• Moderna stock surged 177% on Wednesday on news of a successful late-stage cancer-drug trial.
• The drugmaker is developing a personalized mRNA vaccine with Merck that targets melanoma.
• Moderna has been looking for its next blockbuster drug after a wildly successful COVID era.

After making its name as a vaccine-maker during the COVID era, Moderna has been looking for its second act as a major drug developer. Investors seem to think it's landed on something.

Moderna stock surged 177% to $174.38 on Wednesday after reporting successful results in a late-stage trial for a melanoma drug, in partnership with Merck.

"These Phase 3 findings represent a pivotal moment for the field of cancer research," Stéphane Bancel, CEO of Moderna, said in a press release on Wednesday. "For many years, the idea of creating an mRNA treatment designed specifically for an individual patient's cancer was aspirational. We are now helping turn that vision into a reality."

The vaccine's effectiveness is in reducing the recurrence of melanoma and is given alongside Keytruda, an immunotherapy drug from Merck.

The jump in Moderna's stock price comes after a difficult five-year stretch following COVID-era heights. Even after the triple-figure surge on Wednesday, shares are still down roughly two-thirds from a peak of $484 reached in August 2021.

Still, Wednesday's gain brings the company's year-to-date gain to 445%. Things are moving in the right direction for the vaccine giant.

Google's newest line of smartphones is here, and though they bring a fresh generation of design durability, a case is always a worthwhile investment. Whether you're commuting to work, sitting at home, or engaging in extreme sports, it only takes one drop to irreparably damage the camera lens or aluminum frame. To help keep your new device safe, I've gathered the best Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro cases below.

Thanks to their identical measurements, many cases designed for one will fit the other. That said, you should always double-check the product listings and your phone to make sure that you get a case intended for your model. While OtterBox's highly protective models work for both the base and Pro models, other brands like Spigen may not. I've divided the recommendations below into sections to help make browsing easier.

The best Google Pixel 11 Pro cases

• See more cases: Amazon | Dbrand | OtterBox

The best Google Pixel 11 cases

• See more cases: Amazon | Dbrand | OtterBox
• Order the Google Pixel 11 and Google Pixel Watch 5 now.

What is the best Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro case?

All of the cases I've highlighted above are worthwhile investments for the right kind of user, but different Pixel owners will definitely have different needs. Especially clumsy owners should really consider investing in the top-tier protection of an OtterBox Defender Pro or Commuter case; tight budgeted shoppers can instead look into the cheap yet reliable cases from Fntcase.

If you're stuck in the middle, I always recommend Spigen's cases (particularly the Tough Armor Case or Ultra Hybrid Clear Case) for striking the ideal balance between quality and affordability for most users.

Will Pixel 11 Pro XL cases fit the Pixel 11 Pro?

As the name suggests, the Pixel 11 Pro XL is larger than the Pixel 11 Pro. Because of that, cases designed for the former won't fit the latter, and vice versa.

If you're shopping for the larger device, I recommend checking out my guide to the best Pixel 11 Pro XL cases instead.

Will Pixel 10 cases fit the Pixel 11?

On paper, the Pixel 10 and Pixel 11 have the same dimensions, but unfortunately, cases designed for one will not fit the other. There are slight differences in the camera bar and button placements, so putting a case designed for a 10 on an 11 could block the lens or create awkward gaps.

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Peacock and Apple TV are the latest streaming services to get in on bundling. Streaming fans can bundle Peacock and Apple TV under one price, which is significantly cheaper than paying for the two services separately each month.

There are two Apple TV and Peacock bundle options, and the only difference is which tier of Peacock you're signing up for (since Apple TV only offers one monthly plan). The standard bundle combines Peacock Premium, which carries ad-supported programming across the full Peacock on-demand library, and Apple TV. This tier also has select Peacock sports live streaming. The Apple TV bundle that includes Peacock Premium Plus offers ad-free on-demand streaming, sports live streaming, and a 24/7 live stream of your local NBC station. All plans include ad-free on-demand programming from Apple TV and applicable Apple sports streaming options.

• Explore the Peacock and Apple TV bundle options

Both apps have always had a stellar slate of original content, making the cut in our guide to the best streaming services. Peacock's massive back catalog of NBC and Bravo shows is particularly impressive. Apple TV and Peacock have become increasingly major players in the sports streaming scene, taking the apps from nice-to-haves to must-haves for sports fans. Peacock streams the Olympics, Sunday Night Football, Premier League soccer, and several other sporting events, but it recently upped its game by nabbing the rights to several NBA games (including some that won't air on NBC). Apple TV has found similar success with Friday Night MLB games and MLS matches, and it has continued to become a pivotal sports streamer with its acquisition of Formula 1 broadcast rights, which kicked off in 2026.

The bundles cost $15 a month (Premium) or $20 a month (Premium Plus), which is 39% to 42% less than what you'd pay for the two services each month when subscribed separately. Apple TV normally costs $13 a month, and Peacock costs $13 a month for Premium or $20 a month for Premium Plus following a recent price hike. Keep reading to learn more about the bundles, including how to sign up.

FAQ

How do you sign up for the Apple TV and Peacock bundle?

You can sign up for the Apple TV and Peacock bundle directly through the Peacock or Apple TV websites. You'll be billed by whichever service you decide to sign up through.

Is there a free trial of the Apple TV and Peacock bundle?

There is no free trial for the Apple TV and Peacock bundle. Apple TV offers a seven-day free trial for new customers, but this only applies to a stand-alone Apple TV subscription. Once you sign up for the bundle, your payment method will be charged immediately.

Can existing subscribers get the bundle?

Existing subscribers should be able to upgrade to the bundle through their current streaming subscription. We've tested this through the Peacock app, although we've been unable to find this option through the Apple TV app so far. If you're subscribed to both services separately already and hoping to bundle, you'll most likely need to cancel one account and then upgrade to the bundle through the other service.

Can you watch content from one app through the other?

The two services remain separate apps, and you'll need to use each app to watch the majority of its exclusive content. However, when the bundle initially launched, each streaming service carried up to three episodes of select shows typically found on the other streaming service. This crossover has since been phased out.

What other shows are on Peacock and Apple TV?

As we mentioned above, both streaming services are known for their wealth of original television series. Peacock is the home of Love Island USA, The Traitors (US), Poker Face, Based on a True Story, Dr. Death, The Burbs, All Her Fault, and Long Bright River, among other programs.

Apple TV is perhaps best known for its science fiction shows. In addition to the aforementioned Silo and Foundation, the streamer is behind TV hits like For All Mankind, Severance, Invasion, and Pluribus (from Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan). Apple has also made a significant dent in the comedy scene, featuring series like The Studio, Platonic, Widow's Bay, and Ted Lasso.

Are there other streaming bundles?

The Apple TV and Peacock bundle is just the latest streaming bundling opportunity. The Disney Plus bundles are some of the most popular bundle options on the market, as they combine Disney Plus and Hulu for more than 40% off, with the possibility of adding HBO Max or one of the ESPN plans. ESPN Unlimited is also available to bundle with FOX One or NFL Plus Premium. You can find a full rundown of all of your options in our guide to the best streaming deals and bundles.

• Jason Kelce's viral ad pokes fun at data center water usage and tells people to "pee on computers."
• The ad ends with a chorus of supposed pee-ers handing over yellowish jars to a post office worker.
• USPS rules say most people aren't allowed to mail their urine.

Former NFLer Jason Kelce is jokingly telling people to send their urine to data centers over the mail.

USPS rules say most people should just flush.

On Tuesday, Kelce, the co-owner of Garage Beer, starred in a now-viral ad campaign featuring the canned water brand Liquid Death. After standing next to a toilet, he turns to the camera, revealing a glass jar containing a (concerningly) dark yellowish liquid.

"AI data centers waste millions of gallons of water," he says, before launching into a song with lyrics like, "Let's pee on computers together."

The ad ends with a chorus of supposed pee-ers at the "Post Office," complete with an American flag, handing over jars of their "data center coolant" to a postal worker. (Those jars are now available for $18 on Liquid Death's site, with a description that reads, "Mailing your pee to AI data centers has never been easier with these limited edition resealable jars.")

"The suits want us to tell you to please don't actually send your pee," small print at the bottom of the ad says.

That's probably good advice.

USPS rules do, in fact, allow some urine to travel through the mail. Human "excreta" sent for certain routine tests — such as drug or alcohol testing — can qualify as an "exempt human specimen." The mailing service requires those samples to be carefully packaged, including in leakproof containers with absorbent material and rigid outer packaging.

A mason jar of pee destined for a data center is another matter. The exemption applies to specimens being transported for routine testing, not bodily fluids being mailed as a prank or as an unconventional computer-cooling system.

USPS rules also say nonhazardous liquids must be properly packaged, and that anything producing an "obnoxious odor" is nonmailable.

USPS declined to comment on this story.

Data center back(sp)lash goes viral

Garage Beer previously told Business Insider that the campaign was designed to tap into an area of common agreement.

"There are many things that Americans can't agree on, but opposition to AI data centers is the one thing almost everyone can agree upon across the political and cultural spectrum," Andy Pearson, Liquid Death's vice president of creative, said.

Opposition to data centers has become a potent issue across the political spectrum, with communities raising concerns about their water use, power demand, and impact on local infrastructure. That backlash has continued, even as the AI industry argues that developers have responded to criticism by improving water efficiency, investing in communities, and trying to reduce their strain on electric grids.

Drew Pusateri, a communications officer at OpenAI, highlighted that tension Tuesday in a post on X featuring an image of Kelce holding his jar of supposed urine.

But the ad and its online virality point to a long road ahead for AI labs on the public-persuasion front.

• Kristi Hemric began decorating her Manhattan stoop after scaffolding covered her townhouse.
• Her changing displays have featured Lego, the Knicks, flowers, and interactive installations.
• She says the project unexpectedly created connections throughout her neighborhood.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Kristi Hemric. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I had always dreamed of buying a townhouse in Manhattan, and when I did, I knew I had to decorate my stoop. I'm from Dallas, and everyone decorates the front of their houses for every single holiday.

But soon after moving in, the building next door had work being done, and scaffolding had gone up and crossed onto my property line, covering my skinny townhouse.

Instead of complaining about it, I decided to make it as pretty as I could — less ugly — with pink flowers. I thought my neighbors wouldn't like it, but they loved an injection of color through the sunless months of January, February, and March.

This was the start of my stoop creations. Three years later, I'm still decorating my stoop, and the themes have attracted a lot of attention — both organically, with people passing by, and through social media.

I decide last-minute what to do next

As a creative, my theme turnover isn't well organized. After the pink flowers, I decided lemons would make a great summer theme. When the Knicks started winning, we decorated with basketballs, and as the World Cup started, we strung up country flags and soccer balls.

The decision about what to do next and when to do it is often made at the last minute, but I like it this way. It means that it doesn't feel like work — that it is purely creative fun. It's easy to get stuck in our day-to-day jobs, and learning something new — for me, working with flowers — is a way to switch off for a bit.

My husband (the organized one) and I (the creative one) work as a team, and my four kids, ages 6 and under, like to help too.

We have storage units in the Bronx where we store used items so we can recycle decorations for future themes. We don't buy anything that we can only use once. If we can't buy it, we make it ourselves.

In the past three years, we've given away decorations too — to the restaurants down the street and the hair studio nearby.

Someone proposed on our stoop

One Mother's Day, we had used real flowers — something we don't typically do because they don't weather well — and when it was time to take them down, we gave them away to children to give to their moms. They'd tell me the color their mom loved most, and we'd find a flower of that color.

One of my favorite stoops was our first Lego theme — we built every single Lego botanical flower. A guy who had planned a date around Lego asked if he could propose to his fiancé on our stoop. They ended up inviting us to dinner and to their wedding.

For a later Lego-themed stoop, a local boys' school sent some of their 8^th graders to help build the sets. The parents messaged us to say how amazing it was that the boys were away from screens.

When we decorated with a Knicks theme, the whole city was enamored, and people kept passing by our house in jerseys to take pictures. That was a magical month.

Who would have thought that my stoop — initially just to beautify scaffolding — would have brought community cohesion and joy?

• Demand for "Dune: Part 3" tickets overwhelmed AMC's ticketing systems on Tuesday.
• AMC CEO Adam Aron said its IT department was instructed to "take whatever steps are needed."
• "We thought we were ready, but we weren't," Aron said on X.

Some fans of the "Dune" franchise had to duke it out like Paul Atreides to snag tickets during AMC's latest ticket launch.

In an X post, AMC CEO Adam Aron said high demand for "Dune: Part Three" temporarily slowed or "glitched" its online ticketing system on Tuesday.

"Ticketing traffic across AMC's website and mobile app reached levels approximately three times higher than what we experienced during the Spider-Man: Brand New Day ticket launch, which itself followed strong advance sales for The Odyssey ticket launch before that," Aron said.

Aron said the ticket issues plaguing customers were "intolerable and inexcusable."

"There was much discussion internally ahead of and preparing for the Dune 3 launch. We thought we were ready, but we weren't," he said.

In response, Aron said AMC has instructed its IT team to "move at a whirlwind speed to take whatever steps are needed so that our ticketing systems are — in all situations and in all quantities —again top shelf."

AMC initially released a small batch of tickets for "Dune: Part Three" in April, which quickly sold out, disappointing many fans. Tuesday marked AMC's second ticket drop for coveted IMAX 70mm screenings and other premium large formats.

AMC experienced similar fan hysteria earlier this year for "The Odyssey," which debuted in theaters this July and also had a staggered ticket release. Fans of the Greek epic rushed online ticket drops, causing platform crashes, while resellers hawked tickets for as much as $600.

Now "Dune: Part Three" is whipping up similar hype among fans, some of whom camped outside theaters on Tuesday. Business Insider's Juliana Kaplan reported that fans began forming a line at New York City's AMC Lincoln Square 13 around midnight, and the queue stretched around the block. The Lincoln Square theater is home to the largest IMAX in the country and shows films in 70mm, making it one of the most in-demand theater experiences of the summer.

Some of those waiting in line for "Dune: Part Three" were likely resellers. Tickets almost immediately landed on eBay, where they were going for outrageous prices. One listing on Wednesday morning was selling IMAX 70MM tickets for $600.

Ticket resellers are major players in the entertainment and events industries, despite pushback from artists, studios, and the US government. They've caused ticketing drama for high-profile events like the 2026 World Cup and concerts for Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour."

Timothée Chalamet is reprising his role as Atreides in "Dune: Part Three," which explores the consequences of his reign after he took power of the empire. Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Robert Pattinson, Jason Momoa, Javier Bardem, and Anya Taylor-Joy are among its star-studded cast.

The QM6K is TCL's most affordable Mini LED TV, and it delivers a significant performance jump over most budget TVs. This set boasts impressive contrast control for the money, as well as a high refresh rate for gamers.

The QM6K launched in 2025, but TCL has carried it over to 2026, and it remains a highly competitive option in this tier. The 65-inch model typically sells for $698 but sometimes drops to around $530, which is a great deal for this level of performance. Even the massive 98-inch model is often sold at a very reasonable $2,200, with occasional drops to $1,798.

Given these typical street prices, I still recommend the QM6K as the top budget pick in my guide to the best TVs. It does have some new competition from Hisense's latest entry-level Mini LED TV, the U6SF Pro, but it's not yet clear how consistently that model will be discounted. Here's why the QM6K is such a great value for anyone who wants an entry-level HDR TV.

Setup is simple, as long as you use your Google account

The QM6K launched in 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-, and 98-inch screen sizes, and a new 50-inch option is now available as well. Generally, buyers can expect small differences in brightness and contrast across sizes, but the core specifications are the same. For this review, I tested the 65-inch model.

The TV's design is basic yet perfectly serviceable for this class. The build quality and aesthetics aren't as sturdy or elegant as those of pricier models that use heftier metal materials, thinner bezels, or flush wall mounts. Still, I don't have any specific complaints. Though pedestal stands look nicer, the QM6K's simple left and right feet work well and provide ample space to place a soundbar.

At 2.2 inches, the screen is a bit thicker than the super-slim panels on pricier OLED TVs, but this depth is in line with many Mini LED sets. This type of panel typically has a deeper profile than others to accommodate the components required for its advanced backlighting.

The QM6K's setup process is straightforward. Since it runs on the Google TV operating system, it's especially easy to get up and running if you use an existing Google account. The TV displays a QR code that you scan to open the Google Home app on your mobile device. This process automatically connects the QM6K to the same WiFi network as your phone without entering any network details or passwords. The mobile app then guides you through some other housekeeping items.

Setup can also be done manually on the TV without the app or a Google account, but it's a bit more cumbersome and requires typing in more details. Likewise, without logging in to your Google account, you won't be able to use any of the display's Google services, such as the Google Play Store. So, though technically functional without a login, I don't recommend buying a Google TV unless you plan to sync it with a Google account.

Once the setup is done, I suggest using the TV's Filmmaker Mode picture preset for the most accurate out-of-the-box image. I also recommend disabling Auto Brightness, which is turned on by default. This feature adjusts brightness levels based on the ambient light in your room, but you can get a more stable picture by manually choosing a brightness level you like and sticking with it.

The QM6K delivers good entry-level HDR performance, but it's dimmer than pricier TVs

The QM6K is positioned as the entry-level model in TCL's premier lineup of Mini LED QLED TVs. And within that context, its picture quality is impressive. Brightness and contrast can't match that of the brand's step-up QM7L or QM8L series, which both use new "SQD" technology for enhanced color — but for this tier, the QM6K is a great performer.

I evaluated the QM6K's image performance using a mix of test patterns and real-world content from 4K Blu-ray discs and streaming services, all curated to highlight features like contrast, local dimming, black levels, color, and upscaling. I also used a colorimeter to measure the display's peak brightness, an essential component of a TV's high-dynamic-range (HDR) capabilities.

With the TV set in Filmmaker Mode, I recorded a peak of 557 nits on a 10% HDR test pattern (a white box that takes up 10% of the screen). The brightest the TV got was on a larger 50% test pattern, which measured about 736 nits.

Those are both decent numbers for an entry-level HDR TV like this, and they're a nice step up from TCL's older Q65, which could only hit about 400 nits. However, the QM6K's brightness is still notably lower than that of midrange TVs, which are capable of about 1,000 to 2,000 nits, and high-end sets that can offer 2,000 to 4,000+ nits.

In practice, the QM6K's brightness yields good, but not great, HDR image quality. Vivid movies like "Aquaman" appear relatively vibrant, with rich colors, but highlights like explosions, shimmering armor, and sunsets lack some of the boldness and overall pop they have on pricier TVs with higher brightness.

"Mad Max: Fury Road" reveals similar limitations. Lightning bolts and rippling flames look duller than on step-up TV models, lacking the extreme impact that the movie's exaggerated style demands. Don't get me wrong, the QM6K still offers a good HDR picture, especially for this tier, but the set's dimmer image is noticeable when watching high-contrast HDR movies.

The QM6K uses a Mini LED backlight with local dimming to control its light output. This enables the TV to brighten and darken specific areas of its screen across multiple zones. Though the QM6K doesn't have as many zones to work with as pricier models, TCL's dimming algorithm works well, producing solid black levels and minimal blooming (halos around bright objects).

The TV's dimming behavior favors slightly raising black levels to avoid halos and preserve shadow detail. While this means that black levels rarely blend completely into a dark room, it does help create a more even image free from the patchy brightness that plagues dark scenes on TVs with more aggressive dimming.

