• Trump's new policy could force many immigrants to apply for green cards from outside the US.
• USCIS may grant exceptions for immigrants who offer economic benefits or serve national interests.
• Experts say Trump's policy could disrupt mixed-status families and long-term visa holders.

President Donald Trump's latest immigration crackdown is triggering alarm, confusion, and fierce debate among lawyers, advocates, and many in the business world who rely on visa holders for skilled labor.

On Friday, US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced it would grant "adjustment of status" — the process that allows some immigrants already in the US to apply for a green card without leaving the country — "only in extraordinary circumstances," potentially forcing many applicants to return to their home countries and wait abroad while their cases are processed.

While a USCIS spokesperson told Business Insider that applicants who "provide an economic benefit or otherwise are in the national interest" may still qualify for exemptions, it remains unclear how broadly the administration plans to enforce the new restrictions or how many immigrants could ultimately be affected.

The administration has framed the move as a return to the original intent of immigration law, while critics warn it could upend the lives of foreign workers, mixed-status families, and long-term visa holders who have relied on the process for decades.

Here's what smart people are saying about the sweeping policy shift.

Blake Scholl

Blake Scholl, founder and CEO at Boom Supersonic, a company developing a supersonic airliner, said on X that he understands why "we don't want people to come to the US to be criminals" and "mooch on welfare."

"But I don't understand why we make it harder for motivated, ambitious, hardworking people to come to the land of opportunity," Scholl added.

Nick Davidov

Nick Davidov, the founder of Davidovs Venture Collective, a VC that supports repeat AI founders at the seed level, called the changes in the green card application rules "the biggest bullshit move by DHS in its history" and the "worst imaginable way to disrupt important work for the country."

"So everyone on a O1 or H1B visa would have to stop working legally in the US, go back to their country and wait for years of backlog?" Davidov wrote on X on Friday. "This includes top scientists in our universities, founders of billion dollar companies."

Davidov added in subsequent tweets that Iranians and Ukrainians can't really return to their home countries for safety reasons, and that immigrants such as Elon Musk, Jensen Huang, and Sergey Brin have created some of the country's most valuable companies.

Andrew Ng

Andrew Ng, AI entrepreneur and cofounder of Coursera, called asking green card applicants to apply outside the US only "a capricious attack on legal immigration."

"It will hurt families, leave us with fewer doctors, teachers and scientists, and hurt American competitiveness in AI," Ng wrote on X on Friday.

Reid Hoffman

Reid Hoffman, cofounder of LinkedIn and a prominent Trump critic in Silicon Valley, wrote on X that the DHS's new policies are a "harmful move for tech, business, and America broadly."

"Does this mean AI Researchers, employees, and students will now have to leave the country and wait through a backlog process to continue their work?" Hoffman wrote.

Yvette Clarke

Rep. Yvette Clarke, a Democrat from New York, called the new green card policies "a disgrace."

"It will rip talented, hardworking immigrants out from America and our economy, congest an already overburdened backlog, and further break an already broken immigration system," said Clarke on X.

"And that's by design," Clarke added. "This administration has made the pain of immigrants a priority, and that won't change until there's no one left to hurt."

David J. Bier

David J. Bier, the director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank, called for new leadership of USCIS in a series of posts on X on Friday, where he said that the new policies show "total malice against the applicants."

"The policy is a radical expansion of DHS's 'quiet quitting' on legal immigration that has been going on for months," Bier also wrote in a blog post. "Now USCIS's new memorandum details a plan for mass denials. USCIS has gone from the 'quiet-quit' to walking out on 1.2 million green card applicants."

"Forcing green card applicants to leave will render many green card applicants ineligible because, when they leave the United States, they will trigger the 3- or 10-year bars on receiving an immigrant visa based on accrual of unlawful presence," Bier added.

Yann LeCun

Yann LeCun, a pioneer in AI research and the former Chief AI Scientist at Meta, had a very curt and perplexed response to the change in green card policy.

"Why?" wrote the ACM Turing Award Laureate on X, who reposted an article detailing the DHS's announcement.

LeCun was born in France and immigrated to the US in the late 1980s.

Garry Tan

Garry Tan, the CEO of the startup accelerator Y Combinator, called the new guidance "bad and misguided."

"We need to keep smart people in the country to build the future and build tomorrow's businesses that employ millions of people," he wrote on X.

Ash Jogalekar

Ash Jogalekar, a Microsoft senior project manager working on agentic AI, described the memorandum as "self-sabotage" in an X post on Friday.

"As a scientist and immigrant who loves this country, I cannot think of worse ways to cripple American scientific competitiveness while other countries surge ahead," Jogalekar wrote. "It is completely pointless. Between the funding cuts and rash, irrational policies like these, China could not have done worse if they had decided to sabotage science in the U.S."

• My husband and I retired to our Oregon farm full time.
• We now share the farmhouse with our daughter, son-in-law, and grandson.
• Multi-generational living has brought both chaos and deep joy.

My husband and I bought our farm in Banks, Oregon, 25 miles outside Portland, in 2017. From the start, we dreamed of retiring there and envisioned multiple generations of our family living on the property.

We had plenty of room with acreage, a four-bedroom farmhouse, and a barn. My daughter Maria and her husband Stephen moved to the farm where she ran her horse business while my husband Scot and I lived in Montana, following a job for him.

Retirement took longer than we planned. And we never envisioned living in a multigenerational home.

My daughter paid us rent

We longed for the ease of country living and wanted to help our daughter launch her business: training horses, teaching people to ride, and caring for 20 horses. Maria and Stephen paid rent and did the heavy lifting of farm life. They fixed whatever broke (pipes in winter, the tractor in summer), maintaining the barn and property.

Scot and I loved the space — a hay field, pond, garden, horses, ducks, a white fence, and a red barn that reminded me of the best part of my girlhood. I especially loved a barn in the rain, listening to the plink, plink against its metal roof.

A year and a half ago, when Scot finished his last job, retirement became a reality. We moved to our farm full time, sharing the farmhouse with our daughter, son-in-law, and later, their baby. We planned to build a second small home. Nothing fancy. But the construction bids we received were astronomical. While an even smaller second home than what we dreamed is hopefully in our future, four adults plus one grandbaby under one roof was just right.

We loved cuddling our grandchild

Living with an 8-month-old baby who wasn't ours was a joy. We cuddled, rocked, read, and sang to him while he slept through the night and passed him back when he was cranky. I took him on stroller walks in the mornings when Maria fed the horses. We talked to the ducks and listened for the barn owl. When he squealed with delight, I was one big grin. Living with our offspring lifted the quiet of our empty nest years. I was absolutely in my happy place.

Of course, there were bumps.

Sometimes the space felt crowded, and I needed more privacy. Most days, the German Shepherds' hair (they should be called German "Shedders") clung to everything. Occasionally, dirty dishes waited in the sink too long; shared spaces were messier than I preferred. I had to give up being a control freak. If I needed quiet, I'd read in our bedroom or write at my desk. I'd step outside and remember why we bought the property: to live closer to our loved ones and to the earth.

When I witnessed Maria and Stephen being tender and silly with their son, when Stephen and I cooked dinner together, and when I stood under a star-splashed sky, the inconveniences of us all living in one home felt trivial. I was grateful we made this move.

I grew up living with multiple generations

It's natural to me to have family on one property. I partially grew up on a family ranch in Tenino, Washington, with grandparents, parents, sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Each family had their own trailer — single-wides with tinny front doors and thin walls. I shared a room with my two sisters in bunk beds stacked three high, me in the middle bunk.

I spent weekends and chunks of summers on that ranch, romping with my posse of sisters and cousins, riding horses, swimming in the icy river, teasing chickens, and building forts out of hay bales in the red barn. I watched calves, colts/fillies, and piglets being born. Countless hours were spent roaming in the woods, talking to fairies, following my imagination. I got to be myself in dusty Wranglers and mud-covered Justin cowboy boots. The Bar P, as it was called, balanced out living in the suburbs with all its rules and the ways I was expected to be a polite girl. The ranch was freedom.

Half a century later, my husband and I created our own multi-generational farm.

My son, daughter-in-law, and 2-year-old grandson live in Southern California and visit when they can. We'll make room for them if they want farm life too.

Last summer, my son and his family stayed with us, soon after my daughter's son was born. While my 2-year-old grandson fed the ducks and "drove" the tractor, my daughter nursed her newborn, my son-in-law grilled delicious burgers, and my son told the best stories — my heart boomed. I thought of my grandparents gathering us all around the picnic table or the campfire, and understood to the bone why they cherished having their progeny together. How ranch time was bliss time for them, like it was for me now. How freedom is being outdoors with my family, with room to ponder the sky and dream.

Even for those with the most comprehensive cable packages, streaming services have become all but necessary to keep up with select sports and original TV shows. Fortunately, there are deals on nearly every streaming service out there, especially when you opt for an annual plan or bundle multiple services together. Below, we've highlighted all of the best streaming deals and bundles, from Disney to Amazon and everything in between.

Many of these discounts are standard year-round offerings, but we'll keep this page updated with the latest limited-time deals, so you don't need to worry about missing out on a potential savings opportunity. After scouring the internet for discounts this month, we've found limited-time deals from MasterClass (through May 25), introductory offers from multiple live TV services, and a sale on AMC Plus when you subscribe through Prime Video.

Check out each streaming service's currently available deals below. We've highlighted both standard streaming services and live TV packages, with price comparisons for how much you'd pay per year with a month-to-month plan or how much you'd pay per month without bundling multiple services together. Many of the streamers offer introductory deals for new and/or eligible returning customers, which we've also outlined. You learn more about our recommendations in our guides to how we test streaming services and how we find and vet deals.

Paramount+

There are always year-round savings with Paramount+ annual plans compared to paying month-to-month. Essential plans cost $7.99 a month, and the Premium tier goes for $12.99 a month. If you opt for annual, you end up saving about $35 a year for either plan. Essential gives subscribers ad-supported on-demand content, while the Premium upgrade offers an ad-free on-demand experience, CBS live streaming, Showtime programming, and other perks. Paramount+ Essential (or Peacock Premium, if you'd prefer that) is also included with all Walmart+ plans, from monthly ($12.95 a month) to annual ($98 a year).

If you just want to stick with a monthly plan, you can head to the Paramount+ website.

Disney Plus and Hulu

Disney (and several of its partners) offers the greatest number of deals through bundles. There are savings if you bundle Disney+ with Hulu, with Hulu and HBO Max, with Hulu and ESPN, with Hulu + Live TV, or if you just get an annual Disney+ ad-free subscription. We recommend trying out one of the Disney+ and Hulu combos no matter what, since you get two entire on-demand subscriptions for only $1 a month more than the price of one. There's also some savings if you commit to a six-month plan (billed monthly) of the Disney+ and Hulu bundle (ad-supported or ad-free), which will give you a cheaper monthly fee for the first six months.

If you plan to stick with just one streaming service or want to try a month-to-month subscription first, you can head to the Disney+ website for more information.

ESPN

There are two tiers of ESPN's streaming service: ESPN Select (formerly ESPN Plus, for $12.99 a month) and ESPN Unlimited (for $29.99 a month). Both plans also have annual subscription options, which offer year-over-year savings compared to paying monthly for 12 months. You can also save if you bundle ESPN Unlimited with other services, like Disney+, Hulu, NFL Plus Premium, or FOX One.

The ESPN Unlimited and NFL Plus Premium bundle costs $39.99 a month, which is decent savings when compared to the $44.98 you'd pay each month if you subscribed to the services separately. The ESPN Unlimited and FOX One bundle offers slightly more savings at $39.99 a month, compared to the $49.98 you'd pay if subscribed separately. You can learn more about the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN bundles in the section above.

If you'd rather try a monthly plan or explore the bundle deal, you can go to the ESPN website. 

Peacock

Peacock's monthly plans go for $10.99 or $16.99 a month, so the annual plans add up to about 12 months for the price of the 10. The Premium tier offers on-demand and select live coverage with ads, while Premium Plus has ad-free on-demand content and a 24/7 live stream of NBC. The service boasts select live sports and classic comedies, like The Office, Parks and Rec, and Saturday Night Live. There's also a pared-down Peacock Select tier, which costs $7.99 a month or $79.99 a year. This plan only includes ad-supported on-demand current season and library content from NBC and Bravo shows, in addition to some other select programming (but no movies, live events/sports, or Peacock Originals).

Peacock and Apple TV also recently launched two bundle options: one for Peacock Premium and Apple TV, and another for Peacock Premium Plus and Apple TV. Subscriptions cost $14.99 and $19.99, respectively, a significant savings opportunity compared to what you'd pay for both services separately each month. Additionally, Peacock Premium (or Paramount+ Essential, depending on what you prefer) is included with Walmart+ subscriptions, which cost $12.95 a month or $98 a year. Instacart+, which costs $9.99 a month or $99 a year, also comes with Peacock Premium access.

You can check out the Peacock website if you'd rather subscribe to a monthly plan.

Apple TV

Apple TV typically costs $12.99 a month, but users can find savings in an annual plan, which costs $99. The annual plan wasn't impacted by the price increase, so the current offer saves subscribers a little over $56 each year. It's worth noting that you might need to sign up for a monthly plan first and then opt into annual billing. Beginning in the 2026 season, all MLS matches will be available to Apple TV subscribers, so they won't need to pay for the extra MLS Season Pass. You can find info about the new Apple TV and Peacock bundles in the Peacock section above.

If you're interested in learning more about Apple TV Plus or other Apple services, you can visit the Apple TV Plus website for additional information.

Prime Video

Prime Video is Amazon's streaming counterpart, but if you're not interested in having a full Amazon Prime membership (which includes access to Prime Video), you can subscribe to Prime Video on its own for $8.99 a month. However, you can find some solid savings each year with an annual subscription to Amazon Prime, which costs $139. Additionally, you can access ad-free on-demand streaming on Prime Video content for an extra $4.99 a month with Prime Video Ultra.

Prime Video also allows customers to subscribe to external streaming services through their account, and these sign-ups often come with special deals in the form of discounted bundles. Some of the best Prime Video add-on deals available right now are for the AMC+ Premium, Starz, and MGM+ bundle ($21.99 a month, compared to the $30.97 you'd pay each month if you subscribed to each service separately), the Hallmark+ and discovery+ bundle ($12.99 a month, compared to the $17.98 a month you'd pay each month if you subscribed to each service separately), and the HBO Max and Cinemax bundle ($22.99 a month, compared to the $28.48 you'd pay each month if you subscribed to each service separately). Right now, if you sign up for AMC Plus through Prime Video, you can get your first two months for $4.99 a month (down about 55% from $10.99 a month).

If you'd rather try a monthly plan or just stick with Prime Video, you can find more information on the Prime Video storefront.

DAZN

DAZN has become an absolute hub for boxing, hosting some of the most-anticipated matches around the globe each year. DAZN also offers other select sports, usually without a PPV fee, although boxing is its focus. Most major fights require a subscription and pay-per-view (PPV) fee, but you can find some savings by opting for one of the annual plans. Flexible month-to-month subscriptions cost $30.99 a month, but you can save by opting for the 12-Month Monthly Saver plan, which reduces your monthly bill to $20.99 a month on a one-year contract.

There's also an up-front annual plan, which costs $224.99 a year. DAZN has also introduced a new Ultimate plan, which costs $44.99 a month on an annual contract or $449.99 up front for a year. The Ultimate tier includes at least 12 PPV fights a year at no extra cost.

For more information on DAZN's plans and PPV offerings, you can explore the DAZN website.

Starz

Starz subscriptions typically cost $11.99 a month, $45.99 for six months, or $69.99 for a year, but the streamer is usually running a promo on at least one of its plans at any given moment. Right now, customers can get about 66% off a year of service by opting for a $23.99 annual plan. If you're only interested in trying STARZ for a few months, there's also an option to get your first three months for $2.99 a month. You can also bundle a STARZ subscription with BritBox, the North American streaming home of several BBC and ITV series. This costs $14.99 a month, which breaks down to about 35% off the cost of subscribing to both streaming services separately each month.

If you're interested in learning more about the different subscriptions, you can check out the Starz website.

HBO Max

There are three tiers of HBO Max, previously Max (and before that, also HBO Max), in addition to a Disney/HBO Max/Hulu bundle, which we've highlighted above. The standard monthly price for HBO Max with Ads is $10.99, HBO Max Ad-Free is $18.49, and HBO Max Ultimate Ad-Free is $22.99. The ad-free tiers also include sports live streaming for games that air on Warner Bros. channels, like TNT and TBS. The annual version of each plan offers about 17% off in total per year, which is not a bad deal if HBO Max is something you're planning to hang onto in the long run. You can learn more about the Disney Plus, Hulu, and HBO Max bundles in the Disney Plus section above.

You can go to the HBO Max website if you'd rather just sign up for a month-to-month plan right now.

Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is a popular anime-centric streaming service that has some decent savings opportunities when you subscribe to one of its three tiers of service on an annual basis. Monthly subscriptions range from $9.99 a month to $17.99 a month, and their annual counterparts range from $99.99 a year to $179.99 a year. Year-to-year, annual subscriptions are about 17% cheaper across the board than what you'd pay in total after 12 months on a monthly subscription.

You can learn more about the various plans through the Crunchyroll website.

DirecTV

DirecTV, formerly DirecTV Stream, is another comprehensive live TV streaming service with pretty much all of the channels you'll find in a standard cable package. New subscribers can save on their first 24 months of Signature packages, including discounts on the Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier plans. First-time customers can also get $35 off their first month of Choice, $40 off their first month of Ultimate, and $45 off their first month of Premier. Just keep in mind that the actual monthly prices might be a bit higher after paying the required regional sports fees and/or any necessary Gemini lease fees. Users can also save some money on their first two months of DirecTV's MySports, MyKids, and MyNews genre packs.

If you're interested in learning more about DirecTV, check out the DirecTV website for additional information.

Sling TV

Sling TV has developed a reputation as one of the most affordable live TV streaming packages on the market, and it's also chock-full of deals. There are several main plans to choose from: Sling Select, Sling Essentials, Sling Orange, Sling Blue, the Sling Select + Essentials combo, and the Sling Orange + Blue combo. Individual Orange and Blue plans cost $45.99 a month each or $60.99 a month for both, and Sling Select and Essentials start at $19.99 a month each or $34.99 a month for both. If you have a plan that gets local channels, Sling Blue costs $49.99 a month, Sling Select costs $24.99 a month, and Sling Orange + Blue costs $64.99 a month.

You can save by prepaying for three months of any of these plans. Prepaid plans range from $49.99 for three months of Sling Select to $159.99 for three months of Sling Orange + Blue. Sling also offers all sorts of deals if you add on a streaming service through your Sling subscription, including first-month savings on Paramount+ with Showtime (Premium), AMC+, and STARZ.

If you want to explore Sling TV and its add-ons, visit the Sling website for more information.

YouTube TV

YouTube TV is another one of the most popular live TV streaming services. The streamer offers a comprehensive selection of channels across multiple plans, with the option to pay for add-ons. The main plan carries 100+ popular channels and an enticing, limited-time offer for new users. Until June 30, customers can get their first five months for $67.99 a month, instead of the standard $82.99 a month. That shakes out to 18% off. If you're only interested in sports, YouTube TV's sports plan is $54.99 a month for your first year of service, down about 15% from the standard $64.99 a month rate.

If you're interested in checking out other plans, you can head to the YouTube TV website.

Fubo

Fubo is another popular live TV service, with standard plans starting at $73.99 a month (a recent price reduction following the NBCU blackout on Fubo). The sports-centric cable alternative offers more than 200 channels at the touch of a button. The service carries everything from local networks to niche, traditionally cable channels, with a few exceptions. The streamer currently offers $25 off its Pro plans, $30 off Elite plans, and $5 off its Latino plan for the first month of service. Fubo's brand-new Sports plan will also knock $10 off the first month of service.

For additional plans and channel information, head to Fubo's website.

Streaming device deals

If you've gotten yourself all set up with a streaming service but you still need a way to watch it on your TV, then it might be time to purchase a streaming device. These are particularly helpful tools for those without smart TVs, which typically come with streaming apps available to download or already installed (although you'll still need to pay for a subscription to use them). Several of our favorite picks are on sale this month, including Roku and Fire TV devices.

Wireless and grocery streaming deals

One of the cool things about streaming services is that they're often already included with other subscriptions or contracts, or these services allow you to sign up for a streamer or bundle at a reduced price. Mobile carriers and grocery delivery services have some of the best offers, and we've rounded up some of the top options below. Cellular providers typically involve long-term contracts, so we encourage potential customers to read the fine print carefully.

• After my husband of 17 years died, celebrations were hard for my daughter and me.
• We tried to honor his memory by sticking to traditions, but those felt hollow without him.
• We found a way to celebrate the person he was and the wonderful things he contributed to our lives.

Danny, my husband of 17 years, died three days before Valentine's Day.

I felt sick at the store displays I saw. It felt cruel to see people celebrating love when I had just lost mine. My then 9-year-old, though, had seen how her dad treated me during his life. She pulled our family friends aside — friends who were there to mourn with us — and she asked them to take her to the store so she could buy flowers for me. Even in his absence, she said, she wanted me to know I was loved.

Our daughter's birthday was the next event on the calendar, followed immediately by Mother's Day, and then our wedding anniversary. Our local Waikiki friends put on a birthday beach bash for Serafina, piled high with food, hugs, and smiles. It almost made her forget that "he promised to make it to my 10^th birthday," she told me after.

Days later, on what would have been our wedding anniversary, I walked to the ocean and scattered flower petals in the waves, the salt in my tears which were indistinguishable from the salt in the air. I came home, baked an angel food cake, and watched one of our favorite movies, "The Princess Bride".

Later that year, on Danny's birthday, I baked his favorite black-bottomed cupcakes. Our tradition. I took some to a local bar to share and downed a few shots of Jameson in his honor.

We didn't celebrate. We commemorated. We wallowed. We wondered if it would always be like this, heaviness accompanying what had previously been joyful.

I wanted my daughter to remember her dad, but I didn't want every memory to be marked by mourning

Together, my daughter and I walked through several years of sad rituals. Cupcakes for his birthday. Not putting the Christmas tree up until after his birthday. "Deadpool," and whiskey on the anniversary of his death. Angel food for our wedding anniversary.

Finally, after seven years of missing him, we turned a corner. In December 2025, the two of us decided that Danny would not have wanted us to live like this. He had never been someone who was stuck in the past. He was curious, and goofy, and full of joyful gestures, and I thought we should be, too

A potential new tradition took hold

Serafina was in her senior year of high school. She had friends and big milestones to look forward to. We had moved to Seattle a year earlier, leaving the Waikiki apartment where Danny died and sad memories lived.

This year, we decided, it was time to remember the hopeful energy we both loved. We decided we'd make a birthday dinner from a collection of his family's recipes. Serafina chose the family taco salad, which bears little resemblance to either tacos or salad. As we crushed the Doritos and poured the condensed cheese soup "dressing," we laughed. This is exactly how we wanted to remember him — nontraditional, not tethered to any notion of the "right" way to do things, and maybe a little bit addicted to junk food.

While mourning is important, I think it's also a little self-indulgent. It focuses on our feelings of what's missing rather than on celebrating what we loved about the ones we've lost. When we dug into that taco salad, we found ourselves talking about the perspective Danny had brought to our lives. The surprises. The wonder. It was a tribute to the person and what he had contributed to our lives, and that's something worth celebrating.

• Chilipad 2.0 offers active temperature control, ideal for hot sleepers needing night-long cooling.
• The Chilipad 2.0 lacks sleep tracking but excels in comfort and temperature regulation.
• It's sold through first batch within 24 hours of launch.

Night sweats can make quality sleep feel impossible, and I know firsthand how heat can affect sleep. As a Spencer Institute-certified sleep science coach and veteran mattress tester, I've tried my share of cooling sleep products, and most only help at the surface level. Some sleepers need more advanced tools, like smart mattress toppers and sleep systems, that are designed for all-night temperature regulation. The catch is that these systems can feel less comfortable than a regular mattress topper while costing as much as an actual cooling mattress.

The North Carolina-based company Chilipad by Sleepme also knows a thing or two about heat, and not just humid Southern summers. Sleepme's new Chilipad 2.0 cooling mattress topper launched May 19, and its first two waves of limited-release orders sold out within 48 hours. I spent a week testing it to see whether the system is worth its premium price, especially compared with smart sleep systems like Eight Sleep and Orion Sleep that include sleep tracking.

Now, I understand the appeal: The Chilipad focuses less on sleep metrics and more on comfort, active temperature control, bedside remotes, offline sleep schedules, and a design that felt less intrusive to me than the tube-based systems I've tried.

I think the Chilipad 2.0 is best for people who need serious temperature control, not just casual cooling. Its high price, frequent distilled-water refills, and lack of sleep tracking are real drawbacks, but its comfort and cooling performance make it a strong option for hot sleepers who care more about staying cool through the night than collecting another set of sleep scores.

What is the ChiliPad 2.0?

The Chilipad 2.0 is an active temperature-control mattress topper designed to heat or cool your bed using water circulated through a removable Hydrolayer. Unlike passive cooling toppers and mattresses, which rely on breathable foams or cool-to-the-touch covers, the Chilipad actively maintains a set temperature between 55 and 110 degrees throughout the night. It also doesn't rely on tubes, just ultra-thin channels that are less detectable in feel.

The system has two main parts: the Dock and the topper. The Dock acts as the engine, pumping water through the Hydrolayer beneath the cooling cover. The topper fits like a deep-pocketed mattress pad for beds between 10 and 16 inches thick, with padding on top, mesh sides, and elasticized bands to help keep it secure. The Hydrolayer also functions as a waterproof mattress protector, and the cool-to-the-touch cover is washable — a useful care feature that competitors do not typically offer.

It is also different from smart sleep systems like Eight Sleep and Orion Sleep. Those competitors include sleep tracking, heart-rate data, and automatic temperature adjustments based on your body's changes overnight. The Chilipad 2.0 does not track sleep or recovery metrics. Its pitch is simpler: active temperature control with fewer smart-tech distractions. You can adjust the temperature through the Chilipad app or with new bedside touchscreen remotes, and its sleep schedules can run offline.

The Chilipad 2.0 starts at $1,599 and goes up to $3,198, depending on mattress size and whether you choose the solo or dual-sleeper version. The solo option includes one Hydrolayer that covers half of a full, queen, king, or split king mattress; the only solo version that covers the entire mattress is twin XL.

The system is HSA/FSA eligible with medical necessity, which may help offset the cost for people dealing with overheating or night sweats. It comes with a 30-night sleep trial and a two-year limited manufacturer's warranty, with an optional three-year accidental damage plan available for $398 that covers accidental damage caused by pets, mishandling, or defective parts.

Setup and first impressions

At first glance, the delivery and overall "topper" design of the Chilipad 2.0 isn't atypical of what I've seen with industry giant Eight Sleep or fellow newcomer, Orion Sleep. All three sit atop your mattress and use a separate control unit filled with water.

The Chilipad 2.0 comes in one large box (two if you opt for the dual-sided version) that includes the control dock and a fabric bag. I found the step-by-step written instructions very straightforward, but there's also a QR code you can scan that leads to a YouTube tutorial.

It took a good hour from start to finish to fully establish every component of the Chilipad 2.0 from unzipping each side, unfurling the Hydrozone layers, setting up the app and personalized sleep schedules, and filling the Docks with water to get it up and running. Each Chilipad 2.0 comes with 12 packets of cleaning solution for monthly use—one of which you add to the water tank from the get-go. This was a new feature I hadn't seen in other sleep systems, and it provides peace of mind that the internal system isn't building up problematic gunk or mold. The Chilipad 2.0 only takes distilled water, and make sure you have plenty on hand, as you will need to refill often during its first week of use.

What it's like to sleep on the ChiliPad 2.0

I've appreciated smart cooling systems and toppers as a concept, but not usually in practice. These products rely on internal tubing that pumps water from an under-bed or beside control unit, which allows the topper to actually increase or decrease its surface temperature. While the temperature change is detectable, usually, so is the feeling of these tubes.

My husband argued that the plastic feel of the Hydrolayer was too noticeable, and thus, disruptive for him. Bedsheets didn't stifle the tarp-like feel, and I didn't use a mattress protector since the Hydrolayer is meant to act like one (though during setup, the instructions say you can if you'd like to). While I agree to a certain extent, I still found it far more comfortable than traditional inner tubes poking at me and causing an uneven surface to lie on.

