Val Verde Unified School District and a leg up in the cutthroat University of California admission process, the reporting found.

Torlakson, for a time, was also listed on Pegasus' website as the school's chief principal. "Going forward, I will use my personal connections in our education communities to promote Pegasus California School," a message attributed to him on the site said.

In response to that report, the California Department of Education in 2021 referred the matter to the state Attorney General's office and the Fair Political Practices Commission.

A spokesperson said it was "imperative that these serious allegations of misuse of state funds and conflict of interest during or after," Torlakson's term be reviewed by the appropriate outside agencies.

The recent audit found evidence that Torlakson and Long may have received benefits related to Pegasus.

For instance, the audit found that Ma, through his college consulting company ThinkTank Learning, made $13,600 in political contributions to Torlakson's 2014 campaign to be elected as superintendent. The auditors cited that as "evidence of potential bribes and/ or kickbacks."

The report also found that Torlakson's office had "raised concerns about representations that the CDE would partner or endorse official California schools in foreign countries."

Torlakson was unavailable to comment, according to a family member.

Ma previously said that "any political contributions referenced were lawful, publicly disclosed, and not connected to any official actions. I have never participated in or been aware of any bribery, kickbacks, or improper arrangements."

As recently as 2024, according to Pegasus' WeChat channel, UC Irvine offered a summer school program specifically tailored to its students.

Sheri Ledbetter, a UC Irvine spokesperson, confirmed that Pegasus students visited UC Irvine as part of a two-week international high school program, which included students from several international institutions.

"We no longer host international minors as part of UC Irvine's continuing education programs, and do not have a continuing relationship with Pegasus," Ledbetter said.

On the Pegasus website, Ma is described as a member of the University of California Regents Selection Committee. In one post, referencing Ma's UC affiliation, students were encouraged to meet with him to learn application strategies and secure offers from top U.S. universities.

"To our knowledge, he's not on such a committee," Stett Holbrook, associate director of strategic and critical communications for the University of California Office of the President, told Business Insider in response to Ma's claim.

"The University of California does not convene a Regents selection advisory committee," Holbrook added.

Ma told Business Insider that "To the extent any wording on the Pegasus website could be interpreted as suggesting a formal or ongoing committee role, that language will be reviewed and clarified as appropriate."

While Pegasus marketed itself as a California high school in China, Business Insider previously reported that it failed to receive accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, which accredits California schools, and it also didn't offer the "A-G course list," a program of courses required for California students to gain admittance to UC schools.

In 2018, Evera Spears, a former associate director for the University of California's Office of the President, contacted the admissions directors at all nine undergraduate UC campuses to remind them that Pegasus was "not WASC accredited; does not have a UC A-G Course List." She added that any Pegasus students accepted into any of the UC schools must be designated an "Admission by Exception," the system's term for students who show promise but don't meet the admission requirements.

A few months later, the director of admissions for UC Santa Barbara wrote to Spears that "It's off putting that they are using terms like A-G Approved course list," and that "I feel badly for families who can easily be led to believe that this program is endorsed by the UC system."

Pegasus continues to claim online that it offers "California's A-G curriculum."

Do you have a tip? Contact this reporter via email at neinbinder@businessinsider.com or Signal at neinbinder.70. Use a personal email address, a nonwork device, and nonwork WiFi; here's our guide to sharing information securely.

• Anna Noelle Rinke, cofounder of Homebody Studios, left her corporate job after feeling burnt out.
• Now that she's a boss, she said she feels like she can say "no," and has autonomy in structuring her schedule.
• She said she now works longer, but doesn't mind because she feels aligned with the work.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Anna Noelle Rinke, the 30-year-old Austin-based founder of Homebody Studios. Her previous employment and identity have been verified by Business Insider. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I have an engineering background, and I worked in tech for the first portion of my career. I started an AI software company that was part of IBM's intrapreneur program. It made me realize I love entrepreneurship, but I wanted to learn a lot more. And then I was most recently a chief of staff to a major venture investor in Austin.

I absolutely loved the job. We were running a million miles a minute and I went into this job knowing it would be very intense and "on" all the time. But I was not getting enough sleep. I was not eating full meals. And I was putting more stress on myself than was even necessary.

I felt like if I continued to treat my body this way, there would be some repercussions. I was a cog in the machine that was an incredible company, but I got burned out.

Roughly 18 months ago, I left my job in venture capital and started a Pilates brand.

I've been a Pilates lover for seven years, and after I quit, it was the first time in my life I could explore it in a deeper way. I never had the time previously to get any form of fitness certification and I did that after quitting and fell in love. I started teaching privately and then I met my founder at a Pilates class.

She was the director of marketing at a fashion brand, already had a Pilates studio, and knew how to build a brand. I have the operational background and already founded a startup. I knew how to run a team and scale.

So we decided to come together. It was weird to go from working in such technical areas to telling everyone that I'm doing Pilates now. It was a big shift — and a big ego death.

I don't have to always say "yes"

We opened our first location in November 2024, and we now have four. I took a lot of lessons from my time in corporate about how to communicate effectively and approach systems and teams. We're scaling like a tech company — but still maintaining our health and relationships and the important things along the way.

The workload is more than I had before, but it's different. My cofounder and I can make the call if we want to say "yes" or "no."

If an event or brand deal comes up but we've been back-to-back for weeks, it's up to us to have the discernment to say, "Is this really worth it? Is this more important than our health and our option to rest right now?"

When I was an employee at a company, I had free will to say "no," but my nature was to say "yes." Now as a leader, I'm leaning into slowing down. I'm also thinking about my team and not wanting them to experience the things that I had to put myself through.

As a cofounder, I also have the autonomy to run an errand in the middle of the day. As an employee, you can't do that, unless it's part of the company culture, which it's usually not. I also have the autonomy to eat a full meal in between meetings, rather than just a protein bar. I'm able to balance health and relationships with my work.

It doesn't feel like work

At my AI startup, I worked roughly nine-hour days. The chief of staff job was typically 12 hours, although we had a light season, so I would work eight-hour days during the summer.

Now I work about 10 hours on weekdays, but sometimes it can creep to 12, and other times it's only six. That includes me taking a class, though, where I'm still kind of working. I also work on weekends, about four or five hours a day, unless we have an event and it's more.

A lot of days, I finish up at 6 p.m., eat dinner, and go back on my computer until bed. We have studios in Texas and California, so we work across multiple time zones.

I feel so aligned with what I'm doing right now that it doesn't feel like work. I feel like I always heard people say that and I didn't understand. I love what I do so much and I love seeing how we're helping people with their mental and physical goals. I could work 20 hours a day and it wouldn't drain me.

To feel so rewarded by work always felt like such a fairy tale — honestly like propaganda — but it's real once you feel like you're doing something that you're meant to be doing.

• US EV sales are plummeting, with a 27% drop in Q1 2026, per Cox Automotive.
• Model Y sales jumped 23%, helping Tesla maintain a 54% US market share.
• Toyota's US EV sales increased, while Ford and VW faced steep declines.

It's a bloodbath.

New first-quarter 2026 EV sales estimates from Cox Automotive show the US electric-vehicle market shrinking sharply, with total sales down 27% year over year to about 216,000 units.

Nearly every major automaker posted steep declines, underscoring how brutal the market has become without federal incentives.

The broader takeaway is stark. Without subsidies, most EV makers don't have the scale to turn a profit in the US and are losing ground fast. Tesla's scale continues to translate into dominance, while rivals face a brutal reality: in this market, volume isn't just an advantage, it's survival.

The only standouts from Cox Automotive's report were Tesla, which sold a lot more Model Y vehicles and retained strong market share, and Toyota, which grew from a small base.

Ford's EV sales plunged 70%, BMW fell more than 60%, and Volkswagen collapsed nearly 90%. Honda pulled an EV from the US market recently, and VW killed its last EV in this market.

Even previously aggressive players such as Hyundai were essentially flat, while Nissan and Mercedes saw demand evaporate. The pattern is clear: low volume and high costs are crushing legacy automakers' EV ambitions.

There were only a few bright spots.

Toyota stood out, albeit from a small base. Its EV sales jumped about 79% year over year to roughly 10,000 units, boosting its market share to 4.6%. General Motors, through Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC, held on to more than 10% of the US market.

Tesla, meanwhile, remains in a league of its own. The company sold 117,300 EVs in Q1, giving it a commanding 54% share of the US market. While Tesla's overall sales fell 8%, the Model Y was a standout, with deliveries rising nearly 23% to almost 79,000 units in the first quarter — by far the best-selling EV in the US.

It's not all positive news for Tesla. The company has been hit hard by a slowing overall demand for electric vehicles. Despite Tesla's March report of a 6% increase in global sales in the first quarter, the company missed Wall Street expectations.

Is there any light at the end of the tunnel? Higher gas prices at the pump could mean demand for EVs recovers. We'll see when the Q2 numbers come in.

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

• Amazon's Project Houdini modularizes main server rooms, expediting AWS data center buildouts.
• Project Houdini expects to save weeks of construction time and tens of thousands of labor hours.
• Bottlenecks are slowing the expansion of AI infrastructure as demand surges.

Amazon is trying to radically speed up the time it takes to build the data centers powering the AI boom.

Inside the company, an initiative known as Project Houdini — a nod to the escape artist — aims to move much of the construction process into factories, turning the core server room into a set of large, preassembled modules, according to internal documents obtained by Business Insider.

The goal is to accelerate how quickly Amazon Web Services can bring new computing capacity online, a priority that has taken on new urgency as AI demand surges and bottlenecks limit availability.

The company expects the Houdini approach to cut months off data center construction timelines and eliminate tens of thousands of on-site labor hours, according to the documents from earlier this year.

"Given the need for accelerated DC delivery," one document said, referring to data centers, "we have been exploring solutions to take various DC build scopes to a factory setting."

The push reflects a growing constraint across the cloud industry. The AI boom has forced cloud providers to expand infrastructure at an unprecedented pace. Amazon alone is expected to spend $200 billion on capital expenditures this year, much of it tied to AWS data centers.

In his annual shareholder letter on Thursday, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said the company still has "capacity constraints that yield unserved demand."

But building these huge facilities remains slow and complex. From securing power, AI chips, and labor, to the growth of NIMBY-ism and the challenge of assembling thousands of components on-site, the construction process is being slowed — no matter how much cloud giants commit to spend.

Houdini is Amazon's attempt to ease part of that constraint by reducing construction time. By shifting more work into controlled factory environments, the company can standardize builds, reduce errors, and rely less on local labor markets. Over time, this approach could transform how AWS develops data centers by relocating much of the core construction work off-site.

"Our innovations in data center construction enable us to deliver AI infrastructure faster and at lower cost, which is why customers turn to AWS to run their most demanding workloads," an AWS spokesperson said in a statement to Business Insider.

Cutting thousands of labor hours

Today, building a data hall, the main server space inside a data center, is largely a "stick-built" on-site process, according to the documents. Workers install racks, wire power systems, and run cabling in sequence. The process can require 60,000 to 80,000 labor hours and take roughly 15 weeks before servers can be installed, according to the documents.

Houdini flips that model.

Instead of assembling everything on-site, AWS is prebuilding large sections of the data hall, known as "skids," in factories. Each skid arrives with racks, power distribution, cabling, lighting, and fire and security systems already installed.

The modules, roughly the size of a semi-trailer (or about 45 feet long and weighing around 20,000 pounds) are shipped on double-drop trailers, then moved into position and connected together.

The payoff is speed. Internal estimates show AWS can begin installing servers within two to three weeks of construction starting, down from about 15 weeks under traditional methods. The approach can also eliminate up to 50,000 on-site electrician hours, according to the documents.

Amazon expects Houdini to be ready by August and is designing it to support a broader buildout pipeline that could eventually reach more than 100 data centers a year, according to the documents.

A new phase of modular data centers

Modular data centers aren't new. Manufacturers such as Schneider Electric and Vertiv have long offered prefabricated systems, and newer players such as Crusoe are expanding the model for AI workloads.

Houdini pushes that approach further by applying modular construction to larger portions of a hyperscaler's data center, including the core server environment. Amazon owns the design and is working with partners to manufacture it, giving the company tighter control over how modules are built and integrated while standardizing them across its data center fleet.

The approach also makes construction more predictable and less risky. By pre-integrating power and cabling in factories, AWS can reduce reliance on local labor and enable earlier system testing.

AWS is working with Cupertino Electric Inc. to prototype and scale Houdini, with initial module production planned in Topeka, Kansas; Houston, and Salt Lake City. Amazon is also in talks with at least two additional off-site assembly vendors, the documents stated.

Shaolei Ren, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of California, Riverside, told Business Insider that Houdini appears to be the "latest evolution" of the modular data centers.

The containerized data centers offered by other companies usually target smaller customers and allow greater customization, while the prefabricated skids designed by hyperscalers are likely more uniform and better suited to their needs, he said.

"What may be new is the level of integration, the inclusion of AI servers and the scale at which hyperscalers are applying it," Ren said.

Speed isn't the only constraint

Houdini does not address what many in the industry see as the biggest bottleneck: power.

Securing energy supply, setting up grid connections, and building substations can take years — far longer than the months needed to construct a data center. That has pushed hyperscalers to invest heavily in energy strategies, including on-site generation, natural gas turbines, and nuclear power.

Dimitrios Nikolopoulos, a computer science professor at Virginia Tech, told Business Insider that access to power remains the primary constraint.

"While optimizing the build process to weeks is beneficial, it does not significantly impact the overall time-to-live if grid power is delayed for years," he said.

Still, once power is in place, construction becomes the next bottleneck, determining how quickly capacity can be turned into revenue-generating compute.

Houdini is Amazon's attempt to close that gap.

"This enables us to achieve accelerated build schedules while maintaining quality and cost consistency," one document said.

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• Visa's AI token usage is surging, doubling to nearly 2 trillion a month from 1 trillion in February.
• While that's a far cry from Meta, it's a sign that 'tokenmaxxing' is spreading beyond Big Tech.
• Visa says it's focused on results and rewarding teams who use AI to get things done.

'Tokenmaxxing' — or the controversial practice of showing off how many AI tokens you spend — is taking off outside Silicon Valley.

Visa, the world's largest payments company, is spending 1.9 trillion tokens a month as of March — double the number it recorded in February of this year, the company told Business Insider.

Visa says it's not focused on mere output, but on actual results. It has started rewarding teams who prove they used AI to get things done faster.

"It's about the volume of impact," Visa's president of technology, Rajat Taneja, said.

It's the latest sign that large corporations are aggressively adopting AI internally, with JPMorgan tracking how heavily its employees use AI and IKEA launching an AI sidekick to help its staff brainstorm. Now, businesses are going beyond just tracking AI usage — they are also rewarding employees for it.

Unsurprisingly, the biggest token usage at Visa is taking place in its software engineering department, Taneja said. But AI is taking off in other areas, too.

For example, Visa's marketing division used AI to spin up a new ad showing skiers racing down sunbaked streets in the Amalfi Coast.

Visa's internal AI awards

Visa has started recognizing teams that use AI to supercharge their work.

One team that used Anthropic's Claude Sonnet model to ship a new API in under 6 days won such an award. Teams can choose their own prizes, such as internal company 'points' that can be used to buy things like a coffee maker, Taneja said.

Taneja said Visa employees use various chatbots, with Claude being the most popular right now — though it often swaps places with OpenAI's ChatGPT. Google's Gemini is also a popular option internally, he noted.

Visas says 89% of its employees are active AI users, and 44% are what it considers power users: that means averaging at least 25 prompts per day for 15 days a month.

How much is a trillion tokens?

The trillion-token milestone is a notable one for a company outside Silicon Valley. However, within AI-land, burning through that high a number has become routine.

Meta employees burned through 60 trillion tokens in a month, according to a recent report in The Information.

A single developer at AI coding startup Cognition also surpassed the one-trillion mark for all-time usage, according to a photo he posted of an OpenAI certificate he received for the distinction.

Still, Visa's token-touting shows that burning tokens is a flex that isn't limited to frontier tech companies anymore.

People working in different industries might want to take notice.

"This shift is once-in-a-lifetime — bigger than any technology in the past," Taneja said.

• Coatue Management's Thomas Laffont likes the idea of recording and analyzing meetings to flag worrying behavior.
• The hedge fund leader told TBPN that recording meetings would lead to a "better world," though it would likely hurt morale.
• Ray Dalio's Bridgewater famously tried recording meetings in the past in an effort to boost transparency.

In the era of Zoom calls and hybrid work, white-collar workers are used to being on camera. Whether their employer should analyze the footage is another question.

Thomas Laffont, cofounder of the hedge fund giant Coatue Management, made his case for the idea on TBPN this week: "I believe that meetings should be recorded."

Laffont said that while a compliance department might say "we can't have meetings being recorded because it creates a paper trail," doing so would lead to a "better world."

Laffont referenced two hypothetical scenarios with a bad actor. In the first, meetings are not recorded, and someone speaks out a decade later to say there was a "pattern of deception" but that "nothing happened."

In the second, meetings are recorded. When the individual acts poorly, they get an email from the compliance system. The next time, they get flagged to human resources.

"I would much rather live in world number two," Laffont said. "You know what the problem is. There's a system."

Laffont presented the idea as merely a theory: "Let's not even talk about Coatue specifically," he told the TBPN hosts. When Business Insider asked whether Coatue Management records its meetings, the hedge fund declined to comment.

Evan Fray-Witzer, an employment lawyer from Boston, said that the legality of Laffont's idea would vary state by state, but that it would likely be legal if employees were notified in advance as a "condition of employment." How such recordings would be kept could present another issue, Fray-Witzer said, as storing confidential information in the cloud could create compliance problems.

Laffont didn't seem intent on the idea of storing the calls, and drew a distinction between transcription and recording. He wasn't looking for a database of all the call transcripts, he said. Instead, he wanted key takeaways, what was agreed upon, and whether anything was done in violation of compliance.

"I like the option of deleting," he said.

Fray-Witzer also said that there were many reasons not to record your employees on a strategic level, not a legal one.

"It'll probably be horrible for employee morale," he said. "It just has such a Big Brother feel to it."

Ray Dalio, the founder of hedge fund Bridgewater Associates, was famously a fan of keeping logs, with the firm recording meetings and playing them back to employees in the 2010s. Bridgewater later began taping and keeping fewer meetings, Rob Copeland wrote in his book "The Fund," on the recommendation of former deputy attorney general Jamie Gorelick.

Laffont also noted analytics systems were getting better. "They're going to be able to look at your WhatsApp and your messages and your emails and all of your calls and they're going to be able to say, 'Hey, by the way, don't say this,'" he said.

Many employees are already recording their meetings — not to document bad actors, but to keep notes. AI notetaking agents are all the rage in Zoom and Teams calls, spawning a cottage industry.

Laffont said the idea wouldn't necessarily be to only penalize employees presenting problematic behavior; the goal would be to set them on a better path.

"Maybe that person, if they had gotten that first warning, might have realized: 'Oh wait, you're right, I'm being abusive,'" he said.

Should meetings be recorded? Take our survey

• As Americans focus more on wellness, the beverage industry is changing.
• Drinks are now laden with healthful ingredients like fiber, protein, adaptogens, and nootropics.
• The growing functional beverage segment has brands battling to keep up with demand.

Walk into a grocery store or scroll TikTok, and it's increasingly hard to find a beverage that's just a beverage. Instead, cans and powders promise everything from better sleep to sharper thinking to improved digestion, often all at once.

The global functional beverage market was worth about $208 billion in 2024 and is projected to more than double over the next decade, according to Zion Market Research. As the category explodes, so does the competition — and the number of ingredients and promises brands are cramming into every sip.

"It's like a smorgasbord of beverages," Michael Della Penna, chief strategy officer at InMarket, told Business Insider as the trend's momentum accelerated late last year. "There's one for hydration, one for health, and one for fun."

That shift is being driven in part by younger consumers, who are turning their daily beverages into a kind of DIY wellness routine, each serving a different purpose: protein coffee in the morning, a fiber soda in the afternoon, and a nootropic or adaptogen blend at night.

Much of that experimentation is being fueled by social media, where wellness trends spread quickly and consumers are encouraged to constantly try new routines.

"There's a lot of different botanicals and adaptogens and ways they can affect you," said Jon Kreidler, cofounder of Tattersall Distilling, which launched its first line of functional beverages in November. "I think that's where this next wave is headed: maybe this one's gonna help your gut, or help your mind in general; calm you down, relax you."

Less than six months after launching, Tattersall's functional beverage sales now account for about 10% of its business.

Celebrities are helping accelerate the segment. Dwayne Johnson's ZOA Energy leans into vitamins, antioxidants, and natural caffeine, while Kylie Jenner has expanded her Sprinter brand into hydration powders with collagen and electrolytes, and Snoop Dogg has entered the space with hemp-infused beverages aimed at relaxation.

Their involvement underscores how quickly functional beverages have moved from niche wellness products to mainstream — and highly marketable — lifestyle brands.

Reshaping not only what people drink, but why they drink at all

Across more than a dozen interviews, analysts, founders, and operators pointed to a broader cultural shift that accelerated during the pandemic — one in which consumers became more focused on health, more skeptical of traditional systems, and more interested in taking control of their own well-being.

"I think the pandemic really helped a lot of people wake up to the fact that how they take care of their bodies defines their reality," said Yasmin Santos, founder of the functional herbal tincture brand Altar Native.

That shift is also playing out in declining alcohol consumption, particularly among younger consumers, and the rise of alternatives designed to deliver similar social or emotional effects without the downsides.

"What we're seeing is people still want to feel something," Kreidler said. "They still want to be a part and partake and have something adult, but just are kind of fed up with the hangovers."

Functional beverages are increasingly stepping in to fill that gap — whether through THC-infused drinks, calming adaptogens, or "herbal mixology" concepts that blend traditional plant remedies with modern formats.

At the same time, the category is becoming more crowded — and more competitive. Big players are already moving in: Starbucks doubling down on its line of protein drinks, PepsiCo's $2 billion acquisition of prebiotic soda brand Poppi, and Coca-Cola's functional launches, such as its gut health product Simply Pop, signal that legacy companies see the space as a major growth opportunity.

The road to scale isn't easy

For smaller brands, scaling remains a challenge. Santos said manufacturing requirements and regulatory hurdles can quickly become barriers, especially for products using newer or less understood ingredients.

"I had to switch manufacturers," she said, after discovering her original partner wasn't certified for broader retail distribution. The new setup required minimum orders "10 times" larger, forcing her to rethink her business.

There's also uncertainty around certain ingredients themselves, as simple "better-for-you" swaps, like low-sugar sodas or probiotic drinks, evolved into increasingly complex formulations. Today's functional beverages often combine tried-and-true ingredients like protein and fiber with less rigorously studied ones, like adaptogens, nootropics, and cannabinoids, each targeting a specific outcome.

Some plant-based compounds, such as kava or kanna, fall into regulatory gray areas and have already faced restrictions on certain marketplaces, Santos said. Others require extensive independent testing to support any claims.

Whether all of those benefits hold up scientifically remains an open question, but that hasn't slowed the pace of innovation. If anything, the pressure to stand out is accelerating it. Brands are layering in more ingredients, targeting more use cases, and expanding into new formats, including powders and tinctures, as well as ready-to-drink cans and coffee additives.