The burning church scene in the film "1917" is a great example. Though I've seen deeper black levels and brighter highlights on other Mini LED TVs, those displays tend to create a vignetting effect around light sources. The QM6K has lighter black levels and dimmer highlights overall, but it presents more seamless transitions between this sequence's dark and light portions.

The QM6K isn't completely free of blooming; I did notice faint halos around lights during panning shots in "The Matrix" and an episode of "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina." But these instances are subtle, and the QM6K actually handles blooming a bit better than some brighter Hisense Mini LED TVs I've tested.

Overall, color smoothness and stability are also great. I didn't encounter any egregious signs of banding or false contouring (blocky and pixelated colors) when watching various sources. I ran into this problem when testing the older Hisense U6N, which offers similar specs, so it's nice to see a TV in this class avoid this issue.

The QM6K slightly improves upon another area where many QLED TVs falter: viewing angles. The TV's colors and contrast still noticeably fade and distort when you sit off-center from the screen, but this effect is less severe than I've seen on some other entry-level sets. However, OLED TVs and even TCL's pricier SQD TVs still have an edge with viewing angles, so this remains a factor to remember when deciding between a budget-friendly TV and a more expensive model.

On the plus side, the QM6K's gaming capabilities are a nice upgrade from previous-generation models in this class. Sets in this tier used to max out at 60Hz, but the QM6K supports up to 144Hz with variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM). This means the TV can receive 4K/120Hz signals from a PS5 or Xbox Series X, enabling you to enjoy the smoothest gameplay possible on those systems. All things considered, this is an excellent budget gaming TV.

The TV's interface works well, with fewer glitches than previous TCL models

The QM6K runs Google TV, and its interface has become one of my favorites. It does a nice job of highlighting your downloaded apps at the top of the homepage while still offering useful rows of content recommendations below. Unlike some other platforms (like Fire TV), which put too much emphasis on sponsored content, Google TV does a solid job of curating picks you might actually want to watch.

Though Google TV used to be a bit sluggish on entry-level displays, that's not the case here. The QM6K offers smoother navigation and snappier app selection than competing Hisense Google TVs that I've tested in this class. I also ran into fewer glitches than I have on older TCL sets. In the past, I've run into odd quirks like incorrect picture modes activating and certain settings applying incorrectly on some TCL TVs. But on the QM6K, none of those issues popped up.

That's not to say the system is completely without hiccups. I encountered lag when playing 4K HDR videos on YouTube (a common issue on many entry- and mid-tier smart TVs), and navigating through various services and menu screens isn't as seamless as on the best streaming devices. But in general, most people should be more than satisfied with the built-in interface.

The included back-lit remote supports Gemini voice search with a button press, and the TV also supports hands-free commands after speaking the wake phrase "Hey Google." For those with privacy concerns, hands-free control can be manually disabled via a physical switch at the bottom of the TV's front bezel.

What are your alternatives?

Since the QM6K's launch last year, a few rival TVs have been released, putting it in steep competition. Most notably, there's the new Hisense U6SF Pro. Though the U6SF Pro technically has a higher MSRP, it's sometimes on sale for about the same price as, or even less than, the QM6K.

The U6SF Pro offers similar contrast and black-level performance but can reach higher brightness than the QM6K, peaking at around 1,200 nits. The 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch sizes also feature a matte-like screen that's better at reducing reflections than the QM6K's glossier panel.

However, I much prefer the QM6K's Google TV interface over the U6SF Pro's Fire TV platform, which is clunkier and more intrusive. The QM6K is also available in a 50-inch size, while the U6SF Pro isn't.

Since the U6SF Pro's pricing tends to fluctuate, the QM6K is still the more consistent value of the two. But if the 65-inch U6SF Pro can maintain a regular street price of under $700, it's on track to be a better budget buy for people who favor brightness and anti-glare performance over Google TV smarts. You can learn more in our Hisense U6SF Pro TV review.

Should you buy the TCL QM6K?

The TCL QM6K remains my pick for the best budget TV on the market. It offers a big upgrade over the older TCL Q65 and rivals direct competitors in this performance tier.

The QM6K does have new competition from Hisense's brighter U6SF Pro, but it's not yet clear if that model's attractive deal pricing will be as common as the QM6K's. The U6SF Pro's Fire TV platform also lags behind Google TV in overall ease of use, and it's not available in a 50-inch size.

All things considered, if you want a budget-friendly Mini LED TV, the QM6K is still the display to beat. Most cheaper sets make big sacrifices in picture quality, with washed-out contrast and lower brightness. The QM6K, however, leverages its local dimming backlight to deliver some of the best entry-level HDR performance on the market.

For more recommendations, check out our guide to the best TCL TVs.

• Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard veterans had higher ALS rates than Army veterans.
• Male officers had a 64% higher ALS rate than enlisted veterans, a study found.
• The study points to possible service-related exposures but does not identify them.

Veterans who served in the Air Force, Navy, or Coast Guard had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, rates 15% to 29% higher than Army veterans, according to a new study.

The study, published in the journal Neurology last month, analyzed records for nearly 10 million veterans receiving Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare between 2000 and 2024, including nearly 14,500 with an ALS diagnosis.

Officers were found to face a 64% elevated risk of developing ALS, compared with their enlisted counterparts. The researchers did not determine whether particular military jobs or exposures were responsible for the difference.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a degenerative disease that damages the nerve cells that control voluntary movement. Over time, patients lose the ability to control muscles that needed to speak, eat, move, and breathe independently. It is often difficult to diagnose and is fatal.

"Military service is a known risk factor for the development of ALS, but little is known about what factors may contribute to that risk," Marc Weisskopf, an environmental epidemiologist at Harvard and one of the study authors, said in a Harvard announcement.

Weisskopf cautioned that ALS is rare and the overall risk of developing it remains small, "so even statistically significant increases associated with branch and rank represent only modest increases in risk among military personnel."

Previous studies have also found ALS is more common in veterans, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, perhaps because veterans face exposure to risk factors like lead, pesticides, and other toxins. While ALS can affect all populations, it's more frequently found in older white men.

What could explain the branch and rank differences remains unclear. Weisskopf said in an American Academy of Neurology press release that officers and enlisted personnel may face different work conditions.

"Officers tend to experience more psychosocial stress, with pilots experiencing high G-forces, noise and vibration as well as circadian disruption, while enlisted personnel usually experience more extreme physical exercise, heavy weapons use and handling of fuels and solvents," he said.

Around 46% of veterans with an ALS diagnosis served in the Army, roughly in line with the Army's share of the overall veteran population examined,

After accounting for age, sex, race, and ethnicity, male Air Force veterans had a 29% higher ALS rate than male Army veterans, while male Coast Guard veterans had a 26% higher rate and male Navy veterans had a 15% higher rate. Male Marine veterans had a 22% lower rate than Army veterans, researchers found.

Differences were more pronounced among men under age 61 than among those over 75.

The researchers said they had limited ability to assess differences among women because ALS is so rare and women make up a smaller share of the military population, just 18%. But among the women who were included, female officers faced a 72% higher risk compared with enlisted women.

"Our findings suggest that officers and those serving in the Air Force, Navy, or Coast Guard may have been exposed to military environments that increase risk for ALS," Weisskopf said in a release. "Future research should aim to identify these exposures."

The North American hardcourt season continues with the last 1000-level Masters stop before the US Open. We've compiled everything you need to know about where to watch the Cincinnati Open, including live streaming options around the world.

If you don't want to scroll any further, we've got you covered. Fans can live stream the tournament on the Tennis Channel in the US, Sky Sports in the UK, beIN Sports in Australia, and BlastTV in the Philippines. Keep reading to learn the best streaming options and other important info about the Cincinnati Open.

While it originally looked like Carlos Alcaraz might be back for the Cincinnati Open, the defending champion is sitting out this year's tournament. No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who lost to Alcaraz in the final last year, has also withdrawn from the tournament. Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Frances Tiafoe are some of the top remaining men's players as the Round of 16 plays out.

Iga Świątek, the defending women's champion, has advanced to the quarterfinals, fresh off a win at the Canadian Open last week. No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Amanda Anisimova are some of the top players remaining in the women's tournament.

Where to watch the Cincinnati Open for free

Certain regions offer free coverage of the Cincinnati Open. In the Philippines, BlastTV carries free coverage of select men's and women's matches on Premier Sports and Premier Sports 2. Fans just need to create an account, and then they're all set to start streaming. BlastTV will naturally prioritize Alexandra Eala matches, too.

In the US, tennis fanatics can stream for free, for at least a few days, with a free trial from a live TV service, such as YouTube TV or Fubo.

How to watch the Cincinnati Open from anywhere

Tennis fans who are away from the location where their streaming service works don't need to worry about missing out on any of the action. You can access your streaming options (including the free one) from anywhere with the aid of a VPN. Short for virtual private networks, VPNs are handy tech tools that let people change the virtual location on their electronic devices. They're especially popular services among those looking to boost their cybersecurity or access their favorite websites and apps while traveling abroad.

Proton VPN is one of the best VPNs on the market. It's fast, reliable, and has a large selection of international servers. Plus, the app comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you find it's not helping you out.

Where to watch the Cincinnati Open in the US

Cincinnati Open coverage is available through the Tennis Channel in the US. Fans can watch directly through a Tennis Channel subscription or via a live TV streaming service, which carries other channels, including those needed to watch the US Open in a couple of weeks.

Two of the top services with the Tennis Channel are Fubo and YouTube TV. The channel is available in Fubo's budget-friendly Sports + News plan, which carries around 29 popular sports networks. The service also unlocks access to ESPN Unlimited (which will carry the entire US Open) at no extra cost. Subscriptions cost $65 a month, but new users can get $10 off their first month after a free trial. The Tennis Channel is also available in Fubo's pricier, more comprehensive tiers.

YouTube TV is another popular live TV service. To access the Tennis Channel, you'll need to get a base plan along with the Sports Plus add-on, which costs an extra $11 a month. YouTube TV's main plan is currently running a special deal, which will knock your first five months down to just $68 a month (down $15 from the standard $83 a month). New users are also eligible for a free trial.

Where to watch the Cincinnati Open in the UK

Sky Sports will carry Cincinnati Open coverage in the UK. You can watch via a Sky TV plan, which varies in price based on your exact contract (you can learn more in our best Sky TV deals guide). Sky Sports coverage is also available to stream through Now, which offers access starting at £15 a day.

Where to watch the Cincinnati Open in the Philippines

With the rise of WTA star Alex Eala, the Philippines has begun to offer an impressive slew of free coverage via BlastTV. Select WTA and ATP matches are available for free through Premier Sports and Premier Sports 2. You'll just need to create an account if you don't already have one, and then you're all set to start watching the tournament.

Where is the Cincinnati Open held?

The Cincinnati Open is held at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio. The tournament has taken place at the same location for over 40 years.

When is the next major tennis tournament?

This is the last major event before the US Open, which starts on August 30 (August 23 for qualifying) and marks the final Grand Slam of the year. An ATP 250 event, Winston-Salem, and a WTA 500 event, Abierto GNP Seguros, will take place between the Cincinnati Open and the US Open.

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

• Amazon Prime Air is expanding its drone delivery service to almost 500 US cities and towns.
• That's a major ramp up. Amazon now offers drone delivery to 11 US locations.
• Customers can check whether they have access to Amazon's drone delivery service on its website.

The sight of Amazon's delivery drones buzzing over their homes could soon be the norm for a growing chunk of Americans.

Amazon said Prime Air is expanding its drone delivery service to almost 500 US cities and towns by the end of this year. The company plans to make the service available to customers in Illinois, Georgia, Ohio, Idaho, and New York.

That's a major ramp up. Seven states, including Nebraska and Florida, already have access.

The company says that any items that weighs 5 pounds or less, and that can fit in a large shoe box, can be delivered by a drone. That's the majority of the millions of packages ordered on Amazon every day.

"Orders arrive in as fast as 30 minutes, with most orders arriving around 60 minutes after checkout," Amazon sad in a press release.

Amazon said it uses "multiple" independent systems to keep the autonomous aircraft performing safely, including its "Detect-and-Avoid" system that monitors airspace and the environment. "It's similar to a trained pilot who scans the surrounding airspace, and it allows the drones to independently see and make real-time decisions while in flight."

Although Amazon hasn't shared the full list of locations, customers can check if they're currently eligible for the service through the company's website. On the homepage, customers can click into the drop-down menu and find "Drone Delivery" under the "Programs & Features" section.

Once a customer selects "Drone Delivery," they'll be taken to the drone delivery webpage, which includes a map of current and future locations. Additionally, clicking the "Shop Now" button in the drone delivery section will reveal a customer's status.

Launched in 2022, Amazon is positioning Prime Air as the next horizon in delivery services. Customers can order everything from groceries to medications and electronics.

Walmart has also ramped up its own drone delivery service over the last year, bringing it to 100 more stores in places like Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Orlando, and Tampa.

While that sounds convenient, the sounds of the drones themselves might prove an issue for some residents — as anyone who has tried to chill on a beach while someone flies a consumer drone to get that sweeping shot for Instagram can attest.

Are you worried about the noise from delivery drones? Privacy issues? Something else? Share your thoughts about delivery drones in the comments.

A little over a year since its last price hike, Peacock is once again raising prices across all stand-alone plans.

The NBCUniversal streaming service announced the price increase on August 18, 2026, with the changes taking effect immediately for new and returning customers. Existing subscribers will see the price hikes reflected in their next bill on or after September 17.

Peacock Premium has gone from $10.99 a month to $12.99 a month ($109.99 a year to $129.99 a year), while Peacock Premium Plus has faced the most significant hike, increasing from $16.99 a month to $19.99 a month ($169.99 a year to $199.99 a year).

Peacock Select, the platform's pared-down and budget-friendly option introduced after last year's price hike, has also increased in price. Monthly plans have risen from $7.99 a month to $8.99 a month, and annual plans have gone up from $79.99 a year to $89.99 a year.

This is just the latest price hike from Peacock, following annual increases in July 2025 and 2024. First launched in 2020, the streaming platform initially served as an easy way to stream NBC favorites, including "The Office" and "Law & Order: SVU." Over the years, Peacock has made an effort in the original TV scene with shows like "Poker Face," "The Traitors (US)," and "All Her Fault." The platform has also acquired the rights to live stream several sporting events and has become an absolute hub for Bravo programming, as well as select films.

Peacock isn't alone in hiking prices as its catalog grows, and most comparable streaming services have also raised subscription fees at least once over the past couple of years. The most recent increases came from Paramount Plus and Netflix earlier in the year. However, the latest round of price hikes makes Peacock's ad-free tier one of the more expensive options on the market.

Ad-free Netflix plans cost $19.99 to $26.99 a month, while ad-free HBO Max plans cost $18.49 to $22.99 a month. Disney Plus and Hulu's ad-free tiers are $18.99 a month each (or $19.99 a month when bundled together in one of the Disney Plus bundles). Paramount Plus, which is the most similar option to Peacock in terms of breadth of offerings, has plans ranging from $8.99 a month (ad-supported) to $13.99 a month (ad-free).

Peacock is also available in a bundle with Apple TV, which didn't receive a price hike. The Apple TV and Peacock Premium bundle costs $14.99 a month, and the Apple TV and Peacock Premium Plus bundle costs $19.99 a month. Given that the latter hasn't seen a price hike yet, it's an excellent deal, since customers can get two ad-free streaming services for the same price as stand-alone Peacock Premium Plus.

• "Big Short" trader Michael Burry warns that Nvidia faces big competition from Etched.
• He pointed to key details about the AI startup, citing public reports and information he got from an insider.
• The company could spark a broader reaction across the AI trade, Burry speculated.

Michael Burry has fired another shot at AI kingmaker Nvidia.

The investor, who rose to fame in "The Big Short," took aim at the Jensen Huang-led chipmaker in a new Substack post on Tuesday. This time, he flagged what he sees as "serious competition" for the GPU firm, pointing to reports about Etched, an AI startup that has nabbed top talent at Nvidia and just secured a $700 million funding round with Jane Street, putting its valuation at a reported $21 billion.

Burry pointed to key details about Etched's recruitment and the deployment of its AI chips, citing the Journal's report and information he received from an unnamed company insider.

1. The firm is efficient. Etched said it took only 44 days to have its AI chips running inference workloads. That process generally takes six months or longer.
2. The firm hires from Nvidia. Etched also has a large group of staffers who previously worked at Nvidia, making up around 15% of its total workforce, the Journal's report said.

"This is serious competition for NVDA," Burry wrote on Tuesday. "I am told by a semi insider this is looking at 10x performance at lower cost per die. That it came up so fast is a tell that disruption is in the pipeline, I am told," he added of the broader ramifications for the artificial intelligence trade.

Burry, a vocal skeptic of the AI rally, has repeatedly bashed Nvidia since returning to social media late last year. In the past, he's raised alarm on the circular nature of Nvidia's deals and troubling technical signals flashing in Nvidia's stock. He's also placed bets against Nvidia and other stars in the AI trade, like Oracle and Nebius, which fall within his larger thesis that AI is a market bubble that's poised for a large correction.

• Back-to-school shopping is in full swing at Target, representing a key moment to win back shoppers.
• A successful season requires overcoming several challenges the retailer has struggled with recently.
• The retailer's turnaround continues, with second-quarter sales up 5.3% and comp sales rising 3.8%.

Target's bid to win back shoppers is gaining momentum as it tackles one of the most important shopping seasons of the year: back-to-school.

The Bullseye retailer said Wednesday that the early response to the annual stock-up on school and college supplies has been strong with several weeks still to go.

"It's encouraging to see a strong consumer response to change where we've made it, but there's a lot to come," CEO Michael Fiddelke said during a call with reporters on Tuesday.

Fiddelke, who took over as CEO earlier this year, is working to get Target back into the good graces of shoppers after several years of lackluster company performance.

The retailer beat analyst expectations for its second quarter earnings, with net sales up 5.3% from the same period last year to $26.5 billion. Earnings also benefited from a nearly $1 billion tariff refund.

Comparable sales were up 3.8%, driven by higher customer visits, which the company attributed to refreshed merchandise, sharper store execution, and price cuts.

"This might be my favorite time of the year to be out in stores," Fiddelke said on Tuesday's call. "Back to school, back to college is our second biggest season, next only to holiday."

Like the winter holidays, a successful back-to-school season depends on several complicated factors that Target has struggled with in recent years, such as fresh merchandise, well-stocked stores, and competitive pricing.

"It's a place where executing the fundamentals so well matters so much," Fiddelke told investors during Target's earnings call on Wednesday. "We know we don't win in a season where every school peaks at a different time if we don't have inventory at the right place at the right time, and if we aren't providing a great guest experience."

The company said 95% of its back-to-school assortment this year is priced at or below last year's retail prices.

But this period comes as US shoppers are increasingly out of cash and looking for value.

A survey from EY-Parthenon found that more than half of households didn't save any money in June, while one-fifth of households tapped savings or took on debt to cover expenses.

"Target has a fighting chance to do well in back-to-school, but the season is looking quite tight and consumers are still very focused on value," Global Data retail analyst Neil Saunders told Business Insider. "A win here is important as Target has said it wants to win with families — so back-to-school will be a real proof point."

Target's larger competitor Walmart reports earnings on Thursday, and will shed further light on how US shoppers are searching for value this year.

• The US is looking for ways to source rare and obsolete parts for Ukraine's Bradley fighting vehicles.
• The Army flagged specialized components affected by "vendor obsolescence."
• It is interested in firms that can immediately access the parts or show how they would source them.

The US Army is taking stock of industry's ability to source rare or obsolete parts needed to keep Ukraine's Bradley infantry fighting vehicles running, according to a recently posted notice.