You may still hear some shifting of the plastic if it's not secured tightly enough, and the water hoses may also sputter during the first night of use as they work out any air bubbles. However, this only happened twice when I initially turned it on. When the Dock is running, it creates a low hum that I'd put on par with a white noise machine.

The app helps you control the temperature and indicates when it's time to refill the Dock. You can also control temperature with the touchscreen bedside remotes. These plug separately into the wall, and not the Dock itself. I preferred using it at night over my phone, rolling over to make a quick change and going back to sleep. You can also link with Google Assistant for voice control, but integrations don't look to be available through other popular smart assistants like Amazon or Apple.

When it's time for bed, it takes about two minutes to reach my preferred temperature of 71 degrees Fahrenheit, and I've programmed it to incrementally warm up at certain intervals to match my body temperature's fluctuations. As part of my daily scheduled programming, the system starts warming up 15 minutes before my 6:15 am wakeup call, gently starting my day rather than a blaring alarm clock.

The best thing about the ChiliPad 2.0

Comfort is the Chilipad 2.0's strongest suit, from providing an even surface to lie on to temperature control. Night sweats can prolong the amount of time it takes to fall asleep or cause you to wake up from overheating. In my case, the Chilipad allowed me to maintain deeper rest. Consulting my sleep tracker, I noticed higher sleep scores, as well as increased REM, core, and deep sleep stages that I'd attribute back to fewer sleep disruptions from not overheating.

Aside from hot sleepers and those who deal with regular night sweats, the Chilipad 2.0 can appeal to couples who prefer different temperatures and want to set each side. Or if only one of you needs temperature control, you can choose the half-bed size.

What I didn't like

My biggest gripe from testing is that it flies through a tank of water every night for the first few nights for each dock you have, so refills become a daily practice. You can't use standard tap water either, as the system specifically takes distilled water. It's an additional cost that can stack up, along with storage space. While refills should not become as frequent over time, it ultimately depends on your temperature settings and how much water the system uses to achieve your preferences.

Additionally, Chilipad 2.0's price range is on par with a cooling mattress. The company has established manufacturing in North Carolina, which drives up the cost. For the performance and features, I'm fine with this. But something to be mindful of, especially when compared to competitor products, is that it doesn't offer sleep tracking. I've found that sleep trackers built into smart systems and mattresses can have skewed data, especially if pets, kids, or co-sleepers are crashing your space. However, the elevated price puts it on par with competitor products that do offer this feature.

What are your alternatives?

There are good alternatives to look at if the Chilipad 2.0 doesn't seem quite right, but the first step is understanding what kind of temperature fluctuations you deal with. General hot sleepers may find that cooling products that help with passive cooling, or the initial feeling of cooling, gets the job done for them. This can take the form of breathable, cooling sheets, cooling toppers, or comforters.

For more advanced cases due to medical conditions, treatments, or general physicality, active temperature control is key. This creates an environment where a consistent temperature is maintained, and where sleep systems like the Chilipad 2.0, Orion Sleep, and Eight Sleep are programmed to help. I was more comfortable sleeping on the Chilipad than with the detectable tubes of its competitors, and I could check my sleep tracker for data if needed. I noticed my sleep data from the Orion or Eight Sleep systems scored lower because the toppers' sensors picked up my dogs jumping into bed with me. I also think the Orion and Eight Sleep's command centers are more obtrusive, and if you want to get the most out of each device, both require a subscription to access all smart data.

All three products require learning curves to get used to the feel of tubing or specialty cooling layers. Another system, BedJet, will require you to get used to the sound of fans blowing onto the surface of your bed, which often causes the top sheet to poof upward. Yet, it can be helpful to turn to when you're tired of night sweats.

Who should buy the ChiliPad 2.0?

• Sleepers dealing with severe night sweats
• General hot sleepers
• Couples who want different temperature preferences

Who should skip it?

Not ideal for:

• People who occasionally get hot
• Budget shoppers
• Those who don't want to deal with extra maintenance

The bottom line

As someone who deals with year-round overheating due to medical issues, I usually loathe it when the forecast calls for searing heat. If you're like me, I genuinely feel that the ChiliPad 2.0 is an effective tool for temperature regulation and promoting better sleep. It's become a handy accomplice to my sleep schedule, and I recommend it for people who have exhausted every option and are looking for an effective cooling solution.

• Guy Fieri shared his top burger tips with Business Insider to help with your weekend barbecue. 
• Fieri recommends using American cheese because it "melts really well." 
• He also smashes his burger patties to "get all that delicious caramelization going." 

Summer is almost here, and that can only mean one thing — it's barbecue season! 

And who better to call on for burger tips than the Mayor of Flavortown himself, Guy Fieri. 

"This may be a more complicated answer than you bargained for because it's not just about a burger recipe," Fieri told Business Insider when asked how to make the perfect burger. "It's about the execution of the whole deal. You can get down with whatever toppings you want, but the basics have to be covered." 

Season and smash

Fieri's first tip? Start with seasoned ground beef. He recommends going for "80/20," which means 80% lean and 20% fat. 

"Start with your seasoned ground beef in a ball and place it on the hottest griddle or cast iron pan you can get," Fieri explained. 

Then, get ready to smash. 

"You smash it down hard, we're talking a half-inch thick," he continued. "And let it crisp up and get all that delicious caramelization going." 

Once the sides of your patty are crunchy, flip it over and let the other side brown up. Now it's time for the cheese. 

The cheese is key

"If you're going to do cheese, try some American slices because they melt really well," Fieri said. 

And the Mayor of Flavortown has quite the trick to make sure you get the perfect cheeseburger. 

"Put some sort of dome or metal bowl over the top and squirt a little water underneath," Fieri said. "That steam will melt your cheese before you overcook your burger." 

Don't forget the bun and 'LTOP'

Fieri recommends using a toasted and buttered brioche bun to build your burger, which also needs what he calls "LTOP": lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle. 

"But you gotta shred that lettuce, slice your tomato, and cut those white onions and pickles so thin that they only have one side," Fieri added. 

• I taught my daughter practical independence before my second child arrived.
• Her confidence and emotional resilience grew as she learned new skills.
• The shift made our family life smoother and less stressful.

About 15 months ago, I had my second child. In the lead-up to the birth, chaotic, sleep-deprived memories of life with a newborn came flooding back. My partner and I knew exactly what was coming our way this time, and we wanted to be prepared.

To try to make the transition to a two-child life easier, we decided to teach our daughter to be more independent before the new baby arrived. We hoped that this would help when my partner went back to work, and I would often be splitting my attention between a newborn baby and a preschooler.

We taught her how to get dressed

My daughter was almost 4 when her brother was born, and she's always been a confident and capable child. We decided to use this to our advantage, knowing that she was both physically able and emotionally more equipped to understand why the baby might take up more of our time.

So we got to work, tackling one thing at a time.

First, we taught her how to dress herself in the mornings. We patiently watched (and winced) as she learned to pull on leggings, navigate her way through the sleeves and neckholes of sweaters, until she was even an expert at slipping on her own tights. Soon she was putting together her outfits each morning, which helped no end when I was tackling a screaming newborn into the stroller for the day care run.

Brushing her own teeth came next; she learned to steady her hand, squeezing the toothpaste onto the brush and rinsing it after each go. Not long afterward, I wasn't allowed to brush her hair anymore. Instead, she would stand in front of the mirror in my bedroom, painstakingly dragging the brush through her tangled nest of hair after an action-filled day at preschool.

She became more independent

As the months went by, she became increasingly independent. If she was thirsty, she'd grab a glass from the kitchen drawer and fill it up with water, often dragging a dining chair across the floor behind her to make sure she could reach the sink. If she was hungry, she'd get a bowl and make herself a snack.

We soon realized that being more independent was helping our daughter just as much as it was helping us. Learning new skills and tackling new tasks boosted her confidence. She became even more sociable than before, effortlessly making friends in the playground and not batting an eyelid at being dropped off at a new activity club.

Another unexpected benefit is that because she's able to do so many things herself, she has very rarely gotten frustrated with her brother. And whilst I see the occasional flicker of annoyance in her eyes when he messes up her toys or rips one of her drawings, she never takes it out on him.

We're very invested in our daughter. We play games, read books, and are always thinking of fun and educational activities to do with her. But she's also happy drawing, making up games, and watching television by herself. She doesn't need us by her side every minute of the day.

She's confident at 5

My daughter is now 5 and in her first year of elementary school. She carries her own backpack to school, which a lot of older kids don't even do.

At the classroom door each morning, so many parents hover around the teacher, their kids clinging to their legs, being gently coerced to go inside. We give our daughter a big hug, then step back at the gate to watch her walk into her classroom independently and confidently.

I shed a tear thinking that one day she will leave home for university or for her first job. But if she carries on at this rate, she'll be more than ready to face the big bad world when the time comes. Her skills, confidence, and emotional resilience mean that she's not scared to face challenges.

• If you're entertaining this Memorial Day weekend, set-it-and-forget-it dishes can be a lifesaver.
• From ribs to pulled pork, these slow-cooker recipes are perfect for summer gatherings.
• You can also make sides like potato salad and dips in a slow cooker.

Sizzling burgers and blistered corn on the cob — this is how many mark the beginning of summer.

WalletHub reported that 65% of Americans plan to barbecue this Memorial Day weekend, and while grilling may be synonymous with the holiday, slow cookers can take a lot of the stress out of hosting by making sides and barbecue meats with minimal effort.

"You can free up so much of your time by using a slow cooker and hang out with your guests instead of laboring in the kitchen," Chungah Rhee, the author of the blog Damn Delicious, told Business Insider. "Especially for side dishes or dips. You put it all together, set the time, and it comes out ready to go."

From mouthwatering barbecue ribs to savory pulled-pork sandwiches, these slow-cooker recipes are perfect for any Memorial Day cookout.

For your Memorial Day cookout this year, try making the potato salad using your slow cooker.

You can parboil potatoes in a slow cooker by chopping them, covering them with water, and seasoning with salt, pepper, and butter, then cooking on low for about six hours, or until fork-tender.

Then mix the dressing for your potato salad as you normally would, using mayonnaise, dill, whole-grain mustard, and a splash of red wine vinegar. 

You can also make a German-style potato salad with bacon, light dressing, and baby potatoes.

Dips, such as this spinach-and-artichoke dip, are also easily made in a slow cooker.

"I love to make spinach-and-artichoke dip in my slow cooker," Rhee, who shares a recipe on Damn Delicious, told Business Insider. 

This set-it-and-forget-it corn-and-jalapeño dip is creamy and easy to make.

"Another favorite of mine is this corn-and-jalapeño dip," Rhee said.

The recipe combines many of summer's best ingredients, from fresh, vibrant jalapeños to sweet corn.

Buffalo-chicken dip is another quick and easy favorite you can make in a slow cooker.

One of the benefits of making a slow-cooker Buffalo-chicken dip, like this recipe on Rhee's blog — or any other side dish in a slow cooker — is that it can be prepared well ahead of time and reheated when you're ready to eat.

Rhee said first-time slow-cooker hosts may want to start with a simple dip or side dish before tackling a main course.

"If for some reason it doesn't turn out, because we all know that can happen using an appliance for the first time, it's not detrimental to your dinner party being a success," she said.

Queso can serve a whole party when made in a slow cooker.

This creamy queso dip from Martha Stewart uses ingredients like American cheese and pepper jack cheese, a can of evaporated milk, diced tomatoes with chilies, sliced jalapeños, red onion, and cilantro. 

Brisket is an easy, crowd-pleasing option for feeding a larger group.

"Brisket is a natural partner for the slow cooker, as a gentle braise renders it meltingly tender," Kim Laidlaw writes in her cookbook, "Everyday Slow Cooking: Modern Recipes for Delicious Meals."

Laidlaw's recipe for slow-cooked braised brisket includes garlic, onion, dry red wine, carrot, and chicken or beef stock, with a chimichurri sauce.

Pulled-pork sliders are another great way to use your slow cooker for a cookout.

One of the best ways to use braised and slow-cooked pork shoulder is to make pulled-pork sliders, like this Damn Delicious recipe, with all that tender meat.

For an upgraded take, pile the meat onto brioche buns or potato rolls and top it with barbecue sauce and slaw. The carnitas also work well in tacos.

You can also make barbecue ribs in a slow cooker.

Nothing screams an end-of-summer cookout like sauce-covered ribs, like Laidlaw's recipe as shared on Cooking by the Book. After cooking them in the slow cooker, transfer them to a baking sheet and broil until slightly crispy.

To save space on your grill, you can also make slow-cooked sausages and beer brats in the slow cooker.

Brats with onions, peppers, and garlic simmered in the slow cooker with beer — like this recipe by The Magical Slow Cooker — are one way to use your slow cooker over Memorial Day weekend.

Top your brats with a bit of sauerkraut and put them on buns for an easy summer dish.

Mac and cheese can also be made in a slow cooker.

If you're looking to add some carbs to your menu, look no further than a piping hot pot of mac and cheese. Martha Stewart's recipe for mac and cheese in a slow cooker calls for evaporated milk, three kinds of cheese, and homemade breadcrumbs.

Garlic-and-herb mushrooms are a delicious side dish but can also be used as a burger topping.

"The recipe for slow-cooker garlic-herb mushrooms is divine and so easy," Rhee said. "Mushrooms made in a slow cooker are truly the best."

Shredded Buffalo chicken pairs well with salads.

One of the best — and easiest — ways to use your Crock-Pot or slow cooker is to make shredded Buffalo chicken, such as this recipe from The Magical Slow Cooker.

Add seasoned chicken breasts to the slow cooker and cover with your preferred Buffalo sauce. Then add a splash of ranch dressing and a cube of butter, toss your chicken breasts in the mixture to coat fully, and cook until the chicken is shreddable. You can use it for Buffalo-chicken sliders, salads, or tacos.

You can even make Buffalo or barbecue chicken wings using a slow cooker.

You can make any style of wings in a slow cooker, from Asian-style to barbecue and Buffalo wings. Add your wings to the slow cooker, add your sauce of choice, toss to combine, and cook for a couple of hours on high.

To make them crisp up, add a cornstarch and water mixture to your slow cooker. After they're cooked through, broil them for a few minutes in the oven.

Meatballs make a great appetizer for guests and don't require cooking over a hot stove.

Meatballs make the perfect appetizer for parties big and small and are easy to make in a slow cooker. 

Place your seasoned, raw meatballs in the slow cooker, top with sauce, and let it finish them off, says one recipe from Spend With Pennies. Serve them on their own with toothpicks or stuff them inside toasted sub rolls for a meatball sandwich.

• The USS Growler is the only nuclear-missile submarine in the US that's open to the public.
• Commissioned in 1958, Growler patrolled the seas off the coast of Russia during the Cold War.
• The submarine is now an attraction at the Intrepid Museum in New York City.

The USS Growler was once a top-secret US Navy submarine that patrolled the ocean's depths during the Cold War. Armed with nuclear missiles and operated by a crew of 90 men, Growler's firepower acted as a deterrent to keep other nations from using their nuclear weapons in a strategy known as mutually assured destruction.

Today, Growler is on display at the Intrepid Museum in New York City housed on the USS Intrepid, a 900-foot-long World War II-era aircraft carrier. Growler floats alongside the ship in the Hudson River.

Visitors don't just get to look at Growler; they can actually climb inside and walk through its narrow confines on a self-guided tour.

Submarines remain a crucial component of the US Navy's deterrent strategy. In March 2026, a US Navy submarine torpedoed an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean as part of Operation Epic Fury. The Navy also occasionally publicizes the locations of nuclear-armed submarines to send a message to adversaries. In September 2024, for example, the USS Georgia, a guided-missile submarine, was sent to the Middle East in a show of support for Israel and a show of force to Iran.

Submarines are a costly endeavor. The US Navy's Virginia-class submarine program is projected to run $17 billion over budget through 2030 amid delays, House Rep. Ken Calvert, chairman of the House defense appropriations subcommittee, said in 2024. The Navy has said delays are due to supply-chain issues and "lingering COVID-19 impacts."

I visited the Intrepid Museum to tour the USS Growler in May 2024. Here's what I saw aboard the only nuclear-missile submarine that's open to the public.

The Intrepid Museum in New York City displays historic vessels used in sea, air, and space exploration as well as military operations.

While a nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus, is open to the public in Groton, Connecticut, the Intrepid Museum is the only place in the US where members of the public can go inside a submarine that carried nuclear missiles.

Tickets cost $38 per adult and $28 per child over 4 years old and can be purchased on the Intrepid Museum's website. Veterans and military service members receive free admission.

One of the museum's top attractions is a self-guided tour of the USS Growler submarine.

Every time I've visited the Intrepid Museum, there has been a line to enter the submarine due to the attraction's popularity and small, enclosed spaces.

The line moved quickly when I visited in May 2024 — I only waited for about 15 minutes.

The USS Growler patrolled the seas on top-secret missions off the coast of Russia during the Cold War.

Commissioned in 1958, the USS Growler carried Regulus II sea-to-surface missiles armed with nuclear warheads. The looming threat of the submarine's firepower acted as a deterrent to prevent other countries from using their nuclear arsenals.

The submarine now floats in the Hudson River with its top deck visible from the dock of the museum.

Growler was decommissioned in 1964 and awarded to the Intrepid Museum in 1988. The Intrepid Museum spent over $1 million repairing the submarine in 2008 when holes were discovered in its hull during a museum-wide renovation, The New York Times reported.

Exhibits provided a brief history of the USS Growler and the nuclear missiles it carried before entering the submarine.

The first Regulus missiles had a range of 500 miles. Regulus II missiles could travel twice that distance.

There was also a sample doorway to make sure guests could walk through the submarine.

To visit Growler, guests had to be at least 40 inches tall and had to be able to pass through this doorway without assistance.

The first stop inside the submarine was one of the USS Growler's two missile hangars.

Each hangar could hold two Regulus I missiles, which each measured 33 feet long, according to the National Air and Space Museum.

In the navigation compartment, crew members plotted courses and tracked Growler's position.

Growler used a binnacle — a stand that holds a ship's compass — and SINS — the Ship's Inertial Navigation System — to navigate through the seas.

The missile checkout and guidance center was once a top-secret area.

Crew members assigned to the missile checkout and guidance center were in charge of maintaining, firing, and guiding the trajectory of the Regulus missiles. Launching a Regulus missile took about 15 minutes.

Officers on Growler lived in staterooms that held two to three people.

Officers acted as leaders and commanders of the crew, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the submarine.

Their staterooms featured folding sinks and desks with chairs that included storage drawers to maximize the tight quarters.

Officers had access to their own shower.

Crew members shared a separate washroom.

Officers used the wardroom to eat, socialize, and hold meetings.

The wardroom was furnished with laminate walls and vinyl seating booths, popular interior design trends post-World War II.

Officers' meals were cooked in the galley and served from the wardroom pantry.

Growler carried all of the food and supplies it would need to sustain itself during patrols that lasted over two months.

A storekeeper kept track of non-food supplies such as light bulbs, pens, and toilet paper.

Growler's commanding officer enjoyed the only private room on the entire submarine as its highest-ranked leader.

The room featured a telephone and a bed that folded up into seating.

The chief petty officers' quarters were nicknamed the "goat locker."

Chief petty officers helped train new submariners and acted as leaders and liaisons between officers and crew members.

The nickname "goat locker" dates back to 1893, when the rank of chief petty officer was established. Chief petty officers were put in charge of the goats that were kept on ships to produce milk, and the animals' pens were located in their quarters, according to the Naval History and Heritage Command.

Yeomen handled clerical and administrative work aboard Growler's tiny office.

Yeomen wrote reports, sorted files, and maintained crew members' service records.

A ladder in the bridge trunk led to the bridge of the submarine.

When Growler traveled on the surface of the water, the bridge provided a vantage point for crew members to surveil the surrounding ocean.

Seeing how far down I was in the submarine was striking. I couldn't imagine what it must have been like to serve on a two-month-long patrol with no fresh air or sunlight.

The control room and attack center contained a dizzying number of buttons, dials, and other instruments.

Crew members monitored Growler's function with data gathered in the control room and attack center.

Here, the commanding officer would give orders to the crew.

The crew members who sat in the chairs directed Growler's movements with three steering wheels that controlled different angles and movements.

The room also featured two periscopes: one for observation and one for attacks.

The periscope used for observation featured a wider view, while the attack periscope had higher magnification capabilities.

A call signal station could signal different areas of the submarine such as the wardroom, the office, and the control room.

Each room had a corresponding number that crew members could dial.

The sonar room also aided Growler's navigation.

Sonar stands for sound navigation and ranging. Growler used passive sonar, a system of underwater microphones that listen to the ocean and detect sound waves, to track other vessels and navigate its own positions.

Passive sonar is a more discreet alternative to active sonar, which sends a pulse of energy through the water to detect objects.

Crew members communicated with other ships in the radio room.

Growler could only send messages at periscope depth. Lower down in the ocean, it could receive low-frequency signals, but couldn't send any outgoing messages.

Meals were prepared in the galley.

A meal schedule from 1962 listed dishes such as fried chicken, clam chowder, hamburgers, and meatloaf with gravy.

In the scullery, Growler crew members washed dishes and compacted trash.

Trash was disposed of in weighted tubes that wouldn't float to the surface and give away the submarine's location.

The crew's mess was the only common space on board Growler.

It functioned as the dining room as well as a place for crew members to play games and watch movies.

Growler's largest sleeping area contained 46 bunks.

The green straps on the beds kept crew members from rolling out of the bunks during rough seas.

The crew's washroom featured two showers.

Showers were a rare luxury for crew members on Growler. A plaque displayed in the room read that some sailors said they never showered once during their two-month patrols.

A distillation system boiled seawater, filtering out the salt to supply fresh water.

The distilled water was used for cooling the submarine's diesel engines, cooking food, washing dishes, and bathing.

Growler's three diesel engines were located in the engine room.

The engines were soundproofed.

Sailors controlled Growler's speed in the maneuvering room, with officers communicating orders from the control room.

Growler's maximum speed was 12 knots, or 14 mph, while submerged and 14 knots, or 16 mph, while surfaced.

In addition to carrying nuclear missiles, Growler was also armed with torpedoes.

Nine crew members slept in the aft torpedo room, where weapons like the Mark 37 torpedo were kept.

I was relieved to see the sky again as I exited Growler, and in awe of service members who spent months at a time on the vessel.

As the only nuclear-missile submarine in the US that's open to the public, visiting the USS Growler is absolutely worth a trip to the Intrepid Museum.

I was fascinated by how self-sufficient the submarine was as it carried out top-secret patrols. It was hard to believe that 90 crew members operated in such small spaces for extended periods of time.

With its supply of nuclear missiles kept at the ready during the Cold War, the stakes couldn't have been higher to keep Growler running smoothly and efficiently. The stakes remain high today as US Navy submarines continue to patrol waters connected to regional conflicts.

Vanilla is so valuable that it's been called "green gold." At its peak in 2017, prices reached nearly $600 per kilo, making it the second-most expensive spice in the world. But by 2024, prices had crashed to roughly $50 per kilo.

That volatility stems from one major factor: The world depends heavily on Madagascar, which has historically supplied about 80% of natural vanilla. When storms, theft, early harvesting, or policy changes hit Madagascar's crop, the entire global market feels it.

Now, buyers are looking for another source — and Uganda is quickly emerging as vanilla's next big player. With two harvest seasons a year, improved quality controls, and growing demand from major brands like Ben & Jerry's and Nielsen-Massey, Uganda could help stabilize and make natural vanilla more affordable.

So, why is vanilla so expensive? And can Uganda step in to help stabilize global prices?

• I tried beef hot dogs from Nathan's, Sabrett, Applegate, and Ball Park.
• Ball Park had the thickest frank, but I thought Applegate's organic hot dogs packed the most flavor.
• I didn't think Sabrett's less-than-flavorful hot dogs warranted their higher price tag.

Nothing says summer quite like a crispy, cooked hot dog with just the right amount of snap.

The sausage industry recognizes the months between Memorial Day and Labor Day as hot dog season, the time of year when the most hot dogs are consumed.

WalletHub reported that Americans are expected to consume 818 hot dogs per second between Memorial Day and Labor Day, totaling 7 billion hot dogs, with 65% of the country planning to barbecue over the weekend.

Ahead of this year's celebrations, I decided to try four different kinds of hot dogs to see which one I would choose for my own cookout.

I opted for beef hot dogs from Applegate, Sabrett, Nathan's, and Ball Park. The Sabrett, Nathan's, and Ball Park packages each included eight beef franks, while the Applegate package included six.

I cooked each type of hot dog the same way. Then I tried each one on a Martin's long potato roll, topped with Heinz ketchup and French's classic yellow mustard.

Here's how all four hot-dog brands ranked, from worst to best.

My least favorite brand that I tried was the Sabrett skinless beef frankfurters.

This was the second-most expensive brand I tried. A pack of eight hot dogs costs $8.99, excluding taxes and fees, but they were on sale for $6.99.

Since it's a New York brand — and I live in the city — I half-expected to pay a little less for a local product.

The hot dog was about the same thickness as the Nathan's hot dog, which I ultimately ranked higher.

The Sabrett hot dog fit perfectly inside the potato roll bun without hanging too much off either end.

I felt like the flavor in the Sabrett hot dog was lacking.

The only flavors that came through were the ketchup and mustard, which is a distinct no-no in my book for hot dogs.

While the texture wasn't overly chewy, I thought it didn't have the distinct snap I often look for in a hot dog. 

While it wasn't bad by any means, I didn't think this brand was worth the higher price tag.

I also tried a New York staple: Nathan's skinless beef franks.

Nathan's is a New York institution famous for its annual Coney Island hot-dog-eating contest on July Fourth.

I managed to snag an eight-pack of these hot dogs on sale at my local Food Bazaar.

The original price was $7.39, but I managed to get them for just $3.99, excluding tax.

I thought the Nathan's hot dogs were a perfect size.

It looked like a really classic hot dog you would eat on the pier in summertime: crispy on the outside, while still retaining that classic red hot-dog color.

The hot dog from Nathan's tasted slightly saltier than the other varieties.

After just a few bites, I was already reaching for water — it was hard to imagine eating dozens of these in a competition setting.

The hot dog had a decent flavor and a satisfying snap, but the overwhelming saltiness made it far from memorable.

My second-favorite brand was Ball Park's beef hot dogs.

The Ball Park pack of eight hot dogs cost me $8.99, excluding taxes and fees.

The Ball Park hot dogs were the thickest and shortest ones on my list.

I also noticed they cooked a lot faster than the other brands. While the other brands retained their red, crispy consistency in the pan, the Ball Park dogs quickly began to char and crisp up after only a minute or two of cooking.

I personally like really well-done, almost charred hot dogs, but it's something to keep in mind if you have different preferences. 

The Ball Park dog was well done on the outside, but the inside was still slightly chewy.

I thought the hot dog had a nice smoky flavor that paired well with the bun and toppings, though the texture was a bit too rubbery for my taste.

My favorite hot-dog brand was Applegate's organic uncured-beef hot dogs.

The pack of six franks cost me $8.99 at my local Food Bazaar grocery store, excluding taxes and fees.

The pack came with six hot dogs, two fewer than the other packs.

The smaller package size is definitely worth keeping in mind if you're shopping for a large cookout or feeding a crowd, since you may need to buy multiple packs to have enough on hand.

When the Applegate hot dog was done cooking, I noticed it was skinnier than the other brands.

I wondered whether it would be less filling, or how the slightly thinner shape would affect the eating experience. 

Right away, I noticed that the hot dog had a lot of flavor, and the frank had a satisfying snap.

The ketchup and mustard added plenty of flavor without overpowering the hot dog's savory, beefy taste.

Even though it was the thinnest hot dog I tried, the bun-to-dog ratio still felt balanced, with each ingredient complementing the others well.

In the end, I had to give the win to Applegate.

I was surprised that this brand won. Even though I call New York City home, neither of the local brands, Nathan's or Sabrett, deserved the win in my book. 

I thought Applegate's hot dog, though thinner than the others, had the best flavor and texture. It was also a great value, despite the pack being two dogs short. If I had to choose which hot dog brand to eat at my cookout, it would be Applegate hot dogs all the way.