"We're moving from a reactive health culture to a proactive health culture," John Wiseman, the founder and CEO of Curious Elixirs, a line of adaptogen-blended alcohol alternatives, said, as more people look for ways to support their bodies before problems arise. "I don't see that slowing down; I see that accelerating."

The modern beverage isn't just about quenching thirst. It's about optimizing everything else, too.

• Nations across the world are taking steps to mitigate the impact of oil price spikes.
• These include flexible working arrangements and reducing non-essential journeys.
• Countries heavily reliant on Middle Eastern oil are particularly vulnerable to the war's impact.

Governments around the world are urging people to cut back on energy use amid surging oil prices.

Last month, Brent crude, the global benchmark, climbed above $100 a barrel for the first time since 2022, and has hovered around that price.

The spike follows attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz since the outbreak of the US war on Iran and strikes on gas-related infrastructure, raising fears of prolonged disruptions to a route that carries roughly 20% of the world's supply chain.

In response, countries are rolling out measures to conserve fuel and protect domestic supplies. Thailand, for example, has said it will halt fuel exports to maintain its own energy demands, while other countries are asking citizens to pare back their consumption.

Here are some of the steps governments and international organizations are telling people to take.

International Energy Agency

The International Energy Agency, one of the world's most important energy groups, has issued 10 measures it says governments, businesses, and consumers can take immediately to help ease the impact of disruptions in oil markets.

These include working from home, avoiding air travel, and encouraging the use of electric cooking equipment.

Other steps include reducing highway speed limits by at least six miles per hour, car sharing, cutting air travel, and using public transport more.

The IEA said in the report that "the demand-side measures highlighted in the report cannot match the scale of disrupted supply."

However, it said "they can play a meaningful role in lowering costs for consumers, reducing markets strains and preserving fuels for essential uses until normal flows resume."

European Commission

The European Commission has urged people to follow the IEA's advice to work from home and to drive and fly less, warning of an extended energy crisis caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

The EU's 27 energy ministers met in late March to discuss the situation, after which energy chief Dan Jørgensen addressed reporters and shared the advice.

Going forward, Jørgensen also advised member countries to continue their efforts to expand renewable energy.

"Even if ... peace is here tomorrow, still we will not go back to normal in the foreseeable future," he said, Politico reported.

Philippines

The Philippines has taken several measures in order to bring down energy use, including a four-day workweek for government staff and orders to cut the use of electricity and fuel costs in government agencies.

Government offices were told in early March to implement flexible working arrangements where practical, turn off lights and computers during lunch breaks, and adjust air conditioning unit thermostats to no lower than 75 degrees.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in a video message that the four-day workweek would be temporary and does not include emergency services.

"With the expected global oil price increase, the government is preparing measures to reduce its impact on Filipino families," the Facebook caption for the video said.

The Philippines is vulnerable to disruptions caused by the conflict, as it "relies on the Middle East for almost 90% of its oil supply," according to ING Think.

On March 18, Marcos said that the country is seeking alternative sources of petroleum products and asked the public not to worry.

"We are trying to find different methods to provide subsidies to give assistance," said Marcos in a press address. "The problem is that oil prices are very volatile. We can't anticipate them. So we are still adjusting right now."

Australia

Two Australian states are offering some free public transit.

Victoria — including its capital city, Melbourne — is offering complimentary trains, trams, and buses from March 31 through April 30, according to the Department of Transport and Planning's website, Transport Victoria.

Tasmania, the island state south of Victoria, has waived bus and ferry fees, effective March 30, Premier Jeremy Rockliff said. The free bus service will run through July 30.

Tasmanian officials said in the announcement that they'd seen a 20% increase in public transit usage in the last week as gas pump prices rose.

"Localized demand is absolutely putting pressure on supply," Jacinta Allan, the Victorian Premier, said during an interview on Channel 7. "We might not be able to control those global oil prices. What we can control and support is cost-of-living measures right now."

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also halved the fuel tax nationwide for three months, while saying Australia's oil supply remains steady.

While no official rationing has been implemented in the country, local media in at least two states have reported that some fuel stations implemented purchase restrictions since early March.

In comments to the media on March 9, Australia's energy minister Chris Bowen said that there is no shortage of fuel in Australia, but there are "some supply chain issues which are really being caused by a spike in demand of people seeking to buy extra diesel."

United Kingdom

The president of the AA, the UK's largest motoring organization, advised drivers on March 9 that although they "should not change their refuelling habits," they could "consider cutting out some non-essential journeys and changing their driving style to conserve fuel."

Edmund King, AA's president, added: "Any time Brent Crude passes 100 dollars per barrel raises concern across the markets, for the haulage industry and drivers.

"There will be gradual increases in pump prices, but this shouldn't happen overnight as fuel has been purchased at previous prices."

Keir Starmer, the UK prime minister, said that the government would support citizens during the oil price spike.

"No matter the headwinds, supporting working people and their families with the cost of living is always top of my mind," he said.

Thailand

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul urged citizens not to stockpile fuel. His comments came after long lines formed at gas stations across the country.

In early March, Anutin and the country's energy minister gave assurances that the diesel price would be capped for at least 15 days. He said that the Commerce Ministry was closely monitoring oil prices to prevent customer exploitation.

"Stockpiling fuel is dangerous. If you store it at home, it could accidentally cause fire — it could lead to all sorts of problems," he said. "There is no need to do that today."

India

The Indian government invoked emergency powers on March 10 to divert liquefied petroleum gas supplies away from industrial users and toward households.

This was an expansion of previous measures. On March 9, India ordered oil refineries to produce more LPG and said it was prioritizing that supply for households.

India's Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said in a tweet on March 10 that non-domestic supplies from imported LPG were being prioritized for essential sectors, such as hospitals and educational institutions.

Vietnam

Vietnam has urged local businesses to encourage employees to work from home in order to save fuel.

This comes after the country said it would remove tariffs on fuel imports.

Pakistan

Pakistan has ordered measures to conserve fuel and reduce government spending, including implementing a four-day work week, having half of public sector employees work from home, and closing schools for two weeks.

Other measures include pausing salaries for cabinet ministers and cutting government spending by 20%, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on March 10.

On March 22, the South Asian country ordered fans to watch a popular cricket tournament, the Pakistan Super League, from home because of the fuel shortage. Normally, 30,000 fans would pack stadiums.

"We decided that as long as this crisis is ongoing, we will not have crowds at matches," the country's interior minister and head of the national cricket board, Mohsin Naqvi, said at a press conference.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka made Wednesdays a public holiday to conserve fuel as the country braces for potential fuel shortages, according to the BBC.

"We must prepare for the worst, but hope for the best," President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said on March 9.

The shortened workweek will apply to schools and universities, but "essential" services like hospitals will keep the lights on.

Denmark

Denmark is urging citizens to reduce fuel.

"What the Danes should please, please, please do is that if there is any energy consumption that you can do without, if it is not strictly necessary to drive the car, then don't do it," Lars Aagaard, Denmark's energy and utilities minister, said during an interview with a local broadcaster on March 11.

"Firstly, it can be felt in the private wallet, and secondly, it can help stretch our reserves so that they last longer," Aagaard added.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh's university students got an early start to their Ramadan holidays, thanks to fuel conservation measures.

The country announced by mid-March that main colleges could cancel classes until later in the month. The government has shut down campuses completely to save electricity and has started imposing temporary blackouts for other facilities.

Egypt

Egypt is enforcing some lifestyle changes to conserve gas and oil.

For a country that is used to shopping and dining well into the night, malls, restaurants, and retailers are being asked to shut down at 9 p.m. on weekdays starting on March 28.

The country also announced plans to turn off illuminated billboards and reduce public lighting, and to close government buildings by 6 p.m.

Spain

Spain's government has approved a $5.8 billion aid package to ease the economic effects of the war in the Middle East, Bloomberg reported.

The plan includes reducing VAT on electricity and gas from 21% to 10%, slashing the special electricity tax from 5% to 0.5%, and suspending the tax on electricity production, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said.

A 20-cent-per-liter subsidy is being introduced for transport operators, farmers, and fishmongers, while the government plans to cover 80% of electricity-grid charges for energy-intensive industries.

Germany

Germany's government said it could launch a fuel price package to address surging costs.

"Petrol stations in Germany will soon be allowed to increase their fuel prices only once a day, namely at 12 noon, while price reductions will be permitted at any time," the government said in a press release.

The government said the price of gas changes "up to 22 times a day, which equates to a huge lack of transparency for motorists and commuters."

Those who violate the ban could be fined up to 100,000 euros. The package also includes a measure to release more oil reserves.

"The coalition parties want to submit the package to the Bundestag immediately, with the aim of introducing the new regulations before Easter, if possible," the government said.

Indonesia

Indonesia's government said it would ration fuel supplies to lessen the shock of soaring prices, AFP reported on March 31.

"To ensure fuel distribution, the government will regulate purchases ... with a reasonable limit of 50 litres per vehicle" per day for private consumers, said Airlangga Hartarto, the coordinating minister of economic affairs, according to the publication.

The government also ordered all civil servants to work from home, Hartarto said.

Indonesia heavily subsidizes fuel costs, but the budget was based on a global oil price of $70 per barrel, far below current levels.

South Korea

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged his nation's citizens to "save every drop of fuel," warning that crisis won't be over soon.

"I earnestly appeal to all citizens to actively participate in energy-saving movements in daily lives, such as taking public transportation and conserving electricity," Lee said during an address to the National Assembly, according to a Bloomberg News translation of his remarks. "The current crisis is not a passing shower that quickly subsides, but rather a massive storm whose duration is uncertain, making it all the more severe."

Lee urged lawmakers to quickly pass a proposed 26.2 trillion won ($17 billion) spending plan that will help cushion the blow of rising fuel prices. More than 10 trillion won of the plan is set to address high energy costs, Bloomberg reported.

"If we save every drop of fuel, avoid wasting even a single plastic bag, and add a spirit of mutual consideration and collective resolve, we can emerge from the tunnel of crisis safely and swiftly," Lee said.

Singapore

Singapore directed all government offices and facilities to set their air conditioners at 25 degrees Celsius, about 77 Fahrenheit, or higher as part of energy conservation measures.

In a statement on April 8, the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and the National Environment Agency also asked offices to unplug non-essential equipment and appliances when not in use.

The two agencies said that they would speed up the installation of smart sensors and appliances with the highest energy-efficiency ratings. They called on businesses and households to take similar steps.

• A home editor tested the viral Hulken rolling tote bag on busy sidewalks and the subway.
• The Hulken solves a real problem better than most alternatives and holds up well over time.
• Buy 2 Hulken rolling tote bags to save 19% on your order. Plus, three budget-friendly alternatives.

If you regularly haul groceries, laundry, or heavy bags, the Hulken isn't just convenient; it can actually replace the need to carry anything at all. After weeks of testing it across errands, laundromat trips, and uneven sidewalks, the appeal is simple: it carries more than a typical cart, rolls smoother than cheaper alternatives, and won't fall apart after a few months. But at over $100, it's a serious upgrade, not an impulse buy.

The question isn't what the Hulken does. It's whether it's worth paying two to three times more than a standard cart. Here's who should actually buy the Hulken heavy-duty rolling tote bag and who shouldn't — and a couple of cheaper alternatives if you decide it's more than you need.

What the Hulken does better than cheaper carts

The Hulken sits somewhere between a tote bag and a utility cart. That hybrid design is exactly why it works. Unlike traditional wire shopping carts, the Hulken uses a structured, flexible body that can expand to fit bulky items without tipping over. During my testing, it handled multiple grocery bags, awkwardly-shaped boxes, and my KitchenAid stand mixer without needing to be carefully balanced.

The wheels are another standout. On cracked sidewalks and crowded streets, it rolls smoothly and quietly, without the rattling or resistance you get from cheaper carts. That matters more than you'd expect, especially on long walks.

Where the Hulken really earns its price is durability. Cheaper carts bend, wobble, or break at stress points over time. The Hulken is built to take repeated heavy loads without degrading, which makes the higher upfront cost easy to justify if you'll use it often.

The Hulken is expensive, but it solves a real problem better than most alternatives and holds up well over time.

What I love about the Hulken

It's really spacious.

My first task for the Hulken was to schlep a plethora of products I had to test from Business Insider's offices downtown back to my apartment on the Upper West Side. I managed to fit an entire microwave, a Le Creuset braiser, and a set of sheets into the Hulken with room to spare. I had put off lugging these items home for weeks, so I was delighted that they all fit so easily into one Hulken trip.

The wheels are small but glide super smoothly and its handles are generous enough that I don't have to bend or dip to hold them.

Unlike most grocery carts, the Hulken is pulled instead of pushed, which takes some getting used to. I find I have the most control when using the two side handles to roll it alongside me instead of pulling it behind me.

At 5'11", I was also worried that I'd have to hunch to reach the handles comfortably. Fortunately, the fit is pretty much perfect for my reach; I can walk at full posture while pulling it, which is very good news for my back.

It easily navigates the diverse (and sometimes treacherous) terrain of the city.

On my initial journey with the Hulken, I took it down a cobblestone street, up and down subway stairs and escalators, onto the subway during rush hour, and over the litter-strewn streets of my neighborhood. Since then, I've taken it to Trader Joe's, the farmers market, Central Park, on the bus, and to the laundromat.

The Hulken fits on a single escalator step, so I just roll it right on and off and never have to lift and balance it. I also love that it's the perfect height to glide under the subway turnstile — it skirts right under the bars behind me.

The handles are reinforced and so sturdy.

The most daunting part of traveling with a fully loaded Hulken is lifting it up and down stairs. While it's definitely a workout, the handles feel super sturdy. Hulken claims they're "unbreakable," and I can confirm they didn't show any signs of budging while supporting about 40 pounds of weight.

The zipper top helps keep things dry and clean.

Look, the city can be really gross, and the last thing I want is for a pigeon to crap directly into my bag of groceries or some kid to drop their Mister Softee cone onto my pile of freshly laundered clothing. The Hulken's zippered top is useful for keeping everything secure and protected from the elements. The bag isn't completely waterproof, but I've carried it a few times in the rain, and it's kept everything inside perfectly dry. The top also helps keep cold grocery items cool and sheltered from the sun, though it stops short of being a true cooler.

It's way easier to store than a classic granny cart when not in use.

The Hulken folds down to not much larger than a typical reusable bag. When I'm carrying it empty, I just tuck it under my arm. A metal-frame granny cart takes up way more space and isn't as convenient to carry when not filled.

I feel really cool while using it.

Every time I use the Hulken I get compliments on it. On my last trip home from Trader Joe's, two people stopped me to ask about it. It's just a big plastic bag, but it somehow feels very sleek and chic, which is — of course — the ultimate goal for my New York alter ego.

Cons to consider

I personally find pulling the Hulken behind me more tiring than pushing a cart in front of me with two hands. It also takes a little more work and attention to navigate obstacles (of which there are many in the city) while pulling the Hulken than it is when you're pushing a traditional rolling cart. This isn't a dealbreaker for me — an active 36-year-old — but a classic granny cart may be the better option for those who need to prioritize stability.

If I were to request one change to the Hulken's design, it would be some sort of velcro strip to keep the bag from flopping open when it's folded up.

Lastly, the most undeniable con is the price. It's a lot to pay for a bag on wheels. The Hulken is patented, but I've seen cheaper imitators pop up, including one from Target. I can't vouch for its quality compared to the Hulken, but if you can't fathom spending $100+ on a big plastic bag, it may be a viable option.

What size Hulken should you get?

The Hulken comes in three sizes, and I went with the large because I'm regularly "hulking" big boxes as part of my job as a product tester. That said, I think the medium is probably the ideal size for most people, especially if you primarily plan on using your Hulken as a grocery bag or laundry cart.

The bottom line

I can honestly say the Hulken is a delight to schlep. I highly recommend it for city dwellers who are short on storage space and big on style. While it's pricey, I think it's worth every penny — and now I want one in every size.

Hulken vs. the competition

Still not sold on the Hulken? There are cheaper alternatives

If the Hulken feels like overkill for your needs, there are more affordable options. Just know that they come with trade-offs in durability and ease of use.

Budget pick: Brightroom storage bag with wheels - $12 at Target

Space-saving pick: Whitmor utility shopping cart - $44 at Amazon

Bulky items pick: DBest Trolly Dolly personal hand truck - $50 at Amazon

• Howard Marks calls Andrew Ross Sorkin's 1929 book the best investing read in years.
• Marks highlights how leverage, speculation, and easy money fueled the historic crash.
• The lessons echo today as Marks warns of excess building in private credit.

Legendary investor Howard Marks has endorsed a book on the 1929 crash as he warns about excesses building in today's markets.

In his latest memo, the Oaktree Capital cofounder said Andrew Ross Sorkin's "1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History — and How It Shattered a Nation" is "the best investing book I've read in years."

Marks praised the book, published in October, for describing the Wall Street crash as "not by dryly recounting the events, but through profiles of the protagonists of the day."

Fueled by a yearslong speculative boom and heavy margin buying, the stock market crashed in October 1929, ending the prosperity of the Roaring Twenties.

It also marked the start of the Great Depression, a prolonged economic downturn marked by bank failures, mass unemployment, and widespread hardship.

Drawing on Sorkin's account, Marks said the bubble that led to the 1929 crash was driven by three main forces: stock sold without regard for suitability, heavy use of leverage, and a mismatch between illiquid assets and short-term financing.

In practice, that meant inexperienced investors piled into a market that had surged for years, while brokers, incentivized by commissions, extended margin loans covering up to 90% of purchases. Those loans could be called quickly if prices fell, forcing investors to sell into declines.

"A lack of financial sophistication on the part of individual investors leaves them susceptible to promotions and too-good-to-be-true promises," wrote Marks.

That dynamic can quickly turn dangerous when markets reverse.

"It's not easy to lose everything in the stock market, but the combination of these three elements can do the trick in a bad-enough boom/bust cycle," Marks wrote.

Marks drew these lessons as part of a broader memo on private credit, a fast-growing corner of finance that has expanded rapidly in recent years.

It comes as concerns about private credit are mounting, as some high-profile funds face a wave of redemption requests.

• Bobbi Brown, 68, says being pushed out of her namesake brand ultimately worked in her favor.
• "First of all, if I didn't get fired, I'd still be there, miserable," Brown said.
• After her 25-year noncompete ended, Brown launched Jones Road Beauty in 2020

Bobbi Brown, 68, says being fired from her namesake brand at Estée Lauder forced her to leave a job she was unhappy in.

On Thursday's episode of "Aspire with Emma Grede," the entrepreneur reflected on how her exit from Estée Lauder became a turning point in her career.

"I got fired, which is a good thing. And I didn't know what I was going to do. It was the first time in so many years," Brown told podcast host Emma Grede.

Brown founded Bobbi Brown Cosmetics in 1991 and sold it to Estée Lauder for a reported $74.5 million in 1995. As part of the deal, she agreed to a 25-year noncompete that prevented her from starting another cosmetics brand.

She stayed on as chief creative officer for more than two decades before leaving in 2016.

Brown said that things had grown more difficult toward the end of her time at the company.

"Well, the two years before were pretty miserable," she said, adding that neither running a business nor navigating corporate relationships is easy.

"When Leonard Lauder was in charge, I always had him. I could always just call Leonard, and he would say, 'OK, we'll figure this out. We got it.' So, he was really my mentor," Brown said. "And it stopped happening."

Lauder stepped down as CEO in 1999 and later as chairman in 2009. He died in 2025 at 92.

Brown said she felt out of step with the direction that the company was heading.

"For the majority of the time I was in charge, you know, until it became definitely more corporate, and there was a new leader, and things just were not about supporting individual brands and founders," Brown said. "And you know that's what they wanted, and that's fine."

Looking back, Brown said being fired ultimately worked in her favor.

"First of all, if I didn't get fired, I'd still be there, miserable. So, it's really good that it happened," Brown said.

"And, you know, it wasn't easy. I didn't just walk out and say, 'Oh, I'm going to start another brand.' You know, I had to literally emotionally detach. It was hard. It was really hard," she said.

Brown added that she doesn't "have an affinity, at all" toward Bobbi Brown Cosmetics now.

"They went in different directions, and honestly, it's fine. I don't spend a lot of time talking about the brand. You know, I don't wish any ill on them. It is what it is," she said. She added that she's now focused on her new passion project, Jones Road Beauty, which she launched in 2020 after her non-compete expired.

When Grede asked whether she had any regrets about selling her name, Brown said, "I don't."

This isn't the first time Brown has spoken about her departure from her eponymous label.

At The Wall Street Journal's CMO Council Summit in November, Brown said she relied on those around her for support after leaving the company.

"My neighbors came over and I drank tequila with them," Brown said.

In March, Brown told Business Insider she kept herself busy to avoid falling into a slump.

"I'm not someone that likes to stay sad or mad, so I just worked on myself — from the inside out," Brown said.

• Russia is looking to go big in the anti-drone ammo game, with a new 5.45mm rifle round.
• Kalashnikov Concern said it plans to mass-produce bullets that split into fragments to kill drones.
• Ukraine is already developing similar bullets, as such designs creep into the global defense industry.

Russia's primary small arms manufacturer, Kalashnikov Concern, said on Thursday that it's developing 5.45mm rifle rounds specifically designed to disable drones.

Though similar types of bullets have emerged sporadically on the Russian battlefield since last year, Kalashnikov Concern said it plans to mass-produce the rounds, formalizing a national effort to make drone-killing ammo for individual troops.

The armsmaker said the 30-round magazine is built for the AK-12 gas-operated assault rifle, with each bullet releasing a "multi-element projectile that significantly increases the probability of hitting UAVs."

Kalashnikov Concern said the round can be used in burst and single-fire modes and was tested against a drone hovering in the air and another drone flying along a preset path.

Ukraine has been making its own anti-drone rifle rounds, with a bullet called the "Horoshok," or "Little Pea," that splits into multiple fragments to widen the area of impact. Kyiv said in December that it plans to produce 400,000 of these rounds a month.

The Ukrainian 5.56mm round, however, sees the bullet traveling some distance before it fragments — extending the range of the shot.

Kalashnikov Concern said in its announcement that the fragments of its bullets "systematically separated upon exiting the barrel" during tests against fast-moving small drones.

Some Russian units were thought to have first publicized the overall idea, such as one group of soldiers who filmed themselves in February 2025 using steel pellets and heat shrink tubes to convert 7.62mm rounds into makeshift shotgun shell-like bullets.

The entire concept calls back to the now-widespread use of shotguns in the Ukraine war as a final line of defense against first-person-view drone attacks. The tactic became especially popular as both sides started using fiber-optic drones, which can't be remotely jammed.

The West is experimenting with anti-drone rifle rounds, too.

The US Navy's Naval Surface Warfare Center, for example, said in February that it's developing a "drone-killer cartridge" containing bullets that split into three fragments. Other American and European startups are selling their own versions of split-fragment rifle rounds.