The M2 Bradley, an armored combat vehicle, first entered service with the US military in the 1980s and has seen action in several major wars since. In Ukraine, these American-made vehicles have repeatedly proven their worth by transporting assault infantry, engaging Russian armor, carrying out ambushes, and serving in a light-tank role, though they have also suffered losses.

The US Army is surveying industry to see which companies can effectively access, source, or potentially reproduce hard-to-find parts for the vehicles. US Army Contracting Command - Detroit Arsenal issued a sources-sought notice last week seeking out defense firms that could support the ongoing repair, parts procurement, and delivery of the M2A2 ODS-SA Bradley.

The Army said firms would need either immediate access to the components or a viable plan to source them and asked companies to explain how they would "navigate severe supply chain bottlenecks and vendor obsolescence for legacy defense systems."

The M2A2 ODS-SA is a modernized variant of the M2 Bradley. Ukraine received these via arms transfers, but not the newer M2A3 or M2A4 variants.

The notice said that interested parties "must demonstrate immediate access to, or a viable plan to source, highly specialized, legacy, variant-specific components currently impacted by supplier obsolescence," including turret drive control units and transmission control modules.

It identified ammunition chutes, specialized target-acquisition-system hardware, military-grade lens lights, and vehicle fasteners among the parts contractors might need to be able to find or reproduce.

The Army is also looking for a contractor that can train Ukrainian mechanics and provide the equipment, tools, and materials required for relevant training.

Bradleys first arrived in Ukraine in 2023 and have been praised as a success, even as other armored vehicles, which arrived in smaller numbers, struggled. Some analysts have said that their performance in Ukraine has improved their reputation.

The US Army said vendors need to be able to provide the repair and sustainment capability required to restore the vehicles to fully mission-capable and safety standards to fulfill the US government's "foreign assistance requirements for the defense of Ukraine."

US Army Contracting Command - Detroit Arsenal said that the source must be able to sustain legacy hardware and manage the supply chain for the Bradleys, and it indicated some urgency.

"Due to immediate operational timelines, vehicles must be processed under a phased delivery approach: achieving 'Move, Shoot, and Communicate' capability for immediate shipment, followed by the management and fulfillment of delayed or back-ordered non-mission-essential parts," it said.

It said the notice was not a solicitation for bids and that no contracts would be awarded, describing it instead as "a market survey for information and planning purposes only." It said the government intends to negotiate a sole-source extension but that "all interested parties may submit a capability statement which shall be considered by the agency."

It asked companies to detail how long they have been in business, their experience in restoration and training mechanics, their experience with this variant of the Bradley, and to show how they would take over the production, testing, and delivery to meet production capacity and deadlines.

Keeping Bradleys in the fight has been important for Ukraine, which tries to repair damaged vehicles whenever possible. Ukraine has specialized mobile maintenance teams for its Bradley fighting vehicles within the Logistics Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

And there have also been other external repair and support initiatives. For instance, defense company Rheinmetall was awarded a $31-million contract late last year to develop and demonstrate ways to repair Ukraine's Bradleys faster, including by doing maintenance closer to the front lines.

• Pocket is an AI notetaker hardware startup that went through Y Combinator this year.
• It told Business Insider it reached a $100 million run rate eight months after launching its product.
• The tech graveyard is already littered with failed AI devices, but Pocket hopes it can endure.

AI hardware has had more misses than hits. Pocket wants to change that.

The AI notetaker hardware startup says it has reached a $100 million run rate eight months after launching. While the tech graveyard is already littered with failed AI devices, Pocket is betting its thin recorder, which snaps onto the back of smartphones and transcribes conversations, is not just a fad.

"It's only going to go up from here," cofounder and CEO Akshay Narisetti told Business Insider. "We have so much money coming in from subscriptions."

Run rate is a popular way for young startups to describe growth, but it is not the same as actually generating $100 million in revenue over the previous 12 months. Instead, it takes a company's current revenue pace and projects it over a full year.

Narisetti said Pocket is growing roughly 50% a month and believes it could reach a $1 billion run within two years. He said the company has only 12 employees and has sold more than 200,000 devices.

Pocket was part of this year's Y Combinator accelerator class. Its two cofounders, Narisetti and Gabriel Dymowski, first met at The Residency, a San Francisco hacker house backed by Sam Altman.

They initially built an app for taking meeting notes, but later found that users, such as busy doctors and salespeople, preferred dedicated hardware so they could seamlessly record back-to-back appointments and meetings.

"Every single time they tried to unlock their phone, they could rather press a simple button," Narisetti said.

After trying glasses and pendants, some similar to the $700 pin that Humane AI released in 2024 and discontinued after poor reviews and sales last year, Pocket landed on a credit card-sized device costing as little as $129. A basic subscription is free, while premium plans offering more advanced AI models start at $16.59 a month.

Criticism in Silicon Valley

Pocket and other AI notetakers have become so popular that they have led to criticism that people no longer ask for permission to record every conversation in Silicon Valley

Narisetti argued that a visible device is preferable to a covert recording on a phone because the Pocket has to be placed on a desk and requires pressing a button to start recording. He contrasted that with always-on wearable devices, which he said people "inherently hated" because they are constantly listening.

Pocket faces plenty of competition. Google Meet, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other major platforms increasingly offer AI-powered note-taking, while startups such as Granola compete for users seeking automated meeting notes. OpenAI is planning to release a much-anticipated device as early as next year, designed by former Apple legend Johnny Ive.

Narisetti believes Pocket's advantage lies in offline conversations, where no single platform automatically controls the experience.

Pocket says most growth has come from direct-to-consumer sales, referrals, and word of mouth. Amazon represents less than 5% to 10% of revenue, Narisetti said, and roughly 85% of its business still comes from the US. The company plans to expand into retail and international markets and move beyond conversation notes into personal note-taking and dictation.

In the first half of 2026, global venture funding in physical AI totaled $47.4 billion across 521 deals, according to new Crunchbase data. That's a fourfold increase compared to the second half of 2025, when physical AI startups raised $12 billion across 470 deals.

Pocket last raised $11 million of venture funding in a deal led by Accel in June, according to Pitchbook data. Other backers include Y Combinator and Guillermo Rauch, cofounder and CEO of Vercel. Narisetti declined to put a new valuation on the company, but said Pocket prefers raising based on where the business is today rather than pricing in years of expected AI-driven growth.

"We don't like to grow into valuations," he said.

Google's newest line of Pixel smartphones is here, and the Pixel 11 Pro XL looks to be a promising upgrade on previous iterations. Even as durability improves generation by generation, I always recommend investing in a case to keep your device safe and scratch-free. With that in mind, I've rounded up the best Google Pixel 11 Pro XL cases you can buy now.

Unlike other new releases, there is a plethora of options to choose from right now, making it overwhelming to sort the good from the bad. Tons of no-name brands are saturating the market, hoping to snag your money with subpar designs and sparkly product photos. Based on research, product reviews, and our team's personal testing experience, I've compiled a list of Pixel 11 Pro XL cases I'd actually buy, spanning a range of prices, designs, and feature sets.

The best Google Pixel 11 Pro XL cases

• See more cases: Amazon | Dbrand | OtterBox
• Order the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL and Google Pixel Watch 5 now.

What is the best Google Pixel 11 Pro XL case?

As with any smartphone, the best case for the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL depends on your priorities as a user. The most protective option you can invest in is OtterBox's Defender Pro, while the most budget-friendly option is a Spigen clear case or an Fntcase frosted-color shell.

The overall best balance of price and protection is the Spigen Tough Armor Case. We also love the brand, having tested it multiple times on older devices.

Will Pixel 11 Pro XL cases fit the Pixel 11 Pro?

As the XL name suggests, the Pixel Pro XL is larger than the Pixel 11 Pro. Because of that, cases designed for one cannot fit the other. Pixel 11 Pro cases often do fit the Pixel 11, though.

Will Pixel 10 Pro XL cases fit the Pixel 11 Pro XL?

Despite their identical measurements, Pixel 10 Pro XL cases are not a perfect fit on the 11 Pro XL. Some options may make the cut, leaving a small gap around the camera bar, but for the most part, it's better to buy a case designed for the new generation to ensure a snug fit that'll protect your device.

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• Miami is experiencing a billionaire boom, with wealthy individuals and companies relocating there.
• Coconut Grove is very popular because of the schools, a real-estate broker told Business Insider.
• Ransom Everglades School and Gulliver Preparatory School have state-of-the-art facilities.

Miami's billionaire boom has pushed up housing prices — and intensified competition for the city's elite schools.

State-of-the-art facilities, strong athletics, and impressive college matriculation lists are just some of the features that define Miami's most expensive schools.

Michael Light, Miami-based luxury real estate broker and founder of The Light Group at Douglas Elliman, told Business Insider that a lot of families won't commit to a property until their child is accepted into a school.

"A lot of these titans of industry are moving to South Florida, bringing their employees with them. And it's not stopping," Light said. "They want their kids to go to what is perceived as the best — and that is private schools."

He said the leafy, family-friendly Coconut Grove neighborhood has become the first place clients look to buy because of its elite schools.

These include the Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, Ransom Everglades School, Gulliver Preparatory School, and St. Stephen's Episcopal Day School.

Billionaires who have recently purchased properties in Coconut Grove include Citadel CEO Ken Griffin and Google cofounder Larry Page.

Here's a look inside three of Miami's most sought-after schools.

Founded in 1926, Gulliver Preparatory School is a private PK-12 school.

Admissions to the Gulliver Prep can be a multi-step process. That includes recommendations from English and mathematics teachers, an admissions test for grades PK to 5, and an interview for grades 6 to 12.

For 2026-27, Gulliver Prep tuition fees cost $36,400 for PK to SK, $40,200 for grades 1 to 4, and $56,100 for grades 5 to 12.

But $15.2 million in financial aid was awarded in 2025-26.

Sports are a big deal at Gulliver Prep.

With over 40 athletic teams known as the Gulliver Prep Raiders, Gulliver Prep says that 60% of its students participate in sports.

"If you want your child to go private and you want them to play sports, Gulliver is the school," luxury real-estate broker Light told Business Insider.

Famous sporting alumni include Sean Taylor, Patrick Robinson, and George Lombard Jr.

The campus has state-of-the-art sporting and academic facilities.

Gulliver Prep's upper school campus has facilities, including an aquatic center and newly renovated athletic fields for sports like soccer and lacrosse.

Academically, Gulliver Prep is strong, too.

Gulliver Prep offers the International Baccalaureate program, a balanced yet rigorous curriculum recognized by universities worldwide.

The class of 2026, consisting of 247 students, had 125 acceptances to colleges that Gulliver Prep categorized as most competitive, highly selective, or Ivy Plus.

The school also offers a digital mass media academic program, complete with a broadcast control room, student shows, and publications.

Founded in 1903, Ransom Everglades is a private college prep school.

Ransom Everglades says on its website that it seeks "students who demonstrate above-average ability and interest in a broad and challenging educational program."

Spear's named Ransom Everglades as one of the top private schools in North America in its 2026 index.

Tuition fees are $57,300 for 2026-27, with 17% of the student body receiving financial aid.

College prep is not taken lightly at Ransom Everglades.

With multiple college counselors on staff, college prep is serious business.

College admissions prep begins in the 9th grade with a series of seminars to familiarize students with the process. By the 12th grade, counselors assist students with their applications.

"The children are going basically to an Ivy League school that is really a high school — that's what Ransom is," Light said.

Ransom Everglades has a state-of-the-art STEM center.

The Constance & Miguel Fernandez STEM center is a 45,000-square-foot facility equipped with classrooms, an assembly hall, and labs for students.

Ransom Everglades is now building a $45 million humanities center, which will include a rooftop terrace and flexible classrooms.

The school offers many extracurricular activities, from athletics to academic clubs.

Though it has a strong academic track record, Ransom Everglades also prides itself on its athletics.

The school says that over half of its students play on one team or more every year, with 15% of the athletes going on to play at the college level.

For families living in the north of the city, Miami Country Day School is popular.

Miami Country Day School is a private PK3-12 school located farther north of the city.

Tuition fees for 2026-27 start at $43,600 for the early childhood program and rise to $56,400 for grades 9 to 12. The school offers financial aid.

The school prides itself on its arts programs.

Miami Country Day School offers programs in dance, drama, music, and the visual arts.

For students interested in the dance industry, the school offers the Miami Dance Experience, a three-day professional performance intensive, while for drama, students are coached on auditioning.

But its athletics programs are also important.

Miami Country Day School has 36 Spartan teams in sports such as water polo, cross country, and baseball.

The teams have won two national championships, six state championships, and 19 regional championships.

Some students in the class of 2026 were accepted at Ivy League and international colleges.

Miami Country Day School offers a personalized college application service, with counselors assigned to each student.

Students in the class of 2026 are attending a range of colleges, from Ivy League schools such as Harvard and other elite schools like Stanford to colleges outside the US — including those in the UK and Europe.

• We were invited to a destination wedding and decided to meet up with my in-laws, who live in Europe.
• I enjoyed spending time as a family of 10, but our travel styles are very different.
• Once they left, my family of three explored the Dolomites, a bucket-list destination of mine.

When my husband, brother-in-law, and I were invited to our mutual friend's destination wedding in Tuscany, we promptly RSVP'd "yes!"

My husband, brother-in-law, and I all live in the United States, but my husband's parents live in Belgium, so we don't see them often. We invited my mother and father-in-law to join us in Italy so they could spend time with our 1-year-old son. My mother-in-law suggested that my sister-in-law, her partner, and their 1-year-old daughter, who also live in Belgium, join the trip.

Before I knew it, our trip turned into a multi-generational family vacation with a group of 10 ranging in age from 1 to 71.

I was grateful that we were able to coordinate getting so many family members together at once, but I'm also glad my husband and I planned dedicated time for our family of three after the festivities.

Traveling with a large group was an exercise in logistics

We looked for accommodations that were large enough to comfortably house all of us but also within our budget. We found an agriturismo, or traditional farm stay, in a small town called Santa Fiora. The town was cute, but it was about an hour away from our friend's wedding location and most of the region's attractions.

We had to plan strategically about transportation. The few options we found for a vehicle that would seat 10 people were more expensive than renting two normal-sized cars that seat five people. Once I saw the narrow, winding cobblestone roads throughout Tuscany, I was glad we didn't choose a large van, which would have been challenging to maneuver in medieval towns.

My husband and I are "get out early to beat the crowds and heat" type of travelers. Our son regularly gets up at 6 in the morning and doesn't care if we're on vacation.

On this trip, the rest of our family woke up hours after us and were lackadaisical about getting out the door. We often didn't leave the house until around 11 in the morning. By the time we arrived at a town, it was time for lunch, and it was the heat of the day. This isn't how our family of three usually operates.

Then there was the food

My father-in-law doesn't eat pizza, pasta, or sauces — and we were in Italy. Another member of our group was lactose intolerant. On the other hand, my husband, son, and I are adventurous eaters and love experiencing a culture through its cuisine. We sometimes had to pass several restaurants before we found one with a menu diverse enough to satisfy everyone's dietary preferences.

On one occasion at a pizzeria, I had already requested a table for 10. The wait staff was rearranging the tables to seat our group, while I awkwardly asked in broken Italian whether the pizzeria only served pizza. Answer: yes. We moved on to another restaurant that offered more options. It turned out to be the unexpected universal favorite meal of the trip for the entire family: donkey stew.

Extending the trip without the extended family was the right move

After a week, the rest of the family headed back to their respective homes. My husband, son, and I stayed for another week to explore the Dolomites in northern Italy, a bucket list destination of mine.

During this time, we had the freedom to get up as early as we wanted to hit the hiking trails. Our active family hiked over 20 miles in 3 days without having to account for the rest of the family's stamina levels.

We loved stopping at a refugio, a mountain hut with a restaurant and sleeping accommodations along the hiking trails. In the middle of our hike, we could sip espressos, eat a warm meal, and use a bathroom with indoor plumbing. The Dolomites have been one of my favorite hiking trips to date.

I'm glad we did a big family vacation while my in-laws are still healthy and active enough to travel. Because we live far from my husband's family, I cherish the time my son gets to spend with them. I'm also glad we reserved part of the trip for our smaller family unit. It gave us a chance to choose activities we enjoyed without compromise.

• Danni Duncan, 40, had IBS since early childhood. Her symptoms improved when she changed her diet.
• When she started experiencing changes in her bowel movements, she assumed it was due to her IBS.
• She was diagnosed with colon cancer after experiencing extreme fatigue caused by severe anemia.

From a very young age, Danni Duncan struggled with IBS symptoms.

"I remember being maybe around 5 or 6 and really being in so much pain, literally on my hands and knees in the bathroom," Duncan, 40, told Business Insider. She was put on elimination diets throughout primary school and diagnosed with IBS when she was around 11.

Duncan, who lives in the Gold Coast of Australia, said she grew up eating McDonald's, frozen pizzas, and Pop-Tarts. As an adult, her IBS symptoms improved as she filled her diet with whole foods and cut back on alcohol. She also began training for marathons and became a fitness and nutrition coach.

Then, in her late 30s, she struggled to go to the bathroom again. She chalked it up to IBS and started taking Metamucil, a fiber laxative, to reduce constipation. She also felt persistent bloating for months after giving birth to her fourth child in September 2024.

Eventually, at 39, she was diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer.

"It was like I was coming out of my own body," Duncan said. "I kind of giggled and said, 'This can't be true. I'm supposed to live to be 100. That's how healthy I am.'"

Severe anemia got her diagnosed

When Duncan was about 20 weeks pregnant with her fourth child in 2024, her iron levels were the lowest they'd ever been. Even after an iron infusion, her levels remained low. Still, she said her doctor explained it away as a pregnancy symptom and suggested iron supplements.

In early 2025, about five months after giving birth, Duncan started training for a marathon that March. She felt winded like never before.

Even when she had slept and fueled well, she couldn't get her speed up. Come marathon day, she dropped out of the race when she was three-quarters finished. At the gym, she couldn't finish her sets and experienced dizzy spells in her kitchen.

The breaking point was a month later, in April 2025, when she sensed she was going to faint one morning and stumbled onto her couch.

A blood test at the doctor's office revealed she had a hemoglobin level of 70 g/L, indicative of severe anemia (a normal level is considered 120 to 160 g/L for adult women). She was scheduled for another iron infusion the next day and a colonoscopy two weeks later, in May 2025, to rule out colon cancer.

The colonoscopy showed a tumor in her colon.

Duncan, whose 37-year-old friend died from colon cancer the year prior, initially thought of her kids growing up without her. "That thought broke me — I had a tear for a second, and then my mind just switched to like, 'What are we doing?'" Duncan said. "'I have to fight this because I have children.'"

Exercising through chemo side effects

Less than two weeks after learning she had colon cancer, Duncan underwent surgery to remove the tumor, including a right hemicolectomy in which part of her colon was taken out. She also had 17 lymph nodes removed outside her bowel wall, the tissue structure that forms the small and large intestines.

While cancer wasn't found in her lymph nodes, it was found in the lymph node channels, leading to her stage 2B diagnosis. It put her at higher risk of recurrence because she was closer to stage 3, when the cancer would have officially spread to the lymph nodes. Her doctor wanted her to do four rounds of chemotherapy, considered a standard amount of chemotherapy for earlier-stage cancers, to reduce that risk.

She tried to stick to her routines, including regular walks, light bodyweight exercises, and runs on the weeks she didn't have chemo. Still, extreme fatigue and nausea sometimes wore her down.

She also developed cold sensitivity, a common side effect from oxaliplatin, her chemo medication. "Everything seizes up," she said. "Your throat seizes up, you can't breathe; your face seizes up like you're having a stroke." She wore gloves to open her fridge door or hold weights at the gym.