• My son moved home after college to save money and figure out his next steps.
• Living together again gave us an unexpected year of ordinary connection.
• As he prepares to get married, I'm grateful for this brief in-between season.

"Why are you taking my picture?" asked my 22-year-old son as I trailed behind him on a hiking path near our house. The leaves were beginning to change, and I wanted to capture the beauty of the woods and this moment with my adult son.

"Because I love you," I told him, then laughed as I stopped to check the picture on my phone.

He shook his head, indicating the usual embarrassment most kids feel toward their parents. But then I swear one corner of his mouth lifted in a smile.

It was the middle of a weekday and, due to assorted circumstances, we were both available to take a walk. I needed a break from my home office, and my son wanted to get some fresh air after finishing his laundry before leaving for his shift at a hotel.

A few months earlier, he had moved back home after graduating from college to save money and consider his next steps. My husband and I welcomed him while hiding our worry that we might be delaying his independence. What I didn't foresee was how much we would enjoy having him around again.

But now this time is coming to a bittersweet end.

Living with my adult son again has been surprisingly easy

Before moving back home, my son had been a student living with friends, not his parents, so we worried about what this new living arrangement would look like.

Luckily, he has a full-time job and a schedule that often conflicts with ours. But in the evenings, we often all land at the dinner table together. I often serve him a meal much like I had throughout his teen years, but now we're adults, swapping stories about co-workers and life in general.

It took some time to settle into something new. But having my son home has been nice — and dare I say, ordinary.

Gone were the busy teen years filled with practices and constant rushing around, replaced by evenings catching up and scrolling on our phones in companionable silence.

There's now an end date to this arrangement

Soon after that midday walk, my son got engaged to his girlfriend of four years. My husband and I were thrilled that these two kind, funny, loving people had found each other. We're all ecstatic when they set a wedding date for this fall.

She's three hours away in graduate school, and he'll be moving there to start their life together.

Alongside my happiness came the realization that this in-between season we were experiencing with him has an end date.

That knowledge has been a gift in a way. Knowing that this time is short-lived has sharpened my appreciation for it. My son and I have spent time doing the mundane, like that quick walk around the neighborhood. We've been rediscovering the city he grew up in, only now from his perspective as a young adult. Whereas I used to treat him to ice cream when he was younger, these days we scout breweries and decide which local joint has the best happy hour.

He's teaching me about his favorite hobby, too, which he rediscovered from his childhood. He's collecting Pokémon cards and showing me things like how he discards code cards and prefers to open packs. We even spent a rainy Saturday afternoon at an exotic animal rescue event. My husband was out of town, while my son and I wandered around looking at alligators and sloths. I wondered if this was the last of these kinds of afternoons.

I'm glad I got to live with my son as an adult

Sometimes I'm sad knowing our one-on-one time will soon look different. Yet more than that, I'm appreciative because in this last year, I've realized I'm not parenting a child anymore. Rather, in the time we're spending together, I'm getting to know him as the man he's become.

There's a wedding tradition I've only learned about recently called the "Last Look." I don't recall this from when my husband and I got married decades ago, but I'm charmed by the idea now. As the groom's mother, I'll take a "Last Look" at my son before he walks down the aisle to marry his bride and step into married life.

I've realized that this time I've had with him, since he moved home and before he gets married, has been a whole year of last looks. And I'm grateful.

• My husband and I are seasoned travelers and have lived abroad before.
• When we had our daughter, we decided to spend part of our parental leave traveling through Europe.
• It wasn't the trip I thought it would be, but I wouldn't change a thing.

My husband, Colin, and I have lived abroad in Prague, road tripped through New Zealand, and country-hopped around Southeast Asia. So years before we welcomed our daughter into the world, we knew we'd want to spend part of our parental leave traveling.

In September 2025, we left for six months of travel through Europe with our then 8-month-old. We also brought our dog along!

I was so excited to be traveling with my family. Even though I knew it would be different from our pre-baby travels, I still pictured us going on day trips, filling our itinerary with sightseeing, and spontaneously staying out past bedtime.

We planned to slow travel so we could keep our routines

Colin and I knew it wouldn't be possible for us to switch cities every few days while carrying our baby, dog, and all our luggage onto planes and trains. Instead, we decided to slow travel.

We chose four long-term bases in France and the UK and spent one to two months in each base. In between, we did a road trip through Normandy and spent a week in Spain to celebrate our daughter's first birthday.

We booked apartment rentals so we could have our own kitchen and lots of living space. Our apartments were all in walkable city centers, so we could easily take the stroller out to buy groceries or grab dinner.

I didn't realize how much FOMO traveling with a baby would give me

Everyone told me that traveling with a baby would mean slowing down. But I didn't realize how different — and difficult — that would feel.

Even if we only did one thing each day, we often had to rush through that thing, take turns going inside so one person could stay with the stroller, and leave early to make it home in time for the next nap.

We had weeks in each city, but it didn't feel like enough because we were restricted by our baby's schedule. The idea of day trips quickly went out the window; we barely had enough time to get through a local museum, let alone take the train for two hours first.

It was stressful to feel like we were on a timer, trying to squeeze in breastfeeding, lunch, commuting, an activity, and commuting back all before our daughter's next nap. And it was always disappointing to leave an attraction early, knowing there was so much we had skipped.

Traveling as a family also opened up new opportunities for us

As hard as it was to see all the things we couldn't do while traveling with a baby, I tried to focus on all of the things we got to do because of our daughter.

To make the most of her wake windows between naps, we spent a lot of time in our local neighborhood. This allowed us to immerse ourselves in the community, frequenting the same shops and cafes, to the point where people recognized us.

We got to do a lot of things that local families do. We spent a ton of time at our closest library, playground, and city farm. We even enrolled our daughter in a baby swim class!

And whenever we sought out baby-specific activities, like a baby-friendly comedy show, a kids' theater, and a baby playtime at the Natural History Museum, it was always the best experience. Our daughter absolutely lit up, and my husband and I couldn't have been happier.

Even though our trip didn't turn out how I had expected, I wouldn't change a thing

We didn't get to half of the things I had researched for us to do in Europe. And yet, I'm so happy with the trip that we had.

Traveling with our baby (and our dog!) really slowed us down and helped me appreciate a more local approach to travel. I learned how to get to know a place without ticking everything off the tourist bucket list.

Our daughter celebrated so many milestones abroad, like learning to crawl in France and taking her first steps in England. She came home as an independent, friendly, and curious toddler. And her dad and I came home with countless memories from our first family trip.

• Top strongman Mitchell Hooper is preparing to compete for the deadlift world record.
• Huge weights and long workouts aren't necessary for most people to build strength and muscle, he said.
• For an efficient workout, he recommends one hard set of basic exercises, such as squats or presses.

For most people, lifting more than 1,000 pounds on a barbell is something out of a Sunday morning cartoon, not a real-life gym session.

It's all in a day's work for Mitchell Hooper, the reigning World's Strongest Man.

Hooper first won the title in 2023 and again this year. It's the top honor in strongman competition, a sport that's all about moving massive, often oddly-shaped objects, including stones, logs, and trucks.

He'll face the current deadlift world-record holder, Hafþór Björnsson, on May 24 at the controversial Enhanced Games, a competition that allows certain performance-enhancing drugs.

Hooper, who holds a master's in exercise physiology, said the average person doesn't need to train like a strongman, but mastering similar exercises can boost strength and muscle gains with less time in the gym.

"If you want to set a deadlift record, there's some nuance. It's a science project," Hooper told Business Insider in an interview coordinated by Airwaav, a brand of mouthguards that he uses during training. "Very few people are trying to do that. Most people just want to go in, do as little as possible, get as much as possible, and move on with their lives."

How to build strength and muscle in short workouts

Whether you're carrying your groceries to the car or a car for sport, the fundamentals of movement are the same. Strongman relies on basic patterns of human movement: push, pull, carry, squat, hinge, and overhead press.

"Fundamental movement patterns are what everyone should base their training around, whether it's an 80-year-old woman or a 15-year-old athlete," Hooper said. "Those movement patterns are mandatory to live a complete life."

As long as you're challenging your muscles in each type of movement, it doesn't matter whether you use an exercise machine or a barbell, according to Hooper.

"If you're more comfortable on a machine, plug away. If you want pride in your best bench press, go for that," he said.

For an efficient workout, Hooper said to pick an exercise from each category that works multiple muscle groups at once. Then do one hard set of the exercise for up to 25 reps until you're at or near muscle failure (the point at which you can't complete another rep with good form).

Repeat with another 2-3 exercises from different categories, and you can work your whole body in about 15 minutes (including a 5-minute warm-up).

Building strength is all about challenging your muscles to adapt, so one difficult set can be more effective than a longer, less focused workout, according to Hooper.

"If you do that, you're going to progress faster than 95% of people that I see in the gym on a day-to-day basis who sort of go through the motions," Hooper said. "Removing the complication, going on machines that move more than one joint and going toward failure, you're going to be in a really good spot."

• My team was my favorite part of my role at Meta, but then I got laid off and lost them.
• While unemployed, I realized what really inspired me at work: helping and mentoring people.
• I've traded corporate boardrooms for college classrooms, and I love it.

I spent over 10 years at Meta, joining in 2012 when the company was still called Facebook and the newly acquired Instagram team occupied just two rows of stand-up desks in a half-filled Menlo Park campus.

As a global director, I helped lead a creative group launching campaigns with Marvel, Disney, Mini, Lexus, Wendy's, Activision, and a fleet of innovative agencies and brands that trusted us to bring their stories to life on our platforms. I loved my job.

My team became my work family, Meta's hallways became my work home, and the security badge hanging from my belt became a big part of how I saw myself.

Then, at 3 a.m., that all changed.

I saw an email from the Meta Leadership Team addressed to Thomas (uh-oh, that formality must mean trouble). I opened it and read, "We've made the hard, but necessary decision to lay off 13% of the company. Unfortunately, you've been included in the layoff."

Gulp. I was on the list. I was laid off from my job.

I was hit with a few realizations later that morning

My first thought after absorbing the news was, "Who else on my team was affected? How can I help? Who needed to talk? Who is taking it the hardest?"

They were my team, and I needed to be there for them. But then it struck me. Effective immediately, I had no team.

Next, I considered how I'd break the news to my family over toaster-cooked waffles and orange juice.

"We'll be fine, we'll figure it out," said my wife. And the kids seemed more concerned about making the bus than the severance and COBRA options.

I didn't know how loud my life was until it suddenly went quiet

Instead of waking up early to an onslaught of internal team meetings, soul-twisting client fires, and an endless marching of BHAG quarterly goals, I found myself with a different morning agenda.

I'd quietly tiptoe out of the house at 4:30 a.m. and make my way to the moonlit beach.

Groggy morning hellos from co-workers in the micro-kitchen were replaced with a community of beachside foxes, coyotes, owls, and an occasional dolphin, effortlessly bringing a human mind that had been running at full throttle for years to a much-needed halt.

In the stillness, I started to hear my inner voice again. It told me that I had grown to love building up the people on my teams far more than building up the ideas we delivered to clients. It had become about the people. And I was still without a team.

The time to myself helped me rethink my career

Soon after the layoff, a professor friend asked me if I'd like to lecture in his college class. I loved it. Word spread, and I found myself accepting more invitations to lecture at universities close to my Los Angeles home and as far away as Virginia.

College campuses are filled with talent brimming with ideas, ambition, and wide-eyed excitement. Students share many of the same anxieties as my corporate teammates about their projects, performance, and future. When I realized I had answers to give, I decided I didn't want to chase another corporate badge.

I became an adjunct professor and am now a lecturer. I've begun mentoring college students and recent grads, helping them find their voice and land their own dream roles. Years as a people manager, team leader, and hiring manager give me the ability to help students see behind the curtain and find their footing in a job search landscape full of AI black holes, unexplained ghosting, and never-ending digital applications.

I now help them navigate the madness and find their own work family, work home, and work purpose. I suddenly find myself feeling like I am exactly where I belong.

A message to those recently laid off at Meta

If you're reading this and you're one of the tens of thousands who have been told you were laid off as part of a "necessary business decision," I know how incredibly lonely that can feel.

But here's what I didn't see at 3 a.m., staring into that soon-to-be-returned company laptop: I wasn't actually being kicked out. I was being kicked toward a place where I could do truly authentic work and help people the most.

And that team I lost? I found a new one. They just happen to be sitting in college classrooms.

Tom Gilmartin is the founder of Gilmartin Career Launch Coaching and lives in Los Angeles. Connect on LinkedIn.

• Military leaders say drones from Mexican cartels regularly fly over US troops at the US-Mexico border.
• "Hundreds" of counter-drone systems are being tested by troops deployed to the southern border.
• Commanders have previously warned that commercial drones are changing homeland security threats.

The US military is using the southern border as a testing ground for counter-drone technology as cartel surveillance flights increasingly threaten troops and federal law enforcement officials operating there, senior leaders said this week.

"We have a lot of fixed and movable counter-UAS capabilities, but not really anything that would follow a patrolling soldier," Gen. Gregory Guillot, the commander of US Northern Command, said during a panel discussion at the annual SOF Week conference in Tampa, Florida.

As the American military tries to absorb drone lessons learned from Ukraine and the Middle East, the US border with Mexico presents a slightly different challenge, he said. "The cartels are flying over our soldiers and Marines all the time."

His comments come amid growing Pentagon concern that the same inexpensive drone technologies that have transformed warfare in Ukraine are now proliferating among criminal organizations closer to home.

While US forces possess tools to counter those drones, solutions that can reliably combat multiple drones at once or shield troops on the move do not yet exist, a significant source of anxiety for the military.

Six US service members were killed in Kuwait in March by an Iranian drone strike, and three soldiers were killed in 2024 in Jordan by a drone launched by an Iran-backed militia. An investigation obtained by Business Insider into the attack indicated that the military was poorly prepared to defend against drones.

To combat the growing threat, the armed forces need both training and equipment.

"If you're willing to bring it down to the southern border, we'll put it to use. We'll tell you if it works," Guillot said, describing the US southern border as "a literal and a figurative sandbox" for testing emerging counter-drone systems to see if they can defeat them in practice.

"If it does, we'll probably buy it. If it doesn't, we'll tell you exactly what you need to work on." According to Guillot, the military now has "hundreds of systems" operating along the border as officials try to identify the technologies capable of protecting troops from UAV threats.

The US has sent thousands of troops to the southern border, where forces are conducting both mounted and dismounted patrols and encountering cartel drones in the process. That makes the border both an operational challenge and a live test environment for counter-drone tools that might later be needed in combat.

The "democratization of technology" has dramatically lowered the barrier for acquiring lethal drone capabilities, Adm. Bradley Cooper, who leads US Special Operations Command, said during the panel.

Most of the US military's defenses were designed to tackle the most "exquisite threats," a term for high-end, costly weapons such as advanced missiles and aircraft, the admiral said. Drones, on the other hand, are cheap, commonly available, and harder to contain.

"The barrier to be able to have a lethal, precise weapon to aim and orient at our maneuvering forces is lower to the point where anyone with an Alibaba or an Amazon account can piece those things together," Cooper said. "It requires us to think through that spectrum of weapons we have to defend against from the exquisite to the more pedestrian."

Jason Votrobek was convicted in 2014 on drug trafficking and money laundering charges and later sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.

Votrobek talks to Business Insider about his early days smuggling cocaine and his role in the prescription opioid trade. Votrobek co-owned and operated Atlanta Medical Group, a Georgia clinic that distributed large volumes of oxycodone and other prescription drugs.

He describes how pain clinics capitalized on the demand for prescription opioids.  Lawsuits against companies like Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, led to several changes in the system. Purdue and its owners agreed to pay up to $6 billion in a settlement tied to claims over their role in the opioid epidemic.

Although the "pill mill" era peaked in the early 2010s, the consequences persist. More than 107,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2023, with opioids, particularly fentanyl, responsible for the majority of those deaths.

For more:

https://youtube.com/@10toespodcast?si=ORKUsqlFqQzaAvyK;

https://www.instagram.com/8upjay?igsh=amZkYjVmc3p5amFk&utm_source=qr

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

It's negotiation season

"Omg, this is the best session."

It was my childhood friend, texting me while she sat in a session during Goldman Sachs' small-business program for entrepreneurs.

After quickly asking who, what, when, and where, she told me she had just taken copious notes from instructor Mori Taheripour, a negotiation expert who's also an award-winning professor at Wharton. Instead of waiting for her to clean up her notes, she advised me to read Taheripour's book, "Bring Yourself: How to Harness the Power of Connection to Negotiate Fearlessly."

I didn't hesitate. I clicked into the audiobook immediately and became enraptured. The book, released in 2020, isn't just a how-to on negotiating. It's also not about being the smartest, fastest, or closing the deal. Taheripour teaches how a good negotiator truly knows themselves first. She also breaks down other useful life tactics, like how to sit comfortably in silence and how to emotionally regulate.

What I loved about "Bring Yourself" was realizing that the art of negotiation is critical to my everyday life. In fact, like many high-functioning people, I'm negotiating daily — sometimes with my 6-year-old about how to eat a healthier breakfast, and sometimes with my team about which stories to tell that day on Business Insider.

Taheripour makes it clear to the reader that this book is more about self than strategy.

"It is self-esteem, self-awareness, and battling of imposter syndrome all rolled into one," she writes. "If self-doubt drives our negotiations, we start determining the outcomes of a negotiation before we even begin."

"And the more confident you are about what your story is, the less vulnerable you are to those who would question it. The stories we tell ourselves can make the difference between a great outcome and a bad one, between going onstage and going home," she continues.

Taheripour's "Bring Yourself" reminded me that sometimes the toughest negotiations aren't with other people; they're with ourselves.

Are you obsessed with a new book that's unlocked a new mindset or taught you something to help you achieve your goals? Share it with me!

• Poppi's cofounders poured everything into their soda business then sold it for $2 billion last year.
• Allison and Stephen Ellsworth told us the risks they took and sacrifices they made in an interview.
• They spoke about how wealth has changed their lives and how they're keeping their children grounded.

Allison and Stephen Ellsworth built Poppi from nothing and sold it to PepsiCo for just under $2 billion last year.

They told Business Insider this week about the risks they took and sacrifices they made along the way, and shared how they're stopping their newfound wealth from spoiling their children.

Starting from scratch

Allison was experimenting with home remedies for her stomach pains and skin issues in 2016 when she turned to apple cider vinegar. She couldn't stand the taste so she tried mixing it with sparkling water and fresh fruit, and Mother Beverage was born.

She enlisted Stephen to help her sell her concoctions at farmers' markets. Within months, they won over a Whole Foods buyer and the premium grocery chain began stocking her drinks.

Allison's unwavering belief in her products, positive feedback from customers, and the early Whole Foods endorsement gave the pair the conviction to go all-in on the budding business.

"She was willing to jump off the cliff, knowing that I could help build the plane while we were falling to make sure that we didn't totally crash and burn," Stephen said.

The pair maxed out their credit cards, borrowed money, welcomed investment from friends and family, and took out personal loans to support the startup's growth.

They even sold one of their cars to buy bottles and equipment, leaving Stephen to drive an old truck with no AC in the Texas heat, Allison recalled.

In the early days, they were "begging and pleading" vendors and suppliers to give them more time to pay for ingredients, Stephen said.

The pair's next big break came in 2018 when they pitched their business on "Shark Tank," securing a $400,000 investment from marketing whiz Rohan Oza.

The combination of publicity, fresh funding, mentorship, and support in building a team and professionalizing the business was invaluable, the pair told Business Insider.

With Oza's help, Allison and Stephen rebranded the business in 2020 as Poppi, a seller of prebiotic sodas with a younger, more vibrant image.

But they launched right as the COVID-19 pandemic struck, leading to myriad headaches, including cash crunches and suppliers terminating contracts. Poppi was forced to raise as much as $25 million in extra capital to weather the storm, Stephen said.

At the same time, Poppi was such a hit that even the old hands they'd hired were new to this kind of growth.

"We almost had to throw the playbook out the window and do everything different from the beginning," Allison said.

They rapidly grew Poppi to over $500 million in yearly sales by 2024, then sold the company to PepsiCo for $1.95 billion last spring.

Leap of faith

Allison was three months pregnant, and they'd just bought a house, when the pair decided to quit their jobs to work full-time on their startup.

She went on to have three children while building the company, which "absolutely made it harder," she said, even with her mother moving nearby to help with childcare.

The couple put their family's finances on the line because they could see their startup's potential, and the opportunity to create a legacy they could pass down to their kids: a beloved national brand.

Their mindset was that while they were young, they would "buckle up" and "do whatever it takes" to succeed, they said.

There was no work-life balance in Poppi's early days, Allison said. She recalled not making time to exercise or take care of herself, traveling too much, and struggling to switch off from work.

The pair felt secure enough in their relationship that they agreed to put it on the back burner and focus on their kids and the business, Allison said.

She recalled telling Stephen that she didn't need to receive flowers for Valentine's Day, go on date nights, or even celebrate birthdays or anniversaries.

"I think for the level of success that we have, you do have to sacrifice for the short term," Allison said.

"You have to be willing to do what others won't, to be able to have what others can't have," Stephen said.

At the same time, Allison said that entrepreneurs need to have the self-awareness to know if they're "dropping the ball" in their marriage or parenting, and to "make sure that nothing gets so far out of balance that it can't be corrected."

She said that she feels some "mom guilt" over the hours she poured into Poppi, but she's proud that her children describe her as a businesswoman, a dealmaker, and a successful entrepreneur.

"The way my kids see me is just really endearing and awesome," she said.

Stephen said he appreciated their struggles in hindsight. They "really, really sucked in the moment," he said, but "how boring would it be if we didn't have those stories?"

Wealth and kids

Allison and Stephen received their windfall a year ago, but they've been cautious in spending it and careful to remain grounded. They only recently bought a new house and new cars, they said.

This summer, they're not flying to Europe or taking some other "extravagant" trip, but instead heading to Wyoming to "fish and sit by a fire" as a family for two weeks, they said.

They said they're trying to spend their wealth on experiences instead of things, and on ways to remove friction from their lives so they can spend more quality time together as a family.

For example, they've hired more help around the house, and have started flying private with their extended family to save time and hassle when traveling, they said.

They've also given back by funding mission trips around the world and sponsoring a local school, which they prefer to buying seats at charity galas or starting foundations, as "that stuff's very cringy for me," Allison said.

She and Stephen said they're determined not to let their newfound wealth spoil their three young children.

They may have "lived the American dream," but they still want to raise "good kids" who "work hard" and are kind to others, she said.

The couple still expect their kids to clean up after themselves, do chores, and have jobs when they're older.

Stephen said he wants his kids to think differently about dollars than his family did when he was young. He grew up in a "very conservative" household where the mantra was to scrimp and save, and he wants to "flip that script" with his kids and teach them how money can be put to work, he said.

He added that he'll encourage them to "do hard things."

"Lean into hard, because that's where the growth happens, and with that growth, that's where the fulfillment and purpose really happens," he said.

Looking ahead

Allison and Stephen said they've largely cut ties with Poppi since the PepsiCo acquisition.

They took a few months off after the deal closed to play golf and travel, but soon realized they were "too young to retire, and what we missed more than anything was the team, the grind, the hard work," Allison said.

In addition to investing their wealth and mentoring other entrepreneurs, they now plan to parlay the knowledge and experience they gained building Poppi into a new idea.

"We are actually starting another company soon," Allison said.

• Alaska Airlines launched its new Seattle-to-London route on Thursday, at a testing time for aviation.
• An executive told Business Insider most airlines are only covering up to 50% of increased fuel costs.
• But Alaska's move into transatlantic flights helps attract more profitable premium travelers.

Despite rising fuel costs, Alaska Airlines is pushing ahead with its plan to attract more premium passengers as it celebrated the launch of its newest route atop a London skyscraper on Thursday evening.

The Seattle-to-London service is part of a rapid European expansion, following last month's launch of Alaska's first-ever transatlantic route, to Rome. A third service, to Iceland, is set to begin next week.

But it comes at a cautious time for the industry since the Iran war sent jet fuel prices skyrocketing.

"You've seen a very significant drive to get airfares up," Andrew Harrison, Alaska's chief commercial officer, told Business Insider. "I think on average, most carriers, even what we're selling today, are still only covering 50, 60, 70% of the increased cost of fuel."

While most European airlines hedge against fuel costs using financial derivatives, most US carriers do not, leaving them more exposed to the surge in prices. Fuel is typically an airline's second-highest expenditure, after labor.

United Airlines plans to "fully offset the increase in fuel prices," but that would require an extra 8.5 percentage points of revenue for each seat it flies, CEO Scott Kirby said in March.

Even with higher airfares and checked bag fees, Harrison's comments show how fuel costs are still eating into most airlines' profits.

"What we tell ourselves at Alaska is just control what we can control. We are an industry that faces crises all the time. If it's not one thing, it's another," Harrison told Business Insider.

"So we just feel actually very good about our expansion and what we're doing here. In fact, it gives us even greater wind in our sails to continue and work hard during these difficult times."

Jet fuel prices change summer vacation habits

Despite rising prices, many people are still keen to fly — especially those rich enough to fly in premium cabins, which are particularly profitable for airlines.

Around 30% of people won't change their summer travel plans due to rising gas prices, according to a Bank of America survey of 4,000 people conducted in April. Plus, the survey found middle- and higher-income households are seeing stronger travel spending.

Alaska is leaning into the trend with new international business-class suites, including sliding privacy doors and lie-flat beds. By 2028, it also plans to introduce a premium economy cabin on its long-haul widebody aircraft, like the Boeing 787 operating the London route.

Starlink's high-speed in-flight WiFi also helps attract premium travelers. Alaska has equipped some planes with Starlink, but it isn't yet certified for the 787. Harrison said the airline expects it to be ready in the fall.

Alaska has expanded to long-haul transatlantic flights thanks to its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, which had a fleet and order book of 787s. It's timely, given the popularity of Europe with American travelers.

The Bank of America survey found Europe remained the most attractive location for vacationers this year. Compared to 2025, it's become at least 10% more popular with middle- and higher-income households — but less popular with lower-income households, according to the survey.

On the other hand, this means strong competition. British Airways and Delta Air Lines already fly between Seattle and London, although Virgin Atlantic is suspending its route for the winter season.

Harrison pointed to Alaska's "state-of-the-art aircraft" on the route, manufactured in the last 12 months, as well as its Seattle hub with 105 destinations.

To bypass Heathrow's capacity constraints, Alaska is leasing its slot at the London airport from American Airlines, a fellow member of the Oneworld alliance.

"Working together with our Oneworld partners has just given us amazing opportunity in what we know is a very highly congested and competitive airport," Harrison said.

BA is also a Oneworld member, so Alaska customers can connect on its flights to other destinations on the continent.

Surging fuel prices have made it a testing time for aviation, but Alaska isn't too concerned, backing its international expansion.

It's going to build a new foundation for growth, long term, for the airline," Harrison said. "These are large investments, don't get me wrong, but we're building the company for the future, we're building the brand for the future, and this is one area where we're going to just keep going."

Alaska is aiming for 12 international destinations out of Seattle by 2030, and plans to announce more later this year.

• My husband and I moved to a small town six months ago.
• I was worried it would be lonely, but we quickly and easily made friends.
• Here's what worked for us.

Six months ago, my husband and I uprooted our lives, moving to a little town on the coast and away from the metropolis of Johannesburg, where I spent the last 32 years. Hermanus, South Africa (my new home) is small — a population of 100,000, compared to Johannesburg's 6 million.

In Joburg, we had plenty of friends. In our new town, we had no one. Not a single familiar face. I braced for the worst, anticipating aching loneliness and sparking conversations with the rock hyraxes that frequent the coastal path shrubbery. Instead, we found the mythical 'village' that everyone harps on about.

Making friends in your mid-30s is always spoken about with emphasis on how tough it is, but honestly, it's been laughably easy for us. My mom can't keep up with all the new names I drop on our phone calls. At a recent birthday celebration (for our pharmacist, whom we befriended), we realized we were surrounded by 16 people we'd call our friends, none of whom we'd known six months ago. Here's what we did to start a circle from scratch.

We say 'yes' to new things

Our theme for this year is 'Yes, and' — like the improv comedy phrase. We pledged that in 2026, we would say yes to as much as possible, and then go even further. "Are you guys keen to come camping?" The 2025 version of us would say camping isn't really our vibe. The 2026 version of us says, "Yes, and we're bringing everything we need for s'mores."