Meanwhile, the concept is catching the eye of the larger defense industry. The Belgian arm of Thales, the French-headquartered prime, has been building a 70mm airburst rocket filled with steel pellets to counter one-way attack drones like the Shahed.

• Sophie Steiner moved to Shanghai in 2015, eager to try Chinese food beyond the General Tso's chicken she grew up on.
• In addition to sampling the city's modern dishes, she discovered Shanghai's traditional home-style cuisine.
• Three dishes she sees tourists often overlook when visiting Shanghai include kaofu, youbaoxia, and douhua.

Like every good love story, mine starts with infatuation.

I arrived in Shanghai in 2015 with an 18-month contract in hand. I saw the city as a temporary blip on my life's radar, a flirtation with a new fate, but nothing serious.

I saw this as a personal sabbatical — an opportunity to travel abroad. My plan was to upgrade my Chinese vocabulary beyond ni hao, and — most importantly — taste some real Chinese food, not the Americanized General Tso's chicken in white takeout pails I had grown up on, often accompanied by a crushed fortune cookie prophesying that "an exciting opportunity lies ahead."

As a self-proclaimed epicure, I did a lot of research before arriving. I consumed every English-language China blog, every Shanghai food influencer's Instagram post, and every cuisine-focused WeChat account as if it were the city's street food itself.

I could practically taste the soup dumplings and smell the scallion pancakes sizzling in hot oil long before I ever traipsed through Shanghai's backstreets.

I came in with a chip (read: fried wonton crisp) on my shoulder, assuming I knew it all. But I soon realized there was an entire subset of local Shanghainese cuisine I had overlooked.

These weren't dishes found on the street, but in people's home kitchens, shared around tables with close friends and relatives, often accompanied by baijiu-fueled laughter — baijiu being China's most commonly consumed distilled spirit.

Benbang cai is Shanghai's traditional home-style cuisine, built around braising, stir-frying, and steaming seasonal ingredients from the Yangtze River Delta, along with a liberal use of oil and sugar. It differs from modern Shanghainese food, which reflects a broader mix of global influences shaped by the city's history as a trading port.

These are three dishes I discovered that tourists often overlook when visiting Shanghai, but shouldn't.

That fortune cookie was right. The exciting opportunity lying ahead in 2015 has since evolved into a committed relationship with the city I proudly call home.

1. Kaofu — braised wheat gluten

At first, I avoided kaofu like the plague.

It's made from gluten — an ingredient many Americans now avoid — which made me wonder: How did the Shanghainese turn it into an entire dish?

But the elastic mass left over after washing wheat flour dough is said to be high in protein and low in fat, and to be fermented in a way that supports gut health.

Cut into cubes, the braised wheat gluten is doused in a sticky soy sauce tossed with wood ear mushrooms, peanuts, and bamboo shoots. Like a sponge, the gluten absorbs the sauce, lending a deep sweetness to every moreish morsel, and securing its position as a staple in traditional restaurants and home kitchens throughout the city.

2. Youbaoxia — fried shrimp

Translated as "oil-exploded shrimp," youbaoxia features whole, shell-on river shrimp flash-fried in a searing, oil-lined wok until crispy.

The shrimp are then stir-fried in a simple reduction of aged black vinegar, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and sesame oil, which coats every crevice of the crustacean in a glossy glaze. Some permutation of scallions, garlic, and ginger is often thrown in the mix, the Chinese holy trinity of cooking.

Youbaoxia is rarely found outside Shanghai and Zhejiang Province, as it traces its roots to the watertowns of Jiangnan, where seafood — like hairy crab, eel, and river fish — is a major component of the region's cuisine.

The shells and heads are customarily left on to preserve the balance of oceanic umami and the seafood's natural sweetness. Youbaoxia is best double-fried to lock in that sugary sheen and deliver a bold crunch.

3. Douhua — silken tofu

Unlike the sweet renditions of douhua, or tofu pudding, found all around China, Shanghai's douhua is conventionally eaten only for breakfast and in a savory format.

Dribbled with aged vinegar, soy sauce, and chili oil, a bowl is rounded out by a fistful of chopped scallions and cilantro. More elaborate versions arrive tableside, topped with pickled mustard tubers, crushed peanuts, dried shrimp, and fried mung beans.

The name translates to "tofu bloom." Hot, fresh soymilk coagulates with cornstarch and calcium sulfate, giving the dish its signature silken texture. Before it's pressed into the firm tofu found in supermarkets, the whey-surrounded curds "blossom," absorbing the flavors and textures around them.

Ladled out warm and luscious, this trembly soy milk custard is delicate, mild, and earthy, enhanced by umami-rich accompaniments. The quintessential pairing, a fried youtiao —orChinese cruller — acts as ideal dipping fodder.

The "bed-in-a-box" trend isn't new anymore — most major mattress brands ship compressed beds these days — but Casper still stands out for comfort and an easy, streamlined shopping experience. The brand's mattresses are designed to suit a range of sleep styles and firmness preferences, making it a popular choice for shoppers who want a reliable online mattress delivered right to their door. Since Casper mattresses can be pricey, using a Casper coupon code is one of the simplest ways to save on your next purchase and reduce your total at checkout.

Our sleep experts have tested eight different Casper mattress models, and each one delivered a strong mix of support, comfort, and durability. In our guide to the best cooling mattresses, the Casper Dream Hybrid Mattress ranks as the best option for back and stomach sleepers. You can explore our full Casper mattress review to learn how each mattress performed in real-world testing and find the best fit for your needs.

Casper regularly runs discounts on select mattresses, but the biggest savings come from stacking those deals (when eligible) with a Casper promo code. Some offers take an extra 15% off, adding significant savings on premium models. To make sure you're getting the best value possible, we've rounded up the top Casper coupons and promo codes below so you can upgrade your sleep for less. We've tested each of these codes to ensure that they're still active at the time of writing.

Today's best Casper coupons and promo codes

Previous Casper promo codes

Are there any other Casper mattress sales running at the moment?

You can find a full list of clearance markdowns on Casper's website at any time. As of the time of writing, Casper is running the following promotions.

• For the latest buying advice updates, follow us on Instagram and WhatsApp

How to use Casper coupons and promo codes

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Can you stack Casper coupon codes?

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What mattress should I buy from Casper?

Casper offers a full lineup of great beds designed for different sleepers. You can learn more in our full Casper mattress guide, or check out these favorites of ours:

Casper coupons: frequently asked questions

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Check out more great bed discounts in our roundups of the latest queen mattress sales.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Responding to an AI call

Bobby called a lot of stations. Their responses varied.

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

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

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

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

A war's impact on fuel costs

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

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

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

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

Whether you're planning an event with family and friends or preparing marketing materials for your business, custom materials can elevate you to the next level. Personally designed invitations, vinyl banners, and more may seem intimidating, but Vistaprint makes it easy with a simple interface for customization and budget-friendly pricing. Vistaprint coupons and promo codes are also a great way to save more.

Vistaprint runs frequent sitewide sales and limited-time promotions, and using a Vistaprint coupon code or promo code can unlock even bigger discounts, sometimes up to 50% off your order. Many deals apply across popular categories like stationery, labels, and banners, and some offers can be used multiple times, making it easier to save on repeat orders.

Before you place your next order, it's worth checking the latest Vistaprint promo codes to make sure you're getting the lowest price on everything from everyday business essentials to custom stationery. Below, we've rounded up the best Vistaprint discount codes and active deals we've tested so you can save more on your next print project.

Today's best Vistaprint discount codes

Previous Vistaprint discount codes

Are there any other Vistaprint sales running at the moment?

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

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

How to use Vistaprint voucher codes

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

Can you stack Vistaprint promo codes?

Vistaprint does not allow discount codes to be stacked together. Only one code may be applied per purchase.

Vistaprint discount code frequently asked questions

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

Vistaprint does not offer special discounts for students or teachers in the United States, so your best bet is to take advantage of their other coupons and deals.

Military members can receive a discount on all Vistaprint purchases. To take advantage of the discount, shoppers must verify their military status.

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Vistaprint offers special corporate pricing plans for businesses to use to create their branding and marketing materials. Businesses that participate in one of the three corporate pricing plans (each designed for different business sizes) enjoy perks like free shipping on orders over $50, multiple logins for other team members, and ease-of-ordering features like bulk ordering and auto-reordering. Learn more about the different corporate pricing plans on Vistaprint's corporate website.

Can I reuse a Vistaprint promo code?

In most cases, Vistaprint allows you to apply a promo code to multiple orders as long as your order contains qualifying items. There are some exceptions, though, so it's best to check the terms and conditions for a coupon to confirm.

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When you create an account, Vistaprint saves all your designs and orders on the "My Projects" page, so you can access your previous designs and reorder them anytime.

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• Andrew Pritchard concealed drugs in all kinds of places, from a dead body to coconuts and pineapples.
• In 2007, he was acquitted in a case involving $134 million worth of cocaine ($230 million today).
• After that, he said he would stop drug smuggling, but continued for years.

Andrew Pritchard said his first exposure to smuggling was when he was 7 and returning home to the UK from a family trip to Jamaica.

He remembers that his and his sister's suitcases were incredibly heavy. When they got home, his parents opened them, revealing "loads of bottles of white rum," he said.

"At the time, overproof white rum was something which you couldn't get in this country," Pritchard told Business Insider in an interview for its video series "How Crime Works."

Pritchard's spiral into large-scale criminal drug smuggling didn't happen until later in his early 20s. He wasn't looking for crime.

He was interested in music and started producing sound systems, which eventually exposed him to the UK's warehouse culture in the late '80s. He started organizing rave dance parties, and that's when the drugs showed up in his life and sent him on a criminal path for decades.

Over the next 20 years, there were multiple turning points where he could have walked away, but each time he got out, he eventually found himself pulled back in.

"The road to hell is paved with good intentions," he said.

From ecstasy to weed to cocaine, and ultimately, police custody

The raves Pritchard was organizing were drawing thousands of people each weekend, he said. They also introduced him to drug suppliers and distribution networks.

As the rave scene grew, so did demand. He began selling ecstasy, first at parties, then at scale. In the early 1990s, Pritchard moved from dealing drugs to importing them.

One of his most effective methods involved fruit shipments. Using existing import routes into markets like London's Spitalfields, he concealed drugs inside produce crates, like apples and yams, that would pass quickly through customs.

After police stormed one of his drug houses in 1992, Pritchard fled to Jamaica. It was the first of several turning points where he could have started a different, crime-free life. Instead, what began as a period of hiding quickly became another opportunity to pull him back in.

For Pritchard, the money and lifestyle that drug smuggling bought him were impossible to ignore. "It's an addiction, not that I want to take drugs. It's an addiction that I want to be involved in that lifestyle," he said.

In Jamaica, he built connections with local networks and learned about large-scale cannabis smuggling. By the late '90s and early '00s, Prichard had moved further up the supply chain and into cocaine, where he got into some creative tactics.

Traffickers were hollowing out pineapples, plantains, and coconuts and stuffing them with cocaine that was then shipped from South America, through the Caribbean, and into Europe. Pritchard also tried other smuggling methods, like on planes, and at one point tried to hide drugs inside a dead body.

He was arrested in 2004 in connection with more than £100 million ($134 million) worth of half a metric ton (about 1,100 pounds) of cocaine packed inside coconuts. Adjusted for inflation, that would be approximately $230 million today.

After a lengthy trial, he was acquitted and released from custody several years later. He recalled thinking at the time, "May 2007, I'm out, I'm going straight, just had a son born. It's a new beginning."

His attempt at going straight didn't last

Pritchard returned to legitimate work, but he struggled to adjust to the financial difference.

"The music industry wasn't really getting in the same kind of financial gains that drug smuggling was getting," he said.

Ultimately, what pulled him back in was a favor for an old associate, he said.

"My own generosity came back to bite me," he said. "I lent some money to help him out of a situation."

That associate was still active in drug trafficking and under police surveillance. Pritchard said he initially tried to stay at arm's length but became increasingly involved, eventually helping arrange a drug shipment and being present when it was collected.

The associate, he said, had become a "police magnet," and Pritchard was arrested alongside him in 2013, which ended his final attempt to stay out of crime. In 2014, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

When his crime cycle broke

While in Belmarsh prison, Pritchard recognized younger people, from families and communities he knew, facing long sentences.

That shifted how he viewed his own role, he said. Instead of focusing on his situation, he began to consider the broader impact of what he had been part of.

"I had blood on my hands," he said.

After his early release in 2019, he founded the AP Foundation, which offers support to young people, explaining how quickly involvement in crime can escalate, and how difficult it is to leave once inside.

"I'm asked all the time, would I change anything? And the answer is I can't change anything," he said. "If I could look at myself as an 18-year-old, would I say don't do it? Everyone's expecting me to say don't do it.' But had I not done it, I wouldn't be able to now change lives."

Pritchard recounts his life so far in his autobiography "Empire of Dirt: From Raves to Riches."

When you're in need of a little extra support during bedtime, a body pillow is your best friend. Whether you're pregnant, recovering from an injury, sleep on your side, or just like having something soft to snuggle, the best body pillows promote better sleeping posture by aligning your spine and easing pressure on your hips and shoulders.

As a certified sleep science consultant, I've tested just about every one of the best pillows out there, and body pillows remain one of my favorite tools for better sleep. I spoke with leading spine and sleep specialists and personally tested 17 top-rated models, evaluating each for comfort, support, breathability, and overall feel.

Learn more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches home products.

Our top picks for body pillows

Best overall: Coop Sleep Goods Body Pillow - See at Coop Sleep Goods

Best for side sleepers: Pluto Puff - See at Pluto

Best eco-friendly: Buffy Wiggle Pillow - See at Buffy

Best budget: Utopia Bedding Full Body Pillow - See at Amazon

Best cooling: Zoma Sleep Body Pillow - See at Zoma

Best for back pain: Tempur-Pedic Body Pillow - See at Amazon

Best U-shaped: Yana 360° Body Pillow - See at Amazon

Best for pregnancy: Eli & Elm Memory Foam Pregnancy Body Pillow - See at Eli & Elm

Best overall

Our top pick has the same design as our all-time favorite pillow. Like the Coop pillow that earned the top spot in our guide to the best pillows, the Coop Sleep Goods Memory Foam Body Pillow is fully adjustable. You can add or remove the shredded memory foam to suit your sleep style and personal preferences. It also features a removable pillowcase for easy washing.

It's the perfect snuggle buddy at night. The Coop is bulky but just the right height for me — not too low and not too tall. It conformed so well to my body right out of the box that I didn't have to remove any foam. It's extremely flexible, moldable, and supportive — great for any body type.

It earned a spot on my bed. I love cuddling with it and have continued to use it for months after testing because it's really helped with my shoulder pain. It hasn't flattened out at all, and I sleep so much better with the support it provides. It stays cool throughout the night because it's made with super-breathable polyester and bamboo-derived viscose rayon.

We noticed a slight chemical odor after unboxing. The company recommends running it through the dryer with a dryer sheet for an hour to reduce the smell, which I did. While this helped, the odor didn't completely disappear until a week later, though I do think it's worth the wait. This pillow is hypoallergenic and CertiPUR-US certified.

Read our full Coop Sleep Goods Body Pillow review.

Best budget

This is the best body pillow you can buy under $30. Measuring 54 inches long by 20 inches wide and weighing about 5.1 pounds, the Utopia Bedding Full Body Pillow offers soft, reliable support at a fraction of the price of high-end models. It's filled with plush polyester, but it's Oeko-Tex certified for safety. It's a simple, no-frills option that still gets the job done.

It needs a day to fully expand. Thankfully, there was no strong chemical smell or off-gassing. I found it surprisingly comfortable for side sleeping. The fill feels medium-firm, soft to the touch but supportive enough to keep my knees and hips aligned. It's a cozy pillow that works well for hugging or tucking between the legs to reduce pressure.

But it has a few flaws. After a few days, I noticed a few lumps developing and had to fluff it to restore its shape. It's not the most durable pillow I've tested, and it does tend to sleep a little warm. Still, it rebounds well with a bit of care and feels more expensive than it is. Still, it's soft, supportive, and versatile. Considering the low price point and 30-day Amazon return window, it's a great value choice, especially if you're trying out a body pillow for the first time.

Best for side sleepers

The Pluto Puff is designed for side sleepers. In our guide to the best pillows for side sleepers, we name the Pluto Puff as our top choice for body pillow because it can easily be adjusted to best suit your needs. Despite its large size, the Puff is surprisingly easy to maneuver. The medium-firm feel supports side sleepers to keep their head, neck, and spine aligned through the night.

The Puff provides ample support in all the right areas. As a side sleeper, I know how tough it can be to find a comfortable position with all that pressure on the shoulders, hips, and knees. The Puff is a game changer for relieving pressure points and reducing tossing and turning. My husband, with sleep apnea, finds relief by sleeping on his side instead of his back. He reported the Puff to be incredibly helpful in maintaining proper alignment on his head and neck, with just the right amount of elevation.

I can't recommend it enough. Not only does it boast high-quality materials, but the included pillow case feels incredibly luxurious, silky smooth, and soft — like cuddling up with a cozy cloud of comfort. It also stays cool without overheating. Overall, the Pluto Puff is an excellent option, especially for side sleepers. It held its shape over time while providing consistent comfort, proper spinal alignment, and reliable support.

Best U-shaped

This U-shaped pillow stood out during my testing. The Yana 360 Body Pillow is the first U-shaped pillow that actually feels as good as it looks; soft, supportive, and perfectly balanced. The moment I wrapped myself around it, I felt that deep, cocoon-like comfort that keeps your whole body supported from every angle without the bulk or heat of other U-shaped designs.

It's available in cooling memory foam or shredded latex. Both are Oeko-Tex certified, and free from harmful chemicals. I tested the cooling gel version, and it stayed comfortably cool all night. It includes a removable, ultra-soft cover that feels incredibly smooth against the skin. The pillow comes with an extra bag of fill, in case you prefer a loftier, firmer feel. I tried mine as-is at first, but found the top a bit too high and firm. I removed about three handfuls of fill, and then it was perfect.

I love its versatility. It really lives up to its "One Pillow, Infinite Positions" promise. You can twist, wrap, or fold it depending on your needs. I love to cocoon myself in it for sleep, but it's just as useful for reading or working from bed. You can even flip it to cradle your legs or fold it into a supportive seat. It's flexible enough to move with you but structured enough to keep your body aligned and comfortable in every position. When not in use, it also wraps up into a ball, which could be easier for storing (or displaying on your bed).

It takes up less space than other U-shaped pillows I've tried. It still delivers that enveloping 360-degree support that feels secure, soothing, and almost weightless. It keeps my spine aligned, relieves pressure on my back and hips, and helps me stay comfortably in place through the night. Soft, breathable, and thoughtfully designed, it's my top choice for the best U-shaped body pillow, ideal for pregnancy, side sleeping, or anyone who wants that cozy, all-around comfort that makes great sleep effortless.

Best for back pain

This pillow is stuffed with the same material from Tempur-Pedic mattresses. The Tempur-Pedic Body Pillow is engineered with shapeable micro-cushions that respond and adapt exceptionally well to the body. It's designed for use during pregnancy and for side sleepers, but people with injuries, muscle tension, and back pain can also benefit from the sturdy support it provides.

It provides ample pressure relief. I love this pillow's versatility; I have used it to prop up my legs, relieve pressure on my lower hips, and stabilize my back when I'm sitting up. No matter how I use it, the pillow always returns to its original shape.

It's much firmer than other body pillows I tested. While this is a great feature for larger individuals and people looking for extra support, it might not be as comfortable for smaller folks or people who prefer a softer pillow. The foam is dense and heavy, so moving it around in the middle of the night could be tiring for people recovering from injuries, though the added heft means it doesn't fall off or move around the bed as easily.

Best cooling

This pillow kept me cool and comfortable all night. If you're a hot sleeper, a cooling pillow could make all the difference. The Zoma Sleep Body Pillow is made with high-quality materials as seen in the cover, which is made from a blend of stretchy, lightweight polyester and spandex. It's filled with shredded gel memory foam intended to keep hot sleepers at a comfortable temperature. It's a very well-made, high-quality body pillow that provides great support and breathability.

It's a little firmer than the Coop pillow. The 6-inch loft is helpful for side sleepers like me who need support between the knees. After a few nights of sleeping with the Zoma, I noticed a positive impact on my posture and spinal alignment.

It's shorter than other body pillows. It's two inches shorter than our top pick, so it's not possible to rest my head on it and have full leg support at the same time. I'm relatively short, so this could be a more noticeable issue for taller folks who want a pillow that supports the whole body. The smaller size could be perfect for those who sleep with a partner and don't want to hog the whole bed. The cover is also not removable, which makes washing and drying the pillow a lengthy process. For pregnant people, this pillow is firm enough to rest a growing belly on to relieve pressure on the shoulders and hips.

Best eco-friendly

This pillow is delightful to snuggle up with. I was particularly excited to review the Buffy Wiggle pillow, and it did not disappoint. The pillow has a white cover shell crafted from 100% fiber derived from eucalyptus. This fabric requires less water to produce than conventional cotton and is also biodegradable and compostable. Mine got softer after the first wash. You can also choose from 14 pillowcase colors, including linen, fleece, and prints, purchased separately. I opted for the fleece cover in a lovely peach color.

It features an eco-friendly design. Crafted entirely from recycled materials, its fill is composed of 55 recycled plastic bottles sourced from a facility certified by the Global Recycling Standard. These bottles, collected from landfills and oceans, undergo recycling and transformation into the fluffy pillows we've come to love.

It's long and versatile. Whether you want to knot it up for lounging on the couch, prop your feet on it, or snuggle up for a cozy night's sleep, it offers great full-body support. The Buffy is the longest pillow we've tested by far, at 82 inches, giving you plenty of room to wrap around and bend it to your liking. However, it's worth noting that its length might occupy more space on your bed, and it's also not as lofty as some might prefer.

Returning it is a major hassle. While Buffy has a 7-day trial (before your card is charged) and 50-day return policy, our editor recently went through the process, and found it to be a hassle and a waiting game for receiving a refund. Rather than a return portal, initiating a return required sending customer service an email. Initially, the response back was quick, prompting us to donate the items and provide a receipt. However, the confirmation response once we complied with their terms took over a week and multiple follow-ups.

Best for pregnancy

This pillow was designed to meet the needs of pregnant people at every stage. I had my sister-in-law, who was in her third trimester, try the Eli & Elm Memory Foam Pregnancy Body Pillow. She sought proper head, back, hip, and knee support while sleeping. She said the Eli & Elm allowed her to rest in different positions comfortably while minimizing pressure on her joints and improving her overall sleep quality. The ergonomic "J" shape won her over, and she plans to continue using it post-pregnancy. Plus, the removable and easy-to-wash pillowcase was a game changer for her maintenance routine.

It's a great body pillow for everyone. Despite not being pregnant myself, I found this pillow to be incredibly comfortable and versatile. I used it to prop myself against my chair for extra support while working from home at my desk. So, it's not just for expecting moms — anyone can benefit from this pillow.

It's adjustable. It can be tailored to your preferences, whether pregnant or not. Plus, it's Oeko-Tex and CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it's free of harmful chemicals, reassuring expecting parents that they can sleep soundly without worrying about any harmful substances.