The hardest part, she said, was not being able to breastfeed, as chemo drugs can be passed on to the baby through breast milk. Duncan was diagnosed when her daughter was 7 months old and had planned on breastfeeding for far longer.

"I just loved it and we had such a great connection," she said. "It's broken my heart and it still breaks my heart."

A major marathon to celebrate the end of treatment

As of November 2025, Duncan's CT scans and colonoscopy no longer showed signs of cancer. Going forward, she has three more monthly blood tests and will have yearly CT scans and colonoscopies every two years.

In some ways, Duncan said life after cancer has been more challenging than the treatment itself. "When you're in the throes of cancer, you've got such a focus," she said. "Once it's finished, people stop checking in because you're cancer-free now. That's when the mental struggle is probably harder."

Duncan, who turned 40 during treatment, is now training for the New York City Marathon, which she planned to run in 2025 but was forced to postpone. It's a longtime dream of hers because she found out she was pregnant with her first child in New York City.

Duncan will run it with her husband on behalf of the Jodi Lee Foundation, a colon cancer organization in Australia.

From both her personal experience and advocacy work, Duncan said she's become more aware of the rising rates among young people and the importance of getting symptoms like changes in bowel movements checked out if they're unusual for you.

"Stand up for yourself. Be like, 'I'm not too young,'" she said. "If you've got symptoms, push, find another doctor."

• Elon Musk has long wished to have Warren Buffett as a shareholder.
• Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway now holds an indirect stake in Musk's SpaceX via Alphabet.
• Berkshire owned nearly 1% of Alphabet, which in turn owned about 4% of SpaceX, recent filings show.

Elon Musk has wanted Warren Buffett as a shareholder for years. His wish has finally come true, in a sense.

As of June 30, Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway indirectly owned about 0.04% of SpaceX, a stake worth over $800 million, according to Business Insider's calculations.

This "look-through stake" — a term coined by Buffett — is based on Berkshire owning part of Alphabet, which in turn owns part of SpaceX.

Berkshire reported a roughly 0.9% stake in Alphabet, worth about $38 billion, in its second-quarter portfolio update on Friday.

Alphabet revealed in its portfolio filing that it owned about 4%, or $94 billion worth, of SpaceX on June 30.

Berkshire's stake in Alphabet represents a proportional claim on Alphabet's assets, including its SpaceX holding.

Its piece of the $94 billion position was worth about $815 million at the end of June, but closer to $700 million at Tuesday's market close, following share-price declines for both Alphabet and SpaceX this quarter.

That's a tiny financial interest for Berkshire, which owned about $1.3 trillion of assets at the end of June, including $324 billion of stocks.

But Alphabet's stake in SpaceX is worth about $79 billion today, or roughly 2% of Alphabet's market value, making it a material asset for the search, advertising, and AI giant. Berkshire will be monitoring the holding closely, given how much money it has riding on Alphabet.

Buffett — who stepped down as CEO at the turn of this year, but remains Berkshire's chairman and largest shareholder — established the Alphabet stake during the third quarter of 2025. Less than 12 months later, on June 30, Berkshire counted Alphabet as its third-biggest stock holding after Apple and American Express.

Tesla, SpaceX, and Berkshire didn't immediately respond to requests for comment from Business Insider.

'Maybe Buffett should invest in Tesla haha'

Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been clamoring for Buffett's backing on X for years.

"He should take a position in Tesla. It's an obvious move," Musk posted in 2024.

"Too bad he didn't invest in Tesla when it was 0.1% of today's value lol," Musk wrote in 2023.

"Munger could've invested in Tesla at ~$200M valuation when I had lunch with him in late 2008," Musk said in another post that year, referring to Buffett's late business partner, Charlie Munger.

"Maybe Buffett should invest in Tesla haha," Musk tweeted in 2021.

Yet Buffett refrained from buying into Tesla, preferring to back the EV maker's Chinese rival, BYD, for about 17 years, from 2008 to 2025.

There's also no sign that Berkshire has directly invested in SpaceX, which had its blockbuster public-market debut in June.

Buffett's restraint isn't surprising, as he's a renowned bargain hunter known for investing in mature, predictable businesses that he understands deeply.

Tesla and SpaceX both trade at punchy valuations, and between them, they're racing to build everything from humanoid robots and self-driving cars to spaceships capable of transporting people to Mars.

Even with Buffett out and Greg Abel in as Berkshire CEO, a direct SpaceX bet looks unlikely anytime soon, as it would mark a huge departure from Buffett's school of investing.

Buffett and Musk go way back

Over the years, Musk has praised Buffett's work, recognized his expertise, and quoted him multiple times on Tesla earnings calls.

But he's also questioned some of Buffett's investing principles, and championed his own focus on building businesses and products, while dismissing Buffett's focus on studying companies and allocating capital as "super boring."

Buffett has also jabbed at Musk in the past. But he's also applauded him for Tesla's success and for taking on momentous challenges.

"It's a dedication to solving the impossible, and every now and then he'll do it," Buffett said about Musk during Berkshire's shareholder meeting in 2023. "But it would be torturous to me or Charlie."

Munger also hailed Musk's taste for difficulty, joking, "Warren and I are looking for the easy job."

Musk welcomed the pair's comments in an X post: "Appreciate the kind words from Warren & Charlie."

Betting on SpaceX

Berkshire's indirect bet on SpaceX doesn't carry the usual weight of Buffett's vote of confidence, given it's an unavoidable product of its Alphabet investment, and neither Buffett nor his team has publicly acknowledged the look-through stake.

But Musk's company was clearly an attractive play for Alphabet when it originally invested $900 million in 2015, and Alphabet was evidently a compelling wager for Berkshire given how quickly it has amassed a big stake in the business.

For now, assuming Alphabet and Berkshire haven't altered their stakes since the end of June, Musk can at least say Buffett is one of the biggest shareholders in one of his biggest shareholders.

• Prices for TV sports deals almost always go up.
• That's the rationale for Bob Iger and Josh Kushner paying a record amount for the LA Lakers.
• But over at the NFL — the dominant force in TV — there are signs that the rise won't go on forever.

Bob Iger and Josh Kushner plan to buy the Los Angeles Lakers at a record-setting price of $12.5 billion. The best argument for that price: The value of sports TV deals is the one thing that keeps going up, even as the rest of TV contracts.

But even though that's been true for years, it doesn't mean it will always be true. One hint that things might be changing: The all-powerful NFL — the thing that keeps TV afloat — is starting to see some pushback from its TV partners, led by Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch's Fox.

In 2026, it is very hard to imagine a world where the NFL isn't the most powerful force in media. But John Ourand, who covers sports media for Puck, makes a case that its power could at least be checked in the years to come.

You can listen to our entire conversation, which also includes a look at Apple's sports strategy, and the WNBA's approach to media deals, on my Channels podcast. The following is an edited excerpt of our chat:

Peter Kafka: If Bob Iger and Josh Kushner are buying the Lakers at a $12.5 billion valuation, that means they think it will be worth even more in the future. What's the argument for that?

John Ourand: In the past, all the valuations of [pro sports] teams were heavily weighted by the fact that media rights deals keep going up by 10%, 20% per year.

But media executives I talk to say, "If they're basing [the Lakers] valuation on future media rights deals, that's a mistake."

The Lakers make $200 million a year from their local rights. And the NBA just got a new deal (for national rights) that pays $7.6 billion a year.

Their point is those numbers aren't going to go up anytime soon?

They're saying, "The NFL will get more money. Cord-cutting's still happening. Broadcast TV is in distress. They're not seeing nearly as much money coming from streaming. So the media companies are saying, you know, "We could be at the apex of it."

But when you talk to bankers and PE folks — this won't surprise you — they say, "No, it's still going to keep going up."

This is the question people have been debating for years — how much longer can sports rights go up, when everything else in TV is contracting? But they have continued to go up.

It is still mainly an advertising play. Sports is the last bastion of people watching live. It's been that case for a while, and it's the reason that broadcast networks and even cable networks are still profitable right now.

So the bull case for sports rights continuing to move forward is … maybe the broadcast networks don't stay healthy, but they still exist. And they have to have sports.

We're seeing another version of this debate right now with the NFL, where Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch recently made news by saying he's not currently negotiating a new deal with the league.

As of a few months ago, most people in the media world thought the networks were going to renegotiate their existing deals with the league and pay more per year, for more years, so they could keep the NFL locked up.

What Lachlan finally said was, "You know what? We're gonna see this through to the end. So we can negotiate now, but we're not opening our deal up early. It's gonna run through to the end of the decade."

That seems like a pretty reasonable stance, but it's being treated like a bombshell. Is the NFL's grip on media rights weakening?

There were some early numbers of, like, an [rights fees that would cost an] extra billion per year per network that were floated. That number would put some of the networks out of business.

Look: The NFL is still No. 1, and none of the networks want to live without the NFL.

But one thing that's interesting is that the NFL is talking to Paramount/CBS about their deal because of the change of control.

So let's say the NFL says, "OK, you know what? We can't come to a deal with CBS. This package is open for bidding." And it's a package of Sunday afternoon games with up to six games each afternoon.

Who's stepping up for that package? There aren't a lot of other networks.

Every single broadcast network has a package, and there's nobody else that's bidding it up. And even as powerful as the NFL is, that's a problem.

You need more than one bidder for the price to go up. They have just enough bidders for just enough packages. And I think right now we're seeing where the limits of that power lie a little bit.

It almost feels like a détente. Is that the right analogy?

The NFL is still going to get what it needs to get. It just isn't going to get its reach goal, I think.

After the NFL did $110 billion in TV deals in 2021, the networks were crying poor. But then they paid the NBA $76 billion.

And the NFL said: "Wait, I thought you were crying poor?" And then they see that Fox finds like a couple quarters in the cushion to buy Roku. So they're like, "Wait: How can you be crying poor on one hand, and then, then on the other hand, you do have this money?"

So the NFL wants to test those limits.

• Gwyneth Paltrow is investing in AI startups and embracing the tech at Goop.
• Even Goop's podcast, once mostly about wellness, is increasingly focused on AI.
• The actor and wellness tastemaker appears to have found her latest obsession.

Gwyneth Paltrow, who is synonymous with wellness, at-home coffee enemas, and jade yoni eggs, is making a name for herself in another, very different world: AI.

She is investing in AI startups, lending her voice to an AI product, and making it a recurring theme on The Goop Podcast. On Tuesday, Puck reported Paltrow is planning a "private, off-the-record al fresco dinner" at her home in honor of Sam Altman. Paltrow's representatives didn't immediately respond to an out-of-hours request for comment from Business Insider.

It is perhaps no coincidence that Paltrow is among the celebrities cashing in on AI after a rocky period at Goop marked by layoffs and strategy changes. And for an actor who reinvented herself as one of the earliest celebrity wellness influencers, her pivot into AI isn't entirely out of character. Silicon Valley's fixation on optimization and longevity feels Goop-adjacent.

Gwyneth Paltrow has invested in AI for years

Paltrow's interest in AI goes back to at least 2021, when she invested in the customer service automation startup Forethought AI, which she later joined a $25 million funding round for. That year, she and the beauty industry entrepreneur Moj Mahdara launched their VC fund, Kinship Ventures, which lists "AI-enabled tools & consumer tech" as one of its current investment areas.

Since 2023, the text-to-speech platform Speechify, which she is invested in, has used her voice. Her other bets include investments in the beauty-tech startup Potion AI, and the AI-powered meditation app Moments of Space, which she became a co-owner of in 2024.

Nowadays, Paltrow's interest in AI has extended beyond her investment portfolio and has become increasingly public.

Last year, following the Coldplay kiss-cam scandal involving Astronomer, the company hired Paltrow to front a tongue-in-cheek online video promoting its latest AI products.

Goop's fast-casual dining offshoot, Goop Kitchen, meanwhile, moved closer to AI's center of gravity this year by signing a lease for a ground-floor space at San Francisco's 405 Howard Street, which makes up part of Anthropic's HQ. Soon, Anthropic workers won't need to leave the building to get their fix of Goop Kitchen's organic turmeric-spiced chicken bone broth.

The Goop Podcast, which once mostly focused on topics like motherhood, holistic medicine, and careers, has taken on an unexpected AI flavor, too. Of its 11 most recent episodes, five have featured AI in the title or episode descriptions.

While her interviews with the psychotherapist Esther Perel about AI and dating, and with the chief medical officer of an AI-powered longevity clinic feel on brand, her June conversation with the cofounder of the AI-powered defense company Anduril raised some eyebrows online. The outlet Mother Jones said Paltrow had "goopified drone warfare."

Paltrow also uses AI to run Goop itself. In May, she said during an interview at the Meltwater Summit in New York that AI tools were driving efficiency at the company, from managing workflows to creating media assets. She said her own suite of AI tools had effectively become a "chief of staff" for Goop.

"The train's left the station," she said of AI at the summit. "We're in a time of incredible upheaval."

• Heena Patel is the James Beard-nominated chef of Besharam in San Francisco.
• Patel shared the underrated Indian dishes she believes everyone should order.
• Khandvi is a popular savory snack, and khichdi is a classic comfort dish.

Naan and butter chicken are undoubtedly delicious, but there's so much more to explore in Indian cuisine than these menu staples.

That's what James Beard-nominated chef Heena Patel set out to prove with Besharam, her regional Gujarati restaurant in San Francisco.

"Just as my guests step outside their comfort zones, I do the same with them, trusting they'll embrace my menu with an open mind," Patel told Business Insider. "That's how I hope to put Gujarati food on the map."

Patel believes the biggest mistake people make at Indian restaurants is playing it too safe. So, if you're looking for a little inspiration, here are three underrated dishes Patel thinks you should order the next time you're craving Indian food for dinner.

Bhindi masala 'allows okra to shine'

One of Patel's favorite okra dishes is bhindi masala, which typically features okra cooked with tomatoes, onions, and herbs.

"This dish is very special because it allows okra to shine with its crisp texture," Patel said.

When Patel sees okra and bitter melon on the menu at an Indian restaurant, she knows she's found an authentic spot.

"Produce like okra, bitter melon, and opo squash are common in Indian cooking," Patel said. "So if you see these ingredients on a menu, you're in for a treat."

Khichdi is a classic comfort dish

Patel said khichdi is typically made with rice and lentils, adding that "one bowl is never enough."

She recommends pairing khichdi with a "swirl of warm ghee and a drizzle of sour pickle" on top of a crunchy papadam.

"Indian food isn't just about individual dishes; it's about building each bite with different flavors," Patel said. "A curry or dal on its own is just one part of the experience. The real magic happens when you layer flavors by adding chutneys, pickles, rotis, and rice."

Khandvi is a popular Gujarati savory snack

"Khandvi are spiced and seasoned tight rolls served with yogurt," Patel said. "It's a simple yet elegant dish, full of technique that truly showcases a chef's skill."

If you want to explore more Gujarati-specific dishes, Patel also recommends…

• Dhokla: A savory sponge cake. Patel has made it with lentils and a cranberry chili glaze at Besharam.
• Kadhi: A spiced yogurt-based dish similar to curry that can be used as a sauce with rice or fritters.
• Ladoo: A sweet treat in the shape of a ball. There are many versions, but the classic variety is made with chickpea flour fried in ghee with cardamom and sugar.

No matter what you decide to order at an Indian restaurant, Patel advises you not to stick to just one dish.

"Mix and match textures, spice levels, and accompaniments," she said. "You'll walk away with a meal that's not just delicious but full of depth and surprises."

• I've traveled to over 70 countries and have spent time in some truly incredible places.
• However, there are a few cities I always tell friends and family members to visit.
• Some of my favorites include Valletta, Malta, and Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Every few months, I get an irresistible urge to pack my backpack and send myself to a new environment.

Having grown up between multiple cultures and countries, travel awakens a part of my identity that stays dormant at my home base in New Jersey.

My love of travel has brought me to over 70 countries during my 33 years of life, and some places have really stuck with me. Here are five of my favorite cities around the world that I always tell my friends and family to visit.

Valletta, Malta, transported me to a fairy tale.

I visited Malta without knowing much about the country, and left with a new favorite European destination. Nestled between North Africa's coast and Italy's southern islands, I've found that Malta too often gets overlooked by tourists.

The capital, Valletta, is an enchanting seaside maze of cobblestone streets that transported me to the Baroque period. It was a great city to explore on foot.

I loved starting my mornings here with a coffee from Coffee Circus, a cozy café that looks like a cave. At the end of the day, I spent time watching the sunset from windswept clifftops in St. Elmo Bay.

Taipei, Taiwan, really comes alive at night.

As a former New Yorker, I thought I'd lived in the ultimate 24-hour city — until I visited Taipei. After the sun sets over the humid subtropical capital city of Taiwan, Taipei really comes alive.

The Ximending Walking District's bustling neon-lit pedestrian-only streets are lined with restaurants, street performers, and stores. Strolling through Ximending, sipping on bubble tea, and grabbing street food became my nightly routine.

I loved spending time in beautiful Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Almaty's walkable city center allowed me to hit multiple cultural landmarks with a single stroll around beautiful tree-lined streets.

The most memorable sites I visited were Ascension Cathedral, a colorful Russian Orthodox Church primarily built out of wood, and the Memorial of Glory, a powerful sculpture commemorating World War II (known locally as the Great Patriotic War).

But in my opinion, the best part about Almaty lies about an hour outside the city center at Shymbulak Mountain Resort. I visited in October and was blown away by the fall colors during the 20-minute scenic cable car ride to the resort base.

Ilulissat, Greenland, is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.

"Ilulissat" means "icebergs" in Greenlandic, and as soon as I arrived and saw the massive iceberg-filled Disko Bay, I understood where the city gets its name.

On my first day in town, I ventured down three hiking trails, all of which were a short walk from the city center. On them, I found some of the most spectacular views of my life.

As I hiked, the Ilulissat Icefjord slowly revealed itself, until I reached the cliff edge where it felt like I witnessed two worlds meet — one a sheet of ice across the bay, and the other a lush moss vegetation that I stood on.

After my hike, I enjoyed local halibut and mussels at Inuit Café, a cute family-run restaurant.

In my opinion, Helsinki is the perfect summer destination.

If you're looking to visit a place that just feels like vacation, summer in Helsinki is for you.

I may be biased, having spent my childhood summers in Finland, but in my opinion, nothing beats cycling under the near-constant sun, eating fresh berries, and enjoying a sauna.

After enduring the cold and dark winter months, Finns often take several weeks off work in the summer to make the most of the extra daylight.

My favorite part about about the city is how urban life exists in harmony with nature. In the same day, you can catch me hiking in Nuuksio National Park, located about 40 minutes outside Helsinki by car, and attending Helsinki Festival, an arts festival typically held between mid-August and early September.

• I was born and raised in London, where I've seen tourists make mistakes and waste money.
• Instead of spending a ton on taxis, navigate the London Underground or walk (when it makes sense).
• Prepare for all types of weather, and don't forget to order a Sunday roast at a local pub.

As someone who was born and raised in London, I've seen tourists make their fair share of mistakes — from unwittingly missing out on one of the best British dishes to clogging up traffic on escalators.

However, with some planning and strategizing, newcomers can make the most of their time in London — and save some money while doing so.

Here are the major mistakes I see visitors make when exploring my home city, along with how to avoid them.

Paying to see panoramic skyline views that they can find for free

Whether you're paying for admission to an observation deck or a rooftop bar, going to the top of a skyscraper in any major city will probably cost you money. For the most part, London is no exception.