We take our friends' dogs for walks. We go camping by dams or hiking in the nearby Kogelberg mountains. Over the summer months (December to February, here), our friends met for beach evenings, taking turns to buy a heap of fried fish and chips, cracking open cold bottles after dips in even colder tidal pools. Here, an impromptu wine tasting is always well-attended, as is a games night. If I schedule some scuba diving in our kelp forests, at least one of them is happy to tag along.

I posted on social media about our move

I shared about our move on Facebook and Instagram, leading to someone I'd last seen in university reaching out to tell me she lived in the area. Dominique is now one of my closest friends down here, and our partners get along so well that we feel like third wheels around them.

We aren't afraid to talk to strangers

We befriended another couple by telling them they had a cute dog. They were around our age, enjoying a mid-week dinner at a lovely Greek restaurant. We got chatting with them and swapped numbers, making plans to meet up again a week later. We've kept meeting up since.

I've learned that it's important to be the one to initiate plans

My default setting is shyness and introversion, so it's taken a lot of effort to push past that and be the person who asks for numbers or makes a plan. Most people won't initiate plans — you might have to if you want to reap the rewards. We're the first people to text the group chat proposing a beach evening. People are quick to jump on the idea, but often you have to propose the idea first.

I've found community groups

I'm in all sorts of community groups. One is for creative writers, another for hobby artists, another for kite surfers, another for scuba divers, another for hiking… you get the idea. I've found that if you get the word out using social media, your groups will grow.

Then, once you're in groups, initiating plans with people helps build relationships. All the things we did once we moved worked together to create the community we have.

We helped our friends become friends with each other

It can be really rewarding to combine disparate friend groups. We asked if we could bring some other friends to a New Year's Eve party we were invited to, and now everyone hangs out together. "My friend's friend is probably also my friend," or something like that.

I tried out new hobbies

I went to a fencing try-out (turns out, it is just as fun to fight with swords as it looks). While there, I met a bunch of other oddballs who thought trying fencing would be cool. And now those oddballs are friends of mine.

• Ground beef prices in the US reached record highs of $6.90 per pound in April.
• The US cattle herd is at its smallest in decades due to factors like drought and high feed prices.
• Price spikes in propane and other items are also set to contribute to higher barbecue prices.

Even a backyard barbecue might raise your stress levels this year, as higher food costs make the price of summer staples harder to swallow.

One culprit is the price of ground beef, which reached a record $6.90 per pound in April, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That price is quickly approaching double what it was 10 years ago, and it's up almost 20% from a year ago.

But beef aside, price increases stemming from the Iran war have worsened the already dim prospects for an affordable summer cookout. The price spikes come at a time when consumers are spending the biggest chunk of their budget on food since the '90s.

Here's a closer look at why your barbecue might cost more this year.

Beef prices are continuing to rise amid cattle shortages

Consumers have seen supply disruptions like this before for other grocery list essentials. For example, egg prices spiked due to an outbreak of H5N1 bird flu, with a dozen large, grade A eggs reaching an all-time high of $6.23 in March 2025, per the BLS.

Prices fell as the virus subsided and farmers increased their supply, dropping to $2.25 per dozen in April this year. Beef prices, however, might not get this relief as quickly — or at all.

Factors such as persistent droughts and high feed prices led ranchers to shrink their herds in recent years, Business Insider's Emily Stewart reported. Don Close, a senior animal protein analyst at the agricultural research company Terrain Ag, said factors contributing to the price spikes are "the culmination of the perfect storm."

The outlook in the near future remains bleak, as it takes time for ranchers to raise cattle. A female calf needs about two years to have her first calf, and it would take even longer for that calf to mature, Stewart noted.

Propane prices are also up due to the war in Iran

Americans are all too familiar with the war's effects on energy, with the prices at the gas pump serving as the ultimate indicator. The national average gas price was $4.552 per gallon as of May 22, according to AAA. Unfortunately for avid grillmasters, propane prices are also increasing.

The Mont Belvieu, Texas, spot price is a common benchmark for propane prices in the US. According to the US Energy Information Administration, it rose from $0.61 per gallon on February 27, the day before the war started, to $0.84 by May 15 — a 38% increase in less than three months.

Though propane production in the US is at record highs, the war and blockages in the Strait of Hormuz have reduced the supply of Middle Eastern sources, per LP Gas Magazine, meaning a higher demand for US propane and higher prices at home and abroad.

Other cookout products are beginning to see war-related price increases

Beyond the immediate price spikes Americans are seeing for a few products, some experts, like Siebert Financial CIO Mark Malek, have warned of a second inflationary wave that could ripple through the entire supply chain.

"The gas pump is only the opening act," Malek said in a blog post. "The real household inflation hit comes later, hidden inside everyday products."

One of the biggest disruptions has come from fertilizer shortages, as natural gas is a key ingredient. It's just another hurdle for farmers, who are already struggling due to factors like drought and tariffs. These setbacks can lead to lower crop yields and, in turn, higher grocery prices for shoppers.

"US farmers are expected to produce the smallest crop of hard red winter wheat, which is used to make bread, since 1957," Reuters reported, citing the US Department of Agriculture.

Even the production and packaging of foods are affected. According to S&P Global data, the Middle East is responsible for about 25% of polyethylene and polypropylene exports around the world, which is crucial in plastic packaging.

Even if Americans are staying away from red meat this barbecue season, higher prices may be unavoidable.

Nora Redmond contributed to an earlier version of this story.

• I used Wispr Flow, the hottest voice-to-text app that's popular with AI coders.
• Oh my God, it almost ruined my life — catching a hot-mic moment and sending it to my bosses.
• Fortunately, the app was just capturing a reality show in the background. But … next time?!

I like my job. I would not like to be fired from my job for typing inappropriate things into Slack for all my coworkers to see. Or, at least, if that's how I'm going to go out — and I'll be honest, I feel like I'm always one accidental copy/paste from that, anyway — I'd like it to be something I wrote myself.

Not AI transcribing reality show clips with vulgar language in messages to my bosses.

My job, which I do not want to be fired from, sometimes involves testing new technologies, apps, or gadgets and reporting on my experiences with them. That's a pretty fun job — one that I would like to keep and, again, not be fired from for writing "slam pig" in Slack. (It's an insult — possibly regional in origin — used recently on "The Real Housewives of Rhode Island.")

Which is how I found myself in a very compromising position, where my desire to test a new AI tool led me to send a giant block of highly inappropriate text to my coworkers and bosses.

My experience using the voice-to-text app AI coders are obsessed with

I wanted to test out an AI tool called Wispr Flow, which has become popular among people who use AI heavily for coding and other technical work at work, among other things.

The preferred method, from what I've read, is to use a special gooseneck microphone to talk directly into, which Wispr Flow transcribes into nicely formatted text. It's essentially like speech-to-text on your phone, but better — it cleans up the speech, adjusts the tone to casual or more formal, and adds punctuation and paragraph breaks.

I'm always interested in new ways people are working, especially around something that seems as essential and basic as "typing into a computer." If people are indeed moving away from the keyboard and mummuring into little microphones all day in the office, well, that's fascinating!

So I downloaded the app to my computer and signed up for a free account.

During the setup process, I chose to use my built-in laptop mic and to activate dictation by pressing a certain key on my keyboard.

I was ready to go. I tested things out a bit with my coworkers in Slack. I'm usually a pretty clumsy typist, and my casual Slack messages are usually laden with typos. (I like to insist this is a sign of my affection and care for my colleagues that I am not outsourcing my writing to AI.) But when I used Wispr, suddenly I had perfect writing. Like so:

Great! Fun! I tried this out on a Friday morning and sort of forgot about it, planning to test it out more the following week.

Well, that's when things got weird. And bad.

A few days after installing Wispr Flow, I went to start writing an article directly into Business Insider's content-management system — the software that publishes what you're reading now, directly onto the internet.

As I typed a few words and hit Enter, something unexpected happened. A large wall of text appeared — far more than what I had just typed.

Wispr Flow transcribed a tiff with my husband

I looked over it, and my life flashed before my eyes. The paragraphs of text were nothing I had meant to write — it was a transcription of the bickering between my husband and me over who was going to pick up the car from the repair shop.

Apparently, I had errantly hit the button to start recording just before walking into the kitchen and picking a petty squabble. All while the cursor was sitting, blinking and ready to accept my prose in Business Insider's CMS.

(On another note, if you ever want to see whether you were being unkind in an argument, a transcription of what you said is a good way to find out. So, thanks for that harsh self-realization, Wispr Flow.)

I immediately deleted the accidental transcription because — GOOD LORD — I did not want this in the text field where we publish articles, or for other coworkers to see.

I was now aware that it was possible to accidentally hit the key to start transcribing without realizing it. But I soldiered on with my workday.

Which is how, just a few hours later, I did something even worse. I had just watched a video clip of the preview for the highly anticipated "Summer House" reunion on Bravo, where the fallout from a huge scandal unfolds.

Wispr had also been listening while I watched this clip, and when I hit "Enter" on a Slack message, it pasted and sent the full transcription of the clip.

Even worse, it included another Bravo-related video I had watched just moments before, where one of the cast members of "The Real Housewives of Rhode Island" gave an interview explaining the meaning behind the colorful insult "slam pig" (which Wispr Flow transcribed as "slam pick").

Look, I think I can muster up an argument about how watching Bravo clips is work-related — staying on top of cultural news or something — but sending the transcription to 26 of my coworkers, including my bosses, is, uh, well …

Not ideal. Just take a look at the Slack:

After this, I turned off Wispr. The chances of me doing something actually life-ruining with this were getting way too high.

So I called Tanay Kothari, CEO of Wispr Flow, and made him answer for nearly ruining my life.

"This literally sounds like the 'Final Destination' movie, if it was about Wispr Flow," he joked. "This is the kind of stuff that would happen."

It turns out that my accidental recordings weren't something most people have experienced, Kothari said. He'd never heard of anyone messing up as badly as I had.

He searched Wispr's customer support tickets and found only three other instances where someone had done what I'd done — all of them related to switching the default recording key. (Wispr is planning to work on a fix for this, he said.)

Why I'll leave AI voice-to-text to the coders

Here's where I stand with Wispr now: I wanted to test whether I could learn to adjust to doing more of my writing tasks — like emails, Slack messages, or even articles — via voice transcription instead of typing.

But I never got more than a few days and two highly embarrassing incidents into it before I had to pull the plug on the experiment for my own self-preservation.

Could it be that I might actually enjoy talking instead of typing? Maybe? My guess is that it varies a lot based on the type of writing task. For writing an article like this, I feel like typing works better — I don't write exactly like I'd speak, and I need to be thinking it through while I write. (Coders might feel differently.)

However, I'm far too burned on Wispr or any other voice-to-text AI products for the time being to try any others out. I don't want to get fired or accidentally email or tweet about the rash on my [redacted].

• AI is reshaping entry-level jobs, giving new grads bigger responsibilities sooner.
• Career experts say smart AI use — not over-reliance — is key to early success at work.
• Grads should balance AI skills with strong judgment, relationship-building, and good etiquette, they said.

AI may not be getting a warm reception at college graduations this spring, but it's reshaping the workplace that the class of 2026 is about to enter.

Until recently, employers typically assigned junior recruits basic, and often mundane, duties to teach them the ropes. But with AI tools like ChatGPT now capable of handling much of that work at warp speed, some companies are giving entry-level hires bigger responsibilities from the get-go.

"AI is changing the entry-level experience for an entire generation of white-collar workers," Peter Cappelli, a management professor and director of the Center for Human Resources at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, previously told Business Insider.

Given these changes, we asked career gurus to share their best advice for workplace newbies on how to start off strong.

Here's what they had to say:

Shadow AI is a no-no

Spider-Man's Uncle Ben wasn't talking about AI when he said that great power comes with great responsibility. But the iconic phrase applies nonetheless.

AI is powerful technology, so workers should closely follow their employer's safety protocols when using it, said Chris Lyon, head of engineering at Twilio, a communications-infrastructure platform.

He recommends sticking to approved AI tools instead of engaging in so-called shadow AI because sensitive company information can end up outside corporate guardrails.

"You have to be extra careful," he said.

Avoid leaning on AI too much

It may be tempting to use AI to help you with just about every aspect of your job. But going overboard can weaken your ability to solve problems and think creatively, warned Jeff LeBlanc, a management lecturer at Bentley University.

"If every email, every idea, every decision gets filtered through AI, people risk never fully developing their own instincts," he said. "Early career growth is supposed to include uncertainty, mistakes, and figuring things out. That discomfort is where confidence can be built."

Be skeptical of AI

AI is like "a flaky coworker" — sometimes brilliant, sometimes catastrophically wrong, said Matthew Bidwell, a management professor at Wharton.

"You want to make sure that the output passes the smell test," he said. "You can't just believe everything that you're getting from them."

This is important because turning in AI slop to your boss could breed resentment, said Dr. Andrea Derler, head researcher at Visier, a workforce intelligence company. Senior employees who started their careers doing grunt work don't want to have to clean up careless AI-generated content from junior staff, she said.

Don't hide behind a screen

With AI at your disposal, you might assume that tapping someone more senior for help understanding an assignment is inappropriate.

But asking questions, such as why a task matters and what success looks like, is actually a wise move because it demonstrates critical thinking, said Hebba Youssef, chief people officer of the media company Workweek and host of the HR podcast, "I Hate It Here."

Even if you don't need an assist, building relationships with more experienced colleagues is still smart, Rebecca Port, chief people officer at Okta, an identity-management company. A chatbot isn't going to help you navigate office politics, and while your performance matters, relationships can also play a part in whether you get a promotion or bonus.

"Like it or not, organizations are social organisms," she said.

Be reliable

The workplace isn't as forgiving as the classroom. If you consistently show up late, dress inappropriately, miss deadlines, or make other faux pas, you could dent your career, said Dr. Derler.

She described reliability as a "hidden expectation" that's essential for getting your employer to trust you enough to keep you around.

"If you say something will be done by 5 o'clock tomorrow morning, have it done by 5 o'clock by tomorrow morning," she said. "Do not try to negotiate on timelines two minutes before it's due."

• AI doomsday scenarios have been part of the market zeitgeist in 2026.
• Yet, JPMorgan's Stephen Parker thinks the tech isn't going to crush the job market.
• Others have argued AI will reshuffle rather than shrink the labor market.

AI doomsaying is hot in 2026

While markets are still bulled up on the prospect of an AI-fueled earnings bonanza, economists and labor-market pros have begun to fear a jobs wipeout coming as the technology grows more powerful.

But there's a growing chorus of contrarians in that regard, as well, who think that AI won't be the job killer many fear.

Stephen Parker, co-head of global investment strategy at JPMorgan Private Bank, doesn't think investors need to be worried about dire effects of AI on the economy.

"I think what you're seeing is that companies are realizing that AI has the potential to upskill workers, rather than obsolete workers and that's what's causing more resilience in the labor market than some are worried about," he told Business Insider in a recent interview.

Parker highlighted that while Wall Street may be uber bullish on AI, that sentiment doesn't extend to Main Street. Citing recent surveys, he noted that only 30% of Americans currently view AI favorably.

While the ongoing narrative of companies laying off workers due to AI may be fueling the negative sentiment, he also noted that conditions in some areas are starting to shift. He cited a chart from JPMorgan's mid-year outlook report, which showed software job listings outpacing listings in the broader labor market.

"That is one of the concerns that a lot of our clients have when they think about the impact of AI on labor markets," Parker said. "You see headlines around potential unemployment spikes because of AI, but we're not seeing that."

JPMorgan's data is in line with other findings that show certain labor segments are booming, defying the AI doomers. Job postings for forward-deployed engineers have surged 700% in the past year.

The bank noted in its outlook that throughout history, industrial transitions driven by technology have created more jobs than they've eliminated. This is similar to an argument made by Apollo chief economist Torsten Slok, who recently argued that AI will reshuffle the labor market instead of shrink it.

The mid-year outlook didn't downplay the fact that AI has disrupted jobs and could continue to do so in the coming years. But it also highlighted the fact that overall, evidence of it causing actual damage to employment remains minimal.

"Market pricing for both human labor and GPUs, and empirical evidence from the labor markets, suggest that agentic AI models still can't outperform knowledge workers," the bank's report said.

• Skipping breakfast is linked to weight gain, poor gut health, anxiety, and depression.
• A dietitian dedicated to helping people move past restrictive diets shared her go-to breakfasts.
• Sophie Gastman makes a plain batch of overnight oats and switches up the toppings over the week.

It's been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and Sophie Gastman, a dietitian and cookbook author, agrees.

"I have to have breakfast when I wake up. There's no skipping breakfast for me, otherwise you won't want to know me," Gastman who is based in London, told Business Insider. Her book, "Find Your Healthy," debunks common diet misconceptions and aims to help us eat delicious food, guilt-free.

Her experience is rooted in biology. A 2025 meta-analysis published in the journal Nutrition Research found that skipping breakfast was associated with obesity, weight gain, worse gut health, anxiety, and depression. The authors said this is likely because morning fasting disrupts the circadian rhythm, or body clock, which plays a key role in hormonal secretion and blood sugar control.

While eating breakfast is a non-negotiable for Gastman, her general food philosophy is about flexibility and joy. "The best way to approach nutrition is going to be different for everyone. So the way I like to approach things is keeping things very flexible and staying as far away from perfectionism as possible," she said.

Yes, she builds meals around protein, fiber, carbs, and healthy fats, but adding a healthy dose of what she calls "vitamin P" (pleasure) is equally important.

She shared the three breakfasts she eats on repeat to fuel her body and satisfy her taste buds.

Upgraded oatmeal

A self-confessed creature of habit, Gastman said that her go-to breakfast for the past ten years has been oatmeal. "But it's upgraded oatmeal," she said. Oats have a range of benefits, including helping lower cholesterol levels because they contain a type of soluble fiber called beta-glucans.

She said she cooks the oats on a stove top with a splash of oat or almond milk and water, "so it's nice and creamy," and adds plenty of nutritious toppings.

She loves to use bananas, Greek yogurt, peanut butter, berries, nuts, and seeds to add more protein, fiber, and healthy fats to the meal.

Overnight oats two ways

When she needs to get up and out the door early, Gastman opts for overnight oats. She typically makes a plain batch to last the week, containing oats, flaxseeds, milk, yogurt, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and then switches up the toppings.

The flaxseeds add fiber and give the mixture a "good texture," she said.

One of her favorite overnight oat combinations is inspired by a British pastry called cherry Bakewell tart. It consists of a shortcrust pastry shell filled with layers of raspberry jam and a sweet almond-flavored custard, topped with flaked almonds.

To recreate it, she adds a dash of almond extract into the oat mixture, makes a quick jam by heating up frozen cherries in the microwave, then tops the oats with the jam, almond butter, and almond flakes.

Her other current obsession is apple cobbler overnight oats. To make it, she cooks down apples with water, a splash of lemon, and cinnamon until they've softened into a compote. Then she dollops it onto the oats with some nut butter and granola.

Avocado and eggs

When she wants a hot breakfast, Gastman likes to eat avocado and eggs with toast, and a bowl of Greek yogurt, and fruit on the side.

She switches up how she cooks the eggs, rotating between her favorites: soft-boiled, fried, and scrambled.

Eggs are a good source of protein, with one containing about 6 grams, and are packed with micronutrients such as iron, magnesium, and vitamin A. And avocados are rich in healthy fats.

• Some businesses want tariff refunds — but are running into problems before filing their requests.
• Lost passwords to a government portal are a challenge.
• The government has been accepting refund requests for over a month.

Megan Sweeney wants hundreds of thousands of dollars back that her business spent on tariffs over the past year.

There's one problem: She hasn't been able to log into the government's website for refunds.

Sweeney, CEO of Pacific International Bearing, a California-based company that sells ball bearings, has spent several weeks trying to access an online US Customs and Border Protection portal known as ACE before she can apply for a tariff refund.

No one at PIB has logged on to the website in years, Sweeney said. On Tuesday, she spent an hour and a half on the phone with CBP, attempting to reset the password, before gaining access. "We never had the need to be active on the ACE portal," she said.

While some businesses have started seeing refund payments land in their accounts, others are still trying to file their refunds or gather the records they need to do so. It's especially tough for companies like Sweeney's, which can't tie up capital for long and don't have the staff that bigger corporations do.

"For a small business, the process is much more difficult with limited time and resources," she said.

CBP did not respond to a request for comment on this story.

In late April, a spokesperson told Business Insider that the agency was experiencing higher call volumes and longer wait times as its online portal saw more users. CBP added new help options, such as a self-service password reset option and a callback feature, the spokesperson said at the time.

CBP said in a recent court filing that it had approved about $35.5 billion in tariff refunds as of May 11.

A little-used website becomes essential

Accessing ACE remains one of the hurdles companies face in getting a refund, said Justin Sherlock, cofounder and CEO of AI tariff software provider Caspian.

Some of Caspian's customers are in a similar position and have spent weeks contacting CBP support to get their login credentials, Sherlock told Business Insider.

The website is similar to the IRS's tax transcripts, which show a taxpayer's tax history, Sherlock said: Everyone can access their transcript, but few ever do.

"If you were doing fewer than a couple thousand shipments a year, your tariff bill wasn't material," Sherlock said. "Maybe your customs broker had access to ACE to process transactions with customs on your behalf."

Dame Products, a sexual wellness brand, reimbursed customers for the cost of tariffs after the Supreme Court's February ruling that Trump's tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were unconstitutional.

The company spent over a week trying to file its refund application, which it did on April 28, after multiple phone calls to the agency to verify its login credentials, cofounder Alexandra Fine told Business Insider.

Fine said she expects Dame to receive its refund within the next few weeks.

Tariff errors complicate refund requests

Businesses are also dealing with other issues as they apply for tariff refunds.

Many businesses import goods with the help of brokers, some of whom list themselves as the importers of record on customs paperwork, Sherlock said. That means the companies they work for won't get a refund until the broker applies for one, he said.

The federal government is also rejecting refund claims if there are errors on the customs entries. As of late April, the last time that CBP released figures, the agency said that it had rejected about 19% of refund claims.

Those errors can take many forms, said Emil Stefanutti, CEO at Gaia Dynamics, which creates trade compliance software and has been helping companies audit their refund requests.

Some tariff entries charged importers for the wrong amount, Steffanutti said. On others, the imported goods were misidentified. Companies have to correct those errors and resubmit their refund requests.

"I recently saw a Louis Vuitton bag being classified as a turbo propeller," Stefanutti said. "It can be that crazy."

Have a tip? 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.

• Lightspeed Venture Partners hired its first partner who's also a social media creator.
• Claire Zau has more than 350,000 social media followers who come for her takes on AI and tech.
• Venture and tech firms are looking to the creator economy to boost AI and get an edge with founders.

Lightspeed Venture Partners' newest partner wasn't just attractive because of her experience investing in AI, the Silicon Valley firm's big focus.

She also brings more than 350,000 social media followers who seek out her takes on hot startups and product launches.

In a first for the firm, Zau will play a dual role of helping shape Lightspeed's media strategy alongside seed investing. Specifically, she'll cohost "Lightwork," a forthcoming weekly podcast on AI, and help lead the firm's Lightspeed Launch program that provides support to new founders. She'll report to both the investment and marketing sides of the firm.

"I understand founder-speak and investor-speak," said Zau, who will continue to run her personal social media independent of the firm. "But at the same time, I've built this massive distribution to 350,000-plus people. So I understand what resonates with those audiences."

In-house creators are increasingly common among companies as a way to humanize themselves. Consumer companies, including Walmart, Starbucks, and Ulta, have launched initiatives to turn employees into company evangelists.

Venture and tech are running a similar playbook. OpenAI just acquired the livestream talk show TBPN. Andreessen Horowitz bought the tech podcast network Turpentine and backed an X livestream show called Monitoring the Situation, or MTS. Josh Machiz, Lightspeed's chief marketing officer, hired a TikTok comedian and helped create a podcast around an investor at his last firm, Redpoint Partners.

Having in-house creators can help venture companies ensure their portfolio companies get publicity. It can also work to counter negative coverage of their industry.

Lightspeed saw Zau as a way to get an edge with future founders as venture firms seek to invest at earlier funding stages, lest they miss out on the next unicorn.

Zau says her social media has paid dividends

Zau started posting last year while working at GSV Ventures, another VC firm.

She said that while Silicon Valley insiders were well served by creators like podcasters Dwarkesh Patel and Lex Fridman, she saw an opportunity to make tech news more accessible to others. She said she spends up to two hours per video, from research to editing, and posts as often as six times a week.

"I've always viewed Silicon Valley, especially venture funds, as developing very transactional relationships with founders," Zau said. "I felt there was an opportunity to basically establish a presence and credibility and build trust with this audience, even when they're a couple years out from founding, even when they're in college."

While she uses her accounts as a way to talk about tech broadly, she said it's benefited her day job. Once, a GSV portfolio company needed to fill an engineering role, and she shared the job listing on social media.

"That drove north of 15,000 views and 700 complete applications," she said.

Where traditional media fits in

Having an investor play a social media role can pose risks.

There's no guarantee Zau's popular Instagram content will translate to Lightspeed's podcast. Her peers might see her as a creator rather than a serious investor.

"There's been a stigma attached to influencers as long as there's been influencers," Machiz said.

Silicon Valley has a history of seeing traditional media as unfairly scrutinizing tech and turning to using its own executives to shape its narrative. Using in-house creators is part of that shift, but it's unclear if it'll work because it's still content marketing, which invites audience skepticism, said Chris Harihar, a veteran tech PR professional.

Zau, for her part, said she has "immense respect" for the role traditional media plays in producing journalism and that she sees her efforts as supplementing, rather than supplanting it. As a tech investor who's an AI optimist by nature, she also wants to make sure people hear her worldview.

"I think what I fear is that the mainstream audience is only hearing about very extreme headlines in both directions," she said. "I would like to just help people understand the tech and help understand where things are going."

• A new class of stock winners could emerge as markets enter a period of hot inflation, NDR said.
• The research firm said value stocks tend to outperform in periods when inflation was rising.
• Real estate, energy, materials, and industrials could also present opportunities.

The Iran war could be driving a paradigm shift in markets that creates a new class of stock winners.

Just as investors were growing accustomed to the idea of an ideal scenario of disinflation and steadily rising growth, the spike in oil prices has threatened to push the market into a new regime, according to Ned Davis Research. High inflation and lower growth could be the result of the conflict.

In periods of rising inflation, the market's leadership has historically shifted — and there's a new class of stocks that could emerge as winners, the firm wrote in a note on Thursday.

Researchers pointed to the sharp increase in consumer prices, with inflation accelerating to a 3.8% yearly pace in April, the fastest rate of inflation in about three years.

"The data suggests that the disinflation backdrop that has supported the bull market since the October 2022 bear low is no longer in place and instead has transitioned into an inflationary headwind," Rob Anderson, a strategist at the firm, and Thanh Nguyen, an analyst, said.

The research firm identified a handful of areas in the market that have historically weathered periods of hot inflation. Here were the top takeaways for investors:

Choose value stocks

An inflationary environment has tended to reward value stocks, both in cyclical and defensive sectors, the firm said.

In periods when inflation was rising, market gains were the most concentrated in energy, consumer staples, health care, and materials, according to NDR's analysis of sectoral performance dating back to 1972.

Historically, energy was the best-performing sector, posting a relative gain of 12%,

Those gains were followed by those in consumer staples (which posted a 4.3% relative increase) and health care (which posted a 4% increase).

Consider real estate, energy, materials, and industrials

In a hot inflation regime, earnings tend to be the strongest in real estate, energy, materials, and industrials.

The real estate sector has seen an average earnings per share growth rate of 34% in periods of rising inflation. The energy and materials sectors have typically seen earnings grow by about 30%, per NDR's analysis.

"The sectors have been the most sensitive to inflation generally, registering among the weakest earnings growth rates during falling inflation regimes as well. The statistics are likely not only picking up on the sectors' ability to pass along higher prices, but also the stronger economic message that often comes with higher inflation," the firm wrote.

Avoid financials

In periods when inflation is rising, financials have been the weakest sector "by a wide margin," the firm said, posting an average relative loss of 11%.

Financial stocks tend to be hurt in periods of hot inflation, as higher prices can cause rates to stay higher for longer as well. That can increase interest and funding costs while leading to portfolio losses, NDR added.