Our top picks compared

What else we tested

• Bearaby Cuddler: "The Bearaby Cuddler follows the long cylindrical shape of the Buffy Wiggle Pillow and stretches over six feet long — taller than me. Despite its length, I like that it doesn't take up too much of the bed and that it's easily moldable. When I'm not using it, I can "knot" it up into a display piece. It's constructed of a single block of GOLS-certified latex foam Bearaby called Melofoam. It's been reformulated to be softer and a bit squishier, perfect for hugging. Since it's not a standard body pillow size, you'll want to invest in the cover too, but I had a hard time getting past the $350 price tag when bundled. For comparison, the Yana is also available with a latex construction and is $100 cheaper." — Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor
• Moonlight Slumber Comfort-U Total Body Support Pillow: The Moonlight can be used in a number of positions to provide versatile support for your entire body. It's filled with a comfortable and plush synthetic down called Fusion Fiberfill that won't flatten or clump, but it's not adjustable. Its large, oversized design also causes it to occupy a significant portion of the bed. If you prefer a down alternative U-shaped pillow, rather than the memory foam or latex of the Yana, this is a good option to consider. Moonlight also offers a lifetime warranty, which is appealing.
• Momcozy U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow: Momcozy is one of the most popular pregnancy pillows on Amazon and has a very affordable $50 price tag, but I found it too bulky, taking up half of my king-size bed. It has a soft, cozy cover, but I found myself getting too hot with it, likely because of its bulkiness and thickness.
• Snuggle-Pedic Body Pillow: The Snuggle-Pedic Body Pillow was previously our top pick for side sleepers. After researching, we discovered that Snuggle-Pedic was acquired in 2020 and no longer offers features we loved, like a trial period and warranty. Recent customer reviews indicate a decline in the pillow's quality, many mentioned reduced fullness and changes in warranty terms. I also noticed a disparity between the original version we tested in 2020 and a new one that we re-tested, leading us to replace it in our guide.

• Oubonun Body Pillow: I recommend the Oubonun body pillow if you're on a budget; it's a good value for the money. It features a hidden zipper to adjust its hypoallergenic polyester fiber fill. It's softer than most but provides sufficient support and won't take up much space in your bed. One side is quilted, which is a nice detail. It even includes a pillowcase as a bonus.

What to look for in a body pillow

Choosing the right body pillow depends entirely on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the following factors as you search for the perfect body pillow.

Purpose

Identify why you need a body pillow—whether for back pain relief, pregnancy support, or overall comfort. Select a pillow designed with your specific needs in mind.

Shape and size

Assess your bed space and choose a body pillow size that complements it. Dr. Karen Litzy suggests considering the pillow size based on your bed dimensions and ensuring it provides sufficient coverage for your entire body. Larger pillows like the Coop Home may be suitable, but for shared beds, consider smaller options like the Zoma. Adjustability, weight, and body size will also influence your selection. Additionally, factor in your preferred sleeping position and needs when selecting your ideal pillow shape:

• I-shaped: The I-shape is like a standard rectangular pillow but longer. A common length is 54", and it can range from four to six feet. It's ideal for people who want a body pillow but don't have a specific need that needs to be addressed.
• U-shaped: The U-shape is characterized by its ability to offer support on either side, keep you from rolling, and make it easy to switch positions without having to reposition the pillow, making it an optimal choice for pregnancy. The most common way to sleep is to keep the open part at your feet, cuddle whichever side you prefer, and rest your head on the bend, but you can get creative about how you lounge and sleep with this shape.
• C-shaped: The C-shape is typically pretty customizable. It has a bend on each end and can be contorted and bent into varying shapes. It's a little smaller than the U-shape.
• J-shaped: The J-shape follows the I shape with the addition of being able to position your head at the curve, wrap your body around the straight portion, or place the hook under the knees and position your back against the straight side. It's a popular choice for side sleepers to curl up with.

Fill and firmness

Determine your preferred firmness level, balancing proper spinal alignment with comfort. Factors such as weight, height, and sleeping position influence this choice. Most of the body pillows we've examined have a memory foam or down-alternative fill, but body pillows are available in all the typical fillings of pillows, including down, wool, and latex as well. Memory foam pillows are firmer and offer more support, while down-alternative and polyfill will sleep more plush. Opt for hypoallergenic options, and for foam fill, ensure it's CertiPUR-US certified. Always check if the materials are safe and certified for a worry-free sleeping experience.

Ease of cleaning

Consider the ease of cleaning. Some body pillows feature removable, washable covers (e.g., Coop Home and Tempur-Pedic). Even those without removable covers, like the Snuggle-Pedic and Zoma, can be machine-washed. A pillowcase is recommended for regular washing, though washing larger pillows may be time-consuming. As body pillows increase in popularity, more bedding brands offer body pillow covers; just be sure to match the dimensions of your pillow.

Temperature regulation

If you sleep hot, opt for a breathable pillow designed to regulate temperature. Breathability is crucial, as overheating can disrupt sleep quality.

Medina emphasizes, "You don't want to become overheated on the body pillow, as an increased body temperature can provoke a wake response." A good body pillow enhances support, comfort, and breathability for improved sleep.

Return policy and trial period

Prioritize pillows with a flexible return policy and trial period. Since side sleepers may need time to find the perfect fit, allowing at least a week to adjust is essential. Ensure you can exchange or return the pillow if it doesn't meet your expectations.

How we tested the best body pillows

Our testing methodology

To find the best body pillows, I did hands-on testing with 17 different models, relied on my background in sleep research, and interviewed sleep expert Zeke Medina, PharmD, and physical therapist Karen Litzy, DPT.

As a sleep researcher and certified sleep science consultant, it's important for me to review items that truly improve quality sleep. I paid close attention to how well I slept with each pillow, including how comfortable, breathable, and supportive they were. Here's how I evaluated each pillow:

Setup: First, I wanted to know whether the body pillows emitted any chemical odors as soon as I opened the package. If there was an odor, I evaluated how long it took for any smells to dissipate. I also noted if the pillows were adjustable and if they included a removable and washable cover.

Specs and components: I recorded each body pillow's length, weight, firmness, and quality of materials. I also noted if they were hypoallergenic and researched if the pillows' fills were CertiPUR-US certified or made without toxic materials.

Sleeping: I slept with each body pillow for seven consecutive nights, taking note of how well I fell asleep, stayed asleep, and felt in the morning. I evaluated how comfortable and soft the materials were, whether I slept cool or hot, and how much support and tension relief I felt throughout the night and in the morning.

Return policy: I looked at the return policy and warranty of each pillow. This is important in case individuals are unsure it's the right fit. "No single pillow is the answer for everybody," says Medina, so it's best to try out body pillows to figure out what works for you.

Long-term use: Since original testing, I've continued to use our top picks regularly and will report back about their durability over time.

Meet the expert behind the guide

Suzy Hernandez, freelance contributor: I managed a sleep laboratory for over two years and have conducted extensive research on sleep. I've tested products for SleepScore labs and presented my work at the Eastern Psychological Association. Now, you'll find me testing sleep products from pillows to cooling bedding.

Body pillow FAQs

What are body pillows used for?

The benefits you get from a body pillow will depend on your individual needs and preferences, but they can relieve muscle tension, help with blood circulation, can be used post-surgery and during pregnancy, and may reduce snoring. They're also beneficial for side sleepers to "hug" throughout the night as a way to promote healthy spinal alignment, as well as the psychological benefits provided by cuddling with a body pillow.

How should you position yourself with a body pillow?

"You can throw your leg over it to take the stress off your shoulder, hip, and knees," said sleep expert Zeke Medina. "You can also place the pillow between your legs to alleviate the pressure between the knees."

Can you wash a body pillow?

In many cases, you can treat a body pillow like a regular pillow. Get a good body pillow protector or pillow case, so you have to clean the pillow itself less frequently. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and only use a large-capacity washer and dryer so you don't damage your machine.

What is the best body pillow fill?

Most of our top picks are filled with memory foam, which offers a good balance of support and firmness. However, our picks for side sleepers and our budget pick are filled with synthetic down, and have a softer, mushier feel. The right fill will depend on your preferences and sleep style. Latex fills are also an option, as seen from Yana and Bearaby, which will also feel firmer with a touch of responsive bounce.

If your cat were out in the wild, they'd naturally sharpen their claws on trees and other sturdy surfaces. Scratching is a natural behavior, so providing something that mimics that experience indoors is essential for their health, and can save your couch or door frames, too.

Cats scratch to condition their nails, leave scent markers of their presence, and stretch their muscles. The best cat scratching posts are stable, solidly constructed, and located where cats will actually use them. In fact, it's ideal to have multiple scratchers around your home, according to experts.

I've been testing home, tech, and pet products for over a decade. For this guide, I consulted a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and a certified applied animal behaviorist for insights into why cats scratch and the types of resources that can support this healthy behavior. I also have two cats who helped me evaluate nine scratching posts in our home. Both cats gravitated toward the SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post, likely because it stood up to their vigorous scratching and was tall enough for them to stretch out. I like it because it looks nice and can last for years.

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

Our top picks for the best cat scratching posts

Best overall: SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post - See at Chewy

Best budget: Frisco 33-in Heavy Duty Sisal Cat Scratching Post - See at Chewy

Best for large cats: MidWest Feline Nuvo Grand Forte - See at Chewy

Best post and bed: Vetreska 41.3-in Cat Scratching Post with Bed - See at Chewy

Best multi-post: Frisco Lucky Bamboo 35.5" Cat Scratching Posts with Toys - See at Chewy

Best overall

The SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post blends solid construction, height, and tasteful design to take top honors in this guide. No scratching post is indestructible, but my current SmartCat post has lasted for years. When the sisal starts to fray, I can extend its life further by rotating the post to give my cats a fresh place to scratch. The two neutral color options are about as inconspicuous as cat scratchers get, and the gray post is especially muted. The sisal's weave seems to appeal to both my cats.

I could barely see any damage during my scratch test, and the sisal never caught the brush. That's important because cats' claws could get stuck on the sisal, leading to injury. The best cat scratching posts allow cats to get a full stretch, and at 32 inches tall, the SmartCat post suits most felines. "A big problem is that people invest in a scratching post that's way too tiny," says Mikel Maria Delgado, a certified applied animal behaviorist with Feline Minds. Neither of my cats is delicate (one is 13 pounds, and the other is 18 pounds), and this post can withstand up to 30 pounds according to Chewy's website.

The engineered wood base is wide to help with stability, but it isn't comfortable enough for use as a napping spot. The lack of padding makes the SmartCat less appealing for cat parents looking for a multifunctional furniture piece. There is a perch pad sold separately, but it was out of stock so I couldn't try it with my cats. This was also the only post I tested that didn't come with all the tools necessary for assembly, so you'll want to have a flathead screwdriver handy.

Best budget

Whether you have one cat or multiple, providing enough scratching resources can put stress on the budget. The Frisco 33-inch post offers many of the same features as the SmartCat post at about half the cost. Its sisal held up well during my scratch tests, although the brush snagged a couple of times.

Other than price point, its main distinguishing feature over my top pick is the plush material covering the base and top. The faux-fur top gives the Frisco dual functionality, adding both a scratcher as well as vertical space to your cat's environment. One of my cats especially liked perching on the top. The base is 16 by 16 inches, and held firm when he summited the post to survey his kingdom. While the post is slightly taller than the SmartCat, there's actually about 2 inches less sisal material on the Frisco because the plush top and base extend along the scratcher. While my cats seemed to appreciate the faux fur, it made the post stand out more compared to my decor. It does come in three colors, though the sisal is always the same cream color.

The Frisco post is also only recommended for cats up to 25 pounds, compared to SmartCat's 30 pounds, but this weight limit should still accommodate the majority of cats. In my push tests, it wobbled a little more than the SmartCat.

Best for large cats

If your cats harbor secret desires to scale trees, consider the MidWest Feline Nuvo Grand Forte. It's tall, wide, and rounded, making it closer to a trunk than anything else I tested. Business Insider reporter Janelle Leeson has cats who gravitated to this post. They loved scurrying up it and using the top as a scouting spot.

It has a mix of faux fur and sisal, with more of the rope-like material than either of the scratchers above. The large base is covered in plush fabric, which my cats enjoyed as a resting spot. For cats that like to scratch horizontally on similar material, there's plenty of room. Neither of my cats used this scratcher a lot, but that doesn't mean it won't work for your cats. "There's always going to be cats with very specific preferences," Delgado says. She notes you should give cats a range of options so you can figure out what appeals to them.

At 19 by 19 inches, its base takes up nearly 30% more floor space than my top pick, which may be problematic in space-challenged homes. However, my biggest issue with this post is that the sisal tends to shed. It has the loosest weave of any post in this guide, which impacts durability and requires cleanup.

Best post and bed

The Vetreska Cat Scratching Post with Bed looks like something out of Super Mario Bros, but the uniquely designed scratcher, topped by a cozy bed, quickly became my cat Dobby's favorite. The flower bed has a concave center surrounded by higher petals, and I find him curled up in the middle when I wake up in the morning. He also hangs out there most of the day. My larger cat doesn't like it as much, but it's getting so much use by Dobby that it's often occupied.

This scratcher is beautifully made. Jute covers the cactus frame and the rounded base, so cats can scratch horizontally or vertically. It's also one of the taller posts, so cats can get a good stretch when scratching. The jute held up well during testing and is less prickly than sisal. The best cat scratching posts should be stable to help your cat feel safe. Despite its unusual design, the Vetreska post is sturdy and withstood multiple feline launches from the floor to the bed without a single wobble. That being said, pulling the structure by one of the petals made it a little unsteady.

You'll pay a premium for quality. The Vetreska Post is the most expensive scratcher I tested, coming in at over 2.5 times the price of the top pick in this guide. In addition, its cartoonishness and vivid colors may not fit with everyone's decor. Some cats may gravitate towards a post with a simpler design or a different style of bed. However, if your cat does enjoy curling up in the flower, the post will have a much longer lifespan as a bed.

Best multi-post

This well-made Frisco scratcher with a bamboo motif offers multiple scratching options and includes added features to encourage play. My 3-year-old cat enjoyed batting at the felt leaves, though the fluffy ball didn't really intrigue him. My older cat found neither amusing.

It has three posts of varying heights to give your cat plenty of choices. The tallest post is about 26 inches, and when you factor in the base and leaf, the highest point on this scratcher is 36 inches. It's only recommended for cats up to 15 pounds, so combined with the shorter height, it's probably not the best option for larger cats. That said, my 18-pound cat didn't seem to have any trouble. The top of the base is also covered in sisal, providing an opportunity for horizontal scratching. The sisal was resistant to wear in my tests and didn't shed or snag, and the triple posts provide more scratching surfaces.

Its raised base can limit accessibility, requiring some cats to use the posts at a slight distance or contort around the posts in order to scratch.The design also deterred my cats from using the bottom as a resting area. In addition, this post's material was the prickliest I tested. As with the Vetreska cactus, the bamboo scratcher may stand out against more neutral decor.

What to look for in a cat scratching post

When choosing one of the best cat scratching posts, the most important criteria is that it's something your cat will use. That means paying attention to whether they prefer sisal or cardboard, for example. They'll also need something that's big enough for them to stretch out while scratching. Where you put the post in your home is also important. "Cats like to scratch in prominent locations near where they spend time," Delgado says. That's why it's a good idea to have multiple scratchers where both you and your cats hang out, especially in spaces where they sleep.

Cat-friendly design: Some cats like to scratch vertically, like on the arm of your couch. Others like to stretch horizontally and dig in their claws, and may use the back of your couch. Your cats' preferences might change as they get older, says Dr. Lore Haug, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist with Texas Veterinary Behavior Services. If your cat likes both, look for a scratcher that lets them use it in multiple orientations. Make sure it's long or tall enough for them to fully extend their body while scratching.

Materials: The material you choose will largely come down to your cat's preference. Sisal, cardboard, and jute are all common materials, since those are all what cats like. "Most cats are going to fall into the cardboard and sisal categories as their favorite," Delgado says. Both experts noted that carpet can snag cats' claws, so use caution if that's their favorite material.

Stability: Vertical scratchers should have a wide, heavy base so they don't shake when your cats use them. Haug says this might scare them off, especially if your cat is on the timid side. Horizontal scratchers should sit on a non-slippery surface so they don't slide around.

Durability: Both experts say that cats like leaving visual markers of where they scratched. The best cat scratching posts balance durability with material that accommodates those visual cues. Sisal and jute are both durable, while also fraying and wearing enough to serve as signals that your cat was there. The cardboard post I tested was the quickest to show damage and would probably need replacing the soonest.

Safety: Make sure the post won't tip when your cat is using it. "Vertical posts either need to be anchored to a wall or they need to have a really sturdy base so that they can't get knocked over," Haug says. Choose a material that won't catch your cat's claws.

How we tested cat scratching posts

The living room is the central hub of my home. It's where my couch is and everyone, including my two cats — an 18-pound 3-year-old and a 13-pounder who's 8 — congregates. I tested each one in that room before moving it to my home office, another hangout spot. Below are the evaluation points I considered throughout the testing process.

Cat preference: I placed each of the nine posts behind my couch, a spot that both cats like to claw. Over the course of three days, I used direct observation and camera footage to note when the cats used or interacted with the scratcher. Then I moved the scratcher into my office for an additional three days and tracked usage.

Stability: I watched for shaking when my cats used the scratchers. I used medium force to push and pull each post to see if it started to tip, slide, or jiggle.

Durability: Using a metal claw-shaped comb, I scratched each post 50 times. I noted any wear from this test and whether the material caught the comb. I also examined the post before and after the six days of testing for signs of use.

Assembly: I timed how long it took to assemble the post and whether I could do it on my own.

Aesthetics: I noted how well-made the posts seemed (quality sisal versus a more ragged-looking rope, for example, or bulky plastic screws instead of flush metal ones), how they looked after some use, and whether they were available in multiple color options.

Cost: Most scratching posts over 30 inches range from $40 to $75 on Chewy, PetSmart, and Petco. I determined whether the posts were above or below that price range. For more expensive posts, I took extra features into account.

Meet the expert behind this guide

Jenny McGrath, freelance reporter: I've tested and reviewed home, tech, and pet products for over 10 years. For this guide, I evaluated nine scratching posts with a range of materials and at various price points. I consulted two experts, an animal behaviorist and a veterinarian, to find criteria for testing and assessing scratchers. My two cats tested all of the options over a period of six days per product.

Cat scratching post FAQs

What scratching posts do cats like best?

Every cat is an individual, and the preferred scratching material varies from cat to cat. In addition, some cats prefer horizontally oriented posts, others like vertical or angled, and some enjoy all orientations. Even the same cat may switch their preference from vertical to horizontal scratchers as they get older due to limitations with mobility.

Do scratching posts really work for cats?

Cats scratch for multiple reasons, from stretching to marking their territory with their claws and the scent glands in their paws. You want to offer your cats a resource that fulfills these needs. As long as you're reinforcing their behavior and it meets their needs, most cats will use scratchers. "Scratching also helps cats stretch their back muscles, so it feels really good," Delgado says. Whichever way they like to scratch, make sure they can get a good stretch at the same time. If your cat still prefers your sofa or other furniture over the scratchers you provide, we also recommend several products to protect your furniture from scratching.

When should a scratching post be replaced?

Depending on how your cats use them, posts can last years. There are a few signs to watch out for if you think the scratcher is ready to be retired. "If there is rope that is unraveling or a cat stops using the post, or they get their claws stuck on it, then it is probably a good idea to replace it," Delgado says.

Which is better for a cat scratching post, sisal or jute?

Either or neither could work. Your cat might like cardboard or even denim better. It's the cat scratcher Pepsi-Coke challenge, Haug says. Give your cat a few options and see what prompts them to scratch.

Where is the best place to put a cat scratching post?

The post needs to be convenient, Haug says. "Having the posts where the cat hangs out a lot, where they sleep a lot, and in their core area is going to maximize their utilization of it." If you have multiple cats, you don't necessarily need to keep scratchers separate from one another. However, Delgado advises against sticking them in cramped corners or seldom-visited basements. "I have several posts close to one another, which can be helpful if you have multiple cats and there are high traffic areas they all like to scratch," she says.

How do you encourage a cat to use a scratching post?

Both experts suggested praising your cat and handing out treats when you see them using the scratching post. You can also sprinkle it with catnip if that attracts them, or encourage them to scratch by dragging a toy along the post.

How many scratching posts do my cats need?

The more cats you have and the bigger your space is, the more scratching posts you'll need, according to both experts. Even if you have a single cat and a small apartment, you should still have a few options in different locations to support choice and so your cat doesn't turn their claws onto your furniture.

Casper's Birthday Sale is live now, and it's one of the brand's best sales of the year. Here's the breakdown: 25% off mattresses, plus 30% off bundles. You can also save 20% on two or more pillows and 10% on other categories through April 21. I've gathered the best Casper deals below.

Compared with recent Casper promotions, this sale is worthwhile — especially if you're shopping for bundles. Though Casper is no stranger to a discount, this event is one of the more reliable times to buy if you want a broader discount across the lineup (not just one model). If you're trying to hold out for better, you may find yourself waiting months.

Keep scrolling to find some highlights from the sale, or check out the full lineup on Casper. Not sure which bed is right for you? Get the down-low in our reviews of the Casper Original, Dream, and One mattresses.

The best Casper Birthday Sale deals

When does the Casper Birthday sale end?

Casper's annual Birthday Sale ends on April 21. Stock typically doesn't run out during the brand's past sales events, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy if you're ready to commit to a new bed or pillow.

What is on sale for Casper's Birthday event?

You can find almost the entire Casper lineup on sale this month. Here are the specific promotions available now:

• Up to 25% off mattresses
• 30% off bundles
• 35% off select pillows and sheets
• 10% off adjustable bases
• 20% off two or more pillows
• 10% off accessories
• 10% off furniture

Check out our guide to the best mattresses to find other beds we love, or our roundup of the best Casper coupons for year-round deals.

For the latest buying advice updates, follow us on Instagram and WhatsApp.

My jeans have been collecting dust since the day I took my career fully remote. As a work-from-home girlie, I rely on pieces that are comfortable above all else — but still polished enough for a Zoom call or quick errands.

Since discovering Rag & Bone's Miramar sweatpant jeans (AKA sweans) two years ago, they've become my go-to "jeans." With the comfort of loungewear and the look of true denim, these are the next-best-thing thanks to a genius screenprinting technique to simulate real buttons and rivets.

Lately, I've been seeing sweatpant jeans pop up everywhere, which had me curious about which ones are truly the best (especially considering Rag & Bone's steep price tag of nearly $200). I compared six pairs across different price points, with varying levels of realism, fit, and comfort. Here's my honest assessment of each pair.

I looked for realistic faux buttons and fabric that mimics a twill weave

Realistic details — like printed buttons, belt loops, and pockets — are key to making sweatpant jeans look like traditional denim. Halara's budget-friendly option surprised me with how good it looked compared to much more expensive versions.