Many people go to The Shard, a 1,016-foot skyscraper with panoramic views of the city. Tickets start at £32, or about $44.

However, visitors can get a similarly fantastic view at the Sky Garden, which is right across the River Thames from The Shard. London's highest public garden offers some of the best views of the city's skyline and comes complete with an indoor garden, restaurants, and bars. The best bit? Entry is free. 

Time slots for Sky Garden can book up quickly, so plan ahead if you want to see the breathtaking views.

Standing on the left side of escalators — especially in London Underground stations

If you have no intention of walking down or climbing an escalator, make sure you stand on the right side. That way, those who don't want to stand still have the option to pass you on the left, keeping you from running into a scorned Londoner.

It's an unwritten rule in this city (and many other cities), and everyone — visitors and locals alike — should follow it. 

Keep this in mind when you're getting on the London Underground (also known as the Tube), especially if you want to avoid strangers angrily telling you to move as they rush to make their train.

Preparing only for rain and not other types of weather

One common misconception about London is that it always rains. It isn't entirely wrong, but it isn't exactly correct either. 

The reality is that you need to prepare for all four seasons, regardless of the time of year.

You probably don't need to bring a winter jacket if you're visiting in July, but pack versatile clothing that will give you options in case you encounter unexpected temperatures.

If you're planning to go out at night, note that the temperature tends to drop a fair bit, even in the summer, so bring a layer.

Taking the Tube around Central London instead of walking short distances

When you're in Central London, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to take public transit everywhere you go. However, it can be a waste of time and money. 

Take Leicester Square and Covent Garden, for example. They're one Tube stop apart, so the ride between the two takes about one minute. 

However, that doesn't account for the time it takes to get in and out of the stations, especially since Covent Garden has stairs and an elevator instead of an escalator.

If you're willing and able to walk, I recommend avoiding the chaos inside two of London's busiest stations and instead enjoying a five-minute stroll down Long Acre, a street home to numerous shops and restaurants.

Overpaying for airport taxis and cars

Tourists often spend a fortune on taxi rides from the airport to wherever they're staying, which is a big no-no.

Sadly, London's iconic black cabs are usually overpriced, and rideshare apps tend to be no different when it comes to the trek from the airport to the city. 

Alternatives — such as coaches (buses) and railways, including the Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express, and Elizabeth line — are cheaper and will usually get you where you need to go in less time than a car.

Local tip: The Elizabeth line is an air-conditioned rail service that leaves from the same platform as the Heathrow Express and costs about half the price.

Only shopping on Oxford Street

Oxford Street is one of the best places to shop in London, but it's also one of the city's busiest streets. It's often a bit chaotic, but the activity level really ramps up on weekends. 

For a more peaceful shopping experience with options just as good as those on Oxford Street, visit stores on King's Road in Chelsea or Marylebone. You can also explore the high streets in areas like Camden Town and Hampstead. 

Branching out beyond Central London will increase your chances of finding local, independently-owned businesses selling goods you can't get outside the UK.

Overlooking London's free museums and galleries

From the Tate Modern to the British Museum, London is home to some of the world's finest museums and galleries, and many of them are free to visit. 

Visiting the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum is a great way to spend an entire day, as all three museums are within walking distance of each other.

They're also located right by the Royal Albert Hall, meaning you can end a day of museum-hopping by watching a fabulous show at the historic concert hall. Just make sure you book tickets in advance.

It's also worth noting that some museum exhibitions, even the free ones, require you to reserve a time slot in advance. So take a look at the places you're interested in visiting before your trip to ensure you don't miss out.

Splurging to stay in the center of London

It can be tempting to book a luxurious hotel right in the heart of Central London, but in my opinion, that's not the best way to spend your travel budget.

Thanks to London's amazing public transportation system, almost anywhere you stay will have excellent connections to most parts of the city. 

Staying in areas such as Camden, Islington, and Stratford will give you a more authentic experience and get you a lot more value for your money. 

Leaving London without ordering a pub-made Sunday roast

Going to the pub is a rite of passage during any trip to the UK, let alone a visit to its capital city. It is steeped in history and home to some of the country's oldest and finest watering holes.

But many tourists don't realize pubs serve some of the best food in London, too. 

No trip to London is complete without trying a Sunday roast, a traditional meal typically made up of roasted meat (or a meatless alternative), roasted potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, gravy, and a variety of vegetables.

This story was originally published on May 12, 2023, and most recently updated on August 19, 2026.

• Tuomas Malinen thinks the next US recession could be just around the corner.
• The Finnish professor says two of the three economic variables he analyzed are flashing warnings.
• His view is in the minority on Wall Street, where most forecasters expect growth to hold up.

A professor who has spent years studying financial crises thinks the US economy is on the verge of trouble.

Tuomas Malinen, an economist who specializes in geopolitics and and financial crises, is laying out a grim outlook for the US. In a post on Substack this week, the Finnish professor said he analyzed several key barometers in financial markets and the economy. The findings ultimately supported the idea that the US is precariously close to another downturn, despite booming stocks and strong surface-level growth.

Malinen said he didn't have a concrete timeline for when a recession could start.

"But we need to acknowledge that the bottom can fall beneath the US economy, practically, in any minute," he warned.

Here are the three variables that Malinen analyzed:

US bankruptcies: Corporate bankruptcies remain well below their peak in the years following the Great Financial Crisis and the dot-com crash, but have climbed significantly since their post-COVID low.

In the 12 months leading up to June, the US recorded more than 600,000 new bankruptcy filings, up 12% from the 12 months leading up to June 2025, according to the US Courts office. It also marks the highest number of new bankruptcies the US has seen since the pandemic.

Bond yields: Corporate bond spreads are also flashing a potential warning for the US, Malinen said. He pointed in particular to the private sector yield curve, which he measured as the spread between Baa-rated corporate bonds with maturities of at least 20 years, and the bank prime rate, the interest rate that banks charge their most creditworthy institutional clients.

The private sector yield curve is close to uninverting, which means that corporate yields are close to suprassing the bank prime rate. That can happen if investors demand a higher yield due to perceived risks of holding corporate debt, or because overall interest rate expectations are rising, which can hurt risk-asset prices.

The curve is now signaling "an imminent onset of US recession," Malinen said, referring to how the private sector yield curve turned positive leading up to the COVID-19 recession, the Great Financial Crisis, and the recession of the early 2000s.

Manufacturing new orders: The ISM's manufacturing New Orders Index rose to 56.7 in July, marking its seventh straight month of expansion. This is the only variable flashing a positive signal for the economy, Malinen said, which he said may be attributable to the boom in data centers.

Even then, the signs are pointing to two troubling things about the US economy, Malinen said: 1), that only a small corner of the US economy is thriving, and 2) that the success of this area could "break suddenly," he said, referring to fears that AI is the latest market bubble.

"If the above holds, it would indicate that the US economy is very close to the onset of a recession, which can start abruptly from the collapse of the AI-trade (little like after the implosion of the Dotcom bubble)," Malinen wrote.

Malinen, who has issued bearish warnings for the US economy for the past several years, is in the minority on Wall Street, where most forecasters are expecting growth to hold up and the AI boom to last for at least several more years. Economists at the Atlanta Fed are estimating that GDP will expand another 4% over the third quarter, indicating the US is far from tipping into a technical recession.

• My husband and I moved into a condo when we became empty nesters, but we started craving more space.
• We moved into a home in a suburban cul-de-sac — but worried we'd be much older than our neighbors.
• Surprisingly, we built beautiful friendships with our younger neighbors.

When my husband and I first became empty nesters more than 20 years ago, we moved from our suburban Maryland home to a two-bedroom condo in Arlington, Virginia. We hoped to make some new friends as we started this chapter of our lives.

The city itself was fun, and the living environment was pleasant, but the proximity made it hard to connect with neighbors; it felt like everyone was protective of their privacy and space.

Fast forward 17 years, and our family looked a lot bigger with in-laws and four grandchildren. Family gatherings at our condo started to feel tense and stifling: Aside from our small, not-toddler-friendly terrace, there was nowhere to comfortably escape if someone needed space.

Add retirement to this picture, and we started to realize we needed more breathing room — both for ourselves and our hobbies, and to host sleepovers with our youngest family members.

So, we moved to a four-bedroom home in the suburbs of Maryland near where we had previously resided, and closer to where our children and grandkids lived.

We weren't sure how we'd fit in with our neighbors

My immediate fear was that we would be outsiders, just the "old couple on the block."

With the exception of a few homeowners who had held onto their property despite being longtime empty nesters, everyone else on our cul-de-sac — and many people in the community itself — seemed closer to our children's ages. (In fact, we'd later discover that one neighbor was in our daughter's high-school class.)

I didn't expect to befriend our neighbors, and instead focused my energy on renewing relationships we'd had when we previously lived nearby. I also started playing mah-jongg and pickleball to try to cultivate new ones.

We quickly discovered, though, that our immediate community members were very friendly. We had just adopted a cock-a-poo, so when we noticed neighbors going on long morning walks, we started casually joining them.

I was surprised by how natural it felt to spend time together. Regular dog-walking outings eventually graduated to happy hours and dinners.

Not only are we from different age groups, but we also have different cultural and ethnic backgrounds — some of the best times we've had include sharing foods from our different cultures.

Together, we've eaten Dominican stewed meat, arroz blanco, and habichuelas, Trinidadian roti, and New York-style matzo-ball soup and potato pancakes, all while having long talks about politics, movies, family relationships, travel, and more.

Of course, as adults of different ages, we don't always share the same outlook on every topic — but we've learned to listen, appreciate, and respectfully disagree when our opinions diverge.

About 3 years later, these are some of my closest friendships

Naturally, as neighbors, our friendship has benefited from the proximity. We can get together on short notice, and my husband and I have been able to count on our neighbors for help with dog walking, snow shoveling, and more.

We've also become close with our neighbors' kids. One of them plays piano beautifully, and used to come to our house to practice before his family bought a piano of their own. Another shoots hoops with my husband.

One of our grandchildren has become a good playmate of one of our neighbors' children, and runs to her house whenever she comes to visit us.

Many people in our age bracket might choose to spend retirement in a homogenous, 60-plus community where everyone's a bit more generationally appropriate. I'm glad we decided otherwise.

I don't believe "age is just a number," but I do believe it's rewarding to put yourself out there. My husband and I have learned we can communicate with people of all different ages and backgrounds if we stay open and willing to connect.

• Without adjusting for inflation, 17 superhero movies have made at least $1 billion at the box office.
• Using data from Box Office Mojo, we compiled the highest-grossing superhero movies worldwide.
• "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" became the latest addition to this list in August 2026.

Did someone say "superhero fatigue"? Because after the record-breaking smash success of "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," we don't see any signs of audiences giving up on comic books just yet.

Since "The Dark Knight" became the first billion-dollar grosser to star a hero wearing a mask and tights, it's been a steady stream of caped crusaders, super-powered beings, and web-slinging spider-men.

However, it's still no easy feat to make seven figures at the box office. As Marvel and DC have seen over the last seven years since "Avengers: Endgame," audiences won't show up for just anything that's ripped from the pages.

But "Brand New Day" proved that some masked vigilantes still have the juice. It made $1 billion in six days — and $2 billion in 19 days — proving that your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man has worldwide appeal.

Here are all 17 superhero movies to cross the billion-dollar threshold.

17. "The Dark Knight" (2008)

Worldwide gross: $1,008,480,203

16. "Joker" (2019)

Worldwide gross: $1,078,958,629

15. "The Dark Knight Rises" (2012)

Worldwide gross: $1,085,429,532

14. "Captain Marvel" (2019)

Worldwide gross: $1,131,416,446

13."Spider-Man: Far From Home" (2019)

Worldwide gross: $1,131,927,996

12. "Aquaman" (2018)

Worldwide gross: $1,152,028,393

11. "Captain America: Civil War" (2016)

Worldwide gross: $1,155,046,416

10. "Iron Man 3" (2013)

Worldwide gross: $1,215,577,205

9. "Incredibles 2" (2018)

Worldwide gross: $1,243,225,667

8. "Deadpool & Wolverine" (2024)

Worldwide gross: $1,338,073,645

7. "Black Panther" (2018)

Worldwide gross: $1,349,926,083

6. "Avengers: Age of Ultron" (2015)

Worldwide gross: $1,405,018,048

5. "The Avengers" (2012)

Worldwide gross: $1,520,538,536

4. "Spider-Man: No Way Home" (2021)

Worldwide gross: $1,921,426,073

3. "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" (2026)

Worldwide gross: $2,022,543,660 (as of August 18, 2026)

2. "Avengers: Infinity War" (2018)

Worldwide gross: $2,052,415,039

1. "Avengers: Endgame" (2019)

Worldwide gross: $2,799,439,100

Editor's note: This story was first published in October 2022 and most recently updated in August 2026. Kirsten Acuna contributed to a prior version of this story.

• There have been 89 theatrically released movies based on a Marvel comic property to date.
• From "Howard the Duck" to "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," the quality has ebbed and flowed.
• Here's how all the Marvel movies — so far — compare.

It's been 40 years since audiences saw their very first theatrical movie based on a Marvel comic — would you believe that 1986's "Howard the Duck" was the first major motion picture based on a character from Marvel?

Since that inauspicious start, Marvel has become one of the most recognizable and successful brands in the movie business (though the studio was going through a rough patch until "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" was released this summer).

The Marvel Cinematic Universe alone has grossed over $30 billion worldwide, and that's not including mega-hits like "X-Men," "Men in Black," or the "Spider-Verse" films.

While most of these movies made significant chunks of change at the box office, not all were beloved by critics. Here's how each film was received by critics, from worst to best, according to Rotten Tomatoes.

89. "Fantastic Four" (2015)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 9%

"Fantastic Four" is the second on-screen iteration of the famed Marvel family consisting of Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Miles Teller), his love interest Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Kate Mara), her brother Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Michael B. Jordan), and their friend Ben Grimm/The Thing (Jamie Bell).

After they travel to a different dimension and acquire fantastic, if gruesome, powers, they face off against Doctor Doom, played by Toby Kebbell, a former friend turned homicidal maniac.

"A poorly constructed, ineptly executed, flatfooted piece of Branded Product that plays as though it were written by a piece of software fed every superhero movie script to date and instructed to synthesize them," wrote Flavorwire's Jason Bailey.

88. "Madame Web" (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 10%

"Madame Web" stars Dakota Johnson as Cassandra Webb, a paramedic living in New York City who somehow gains clairvoyance.

She teams up with three young women — Julia (Sydney Sweeney), Anya (Isabela Merced), and Mattie (Celeste O'Connor) — who each have spider-powers in their future to take down a mysterious foe, Ezekiel Sims (Tahar Rahim).

"Even Johnson has her limits, and 'Madame Web' blows so far past them that you can practically guess which scenes were shot last based on the degree to which its star has given up," wrote Allison Wilmore for Vulture.

87. "Elektra" (2005)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 11%

After dying at the end of "Daredevil," Elektra, played by Jennifer Garner, is revived by her mentor, Stick, to become a force for good. Eventually, she abandons this lifestyle and becomes a contract killer until an evil organization known as The Hand attempts to kill her.

Tim Robey of The Telegraph called the film "Studio dross of the lowest grade."

86. "Howard the Duck" (1986)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 14%

As you might've guessed from the title, Howard is a duck. Specifically, a resident of the planet Duckworld, which is like Earth, but inhabited by ducks. When Howard finds himself on Earth in the state of Ohio, he must team up with a woman, Beverly Switzler (Lea Thompson), to try to get home.

"Sound the horns, light the speakers, and cue the marching band, because 'Howard the Duck' is here ... and bad movie historians could not ask for a more mallard-droit venture than this," wrote Michael Burkett of the Orange County Register.

84 (tie). "Morbius" (2022)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 15%

In "Morbius," Jared Leto stars as Dr. Michael Morbius, a highly intelligent doctor dying from a rare blood disease. In his quest to find a cure, he accidentally turns himself into a "living vampire," a being with enhanced strength, sonar capabilities, a psychic connection with bats ... and the unending desire to drink blood.

"'Morbius,' at best, will be remembered as the latest effort on Sony's part to make its nascent Sinister Six franchise happen. And, like 'fetch,' it's hard to see that happening," wrote Liz Shannon Miller of Consequence.

84 (tie). "Kraven the Hunter" (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 15%

What seems to be the final film in Sony's ill-advised SSU (Sony's Spider-Man Universe) is "Kraven the Hunter," which stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the titular Kraven. In the film, Kraven works to free his brother Dmitri (Fred Hechinger) from the villainous Rhino (Alessandro Nivola).

"'Kraven the Hunter' is a terrible movie, but you almost feel sorry for it," wrote Peter Howell of The Toronto Star.

83. "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance" (2011)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 18%

Nicolas Cage returns as stuntman-turned-flaming-skeleton Johnny Blaze, who has been in hiding since the events of the first film. When he finds out that the devil himself has fathered a child and is planning to raise him, he rides again as the demonic Ghost Rider in exchange for getting his soul back.

With the announcement of Ryan Gosling as the star of a new "Ghost Rider" film, this is officially the last appearance of Cage's bizarre (but fun!) turn as Johnny.

"Cage appears to find his role as this second-tier Marvel Comics antihero alternately silly, tremendously fun, and the means to a decent paycheck for not all that much work," wrote the Austin Chronicle's Marc Savlov.

82. "Dark Phoenix" (2019)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 22%

Sophie Turner plays Jean Grey, who begins to lose control of her psychic abilities, unleashing what's called the "Phoenix Force." The rest of her mutant teammates and some enemies assemble to try to help Jean control her powers, leading to tragedy.

As the recent D23 announcement confirmed a new version of the X-Men, this is the last we'll see of this version of the team of mutants, which is a shame, since it's such a bad final note.

"Outgunned on the action front by box-office rivals and too nervous to tell a more intimate story, 'Dark Phoenix' leaves the franchise running on empty," wrote Michael Hale of Sight & Sound.

81. "Men in Black: International" (2019)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 23%

Yes, the "Men in Black" franchise is based on the Malibu Comics run of the same name. Malibu was then acquired by Marvel in 1994.

The 2019 stand-alone sequel sees Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson take over for Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, playing two new agents, Agent H and Agent M, who are paired up in London to uncover a mole within the agency.

"For all its oddball aliens and fantastical technology, the most unbelievable thing about 'Men in Black: International' is just how thoroughly it wastes Tessa Thompson and Chris Hemsworth," wrote Mashable's Angie Han.

79 (tie). "Blade: Trinity" (2004)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 24%

Until Mahershala Ali's "Blade" film is released (whenever that may be), Wesley Snipes will be the only big-screen version of Blade, a human-vampire hybrid who has dedicated himself to hunting vampires. In the last film of the trilogy, Blade, played by Wesley Snipes, teams up with two new vampire hunters (Ryan Reynolds' Hannibal King and Jessica Biel's Abigail Whistler) to defeat Dracula.

"This has all the appeal of reheated, congealed blood," wrote Time Out's Nigel Floyd.

79 (tie). "The Punisher" (1989)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 24%

Not long after "Howard the Duck," the next Marvel movie was released: "The Punisher." In it, Lundgren plays Frank Castle, a presumed-dead former detective whose family was blown up by a car bomb placed by the Mafia. However, Castle survived the bombing and has now dedicated his life to getting revenge on everyone involved.

This film never got a theatrical release in the US, but it was released internationally, thus qualifying it for this list.

Time Out's Suzi Feay called the film "destructive, reprehensible, and marvelous fun."