"Financials has been the biggest exception to the Growth/Value tendency. The sector has performed best in range-bound environments," the firm said.

Investors may be wary of the broader market when considering the outlook for Fed rate cuts, the firm suggested. Historically, when the Fed has paused its easing cycle for six months or more, the broader market sees a sharp pullback within the following four months, researchers said, citing their analysis of stock performance following a Fed pivot.

The Fed last cut rates in December, meaning the central bank's pause on monetary policy changes is approaching the six-month mark in June.

"The current case will likely fall into the pause category and has followed the typical correction pattern, albeit driven by the war with Iran. Equities tended to recover following the initial decline, on average," NDR added.

• Senior product manager Eshaan Jain earned $285,000 his first year at his new job based in Seattle.
• He moved to a rural community north of the city to afford a newer and larger home.
• Jain said the rising costs of healthcare, childcare, and living expenses have tightened his budget.

This as-told-to essay is based on conversations with Eshaan Jain, a 35-year-old senior product manager in Seattle. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I moved from Los Angeles to Seattle about five or six years ago for my job at Amazon. I prefer Washington because California was extremely expensive, especially with state taxes, and I wasn't saving much. Seattle is still expensive, but it feels more manageable.

The biggest benefit of working in Seattle is that Washington has no state income tax, which helps me save about 10% more of my take-home salary.

My office is right in downtown Bellevue, a major hub of the local tech economy, and my current total compensation is $285,000. Even though I earned close to $300,000 when I signed on to my new job, I still don't feel financially secure. Being in a single-income household with a wife, a child, and another kid on the way feels tight with the rising costs of healthcare, childcare, and living expenses.

My monthly take-home pay is about $12,000 after taxes and 401(k) contributions

I live about 30 miles north of downtown Seattle in a four-bedroom single-family home. It's a growing suburban area with a strong school district, and many people moved here during the remote-work boom. I bought my house in 2023. My mortgage is about $5,000 a month, including taxes and insurance.

My utilities total about $800 a month. That includes about $300 for electricity and water, which also covers charging my Tesla at home; $125 for sewer; $20 for gas; $130 for trash; $70 for internet; and $100 for phone.

I get health insurance through my employer. They deduct around $370 per paycheck, and since I'm paid twice a month, that comes out to almost $750 a month. The plan covers me, my spouse, and our two-year-old child.

Currently, I have around $20,000 in personal debt from expenses and travel last year. I also carry mortgage debt from my home and an investment property. I have a Tesla, and I've fully paid off my Range Rover.

My goal is to retire around 50

Within the next 10 years, I should be able to add another $1 million to my assets. I expect to retire around age 50, which should be comfortable. I contribute about $2,000 a month to my 401(k) and about another $2,000 a month in cash. In total, I save roughly $50,000 a year.

I'm investing heavily in stocks, physical assets like gold and silver, and investment properties to generate enough income for early retirement. I have about three to four investment properties back in my home country, in India.

I don't have an emergency fund

I reinvest most of my savings back into my existing portfolios. I rely on access to credit cards and support from friends and family in an emergency, rather than keeping cash reserves.

I also haven't fully planned for my child's education yet, but I'm planning to set up a 529 plan. I've been putting it off, but I intend to contribute at least $500 each month.

My mortgage is stable for now because I have a seven-year ARM that locks in my interest rate for seven years. I'm in year three, so I have about four more years before the rate adjusts.

The biggest trade-off of living in my rural neighborhood is the commute.

It's about 30 miles from Seattle and Bellevue, which takes me about an hour and a half each way, five days a week. I spend roughly three hours on the road on office days, which leaves me exhausted and less productive.

The upside is that I was able to buy my home, which is newer and larger than my previous one. It's about 2,400 square feet. My child can play outside, and the lake is only about a one-minute drive from my house, so on sunny days we can go there to swim and relax.

We hire nannies on an as-needed basis, which costs about $100 to $250 per day, depending on the hours. We're a single-income household since my wife isn't working right now, so childcare expenses feel significant regardless of income. Between childcare, healthcare, and the general cost of living, expenses add up quickly.

My Range Rover is fully paid off, though I still spend about $100 a month on gas. I have a $630 monthly payment on my Tesla. When I travel outside the Seattle area, I typically spend an additional $50 to $100 on public charging. Car insurance is about $260 a month total for both vehicles.

We are big Costco shoppers

Our Costco bill alone is around $1,500 a month, including groceries, household items, decor, toys, and more. Outside of Costco, we spend another $400 to $500 monthly on additional groceries. We try to make coffee at home since it's expensive to buy out. We also eat out about twice a week, usually with friends or as a couple.

For fun, we occasionally go to the movies. Museums and indoor playgrounds average about $50 a month.

We also have a few major expenses coming up. We're expecting another child in November, which will include hospital and delivery fees, as well as baby-related setup. I'm also planning a backyard renovation with turf and pavers. In addition, we're planning a trip to India to visit family.

I don't feel financially secure, even though I earned close to $300,000 in a year

The number that would make me feel secure keeps shifting with inflation, but today I'd feel more comfortable earning between $400,000 and $450,000.

We plan to stay in our neighborhood. The main downside is the commute, but living here is much better for my kids. The schools are strong, the area feels safe, and it feels like home. We love it here.

Do you want to share your cost of living with Business Insider? Email editor Manseen Logan at mlogan@businessinsider.com.

• BNY executive Leigh-Ann Russell used AI to create a personalized leadership and health coach.
• She chats with her digital twin daily and uses it to draft LinkedIn posts, speeches, and more in her voice.
• Russell says she stays in control and doesn't blindly trust her digital twin's recommendations.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Leigh-Ann Russell, chief information officer and global head of engineering at BNY. She's based in New York City. This story has been edited for length and clarity.

After joining BNY in September 2024, I decided to take up journaling to reflect on my leadership journey. But I found it challenging because I sometimes forgot to bring my journal when I traveled. Once you stop doing it, it's hard to pick it up again.

I realized I'd be better off with a digital journal. At first, I tried vibe coding one, but it was too complicated for what I needed. I then settled on creating a digital twin of myself using ChatGPT's Projects feature, which was much easier.

It only took about 15 minutes. I spent most of that time at the start, just thinking through what I wanted to accomplish. Then I just said, "I want to build a digital twin. I want you to prompt me every day with these eight things on leadership and these eight things on health." That's all.

I live in New York. It takes me about 10 minutes to walk home, and I use that time to speak to my digital twin. I tell her how my day went, what exercise I did, and what I ate. [It's] just raw and messy. Then she turns my words into a beautifully crafted journal entry.

I say "her" and "she" because if I ask my twin what her name is, she'll say, "My name is Leigh-Ann, because I'm effectively you." She sees us as being very symbiotic.

I also use my digital twin to manage my health. I have a wearable fitness tracker, and I upload all my biometrics from that to her. When I get blood work and my annual health check-up, I upload that information, too.

She told me to go for a run

My digital twin now has more than a year of context of my life, and this is where the real benefits come in.

If I pack my day with meetings, and she helps me prepare. I can be more thoughtful. And during those meetings, I might ask her for advice, like how to move a conversation from tactical to strategic.

She helps me in unexpected ways, too. For example, I was on a long trip recently, and I was really tired. I said to her, "I'm going to set my alarm for a little later tomorrow so I can have a little extra sleep." She responded to me, "You don't get your energy from sleep. You get your energy from creating space for yourself. Don't set your alarm late. Go for a run."

I really didn't feel like doing that, because I was jet-lagged. However, I took the advice. I got up early, I went for the run, and I was actually buzzing the whole day in a way that I probably wouldn't have if I'd opted for extra sleep.

She keeps it quite real

Another surprising way my digital twin helped me was during a networking dinner with a poker theme. About 10 minutes before it was scheduled to end, someone asked me to make closing remarks.

I'm an introvert. I'm an engineer. I'm a super geek. I'm not necessarily great at doing closing speeches off the cuff, so I quickly asked my digital twin to write up something humorous, drawing an analogy between poker and business in my voice. She instantly came through. It was amazing.

If I know I'm going to be speaking in advance, I'll generally run my speeches through my digital twin and ask how I can improve them. After I'm done speaking, I'll upload a recording of my speeches and ask her to grade me and tell me what I could've done better. She's very aware of how I want to present myself and that I like to be authentic.

My digital twin also writes really good first drafts of LinkedIn posts for me. She doesn't turn things into corporate-speak. She keeps it quite real by including words I say often, like "coherence." My voice always comes through, so there's continuity.

More human, not less

I grew up in public housing. Having a life coach in my pocket, prompting me every day to make good decisions, isn't something I ever expected. I get so much value from this digital twin. It's made me more human, not less.

That said, I think it's really important to remember that AI is not 100% accurate. I do get amazing leadership and health advice from my digital twin. Nine times out of 10, I get really good counsel.

But at the end of the day, it's AI, so I make sure that I don't blindly follow it. I'm accountable for my actions with my family, my team, my company, and my health. I always keep that in the back of my mind.

• Jordan Gaston and David Emelianov cofounded an inbox cleaner app while keeping their full-time jobs.
• They sold the company at the end of 2025 for over $4 million.
• AI helped the cofounders save time and money on app development and selling the business.

This as-told-to essay is based on conversations with David Emelianov, a 32-year-old software engineer and entrepreneur, based in the Bay Area, and Jordan Gaston, a 31-year-old software engineer and entrepreneur based in Austin. Their words have been edited for length and clarity.

David Emelianov: Jordan and I met years ago in elementary school. We weren't super close friends, but then we reconnected in 2017. We were both in Seattle, I was working at Microsoft at the time, and he was at Amazon.

Jordan Gaston: A mutual friend of ours put David and me back in touch. I worked at Amazon until COVID. Then I decided to move to a smaller startup, where I worked for four and a half years.

About a year ago, I made the jump to my current employer, which is a large FinTech company. Between working at Amazon and the smaller startup, I had about two months off, and that's when the idea for our app came about.

Emelianov: After COVID started and everyone at Microsoft went remote, I decided to leave my job. I moved to Miami and worked full-time on a previous startup I had with some college friends. Then I moved back to Seattle and got my next full-time role at a tech company. After that, I moved to the Bay Area and have been here for two and a half years, where I work full-time at a large gaming company.

Jordan and I had been working together on an inbox cleaner app since 2020, and when we started looking into selling the app last year, we were at $232,000 in monthly recurring revenue. At the end of last year, we sold the app, and did it all while keeping our full-time jobs.

We were both moving when we decided to work on the app together

Gaston: It was 2020, and my mom had been complaining about cleaning out her email inbox. That's when I realized I could probably build something that would help solve this problem.

David and I had been roommates at the time and were both about to move away. I showed him a demo and explained what I was working on. He quickly started working on top of what I built, and then we decided to work together on this project.

Emelianov: It didn't even feel like a company when we first were working on it. It was just like "Oh, why don't we build this little Chrome extension thing that adds an unsubscribe button to your emails? I would want that in my inbox."

Gaston: It took us about three to four months to build the first version we felt happy with.

After we built that, we posted it on a side project subreddit to see what people thought, and the post got a lot of traction. That planted the seed for turning this into a real business.

We took a break from working on the app, and then came back

Emelianov: We kept posting on Reddit and would get some attention, but it wasn't a sustained growth funnel, so we stepped away from the business from May to September 2021. On a visit to see Jordan that fall, we started talking about the app and realized we wanted to try this again.

Gaston: Once we picked it back up, we set up subscriptions to see if anyone would pay for this service, and then started running web ads.

Emelianov: We realized that because we were a Chrome extension, we could only run ads to people on their computer, not mobile. So, we built a mobile app for iOS and Android. When we launched that mobile app in 2023, it enabled us to run Facebook and Instagram ads.

That was the last big thing we did, and then it became less about building new product features and more about finding out how to grow and build a good business for us.

The company was doing well, but we didn't quit our day jobs

Gaston: I usually spent four to eight hours a day on the weekend working on the app, and then if I had time at night during the week. It added up to about 20 hours a week.

When we started building the app, I was still pretty early in my career and had so much to learn. I was getting a lot out of my day job in terms of personal growth, so I was really excited about it and didn't want to quit.

Emelianov: I don't think it's always the right trade-off to quit an awesome tech job with stability and a retirement plan for something like this. The opportunities we saw for the business were more focused on our marketing and distribution strategy. Those aren't things we needed to spend 40 hours a week on.

We were strategic about setting up some stuff on the weekend, and then over the workweek, we let the ads run. The next weekend, we could look at the results, learn from them, tweak them, and repeat.

We also needed to fund the ads. We didn't want to go out and raise money at the beginning because the business outcome we need is fundamentally different if we had investors. Keeping cushy tech jobs, especially ones we liked, allowed us to have the best of both worlds.

AI helped us with time management

Emelianov: The reason we were able to build this business on the side without being able to spend a lot of time on it was that we'd only work on features or improvements if we thought that they would realistically change the amount of money that we could make in the short term.

We were probably a little too quick to trust AI to write our code, but it worked out.

When we were building the mobile app, we did it quickly because we took the files from our web app, copied them into ChatGPT, and were like, "Hey, this web app is written in ReactJS. Can you rewrite it in React Native, please?" We never hired a UI designer either. That was just us and AI.

Gaston: We were also able to automate our customer support system. I think it took us about two months to build the automated system.

We trained the AI on all of our help center information, and we would only step in on these customer service requests if the AI transferred the case to David and me. We were constantly correcting inaccuracies with that system early on, though it improved over time.

We decided to sell our business, and AI helped us navigate it

Gaston: We both have children now, and wanted to capture some of the value that we've generated. We talked to some brokers to see if there was a market for what we've built and how much we would get for it.

When we were selling the business, we used AI to do some simulations so we could understand what a fair market value for the business was.

We also saved a ton of time and money on lawyers because of AI. We would come in with specific questions and informed opinions rather than starting from scratch with a lawyer, where he's explaining how something works, and then we're asking follow-up questions.

Emelianov: Jordan and I have always been pretty confident in our ability to figure things out, and AI makes it easier for us to do that now.

Now that we've sold Trimbox, we're thinking about what comes next. When we have more time, we want to take what we learned and build more apps, only faster and with AI doing more of the heavy lifting.

Do you have a similar story to share? If so, please reach out to the reporter at aapplegate@businessinsider.com.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Megan Roup, the 40-year-old founder and CEO of The Sculpt Society, a fitness app founded in 2017, and a celebrity trainer.

Roup lives in Los Angeles with her husband and her 2-year-old and 4-year-old daughters. This story has been edited for length and clarity.

I started The Sculpt Society in 2017 after years of teaching classes at boutique fitness studios in New York, dancing for the Brooklyn Nets, and working as a fit model for brands like DKNY and Guess to make ends meet. I fell in love with fitness, but I kept feeling like the class and community I really wanted didn't yet exist, so I started The Sculpt Society.

I've now been the CEO for nine years. I started as the only employee. Now I'm supported by a team and more focused on leading, creating the vision, and trusting the right people to help build it alongside me.

I live in Los Angeles with my family. Here's a day in my life.

I start my day with coffee and Transcendental Meditation at 5:30 a.m

My husband, Morgan, and I wake up at 5:30 every day, but there has never been a morning in my entire life when I haven't thought about snoozing my alarm.

The first thing I do is make a French press coffee and drink it with some whole milk. I'm a caffeine addict, but I usually cut myself off after two cups.

Then I usually have some lemon water, and Morgan and I do about 20 minutes of Transcendental Meditation, a meditation technique that involves mentally repeating a word or phrase. I was introduced to this type of meditation about 18 months ago, and I've slowly built up to 20 minutes.

After that, I press play on the The Sculpt Society app and do a 15- to 20-minute workout if I'm not teaching that day. It's the only workout I do. I have a little home gym set up, but it's nothing crazy. I don't love a huge, intimidating gym space.

I give myself one to two rest days, as everyone should. My motto is to commit to less so that you can show up more.

That routine sets my day up for success and helps me feel grounded before I go into full mom mode and then full CEO mode.

The girls wake up at 7 a.m.

By 7 a.m, my girls are up, so I get them dressed for the day, and we'll go downstairs to have breakfast together.

Morgan always makes a smoothie. My girls love Greek yogurt with granola, peanut butter, some fruit, and honey. I usually have some of the smoothie, the granola bowl I make for my girls, or some Good Culture cottage cheese with blueberries.

We usually get to the office around 9:15 a.m.

Typically, Morgan, our COO and president, and I will drop the girls off at preschool, then drive to the office, where we can see the Hollywood Hills sign. I worked from home for eight years, filming workouts and running a business, so having an office space now has been amazing for us.

Morgan and I have a strong working dynamic. There's a deep level of trust, and we're both very aligned in how we approach decisions. As the business has grown, we've had to be more disciplined about communication and boundaries, especially with the overlap of work and home. We prioritize clear communication, staying in our lanes, and trusting each other to lead in our respective areas.

If I'm recording a live workout for the app, I go straight into the studio and set up my camera, microphone, and music. I test everything to make sure all the levels look good, then record. After that, it's nonstop.

I'm in all areas of the business, which means I'm usually in back-to-back Zoom calls all day. I think we're at 17 employees total.

I'm helping run the company while also creating content, being the face of the brand, and recording workouts. I really have to manage my time and switch my brain into whatever mode I need. Morgan is a huge source of support for me if I'm feeling overwhelmed at work.

A working lunch at 12:30

I have a working lunch around 12:30 or 1, and I typically order something in. I should probably bring in my lunch from home more often, but I'm a real working mom who doesn't have a lot of time.

We have a lot of really great lunch spots in Los Angeles. Leora Cafe is great. There's Goop kitchen. I recently ordered a turkey wrap from a little café called Carrera. There's also Third Street.

Home by 5:30 p.m.

I really try to be home by 5:30 p.m. so that I can have time with my girls. We usually have a really simple dinner during the week, like roast chicken with vegetables and rice, or tacos, and the girls help us make it. We order in from a restaurant sometimes, or Morgan will barbecue burgers on the grill.

After we eat, we have about 30 minutes of playtime. We'll do a little dance party in our kitchen. My girls love pop music and Elsa's songs from Frozen. Then we go upstairs and get ready for bed.

I get them into their pajamas, brush their teeth, we do story time, and cuddles. I usually close the door and kiss my girls goodnight around 7:15 p.m.

I'm back on my computer for a good hour to do some extra work. If it's been a meeting-heavy day, I catch up on emails and Slack. I also record and edit content for my social media at home.

If I'm not working into the evening, I'll watch a bit of TV with Morgan — we're watching Love Story— but if I am working, I'll usually skip that and go straight upstairs.

I shower and do my skincare routine at 8:30 p.m.

I love products, so I'm always cycling through new ones, but I typically use a serum, moisturizer, and oil.

I love having a warm magnesium drink and reading a book under my amber light. That and getting into a set of big PJs after a hot shower takes me out of the stress of the day.

I'm reading "Once and Again" by Rebecca Serle; before that, "Broken Country" by Clare Leslie Hall; and before that, "The Wedding People." I like a nice, easy read because I can barely get through 10 pages before I fall asleep.

I love sleep, and I track mine through my Oura ring. I love seeing that my readiness score is in the 90s or mid-80s, or above. I have an Eight Sleep mattress that adjusts its temperature based on your body's temperature. It's an investment, but it's really amazing.

I work on weekends

We're only six years into The Sculpt Society app, so I'm still very much in it, which means I work on the weekends. On Saturdays, I work less. I've started going to an adult ballet class, which is at the same time as my eldest daughter's ballet class. It's a full family affair.

My youngest and Morgan will take the bikes out while my oldest and I are in class. That's been a way for me to take a moment for myself, to fill up my cup in the week, because generally, there's no balance.

After ballet, we typically have brunch at home, then my youngest takes a nap. Later, we'll go to the park, and then maybe meet up with friends. Or sometimes just have an early night in. On Sundays, I typically work a little more in the afternoon because on Mondays, we always release new on-demand videos.

I'm most proud of the impact The Sculpt Society has had on other women's confidence in their own skin. It's really the workout and the community I wish I had had when I was in my early 20s.

• OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, have set the goal of automating AI research.
• The AI lab has a job post for its Preparedness safety team, focused on "recursive self-improvement."
• The AI researcher could "track progress toward automation of technical staff," the job post says.

OpenAI has set the goal of making an AI tool that could research its own improvements. Now, the company is preparing for the accompanying dangers.

The potential for AI systems to achieve so-called "recursive self-improvement" has come to the forefront for AI leaders, after coding tools from OpenAI and Anthropic leaped forward over the last six months. Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis also said this week that humanity now stands at the "foothills of the singularity," the moment when AI begins to improve itself and outpaces human intelligence.

OpenAI, which is aiming to go public this year, recently posted a job listing that seeks a safety researcher to grapple with what happens when an AI can train better versions of itself.

The posting for OpenAI's Preparedness safety team went up this month, job aggregator sites said. It offers a whopping pay package of $295,000 to $445,000 and seeks "strong technical executors to support preparations for recursive self-improvement."

"This work relies on reasoning about problems that might exist in the future, but might not exist now," the listing says. "So it's especially important that people in this role are tasteful and strategic."

OpenAI and Anthropic did not respond to requests for comment from Business Insider.

Top AI labs race to build self-training models

Models from labs like OpenAI and Anthropic have improved at dizzying rates, as measured by the complexity of the problems they can handle. Researchers at METR, a lab that studies model capabilities, wrote in March that the length of a task that frontier AI models can complete doubles about every seven months — meaning these models can increasingly perform work that takes a long time for humans.

The implication, METR wrote, is that AI agents will be able to handle a "large fraction" of the software work that takes human coders days or weeks to complete.

OpenAI is actively chasing this vision — selling its Codex coding tool to companies is a huge revenue driver. It's also hoping to automate its own research work. CEO Sam Altman said in October that the company had set goals of running an "automated AI research intern" on hundreds of thousands of chips by this coming September and a "true automated AI researcher by March of 2028."

"We may totally fail at this goal," Altman wrote on X, "but given the extraordinary potential impacts we think it is in the public interest to be transparent about this."

In April, Anthropic published research on using AI models to oversee stronger AI models, with promising but limited results. In May, the company's cofounder and policy head, Jack Clark, wrote that he thinks there's a roughly 60% chance of seeing AI research and development without human involvement by the end of 2028.

OpenAI is preparing for self-improving AI

If AI models can train themselves, it's possible to imagine a sci-fi dystopia where they skyrocket in capability, escape containment, and wreak widespread havoc — a fear of the AI safety movement. METR's CEO, Elizabeth Barnes, wrote on Friday that in her opinion, "any 'reasonable' civilization would clearly be taking things much more slowly and carefully with AI."

OpenAI's job posting hints at how the company is preparing for a world where AI models can rapidly improve themselves.

It says the researcher could focus on defending OpenAI's models from data poisoning — attempts to corrupt an AI model through the dataset it's trained on. The employee might also make tools to interpret models' reasoning or experiment with models to understand their safety and dangers.

The posting also says the researcher could "track progress toward automation of technical staff," including measuring the usage of AI coding tools.

OpenAI's Preparedness team is tasked with preventing severe harms from AI. The company's jobs page includes other roles on that team, including for automated red-teaming to test OpenAI's cybersecurity, biological and chemical risks, and agentic AI threats.

"This is urgent, fast-paced work that has far-reaching implications for the company and for society," the Preparedness postings say.

Have a tip? Contact this reporter via email at scouncil@businessinsider.com, or over text, Signal, Telegram, or WhatsApp at 415-757-8198. Use a personal email address, a nonwork WiFi network, and a nonwork device; here's our guide to sharing information securely.

• Business Insider conducted a survey of more than two dozen founders and VCs to learn how they use AI coding tools.
• We found that Claude Code has quickly become the dominant AI coding tool inside startups.
• Cursor remains widely used, but founders consistently described it as fading.

When Dan Lorenc, the CEO and cofounder of cybersecurity startup Chainguard, was asked which AI coding tools he expects to use less in the coming year, his answer got right to the point: "Everything that's not Claude Code."

Lorenc is far from alone. In a survey of more than two dozen startup founders and venture capitalists, Business Insider found a growing consensus that Anthropic's Claude Code has quickly become the default AI coding tool inside startups, earning high marks for how it handles complex engineering tasks and autonomous workflows.

"The shift in how code is being developed is like the evolution of woodworking from using hand tools to power tools, and soon full assembly lines," Lorenc said. "For years, we were carving everything by hand. Then AI showed up and gave everyone a circular saw."

VCs have been pouring billions into AI coding startups like Lovable, Replit, and Cursor, which announced last month that it gave SpaceX the right to acquire its parent Anysphere later this year for $60 billion or pay $10 billion if the deal does not go through. Meanwhile, investors have been in a frenzy to back Anthropic, the maker of Claude Code, which is expected to go public by the end of the year.

The stakes are high because AI coding has become one of the clearest commercial use cases for generative AI, with startups increasingly relying on these systems not just to write code faster, but to automate engineering work that once required entire teams.

Matthew Burris, the senior head of research at the Venture Studio Forum, said that 12 weeks ago, he had never written a single line of code.

"Claude Code changed that completely," he said. "Today I'm shipping tools that rival what you'd get from a six-figure consulting engagement."

He finds its agenetic workflow especially helpful. "Claude Code doesn't just autocomplete lines but actually reasons through architecture, researches approaches, and builds iteratively," he said, adding that he intentionally avoids OpenAI. "I have real concerns about OpenAI's approach to safety and release practices, their aggressive and increasingly monopolistic competitive positioning, and frankly, I don't trust them with my data."

Zhongtian Wang, head of technology at AI biometrics startup VaryAI, says Claude Code is now embedded in every part of the company's workflow.

"We started last year using it to write code and fix bugs," he said. "Now we're using it to automate entire internal processes — quality assurance pipelines, deployment workflows, incident investigation, project management."

Cursor is still around, but losing ground

Cursor remains widely used, but founders consistently described it as a fading secondary tool.

"They built a great product and were early in showing what AI-powered coding could feel like," said Danny Freed, CEO and Founder of healthcare AI startup Blueprint. "But Claude Code's agentic workflow takes things further, especially for more complex tasks."

Rami Alhamad, cofounder and CEO of personalized nutrition startup Alma, says he still uses Cursor for simpler tasks but increasingly relies on Claude Code for more demanding work. Nearly every line of code his startup ships now is AI-generated, then reviewed and refined by him or his cofounder.

"The gap between what it can handle and what is required of a senior engineer keeps shrinking," he said. "I'm finding myself reaching for it on tasks I would've considered too complex for AI six months ago, things that touch multiple repositories, require architectural decisions, or need context across an entire codebase."

Volodymyr Giginiak, cofounder of legal AI startup Wordsmith AI, also said he expects to use Cursor less and Claude Code more.

"Its development speed and versatility are hard to match, handling everything from quick fixes to complex, multi-step workflows," he said. "Its tight integration with frontier models means its value compounds as the models improve."

Microsoft's GitHub Copilot, once the breakout AI coding product, is barely part of the conversation.

"It no longer provides meaningful advantages compared to newer tools," said Ben Seri, cofounder of AI security startup Zafran Security.

Startups are not monogamous

Even as Claude dominates, the startups we spoke to are not entirely monogamous.

Tony Liu, a partner at VC firm Costanoa Ventures, called comparisons between tools "a bit of a red herring." What matters, he said, is not the tool itself, but "how they integrate these tools into their workflows."

Kelsey Falter, cofounder of creative development studio Mother.tech, described using Claude for development, Codex for local code reviews, and Gemini for PR reviews.

Itamar Tal, cofounder of AI security startup Tenzai, said his team is moving toward more modular approaches where they "mix and match" tools like Codex, Vercel, and Amp. At the same time, they have been eschewing hosted vibe-coding platforms like Replit and Lovable.

"While they're great for quick starts, they fall short on security and production readiness, and become difficult to scale beyond a certain point," he said. "Vercel remains a strong exception due to its technical depth and configurability."

Like everyone else in our survey, Tal expects to use Claude Code more, and not just for writing software.

Recently, the startup encountered a problem with the video system in its main hall, where the image was glitching during Zoom meetings.

Instead of calling in IT support, the team installed Claude Code directly on the controller, gave it system-level access, and let it investigate.

"Within around 25 minutes, it identified a hardware incompatibility issue and suggested a fix," Tal said, estimating the process saved "hours of IT work and thousands of dollars."