The faux distressed details made these wide-leg bottoms (available in regular, petite, and tall lengths) even more convincing. The cotton-elastane fabric is soft, the mid-rise waistband is perfectly stretchy, and it holds up well when washed in the delicates cycle.

Thoughtful details like functional belt loops made this GAP pair even more jeans-like

I was equally impressed with Gap's Printed Baggy Sweatpant Jeans, which balance a realistic-looking button fly and pockets with a soft French terry made with recycled polyester. Like most Gap pieces I love, these come in three lengths — a must for getting the right fit with wide-leg styles.

My favorite detail, though, is the working belt loops, which add functionality and realism. Styled with a belt, they're basically indistinguishable from the real thing.

Even though this pair uses a rigid denim fabric, the roomy legs and wide, stretchy waistband make them just as comfy

Nuuds specializes in loungewear that's designed to be worn out and about. Even though the denim is more rigid than the other sweans I tried, these are just as easy to wear thanks to a generously baggy silhouette with a 31-inch inseam and thick elastic waistband, which can be further adjusted with a drawstring. I love that the deep pockets on these are functional rather than printed.

These faux denim joggers were super comfortable, but they don't pass for real jeans

I'd call these sweatpants by Good American more "denim-inspired" than actual sweatpant jeans. The 100% cotton fabric looks just like a dark wash denim, but it lacks screen-printed buttons, pockets, or belt loops. That said, the fabric is soft on the inside, with a denim-like feel on the outside. The fit is roomy with a stretchy elastic waist and ankle bands you can tuck into boots. They fit true to size, and have the widest size range of any of the sweats I tested (XS-5XL).

If you prefer something more authentic-looking, Good American's Jeanius line includes everything from cropped palazzo jeans to corset-cut hoodies in the same super soft, sweatpant-like fabric. Unlike the joggers I tested, though, the other jeans styles don't have elasticized waists, and they use true buttons and zippers, so they won't give you the full sweatpant jeans experience.

Rag & Bone's sweatpant jeans remain the gold standard

Still, the award for best overall and the widest selection goes to the OG: Rag & Bone. While other brands are leaning heavily into baggy silhouettes with their sweans, Rag & Bone's Miramar line is generally more fitted, with straight-leg, flared, and shorts options as well.

My favorite style is the pull-on wide-leg drawstring, which has a narrower but still roomy silhouette compared to the other wide-leg styles I tried (and a whopping $268 price tag).

I love that the front pockets and belt loops are functional, while the fly and back pockets use a super convincing screenprinting technique. They're essentially the perfect travel pants: I can wear them on the plane, and later dress them up for sightseeing or a dinner out.

See another pair I tested in our full Rag & Bone sweatpant jeans review.

The bottom line

Rag & Bone still makes the most convincing "sweans." The only downside is the hefty price tag, which may be restrictive. Your best bet for a sweatpant jeans dupe will come from Halara or Gap, though they come in way fewer styles and aren't quite as soft as the Miramar.

Shop all Rag & Bone sweatpant jeans.

When you're shopping for a new TV, the first big call is usually screen size. Larger models have gotten a lot more affordable, but that doesn't always mean they're the right fit. In some living rooms — and especially bedrooms — a big-screen TV can feel like too much. That's why 55-inch models are such a great compromise. They're big enough to showcase sharp 4K detail and vibrant HDR, but still easy to place without taking over your entire space. If you want a smart balance of size, performance, and price, the best 55-inch TVs deliver exactly that.

Right now, my top pick is the Samsung S90F. Since it's an OLED, you get deep, inky black levels, excellent contrast, and wide viewing angles. If you're trying to spend less, the TCL QM6K is a standout value. It can't match OLED performance, but it still delivers bright colors, solid overall picture quality, and a smooth Google TV experience for a much lower price.

Below, you'll find all five of my picks for the best 55-inch TVs, whether you're mostly streaming, catching every game, or building out a more serious home theater. These recommendations come from more than a decade of hands-on experience testing and reviewing home entertainment gear.

Our top picks for the best 55-inch TVs

Best overall: Samsung S90F OLED 4K TV - See at Amazon

Best on a budget: TCL QM6K QLED 4K TV - See at Amazon

Best premium option: LG G5 OLED 4K TV - See at Amazon

Best entry-level model: TCL S5 LED 4K TV - See at Amazon

Best for sports: Samsung S95F OLED 4K TV - See at Amazon

Best overall

Competition for the best 55-inch TV is fierce, but the Samsung S90F stands out as the winner. It delivers the best balance of performance and value of any TV in its class.

The S90F's QD-OLED panel combines OLED's infinite contrast ratio with quantum dots' advanced color capabilities. The result is a vibrant picture with deep black levels that disappear in a dark room. Black levels do lift slightly when hit with ambient light, but never to the point of distraction. And unlike LG's OLED models, Samsung's use of quantum dots gives this TV a slightly wider range of colors.

Brightness is another standout for this class. Our reviewer measured a peak of roughly 1,460 nits, which is excellent for a midrange OLED. HDR movies and shows pop with intense highlights and crisp detail, coming remarkably close to what you'd get from premium TVs that cost more. Even lower-resolution cable channels and HD YouTube streams appear impressively clean.

The S90F also features wide viewing angles, ensuring consistent color and contrast no matter where you sit. It's among the best gaming TVs, too, thanks to its low input lag and smooth 120Hz refresh rate (up to 144Hz with a PC). Plus, Samsung's smart platform includes the Xbox app, letting Game Pass members stream games directly to the TV without a console.

Although our reviewer had issues with Samsung's smart TV interface on older models, they found the S90F to be more responsive and consistent, with reduced lag and fewer hiccups. However, the system's organization is somewhat clumsy compared to more user-friendly offerings, such as Google TV or the Roku OS.

But where it counts most, the 55-inch S90F is an absolutely fantastic TV. People who want a midsize display that doesn't skimp on image quality and features should consider this model first. Samsung also sells a newer 2026 edition of this set, called the S90H, but it costs a lot more and doesn't offer a big upgrade. That said, the S90H does add an impressive anti-glare screen that is much better at fighting reflections, albeit at the cost of contrast in bright rooms. You can learn more in my 2026 Samsung OLED TV roundup.

Read our full Samsung S90F TV review.

Check out our guide to all of the best TVs and best Samsung TVs.

Best on a budget

TCL's QM6K is the best 55-inch TV for budget-conscious shoppers. Despite its affordable price, the QM6K boasts advanced picture quality features that many similarly priced models lack.

Notably, the QM6K features a QLED panel with a Mini LED backlight. Most TVs in this price range cut those features to keep costs down, resulting in low contrast, dim images, and a washed-out picture. The QM6K, however, has solid performance across the board.

The QLED panel produces a wide range of vivid colors, and the Mini LED backlight has local dimming to control contrast across multiple zones. This results in good black levels with minimal blooming (halos around bright objects). In fact, the QM6K handles blooming better than many pricier QLED TVs I've reviewed.

Of course, there are areas where the QM6K falls short. Its brightness is decent for a TV in this class, but not as high as midrange models. I measured a max of around 550-730 nits across different test patterns, which is better than most competing TVs in this price range. That said, high-brightness HDR content doesn't have the luster and pop that I've seen on more expensive TVs.

The QM6K's viewing angles are also a bit limited. Colors and contrast fade and distort if you sit off to the side of the screen. That said, the effect isn't as severe as it is on most budget TVs of this kind.

TCL also earns points for including a backlit remote, which other brands, such as LG and Samsung, don't offer. The remote supports Google Assistant, and you can use hands-free voice control. The QM6K's Google TV interface is smooth, and I encountered only minor hiccups while navigating menus.

The QM6K is also one of the most affordable TVs with a high 144Hz refresh rate. This enables smooth gaming when paired with a high-end PC that can handle high frame rates, and it supports full 120Hz with a PS5 or Xbox Series X.

The 55-inch QM6K is regularly priced at $550 and occasionally goes on sale for as low as $448. Those are excellent prices for a TV in this class, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a better option for the money.

Read our TCL QM6K 4K TV review.

Check out our guides to the best TCL TVs, best budget TVs, and best TVs under $500.

Best premium option

LG's G5 is the high-end TV to beat with image quality that edges out the competition. Most notably, the G5 is one of the brightest OLED TVs I've ever tested.

I measured a peak luminance of 2,410 nits using a 10% test pattern with the TV set in Filmmaker Mode. That's a big leap over the older LG G4, which maxed out at around 1,500 nits. Such high luminance allows the G5 to deliver more impactful HDR images. When paired with high-brightness HDR movies, like "Mad Max: Fury Road" and "Aquaman," the TV simply stuns, delivering a nearly unrivaled combination of bold highlights, rich colors, and deep black levels. This is the kind of image quality that TV nerds like myself geek out over.

Like all OLED TVs, the G5's viewing angles are wide, so the picture doesn't degrade much when you sit off-center. This is great for rooms with seating on the side of the TV. The G5 is also equipped with advanced gaming features, including a high 165Hz refresh rate when paired with a PC, which enables smooth motion.

However, as impressive as the G5's image capabilities are, the TV isn't quite perfect. While watching a small selection of HDR videos, I noticed some false contouring (also called posterization). This flaw caused some colors and shadows to appear blocky rather than smooth. But LG has since released firmware updates to address this, so I don't consider it a notable drawback.

The G5 uses LG's webOS interface for smart TV features, and it works just fine. It offers access to many streaming apps and has cool features like Voice ID, which automatically switches user profiles based on who speaks to the TV. On the downside, webOS tends to emphasize sponsored content and shopping recommendations more than I'd like, but most of these ads can be deactivated by navigating through some hidden menu options.

The TV's design complements its premium picture quality, featuring a sturdy build, a thin profile, and a flush wall mount included in the box. But people who'd prefer to attach the G5 to a traditional TV stand have to buy one separately, since the set doesn't include one.

Shoppers with deep pockets should also note that LG just launched a new 2026 version of this TV, called the G6. Based on an early demonstration I saw, the G6 offers a brighter image, improved reflection handling, and better processing to minimize banding. But while it's an even better high-end TV than the G5, it also costs a lot more. For that reason, I still give the G5 the edge for most people who want a premium 55-inch set. You can learn more in my 2026 LG OLED TV roundup.

Check out our guides to the best LG TVs and best TVs for picture quality.

Best entry-level

For a typical sale price of under $300, the TCL S5 is the best 55-inch TV for people who favor affordability over advanced image quality.

This model uses a standard LED panel without local dimming. As a result, its brightness and black-level capabilities are a noticeable step down from QLED TVs like the QM6K and pricier OLED models.

Although the S5 can produce a wide range of colors, its limited contrast prevents the set from displaying HDR content as intended, causing dark scenes to appear more washed out when watching TV in low-light conditions. Colors and contrast also distort if you sit to the side of the screen, and the TV's refresh rate is limited to 60Hz, so it can't support high-frame-rate gaming. To be clear, these drawbacks are common for any TV at this price point, but it's important to keep them in mind.

I recommend paying more for the QM6K if you want a budget-friendly TV with good HDR capabilities. However, the S5 is a solid option if you just want basic 4K playback for casual viewing. Integrated support for the Fire TV platform and an Alexa voice remote round out the package, offering playback from all the best streaming services. An edition with the Google TV OS is also available for those who prefer Google's platform.

Check out our guide to all of the best budget TVs.

Best for sports

Samsung's high-end S95F OLED stands out from most other 55-inch TVs with a unique feature: a matte screen. While most competing displays use glossy or semi-glossy panels, the S95F's matte finish significantly reduces glare and reflections, which is particularly useful when watching sports in a bright room.

If your space gets a lot of natural light, this TV can be a game changer. Its wide viewing angles also maintain consistent colors and contrast, even when you're sitting off to the side — perfect for group watch parties or big game nights.

There is one tradeoff, though. The same matte coating that helps fight reflections also lifts black levels in bright rooms. That means dark scenes look hazier and flatter when the lights are on. Sports content won't suffer much, but if you often watch movies in daylight, you might notice the difference. It really comes down to whether you value glare reduction over high contrast.

In dark environments, however, the S95F's black levels appear as deep and inky as those of any OLED, and overall picture quality is stellar, right up there with top rivals from Sony and LG. The TV also delivers excellent brightness for an OLED. I measured a peak of around 2,170 nits, which is fantastic for an OLED.

The S95F's premium design matches its performance. It's thin with a minimalist profile and uses Samsung's One Connect Box to neatly manage inputs, eliminating clutter on the back of the screen. Gamers will also appreciate the TV's high 165Hz refresh rate for PC play and built-in Xbox Game Pass support for streaming games.

Those with the cash to spare should also consider Samsung's newer S95H, which carries over everything I liked about the S95F while offering an even brighter image, a cool frame-like bezel, and access to Samsung's Art Store. The S95H is a more impressive TV overall, but the cheaper S95F remains a better value for those seeking an anti-glare OLED for sports.

Read our Samsung S95F 4K TV review.

Check out our guide to the best TV for sports.

How we test 55-inch TVs

To find the best 55-inch TVs, our reviewers used a combination of hands-on testing and research, drawing on more than a decade of experience covering home entertainment gear.

We typically focus our testing on 65-inch TVs, since that size is considered the industry flagship. That said, performance is usually the same for a specific TV model across sizes of 55 inches and up. For instance, the 55-inch and 65-inch versions of LG's G5 OLED share identical specs and features, with screen size being the only real difference.

There are some exceptions. TVs that use local dimming, such as the TCL QM6K, may have fewer dimming zones in smaller sizes, which can lead to minor differences in contrast. These changes rarely affect our overall assessment, but when size-related differences are notable, we call them out.

To test TVs, we evaluate picture clarity, contrast, brightness, color accuracy, viewing angles, gaming performance, smart TV software, and overall value. We measure HDR brightness with a colorimeter and use Spears & Munsil UHD HDR Benchmark test patterns or pattern generators to assess objective performance.

Of course, numbers only tell part of the story. We also spend plenty of time watching real movies and shows in both dark and bright rooms. Our test content spans 4K, 1080p HD, and standard-definition sources from Blu-ray discs, streaming apps, and cable TV, with specific scenes chosen to stress black levels, shadow detail, HDR highlights, and upscaling. Gaming tests are done using a PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch 2.

You can learn more about our review process in our breakdown of how we test tech products.

Meet the expert behind this guide:

Steven Cohen, senior tech editor: I've been covering home entertainment gear for over a decade, and I test the latest TVs year-round. I also studied film production, which means I'm a little obsessive about picture accuracy — I want movies and shows to look the way the director intended, not overly bright or oversaturated. When I review a TV, I use professional calibration tools and test patterns to measure performance, but that's only part of the story. I also live with every TV I test like it's my own — streaming movies, watching sports, and flipping through everyday shows to see how it actually performs in real life. I then take all that hands-on testing and translate it into clear, practical advice so you can find a great 55-inch TV for your budget.

Learn more about the Reviews team at Business Insider.

55-inch TV FAQs

Is a 55-inch TV a good size?

A 55-inch screen is a solid choice for various needs, and many of the best smart TVs are sold in this size. A 55-inch set is still large enough to feel immersive in smaller living rooms, while offering a more compact alternative to 65-inch models that might be too large for some spaces.

If you're shopping for a media console or mount to pair with a 55-inch TV, consider our guides to the best TV stands and best TV wall mounts for top recommendations.

A 55-inch TV is also a good fit for a bedroom where you might want something smaller than what you've got in your living room, but not so compact that you have to sacrifice picture quality. Most brands' best 4K TVs are available in 55-inch sizes, but many top displays are not sold in smaller sizes. For instance, if you want one of Sony's best OLED TVs, the 55-inch size is the smallest available.

Should you buy a 2026 or 2025 55-inch TV?

New 2026 55-inch TV models were announced at the CES tech show in January, and several options are now available to buy from LG, Samsung, and Hisense. Sony also announced that it will release its first True RGB TVs later this spring, but sizes haven't been confirmed. Our experts will review 2026 TVs for consideration in this guide over the coming months.

However, shoppers should remember that 2025 TV models will remain in stock for much of the year, and they cost much less than their 2026 counterparts. With that in mind, 2025 TV models remain the better value for most people.

How much should a 55-inch TV cost?

The best 55-inch TVs range in price, with entry-level models starting under $300 and high-end models costing $2,000 or more.

If you want a midrange 55-inch TV, you should plan to spend about $400 to $700. Several great 55-inch QLED models in that price range feature quantum dots, local dimming, and Mini LED backlights, delivering good contrast and peak brightness levels of up to 1,000 nits.

Shoppers who prefer a 55-inch OLED TV to a QLED TV will have to pay more, with prices starting around $1,000. Although notably more expensive than their QLED counterparts, OLED TVs offer pixel-level brightness control, providing superior contrast and perfect black levels.

Many 55-inch TVs receive discounts throughout the year, but we typically see the biggest price drops during sales like Prime Day and Black Friday, as well as around major sporting events like the Super Bowl and March Madness.

How far should you sit from a 55-inch 4K TV?

The smaller a 4K screen is, the closer you'll need to sit to the display to see the full benefits of its resolution. To see the extra detail that 4K offers over 1080p Full HD, you'll want to sit about one to 1.5 times the size of your display. For a 55-inch 4K TV, the recommended viewing distance is between 4.6 and 6.9 feet.

Of course, you can still sit farther away from your TV and still enjoy its image quality, but the recommended distance will let you see the best level of detail.

If you need to sit even closer to your TV or just have a small room to work with, check out our guides to the best 50-inch TVs and best 43-inch TVs.

For rooms where you need to sit farther from your display, we recommend choosing a larger screen to fully benefit from 4K resolution. Check out our guides for larger display models:

• Best 65-inch TVs
• Best 75-inch TVs
• Best 85-inch TVs
• Best 100-inch TVs

Do 55-inch TVs have good sound quality?

Even the best 55-inch TVs tend to have mediocre built-in speakers. Audio drivers integrated into most TVs are small and often placed in areas that can result in a muddy sound, lacking range and deep bass. For this reason, we recommend pairing your TV with a soundbar or full surround sound system to get the best audio quality for movies, TV shows, and video games.

For the most immersive experience, we suggest finding a system that supports Dolby Atmos, which can enable sound effects from all directions, even above your head. Performance varies depending on the model you get, but entry-level Atmos systems can still provide a nice upgrade over your TV's built-in speakers.

Check out our various soundbar and speaker guides to see our top recommendations for different needs:

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

Do you need a 55-inch TV with HDMI 2.1?

Many of the best 55-inch TVs include HDMI 2.1 ports. This feature is most beneficial for gamers who want to enjoy high frame rate modes on a console or PC.

An HDMI 2.1 connection enables a TV to receive 4K video signals at refresh rates higher than the previous 60Hz standard. High refresh rates enable smoother motion in video games that support them.

Most HDMI 2.1 TVs support a 4K/120Hz signal, and some models can even support higher refresh rates, such as 144Hz or 165Hz. Both the PS5 and Xbox Series X support 4K/120Hz modes, while high-end gaming PCs can support 144Hz and 165Hz output.

In this guide, the Samsung S90F, TCL QM6K, Samsung S95F, and LG G5 all have HDMI 2.1 ports. Only the TCL S5 is limited to HDMI 2.0 with a 60Hz signal.

You'll need a compatible HDMI cable to send and receive an HDMI 2.1 signal from a source device to a TV. For top recommendations, check out our guide to the best HDMI cables.

• Target Hospitality stock is up about 60% since March 31.
• The company landed a $550 million deal to house 4,000 workers building a data center in Texas.
• It is one of many companies outside the tech industry that is benefiting from the AI boom.

A low-profile Texas company that provides temporary housing for immigrant detainees and oil riggers could get a boost from the data center boom.

Target Hospitality's stock is up about 60% since March 31. The company announced on April 1 that it had signed a $550 million deal with a top hyperscaler to house thousands of construction workers building a data center campus in Texas.

The deal is a "landmark" for Target Hospitality, Stifel analyst Stephen Gengaro said Monday in a note to investors.

Target Hospitality has become one of the many non-technology companies hoping to cash in on the AI boom, which has fueled the company's "largest commercial pipeline ever," CEO James Brad Archer said last month in an earnings call with investors.

For its new data center client, which the company has not named but has said is a "top 5 hyperscaler," Target Hospitality is building facilities for 4,000 workers adjacent to a data center construction site in North Texas. The site will feature "elevated hospitality service offerings," according to a press release.

Target Hospitality specializes in setting up and running large-scale temporary living facilities, also known as "man camps." Man camps are longtime fixtures of the oil and gas industry, which sends workers to remote locations for extended periods.

The camps are essentially tiny villages of prefab housing units built to be deployed and dismantled quickly. Man camps often feature on-site food, laundry facilities, and gyms for hundreds to thousands of workers at a time.

Amenities Target Hospitality has provided at other sites include swimming pools, on-site housekeeping, volleyball courts, and golf simulators.

Target refers to these camps as "communities." The company has historically balanced this business with government contracts.

Most recently, Target Hospitality operated two Texas detention centers for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to a company filing.

Target is not the first hospitality company to jump on the bandwagon. Last year, Wyndham said it was planning to open more of its budget hotel chains in areas with heavy data center construction, such as Mississippi and Ohio.

Now, Target is at an "inflection point," Archer said.

"To be blunt, we're focused on growing the WHS segment," Archer said, referring to the company's Workforce Hospitality Solutions division, or the man camp side of the business.

"We believe it offers the most value creation," Archer said.

Target Hospitality did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

• CBS News is hiring Joshua Hoyos as editorial director of its live news streamer.
• Hoyos was previously the New York bureau chief at ABC News and underwent an HR investigation.
• Read the full memo about Hoyos' hire.

CBS News is hiring a former newsroom leader at ABC News who abruptly left last year, Business Insider has learned.

Joshua Hoyos, formerly the New York bureau chief at ABC News, is joining Bari Weiss' broadcast network as the editorial director of CBS News 24/7, the news organization's free livestream news service.

Hoyos left ABC News last February after more than 12 years, following an HR investigation, a person familiar with the situation confirmed. Status first reported the news of the investigation into Hoyos.

A spokesperson for ABC News declined to elaborate on the nature of the HR investigation or whether fault was found.

The former ABC bureau chief will join CBS next Monday and report to Robert Gifford, the vice president and managing editor of CBS News 24/7. Gifford told staffers about the hire in a memo sent Thursday.

Hoyos is "an award-winning journalist and media executive who brings more than a decade of experience directing breaking news and live coverage at the highest levels of broadcast journalism," Gifford said in his memo, which was obtained by Business Insider.

A spokesperson for CBS News declined to comment. Hoyos didn't respond to several requests for comment.

Read the full memo from Gifford:

24/7 Team,

I am very happy to share that Joshua Hoyos is joining us as our new Editorial Director.

Joshua is an award-winning journalist and media executive who brings more than a decade of experience directing breaking news and live coverage at the highest levels of broadcast journalism.

Most recently, he served as New York Bureau Chief at ABC News, where he led newsgathering teams across the Eastern United States — overseeing correspondents, reporters, and producers through breaking news and major continuing coverage. His work at ABC was recognized with Emmy Awards, Peabody Awards, a duPont-Columbia Award, and multiple Edward R. Murrow Awards.