77 (tie). "Fantastic Four" (2005)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 28%

Years before he became Captain America, Chris Evans took on the role of Johnny Storm, better known as the Human Torch, in "Fantastic Four." He was joined by Jessica Alba as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Ioan Gruffudd as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, and Michael Chiklis as Ben Grimm/The Thing.

Instead of traveling to a parallel dimension, this version of the Fantastic Four's origin story sees them interact with a cosmic cloud in space, giving them their powers. But, like in the reboot, their primary nemesis is Doctor Doom, this time a former classmate of Reed and Sue's, played by Julian McMahon.

On the AV Club, Keith Phipps simply called the movie "A garish mediocrity."

77 (tie). "Ghost Rider" (2007)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 28%

In "Ghost Rider," viewers watch as Cage's Johnny Blaze descends into hell as the literal devil's bounty hunter, a power he received after trading his soul to spare his father's life. Now, when he's around an evil spirit, he becomes the Ghost Rider, a flaming skull demon who rides a motorcycle. He gets into a race against the son of a demon to prevent him from unleashing hell on Earth.

"Nic Cage seems comfortable in the role of the flaming-skulled biker, but the plot holes are too deep even for his Herbie-like arachnid motorcycle to negotiate," wrote David Jenkins for Time Out.

76. "Punisher: War Zone" (2008)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 29%

"War Zone" saw its titular role re-cast with Ray Stevenson, whose version of Frank is now five years into his career as the vigilante, The Punisher.

This time, Frank goes up against one of his most famous adversaries in the comics, Jigsaw (played by Dominic West), while evading the police, who have created a "Punisher Task Force" dedicated to bringing him in.

"You couldn't call it shoddy, exactly, and the actors take it painfully seriously; it's just dispiriting to see all this endeavor in the service of something so humorless and disgusting," wrote Andrew Pulver of The Guardian.

75. "The Punisher" (2004)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 30%

"The Punisher" stars Thomas Jane as Frank Castle, a former FBI agent whose entire family is murdered after his cover is blown by the vengeful Saint crime family, the head of which is played by John Travolta. Frank then dedicates his entire existence to getting revenge on those who were involved in the death of his wife and children.

Nev Pierce of the BBC called it a "comic-book action movie with an unpleasant edge."

74. "Venom" (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 31%

In "Venom," Tom Hardy plays journalist Eddie Brock, who loses his job, his fiancée (played by Michelle Williams), and his reputation after he steals confidential documents and confronts a powerful CEO, played by Riz Ahmed. Simultaneously, he is exposed to an alien symbiote who calls itself Venom, and the two bond together to protect the Earth.

"Not since 'Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance' has a Marvel Comics adaptation centered on such a splendidly weird lead performance," wrote the Chicago Reader's Ben Sachs.

73. "Kick-Ass 2" (2013)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 33%

"Kick-Ass" and its sequel are based on the series of the same name, which was initially published by the Marvel imprint Icon Comics. It has since moved to Image Comics, the third-largest comics brand behind Marvel and DC.

Specifically, "Kick-Ass 2" reunites viewers with the vigilante duo of Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Dave Lizewski/Kick-Ass and Chloë Grace Moretz as Mindy Macready/Hit-Girl as they once again face off against Christopher Mintz-Plasse's Chris D'Amico, who has an NSFW alter ego.

"Although the film has the cheap veneer of female empowerment that comes from having a girl assassin, it is rotten with misogyny," Jenny McCartney for The Telegraph.

72. "The New Mutants" (2020)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 36%

Now that Disney officially owns Fox, the next X-Men movie we get will likely be an entirely different continuity. For a franchise with high highs and low lows, it's just unfortunate that this was the last hurrah.

"New Mutants" stars Maisie Williams, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Heaton, Blu Hunt, Henry Zaga, and Adam Beach as a group of teenage mutants living in a hospital. They were all sent there after causing horrible accidents (or even deaths) with their powers, only to discover that things at the hospital are not what they seem.

"The concept behind 'The New Mutants' is a solid, intriguing one that could've reinvigorated the familiar origin superhero story. Instead, Boone opts for genericism, ending the 'X-Men' franchise with an angsty-teen whimper," wrote Meagan Navarro for Bloody Disgusting.

71. "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" (2009)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 37%

The 2009 film focuses on Logan, or Wolverine, as played by Hugh Jackman, and what his life was like before he became the X-Man that we knew and loved in the three previous movies. It follows him from the Civil War to the 1970s.

"'Wolverine' starts with a roar before sliding into a chaotic, preachy mess," wrote The Irish Times' Donald Clarke.

69 (tie). "Men in Black II" (2002)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 38%

After the events of the first film, Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) has retired and subsequently had his memory wiped of all things alien, but Agent J (Will Smith) drags him back into duty to confront their biggest threat yet.

"This is effective button-pushing sci-fi entertainment, but you won't need to be neuralized to forget it," wrote Andy Jacobs for the BBC.

69 (tie). "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" (2007)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 38%

The cast from the first film all return, joined by Doug Jones and Laurence Fishburne, who provide the physical form and voice, respectively, of the Silver Surfer, a herald from outer space who serves to warn a planet of its incoming destruction at the hands of the planet-killing Galactus.

"An off-brand superhero movie, the cinematic equivalent of one of those generic breakfast cereals with a badly drawn squirrel for a mascot," wrote Slate's Dana Stevens.

68. "Venom: The Last Dance" (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 40%

"Venom: The Last Dance" is exactly what it sounds like: a trilogy-capping film. It stars Tom Hardy as both the human reporter Eddie Brock and his alien symbiote best frenemy, Venom. In "Last Dance," Eddie and Venom must make difficult decisions regarding their relationship and the safety of the planet.

"At least the film ends with a fittingly poignant/ridiculous tribute to the greatest love story ever told about a man and his symbiotic alien goo," wrote Indiewire's David Ehrlich.

67. "The King's Man" (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 41%

"The King's Man" is based on the Icon Comics series "Kingsman" (originally titled "The Secret Service"). It tells the story of the very first members of the Kingsman, including Ralph Fiennes' Orlando Oxford, his son Conrad (played by Harris Dickinson), a maid/spy Polly (played by Gemma Arterton), a butler/spy Shola (played by Djimon Honsou), and more as they go up against Russian sorcerer Rasputin, as played by Rhys Ifans.

"It is downright diabolical for Vaughn to make audiences even imagine a sequel to this unnecessary prequel simply to see if can be as outlandish as promised," wrote the Los Angeles Times' Mark Olsen.

66. "Daredevil" (2003)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 42%

Affleck plays Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer with preternaturally sensitive senses and a healthy helping of Catholic guilt who decides to save Hell's Kitchen by becoming Daredevil, the Man Without Fear.

He's joined by Jennifer Garner as Elektra, an assassin with a heart, and Jon Favreau as Foggy Nelson, his best friend and fellow lawyer. They go up against the crime boss Wilson Fisk, aka Kingpin, played by Michael Clarke Duncan, and the unstable assassin Bullseye, played by Colin Farrell.

Joe Morganstern of The Wall Street Journal wrote, "It isn't a great film, or even a greatly original one. Still, it has many grace notes, and interesting oddities."

64 (tie). "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 46%

It's been a tough time for the MCU over the last couple of years, and "Quantumania" seems to be a nadir for the long-running franchise.

In this film, Ant-Man (or Scott Lang), played by Paul Rudd, travels to the microscopic Quantum Realm to save his daughter, Cassie (Kathryn Newton), who was sucked in there by a mysterious device. Along for the ride are his girlfriend Hope/The Wasp (Evangeline Lilly), her mom Janet (Michelle Pfeiffer), her dad Hank (Michael Douglas), and various other citizens of this new plane of existence.

Kyle Smith of The Wall Street Journal called it "another lackluster blockbuster."

64 (tie). "Captain America: Brave New World" (2025)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 46%

We may never know what, exactly, went wrong with "Brave New World," which follows the new Captain America, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) as he goes up against President Thunderbolt Ross (Harrison Ford), who just so happens to turn into Red Hulk.

We do know, though, is that this movie was plagued by reshoots and was more than likely hacked to pieces in the editing room.

"If 'Brave New World' is a sign of things to come, then the MCU is in more trouble than we thought," wrote the Chicago Reader's Ben Kaye.

63. "X-Men: Apocalypse" (2016)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 47%

"Apocalypse" is the ninth "X-Men" film overall, and the third installment in the prequel trilogy that stars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, and Nicholas Hoult as younger versions of mutants from the original three films.

In "Apocalypse," the team must unite to defeat the world's first mutant, En Sabah Nur, or Apocalypse, as he tries to remake the world when he is awoken after thousands of years.

"This is one of the big dangers for the extended franchise model of filmmaking, that characters and series will be kept alive not because there's a story to tell, but because the franchise must be kept alive," wrote Peter Suderman for Vox.

62. "Eternals" (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 48%

"Eternals," directed by the Oscar-winning Chloé Zhao, attempted to introduce an entirely new team of superheroes, an alien race called the Eternals, to the MCU and followed them from prehistoric times through the present day. Your mileage may vary on how successful she was, but "Eternals" did introduce Harry Styles to the MCU, so there's that.

"Zhao ultimately robs the artist's comic of its sweep by constantly turning a space opera into a repetitive character drama," wrote Ed Gonzalez for Slant Magazine.

61. "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" (2014)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 50%

Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone reunite as Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man, and his doomed girlfriend, Gwen Stacy, in this over-stuffed sequel that sees Peter going up against Jamie Foxx's Electro, Dane DeHaan's Green Goblin, and Paul Giamatti's Rhino.

"Over-stuffed with plot and consequently struggles to invest the audience in any of it, since there's so much to get through and so many future films and spin-offs to set up," wrote The Atlantic's David Sims.

60. "Kingsman: The Golden Circle" (2017)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 51%

"The Golden Circle" stars Taron Egerton once again as Eggsy, a newly minted member of the secret spy organization, the Kingsman. After many of its members are wiped out, Eggsy and his colleague Merlin (Mark Strong), travel to the US and meet their American equivalents, the Statesman.

David Edelstein simply wrote, "What a mess it is" in his review for Vulture.

59. "X-Men: The Last Stand" (2006)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 56%

"The Last Stand" is another interpretation of the "Dark Phoenix Saga," this time focusing on Famke Janssen's version of Jean Grey after she's resurrected following her death in "X2." Like the 2019 version of the story, Jean is unable to control her powers and kills people that she cares about until she is ultimately taken out by Logan.

"'The Last Stand' pretty much looks and plays like the first films, though perhaps with more noise and babe action and a little less glum," wrote Manohla Dargis for The New York Times.

58. "Blade II" (2002)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 57%

"Blade II" might be a little tough to watch post-2020, as its plot focuses on a pandemic that turns vampires into Reapers, aka rabid vampires, but the additions of Ron Perlman and a young Norman Reedus are worth the watch. 

Plus, it was directed by horror visionary Guillermo del Toro, which means, at the very least, that it's never boring.

As the AV Club's Nathan Rabin wrote, "The world can always use another entertainingly trashy B-movie, and 'Blade II' fits the bill."

57. "Venom: Let There Be Carnage" (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 58%

"Venom: Let There Be Carnage" is a lean, mean, killing machine. Ostensibly, the movie is about Venom and Eddie working together to defeat the serial killer Cletus Kasady, played by a dialed-in Woody Harrelson ... but, in actuality, it's a romantic comedy between Venom and Eddie trying to figure out how to live together in one body.

"A love story written in blood, sweat, and the slime of half-eaten brains," wrote The Independent's Clarisse Loughrey.

56. "Blade" (1998)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 59%

Wesley Snipes makes his debut as Blade, a vampire-human hybrid who has dedicated his life to hunting down vampires in the seedy underworld of his home city, using his unique advantages, like the ability to walk in the daylight.

"'Blade's' stomach-turning special effects, bone-crunching martial arts and cynical humor will more than satisfy any action-film addict's need for a fix of eye-popping escapist adrenaline," wrote the Washington Post's Michael O'Sullivan.

55. "Spider-Man 3" (2007)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 62%

"Spider-Man 3" made the mistake of trying to cram too many villains into one film, a mistake that "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" replicated a few years later. In the film, Peter, as played by Tobey Maguire, faces off against his best friend Harry Osborn (James Franco) as the new Green Goblin, Flint Marko/Sandman (Thomas Haden Church), and Eddie Brock (this time played by Topher Grace), aka Venom.

He also infamously dances down the streets of New York City with the most emo haircut of all time, which is later referenced in "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" a decade later.

"Too many villains, too many pale plot strands, too many romantic misunderstandings, too many conversations, too many street crowds looking high into the air and shouting 'oooh!' this way, then swiveling and shouting aaah!' that way," wrote Roger Ebert.

53 (tie). "Hulk" (2003)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 63%

Eric Bana took on the role of Marvel's not-so-jolly green giant in Ang Lee's version of "Hulk" in one of the most faithful comic-book movies, at least aesthetically speaking, even if the character's origin wasn't exactly the same as on the page. A supporting cast of Jennifer Connelly, Sam Elliott, and Nick Nolte also elevates this movie.

"Where so many comic-book movies feel as disposable as Kleenex, the passionate, un-cynical 'Hulk' stamps itself into your memory. Lee's movies are built to last," wrote Newsweek's David Ansen.

53 (tie). "The Marvels" (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 63%

After saving the universe, Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) has once again left Earth to continue saving the rest of the galaxy — but when her powers get entangled with her best friend's daughter, Monica (Teyonah Parris), and a Captain Marvel superfan who has nicknamed herself Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani), she must return to her home planet to see what exactly is going on, and confront the mistakes of her past.

"It's silly and makes little sense, but it's such a fun time at the movies. And isn't that why we go to see movies in the first place?" wrote Kristen Lopez for The Wrap.

52. "Thor: Love and Thunder" (2022)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 64%

The follow-up to smash hit "Thor: Ragnarok" and the first-ever fourth solo film for an MCU hero didn't live up to expectations, at least according to critics.

But we did get to see Natalie Portman return to the MCU as her version of the Mighty Thor, a couple of screaming goats, and a jaw-dropping post-credits cameo.

"Though Chris Hemsworth, as usual, has a lot of fun in the title role, the film around him too often strains to provide excitement and laughs," wrote Wall Street Journal's Kyle Smith.

50 (tie). "Men in Black 3" (2012)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 67%

A decade after we last saw Agents J and K, viewers were once again treated to the comedic duo of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, but with a twist.

The film focuses on an alien who travels back in time to kill a young Agent K (Jones) in the 1960s, leading Agent J (Smith) to also travel back and team up with the young Agent K, played by Josh Brolin, to fix the future.

"The movie represents at least a partial return to form, not as inventive as the first, but surely better than the recycled materials that made up the second," wrote The Atlantic's Christopher Orr.

50 (tie). "Thor: The Dark World" (2013)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 67%

"Thor: The Dark World," the 2013 sequel to the 2011 film, stars Chris Hemsworth as the titular Norse god, Tom Hiddleston as his mischievous brother Loki, and Natalie Portman as Thor's Earth-bound love interest Jane Foster. It wasn't as well-received as its predecessor, but it has its defenders.

"This feels like a really, really, expensive episode of 'Doctor Who.' In a good way," wrote Larushka Ivan-Zadeh for Metro.

49. "The Incredible Hulk" (2008)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 68%

Edward Norton took over for Eric Bana in "The Incredible Hulk," which was plagued with rumors of behind-the-scenes drama, including that Norton rewrote much of the movie while it was shooting, and that there were many clashes between Norton, director Louis Leterrier, and Marvel Studios.

Those dueling visions led to a moderately received comic-book film.

"The climax is a bit of a yawn, but most of what precedes it is vigorous and sharp," wrote Tom Charity of CNN.

48. "The Wolverine" (2013)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 70%

"The Wolverine" separates Hugh Jackman's Wolverine from the rest of the X-Men for his own little side quest in Japan. In it, he wrestles with the consequences of his actions (aka killing Jean Grey in "X-Men: The Last Stand") and with his "curse" of immortality.

"Director James Mangold's film features some breathtakingly suspenseful action sequences, exquisite production and costume design and colorful characters, some of whom register more powerfully than others," wrote Christy Lemire for RogerEbert.com.

47. "The Amazing Spider-Man" (2012)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 71%

Released just five years after Tobey Maguire hung up his spider-suit in 2007, "The Amazing Spider-Man" had its work cut out for it. And, largely, the movie succeeds at introducing a new take on our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man and his second-most iconic love interest, Gwen Stacy (played by a luminous Emma Stone), while attempting to introduce new lore regarding Peter's parents' disappearance.

"The casting is just right. As if moving back in time, Andrew Garfield is the Spidey Sean Connery, as opposed to Tobey Maguire's Roger Moore," wrote The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw.

46. "Iron Man 2" (2010)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 72%

In retrospect, "Iron Man 2" had an impossible job: to build upon what is still regarded as one of the finest superhero films of all time.

Perhaps that's why critics weren't too kind to "Iron Man 2," which focused on Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, being rude to everyone around him while covering up his impending death. Oh, and Mickey Rourke is there playing Whiplash, a Russian villain who loves his bird.

"Casting the likes of Downey and Rourke and then imprisoning them in jointed refrigerators is resource-squandering of the highest order," wrote Dana Stevens for Slate.

45. "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" (2022)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 73%

After the events of the Disney+ miniseries "WandaVision," Elizabeth Olsen's Wanda Maximoff has been taken over by the dark forces of the Scarlet Witch, putting her on a collision course with Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Stephen Strange as he works to protect a new teenage friend, America Chavez (played by Xochitl Gomez), from Wanda's plans.

"It might be Marvel's multiverse, but 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' is [director Sam] Raimi's plaything. And we wouldn't want it any other way," wrote Kristy Puchko for Mashable.

43 (tie). "Kingsman: The Secret Service" (2014)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 75%

"Kingsman," based on the Icon Comics run of the same name, is a far bloodier and funnier movie than anything viewers have seen from a comic book movie in some time. Taron Egerton stars as Eggsy, a petty criminal and Royal Marines dropout who is turned into a super-spy with the help of his mentor, Harry, played by Colin Firth.

"On Day One of filming, they must have thrown away the moral compass and taken a group vow to splatter our sensibilities with stylish, gratuitous violence and one 'Wait, what?!' moment after another," wrote Richard Roeper for the Chicago Sun-Times.

43 (tie). "Avengers: Age of Ultron" (2015)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 75%

The Avengers team up once again in "Age of Ultron" to take down the nihilistic AI known as Ultron, designed as a "suit of armor around the world" by Tony Stark and Bruce Banner, aka Iron Man and the Hulk, who is hell-bent on destroying the planet at all costs.

"The sharp, interpersonal dramedy that made the first movie such a delight is again present in flashes, but not infrequently it is drowned out by the noisy, inevitable need to Save the World," wrote Christopher Orr for The Atlantic.

41 (tie). "Thor" (2011)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 77%

Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston were both essentially unknowns when they were cast as Norse gods Thor and Loki (as evidenced by their casting announcement in Deadline), and this movie catapulted them both to the A-list almost immediately.

Both Hemsworth and Hiddleston still have a future with the MCU in 2026 — both have been announced as part of the cast of "Avengers: Doomsday." Seeing their chemistry as brothers in this first film explains why we still love them, 15 years later.

"The new Marvel Comics movie 'Thor,' directed by Kenneth Branagh, is equal parts trippy, tacky, and monumental, the blend surprisingly agreeable, a happy change from all those aggressively down-to-earth superhero flicks like 'Iron Man,'" wrote David Edelstein for Vulture.