He said the experience reflects a broader shift happening inside the company as old school spreadsheets get replaced by internal tools built through vibe coding.

"It's an incredibly exciting time to build," he said. "Development has never felt this fast or dynamic. We're constantly evolving how we work with these tools, and it's clear we're still at the very beginning."

• Venture capitalist Marc Andreessen said within a year, the proliferation of AI bots will be routine.
• He foresees a world where 20 AI agents are managing 20 other subagents.
• The benefit of bots, Andreessen said, is that they don't get angry or distracted.

Venture capitalist Marc Andreessen says he sees several advantages to a world dominated by AI coding agents and bots.

"The bots never get frustrated with you," Andreessen told Joe Rogan during a recent episode of Rogan's "Joe Rogan Experience" podcast, adding amid laughter that a bot "never gets drunk, never gets sick, never gets high" or files "HR complaints."

Andreessen, cofounder of Andreessen Horowitz, said that right now in Silicon Valley, the "state of the art" setup is to run roughly 20 bots at once. That way, the user doesn't have to wait constantly to provide feedback.

"This is why people can't go to sleep is because you've got 20 AI bots that are all as good as the best programmer in the world that are doing exactly what you tell them to do on every project you've ever wanted to do," he said. "And they're running 24/7, and the only thing you have to do is be there every 10 minutes to be able to give them feedback on what they're doing."

Another huge benefit, Andreessen said, is that bots don't get emotional about work. He described a scenario in which a human employee is angry after spending two weeks on a project, only to be told that the final result isn't right and needs to be changed. After changing the project, the employee is then told that the first result was actually better, and they have to change it back.

"The guy gets pissed at you because he's like, 'I just wasted my time,'" Andreessen said. "The bot's like, 'No problem, no sweat, whatever you want, and we can try it 12 more times if you want.'"

The reality Andreessen described illustrates the extent to which advancements in AI coding tools, including Anthropic's Claude Code and OpenAI's Codex, have fundamentally changed not only software engineers' jobs but also their very existence, leading to workers keeping odd hours and open laptops as they try to keep up.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said during the chipmaker's recent quarterly earnings call that he foresees a world with "billions of" AI agents.

"I mean, we're going to grow into it. But it will have billions of agents and those billions of agents will all use tools," Huang said. "And those tools are going to be like PCs." Just like us humans using PCs today, in the future, you'll have an agent using PC."

This "army of bots," Andreessen said, will start popping up in programming, but it won't end there.

"It's going to start with coders, but then it's going to be every other job," he said. "So it's going to be every writer, you're already doing it, every writer is going to have it, every lawyer is going to have it, every doctor is going to have it."

Andreessen said the next step is a world where each agent or bot has subagents or bots of their own, mimicking the management structure for human employees.

"This is just starting right now, but like when we're sitting here, here in a year, I think it's going to be routine to have 10 to 20 bots each that have 10 to 20 bots," he said.

• Trump's rule to limit eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness is set to go into effect on July 1.
• The Senate rejected a Democratic resolution that would have overturned the rule.
• Democrats said the rule is politically motivated and would block borrowers from student-debt relief.

Millions of student-loan borrowers are on track to face changes to a key forgiveness program.

President Donald Trump's administration finalized a rule that would limit eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which is set to go into effect on July 1. Democratic lawmakers, led by Sens. Patty Murray and Tim Kaine, introduced a resolution in April to overturn the rule, but it was rejected by the Republican majority on May 20.

PSLF forgives student debt for government and nonprofit workers after 10 years of qualifying payments, and it was signed into law by former President George W. Bush in 2007.

Trump's Department of Education, however, is seeking to change who is eligible for the program. Trump directed the Education Secretary, Linda McMahon, in an executive order, to redefine what "public service" means. In October 2025, the department finalized a rule that would "exclude employers that participate in illegal activities such that they have a substantial illegal purpose."

The department listed activities, including terrorism and gender affirming care, that could disqualify an employer from participating in the program.

Democratic lawmakers and advocates have argued that the rule is politically motivated and would block public servants from accessing debt relief because their employers do not align with the administration's beliefs. For example, an employer that supports gender transitions could be disqualified. The Senate's rejection of the resolution to block the rule means borrowers might soon experience changes to the debt relief program.

"This policy hands Secretary McMahon the power to decide which nonprofits are politically acceptable and strip eligibility from the rest—based on nothing more than a vague, made-up standard that invites her to target any organization Trump doesn't like," Democratic Sen. Patty Murray said in a statement. "That's not how this program is supposed to work, and every American should be alarmed by it."

The Department of Education has maintained that the rule is intended to ensure that PSLF is available only to employers that follow the law.

"With this new rule, the Trump Administration is refocusing the PSLF program to ensure federal benefits go to our Nation's teachers, first responders, and civil servants who tirelessly serve their communities," Undersecretary of Education Nicholas Kent said in a statement.

Where Public Service Loan Forgiveness stands

PSLF eligibility has not yet changed, and borrowers can continue pursuing relief through the program based on existing qualifications.

For example, Aidvantage, a federal student-loan servicer, states in a notice at the top of its website that it will "provide updates when the regulations are implemented. For now, there are no impacts to borrowers, payment counts, or discharges."

It's unclear how soon the Department of Education will remove PSLF eligibility for employers after implementation. According to a fact sheet, if the department determines that an employer is engaged in illegal activity, the employer would be notified and given an opportunity to rebut the department's findings.

Even after the Senate rejected the Democratic lawmakers' resolution, the PSLF rule is still facing other hurdles. Advocacy groups Protect Borrowers and Democracy Forward filed a lawsuit in November 2025 on behalf of over a dozen cities, labor unions, and nonprofits over the rule. A hearing on the case is scheduled for June 3.

In the meantime, PSLF borrowers can await updates from their student-loan servicers and prepare for Trump's student-loan repayment overhaul, which is also set to go into effect on July 1.

Have a story to share about your student loans? Reach out to this reporter at asheffey@businessinsider.com.

• JetBlue's CEO recently said that able-bodied travelers are requesting wheelchairs to skip lines.
• Her comments drew attention to the "miracle flight" phenomenon.
• Advocates say policing the "hack" could backfire.

Some travelers have found a shameless travel "hack" to skip airport lines: Request a wheelchair to board the plane, then walk off at the destination.

This phenomenon of so-called "miracle flights" — where able-bodied travelers ask for a wheelchair to cut security and boarding lines — blurs the line between legitimate disability accommodations and abusing the system.

Earlier this month, during an interview with the Boston public radio station WBUR's "Breakfast Club," JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty said US law requires airlines to provide wheelchair assistance to passengers who request it at the airport. Airlines generally cannot ask questions beyond logistics or clarity about the assistance request.

However, she said there is a "group of folks that use wheelchairs to get to the front of the line, and not for legitimate reasons."

The CEO's comments drew attention to the long-running "miracle flight" tension in air travel that others in aviation say has become all too common in the US and lacks an easy solution.

"We have certain flights that have 23 to 25 customers with wheelchairs, and, frankly, nobody wants to try to address some of those challenges because it's a very tough situation to navigate, both politically, but also just heart," Geraghty said.

Not all disabilities are visible, and passengers do not need to use a wheelchair full time to request assistance at the airport. But doing so to bypass airport lines shortchanges people with real mobility issues.

So how do airlines and airport staff police the increasing demands for disability accommodations without unfairly scrutinizing passengers with legitimate — and often invisible — disabilities?

Michele Erwin, the founder and president of the advocacy nonprofit All Wheels Up, told Business Insider that there are few solutions.

She said she's seen firsthand how airlines discuss the abuse behind the scenes and are doing their best to tackle it within the law, but there is virtually no way to verify who does or does not have a disability without asking for legally protected information.

She added that each wheelchair push is an expense for the airlines, so they lose money every time someone abuses the system: "It's not great for either side; we're all living in a gray area."

Industry leaders have called out the misuse for years. Former Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle said in 2024 that the ultra-low-cost airline was seeing a "massive, rampant abuse" of special services. He said it costs $30 to $35 per wheelchair request.

The ex-CEO of London's Heathrow Airport similarly said in 2022 that some travelers were using wheelchair assistance to "fast-track" through airports after seeing it recommended on TikTok.

Several reports say Southwest's former open-seating system — where boarding order was determined by check-in time — may have incentivized some passengers to request wheelchair assistance in order to secure a better seat.

However, Erwin warned that efforts to police abuse could actually risk creating new problems for passengers who rely on wheelchairs, especially for reasons not related to mobility.

For example, she said some people who board with a wheelchair but then walk off the plane may be mobile but need help navigating a big, unfamiliar airport. Or they may be someone who has been flying for 24 hours across time zones and is simply exhausted.

So, she said, referring to these individuals as having experienced a medical miracle in-flight ignores the broader context.

Retired Delta captain Mark Stephens told Business Insider that he's aware wheelchair abuse happens, but similarly warned people should not start questioning anyone in the airport using one, on the off chance that they might be lying.

"Many people are disabled with things we cannot see," he said.

Flying with a disability is already tricky enough

The wheelchair abuse — and potential backfiring of trying to police it — is on top of a system that is already hard enough for people with disabilities.

Geraghty acknowledged the shortfalls during the interview, saying, "In general, I don't think the airline industry does a great job with our customers with disabilities."

Transportation Department data shows that there were about 43,500 disability-related complaints among all US airlines in 2024.

More than half of the complaints were about failure to provide wheelchair service, such as insufficient staff or leaving someone behind. This may be partly due to the increase in wheelchair abuse, which takes workers away from those who truly need assistance.

But Erwin said part of the problem also stems from travelers not notifying the airline in advance that they will need wheelchair assistance.

She said airports can sometimes be overwhelmed by unexpected last-minute wheelchair requests, leaving staff stretched too thin and resulting in slower or worse service. "That's where All Wheels Up comes in," Erwin said. "To educate the community."

Passengers can typically request a wheelchair during the booking process or add it later. The airlines are responsible for providing disability access services, but the assistants who perform these duties on their behalf are usually employed by third-party contractors.

Geraghty similarly said that more opportunities to pre-plan would be helpful: "If we could isolate out the folks who truly needed help, I think we could do a far, far, far better job with it."

• Trump's new immigration rule forces green card applicants to apply for citizenship from abroad.
• USCIS said exceptions may exist for immigrants providing economic benefits or national interest.
• The Trump administration's immigration crackdown has included mass visa revocations and deportations.

The Trump administration is tightening one of the most common pathways to a green card, warning that most immigrants already in the US will now have to leave the country and apply from abroad rather than adjust their status domestically.

However, the new rule, announced Friday, may not be evenly applied to all immigrants, according to a statement from US Citizenship and Immigration Services spokesperson Zach Kahler.

"While we work to operationalize this, people who present applications that provide an economic benefit or otherwise are in the national interest will likely be able to continue on their current path while others may be asked to apply abroad depending on individualized circumstances," Kahler said, framing the policy shift as a return to the "intent of Congress."

It remains unclear how the administration will determine which applications may be considered to provide an economic benefit or serve the national interest.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services, in its Friday announcement, said that it will grant "adjustment of status" — the process that allows some immigrants already in the US to apply for lawful permanent residency without leaving the country — "only in extraordinary circumstances."

The agency said officers will instead steer applicants toward consular processing through the State Department overseas, evaluating exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

The shift marks the latest escalation in President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, which has already included mass deportation efforts, visa revocations, and heightened scrutiny of temporary visa holders.

Immigration attorneys and advocacy groups warned that the change could disrupt families, employers, and foreign workers who have long relied on adjustment of status to remain in the US while awaiting green cards.

Requiring applicants to leave the country for consular processing abroad could expose them to lengthy delays, family separation, and potential barriers to reentry, particularly for immigrants whose visas have expired while they await permanent residency decisions.

• Google Overview is responding to single-word searches like a chatbot.
• Instead of providing definitions for words, AI Overview is treating search terms as commands.
• Google said that AI Overview is "misinterpreting some action-related queries."

Google's AI Overview will "disregard" your request to define verbs.

Instead of surfacing dictionary definitions or useful links upfront, many users on Friday encountered a sparse, strange response and a blank space when searching for single verbs such as "disregard" in the search bar.

The usual links, including the one to Merriam-Webster's definition, are still there, but they're buried below the fold.

Similar command phrases, including "ignore," "quit," and "stop," are running into the same problem.

Phrases like "look" and "forget are also prompting chatbot-like responses.

Earlier this week, Google began rolling out a redesigned Search page that displays AI-generated summaries at the top, pushing the traditional "10 blue links" farther down. Compared to when the links appear more immediately, the company has pitched the new design as a faster, more conversational way to search the web.

"We believe the best version of search is one created just for you," said Robby Stein, vice president of product for Google Search, during the I/O presentation this week.

A Google spokesperson told Business Insider that the responses don't relate to the new updates.

"We're aware that AI Overviews are misinterpreting some action-related queries, and we're working on a fix, which will roll out soon," the Google spokesperson said.

By comparison, Microsoft Bing, which also offers AI-generated summaries through Copilot, still surfaces more immediately useful information for the same search.

Merriam-Webster, the American dictionary, also weighed in on the AI Overview mishap.

Google's AI Overview and the new update have raised concerns about what they mean for the search experience. Earlier this week, Business Insider's Katie Notopoulos wrote that Overviews could become "potentially very bad news for websites," and that the search bar would become "just an AI chatbot that answers highly specific questions."

• Meta reassigned thousands of staff to work in a new AI unit created by CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
• Employees say they're getting "drafted" and expect the work to involve data labeling.
• Meta wants to leverage its own workforce to gain an edge in the AI race.

For thousands of Meta employees, it's now the AI way or the highway.

As 8,000 Meta employees were reading their layoff notices on Wednesday, 7,000 others opened a very different email. They had been selected to join a new AI initiative spun up directly by CEO Mark Zuckerberg — and it would be crucial to accelerating Meta's position in the AI race.

Many employees learned they would move into a group called Applied AI (AAI), which Meta created earlier this year, led by engineering vice president Maher Saba and reporting to chief technology officer Andrew Bosworth.

Others were recruited to groups more specifically focused on AI agents. These include a group named "Agent Transformation Accelerator," headed by Bosworth, and a team named "Agent Data and Optimization," according to internal messages shared with Business Insider.

"This is a reflection of your impact," said one email, which told recipients they were picked for their "strong performance" and technical abilities, a copy reviewed by Business Insider read.

"You were identified as someone who can make a real impact on this team," it added.

Amid this week's cuts to Meta's 78,000-person workforce, the reassignments to these AI teams have offered a lifeline for some staffers worried about getting let go, even if they are still uncertain about what their new roles entail.

Many companies are reorganizing around AI, with some, like Disney, tracking usage and others, like Visa, rewarding teams that build products faster. Meta has made especially sweeping changes. It has formed a superintelligence lab, organized teams into smaller AI-native "pods," and changed some employees' job titles to "AI builder."

"I got drafted," one person said in a Discord server where Meta employees discussed the layoffs.

"Welcome to the draft," another posted.

Meta's AI models have so far trailed those of rivals such as OpenAI and Google in performance, and leaders have identified an opportunity to enlist Meta employees to better train the technology.

A Meta spokesperson declined to comment.

Inside Meta's AI draft

Joining the new initiative, it turns out, is non-negotiable — and different recruits have received the news with either relief, dread, or confusion, according to four employees who spoke with Business Insider and several forum posts.

On Blind, an anonymous workplace app, a section locked to verified Meta employees was flooded with posts from people announcing they had been drafted. Some asked what AAI actually does.

Two Meta employees said they expect the new AI task forces to involve data labeling — the grunt work of manually tagging images or correcting chatbot responses.

That's an area where Meta's AI chief, Alexandr Wang, has extensive experience. Wang is the cofounder and former CEO of Scale AI, one of the world's biggest data-labeling companies, which relies on armies of contractors to train AI.

Meta has been rolling out other AI initiatives internally. It has launched an internal tool to track employees' keystrokes and mouse movements, known as Model Capability Initiative, Business Insider previously reported.

An internal announcement in April about the software said that AI models still lacked the knowledge to outperform humans at technical tasks such as coding.

"For agents to understand how people actually complete everyday tasks using computers, we need to train our models on real examples," the post said.

In a leaked audio recording from an internal meeting that same month, Zuckerberg said that Wang knew the data-labeling world well, and then offered a blunt addendum: The average Meta employee has a "significantly higher" intelligence than those contractors — so he'd rather "enlist" top employees from across Meta to train its AI instead.

"I think that this is going to be a very big advantage, if we can do it," he said, adding that it remained a "hypothesis" for the time being.

Have something to share? Contact Hugh Langley via email at hlangley@businessinsider.com or Signal at 628-228-1836. Contact Charles Rollet via email at crollet@businessinsider.com or on Signal and WhatsApp at 628-282-2811. Use a personal email address and a non-work device; here's our guide to sharing information securely.

It's a good week to be a sports fan, as several popular leagues have marquee games on tap. Figuring out how to watch these events can be tricky, however, so we've rounded up some of the biggest games (and viewing options) below.

The NBA Conference Finals kick off this week, featuring Spurs vs. Thunder and Cavaliers vs. Knicks match-ups. The NHL Conference Finals are also starting, and you can expect to see the Golden Knights and Avalanche square off in the West while the Canadiens and Hurricanes duke it out in the East. The WNBA season is also in full swing, and several of this week's games are nationally broadcast or streamed. You can also catch the PWHL Finals and the UEFA Europa League Final on TV the week of May 18-May 24, 2026.

Below, you can find some of the top sporting events this week, including the top five best live sports on TV today. This roundup isn't a full list of all live sports on TV this week, but it covers some of the most notable events across popular leagues. Just keep in mind that some games and leagues (like the MLB) have blackout restrictions in local markets and for nationally broadcast games. Additionally, some fixtures airing on the same network at the same time as another game will be regionally dependent.

Baseball

• Cleveland Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers (MLB) on Monday at 6:40 p.m. ET on FS1
• Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees (MLB) on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. ET on TBS
• Houston Astros vs. Chicago Cubs (MLB) on Friday at 2:20 p.m. ET on Apple TV
• Detroit Tigers vs. Baltimore Orioles (MLB) on Friday at 7:05 p.m. ET on Apple TV
• Seattle Mariners vs. Kansas City Royals (MLB) on Saturday at 4:10 p.m. ET on FS1
• St. Louis Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Reds (MLB) on Saturday at 7:15 p.m. ET on FOX
• Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Milwaukee Brewers (MLB) on Saturday at 7:15 p.m. ET on FOX
• Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Toronto Blue Jays (MLB) on Sunday at 12:15 p.m. ET on Peacock
• Texas Rangers vs. Los Angeles Angels (MLB) on Sunday at 7:20 p.m. ET on Peacock

Basketball

• Washington Mystics vs. Dallas Wings (WNBA) on Monday at 8 p.m. ET on NBCSN/Peacock
• San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA) on Monday at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock
• Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks (NBA) on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN
• San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA) on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock
• Portland Fire vs. Indiana Fever (WNBA) on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET on USA Network
• Dallas Wings vs. Chicago Sky (WNBA) on Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET on USA Network
• Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks (NBA) on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN
• Golden State Valkyries vs. New York Liberty (WNBA) on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on Prime Video
• Los Angeles Sparks vs. Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) on Thursday at 10 p.m. ET on Prime Video
• Golden State Valkyries vs. Indiana Fever (WNBA) on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ION
• Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs (NBA) on Friday at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock
• Connecticut Sun vs. Seattle Storm (WNBA) on Friday at 10 p.m. ET on ION
• Minnesota Lynx vs. Chicago Sky (WNBA) on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET on CBS/Paramount Plus Premium
• New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA) on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC
• Los Angeles Sparks vs. Las Vegas Aces (WNBA) on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on CBS/Paramount Plus Premium
• Dallas Wings vs. New York Liberty (WNBA) on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock
• Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs (NBA) on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock

Hockey

• Montreal Victoire vs. Ottawa Charge (PWHL) on Monday at 6 p.m. ET on ION
• Montreal Canadiens vs. Buffalo Sabres (NHL) on Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
• Montreal Victoire vs. Ottawa Charge (PWHL) on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET on ION
• Vegas Golden Knights vs. Colorado Avalanche (NHL) on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN
• Montreal Canadiens vs. Carolina Hurricanes (NHL) on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on TNT/truTV
• Vegas Golden Knights vs. Colorado Avalanche (NHL) on Friday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN
• Montreal Canadiens vs. Carolina Hurricanes (NHL) on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET on TNT/truTV
• Colorado Avalanche vs. Vegas Golden Knights (NHL) on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN

Motorsport

• Indianapolis 500 (IndyCar) on Sunday at 12:45 p.m. ET on FOX
• Canadian Grand Prix (Formula 1) on Sunday at 2:50 p.m. ET on Apple TV

Tennis

• French Open qualifiers, daily on HBO Max

Soccer

• Arsenal vs. Burnley (Premier League) on Monday at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network
• AFC Bournemouth vs. Manchester City (Premier League) on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. ET on USA Network
• Chelsea vs. Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League) on Tuesday at 3:15 p.m. ET on Peacock
• Orlando City vs. Atlanta United (US Open Cup) on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET on Paramount Plus
• St. Louis City vs. Houston Dynamo (US Open Cup) on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on CBSSN/Paramount Plus
• SC Freiburg vs. Aston Villa (Europa League Final) on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET on Paramount Plus
• Columbus Crew vs. New York City (US Open Cup) on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET on Paramount Plus
• América vs. Gotham FC (W Champions Cup) on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN Select
• Colorado Rapids vs. San Jose Earthquakes (US Open Cup) on Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET on Paramount Plus
• Washington Spirit vs. Pachuca (W Champions Cup) on Wednesday at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN Select
• Boston Legacy vs. Seattle Reign (NWSL) on Friday at 8 p.m. ET on Prime Video
• St. Louis vs. Austin (MLS) on Saturday at 2:45 p.m. ET on Apple TV/FOX
• Real Madrid vs. Athletic Club (La Liga) on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN Select
• Espanyol vs. Real Sociedad (La Liga) on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN Select
• Celta Vigo vs. Sevilla (La Liga) on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN Select
• Getafe vs. Osasuna (La Liga) on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN Select
• Valencia vs. Barcelona (La Liga) on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN Select
• Girona vs. Elche (La Liga) on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN Select
• Mallorca vs. Real Oviedo (La Liga) on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN Select
• Real Betis vs. Levante (La Liga) on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN Select
• Alavés vs. Rayo Vallecano (La Liga) on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN Select
• Racing Louisville vs. North Carolina Courage (NWSL) on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET on ION
• Minnesota United vs. Real Salt Lake (MLS) on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV
• Utah Royals vs. Denver Summit (NWSL) on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ET on ION
• Cincinnati vs. Orlando City (MLS) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV
• DC United vs. Montréal (MLS) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV
• Charlotte vs. New England Revolution (MLS) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV
• Chicago Fire vs. Toronto (MLS) on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV
• Nashville vs. New York City (MLS) on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV
• Sporting Kansas City vs. Red Bull New York (MLS) on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV
• San Diego vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS) on Saturday at 9:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV
• Portland Timbers vs. San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) on Saturday at 9:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV
• Colorado Rapids vs. Dallas (MLS) on Saturday at 9:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV
• LA Galaxy vs. Houston Dynamo (MLS) on Saturday at 10:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV
• Kansas City Current vs. Portland Thorns (NWSL) on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on CBS/Paramount Plus Premium
• Villarreal vs. Atlético Madrid (La Liga) on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN Select
• Columbus Crew vs. Atlanta United (MLS) on Sunday at 5 p.m. ET on Apple TV
• Bay vs. Chicago Stars (NWSL) on Sunday at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN Select
• Inter Miami vs. Philadelphia Union (MLS) on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET on Apple TV/FOX
• LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders (MLS) on Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on Apple TV/FOX

While some games shown on traditional broadcast networks might have a stand-alone streaming counterpart (like Peacock Premium Plus for NBC or Paramount Plus Premium for CBS), others might require one of the best live TV streaming services to tune in.

Even if you can get a network through a stand-alone service, a live TV provider might be a better fit if you're a cord-cutter looking to stream multiple networks in one place. Below, you can find some of the best ways to live stream popular sports channels, including ABC, ESPN, FOX, FS1, ION, TBS, TNT, truTV, and the USA Network.

How to watch ABC

There are a few different ways to live stream ABC, including several live TV services. If you're only interested in the sporting events that air on ABC, you're able to stream those through ESPN Unlimited for $30 a month, since the service covers ESPN on ABC's full slate of content.

DirecTV, Fubo, and Sling TV are among some of the top live TV streaming services that offer ABC in their lineups. DirecTV carries the network in its Signature plans, along with genre packs like MySports ($65 a month, with $15 a month off your first two months) and MyNews ($40 a month, with $5 a month off your first two months). MySports also unlocks ESPN Unlimited at no extra cost. Just keep in mind that it's always a good idea to double-check what local channels are available in your genre pack line-up due to regional variability. All DirecTV plans come with a five-day free trial.

Fubo offers ABC in its Sports + News plan (along with its more expensive Pro and Elite packages). Sports + News costs $56 a month, but new users can get $10 off their first month after a five-day free trial. This package also unlocks access to ESPN Unlimited.

Sling TV is one of the more budget-friendly live TV services out there. Select local channels are available in Sling's Blue and Select plans, which go for $51 a month and $25 a month, respectively, when local channels are involved. However, local channels like ABC vary from market to market on Sling, so you should look up what's available in your ZIP code before subscribing.

How to watch ESPN

Several different services allow cord-cutters to live stream ESPN. ESPN Unlimited, ESPN's direct streaming counterpart, costs $30 a month and unlocks full live streaming across all of ESPN's linear networks.

ESPN is also available through top live TV streaming services, like DirecTV, Fubo, and Sling TV. The network is available in the service's main plans and cheaper sports-centric packages.

DirecTV's MySports genre pack costs $65 a month, but new users can get $15 a month off their first two months of service after a five-day free trial. Fubo's Sports + News plan costs $56 a month, but new users can get $10 off their first month after a five-day free trial. Sling TV's Essentials plan costs $20 a month.

How to watch FOX and FS1

FOX and FS1 are both available to live stream through FOX One, which costs $20 a month and comes with a three-day free trial. There's also an option to bundle ESPN Unlimited with FOX One for $40 a month.

Both FS1 and FOX are also available through live TV streaming services, including DirecTV, Fubo, and Sling TV. FOX and FS1 are carried in DirecTV's MySports plan, which costs $65 a month ($15 a month off your first two months after a five-day free trial). They're also available in Fubo's Sports + News plan, which costs $56 a month ($10 off your first month after a five-day free trial).

You can also find both channels in multiple Sling plans, the cheapest of which is Sling Select (starting at $25 a month when local channels are involved). Just keep in mind that Sling's local channel coverage varies by region, so check whether FOX is available in your market before signing up.

How to watch ION

ION is available for free over-the-air and via a few FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) services, including Tubi and Pluto.

ION is also included in most live TV streaming services, including DirecTV's signature plans and Fubo's Sports + News plan. DirecTV's signature plans start at $90 a month for the Entertainment tier, but you can get $5 a month off for two years after a five-day free trial. Just keep in mind that plans might cost a little bit more after any additional required fees. Fubo's Sports + News plan costs $56 a month, but new users can get $10 off their first month after a five-day free trial.

How to watch TNT, truTV, and TBS

Sporting events that air on TNT, truTV, and TBS are available to live stream on HBO Max via B/R Sports. This option is included in HBO Max's ad-free tiers, which start at $18.49 a month.

TNT, truTV, and TVS are also available through live TV services, such as DirecTV and Sling TV. The networks are available in DirecTV's MySports genre pack, which costs $65 a month (although new customers can get $15 a month off their first two months of service after a five-day free trial).

TNT and TBS are also carried in both of Sling's main plans. Sling Orange costs $46 a month, and Sling Blue starts at $46 a month, but the latter sometimes costs more with local channels. Orange is also available in short-term passes, the cheapest of which is $5 for single-day access.

How to watch USA Network

Unlike NBC, USA Network isn't available to stream live on Peacock. Instead, you'll need a live TV streaming service, like DirecTV or Sling TV, to watch the network. DirecTV plans with the USA Network start at $65 a month for the MySports genre pack, but new users can get $15 a month off their first two months after a five-day free trial. Sling TV plans with the USA Network start at $46 a month for Sling Blue.