Joshua is a committed advocate for diverse voices in journalism and an active member of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. He recently served as Executive Producer on a documentary exploring the history and legacy of the New York Amsterdam News.

In his spare time, Joshua is an avid runner — with 15 marathons completed — and a devoted movie buff.

He starts next Monday, reporting to me. I am looking forward to introducing you all to him in person soon.

Please join me in welcoming Joshua to the team!

Khaby Lame's $975 million deal is facing trouble as brokerages restrict trading in the stock tied to it. The TikTok star had planned to merge his company with Rich Sparkle Holdings so everyday investors could buy in, but uncertainty has sent the stock down over 90% since January.

Big-screen TVs are more popular and affordable than ever. I've got a 75-inch TV in my own living room, and I love the extra scale it brings to movies, video games, and sports. That said, bigger isn't automatically better. A massive screen with subpar picture quality can be a real disappointment, and performance can vary a lot from one model to another. That's exactly why I put together this guide to the best 75-inch TVs (with a few 77-inch options mixed in) to help you find the right fit for your space and budget.

For most people, the Samsung S90F OLED is hard to beat. It offers deep black levels and vibrant colors that really stand out on a screen this big. If you're shopping on a tighter budget, the TCL QM6K is a solid alternative. It doesn't match the S90F's contrast or color performance, but its QLED display still delivers impressive image quality for the price, and its Google TV interface is smooth and easy to use.

I've also included picks that prioritize top-tier picture quality and models that crank up the brightness, ideal if you're setting up a home theater or dealing with a room with lots of windows. One quick note: this guide includes both 75-inch QLED TVs and 77-inch OLED TVs. That slight size difference comes down to how manufacturers produce their panels.

Our top picks for the best 75-inch and 77-inch TVs

Best overall: Samsung S90F 4K OLED TV - See at Amazon

Best on a budget: TCL QM6K 4K QLED TV - See at Amazon

Best for picture quality: LG G5 4K OLED TV - See at Amazon

Best for high brightness: TCL QM8K 4K QLED TV - See at Amazon

Best anti-glare model: Samsung S95F 4K OLED TV - See at Amazon

Best overall

When it comes to balancing performance and price, Samsung's S90F OLED stands out as the best 77-inch TV I recommend.

The S90F utilizes a QD-OLED panel, which combines pixel-level contrast control with the rich color range of quantum dots. The result is deep, inky black levels and vibrant hues. In dark rooms, the S90F avoids the washed-out grays that plague many QLED and LED sets. Black levels rise slightly with the lights on, but not enough to be distracting.

Samsung's quantum dot tech also helps the S90F produce a brighter image than comparable LG OLEDs. During testing, our reviewer measured a peak brightness of around 1,460 nits, which is excellent for a midrange OLED and about 200 nits higher than the older S90D. That brightness makes HDR movies and shows truly pop, with crisp highlights and nuanced color that come close to matching the performance of more expensive models.

Viewing angles are another strong point: you can sit off to the side without noticeable loss of color or contrast. That's something that QLED and LED TVs can't match. Gamers will love the 120Hz refresh rate (144Hz with a PC), which ensures smooth motion with the PS5, Xbox Series X, or Switch 2. Additionally, Samsung's built-in Xbox app enables Game Pass subscribers to stream titles directly to the TV without a console. Together, these features make the S90F one of the best gaming TVs on the market.

Samsung's Tizen smart TV platform offers every major streaming app and runs smoother than it has on older models. That said, the interface's organization is a bit clumsy compared to the more intuitive designs of rivals like Google TV and Roku.

As with all Samsung TVs, the S90F doesn't support Dolby Vision, an advanced HDR format used by many services, including Netflix and Disney Plus. While Dolby Vision can deliver slightly more accurate tone mapping, the difference is subtle, so its absence isn't a dealbreaker. For more information on HDR formats, refer to my HDR TV guide.

Buyers should note that Samsung also sells a newer 2026 edition of this TV, the S90H. I tested the S90H, and it offers very similar performance, but costs quite a bit more at launch. The biggest difference is that the S90H now has a glare-free screen coating, which greatly reduces reflections but slightly lowers contrast in bright rooms. With all that in mind, the cheaper S90F remains my recommendation for most needs. You can learn more in my 2026 Samsung OLED TV roundup.

Read our Samsung S90F 4K TV review.

Check out our guides to all the best TVs, best smart TVs, and best Samsung TVs.

Best on a budget

TCL's 75-inch QM6K is a budget TV that punches way above its class. This QLED display features a Mini LED backlight with local dimming and wide color capabilities, which are often lacking in competing 75-inch TVs at this price range.

As a result, the QM6K offers better image quality than a lot of its direct rivals. When reviewing the set, I loved the TV's rich colors, and it offered solid contrast with excellent backlight control. Most budget-friendly TVs with local dimming are prone to brightness fluctuations and halos around bright objects, but the QM6K does a great job of minimizing these quirks.

The TV also gets decently bright for a display in this tier. I measured a peak of around 557 nits on a 10% HDR test pattern and around 763 nits on a 50% test pattern. Those numbers are high enough to provide a good entry-level HDR picture. However, this is the dimmest TV in this guide, so it's not the best fit for people with a lot of ambient light in their room. Viewing angles are also somewhat limited, as image quality degrades when you sit off-center. That said, this has improved over older models in the series.

Another improvement comes in the TV's gaming capabilities. The QM6K is one of the most affordable 75-inch TVs that supports a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, enabling smoother motion during gameplay. I was also impressed by the QM6K's Google TV interface. In the past, I've run into glitches and lag on some TCL Google TVs, but the QM6K was snappy and free from any notable bugs.

The QM6K makes some concessions to keep its price low, but it's easily one of the best 75-inch TVs available on a budget.

Read our TCL QM6K 4K TV review.

Check out our guide to all the best budget TVs.

Best for picture quality

The LG G5 is one of the company's top high-end TVs, delivering the deep black levels and infinite contrast ratio that all OLEDs are known for. However, what sets this model apart from other OLEDs is its exceptionally high brightness.

During my review, the G5 hit 2,410 nits in HDR Filmmaker Mode. That's the second-highest measurement I've recorded on an OLED, and only behind the brand-new Samsung S95H. Now, it's essential to keep in mind that only certain HDR movies and TV shows are mastered to take advantage of such high brightness, but when paired with the right content, the G5 is stunning.

Specular highlights — explosions, reflections, lightning, sunsets — pop with incredible impact, and because it's still an OLED, you get pixel-level contrast without backlight issues like blooming. Some QLEDs can get even brighter, but they can't match the G5's ability to harness its brightness so precisely. Visit our QLED vs OLED comparison for more details.

The result is an outstanding image: in a dark room, black levels blend seamlessly into the background, while bright elements shine cleanly and accurately. Wide viewing angles and a 165Hz refresh rate for PC gaming round out the G5's performance perks.

Of course, the G5 isn't flawless. No TV is. The display initially exhibited signs of posterization (blocky rather than smooth colors) in certain HDR scenes, but subsequent firmware updates have largely resolved this issue. LG's webOS platform is smooth and well-stocked with apps, but I still find Roku OS and Google TV more intuitive. I also ran into some early voice-search hiccups that smoothed out over time.

Design-wise, the G5 looks sleek and comes with a mount that hangs nearly flush against your wall. However, it doesn't include a traditional stand, so you'll need to purchase one if you aren't wall-mounting.

A 2026 version of the G5, called the G6, is now available as well. I saw a side-by-side comparison between the G6 and G5, and the newer TV can get a bit brighter. It also has an improved anti-reflective filter and better processing to help reduce banding. That said, the G6 is currently $1,000 more than the G5. If you're a serious enthusiast without budget constraints, the pricier G6 is worth considering, but for now, the more affordable G5 remains my recommendation. You can learn more in my 2026 LG OLED TV roundup.

Read our LG G5 4K TV review.

Check out our guides to the best LG TVs and best TVs for picture quality.

Best for high brightness

The QM8K is an impressive QLED that rivals top models from Sony and Samsung but costs considerably less. Most notably, it's one of the best 75-inch TVs for buyers seeking an exceptionally bright screen.

Like TCL's budget-friendly QM6K, this pricier flagship model uses a QLED panel with Mini LED local dimming. However, the QM8K features a more advanced backlight with additional dimming zones, enabling it to deliver a significantly brighter image with even better black levels.

Our reviewer measured a peak brightness of 3,648 nits on a 10% window, making the QM8K the brightest TV in this guide and one of the brightest TVs on the market. Of course, raw luminance on a test pattern is meaningless if the TV can't control its light output well when displaying actual content. Thankfully, the QM8K can harness its brightness to deliver fantastic HDR image quality. This high brightness also helps overcome glare in rooms with a lot of ambient light.

The TV's advanced dimming system also impressed our reviewer with some of the best contrast control he has seen on a Mini LED TV. Halos around subtitles were absent, and blooming in test scenes that typically exhibit it was completely absent. OLED TVs still offer more precise contrast, but the QM8K QLED is helping close that gap.

The QM8K's viewing angles are also wide for a QLED, with minimal color and contrast degradation even at off-center angles. Again, OLED TVs still have an edge here, but the difference isn't as significant as it used to be.

Gaming capabilities are also excellent, with a refresh rate of up to 144Hz. However, the QM8K isn't capable of 165Hz, which is a feature supported by a few competing TVs, such as the LG G5 and Hisense U8QG.

If you're looking for a premium 75-inch QLED with excellent contrast control and exceptional brightness, the QM8K is a fantastic value.

Read our TCL QM8K 4K TV review.

Check out our guide to the best TCL TVs.

Best anti-glare model

The Samsung S95F is a stellar QD-OLED TV that excels at addressing an all-too common annoyance for many viewers: screen reflections. Most TVs use glossy panels that create mirror-like reflections, which can make daytime viewing (especially sports) frustrating in rooms with lots of windows.

The S95F tackles that head-on with a matte-like screen that dramatically reduces glare. It's not perfect, but for anyone who battles reflections in their living room, it can feel like a revelation. In my testing, the TV performed exactly as promised, with virtually no irritating reflections.

There is a tradeoff, though. That matte finish can lift black levels when the room is bright. In a dark environment, the S95F's black levels look pitch-perfect, but with the lights on, darker scenes can take on a slightly gray, hazy appearance. Glossy screens — like those used on every other TV in this guide — maintain deeper black levels in bright rooms, but they also reflect more light. Ultimately, choosing between the S95F's matte approach and a traditional glossy panel depends on which you find more bothersome: reflections or compromised contrast.

Beyond the screen treatment, the S95F delivers impressive performance across the board. I measured peak brightness at 2,170 nits, which is top-tier for an OLED. It also supports a 165Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth PC gaming and features a premium design that routes inputs through a separate connection box, rather than cluttering the TV's rear panel.

Samsung also has an improved 2026 model of this TV, called the S95H. The new TV gets even brighter, features a premium frame-like bezel, and adds access to Samsung's Art Store. The S95H is the most impressive high-end TV Samsung has ever made, but it also costs a lot more than the S95F. With that in mind, the S95F remains a better overall value for shoppers seeking an anti-glare TV.

Read our Samsung S95F 4K TV review.

Check out our guide to the best sports TVs.

How we test 75-inch TVs

We picked the best 75-inch TVs through hands-on testing with various display models. We've been reviewing home entertainment products for over 10 years and used that expertise to inform our testing parameters and requirements.

When evaluating TVs, we typically review the 65-inch option, as it's the industry's flagship size. However, overall performance for a specific TV model usually remains the same across sizes of 50 inches and above. For example, a 77-inch LG G5 OLED and a 65-inch G5 OLED have the same specifications. The only difference is the panel's size. As such, general test results for 65-inch TVs also apply to their 75- and 77-inch counterparts.

However, some QLED displays with local dimming, like the TCL QM6K and QM8K, have more zones in larger screen sizes than in smaller ones. This can cause slight differences in contrast performance when comparing a 75-inch model to a 65-inch one, but these differences are not enough to alter our overall takeaway. In rare cases, some TV models have more dramatic differences across sizes. We consider these differences when recommending displays and note them when applicable.

When we test TVs, we evaluate picture clarity, color quality, contrast performance, peak HDR brightness, gaming features, navigation speed, off-axis viewing capabilities, and overall value. To measure brightness, we use a meter in combination with test patterns on the Spears & Munsil UHD HDR Benchmark 4K Blu-ray disc.

Test patterns are great for objective measurements, but watching real-world content is the only way to fully evaluate how a TV looks. We sample a variety of shows and movies to assess how a display performs in both dark and bright environments. Part of our evaluation involves watching the same assortment of scenes on each TV we review to compare performance. Sequences are chosen to show off HDR highlights, shadow detail, black levels, upscaling, and motion. We also vary the quality of our material to assess how a TV handles 4K, 1080p, and standard definition (SD) programs from Blu-ray discs, streaming services, and cable TV. Gaming capabilities are also tested using a PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.

For more information about our testing process, check out our page detailing how we review tech products.

Meet the expert behind this guide:

Steven Cohen, senior tech editor: I lead tech product coverage for Business Insider's Reviews team, and I've spent years testing all kinds of TVs. I studied filmmaking, too, so I'm a bit obsessive about picture quality. I want movies and shows to look the way the creators intended. My team and I use professional calibration tools, pattern generators, and benchmark discs to measure brightness and color accuracy, but numbers alone only tell part of the story. I also use every TV I review the way you would at home — streaming, watching movies, gaming, and channel surfing — to see how it really performs day to day. The picks in this guide stood out not just in lab tests but also in real-world use.

Learn more about the Reviews team at Business Insider.

75-inch TV FAQs

Is a 75-inch TV a good size?

A 75-inch screen is an excellent option for anyone who wants a display to fill a big space or offer an exceptionally immersive experience in a smaller room. Big screen sizes fill more of your field of view, so your eyes can focus on the image and not the rest of your room. This creates a viewing experience that's closer to what you'd get in a movie theater.

Many of our picks for the best 4K TVs and best OLED TVs are sold in the 75- and 77-inch screen class, so you have plenty of options.

That said, you need to consider certain logistics when buying a large TV. Most notably, you'll need a stand or mount that can accommodate the width and weight of a 75-inch TV. If you need a new entertainment console or mount, visit our guides to the best TV stands and best TV wall mounts, where we have several picks that can fit large displays.

But if you don't have the space for a 75-inch TV, check out our guides to smaller TV sizes:

• Best 65-inch TVs
• Best 55-inch TVs
• Best 50-inch TVs
• Best 43-inch TVs

Or if you want something even larger, check out our guides to the best 85-inch TVs and best 100-inch TVs.

Why are some TVs offered in 75 inches and others in 77 inches?

It mostly comes down to how the panels are made. Traditional LED and QLED TVs are commonly produced in 75-inch sizes, while OLED panels are typically manufactured at 77 inches. In real-world use, though, the two-inch difference is minimal, as you're essentially getting the same big-screen experience either way.

Should you buy a 2026 or 2025 75-inch TV?

Brands such as Samsung, LG, TCL, and Hisense have all launched new TVs for 2026, including models with 75-inch screens. First details were shared at the CES tech show in Las Vegas. You can learn more about new TV models in our CES 2026 TV breakdown. Meanwhile, Sony announced that its first True RGB TVs will arrive later this spring, but sizes and specific models haven't been confirmed.

Over the coming months, we'll review 2026 TV models for consideration in this guide. However, it's essential to note that 2025 models will remain in stock for much of the year and, since they're cheaper than their 2026 counterparts, they still offer the best value for most viewers.

Do brands sell 70-inch TVs?

Though increasingly uncommon, some brands do sell 70-inch TV models. Notably, Samsung, LG, Insignia, and Walmart's Onn brand all offer 70-inch options in their current lineups. However, that size is typically limited to a few entry-level options. Top TVs usually skip the 70-inch size and are instead sold in 65-inch and 75-inch/77-inch models. With that in mind, we generally recommend that shoppers focus on TVs available in those sizes instead.

How much should you spend on a 75-inch TV?

Depending on the performance class you choose, the best 75-inch TVs can cost between $600 and $5,000.

Budget-friendly 75-inch QLED TVs, such as the TCL QM6K, are sometimes available for as low as $700. Midrange QLED options with higher brightness typically sell for $800 to $1,400, while high-end models start at around $1,800.

If you want an OLED TV (made in 77 inches rather than 75), you'll need to pay a bit more. The cheapest 77-inch OLED TVs start at around $1,600, while premium options can cost over $4,000.

The best 75-inch and 77-inch TVs often go on sale, but the biggest discounts typically appear during shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day, as well as around major sporting events like the Super Bowl and March Madness.

For cheaper TV recommendations in smaller sizes, check out our guide to the best TVs under $500.

Do I need HDMI 2.1 for a 75-inch TV?

If you're a gamer with a PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC, we recommend ensuring that any TV you buy has HDMI 2.1 ports. HDMI 2.1 enables 4K at 120Hz and smoother motion with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). All of our picks for the best 75-inch TVs support HDMI 2.1.

Do 75-inch TVs have good sound quality?

Even the best 75-inch TVs have mediocre built-in audio performance. Some of our pricier recommendations, such as the LG G5, offer better clarity and slightly more bass than our entry-level picks, like the TCL QM6K. However, they still lack the depth and range that you'd get with a separate audio system.

Companies typically build their displays with small speaker drivers to keep costs down and maintain slim screens, resulting in poor low-frequency performance and overall fidelity. For better sound quality, we recommend purchasing a separate soundbar or surround sound system, especially one that supports Dolby Atmos.

Check out our soundbar and speaker guides to see our top recommendations:

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

How far should you sit from a 75-inch 4K TV?

A large 75-inch screen lets you sit farther away from your display while still enjoying an immersive experience. To start seeing the benefits of 4K resolution with an optimal field of view, the recommended distance is about one to 1.5 times the size of your TV.

So, for a 75-inch 4K TV, aim to sit between 6.25 and 9.38 feet from the screen.

However, for your eyes to fully appreciate the benefits of a 4K resolution image, you'd need to sit just 4.9 feet away from a 75-inch screen. Of course, most people don't sit that close to their displays, and you can still enjoy a 75-inch 4K TV from a greater distance.

Should you buy a 75-inch 8K TV?

Some brands, such as Samsung, offer 75-inch 8K TV models. However, in most cases, 8K TVs aren't worth the extra money they cost. Outside of some YouTube videos, there's no 8K content available to watch. Though 8K TVs benefit from upscaling and higher pixel density, which can provide a slightly sharper image if you sit very close to your screen, this benefit is subtle.

As it stands, most people are better off buying a 75-inch 4K set with high-end features than spending a similar amount or more on an 8K model.

That said, if you're determined to make the jump to 8K, we suggest considering the Samsung QN990F. This QLED TV delivered impressive contrast and brightness in our testing. But again, if you're willing to sacrifice resolution, a good 4K TV, such as the 77-inch Samsung S90F, actually offers a better overall image for less money.

All eyes are on tomorrow's inflation report as rising prices test the Fed's next move.

Andrew Pritchard was arrested for smuggling $130 million dollars worth of cocaine through the Caribbean to Europe using shipping containers in the 1990s and 2000s.

Pritchard initially smuggled cocaine for the UK club scene using hard-sided suitcases packed with concealed drugs and decoy luggage to evade airport security. He then began smuggling from Guyana to the Caribbean to the UK, shipping in containers packed with legal goods such as fruit.

In 2004, he went to meet a shipment of cocaine disguised as counterfeit cigars, which was seized by a Customs task force. Following two trials and 18 months on remand, Pritchard was acquitted. In 2013, he was arrested in a dramatic high-speed chase and later sentenced to 15 years for intent to supply and perverting the course of justice. He served his sentence in Belmarsh prison in the UK.

Pritchard has published two biographies: "Urban Smuggler" in 2008 and "Empire of Dirt" in 2026. He runs an ex-offender charity, the AP Foundation, to discourage young people in the UK from crime

• Volkswagen said it is ending US production of its ID.4 crossover SUV.
• The automaker is prioritizing assembly of its gas or hybrid-powered Atlas SUV.
• It comes amid an industry-wide rethink of electric vehicles in the US.

Volkswagen is doubling down on gas-powered SUVs for the US.

On Thursday, the German automaker said it would end assembly of the electric ID.4 crossover SUV at its Chattanooga, Tennessee, plant by mid-April.

The move means Volkswagen's US EV sales will rely entirely on existing inventory. A spokesperson confirmed that the company does not import any ID.4s into the US.

"The EV market continues to challenge the industry, requiring measured decisions throughout the last few years to navigate this unpredictability," VW said in the press release.

Instead, VW said the Tennessee plant will focus on building "higher-volume" models like the redesigned 2027 Atlas SUV, which the automaker unveiled ahead of last week's New York Auto Show. The updated SUV is set to begin production this summer and arrive in dealerships this fall.

The factory switch-up also underscores a broader pullback in Volkswagen's US EV strategy.

The ID.4 was once central to Volkswagen's electric ambitions. When it launched globally in 2020, the automaker positioned it as a key step in expanding beyond its traditional gas-powered lineup. It also had targets to bring additional EVs, including the ID.7 sedan, to the US. The sedan's US launch was later scrapped.

While the Tennessee factory will stop building the ID.4, the company said 2026 crossover EV will remain available "through current inventory," which it expects will last into 2027.

It's a similar approach to one the automaker outlined in December, when it said it would not bring the 2026 ID. Buzz EV to the US, citing weaker-than-expected demand. Instead, it said existing supply would cover sales until a refreshed version arrives next year.

Both models are expected to come back to US dealerships in 2027 with fresh updates.

Volkswagen has found more success with EVs in Europe, where it became the best-selling electric vehicle brand in 2025, surpassing Tesla.

In the US, however, EVs have yet to become a major growth driver. The ID.4 sold 22,373 units in 2025, up 31.4% year over year — the only continued SUV model in Volkswagen's lineup to post a gain. Still, sales ranked fifth among the company's six SUVs.

Volkswagen isn't alone in recalibrating.

In the past year, automakers — including VW — have written down more than $55 billion amid shifts in their EV plans.

The industry has been scaling back or delaying EV plans amid inconsistent demand, while shifting its focus to next-generation models designed to be cheaper and more competitive.

For example, Ford, Toyota, Slate, and Rivian are now betting on more affordable EVs to reignite growth.

There are small glimmers of renewed consumer interest, particularly as gas prices increase. Car rental platform Turo told Business Insider it saw a 47% spike in EV bookings as fuel prices pushed past $4 a gallon, while Cars.com saw a 25% increase in searches for new and used EVs through March. Rivian, Toyota, and Tesla have all announced increases in EV sales to start the new year.

But that hasn't yet translated into sustained, industry-wide EV sales, where demand has plummeted since the end of the $7,500 federal tax credit in September.

The Venetian Resort's Sphere theater has become a Las Vegas main attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to see once-in-a-lifetime performances on a monumental stage. Thanks to its massive wraparound interior display, spatial audio, and multi-sensory effects, artists can deliver a fully immersive set like never before. If you're ready to see your favorite band live at this monumental venue, I've broken down how to get Sphere tickets and the scheduled acts below.