41 (tie). "Deadpool & Wolverine" (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 77%

"Deadpool & Wolverine" was released on July 26, 2024. Eleven days later, it had made $852 million worldwide, out-grossing the $782 million of the first film and the $785 million of the second film, according to Box Office Mojo. It eventually topped out at $1.3 billion.

Besides being a team-up between Deadpool, the Merc with a Mouth, and Wolverine, the best-known X-Man by a mile, "Deadpool & Wolverine" is a love letter to the 20th Century Fox era of superhero films, with cameos from Jennifer Garner, Wesley Snipes, Chris Evans (as Johnny Storm!), Dafne Keen, and more.

"Dotted in among the quips and Easter eggs is the superhero equivalent of 'Toy Story 2,' a mournful goodbye to the things we once held dear, even if some of those things weren't that great to begin with," wrote Slate's Sam Adams.

40. "Kick-Ass" (2010)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 78%

Some of our current beloved antiheroes predate this Icon Comics character, but without the on-screen success of "Kick-Ass," it's hard to tell when those adaptations would've come to pass.

"Kick-Ass" stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson — who suited up for his third comic-book movie as Kraven the Hunter in 2024 — as Dave Lizewski, a normal teenager and comics super-fan who decides to become a vigilante called Kick-Ass. He inspires a movement and teams up with other vigilantes like Hit-Girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) and Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage) to take down organized crime.

"Everything you've likely heard about 'Kick-Ass' is true, providing you've heard it's profane, outlandish, ultra-violent, shocking, funny and wildly entertaining," wrote Tom Long of The Detroit News.

37 (tie). "Iron Man 3" (2013)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 79%

"Iron Man 3" focuses on Tony Stark dealing with his PTSD after the events of "Avengers," like his near-death experience flying a nuclear bomb through a wormhole in space. But the big twist of this movie, the bait-and-switch identity of the Mandarin, played by Ben Kingsley, remains this movie's biggest legacy.

"A thrilling film and a somewhat satisfying conclusion to the 'Iron Man' trilogy," wrote Nicolás Delgadillo for Discussing Film.

37 (tie). "Captain Marvel" (2019)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 79%

Brie Larson stars as Carol Danvers, a former US Air Force pilot who is exposed to a blast of cosmic energy in the '90s, experiences memory loss, and is taken in by an alien race called the Kree. As Carol tries to remember her past, she's introduced to a young(er) SHIELD agent, a digitally de-aged Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury.

"The main strength is a core of female friendship: Carol Danvers is the only Marvel hero you could imagine getting hammered and belting out songs by No Doubt," wrote The Observer's Wendy Ide.

37 (tie). "Black Widow" (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 79%

Set between the events of "Captain America: Civil War" and "Avengers: Infinity War," and exactly a decade after her introduction as Natasha Romanoff in "Iron Man 2," Scarlett Johansson finally stars in her own solo film with "Black Widow."

The film also introduced actors Florence Pugh and David Harbour to the MCU, and we're so happy to continue seeing them on screen.

"In all the ways that matter to an MCU fan, 'Black Widow' the film meets or exceeds all expectations. It is a killer action flick, and a unique viewing experience... in that I loved it, and the fact that I loved it also makes me livid," wrote Salon's Melanie McFarland.

36. "Captain America: The First Avenger" (2011)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 80%

Simply put, Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, is the role that Chris Evans was born to play. Audiences see Evans first as a digitally altered scrawny kid from Brooklyn who, against all odds, is chosen to receive a "super soldier serum" and become Captain America due to his pure heart. With anyone else, it'd be unbearably cheesy, but Evans sells it.

"No clever messages here, just bang-on romance and action, with another fresh twist on 20th-century history woven in for the kids to dive into after the credits have rolled," wrote Ed Gibbs for The Sydney Morning Herald.

34 (tie). "X-Men" (2000)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 82%

"X-Men" gave us Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, Patrick Stewart as Professor X, Ian McKellen as Magneto, Halle Berry as Storm, Famke Janssen as Jean Grey, James Marsden as Cyclops, Anna Paquin as Rogue, Rebecca Romijn as Mystique ... the list goes on.

While the film is a pretty straightforward origin story/team-up film, the action set the template for what the next 20-plus years of movies would look like.

"The 'X-Men' comic books have spawned a cottage industry of mutant characters, and the movie helps make sense of these legions while offering the established fan base something new to cheer," wrote Jami Bernard for the New York Daily News.

34 (tie). "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 82%

After the galaxy-saving stakes of the first two "Guardians" films, it was refreshing to watch our favorite rag-tag group of heroes come together to just save one of their friends, Rocket (Bradley Cooper), after he was gravely injured by a new threat, Adam Warlock (Will Poulter).

Of course, the film also deals with Peter/Star-Lord's (Chris Pratt) trauma of having to see a new version of his dead ex-girlfriend Gamora (Zoe Saldaña) — a sentence that only makes sense if you've seen "Infinity War" and "Endgame" — but if this is the last we see of our nice space friends, it was a great run.

"Now that nearly every other cinematic release reads like a holding pattern until they finally get around to mutants, 'Guardians Vol. 3' is the first sign in a while that Marvel might actually have some genuine enjoyment left in the tank," wrote Jackson Weaver for CBC News.

32 (tie). "Ant-Man" (2015)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 83%

Rudd plays Scott Lang, a white-collar criminal who is enlisted to take on the mantle of Ant-Man, a shrinking superhero who used to be Michael Douglas' Hank Pym.

But, as Pym is too old to suit up, he and his daughter Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) teach Lang how to control ants, shrink and grow at will, and later break into Pym's lab to take down Darren Cross (Corey Stoll).

"Paul Rudd stars in a formulaic but consistently entertaining and likable Marvel summer blockbuster," wrote NME's Nick Levine.

32 (tie). "Deadpool 2" (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 83%

"Deadpool 2" expanded the universe of Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool, a mutant mercenary who has a tendency to break the fourth wall. In addition to bringing back Teenage Negasonic Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand), Colossus (Stefan Kapičić), and Vanessa (Morena Baccarin), "Deadpool 2" adds Josh Brolin as Cable and Zazie Beetz as Domino, two welcome additions.

In "Deadpool 2," Deadpool teams up with an X-Force (of sorts) to find young Russell Collins, a mutant with fire capabilities, who is the target of the time-traveling assassin Cable, who wants to kill Russell as a teen before he becomes a serial killer in the future.

"'Deadpool 2' goes bigger than the first, but the shockingly touching family theme pulls all of the new characters and big set pieces together well. Another wild, hilarious ride for the character with just enough honesty and heart," said Perri Nemiroff in a Collider video review.

31. "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" (2022)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 84%

After the tragic (and unexpected) death of Chadwick Boseman in 2020, the highly anticipated "Black Panther" sequel was rewritten to be a story of grief and mourning, while also setting up the future of Wakanda in the MCU for years to come.

Angela Bassett, Lupita Nyong'o, Letitia Wright, and Winston Duke all put in stellar performances, while Tenoch Huerta introduced viewers to the underwater king Namor with a bang.

"A thoughtful and mature exploration of communal grief in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' is a fitting tribute to the legacy of Chadwick Boseman," wrote Chicago Reader's Sheri Flanders.

27 (tie). "X2: X-Men United" (2003)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 85%

The whole gang reunited in 2003 for "X2," which sees the X-Men go up against Brian Cox's William Stryker, an anti-mutant military scientist who is planning to commit genocide against all mutants.

"'X2' is pretty much all that you'd ever want out of a comic book movie. It's smart, it's breathlessly paced, the characters have at least 2 1/2 dimensions, and the action sequences are jaw-droppers, even on the small screen," wrote The Advocate's Alonso Duralde.

27 (tie). "Deadpool" (2016)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 85%

After playing Deadpool in the 2009 "X-Men" spin-off "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," Reynolds was determined to do the character justice in his own film with a completely redesigned version of him.

Seven years later, Reynolds starred in "Deadpool," which tells the story of mercenary Wade Wilson, who embarks on a journey to cure himself of terminal cancer with some unintended consequences, like when he becomes immortal and scarred across his entire body.

"'Deadpool' is obnoxious and puerile and infantile and has an irritating meta tone so snide that it's constantly in danger of nullifying the entire movie, and I still got a pretty big kick out of it," wrote Will Leitch in The New Republic.

27 (tie). "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" (2017)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 85%

"GOTG Vol. 2" delves into the true parentage of Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord, as played by Chris Pratt. In addition to the rest of the stellar returning cast, Kurt Russell was added to play Peter's biological father, Ego the Living Planet, and Pom Klementieff joined the team as the empathic alien, Mantis.

"In Marvel lingo, 'Guardians 2' feels like a great six-issue arc, the kind of storytelling that used to be the backbone of superhero comics," wrote The Atlantic's David Sims.

27 (tie). "Avengers: Infinity War" (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 85%

"Avengers: Infinity War" is the first part of the culmination of the first 10 years of the MCU, which concluded one year later in "Avengers: Endgame."

"Infinity War" follows Thanos, an alien who is dedicated to erasing half of the universe's population, as he scours space for the six Infinity Stones. Meanwhile, the Avengers stop at nothing to prevent him from getting all six with disastrous consequences.

"The conclusion of 'Infinity War' is so shocking because it doesn't feel like a cliffhanger, more like a drastic wiping clean of the slate before the whole cycle starts again, with whatever reversal of fortune or comprehensive reboot it may be," wrote Film Comment Magazine's Jonathan Romney.

25 (tie). "X-Men: First Class" (2011)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%

"First Class" will go down in history as the film that introduced audiences to young Professor X and Magneto, played by James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender, respectively.

The film takes place in the '60s, as a young Magneto tracks down the Nazi scientist who killed his mother, and a young Professor X has yet to be confined to his wheelchair.

"For reasons arising from the way the 'X-Men' film franchise has developed, this is the first Marvel movie set in the period when the characters were created, and thus able to embrace the Rat Pack cool that was part of their original charm," wrote Kim Newman of Sight & Sound.

25 (tie). "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" (2025)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%

Third time seems to be the charm with Marvel's First Family, as the MCU's version of the Fantastic Four has been the most popular with critics by a mile.

This interpretation of the team stars Pedro Pascal as Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as the Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as the Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the Thing. In this story, our heroes go up against Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds (Ralph Ineson), and his herald, the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner).

"It's probably not easy to make a good 'Fantastic Four' movie. The newest version has enough actor-based charm to distract from its jankiest effects, plus a damn cool Silver Surfer," wrote The AV Club's Jesse Hassenger.

24. "Ant-Man and the Wasp" (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 87%

By adding the Wasp to the title of the film, Evangeline Lilly is the true first woman to play a titular superhero in the MCU, though she still shares top-billing with Paul Rudd as Ant-Man.

In "Ant-Man and the Wasp," the two insect-themed heroes reunite to rescue Hope's mom, played by the radiant Michelle Pfeiffer, from the mysterious quantum realm after an accident decades prior.

"Its intent is limited to amusing and diverting for a couple of hours of high-summer fun. That it does," wrote Matthew Norman of the London Evening Standard.

23. "Thunderbolts*" (2025)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 88%

The Thunderbolts (or should we call them the New Avengers?) are a ragtag team of antiheroes and rejects — but we love them anyway, right? With standout performances from Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Sebastian Stan, and Lewis Pullman, it only took us one movie to get invested in these losers.

A plot that hinges on conquering depression and loneliness, instead of a giant beam in the sky, also helps this movie stand out from the crowd.

"'To my shock, 'Thunderbolts*' is the best thing Marvel has put out in ages — a well-acted piece of popcorn entertainment that balances zippy humor with actual depth. Is it a cinematic masterpiece? No. Will it restore your faith in the franchise? Maybe yes," wrote Esther Zuckerman for Bloomberg News.

22. "Doctor Strange" (2016)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 89%

Cumberbatch joined the MCU to play Dr. Stephen Strange, a hot-shot surgeon who loses the use of his hands after a brutal car crash and seeks out sorcerers who can help him regain his strength.

As Richard Bailey wrote in The New Yorker, the film "lives up to its title, in mostly good ways."

16 (tie). "Spider-Man" (2002)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

For a generation of movie fans, Tobey Maguire will forever be their Spider-Man, and director Sam Raimi's trilogy, beginning with 2002's "Spider-Man," will always be the best on-screen representation of the most famous wall-crawler in movie history.

"Spider-Man" stars, as previously said, Maguire as Peter Parker, and he's supported by an all-star cast of Kirsten Dunst, Willem Dafoe, Cliff Robertson, Rosemary Harris, and more. The story watches Peter go from a gawky teenager to the super-powered, spandex-clad Spider-Man as he faces off against the Green Goblin (Dafoe), who is determined to take away everything that matters to Peter.

"At its best, 'Spider-Man' takes the adolescent yearning at the heart of most superhero sagas and gives it a lovely swing. The script, by David Koepp, isn't inspired, but it keeps the emotional beats clean, and director Sam Raimi treats his hero tenderly: He gives him space to watch and think as well as act," wrote Slate's David Edelstein.

16 (tie). "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" (2014)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

If "Captain America: The First Avenger" was Marvel's take on a WWII drama, "Winter Soldier" is the MCU's version of a tense, political thriller as Cap uncovers multiple layers of conspiracy within the US government, and must go on the run from his presumed-dead best friend Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), now brain-washed into the murderous assassin the Winter Soldier.

"'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' delivers the superhero movie goods, but it does so with a grin and a wink, and that seems more and more like the right way to approach these things," wrote Jason Bailey for Flavorwire.

16 (tie). "X-Men: Days of Future Past" (2014)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

"Days of Future Past" reunites the original "X-Men" cast from the first three movies with the younger versions of themselves introduced in "First Class" by taking Hugh Jackman's Wolverine and sending him back in time to prevent a great tragedy in the present day.

"A pleasingly coherent, plot-driven action movie, positively streamlined by the standards of today's superhero blockbusters," wrote The Independent's Laurence Phelan.

16 (tie). "Big Hero 6" (2014)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

Yes, "Big Hero 6" is based on the Marvel team of the same name, which began in the late '90s. When Disney purchased Marvel in 2009, it was only a matter of time before the House of Mouse merged their two powerhouses, animation and Marvel.

And, with the success of "Big Hero 6," there's a strong argument for more Disney Animation comic-book movies. This one focuses on Hiro Hamada, a teenage robotics prodigy living in San Fransokyo.

After the death of his older brother Tadashi, Hiro connects with Tadashi's invention, a healthcare robot named Baymax, to save the city, along with Tadashi's friends Fred, Go Go, Wasabi, and Honey Lemon.

"An origins story ripe with innocence and loss, this anime-inflected treat harks back to Disney's big-hearted heritage even as it looks forward towards new worlds of innovation," wrote The Observer's Mark Kermode.

16 (tie). "Captain America: Civil War" (2016)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

Essentially an "Avengers" movie, "Captain America: Civil War" sees Captain America team up with his friends Falcon (Anthony Mackie), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), and Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) to save his friend Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) from getting wrongfully convicted for a bombing at the United Nations.

Cap goes up against Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Vision (Paul Bettany), and War Machine (Don Cheadle) to save his friend.

Of course, this movie is also famous for introducing Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa, aka Black Panther, and Tom Holland as the MCU's version of Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man.

"It is one of the best movies to ever come out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, balancing engaging action set pieces and witty dialogue with intelligent character studies and ethical debates," wrote Salon's Matthew Rozsa.

16 (tie). "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" (2026)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

The fourth installment in Tom Holland's "Spider-Man" saga was a huge hit with both fans and critics. So far, it's made over $2 billion at the box office — only the seventh movie in history to do so— and has a high critics' score.

The film picks up with Peter after he convinces Doctor Strange to cast a spell that makes everyone forget who he is. Now, he's fighting crime full-time as Spider-Man, while dealing with a new, shall we say, mutation that's causing him to lose control of his powers.

"Beneath the MCU obligations and superhero spectacle lies something surprisingly heartfelt: a Spider-Man movie about loneliness and the struggle to be an adult," said Adam Kempenaar on his podcast, "Filmspotting."

12 (tie). "Men in Black" (1997)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

"Men in Black" follows Will Smith as James Edwards, an NYPD officer who becomes convinced that aliens are real, leading him to join the Men in Black, a secret government organization dedicated to monitoring and protecting alien refugees that live on Earth. He's partnered with Agent K, played by Tommy Lee Jones.

It's a loose adaptation of the Malibu comic series of the same name.

"'Men in Black' is the wryest, sharpest, most entertaining special effects film in recent memory, a simultaneous participant and mocking parody of the more-bang-for-your-buck behemoth genre," wrote CNN's Paul Tatara.

12 (tie). "The Avengers" (2012)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

After four years of teasing out the six main Avengers (Iron Man, Captain America, Black Widow, Thor, Hawkeye, and Hulk), they all met up on the big screen for the first time in "The Avengers."

Under the watchful eye of Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury, viewers saw Earth's mightiest heroes team up for the first time to take out Thor's brother Loki as he attempted to conquer the world on behalf of a mysterious purple alien.

"A mega-budget action extravaganza that succeeds on just about every level, and it's one you should certainly go and see as soon as possible," wrote Luke Holland for NME.

12 (tie). "Guardians of the Galaxy" (2014)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

At the time, it was a huge swing for Marvel to entrust writer/director James Gunn with bringing one of the lesser-known superhero teams into the MCU. But, as we know, it was one of the smartest gambles Marvel ever made.

"Guardians," led by the ever-charming Chris Pratt as Peter Quill, combines hilarious jokes with a genuinely sweet story about found family: In this case, Peter finds Gamora (Zoe Saldaña), Drax (Dave Bautista), Groot (Vin Diesel), and Rocket the Raccoon (Bradley Cooper).

"Blessed with a loose, anarchic B-picture soul that encourages you to enjoy yourself even when you're not quite sure what's going on, the scruffy 'Guardians' is irreverent in a way that can bring the first 'Star Wars' to mind," wrote Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times.

12 (tie). "Spider-Man: Far From Home" (2019)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

Picking up a few months after the events of "Avengers: Endgame," Peter Parker/Spider-Man must figure out how to balance his life as a web-slinging superhero and a simple teenager with a crush on his friend MJ, played by a delightful Zendaya.

Add in a truly unhinged Jake Gyllenhaal performance as Quentin Beck/Mysterio, and you have the makings of a solid Spidey film.

"The stakes this time turn out to be considerably lower, and your friendly neighborhood Spider-Teen is arguably just the guy to bring things down to Earth and reestablish a human scale," said NPR's Bob Mondello.

10 (tie). "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

Simu Liu tweeted Marvel back in 2018 asking if they were "gonna talk or what #ShangChi." Three years later, Liu debuted as Shang-Chi in "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings."

In it, Shang-Chi comes to accept his past as a member of his father's (played by the always wonderful Tony Leung) criminal organization, the Ten Rings, while protecting his mother's village from the attacks of a demon known as the Dweller-in-Darkness.

"It's a good movie. It's got a plausibly fearsome villain by way of Leung, a nice ensemble of heroic personalities, and a dose of actually-poignant family drama undergirding all the rest," wrote K. Austin Collins for Rolling Stone.

10 (tie). "Spider-Man: Homecoming" (2017)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

"Spider-Man: Homecoming" was the third reboot of Spider-Man in 15 years, but somehow, once again, the powers that be managed to find a third actor who was just as qualified as his predecessors Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield to bring Spidey to life.

After his introduction in "Civil War," "Homecoming" focuses on Peter Parker's sweet bond with Tony Stark/Iron Man, and his realization that being a hero is about more than a cool suit.

"The youthful vibe of this character reset, with its sense of humor and its light touch, makes 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' one of the most enjoyable Marvel movies in years," wrote Chesapeake Family Magazine's Roxana Hadadi.