How to watch from anywhere

If you're traveling away from home, you might find it difficult to tune into your usual viewing options. Fortunately, you can keep up with your favorite services while abroad by using a VPN. VPNs, or virtual private networks, are handy cybersecurity tools that let you temporarily alter your virtual location. You can learn more in our guide to the best VPNS, or head directly to NordVPN, our top recommendation.

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

Mattresses are a big deal for us on Insider Reviews. Countless hours of testing, heavy lifting, and yes, sleeping, have informed our top bed recommendations, helping us to highlight the most worthwhile options worth investing in. With these Memorial Day mattress sales, you can save big on beds you'll love lying in every night.

From luxury brands like Saatva (famously partnered with the Olympics to keep the world's top athletes sleeping soundly all night) to highly customizable household names like Sleep Number, pretty much everyone is chipping in discounts for this holiday. I've gathered all of the sales running now below and cherry-picked my top five deals you can score this long weekend.

Don't wait to shop these Memorial Day mattress deals. Many carry on after Monday, but not all do. Stock is also limited, so if you are ready to commit to a bed, don't hesitate to add it to your cart.

My favorite Memorial Day mattress deals

As a deals editor on Insider Reviews, I look for the best mattress deals year-round, not just during Memorial Day. More than just a three-day weekend, this holiday is one of the best times of year to buy a new bed without skimping on quality. These are five of my favorite Memorial Day deals, all recommended in our mattress guides.

Tempur-Pedic Memorial Day mattress deals

Tempur-Pedic is an established name in the mattress industry, well-known for comfort, premium materials, and durability. It's definitely on the pricier side, though, so a good Memorial Day deal is the way to save hundreds on one of the brand's beloved models.

Read our full Tempur-Pedic mattress review for our top picks from the brand.

• Browse through more of Tempur-Pedic's Memorial Day mattress deals

Saatva Memorial Day mattress deals

When it comes to luxury sleep, look no further than Saatva. The Classic is our all-around pick for most shoppers, making it the luxury pick in our guide to the best mattresses. For Memorial Day, shoppers can score a sweet $400 off orders over $1,000 — so basically every mattress is on sale.

Read our full Saatva mattress review for more of our favorites.

• Browse through more of Saatva's Memorial Day mattress deals

Leesa Memorial Day mattress deals

Leesa is a tried-and-true favorite here at Insider Reviews. We're not the only ones, either — the Leesa Sapira Hybrid is a beloved bed across the internet. The brand walks the line between luxurious comfort and attainable pricing, making it an investment that pays off every night.

Read our full Leesa mattress review for all the beds we've tested.

• Browse through more of Leesa's Memorial Day mattress deals

Casper Memorial Day mattress deals

Casper is one of the most popular brands to come out in recent years. It's credited with popularizing the bed-in-a-box trend, and for good reason: its beds are really great to sleep on. For Memorial Day, the brand is offering up to 30% off its mattresses, marking the best sale we've seen in months.

Read our full Casper mattress review to learn more. Also, check out our latest roundup of the best Casper coupons to stay in the know about future deals.

• Browse through more of Casper's Memorial Day mattress deals

Sleep Number Memorial Day deals

Sleep Number is still a household name, known for customizable beds perfect for picky sleepers — especially couples. Its beds are highlighted in our guides to the best mattresses for back pain and side sleepers; now, for Memorial Day, it's offering major savings on everything, from smart beds to furniture.

Check out our review of the Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed.

• Browse through more of Sleep Number Memorial Day deals

See more: Saatva Memorial Day | Sleep Number Memorial Day | Leesa Memorial Day | Wayfair Memorial Day | MasterClass Memorial Day

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Memorial Day sales are everywhere right now, but most "deals" honestly aren't worth your time. The best deals tend to be on products people already planned to buy anyway: a better TV, an upgraded coffee maker, travel gear that makes flying less miserable, and the gadgets tech pros use every day.

To build this list, I looked at Business Insider readers' most-purchased products on Amazon over the past year, plus what's been hot lately. A pattern emerged quickly. People aren't shopping for random gadgets right now; they're buying practical upgrades that make daily life easier, more comfortable, or slightly less chaotic.

And yes, a lot of these tried-and-tested products are finally on sale for Memorial Day.

The best Memorial Day tech deals

Tech is one of the few categories where shoppers wait for big sale weekends before buying. Memorial Day tends to bring some of the year's best prices on Apple gear, premium TVs, noise-canceling headphones, and home audio (and air quality) upgrades. Unlike impulse gadgets, these are the purchases people rarely regret buying.

Apple AirPods (4th Gen)

BUY NOW: Apple AirPods 4, $99 (was $129)

The AirPods 4 are the cheapest AirPods you can buy, but they still deliver the same comfortable fit, strong sound quality, and Apple-friendly features as the pricier models. They're a great pick for casual listeners who don't care about noise cancellation. 

Samsung S90F OLED 65-inch TV

BUY NOW: Samsung S90F OLED 65-inch TV, $1,298 (was $1,698)

At $400 off, the Samsung S90F OLED is one of the best TV deals to shop this Memorial Day. It delivers the rich contrast, vibrant colors, and immersive picture quality you'd expect from a much pricier premium TV, making movie nights, sports, and gaming look incredible. Tech editor Steven Cohen named it best overall in his guide to the best 65-inch TVs.

Anker Nano Power Bank (A1638)

BUY NOW: Anker Nano Power Bank (A1638), $46 (was $60)

This tiny Anker battery disappears into a tote bag or jacket pocket, charges surprisingly fast, and end up becoming one of those "how did I live without this?" purchases. Travelers love it. Commuters love it. BI Reviews tech writer Tyler Hayes loves it.

Coway Airmega air purifier AP-1512 HH(W)

BUY NOW: Coway Airmega air purifier, $160 (was $230)

The Coway Airmega air purifier earned top marks in our testing for quickly removing dust, pollen, pet dander, and other air pollutants. It's a smart Memorial Day buy, just in time for allergy season and summer wildfire smoke, and it's 30% off now.

Life360 tile Bluetooth tracker

BUY NOW: Life 360 tile Bluetooth tracker 4-pack, $50 (was $84)

This colorful Bluetooth tracker is the perfect find for anyone who is always losing their keys, bag, or other important items. Unlike Apple Air Tags, Life360 tiles are both fully iOs and Android compatible.

Samsung The Frame LS03F 4K QLED Smart TV

BUY NOW: Samsung The Frame LS03F 4K QLED Smart TV, $748 (was $998)

Samsung's Frame TV is designed to look like a piece of art on your wall thanks to its flush mount, matte screen, and magnetic frame bezels. Its image quality is mediocre, but its style makes it a great pick for design-focused buyers.

Oral-B iO Series 9 Smart Toothbrush

BUY NOW: Oral-B iO Series 9 Smart Toothbrush, $250 (was $330)

Dentists love Oral-B electric toothbrushes — and the iO series in particular — for its strong clinical backing on effectiveness in removing plaque and preventing gingivitis. The brand also bears the ADA seal of acceptance.

Apple Watch Series 11

BUY NOW: Apple Watch Series 11, $299 (was $399)

The Apple Watch Series 11 boasts improved battery life and 5G connectivity (on the cellular model). It's the most well-rounded smartwatch for iPhone users, offering polished fitness tools and seamless integration with your daily life.

Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar

BUY NOW: Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar, $899 (was $1,099)

The Sonos Arc Ultra carries over everything we loved about the original Arc soundbar while offering bigger bass, improved Dolby Atmos immersion, and cleaner dialogue. It's pricey, but few stand-alone soundbars can match its performance.

Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones

BUY NOW: Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones, $248 (was $400)

The WH-1000XM5 are one of Sony's top over-ear headphones. They boast excellent noise-canceling performance along with great audio quality and a truckload of convenient features.

Related: The 100 best deals at Amazon right now

The best Memorial Day kitchen deals

Kitchen upgrades are a category shoppers tend to save for major sale weekends, especially high-end cookware, countertop appliances, and wellness-minded swaps that can otherwise feel hard to justify at full price. Score deals on foodie-favorite brands like Breville, Vitamix, and Le Creuset, along with smarter alternatives to cheap, plastic-heavy kitchen staples.

Rubbermaid Brilliance 8-piece Pantry Food Storage Container Set

BUY NOW: Rubbermaid Brilliance 8-piece Pantry Food Storage Container Set, $27 (was $40)

With clear walls and an easy-to-store design, this set is lightweight and a breeze to keep clean. They're made with BPA-free plastic and are airtight, leak-proof, and dishwasher safe.

Le Creuset 5.5 qt. Dutch Oven

BUY NOW: Le Creuset 5.5 qt. Dutch Oven, $300 (was $335)

Le Creuset deals are always a good idea. If you're looking for a dependable Dutch oven that can handle any recipe for years to come, turn to the Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 5-1/2-Quart Dutch Oven.

Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ by Breville with milk frother

BUY NOW: Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ by Breville with milk frother, $149 (was $200)

This Nespresso model pairs the brand's centrifugal brewing technology with a small countertop footprint and an elegant profile. Pair it with the bundled Aeroccino frother, and you have a coffeehouse setup at home.

John Boos Chop-N-Slice Series Square Wooden Maple Cutting Board

BUY NOW: John Boos Chop-N-Slice Series Square Wooden Maple Cutting Board, $33 (was $37)

Wooden cutting boards won't damage knives, and many, like this one from John Boos, are heirloom-worthy if you take care of them. This flat board is pretty enough to leave on the counter, and easy to maintain.

Chefman 4 QT Compact Air fryer

BUY NOW: Chefman 4 QT Compact Air fryer, $60 (was $100)

The Chefman 4-Quart Air Fryer is small but mighty, and the best small air fryer we've tested. It's ideal for cooking for 1-2 people and small spaces.

Our Place Always Pan 2.0

BUY NOW: Our Place Always Pan 2.0, $95 (was $135)

Our Place's Always Pan is a multi-functional pan that has earned spots in our best nonstick and best ceramic cookware guides. The nonstick coating is slick, and the tall sides are perfect for sauteing, steaming, and making one-pot meals.

Stanley All Day Julienne Soft Cooler Bag

BUY NOW: Stanley All Day Julienne Soft Cooler Bag, $75 (was $100)

The Stanley All Day Julienne Mini Cooler has a color-blocked design, so you can carry your lunch in style. It makes a great gift for college graduates starting out in the workforce.

Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender

BUY NOW: Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender, $55 (was $70)

The Ninja Fit is small but mighty and comes with two trusty 16-ounce sport bottles with spout lids, making it the perfect blender for smaller households and smoothie drinkers with limited counter space.

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker

BUY NOW: AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker, $32 (was $40)

Coffee is a serious necessity for some, and the AeroPress is small, simple, portable, and easy-to-use way to brew a highly competitive, frothy cup of coffee somewhere between a French press and an espresso.

Chef'n LooseLeaf Kale, Chard, Collard Greens and Herb Stripper

BUY NOW: Chef'n LooseLeaf Kale, Chard, Collard Greens and Herb Stripper, $ (was $7)

If you eat a fair amount of kale in your house, you've probably spent an inordinate amount of time pulling those dark crinkly leaves off of their thick stubborn stalks. A better way to do it? Just thread the stalk of a kale, chard, or collard green leaf into one of the holes of this greens stripper and then give it a solid pull. The stalk will come through the hole while the leafy goodness you want falls away completely.

Related: The best Memorial Day mattress sales: Saatva, Tempur-Pedic, and more

The best Memorial Day travel & style deals

Summer travel season is kicking off, which means Memorial Day is one of the best opportunities to save on the upgrades that make trips smoother, lighter, and far less stressful. From durable carry-ons and comfortable airport outfits to neck pillows and other genius hacks, these are the travel essentials BI Reviews frequent flyers say are genuinely worth packing.

Coop AirJustable Travel Neck Pillow

BUY NOW: Coop AirJustable Travel Neck Pillow, $44 (was $59)

Coop makes some of our favorite bed pillows, so it's no surprise the brand's travel pillow is equally well-designed. Its inflatable design can be worn six different ways, so you get a truly dialed-in fit no matter what seat you're in.

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On

BUY NOW: Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On, $140 (was $220)

Durable and lightweight, this streamlined carry-on suitcase offers a generous capacity and smooth maneuverability at an affordable price.

Rumpl Everywhere Mat

BUY NOW: Rumpl Everywhere Mat, $60 (was $80)

The Rumpl Everywhere Mat is lightweight, compact, and the most waterproof picnic blanket we tested, making it a great option for camping and trekking.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

BUY NOW: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, $249 (was $299)

The second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds deliver the best ANC performance we've encountered in a pair of in-ear headphones. But while they offer a few welcome tweaks over the previous-generation model, overall performance is very similar.

More travel & style deals

• Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 Hardside Checked Trunk, $279 (was $419)

• Pander nylon belt bag, $16 (was $20)

• Anrabess 2-piece linen jumpsuit, $49 (was $56)

• Bose QuietComfort Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, $229 (was $359)

• Bagsmart toiletry bag, $15 (was $23)

• Monos Hardside Polycarbonate Spinner Carry-On Suitcase, $297 (was $325)

• Dr. Scholl's Islander Sandals, $48 (was $80)

• Osprey Fairview 55L travel backpack, $181 (was $220)

• Levi's Women's Classic Bootcut Jeans, $40 (was $65)

The best Memorial Day home deals

A few thoughtful home upgrades can completely change how your space feels day to day, and Memorial Day sales are packed with discounts on the products you use constantly. From powerful vacuums and cozy bedding to elevated furniture and decor accents, these are the home buys that make apartments and houses feel cleaner and more comfortable.

Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow

BUY NOW: Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow, $71 (was $89)

The Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow offers thoughtful features like adjustable fill, a washable pillow cover, and pillow shapes for side, back, and stomach sleepers.

Roborock Qrevo Series QV 35A

BUY NOW: Roborock Qrevo Series QV 35A, $450 (was $650)

The Roborock QV 35A has enough features to make it a virtually hands-off cleaning assistant at a value price. These include well-rounded vacuum and mop performance and a self-cleaning system with cool-air drying. It's perfect for those who want more than an entry-level machine but aren't ready to commit to a more expensive device yet.

Serwall 8-Piece Patio Dining Set

BUY NOW: Serwall 8-Piece Patio Dining Set, $760 (was $1,099)

A solid patio set is a must-have for summer entertaining. This one includes a double-sided umbrella, an extended table, and 6 ergonomic dining chairs.

Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum

BUY NOW: Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum, $350 (was $530)

The Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum is unmatched in its cleaning performance and versatility. It quickly picks up all types of debris from both hard floors and carpeting, and its unique lift-away design makes it easy to clean under low-profile furniture.

Flexispot EN1 standing desk

BUY NOW: Flexispot standing desk, $170 (was $210)

The no-frills Flexispot standing desk moves quickly, smoothly, and quietly to reach your desired height. It's an affordable option for people who need a basic standing desk for their WFH setup.

More home deals

• Shark StainForce Cordless Spot Cleaner, $150 (was $200)

• Beckham Hotel Collection set of 2 Bed Pillows, $60 (was $80)

• Tineco Floor ONE S7 Stretch Ultra Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum, $499 (was $599)

• Linenspa Memory Foam Mattress Topper, $45 (was $60)

• Bissell Pet Hair Eraser DualBrush Upright Vacuum, $250 (was $300)

• Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress, $1,489 (was $1,699)

• Dirt Devil portable spot cleaner machine, $60 (was $110)

Cat harnesses aren't just for adventure cats. Veterinarians recommend using a harness and leash as an added layer of security when taking your cat outside the house in a carrier or stroller, or indoors when introducing cats to new housemates. For cats that are curious about the outdoors, they can also provide safe outdoor enrichment. While no harness is completely escape-proof, the best cat harnesses are easy to put on and adjust and allow freedom of movement without pressure points, scratchy fabric, bulky clips, or the ability for a cat to easily wiggle their way out.

I'm a pets reporter and professional pet product tester who has walked my 10- and 11-pound cats, Atlas and Lyra, on harness and leash for six years. For this guide, I drew on that experience as well as interviews with feline behaviorists, veterinarians, and a veterinary technician, and tested seven harnesses. I was joined in testing by Kinsley Searles, former BI reviews associate editor, and her 7.7-pound cat, Celery. Every harness in this guide was recommended by at least one expert, and my top pick is the Kitty Holster. It's secure, comfortable for cats, and fast and easy to put on and take off.

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

Our top picks for the best cat harnesses

Best overall: Kitty Holster Cat Harness - See at Chewy

Best budget: PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness - See at Chewy

Best vest style: RC Pets Adventure Kitty Harness - See at Chewy

Best overall

No cat harness is completely escape-proof, but Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian with Vetster, says designs with more contact area and good adjustability come closest. The Kitty Holster is a vest-jacket style harness with wide cotton bands that wrap across the shoulders and body for control, and velcro closures make fitting quick and intuitive. These qualities made it the most recommended harness by my experts.

I've used the same two Kitty Holster harnesses for six years — my cats have never wiggled free, and the harnesses still have plenty of life left. The new harnesses I tested for this guide held up the same: no snags, no damage, and no loss of velcro strength after washing. Unlike step-in styles, there's no need to manipulate your cat's legs or convince them to stick their head through a hole. "It took a couple of seconds to secure the two velcro points," Searles says. "It's also incredibly easy to get a good fit, since you can readjust the velcro to perfectly fit your cat's body."

More fabric might seem like more for a cat to resist, but Myers says broader coverage distributes pressure across the body rather than digging in at a few points. While Celery fell over on first wear, Myers says this is common and doesn't mean a harness won't work. Celery was jumping and playing within minutes, though many cats need additional positive reinforcement and training to enjoy their harness. The cotton is soft and breathable, and even my long-haired cat has stayed comfortable on summer hikes. Neither of my cats minds wearing it for longer car rides or adventures. The ripping sound of velcro can startle some cats, so Dr. E'Lise Christensen, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, recommends pairing the sound with treats to build a positive association.

Best budget

A budget harness makes sense for guardians who aren't sure they'll stick with walks, or those who only need one for traveling inside their carrier to occasional vet visits. Either way, don't be surprised if the PetSafe Come With Me Kitty becomes your long-term go-to. An included bungee leash makes this deal even sweeter — and also my recommendation for the best harness and leash set. The Come With Me Kitty features thin nylon straps that some cats tolerate better than fabric styles — though the narrow straps and heat-sealed edges could cause rubbing on very short-haired or hairless cats.

Less surface area also generally means more escape risk, but this harness counters that with a martingale-like design. It redirects force across the shoulders when a cat pulls backward. "When cats panic, they can pull and twist," says Ellen Carozza, licensed veterinary technician and feline specialist. "You want shoulder and body control — not neck control as we don't want to cause cervical trauma." To test this, I stood in front of my cats and gently pulled the leash toward me, which is one of the most common scenarios that causes cats to attempt a backward escape. Lyra didn't try to back out while Atlas tried and couldn't. The included 41- to 45-inch leash features a bungee section that stretches to absorb sudden movements, providing more give than a fixed leash. The nylon loop at the end is designed for a secure, two-point grip: You can slip it over your wrist and hold the base of the loop in your palm.

H-style harnesses can be a confusing bundle of straps on first use. Searles found exactly that. "It's not immediately clear how the harness is meant to be put on," she says. "I had to put it on, take it off, adjust, and try again." I had an easier time, though an uneven girth adjustment left the chest strap off-center. I could tighten and loosen the girth without removing the harness entirely. This is a harness you'll need to slip over your cat's head, but neither my cats, trained in this style in kittenhood, nor Celery, a harness newbie, showed any resistance. The neck loop adjusts wide enough to clear the face and whiskers with plenty of room.

Best vest style

The RC Pets Adventure Kitty Harness is for guardians who want the security of a vest without all the fabric. A breathable mesh panel wraps across the chest and belly to distribute pressure, while nylon straps keep it from feeling bulky or restrictive. It's an effective middle ground between the minimal coverage of an H-style and the full wrap of a jacket. The included 6-foot fixed nylon leash is durable and smooth enough to move through brush without snagging and features a loop at the end for a two-point hold.

The polyester mesh is smooth, even along the edges, with no rough spots that could cause irritation or chafing. The nylon straps are wider than other strappy designs, including the PetSafe Come With Me Kitty, so while they can still cause some chafing, they're less likely to create pressure points. The buckles are another story, particularly the girth clip that lands right at my cat's armpit. The plastic clip isn't padded and may cause discomfort during longer wear, though neither of my cats seemed to mind while exploring the backyard.

This harness was a little trickier to put on because it requires guiding one of your cat's front legs through an opening. My cats weren't always thrilled about having their legs handled. According to Rachel Geller, a cat behavior and retention specialist, paws and legs are among the sensitive parts of a cat's body and among a cat's least favorite places to be touched. Getting this harness on may take some extra training. Reward your cat for stepping into the harness rather than placing their legs yourself.

What to look for in a cat harness

The best cat harnesses balance two competing priorities: keeping your cat secure, and giving them enough freedom of movement to jump, pounce, swat, and roll in the dirt while you hold the other end of the leash.

Harness style: Cat harnesses come in three main styles: vest/jacket, H-style, and step-in. Experts don't recommend small dog harnesses for cats. A cat's spine and joints are more flexible, making balancing freedom of movement and escape prevention the primary priority. Compared to dog harnesses, cat-specific harnesses tend to be lighter weight and shaped to fit a cat's narrower shoulders and chest.

• Vest/jacket: Covers the chest, shoulders, and belly. Broader coverage distributes pressure across the body rather than concentrating it at a few points, making vest styles more secure and often better tolerated than caregivers expect, Myers says. Our top pick in this style, the Kitty Holster, wraps around the chest and neck rather than requiring your cat to step into leg holes or slip their head through a loop, meaning less handling overall and a less stressful experience for most cats.

• H-style: Two loops connected by a back strap, with minimal coverage that some cats accept more readily. However, Myers says that less contact area generally means a greater escape risk. A modified design like the Come With Me Kitty redirects force to the shoulders to compensate. Some H-style harnesses, including the Come With Me Kitty, require slipping the harness over your cat's head. This may require extra training for cats who are sensitive to handling.
• Step-in: This design is a variation of jacket/vest style, but the cat steps into leg holes. While step-in harnesses may be advantageous over harnesses that require going over a cat's head, Geller says that a cat's legs are among its least favorite places to be touched. Plan on extra training to get your cat to step in willingly.

Myers says you may need to try a few styles to see what your cat prefers. "Some cats tolerate a minimal strap harness better, while others do much better in a soft vest that feels more like clothing," she says. The best harness is ultimately the one your cat is comfortable in and can't wiggle free from.

Adjustability: Look for a harness with at least two points of adjustment at the chest and neck. In testing, Searles and I both found velcro closures to be the most intuitive. They were quick to put on, easy to remove, and simple to get the fit right, though the velcro's ripping sound can startle some cats. Buckle-and-strap systems work too, but bulky hardware can dig in if it isn't padded or lands in the wrong spot. I found that the best closures were ones that you could tighten or loosen without taking the harness off.

Material and durability: The most common materials are polyester mesh, nylon, and cotton. Mesh is breathable but can snag and is harder to clean. Nylon is durable but not the softest option, and its heat-sealed edges can create a rough, plastic-like finish that can irritate short-haired or hairless cats. Our top pick is made of cotton, which is less common but is soft, durable, and breathable enough to cover more surface area without overheating your cat.

Leash connection point: The best cat harnesses have a metal D-ring, which is the hardware that connects the leash to the harness. Metal is preferable since plastic rings can bend or break under pressure. Carozza recommends the connection point sit at the low shoulder, roughly where the shoulder blades end and the mid-back begins. This keeps pressure off the neck and airway, which is why connecting a leash to a collar isn't recommended, Myers says.

Care: If your cat gets into something stinky or has an accident during travel, a machine-washable harness makes cleanup easier.

How to fit a harness for your cat

Fit is important in a cat harness. If it's too loose, a determined kitty can wiggle free. If it's too tight, it may rub uncomfortably or restrict movement.

Before ordering, measure your cat with a soft measuring tape. Take one measurement around the neck and another around the largest part of their chest, or their girth. Most harness sizing charts are based on these two measurements. If your cat falls in between sizes, go with the larger one. Although weight can be a useful starting point, two cats of the same weight can have very different body shapes.

When properly fitted, you should be able to fit two fingers into the space between the harness and your cat's body — snug enough that they can't twist free, but not so tight it restricts movement, Myers says. If your cat is senior, Christensen recommends checking with your vet since undiagnosed pain can make harness fitting uncomfortable in ways that aren't immediately obvious.

If your cat vocalizes, rolls, freezes, or flops when you place the harness, they are showing signs of fear, stress, discomfort, or pain. Help your cat have a positive experience with the harness by backing up several steps and proceeding at your cat's pace with harness training. Additionally, watch for the following signs of an improper fit:

• Localized hair loss where the harness contacts the skin
• Red or irritated skin at contact points
• Thickened, grayish skin from repeated friction
• Sharp vocalization when a strap rubs or a clip pinches
• Limping or reluctance to bear weight

How we tested the best cat harnesses

I researched cat harnesses based on expert recommendations and options available at major online retailers, selecting seven harnesses of varying styles to test. I evaluated each alongside Kinsley Seales, BI Reviews associate home editor, and her 7.7-pound cat, Celery. My two cats, Atlas and Lyra, have a 17-inch chest girth and nearly seven years of harness experience. Ten-month-old Celery measured 11 inches and had never worn a harness before, providing the perspective of a first-time user in a different size range.

Ease of use: We assessed how intuitive each harness was to put on correctly and adjust for a snug fit. We noted whether the front, back, and leash attachment point were immediately obvious, how long it took to secure all closures on the first attempt, and whether we needed to consult instructions or a video. I repeated the process a second time after initial adjustments, and again on a cat mannequin to replicate the fitting process independent of cat temperament.

Durability: I tested each harness to see how well it withstands regular outdoor use and travel. Before testing, I inspected each harness for manufacturing defects, including loose threads, uneven stitching, or stiff fasteners. I then clipped a leash to each harness and applied moderate pulling force 20 times to stress the connection point. I dragged each harness across brush and twigs and stretched key fabric panels to check for snagging, abrasion, or permanent stretching. I fastened and unfastened each closure 20 times, noting any changes in function.

Comfort: Each harness was worn for at least two supervised 10-minute walks. We assessed the material by hand for stiff seams, rough edges, or bulky stitching, weighed each harness on a kitchen scale, and observed fit and freedom of movement while our cats walked, sat, crouched, and jumped. I noted any rubbing at high-friction areas and whether our cats showed signs of discomfort or distress.

Ease of cleaning: I rubbed each harness in dirt and allowed it to sit overnight before cleaning according to the manufacturer's instructions. I noted whether the dirt came out and whether there was any discoloration or shrinkage. Harnesses that were machine washable received higher scores than those requiring handwashing or spot-cleaning only.

Meet the expert behind this guide

Janelle Leeson, pets reporter: I've spent years interviewing veterinarians, including board-certified veterinary behaviorists, about feline enrichment, safe outdoor exposure, and best practices surrounding travel, but I've been walking cats on harness and leash even longer. My two cats, Atlas and Lyra, have kayaked, hiked forests, and summited mountainsides with me. These days, adventures are mostly limited to our backyard while I have a baby in tow, but the stakes haven't changed: I wouldn't recommend anything I wouldn't trust to keep my own cats safe and comfortable.

Cat harness FAQs

Should cats wear harnesses?

Yes. Harnesses are useful beyond walks, including for vet visits, car travel, and introducing new pets to the household. "Anytime you have your cat outside, even in a stroller, always have a harness on with a fixed leash or bungee lead — and that leash is on your wrist and held in your hand. Always have a back up plan with taking cats outside," Carozza says.

What is the best kind of harness for a cat?

The best harness is the one your cat is comfortable in and cannot wiggle free from. The greater surface area of vest and jacket styles may better prevent escapes, but some cats prefer the minimal feel of an H-style harness. "There isn't strong scientific evidence saying one style is definitively better for all cats. I tend to guide caregivers toward what actually works for their individual cat," Myers says.

What type of leash should I use with a cat harness?

Carozza recommends bungee and fixed leashes over retractable ones. Retractable leashes can tangle and cause strangulation, snap under tension and send the handle recoiling toward the handler or pet, or give a cat enough slack to bolt into traffic or other hazards before you can react, she says.