Since opening in 2023, Sphere has expanded from immersive films into a destination for high‑profile concert residencies. U2 launched the venue with an extended run from September 2023 through March 2024, setting the tone for what Sphere could deliver live. Since then, the calendar has continued to grow with major acts, including the Eagles, whose residency has been one of the venue's biggest ticket draws. Other established artists and jam‑band favorites have also taken the stage, cementing Sphere as a must‑play venue for legacy and contemporary performers alike.

Looking ahead, Sphere's event schedule continues to fill up, with additional concerts and residencies expected through 2026 as demand remains high. If you're hoping to experience the viral Las Vegas Sphere this year, we've rounded up everything you need to know, from upcoming event schedules and ticket pricing to tips on where to buy seats. You can also browse current listings and availability for Las Vegas Sphere tickets on trusted resale platforms like StubHub and Vivid Seats, where inventory often appears after primary sales sell out.

Las Vegas Sphere 2026 schedule

The Last Vegas Sphere hosts “Sphere Experiences,” visual shows that incorporate sight, sound, and immersion, as well as “Live at the Sphere” performances featuring world-renowned artists.

How to buy Las Vegas Sphere tickets

Original tickets for events at the Las Vegas Sphere are available for purchase on Ticketmaster. Depending on the event, date, and seating location, ticket availability can vary. As summer kicks off and people travel to Vegas for vacation, it is expected that certain dates, such as weekends or popular evening times, may have less availability remaining.

Tickets are also available from verified resale vendors such as StubHub and Vivid Seats for both concerts at the Sphere and its visual experience-based events. Please check the above chart for event-specific links to both StubHub and Vivid Seats.

How much are Las Vegas Sphere tickets?

Ticket prices for events at the Las Vegas Sphere vary by event, date, and demand. There are two types of event categories at the Sphere: Sphere experiences and Sphere live performances. Experiences, in general, have multiple showings a day and thus have more ticket availability, which affects pricing based on demand. Live performances are typically more exclusive, with limited showings and events held over a narrower range of dates.

Currently, original tickets from Ticketmaster and resale vendor tickets from StubHub and Vivid Seats are very similar in price. However, there may be some fluctuation when looking for last-minute tickets, especially to Sphere experiences (V-U2, The Wizard of Oz, and Postcard From Earth).

The least expensive Sphere tickets are for the Insomniac X Tomorrowland: UNITY live experience, which starts at $47 on StubHub and $45 on Vivid Seats. Tickets for the Eagles are priced the most expensive at the Sphere, with the most affordable options starting at $335 on StubHub and $349 on Vivid Seats. These prices are before additional taxes and fees.

Who is performing at the Las Vegas Sphere?

Sphere's lineup over the next year is stacked with big-name residencies and limited runs. According to Sphere's official shows page, Phish is up next from April 16 to May 2, 2026, followed by No Doubt from May 6 to June 13, Kenny Chesney from June 19 to July 11, and the Backstreet Boys for a summer run from July 16 to August 22, 2026. Later in the year, Carín León is booked for September 4 to 13, 2026, and Metallica will launch its Life Burns Faster residency from October 1, 2026, through March 13, 2027.

A few of those shows stand out for milestone reasons. Sphere says No Doubt is returning for an 18-night residency, Carín León will be the first Latino artist to headline the venue, and Metallica's run will continue the band's No Repeat Weekend format inside Sphere.

See more: Is StubHub legit? | What's showing in Las Vegas | Phish tickets | No Doubt tickets | Metallica tickets | Bruno Mars tickets | Dolly Parton tickets

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• While many people move to Florida for retirement, Karen Meadows and her husband did the opposite.
• The couple left their calm, slow-paced life in Panama City Beach for a faster one in Brooklyn.
• At first, many things about moving to NYC, like the subway, scared Karen, but now she feels at home.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Karen Meadows, a 62-year-old Floridian who moved to New York in 2024. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

My husband and I have been married for 34 years, and we spent 17 of those years living in Panama City Beach, Florida. It's where I raised both of my kids and where I started my running coaching business and a 10K charity race.

Panama City Beach was a gorgeous place to live, with beautiful skies every day, clear blue water, and pure white sand. While it was a touristy area, when we first moved there, it was still pretty sleepy during the off-season. That's actually why I got into the racing business — I was really bored, and there wasn't that much to do.

However, over the time we lived there, it became more popular.

Many people move to Florida to retire because it's quiet and has a slower pace of life. But for me, I wanted to move somewhere with more energy.

In 2024, my husband and I moved to New York. It's funny because the first thing everybody says about our move is, "Oh my God, you did the opposite." And they're right.

To be honest, at first, I was afraid to live in New York. And I'll tell you, most days I'm still a little bit afraid. But I'm a huge believer in the idea that your brain is your central governor; it rules everything, and that the second you start restricting yourself because of fear, or thinking you should slow down, you will.

In New York, there are so many people to see and things to do. I'm more active, and living here is keeping me positive about aging.

We moved to be closer to our children

Moving to New York was definitely driven by our children. In 2020, my son was accepted to Columbia University. My daughter also attended Boston University and now lives in New Jersey. My husband and I really wanted to be closer to them.

We did have some issues selling our house in Florida. It was a really pretty home, but it also had a lot of quirky touches. On top of that, there was so much new construction that we were facing a lot of competition.

I took the first decent offer we received. By that point, I didn't care about trying to squeeze out more money — I felt like my mental health was worth more than that. We made enough from the sale to put some money in the bank and feel like we could downsize comfortably.

There's such a big contrast between New York and Florida. It made it pretty stressful trying to figure out where to live. But my son introduced me to Williamsburg in Brooklyn, and I liked that it had plenty to do while feeling a little less hectic than Manhattan.

When we first moved to Williamsburg, we lived in an old converted loft building. When our lease was up there, we moved to Three Williamsburg Wharf in 2025. We live in a two-bedroom, two-bath unit and pay around $8,700 a month. Our corner unit has a view of the Brooklyn skyline and overlooks the Brooklyn Navy Yard, which I love because you can see so much going on.

Coming from a big house, a two-bedroom apartment is a huge downsize. And while I thought I wouldn't like renting, I've never been happier. There's a lot less to worry about; there are no property taxes, and everything gets done for you. I also love the sense of community here, from wine tastings and Super Bowl parties to the people I've met in the building.

Moving to New York was a risk, but I've found a new community

I've always been a bit of a risk-taker, and I think it's important to challenge yourself.

That's part of why I'm such a dedicated runner — I regularly train for marathons, and I've run the New York City Marathon and the Boston Marathon many times.

Still, moving to a new place comes with plenty to worry about.

Some of the fears I've had to overcome in New York included learning to use the subway — my son showed me how to use maps, which made it much less intimidating — and getting comfortable driving in a busy city.

The way I got over that fear was by driving more. I also started volunteering with North Brooklyn Angels, a nonprofit food delivery service. Doing that community work has also helped me become more social.

In addition to volunteering with North Brooklyn Angels, I've joined the North Brooklyn Runners Club, started a book club, and recently begun volunteering with City Harvest, a food rescue organization. These groups have been especially important to me because I left behind my whole life and many of my friends in Florida. I also love helping people in need.

I know I probably could have moved somewhere more laid-back, warmer, and with lower taxes, but I love New York. I'm almost 63, and I feel better and more alive than ever. Life feels freer, I'm more engaged, and there's still so much to explore.

• Sean "Diddy" Combs' attorneys are trying to overturn his conviction and sentence.
• Combs was sentenced to 50 months for two prostitution-related charges last year.
• In appellate court arguments Thursday, a defense lawyer argued that Combs was treated unjustly.

During a lively exchange of questions and arguments on Thursday, a trio of federal appeals judges signaled their strong interest in overturning last year's sentence on prostitution-related charges for Sean "Diddy" Combs.

The appellate judges repeatedly voiced skepticism over the Manhattan sentencing judge's decision to hold the trial's ample evidence of coercion and force against Combs in sentencing.

Combs was acquitted of using coercion or force to sex-traffick his two longtime girlfriends, the judges noted — and it's the appellate court's duty to ensure that sentencing guidelines are followed, and "that the jury's acquittal isn't negated," as Judge M. Miller Baker noted Thursday.

The judges' apparent sympathy with arguments by a Combs attorney on Thursday comes with a catch, however.

Even if the defense wins and the case is kicked back down to US District Court Judge Arun Subramanian for resentencing, Subramanian has already said that even without considering coercion and force, 50 months remains, in his judgment, a fair sentence for Combs.

Overturning Combs' sentence could set an important precedent in future cases — setting firmer guidelines on what federal judges can and cannot weigh at sentencing. Still, resentencing Combs could ultimately result in Subramanian imposing the exact same penalty for the "I'll Be Missing You" rapper.

"Any potential error would be harmless here," Christy Slavik, a lead federal prosecutor in the case, told the panel.

'An exceptionally difficult case'

The millionaire hip-hop mogul was sentenced in October to 50 months in prison on two counts of transporting male escorts across state lines for the so-called "freak offs" at the center of the trial.

In her oral arguments Thursday, Combs defense lawyer Alexandra Shapiro repeatedly told the appellate judges that coercion and force had nothing to do with the jury's limited finding that Combs transported male escorts across state lines.

"This case presents an important issue about respect for jury verdicts and public confidence in our criminal justice system," Shapiro told the panel.

In detailed questions and statements from the bench, all three judges at times agreed with Shapiro, suggesting they may be open to Shapiro's arguments and to vacating the 50-month sentence Subramanian imposed in October.

At other times, the judges of the Manhattan-based US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit expressed skepticism with both the defense's and the prosecution's arguments.

The panel of judges repeatedly interrupted Shapiro and Slavik as they presented their arguments, pressing them hard to defend their positions.

And at least one appellate judge appeared sympathetic to Slavik's argument that Subramanian correctly weighed Combs' admitted violence and drug use against him at sentencing.

"We have two women who were plied with drugs to participate in this and one of them became an opioid addict," Baker told Shapiro at one point, referencing trial testimony by R&B singer Cassie Ventura.

"This is an exceptionally difficult case," Judge William Nardini said at the hearing's conclusion, telling both sides that the three-judge appellate panel is reserving decision.

'A thirteenth juror'

Combs, who was not at the hearing, is currently serving out his sentence at a low-security prison in Fort Dix, New Jersey.

Prison records show the 56-year-old music tycoon is currently expected to be released on April 15, 2028. He has been locked up since his September 2024 arrest.

Thursday's arguments centered on Combs' two federal Mann Act convictions, for transporting male escorts across state lines so that he could watch them engage in drug-fueled sex encounters with his two ex-girlfriends, including Ventura.

At Combs' seven-week trial, the jury cleared the onetime near-billionaire of the top sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges against him. The two Mann Act counts were the only charges the jury found Combs guilty of.

In appellate briefs filed by Combs' attorneys in December, his lawyers argued that Subramanian "acted as a thirteenth juror."

"The judge defied the jury's verdict and found Combs 'coerced,' 'exploited,' and 'forced' his girlfriends to have sex and led a criminal conspiracy," Combs' attorneys wrote.

They added, "These judicial findings trumped the verdict and led to the highest sentence ever imposed for any remotely similar defendant — even though most others, unlike Combs, ran prostitution businesses that exploited poor or undocumented women or minors."

• The USPS is temporarily suspending payments to an employee pension plan, it said on Thursday.
• The move is set to free up $2.5 billion this fiscal year, the postal service said.
• USPS is facing liquidity problems and warned that it could run out of cash in early 2027.

America's postal service is temporarily halting payments to its employees' pensions to free up cash, citing fast-approaching financial troubles.

The payment suspension to the Federal Employees Retirement System pension plan is set to take effect on Friday, the US Postal Service said in a document with frequently asked questions and answers. The FAQ attributed the pause in pension payments to "a pending liquidity crisis in which the postal service could run out of cash as early as February 2027."

USPS chief financial officer Luke Grossmann said that the suspension would not cause "any immediate detrimental impact" to current employees or retirees.

"The risk to the Postal Service and the American public from insufficient liquidity for postal operations dramatically outweighs any longer-term risk to the pension funds from not making the currently due payments," Grossmann said in a statement.

The pause is the latest sign of trouble for USPS. Last fiscal year, the postal service lost $9 billion. More recently, it reached a deal with Amazon that will reduce the number of deliveries it ships from the e-commerce giant by 20%, Reuters reported on Monday.

In a congressional hearing last month, Postmaster General David Steiner said the financial situation puts USPS at a "critical juncture." Without action, Steiner said, USPS might not be able to deliver mail starting in early 2027.

By suspending pension payments, USPS said it would save $2.5 billion in the current fiscal year. USPS pays about $200 million every other week to fund the pensions. Contributions to employees' Thrift Savings Plans, a separate savings option for federal employees, won't be affected by the pause, USPS said.

The pension payment pause isn't a permanent solution to the postal service's financial problems, USPS said. The agency has cut costs and pursued new revenue, but said it also needs Congress to increase its funding.

"Legislative action is desperately needed to return the Postal Service to profitability," USPS said in the FAQ.

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

• Nicholas Jenkins was put on a performance improvement plan while working at Amazon.
• He took a termination package in December 2024 and was surprised by how hard it was to get hired.
• He finally landed a job after moving home to Houston and leveraging his personal network.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Nicholas Jenkins, a market research analyst in his 40s who lives in Texas. He previously worked as a program manager at Amazon until leaving the company in December 2024 after being placed on a performance improvement plan. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I started working for Amazon in 2020.

Beginning in 2022, it felt like there was a shift within the company, and some experimental projects were deprioritized. Layoffs and reorganizations also picked up during this period, creating an organizational crunch.

My role as a program manager based in Seattle still seemed pretty secure. However, I thought I could eventually be impacted if layoffs continued.

What I didn't realize at the time was that something other than layoffs would put my job at risk.

When I was put on a PIP, the writing was on the wall

In 2024, I landed under new management through a reorganization. It didn't feel like a great fit, but I wasn't too concerned. I thought my work was critical and that, for the most part, the quality spoke for itself. I was even angling for a promotion.

Around August 2024, there were some initial conversations about my performance, including my proficiency with the programming language SQL. I felt I was being evaluated on standards outside the scope of my role. Despite how I felt, the writing was on the wall.

Around October, I was formally placed on Amazon's "focus" performance improvement program (PIP).

At that point, I was like, I've got to get out of here. This is too stressful.

I viewed my departure from Amazon as a win

I was eventually offered a termination package that included a couple of months' worth of severance pay. Rather than taking it right away, I decided to carry on with the PIP process so I could buy time until my stock vested. Leaving sooner would've meant leaving money on the table.

Then, in December, I accepted the package and left.

While I hadn't landed a promotion, I'd been there long enough for my stock to vest. This was a win.

When I parted ways with Amazon, I was under the impression that I would just roll into a new job. In the past, it felt like all I had to do was apply for a role, and I'd get it.

However, I underestimated how tough the job market would be. I didn't get nearly the same traction I had in the past, and it seemed like companies were queuing up talent but were hesitant to actually hire.

I had roughly two to three phone screenings a month — including one with TikTok after a recruiter reached out to me — but I couldn't land an offer.

I developed a 'final mile strategy' to land an offer

After struggling to find work for about five months, I realized I needed what I called a "final mile strategy" to help me land not just interviews, but also an offer. In the current market, it's key to build relationships and have that inside track to a job.

My first step in executing this strategy was moving from Seattle back to my hometown of Houston in July 2025. I had a robust network there, which I hoped would give me an advantage.

Next, I upgraded my wardrobe and bought a few new suits because Seattle was a more casual environment than Houston.

I started attending job fairs and networking events. At one event, I spoke with a friend who worked at a credit union in Houston. The conversation helped me learn about credit unions, which came in handy about a month later, when I finally had a breakthrough.

My advice: shake hands and kiss babies

My mom is a dental assistant in the Houston area, and one of her practice's clients is the owner of a local credit union consulting firm. My mom mentioned me to the owner, who suggested we talk.

My previous conversation with my friend helped me speak intelligently about the industry during my meeting with the owner, who later offered me a market research analyst job.

About seven months after leaving Amazon, I landed a new job, which I started in August 2025. Over time, I feel I've been able to showcase my abilities and forge my own path within the company.

My advice for other job seekers is to focus less on job applications and more on your personal networks. You need to get out there, shake hands, kiss babies, and cultivate relationships to build your next opportunity.

Editor's note: Representatives for Amazon declined to comment.

• The US is changing Selective Service registration but has not announced plans for a draft.
• The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act prompted the registration changes.
• Selective Service is moving to automatic registration for those eligible.

The US is moving to change the Selective Service registration process this year, but that does not mean a military draft is in the works. Here is what's happening.

After Congress approved automatic registration in last year's defense policy bill, which was signed into law in December, the Selective Service System proposed rules at the end of March.

The SSS says automatic registration of eligible men is expected by December, meaning 18-year-old men in the US will be automatically enrolled in the Selective Service's database rather than have to complete a form. The intention, SSS says, is a "streamlined registration process."

Driven by new mandates in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, this change will shift the registration process from something that individuals do to something the government does automatically with available federal data.

While some critics say that the move is a significant change to Selective Service that could make it much easier to pursue the draft if needed, lawmakers behind the change have framed it as an update to bureaucratic processes that will save time and money.

What is Selective Service?

The US created its first national conscription system during World War I and established its first peacetime draft in 1940, before entering World War II, registering millions of eligible men. The draft was used for decades, most notably during the Vietnam War, when conscription became extremely unpopular.

The US military shifted to an all-volunteer force in 1973, pushing the Selective Service System into what the agency describes as a "deep standby" status, though registration was reinstated in 1980 in case a draft was ever again needed.

Selective Service registration of eligible males — women are currently ineligible for the draft, though some have pushed to change that — is intended to enable swift mobilization in the event of a national emergency requiring a draft.

Failure to register for the draft is a felony offense that can come with steep penalties of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, as well as a loss of benefits, though prosecution is rare.

What is the draft?

The US last used the draft in 1973, at the end of the Vietnam War era. The Selective Service System today maintains the list of men, ages 18 to 25, who could be called up if a draft were reinstated.

Roughly two-thirds of American military personnel who served in Vietnam were volunteers, but the draft still weighs heavily in memories of the conflict, having been a significant point of contention at the time.

More recently, discussions of a potential draft resurfaced during US military action against Iran, as questions emerged about whether the conflict could expand and see the US put troops on the ground in Iran.

The US executed Operation Epic Fury, which is now on hold amid a fragile ceasefire, without putting boots on the ground, but that possibility loomed large, especially as thousands of Marines aboard amphibious assault ships moved into the region.

Early on in the war, Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures" host Maria Bartiromo asked White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt about a draft and the possibility of putting American troops on the ground in Iran.

Leavitt said "it is not part of the current plan right now, but the president again wisely keeps his options on the table." Other Trump administration officials have taken similar approaches by not ruling out even unlikely options; a return to conscription would notably require Congressional authorization, according to the Selective Service.

"People ask, 'Boots on the ground, no boots on the ground?" Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said in an interview on CBS News' "60 Minutes" around the same time. "You don't tell the enemy, you don't tell the press, you don't tell anybody what your limits would be on an operation," he said.

The US military put American troops on the ground in Iran in an effort to rescue two downed airmen, but there has been no large-scale ground operation, such as might be needed to seize key Iranian oil infrastructure or to ensure the destruction of highly enriched uranium.

For now, the US still relies on an all-volunteer military force. Changes to Selective Service affect records-keeping procedures. They do not determine whether Americans will be drafted.

• Affordability is the word of the moment; look no further than the election of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
• We want to hear from you: Tell us about how your city has tried to make life more affordable.
• Think free bus programs, increased development and housing stock, and childcare access.

Affordability is the word of the year. Look no further than the ascension of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, or President Donald Trump's economic messaging.

As lowering costs takes center stage, we want to know what — if anything — has helped make life more affordable for city-dwellers.

For instance, a spate of new apartment buildings has helped, in part, to lower rent prices in Austin. A limited free bus program in Boston has meant that riders saved an average of $35 monthly, and a similar program in Kansas City has led to a drop in safety incidents, though it's proven costly during budget shortfalls. After the enactment of a rent control ordinance in St. Paul, Minnesota, the number of building permits plunged, and some development halted; in neighboring Minneapolis, a loosening of land-use regulations meant a spate of new builds and housing.

Tell us about your experiences with programs like these by filling out the form below; we want to know what they've meant for your wallet and budget. You can also reach this reporter at jkaplan@businessinsider.com if you have a story to share.

• Michael Burry thinks Anthropic is beating out another AI darling.
• Burry said that he thinks the market is shifting in favor of the Claude creator over Palantir.
• Palantir stock fell 8% in Thursday's session after Burry's comments.

Michael Burry has long been bearish on Palantir, but he recently shared a new take on the market's AI darling, comparing its prospects to another titan in the space.

Anthropic isn't publicly traded yet, but it has been at the center of Wall Street's focus for months after new tools from the market of the Claude chatbot sent software stocks into a tailspin. Burry hasn't said much about the broader sector, but in a Wednesday X post, he made said he thinks Anthropic is handily beating the competition.

"Anthropic is eating Palantir's lunch," Burry said. "That massive boost from $9B to $30B ARR at Anthropic is because Anthropic offers the easier, cheaper, intuitive solution for businesses."

Palantir stock tumbled the day after Burry's comments as investors worried about competition from the AI heavyweight. The stock dropped as much as 8% to around $129.30 per share. Shares are down nearly 30% year to date.

Anthropic has already disrupted a slew of other software companies with its AI tools. Its updates have hit shares in legal tech, logistics, and wealth management, among other sectors.

Burry's comments come just a few months after he announced a short position in Palantir. He had previously expressed skepticism about the broader AI boom, implying that he saw a bubble forming,

Now he seems to think the AI market is shifting, specifically toward "plug and play" models from Anthropic that let companies quickly integrate its AI tools into their businesses.

Burry acknowledged that Palantir's lucrative government contracts, but noted that he doesn't think that they give the company an edge. In his view, the real profitability stems from the private sector business that has been the core of Anthropic's valuation.

"Anthropic' went from $9B to $30B in months, it took $PLTR 20 years to get to $5 Billion," Burry added. "[It] is taking 73% of all new enterprise spending.

He cited data from financial operations platform Ramp, pointing to a March 2026 analysis from economist Ara Kharazian, who provided a detailed breakdown of just how much Anthropic's business has grown recently.

Part of the report highlighted the zero-sum nature of the AI market, showing a surge in businesses flocking to Anthropic at rivals' expense.

"Nearly one in four businesses on Ramp now pays for Anthropic (a year ago, it was one in 25)," Kharazian wrote. "OpenAI's 1.5% decline was the largest in any single month for any AI model company since we started tracking business AI adoption."

He added that the share of companies who opt to pay for Claude before OpenAI has also increased steadily and reached 73% in February.

Burry isn't the only investor to bet against Palantir recenly. In September, short-seller Andrew Left revealed that he was shorting the stock and told Business Insider he was bullish on Databricks, an AI startup that, like Anthropic, is still privately held.

When it comes to men's undergarments, undershirts are arguably just as essential as underwear. Whether you're layering to stay warm, dressing to stay cool in hot weather, or putting on your best business casual work clothes, staying sweat-free is an important part of comfort and presentation. The best undershirts for men should always be neatly hidden underneath your shirt, and should help protect your button-up shirt or sweater from sweat stains.

Our top pick is the Tommy John Second Skin Crewneck for its comfortable close-to-body fit and breathable material. And while tank tops won't give your armpits the same protection, we recommend Hanes Cool Comfort Tank Tops for sitting neatly under tighter-fitting sweaters or lightweight dress shirts. We also love All Citizens' V-necks to wear under casually unbuttoned shirts.

For more wardrobe essentials, check out our guides to the best underwear for men and the best T-shirts for men.

Our top 3 picks for the best undershirts for men of 2026

Best overall crewneck: Tommy John Second Skin Modern Fit Crew Neck

We nearly gave up on T-shirt style undershirts. They can be ill-fitting at the collar, the sleeves can become loose over time, and they rarely stay tucked in. But Tommy John's undershirts solved all of our gripes. Close-fitting but not tight, they're long enough to stay comfortably tucked into your pants, and they practically disappear underneath your top layer of clothes.

We especially like Tommy John's undershirts when wearing dress shirts. They're more comfortable (which is important when you're already wearing not-so-comfortable dress clothes), they help prevent sweat stains on the armpits, and they're a lot less visible if you're wearing a white or light-colored shirt because they lay flat.

Read our full review of Tommy John undergarments.

Best V-neck: All Citizens AirWeight Undershirt Deep V

V-neck undershirts serve a purpose other than style: When sporting a button-up shirt, you can leave the top button undone while still hiding the shirt underneath. And if you're going for a super casual look with two or three buttons undone, you'll need an even deeper V-neck.

All Citizens' AirWeight Undershirt is a solid choice because it offers the option of a standard V-neck or a deep V-neck. The shirt also features mesh zones on the sides for breathability, a stay-tucked length, and a soft microfiber feel on the skin.

Best tank top: Hanes Cool Comfort Cotton Tank

While T-shirt style undershirts are best for preventing armpit stains under button-ups and dress shirts, tank top undershirts get the job done if you're only concerned with having a sweaty back and chest. The Hanes Cool Comfort White Tank is a no-frills undershirt, but with no tags, soft preshrunk cotton, and moisture-wicking technology, it has everything you need.

In line with all of Hanes' other products, the Cool Comfort tank tops are reasonably priced within everyone's budget. Although we regularly recommend skipping low-cost underwear for pricier, more durable options, we have found no issues with Hanes tank tops that should deter you from buying them.

Best budget crewneck: Hanes Ultimate Comfort Crewneck

What would a list of undershirts be without Hanes? In short, incomplete. As one of the most popular underwear brands, if not the most popular, Hanes has a huge assortment of all types of undergarments, including undershirts. If you're going for a classic T-shirt style rather than a tank top, the Ultimate Comfort Crewneck is what you'll want to buy, especially if you're on a budget.

Each pack comes with four undershirts, making it the best bang for your buck. Made from 95% cotton and 5% Spandex, these Hanes undershirts are tagless, have lay-flat collars, and are available in sizes up to 2XL.

Best cooling: Twillory Performance Crew

The first thing you notice when you slip on one of Twillory's Performance undershirts is how cool and silky it feels against your skin. It only gets better as the day goes on, since it helps keep you feeling cool and fresh no matter what the weather throws at you. The fabric is a cotton-rayon-spandex blend that's breathable and does a great job wicking sweat. The brand's known for its performance menswear, and they bring the same mindset to their undershirts.

These tees have plenty of stretch and are thin enough to even go under a polo without added bulk. The Performance tee has plenty of length in the torso, so it stays tucked in, and it doesn't show through a white cotton dress shirt. You can choose between a crew neck or V-neck. The brand also offers a tonal version that you can't detect even under white summer-weight linen shirts.

Read our full review of Twillory's performance dress shirts here.

Best sweatproof: Ejis Sweat Proof V-neck

If you are apt to sweat a lot, Ejis has you covered with the brand's Sweat Proof V-neck, specifically designed to keep your dress shirts dry and sweat-stain free. They make the undershirt from a soft micro-modal that's light and breathable. The tees' secret weapons are ultra-absorbent underarm pads that are waterproof and prevent any sweat from getting through to your dress shirts.

The tee also has anti-odor properties using silver nanotechnology that fights scent at the source. And besides the sweat-proof properties, it's tagless, has a collar that lays flat, and is cut long enough to stay tucked in. The V-neck allows you to leave one button undone on your collared shirt. It's not a cheap product, but it will help save your expensive dress shirts from getting sweat stains and ending up in a landfill.

Best slimming: SPANX Zoned Performance Compression V-neck

You probably know SPANX for its women's shapewear, but the Atlanta-based company also makes men's undergarments in sizes from small to XXL. The SPANX Zoned Performance Compression V-neck helps give men a more toned look under their dress shirts by targeting the torso and abs, toning the chest, and helping with your posture.

They make the undershirt from a nylon-spandex blend that offers ease of movement, wicks sweat, and dries quickly. It also features mesh zones at the pits and back to help keep you cool. If you've been slacking at the gym or just need a boost of confidence, SPANX has you covered.

FAQs

What is the main purpose of wearing an undershirt?

Undershirts are typically used as a barrier between your skin and your shirts. They help prevent your shirt from soaking up your sweat, which can lead to discomfort and an unwanted aesthetic.

Why does the color of my undershirt matter?

While white undershirts are the standard color, a darker- undershirt is the way to go with lighter colored dress shirts, especially if they're summer-weight, like a thin cotton or a linen. Colors like gray or black are much less visible than traditional white undershirts under thinner, white or light-colored fabrics.

How do I choose between a crewneck and a V-neck?

If you're wearing a tie or buttoning your dress shirt all the way up, a crew-neck undershirt is your best bet. But if you, like so many others these days, are going for a more casual look with your dress shirt unbuttoned at the neck, a V-neck should be your go-to. This style of undershirt stays under wraps for a cleaner, more elegant appearance.

Is it worth spending more on undershirts?

Yes. As with a lot of things, you often get what you pay for. In our experience, high-quality undershirts will last longer. They have stronger seams, are often pre-shrunk, so they don't shrink further, and keep their stretch. As an essential that will get regular wear and washes, it's important to pick one that will last.

Mint Mobile keeps phone service simple with contract-free plans you pay for monthly, a lot like a streaming service or gym membership. It's powered by T-Mobile, using the larger provider's towers to deliver reliable, trustworthy service to customers. It's one of the most budget-friendly plans you can choose, and with the frequent Mint Mobile deals you can find, it's even more so.

Right now, the best Mint Mobile offer that shoppers can take advantage of bundles Minternet with Unlimited wireless for a year, effectively bringing cellular service down to $5 a month. If you don't need internet, you can also take advantage of Mint's usual new customer offer. This knocks 3-month plans down by $5 for newcomers, matching the low price usually locked to yearly commitments.

Keep scrolling to learn how to score these Mint Mobile deals. Be sure to check the coverage map to ensure you're eligible for service, too.

Today's best Mint Mobile plans and deals

Mint Mobile is almost always offering a deal, but they're not all created equal. Right now, the best savings shoppers can score features a year of Minternet bundled with a year of Unlimited service for only $45 a month ($540 up front). If you're shopping for both internet and cell service, that effectively locks in an intro offer of Minternet pricing plus $5 Unlimited for 12 months.

Not shopping for internet? You can also still find the brand's typical new-customer offer: $5 off the 3-month plan. That brings the 5GB plan to $15 a month, the 15GB plan to $20 a month, the 20GB plan to $25 a month, and the Unlimited plan to $30 a month.

While we've definitely seen better offers from Mint, this is still a solid sign-up benefit for newcomers to the service.

Still need a phone? The deals above require you to bring your own device, but you can still save big on a new smartphone with Mint's limited-time holiday deal. Select items, including the entire Samsung Galaxy S25 and Google Pixel 10 lineups, can get up to $200 off, plus more if you trade in an eligible device.

In addition to unlimited talk and text, all Mint plans include free calling to Canada and Mexico, WiFi calling and texting, and free mobile hotspot access to share your phone's data with other devices. Hotspot data is limited to 10GB on the Unlimited plan, though.

Mint Mobile home internet deals

Mint Mobile's newly added internet plans — called 5G Home Minternet — are an incredible value for shoppers to take advantage of. New signups can get their first three months for only $40 each, matching the price of a one-year commitment without the longer term. Mint Mobile users can save even more, bringing the price down to just $30 a month.

After the initial three-month period, plans renew at $10 extra, costing $40 or $50 a month. To avoid the price hike, you can sign up for a longer term, such as a six-month or annual plan, which won't increase.

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

Mint Mobile sale on phones

Mint's base plans require you to bring your own device, but you can also save big by buying one directly from the provider. Right now, the retailer is holding a holiday sale featuring hundreds off the entire Samsung Galaxy S25 and Google Pixel 10 lineup when bundled with Unlimited service. It's a great sale, especially if you have an old phone to trade in to save you even more.

Is Mint Mobile good?

Ask most price-savvy wireless service shoppers which company they should consider switching to for the lowest possible monthly phone bill, and Mint Mobile is almost guaranteed to come up. That's for good reason—Mint Mobile offers solid wireless service on the same networks the big names use for a fraction of the cost. Specifically, Mint Mobile runs on T-Mobile's nationwide 5G network and is now owned by that very company.

In our Mint Mobile review, we found that while overall service quality was pretty good, data speeds could be a little slow during peak usage. This affected video call quality enough that you might opt to wait until you're on WiFi for Facetime action. But at only $15 a month, it is still one of the best values in alternative phone service, and signing up is easy with all of the Mint Mobile deals targeting new customers.

How Mint Mobile's family plan works

Mint Mobile's "Modern Family" plan diverges from the traditional family plans often touted by other carriers, which commonly feature discounts for adding additional lines. Instead, Mint charges the same rate for each line as it does for the first.

The real benefit of Mint's family plan lies in its centralized management rather than cost savings. Customers can initiate a family plan with at least two lines, each priced according to its data allowance. For instance, a family could opt for a plan that includes one unlimited data line, a 15GB line, and a 5GB line.

How Mint Mobile's unlimited data plan works

One of the Mint Mobile plans features unlimited data starting at $30 per month (currently discounted to $15), making it one of the more budget-friendly options available. Like many in its league, Mint limits the amount of high-speed data you get after hitting a certain threshold—40GB of usage in this case. After that, your speeds are cut down considerably until your cycle refreshes.

If you'd like to read more about the network and how it handles in the real world, be sure to take a look at our in-depth Mint Mobile review.

We've also compiled a roundup of today's best Visible phone plans if you'd like to check out the competition.

I live in New York, where there's a constant parade of well-dressed people flowing through the streets and subways. This season I've noticed many of them sporting a subtle trend: accessories with a practical edge, like deep pockets, adjustable fastenings, and an emphasis on comfort.

Luxury crossbody bags embody this utilitarian aesthetic. You can sling one on and carry it hands-free, and because their weight is distributed more evenly than with a shoulder bag, they're also the most comfortable travel purse.

Beyond their high-quality materials and stylish designs, our favorite luxury crossbody bags we've tested also come with intuitive pockets to keep you organized whether you're exploring a new city, running a quick errand, or attending a formal event.

I used to be the type who would stuff everything in my pockets so I wouldn't have to hold anything while I'm out. But since investing in the form and function of a luxury crossbody bag, I can see the appeal of being a purse girl. Here are 11 splurge-worthy styles that will work hard while adding intrigue to your outfit.

See more in our guide to the best luxury totes and best luxury work bags for women.

Best overall: Parisa Wang Gabrielle 27

I brought along this luxury crossbody bag from Parisa Wang when I traveled to Rhode Island for my best friend's wedding. Parisa Wang partners with artisans who typically work with top luxury brands like The Row and Prada, and you can tell by the elite craftsmanship. It starts at the very bottom with tiny gold feet that protects the yummy chocolate suede from coming into contact with the floor.

On its sides are slip pockets that snap shut on their own with a satisfying magnetic closure, and inside is a wide main compartment where you can easily fit a variety of bulbous items (overpackers rejoice). The long strap is removable, so I carried it is as a handbag anytime I wasn't wearing it slung over my shoulder.

The Gabrielle comes in two larger sizes, as described by style editor Samantha Crozier in our guide to the best work bags for women. "The Gabrielle 35 looks and feels like the ultra-coveted suede Margaux bag from The Row, which will run you $5K or more," she writes. '"But dare I say that the Gabrielle is cuter?"

Best minimalist: Longchamp Le Foulonné S Crossbody Bag

"Longchamp is known for its classic nylon totes, but the brand also has some really elegant leather bags we've come to love. There's a mini leather version of its signature bag which is instantly recognizable, but for a more 'quiet luxury' approach, we prefer this understated crescent bag.

The Foulonné's design is so simple and elegant. It's not trying to be flashy, but the craftsmanship is excellent and you know it's a luxurious bag when you feel the leather. Unlike Polène's crescent-shaped bag, this one relies on streamlined detailing. The oval gold buckle allows you to adjust the strap and adds a little bit of interest to the bag without screaming at you.

It's nice to know that I can carry it a little tighter against my body for secure travel, or let the strap down for more casual outings. It even features a small hoop on the buckle that you can attach a (very thin) bag charm to.

This bag carries way more than it looks like it can hold. I was able to fit a phone with a thick wallet case, a bottle of hand cream, several lip products, a pack of tissues, my small pill case, and a claw clip for my hair. When the bag is packed full, you can see some of the pulling in the leather, but I didn't mind that at all because it just showed how flexible the bag is for oddly shaped items." — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews

Best trendy: Tory Burch Lee Radziwill Double Bag

Tory Burch debuted the Lee Radizill line in 2018, but it's had a big comeback in tandem with the belted handbag trend. The bags cost between $520 and $1,320 each and can be found in Napa leather, suede, pebbled leather, and croc-embossed leather.

Burch named the line after socialite Caroline "Lee" Radzwill, the younger sister of First Lady Jackie Kennedy. This petite style really deserves to be called a pocketbook, due to its miniature size and square shape. The lock-and-key hardware details give it a more modern flair ,and as with many of our favorite luxury crossbody bags, it comes with tiny metal feet on the bottom to protect its base.

Best for work: Strathberry Tote

This brand is literally fit for royals, as it's been spotted on Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle. It's not a traditional work bag — you won't find a padded laptop sleeve or built-in tech compartments — but the Strathberry Tote is considered a holy grail over on the Reddit's r/handbags forum as a luxury office purse.

The mid-tier luxury brand has a reputation for delivering exceptional materials and meticulous construction at a price that, while still a splurge, feels justified in the luxury space. Each Strathberry bag takes an artisan at least 20 hours to complete, and that care is evident the moment you see it up close. The stitching is precise, the leather feels rich and substantial, and the suede lining is soft to the touch.

Its signature music bar hardware is weighty, polished, and unmistakably luxe — the kind of detail that elevates even the simplest outfit. It also comes in Midi and Mini sizes.

Best edgy: Hammitt Kyle Med

It's a rare I ever find a luxury crossbody bag that's both alternative and elevated, but the Hammitt Kyle Med fits that aesthetic perfectly. I've lived in New York for seven years, during which my personal style has evolved from hokey transplant to "edgy with a corporate job." A structured pocketbook with brassy hardware works great at brunch, but come nighttime, I love how this loosely structured, moto-inspired bag looks with a leather jacket and some spiky boots.

First off, this bag is the perfect size for everyday wear. It comes with two detachable straps, so you can easily convert it from an adjustable crossbody to shoulder bag. In the rear is a long zippered pocket for your phone and wallet, and on the front there's a diagonal one to add some intrigue. Inside it's lined red cotton twill, which makes it much easier for me to see what's in my bag (even on a dark dance floor).

I've worn this bag clubbing from Brooklyn to Berlin, and the supple pebbled leather has held up beautifully. It's incredibly soft and smooth, and because it packs flat, you can easily bring it on a trip. Hammitt's signature rivets make it stand out against mainstream designer bags, yet it's as functional as it is cool.

Best for travel: Lo & Sons Aoyama

Travel writer Maria Yagoda tested the best travel purses, where this versatile Lo & Sons bag came out on top.

"The interior pockets are helpfully mesh-lined so I could see where everything was the moment I opened the bag. It's hard for me to choose a favorite pocket — there are so many smart ones, including the built-in card holder," according to Maria.

"In addition to looking high-end, the leather feels silky-smooth and gentle on my skin. Even when I had the bag stuffed to maximum capacity, the wide adjustable strap lands really comfortably and evenly, never digging into my shoulder or back. It only weighs 10.8 ounces, which is impressive given the amount of storage options," she continues.

"The adjustable, removable strap clicks into the body of the bag, allowing you to wear the Aoyama as a shoulder bag or even a clutch. Having one beautiful, adaptable bag that keeps me organized from the airport to a fancy dinner saves space in my suitcase. This kind of versatility makes the $248 price tag a bit more justifiable." Now there's an Aoyama 2 with an unbranded strap, and a nylon version that costs $198.

My own favorite part about the Aoyama is its vertical zippered side pocket, where I can pull out my phone without taking the bag off my shoulder. Just don't get the Ivory colorway, since I found it stains more easily.

Read more in our guide to the best travel purses.

Best slouchy: Clare V. Moyen Messenger

I tested the Petite version of one of Clare V's bestselling styles, the Moyen Messenger. The Petit is one of my favorite crossbody bags I own, but the larger size has a more practical advantage with the same relaxed, woven leather look. And I know this bag is a hot commodity because sure enough, Quince has its own dupe.

Clare V. is a Los Angeles-based brand that makes what I call 'character bags.' You can build an outfit around them and make them your own with their extensive collection of interchangeable straps. I'm not a huge bag charm person myself, but the D-rings on this luxury crossbody make it the perfect backdrop for colorful key chains.

The medium-sized Moyen Messenger comes with two straps, so you can wear it as a shoulder bag or a crossbody. It has a slouchy, curved construction like the hobo bags that are making a return. Even better: the soft, flexible leather lies flat, so I'm easily able to pack it in my carry-on.

Read more in our full Clare V. review.

Best sporty: Kaai Rebel Crossbody

"KAAI's Rebel Crossbody is the Rolex of functional purses," writes style editor Samantha Crozier. The Belgian brand created this luxury crossbody bag with a unique, asymmetrical design and a long strap that can easily fit over a puffy jacket.

"Like all of KAAI's beautifully made bags, it's lined with a blue suede material that feels luxurious to the touch. On the outside, the single-source leather is treated to be resistant to weather and stains. This is super important to me, since I wouldn't carry a bag this nice outside without trusting how well the leather can stand up to the elements. But all my KAAI bags have remained like-new, even though they're some of my most used pieces," continues Samantha.

"The only issue with this bag is that it is relatively narrow and structured, so you won't be able to stuff it," she advises. "A phone, wallet, lipstick, and keys fit perfectly, but anything bulky or irregular would prevent the bag from closing."

Best convertible: Senreve Mini Maestra

The Mini Maestra from Senreve takes modular design to another level. This 4-in-1 luxury crossbody can also be worn as a tote, satchel, or backpack, depending on whatever you need it to be. The top features a flap and the Senreve's signature studded belt closure, and inside is a zipper to secure your belongings.

Executive editor Sally Kaplan tested out the full-sized Maestra as a luxury work bag and confirmed it to be worth the splurge. Besides its fashion-forward shape, the 100% leather is seriously high-quality. It comes in both pebbled and long-grain finishes, and inside it's lined with smooth suede. This premium leather is also water-repellent, so you can wear it out in the rain without fussing over stains. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty.

See similar styles in our guide to the best convertible backpack tote bags.

Best crescent: Polène Numéro Dix

I was inspired to test out this style when I was getting ready to go out with my friend, and she asked me if my bag was a Polène. In fact, it was from Quince. But when a Quince dupe can pass for French luxury, it makes me skeptical that the real deal could be any good to begin with.

Instead, I was happily proven wrong. The 'Cognac' shade of the Numéro Dix is the perfect color for people who wear similar gourmand shades like chocolate and almond. It's made with a single panel of structured, full-grain leather that has a deliciously rich sheen.

It also beats out the Quince dupe in terms of storage capacity. Because the crescent shape has a flared base, I can fill it from the bottom up with my everyday carry. I've only worn mine as a crossbody or shoulder bag, but it also converts to a belt bag and the adjustable strap extension means it can fit a tall frame. There's now a JW Pei dupe of the same style.

The real Numéro Dix feels worth the splurge because it's a true heritage piece and the materials are primed to age gracefully. The simple, stylish shape puts an elevated twist on the contemporary saddle silhouette.

Best mini: Milaner The Grazia Mini Woven Bag

"Despite its teeny-tiny silhouette, this miniature crossbody can hold a surprising amount of items," writes freelance style reporter Talia Ergas. If you're getting your looks together for vacation season, Talia found the artisan-made Milaner Grazia Mini to be the perfect little clutch for tying your whole outfit together.

"My iPhone fits effortlessly across the bottom, and there's plenty of room for my sunglasses, a small wallet, and some odds and ends like mints and a chapstick," Talia writes. "I love this hand-woven leather bag because it has the elegance of a clutch with the ease and comfort of a crossbody bag. The strap is removable, though, which is convenient for occasions when I might prefer to swap in its shorter strap for a wristlet."

FAQs on luxury crossbody bags

What makes a crossbody bag "luxury"?

You can tell a luxury crossbody bag by its intuitive design details, artisan-level craftsmanship, and longevity. Our favorites are typically made from high-quality leather — like full-grain or pebbled Italian leather — and feature precise stitching, durable hardware, and thoughtfully-placed pockets. The result is a versatile accessory that will age gracefully despite regular wear.

What's the best size for a luxury crossbody bag?

Between small and medium is best if you want something to comfortably weigh on your shoulder. A small bag that's about 8 inches wide will fit only the essentials, but be more streamlined to carry. Medium crossbody bags of about 14 inches offer a bit more space for a small tablet or a bulky sunglasses case.

Why invest in a luxury crossbody bag instead of a more affordable one?

A luxury crossbody bag typically uses higher-quality materials — like full-grain leather, suede lining, and solid metal accents — that hold up significantly better over time. Cheaper bags will instead use bonded leather or flimsy hardware that can peel, scratch, or tarnish quickly. If you carry a bag daily, think about in terms of cost-per-wear. The durability of a luxury crossbody bag will prove itself in the long run.

What makes a luxury crossbody bag better than other purse styles?

Crossbodies are already practical by design — they keep your hands free, and many of our favorites can be converted into a shoulder bag. A luxury version elevates that functionality with easy-to-carry proportions, reinforced stitching, smooth straps that don't dig into your shoulder, and scratch-resistant, water-repellent materials.

Are luxury crossbody bags worth it if I don't carry much?

Yes. As someone who used to try and carry everything in my pockets, I found that luxury crossbody bags are the easiest gateway into stylish personal organization — especially if you prefer a lighter load. A well-designed crossbody prioritizes smart compartments and a streamlined shape, so you don't feel the bulk as you go about your business.

Read how the Reviews team tests clothing, shoes, and accessories at Business Insider.