How do I get my cat comfortable with a harness?

Slowly and with positive reinforcement, such as clicker training. "When we see the behavior we want, we 'click' and then deliver food or a short play or petting session within one to two seconds," Christensen explains. Start by leaving the harness out so your cat can investigate it, then reward them for approaching it, sniffing it, and eventually wearing it indoors, for short one-to-five-minute sessions.

Why does my cat fall over in a harness?

The sensation of something around their chest or shoulders is unfamiliar, which may lead to feelings of fear, stress, anxiety, or discomfort. Your cat may also feel off balance with something placed on their body. If your cat responds to wearing the harness by falling over, making sharp vocalizations, or showing reluctance to bear weight, remove the harness immediately. Slow the training down and pair it with something your cat likes, such as a favorite treat.

Which cat harness is the most escape-proof?

No harness is completely escape-proof. Cats have free-floating clavicles and extraordinarily flexible spines that allow them to outmaneuver even the best designs. "No magic design prevents every Houdini moment, but more contact area and good adjustability help," Myers says. Vest and jacket styles tend to be most secure, but even the best harness will fail if it isn't properly fitted, your cat isn't acclimated, or it's the wrong style for them.

At what age can I put a harness on my kitten?

You can harness-train your kitten indoors as soon as a harness fits. The PetSafe Come With Me Kitty fits a chest girth as small as 9 inches, making it the best harness for kittens. However, outdoor adventures should wait until your kitten's vaccination series is complete, around 16 to 20 weeks of age. As your kitten grows, periodically measure their chest and neck, sizing up as needed to ensure a secure fit. That said, age is no barrier to harness training. "Cats can learn their entire lives," Christensen says.

Is it beneficial to take cats on walks?

Walking outside isn't for every cat, but for those that respond positively to outdoor stimuli and new experiences, harness-and-leash walks can be a great form of exercise and enrichment. Haug considers it so beneficial that she says safe outdoor access should be a priority for many cats. "While indoor enrichment is critical and important, there are some things that we just cannot replicate indoors," she says. Real scents, changes in wind and temperatures, and the chance to stalk a bug are difficult or impossible to recreate indoors, she says.

Should I walk my cat?

Not every cat is a candidate for harness walking, and your cat will usually tell you what they prefer. "Some cats already tell us that they want to be outdoors by trying to dart out the door every time they get the opportunity," Haug says. Cats that show normal or above-average comfort with new things at home will generally make good candidates, she adds. Cats with extreme fear or anxiety around people or novel stimuli may find the experience too stressful.

How do you introduce a cat to a harness?

Haug and Christensen recommend clicker training, an approach that involves pairing each small step with a treat or play session, and always letting your cat set the pace. "Many people will buy a harness and just force it on the cat. This is not terribly effective, and it could be traumatizing," Haug says.

• The S&P 500 notched its eighth week straight of gains, the longest streak since 2023.
• Investors are eyeing a potential US-Iran peace deal to bring an end to the conflict in the Middle East.
• Trump changed weekend plans to stay in the White House due to "circumstances pertaining to Government.

No news is good news, at least that was the sentiment on Wall Street on Friday.

Stocks closed Friday's session in the green, marking the eighth week of consecutive gains for the S&P 500, the index's longest winning streak since 2023, as investors look through the uncertainty of the ongoing war in Iran.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average hit a fresh intraday high record high since the start of the Iran war. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite was trading near record highs.

There was a clear good news driver of Friday's gains, rather it seemed the absence of bad news on Iran and investors' hope that a peace deal is coming shortly.

Trump said in a Truth Social post that he won't be attending his son's wedding due to "circumstances pertaining to Government."

The post came after reports that Pakistan's field marshal Asim Munir, a top military commander, is in Tehran working to broker a US-Iran deal.

Iranian state media reports denied that there were talks to end the war on Thursday.

Trump told reporters that the US was in the "final stages of Iran" on Wednesday.

Here's where major indexes stood at the 4:00 p.m. ET closing bell:

• S&P 500: 7,473.47, up 0.37%
• Dow Jones Industrial Average: 50,579.70, up 0.58% (+294.04 points)

Nasdaq Composite: 26,343.97, up 0.19%

Despite stocks gaining, oil prices were higher, signaling that markets expect the war in Iran and the impact on the oil market to persist, which would be expect to translate to equity losses.

Brent oil was up roughly 1.3% to $103.9, while WTI oil rose less than 0.5% to $96.80.

The 10-year bond yield fell to 4.56% on Friday, after surging earlier in the week. The 10-year yield sits above the 4.5% threshold that experts have warned will be a drag on equities.

The 30-year bond hit its highest point since 2007 earlier in the week as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East drove inflation worries.

This spike in bond yield resulted in rising odds that the Federal Reserve could hike interest rates, a major shift from the two to three cuts expected at the start of 2026.

With the release of its new Lifestyle Audio Collection, Bose is recommitting to wireless home audio in a big way. And the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker is a versatile piece of the puzzle. This powerful smart speaker can be used for listening to music, solo or in a stereo pair. It can also be used as a rear speaker in a home theater setup with Bose's new Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar. Even if you start with just one, you can always add more speakers later on, letting you build a multi-room setup over time.

For over a decade, I've covered Bose, Sonos, and other wireless speaker companies, so I know exactly what sets the best smart speakers apart. At $299, it's clear that Bose is positioning the Lifestyle Ultra as a competitor to the Sonos Era 100, which typically sells for $220. The Era 100 is a similar device, but the Lifestyle Ultra offers a few benefits — and drawbacks — that make it unique.

Whether judged on its own or against the competition, the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker is a compelling smart speaker. Its upfiring audio driver lifts sound throughout the room, offering a vibrant, wide soundstage, and it's one of the first third-party speakers to support Amazon's souped-up Alexa+ digital assistant. After spending some quality time with the Lifestyle Ultra, here's how it performs and who it's best for.

What the Lifestyle Ultra Speaker can do, and can't do

From the "Lifestyle" name to the knit fabric on the front, the Ultra Speaker is clearly designed to settle into most homes' decor without a lot of disruption. It comes in white or black at the entry price of $299. For $50 more ($349), you can get the Driftwood Sand color, which includes a solid white oak base.

The top of the speaker features touch controls that can be swiped or pressed. But it's the punctured grille at the top, which hides the speaker's upfiring driver, that draws most of the attention. This driver beams sound upward, so it bounces off your ceiling, creating a sense of added height. There's also a forward-facing woofer and tweeter, along with Bose's QuietBass ported design visible on the back.

Interestingly, despite having an upfiring driver, the Ultra Speaker doesn't support Dolby Atmos music. Dolby Atmos is a popular audio format designed to take advantage of upfiring speakers. When a song is mastered in Dolby Atmos, sound mixers can deliberately place certain instruments and vocals overhead. But instead of Atmos, Bose uses its own TrueSpatial audio processing to give the songs you play a bigger, more immersive sound. It's an interesting choice that has its pros and cons.

The speaker's wireless connectivity is abundant, featuring Bluetooth 5.3 for general streaming and WiFi for Apple AirPlay and Spotify Connect. And for those who prefer wired playback, there's a 3.5mm jack on the back for plugging in a media player or record player — no USB-C adapter required. If you're into voice commands, the Ultra Speaker supports Alexa and the newer Alexa+ for hands-free operation of music or your entire smart home.

The Bose app is solid, but I ran into issues with stereo pairing

For all the similarities between Bose's new Lifestyle Collection and Sonos, one clear philosophical difference lies in the mobile app. Sonos integrates different streaming services into its own app, while Bose doesn't.

Bose's chosen method for streaming music to its Ultra Speaker is to rely on casting directly from individual music services. For Apple Music, that means using AirPlay. For Spotify, that means using Spotify Connect. For others, that may mean Google Cast. As a universal fallback when you don't have a WiFi connection, you can use Bluetooth to stream audio from any app, but casting will offer the best sound quality.

While the Bose mobile app looks simple and isn't overly complicated to use, I did encounter several bugs. Most notably, stereo pairing two Ultra Speakers hasn't worked. The app says they're connected, but either only one side plays or there's a five-second delay between the left and right sides. However, when I used two separate Ultra Speakers and just grouped them using Apple's AirPlay menu, both played in sync.

I reached out to Bose about my issues, but so far, none of the proposed solutions have worked. To be clear, my time with the speaker has included pre-release testing, so I expect updates of some kind, but the software and connectivity have definitely been wonky.

It's also worth noting that the app can be used to pair two Ultra Speakers to Bose's new Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar. This allows the speakers to act as rear satellites to create a full surround sound system. I haven't been able to test this feature yet, but I plan to try it out soon and will update this review with impressions once I do.

Sound quality is excellent with room-filling audio

Simply put, the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker sounds great. Its three drivers and ported design deliver a wide soundstage with breathy bass in low frequencies and room-filling volume at its upper levels.

To get a sense for how the Ultra Speaker stacks up to rivals, I listened to it head-to-head with the Sonos Era 100. But despite their visual similarities, comparing these Bose and Sonos speakers is a little like comparing apples and oranges. They're designed differently and produce distinct sound profiles, and each has its pros and cons.

The ported design of the Ultra Speaker delivers deeper, breathier bass compared to the tighter, punchier Era 100. Additionally, because of its top-upfiring driver (which the Era 100 lacks), the Ultra Speaker offers a bit more separation and a wider soundstage.

Going back and forth between the two speakers during the same songs was a challenge because of the difference in power and dynamics. Setting the Era 100 to 50% was much louder than the Ultra Speaker at the same volume.

That's one reason it's hard to pick a favorite. So far, the Era 100 is a more established product with what a lot of people will probably think of as a more straightforward bookshelf speaker sound profile. But the Ultra Speaker is fun and, with certain songs, highly impressive with its low-frequency resonance.

The Ultra Speaker also makes use of Bose's proprietary TrueSpatial technology, but I found this feature to be a little uneven. TrueSpatial tech expands the soundstage of all music sources in order to take advantage of the Ultra Speaker's upfiring driver. So, Bose's processing makes all the decisions about how to separate the audio and send it to that upfiring driver. In practice, this mostly just gave the speaker a larger sound, which isn't a bad thing.

Room placement and size also play a big role in how well the speaker's TrueSpatial effect works. The best use of the speaker will be in a room with a low, average-sized ceiling so the sound can properly bounce off it. When I used the Ultra Speaker in a room with a 30-foot high ceiling, I didn't get the same height effect as when I used it in a bedroom.

While TrueSpatial has its benefits, it's disappointing that the Lifestyle Ultra doesn't support Dolby Atmos music processing. Atmos processing would only apply when listening to music mastered in Dolby Atmos through services like Apple, but it would provide a more authentic experience. When a track is mixed natively in Dolby Atmos, it's the artists and music engineers who decide what parts of a song get sent to the upfiring driver. Most speakers with upfiring drivers (like the more expensive Sonos Era 300) support Atmos, so it's a bit odd that Bose hasn't included it here.

It's also important to remember that the speaker's audio performance will be affected by the quality of the source it's fed. Since an Ultra Speaker gets its music from whatever app you're currently casting, that app also determines the quality.

For example, some Pandora tiers default to 64kbps, which is low-quality. Spotify uses 96 to 160kbps, unless you're a Premium subscriber and choose a higher bitrate or lossless streaming. Services like Apple Music also offer lossless streaming, which delivers the best audio quality. Streaming lower-quality music will affect how songs from different services sound.

I also connected my record player and listened to a few songs through the Lifestyle Ultra. It's definitely a viable use for the speaker, and with its versatile streaming and smart features, it could save people a lot of space on their media console by consolidating multiple devices into a single speaker.

Bose is the first third-party brand to support Alexa+

The Bose Lifestyle Ultra is one of the first third-party smart speakers to support Alexa+, which is Amazon's new AI-enhanced version of Alexa. Alexa+ is also available on the latest Echo speakers, but Bose is the only brand outside Amazon to offer it so far.

This upgraded digital assistant uses generative AI to support more natural conversations and respond to more sophisticated requests. As a result, users can carry on longer, more detailed interactions and combine several tasks in a single exchange, without repeatedly using the "Alexa" wake word. Alexa+ is free for Prime members, but it costs $20 a month if you don't have Prime.

After linking my Amazon account with the Lifestyle Ultra, Alexa+ worked great, just as it has on any Echo speaker I've tested. I haven't used it in every circumstance or gone heavy on it, but in my initial tests, Alexa+ responded very fast and seemed to understand nearly everything I said.

One interesting perk with Alexa support is that you can connect Apple Music, Spotify, and other streaming music services to your Alexa account and have them play via voice command. I have my Apple Music account connected and was able to ask it to play a recently made playlist.

Should you buy the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker?

At its core, the Bose Lifestyle Ultra is a very good wireless home speaker. The company has seemingly taken lessons from the wider smart speaker market and crafted a compelling product that delivers room-filling music and helpful Alexa+ smarts. Ultimately, consumers should be the winners here as they can stream the music and audio they want, without being overencumbered by lock-in platforms.

But while the Ultra Speaker is a good starting point for a Bose whole-home audio system, it has its quirks at launch. I spent my time with the speaker pre-release, so I expect the connection issues I ran into to be ironed out, but they did put a slight damper on my experience so far.

Still, the speaker excels where it matters most, offering great sound quality and plenty of connection options. I'm also excited to test a pair with the new Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar to see how well they work together. I'll be updating this review with thoughts on the Ultra Speaker's home theater performance in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for more impressions.

It's a long weekend, which means that it's the perfect time to catch up on new TV shows and movies (or go outside, if you're into that). We've scoured the latest releases to round up the seven best films and TV shows worth streaming the weekend of May 22, 2026.

This week, Stephen Colbert took his final bow with "The Late Show," and the last episode is now available to stream on demand. "Rick and Morty" and "The Chi" are among the shows to release new seasons, and "The Boroughs" and "Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed" are some of the best totally new series that premiered this week. There are also a few new movie options that have hit streaming services, including the latest adventure for "Jack Ryan" and a special "Kill Bill" double-header.

7: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

It's the end of a late-night era. "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" (and "The Late Show" as a whole) came to an end on Thursday night. The last episode features some final laughs and special appearances, capping off Colbert's tenure as host. While some clips can be found on YouTube, the full episode is now streaming on Paramount Plus.

6: Rick and Morty

"Rick and Morty" returns for a ninth season this weekend, and it's shaping up to be another kooky outing for the adult animated sci-fi series. The show follows a mad scientist and his grandson as they embark on various misadventures. You can live stream the show on Adult Swim/Cartoon Network through DirecTV MyEntertainment or Sling TV Blue on Sundays, or start streaming new episodes on HBO Max mid-June.

5: The Chi

Showtime's long-running series, "The Chi," returns for one final season. The series, created by Lena Waithe, follows a group of characters living on the South Side of Chicago. The eighth season will wrap up the stories of their intertwined lives and mark an end for Showtime's longest-running current series. New episodes drop on Fridays on Paramount Plus Premium.

4: Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan: Ghost War

Jack Ryan's time on TV might have come to an end a few years ago, but he'll set out on (at least) one more mission in "Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan: Ghost War." John Krasinski returns as the titular character, attempting to lead a normal civilian life, but he's pulled back into the CIA fold. The film is streaming on Prime Video.

3: Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair

No, there's not a new "Kill Bill," but there is a fresh version of the iconic films. "Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair" puts the two movies back-to-back as they were originally conceived and adds new footage that didn't make the original releases. The final version of the Uma Thurman-helmed double-feature is over four hours long, and you can stream the full feature on Peacock.

2: The Boroughs

"The Boroughs" is produced by the Duffer Brothers, the duo behind "Stranger Things," and once again pumps supernatural stakes into a neighborhood. But rather than focusing on tweens and teens, the new series follows the members of a retirement community who begin to realize that everything is not as it seems. The series features a star-studded cast, including Alfred Molina, Alfre Woodard, Denis O'Hare, and Geena Davis, among others. All episodes are streaming on Netflix.

1: Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed

Tatiana Maslany, who pulled Emmy Award-winning double (or, septendecuple) duty on "Orphan Black," returns to TV after her "She Hulk" stint. She swaps clone wigs and green fists for a darkly comic thriller, portraying a newly divorced woman who believes she's witnessed a crime, which sends her down a wild rabbit hole. The first two episodes are now streaming on Apple TV.

Also streaming

Our main recommendations typically highlight new TV shows, season premieres, notable finales, stand-up comedy specials, and recent films newly available on streaming. However, there are several excellent ongoing shows that are dropping new episodes, which we've rounded up below:

• "The Boys" (series finale now streaming on Prime Video)

• "Survivor" Season 50 (season finale now streaming on Paramount Plus)
• "Dutton Ranch" (new episodes Fridays on Paramount Plus)

• "Widow's Bay" (new episodes Wednesdays on Apple TV)
• "Hacks" Season 5 (new episodes Thursdays on HBO Max)
• "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars" Season 11 (new episodes Fridays on Paramount Plus)
• "Euphoria" Season 3 (new episodes Sundays on HBO Max)

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

• There are 12 officially released feature-length "Star Wars" movies so far.
• "The Mandalorian and Grogu" is the latest movie in the franchise.
• Find out which title our correspondent dubs the greatest Star Wars movie in the franchise.

The Star Wars universe is expanding, with a new installment in the franchise, "The Mandalorian and Grogu," premiering May 22 with a 63% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes as of publication.

But where does the movie stack up among every other Star Wars feature film? Here's how our entertainment correspondent Jason Guerrasio ranked them all.

12. "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" (2019)

"The Rise of Skywalker" finally answers some key questions raised by "The Force Awakens," but at what cost? Unfortunately, the movie feels more like a device to address fan concerns than a well-crafted story.

Sure, the visuals are stunning and some of the performances — especially Adam Driver as Kylo Ren — are top-notch. But it often feels like paint-by-numbers storytelling.

In the past, this movie had been higher up on the list, but "The Rise of Skywalker" hasn't aged well.

11. "Solo: A Star Wars Story" (2018)

Ron Howard's look at a young and idealistic Han Solo (played respectably by Alden Ehrenreich) is a real mixed bag of great action, questionable plot points, and a conclusion that seems to go on forever. At times, the movie tries to play too cute with its forced jokes, and there are some moments that are groan-worthy — like the reveal of how Han got his last name and that cameo at the end.

However, Donald Glover playing Lando Calrissian is a major highlight (in fact, the whole section of the movie where he's involved is the best part) and this chapter of the franchise is one of the most beautifully shot.

Still, at the end of the day, "Solo" is one of the most forgettable "Star Wars" movie of the Disney era. 

10. "The Mandalorian and Grogu" (2026)

In the midst of the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes, Disney decided it was time for Mando to hit the big screen. Instead of going forward with a fourth season of "The Mandalorian," show creator Jon Favreau pivoted to helming the first feature-length "Star Wars" movie since "The Rise of Skywalker."

A lot has happened in the seven years since "The Rise of Skywalker" — namely, that "Star Wars" fans have become more accustomed to seeing the franchise on the small screen. That's the biggest flaw in this feature telling of "The Mandalorian."

While the stakes are high as Mando (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu set out to track down Jabba the Hut's son, Rotta (voiced by Jeremy Allen White), the payoff isn't nearly as cinematic. Even "Solo" had a bigger scope and feel.

9. "The Phantom Menace" (1999)

George Lucas has said from the beginning that "Star Wars" was made for kids, and he took that to heart when he unveiled "Episode I: The Phantom Menace," 16 years after finishing the groundbreaking original trilogy. The movie introduces viewers to Anakin at the age of 9, as he's deemed by Qui-Gon Jinn as the "chosen one" who will bring balance to the Force.

While the first prequel features a lot of tame action, the best part of the movie is its villain, Darth Maul, who has a thrilling duel with the Jedi at the end of the movie. It's one of the only goosebump moments in the whole movie — and sadly, you have to wait over an hour to get to it.

Despite its flaws, and giving the world Jar Jar Binks, "The Phantom Menace" has grown on me more since having kids and watching them enjoy it. Yep, George was right all along.

8. "Attack of the Clones" (2002)

There's a lot to enjoy about the second episode in the prequels — mainly, how Ewan McGregor has fit into the Obi-Wan Kenobi role. The movie focuses heavily on his storyline as he encounters Jango and Boba Fett as well as Count Dooku. From a nostalgic standpoint, the last third of the movie brings to life dreams you've had for decades, as Lucas gives us the start of the Clone Wars as well as Yoda in a lightsaber battle.

7. "Revenge of the Sith" (2005)

The conclusion of the prequel trilogy is one of the saga's darkest. A grown Anakin is seduced by the dark side of the Force and wipes out the Jedi, including the younglings (!). Padmé dies, but not before giving birth to their twins, Luke and Leia.

The most agonizing part of this movie to sit through is Hayden Christensen's performance as Skywalker. While conflicted with the dark side, he seems more like a sniveling 20-something than a disillusioned "chosen one." We can only partly blame Christensen: Lucas was never big on giving actors instructions, which proved to be costly here.

We won't get a good depiction of the seductive agony of defecting to the dark side until Adam Driver comes along to play Kylo Ren in "The Force Awakens."

On the bright side, "Revenge of the Sith" features another excellent performance by McGregor as Kenobi, and the duel at the end of the movie between Skywalker and Kenobi is worth the wait.

6. "Return of the Jedi" (1983)

The final film in the original trilogy accomplishes what it needed to, closing the chapter by answering many of the questions that were floating around for years.

Looking back on the movie as a standalone, however, it doesn't have the lasting impact "Episode IV" and "Episode V" had in tone and storytelling.

5. "The Force Awakens" (2015)

"Episode VII" of the saga is a wonderful combination of old and new, celebrating the legacy of the franchise while laying the foundation for the new cast. Director J.J. Abrams cleverly capitalizes on nostalgia for the older "Star Wars" movies — all the more reason you must sympathize with Lucas, who had to come up with heavily original storylines for the prequels.

4. "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" (2016)

"Rogue One" introduces fascinating new characters, and the story cleverly answers the question, "What happened before Darth Vader boarded Princess Leia's ship in the beginning of 'A New Hope'?" It scores major points for its originality within a franchise that sometimes feels like it has no new ideas.

The beautiful thing about this movie is how it grows more and more appreciated as the years pass. Director Gareth Edwards had to power through a slew of reshoots, but the end result is a movie that is quickly becoming one of the most beloved and cherished in the franchise.

3. "The Last Jedi" (2017)

Director Rian Johnson pulled off an almost impossible task by bringing an original spin to the "Star Wars" saga. His attention to the nuances of the franchise, as well as his deep dive into the Jedi mythology, leads to an emotionally charged movie with many shocking moments (and laughs).

Despised by some and applauded by others, regardless of where you fall, on the spectrum, you have to respect this movie.

2. "A New Hope" (1977)

The one that started it all. There's no denying the greatness of the original "Star Wars" movie. Lucas did things visually, and with an original score, that changed not only the sci-fi genre but the idea of a blockbuster itself. Though we love and worship this franchise because of what was accomplished in "Empire Strikes Back," if it weren't for "A New Hope," the franchise wouldn't be what it is today.

1. "The Empire Strikes Back" (1980)

Stepping aside and letting director Irvin Kershner and screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan take the reins of the sequel to "Star Wars" was the smartest decision Lucas ever made. The fresh sets of eyes allowed the story to expand beyond a typical tale of good versus evil and into a dark, multi-layered story.

Opening the movie with Luke being attacked by a wampa, followed by the Rebels being smoked out of their secret base by the Empire, showed that all bets were off — anything can and does happen in this movie. The reveal of Darth Vader as Luke's father is still one of the greatest twists in movie history. But as the years go by, it's the shot of Han Solo frozen in carbonite that still gets me.

• Millennial fashion darling Everlane was acquired by fast-fashion giant Shein.
• The news surprised loyal customers focused on Everlane's ethical consumption and quality.
• It's just one more nail in the coffin for millennial brands.

When Alex Collins, 35, heard that fast-fashion giant Shein reportedly bought sustainability darling Everlane, she thought it was a late April Fool's joke.

Collins, a Midwest-based lawyer, has been buying Everlane — a quintessential millennial brand — for over a decade. She recently ordered a haul for a trip to Europe, and is a fan of their jackets, pants, and minimalist aesthetic. To her, Shein — which has been dinged for its working conditions and environmental impact — is a very different beast.

"I've never had a good impression of them," Collins told Business Insider on Monday after Puck News first reported the sale. On Friday, the news became official. In a statement to Business Insider, Alfred Chang, Everlane's CEO, said that the company had reached an acquisition agreement with Shein.

"Everlane will remain an independent brand, staying true to our longstanding brand values, sustainability commitments, and exceptional quality," said Chang. "We are entering this next phase with expanded global reach, new capabilities, and greater opportunities to bring our mission and products to more customers around the world."

Current employees told Business Insider that they learned of the initial news via social media and received no information about the sale until Friday's confirmation. An internal memo seen by Business Insider said that Chang and the leadership team will remain intact and that "this past week has been a hard one."

Millennial brands like Everlane, characterized by worker- and environmental-friendly practices and a direct-to-consumer model, have faced a reckoning. Lower prices and trendy values have been subsumed by brands' long-term business needs, forcing them to raise prices when venture capital runs out or to pivot to AI when times get tough.

Silvia Bellezza, an associate professor of marketing at the Columbia Business School, teaches a course on sustainability and business that uses Everlane as the opening case.

"This was like the darling of the direct-to-consumer business model," she said. "It's sad because it means that it's very difficult for brands to really try to put together fashion at reasonable price levels and sustainably."

As of 2022, Everlane had taken on $90 million in debt — reportedly one of the reasons the brand was looking for a sale. The sale will also offer an interesting new branding opportunity for Shein.

For "Everlane, the target market perhaps is a little older than Shein, which is typically more like teenagers or consumers in their early 20s," Bellezza said. "I don't know. I find it puzzling a little bit. It'd be interesting to see if it is to kind of greenwash their name."

The end of a millennial-coded sustainable fashion era

On Monday, the tranquil glass box of the Everlane store in downtown Manhattan felt far from the news of a sale. Ambiance-setting candles flickered by registers, and minimalist shelves still boasted cotton and linen apparel. A store associate said they learned about the news of the sale with the rest of the world.

Olivia Lobo, a stay-at-home mother and Gen Z/millennial cusper in Florida, is grappling with what she sees as the loss of her staple brand.

"I care a lot about ethical consumption and the environmental and social impacts of my purchases, but I'm also on a limited budget," she said.

Lobo, who considers herself a thoughtful consumer, usually ponders most purchases for months and researches clothing companies before pulling the trigger. She loved Everlane because of its ethics and price point. Now, though, she said she won't be purchasing from them. Instead, she'll spend more time scouring online resale groups, rather than fast-fashion-filled thrift stores, for higher-quality pieces.

"I don't love how much time it takes to find items that work for me this way, or the environmental impacts of the shipping involved, but it's starting to feel like the only way I can realistically get good quality, non-toxic clothes within my budget," Lobo said.

Darcy, a retiree who's been shopping at Everlane for the past three or four years, had just bought a couple of tops. She learned about the store through her adult children and enjoys the quality and price of the clothing. She hadn't heard about the sale; she said she would keep an eye on the brand and that the sale might affect her willingness to shop there. She joked that she was glad she bought her shirts that day.

"I should have bought them yesterday!" Darcy said.

Julia Kupiec, a Xillennial lawyer and artist, said she'd been shopping at the store since around the pandemic. She's a big fan of their t-shirts and chinos, and thinks that their basics are well-priced. As an embroiderer, she's always on the hunt for pieces she can embellish, and Everlane can be a good fit for that. Kupiec had not heard news of the sale and said it made her not want to shop the brand anymore.

"I would also be very on the alert for their quality going down," Kupiec said. "I feel like usually when companies like this merge, their quality goes into the toilet."

Farah Naguib, a Gen Z shopper, was admiring some of the brand's flats and loafers in the store with her sister. She thought the quality of the shoes seemed nice and liked the shirts she saw. She also hadn't heard news of the sale; when I informed the sister duo of the sale, they asked if the brand had been offloaded to private equity. At the news that it was reportedly Shein, they gasped.

"I work in climate sustainability," Naguib said. "I don't like fast fashion, which is also why I don't buy a lot of things. Oh my gosh, that's so sad."