6 (tie). "Spider-Man 2" (2004)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%

For many years, "Spider-Man 2" was considered, at least by critics, to be the best Spider-Man movie. From the iconic subway fight against Alfred Molina's Doc Ock to the tear-jerking hero speech by Aunt May to an almost exact replication of one of Spider-Man's most iconic comic panels, "Spider-Man 2" remains genuinely enjoyable, even 21 years later.

"It's unusual and gratifying to find a multimillion-dollar movie that's been put together with some thoughtfulness, that doesn't neglect subtlety in between delivering the smash-bang-wallop," wrote Anthony Quinn of The Independent.

6 (tie). "Thor: Ragnarok" (2017)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%

"Ragnarok" was one of the most impressive feats in MCU history. After all, two "Thor" movies are among some of the lowest-rated MCU movies, while "Ragnarok" is in the top 10 of all Marvel movies, period.

This comes down to director Taika Waititi, who was able to infuse his signature style and tone into the MCU in this cosmic adventure that's also a straight-up comedy, following Thor on his journey to prevent the destruction of his home world, Asgard.

"Beautifully filmed with serious kinetic energy by director Taika Waititi, with a crackling script, 'Thor: Ragnarok' is a heap of fun. Cue 'Immigrant Song,'" wrote Kristen Lopez for Culturess.

6 (tie). "Logan" (2017)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%

At this point, you've probably heard that "Logan" is more of a Western than a traditional superhero movie, which is correct.

"Logan" follows a beaten-down Logan whose powers are leaving him, all his friends are dead or dying, and he's living in secret as a limo driver. But when a mysterious young mutant with powers like his shows up, he musters his strength one last time to help her escape.

This was supposed to be Hugh Jackman's last hurrah as Wolverine, but you might have heard of a little movie called "Deadpool & Wolverine," which made Jackman change his tune.

"Make no mistake, 'Logan' earns its tears. If Jackman and Stewart are serious about this being their mutual 'X-Men' swan song, they could not have crafted a more heartfelt valedictory," wrote Rolling Stone's Peter Travers.

6 (tie). "Spider-Man: No Way Home" (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%

"Spider-Man: No Way Home" now has the distinction of sharing the third-best Spider-Man movie crown with "Spider-Man 2" (more on the top Spidey films later). But "No Way Home's" charms are impossible to deny, even if the plot has more holes than Swiss cheese.

For Marvel movie fans, it's hard to imagine something more satisfying than seeing Tom Holland, Andrew Garfield, and Tobey Maguire together on screen, discussing their rogues' galleries, Tobey's weird web situation, or how with great power comes great responsibility.

"Throughout all of it, the weird and complex history of Spider-Man as a cinematic icon isn't a hindrance to the story; instead, it's an enhancement, using the quirks of the character's legacy as a source of illumination into why he has endured so long," wrote Liz Shannon Miller of Consequence.

4 (tie). "Iron Man" (2008)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%

The reason that pop culture is what it is today can be boiled down to the mega-success of this movie, which set up an entire cinematic universe, revived Robert Downey Jr.'s career and boosted director Jon Favreau's status so high that he's now basically one of the auteurs of the entire "Star Wars" universe.

But this film is simple: Billionaire weapons manufacturer Tony Stark (Downey) is kidnapped by a group of terrorists, which leads him to discover his weapons are landing in the wrong hands. So, he builds a suit of armor and becomes a superhero.

"Led by Downey's career-resurrecting performance as billionaire weapons peddler Tony Stark, it proves just as indispensable to the movie's giddy escapist appeal as the seamless CGI effects and eye-popping pyrotechnics," wrote Craig Outhier of the Orange County Register.

4 (tie). "Avengers: Endgame" (2019)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%

"Endgame," as a movie, is a magic trick. Somehow, this movie crams in 11 years of MCU storytelling and every major character from all of the films, and travels back in time to essentially walk through the universe's greatest hits, has real stakes, and makes a three-hour movie fly by.

When the Avengers decide to try to undo Thanos' universe-shattering snap, the original crew from the 2012 movie (with a few notable additions like Karen Gillan's Nebula, Paul Rudd's Ant-Man, and Don Cheadle's War Machine), travel through Marvel history to find the Infinity Stones.

"Eleven years of Universe building, and this is the crescendo. It really pays off, I've never seen anything quite like it," said James Luxford on the BBC.

3. "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%

"Across the Spider-Verse," the sequel to "Into the Spider-Verse," takes the story of Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) and levels it up in every way.

Now, Miles is up against not just an extra-dimensional villain known as the Spot (voiced hilariously by Jason Schwartzman), but also an entire society of spider-people, including his old friends Peter B. Parker (Jake Johnson) and Spider-Gwen (Hailee Steinfeld), as they are told by Spider-Man 2099 (Oscar Isaac) that Miles isn't even meant to exist.

"'Across The Spider-Verse' truly explodes the idea of what a comic book movie can be. This is thanks to the boundlessly exuberant and adventurous way it both constructs and captures its world(s) during this jaunt through the multiverse," wrote Uproxx's Jason Tabrys.

2. "Black Panther" (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 96%

After Chadwick Boseman, who died in 2020, was introduced in "Captain America: Civil War" as Black Panther, fans were waiting with bated breath for his solo film, and they weren't disappointed.

"Black Panther" is a riveting story in which the "villain" (a supremely cast Michael B. Jordan as Killmonger) has a compelling point and even gets the hero, T'Challa, to change his mind.

Supported by all-stars like Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, Daniel Kaluuya, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, and Sterling K. Brown, along with newer finds like Letitia Wright and Winston Duke, "Black Panther" is special.

To date, it's the only Marvel movie to be nominated for best picture at the Academy Awards.

"'Black Panther' is a revelation, the first film from the Marvel Cinematic Universe that truly feels like an of-the-moment masterwork that also happens to be a comic-book movie," wrote Roxana Hadadi of Chesapeake Family Magazine.

1. "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 97%

"Into the Spider-Verse," which took home best animated feature at the 2019 Oscars, is a movie that has to be seen to be believed. Spider-Men (and -Women!) travel from all over the multiverse to help teenager Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) grow into his own as his universe's new Spider-Man.

It proves you don't have to be Peter Parker to be Spider-Man, anyone can wear the mask, as Miles says. The coming two-part sequel has a lot of hype to live up to, but we'll always have the greatness of "Into the Spider-Verse" to fall back on.

"Maintaining a breathless pace, the filmmakers pile up sci-fi conceits, one-liners, and a melange of animation styles; as opposed to lots of other comic book adaptations, this actually captures the sensation of getting absorbed in a comic book," wrote the Chicago Reader's Ben Sachs.

• Concorde, the first and only supersonic commercial jetliner, operated from 1976 to 2003.
• Flown by royals, celebrities, and executives, it was discontinued because of high operating costs.
• A Concorde plane is open for public tours at the Intrepid Museum in New York City.

Supersonic passenger air travel is a thing of the past, but you can still tour the plane that made it possible.

In 1962, the governments of Britain and France signed the Anglo-French Agreement, pooling their money and resources to develop a supersonic commercial jet. The name "Concorde" was chosen because it means unity or harmony in both English and French.

The first test flight was conducted in 1969, and Concorde flew commercially for the first time in 1976.

Concorde's ability to cross oceans at twice the speed of sound attracted high-profile passengers, including celebrities, business executives, and members of the royal family. But its high operating costs and a deadly crash led to its retirement in 2003.

Modern aviation startups are working to revive supersonic passenger air travel with new technology, but they also face challenges around economic viability and safety.

Since Concorde jets are no longer operational, the planes have become museum pieces, providing visitors with a taste of the luxurious flight experiences they once provided.

In May 2024, I toured a Concorde jet at the Intrepid Museum in New York City. The sea, air, and space museum is housed on a 900-foot-long aircraft carrier. Take a look inside.

The last Concorde flight took off in 2003, and the Intrepid Museum added one of the jets to its collection that same year.

A total of 20 Concorde planes were built, and 14 flew commercially through British Airways and Air France, with most routes flying between New York City and London and New York City and Paris. Concorde's supersonic speed caused loud sonic booms upon breaking the sound barrier, which limited its routes to those above water.

Concordes were ultimately discontinued because of high operating costs and safety concerns. British Airways spent about £1 billion a year on its fleet of Concorde jets, which proved unsustainable, according to the Intrepid Museum.

In 2000, a Concorde flying from Paris to New York burst into flames and crashed shortly after takeoff when a blown tire ruptured the plane's fuel tanks, killing 113 people. All Concordes were grounded for a year and rebuilt with stronger fuel tanks, but the business never recovered, contributing to Concorde's retirement.

Concorde's record flight time from New York City to London was 2 hours, 52 minutes, and 59 seconds, making it a popular choice for frequent travelers.

Celebrity passengers included Queen Elizabeth II, Christie Brinkley, Phil Collins, Paul McCartney, and the British oil executive Fred Finn.

Touring Concorde's cabin at the Intrepid Museum requires a separate timed reservation.

Regular admission to the Intrepid Museum costs $38 per adult, and the Concorde tour costs an additional $15. Tickets can be purchased on the Intrepid Museum's website.

I didn't realize that Concorde tickets were sold with timed admission for tours every 30 minutes, so I missed my slot while exploring the USS Growler, the only nuclear-missile submarine in the US open to the public. A manager was able to rebook me on the next Concorde tour at the museum's box office.

Boarding the plane at the Intrepid Museum felt just like boarding a regular flight, except without the noise of a busy tarmac or jet engine.

Before boarding, Concorde passengers would relax in a special Concorde lounge with an open buffet.

The overhead bin space on the Concorde looked standard to me.

Concorde passengers would drop their luggage off in the Concorde lounge.

On the tour, I got to sit in Concorde class, which was a tier above first class.

At 204 feet long and with a fuselage that was 9 feet 5 inches wide, Concorde planes held up to 100 passengers, though full flights were rare. For comparison, a Boeing 737-700 measures just more than 110 feet long with a 12-foot-4-inch-wide fuselage and seats 149 passengers, according to Boeing.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, tickets cost up to $12,000 round-trip, which would equal about $20,000 today when adjusted for inflation.

Queen Elizabeth always sat in seat 1A.

As the window seat in the first row, 1A was one of the most private seats on the plane.

My seat felt more like a comfortable armchair than a plane seat.

The seats used on the tour were covered in plastic to help preserve the luxurious leather.

Concorde's cruising speed was Mach 2, or about 1,350 mph.

Each of the Concorde's four engines featured 38,000 pounds of thrust and could take the plane from zero to 250 mph in under 30 seconds, our guide said.

The Concorde's windows were smaller than other aircraft to prevent them from cracking under the pressure of the plane's supersonic speed.

I was surprised by how small the windows were compared with the windows on commercial flights I'm used to.

Our tour guide passed around scans of Concorde artifacts, such as a ticket from 1997.

Dolores Peterson paid $6,703.04 for an Air France Concorde flight from New York to Paris in 1997.

The guide also shared a 1976 refueling sheet showing how much fuel a Concorde plane used, contributing to its exorbitant costs.

"Upon takeoff, this plane weighs about 408,000 pounds. More than half of that, 209,000, is in fuel alone," our guide said. "It burns about 2 tons of fuel, about 1,800 kilos, just taxiing. It's an extremely thirsty bird."

After the short presentation concluded, we were free to wander the cabin.

Concorde's logo was displayed near the door of the plane.

A set of custom Concorde china dishes was on display — no plastic cutlery here.

Food was prepared by a gourmet chef. Seasonal menus included beef Wellington, venison, and quail with wine pairings chosen by a sommelier.

The lavatory looked like a standard airplane bathroom with a bit more space and a few extra amenities.

The bathroom was decorated with faux-marble finishes and extra toiletries.

For me, the highlight was peeking inside the flight deck once occupied by a captain, a first officer, and a flight engineer.

Before the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Concorde passengers could mingle with the pilot and crew in the cockpit as part of the exclusive flight experience.

The flight engineer sat in the seat on the right in front of the large instrument panel.

The flight engineer was responsible for every system on the plane, including fuel management and landing gear, and had the most extensive training of any crew member.

"He's forgotten more about Concorde than most people will ever know," our tour guide said of flight engineers.

After my tour of the Concorde concluded, I climbed higher on the USS Intrepid to get a better view of the historic aircraft.

While many contemporary celebrities and executives opt to fly on private jets, Concorde offered record-setting flights across the ocean at twice the speed of sound, seemingly making it worth their while.

• Some states, like Florida, California, and Hawaii, are known for their beautiful beaches.
• Others have lesser-known but equally breathtaking beaches, including Michigan and New Hampshire.
• If you're looking for a beach getaway before summer is over, check out some of these options.

Temperatures are high, everyone's tanned or out of town, and the end of summer is knocking at our door: If you haven't gone to a white-sand beach yet, it's about time you do.

If a big all-inclusive trip to the Caribbean or a European getaway just isn't in your cards this summer — as they aren't for many US travelers this year — it doesn't mean that you can't enjoy a sunny beach day while the summer lasts.

More than half of the US states lie on at least one of the country's coasts, with domestic spots featuring all kinds of coastal sights, from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans, the Gulf of Mexico, and even the Great Lakes, which offer ample seascapes.

While beaches in Florida and California attract tourists from across the world, many other states are home to shores with stunning views, offering ample opportunities for waterfront relaxation.

Here are some of the prettiest beaches in the US.

Sand Beach in Acadia National Park in Maine

Sand Beach in Maine doubles as the perfect day and nighttime getaway, where visitors can swim seaside all day and then lie back, relax, and stargaze by nightfall.

The beach is also close to three of the park's most popular hiking trails: The Beehive, Great Head Trail, and Ocean Path.

Cannon Beach in Oregon

Famous for its expansive shoreline and the towering Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach in Oregon offers spectacular views and a serene atmosphere.

Visitors can explore tide pools brimming with marine life, stroll along sandy stretches, or hike the nearby Ecola State Park trails for panoramic vistas. If you visit the nearby town, check out the boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafés.

Kā'anapali Beach in Hawaii

Hawaii's "postcard perfect" Kā'anapali Beach is the "crème de la crème of beaches," according to Hawaii Magazine, which named it the state's No. 1 beach this year.

Thanks to its crystal clear waters, this Maui beach is perfect for underwater exploration, making it a snorkeling hot spot. It's home to a variety of sea creatures, including Hawaiian green sea turtles, colorful corals, and, in winter months, humpback whales.

Marconi Beach in Massachusetts

The beach, located on the shores of Cape Cod, has stunning natural surroundings, including a 50-foot ridge with stairs leading down to the shore.

It was named after Guglielmo Marconi, an Italian inventor who successfully communicated a message via wireless connection from President Theodore Roosevelt in the US to King Edward VII across the Atlantic in 1903.

Shackleford Banks in North Carolina

Shackleford Banks is well-known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque views. The island is also home to a herd of wild horses that roam freely along the beach, grazing on the shoreline grass.

It's an ideal spot for anyone hoping to escape the daily hustle for some seaside quiet.

Kiawah Island in South Carolina

In 2024, US News & World Report called Kiawah Island "the closest you'll come to paradise in South Carolina." This year, the beach was ranked as the seventh-best in America by Dr. Beach.

Kiawah, which overlooks the Atlantic, is a barrier island that's popular for its 10-mile coastline, wildlife, and golf resort. Visitors can spend the day at either its East or West beach, where they can birdwatch or, in summer, spot sea turtles.

Siesta Key Beach in Florida

Previously ranked as the best beach in the US by outlets like TripAdvisor and US News & World Report, Siesta Key Beach is a peaceful and unique beach to visit if you're looking to stay cool under the Florida sun.

The beach, located on Florida's Gulf Coast, features pure quartz sand that remains cool even on hotter days. This white-sand beach is also family-friendly, as the waves are calm and visitors — mostly families or older local residents — aren't as rowdy as they might be in other destinations.

Driftwood Beach in Georgia

Driftwood Beach in Georgia offers a one-of-a-kind landscape, with weathered trees scattered across the shore.

The beach, famously featured in "The Walking Dead" and "X-Men: First Class," was shaped by decades of erosion. It transformed from a lush maritime forest into a sand-lined shore with sun-bleached tree trunks and branches.

Hammonasset Beach State Park in Connecticut

Nestled along the shores of the Long Island Sound, Hammonasset Beach State Park features 2 miles of pristine beachfront.

From walking trails and a nature center to areas for fishing and camping, the park has something to offer every type of traveler.

The beach's incredible views, combined with well-maintained facilities, make it a favorite for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore Connecticut's coastline.

Cape May in New Jersey

On the southern tip of New Jersey sits Cape May, a seaside city that's well known for its striking Victorian-era architecture.

Notable landmarks include the Emlen Physick Estate, a preserved Victorian house museum, and the iconic Cape May Lighthouse, which offers views of Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Sandbridge Beach in Virginia

The remote Sandbridge Beach in Virginia is one of the state's most gorgeous beaches.

Its peaceful surroundings and stillness make it the perfect place to visit when you wish to slow down. Other activities that you can indulge in include fishing, kayaking, and hiking in the nearby False Cape State Park.

Sandy Point State Park in Maryland

Sandy Point State Park is one of Maryland's best beaches because of the gorgeous views of the bay.

It is located on the northwestern shore of the Chesapeake Bay and is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and lounging. For those who prefer outdoor activities, the park also offers plenty of hiking trails and fishing spots.

Laguna Beach in California

Lined by the Pacific coast on one side and acres of wild trails on the other, the 7-mile-long Laguna Beach is best for surfing, swimming, and, on sunny days, sunbathing.

A popular beach spot in California, the beach is full of beautiful coves, one of the reasons US News & World Report named it one of the state's best beaches.

Biloxi Beach in Mississippi

This white-sand beach, situated by the 26-mile-long Mississippi Gulf Coast, offers a refreshing getaway during Mississippi's hot summers.

In Biloxi, water sports enthusiasts can paddleboard or canoe, while those who prefer to relax can picnic by the shore. There are also plenty of restaurants where you could sample some delicious Southern-style seafood, or if you prefer, take a shrimping trip for a live catch of your own.

Ruby Beach at the Olympic National Park in Washington

Named after the red mineral almandite, which is found in the sand here, Ruby Beach is among the country's most famous yet unspoiled beaches.

Located in Kalaloch, a three-hour drive from Seattle, unlike traditional sand beaches, the shore at Ruby Beach is covered in stones and sea stacks. Those visiting should stay until sunset for stunning views of the Olympic Peninsula.

Rotary Beach in Alaska

Ketchikan's oceanfront is home to varied sea life and has an average temperature of 56 degrees, which means that kids — and adults — wishing to swim had to find an alternate source.

According to Alaska.org, until the 1970s, the city did not have a swimming pool, so Rotary Beach became the go-to spot for kids — and adults — to learn and enjoy swimming. Visitors stopping by this pond can take a dip in the waters or picnic by the shore while enjoying views of Nichols Passage.

Zoni Beach in Puerto Rico

Located in Puerto Rico's Culebra Island, which is full of breathtaking beaches, Zoni Beach is a perfect travel destination if you're hoping to avoid big tourist crowds. The peaceful beach features turquoise water and is surrounded by Caribbean nature.

The beach is also a major turtle nesting site, so you might be able to spot a few wild sea turtles on your visit.

Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware

Cape Henlopen State Park, where the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean merge, is home to pine forests and more than 6 miles of coastline.

The park is also home to many marine animals, shorebirds, and scenic bike trails, with access to quiet and buzzy areas. History enthusiasts can enjoy a guided tour of nearby Fort Miles, an important World War II site.

Mohegan Bluffs in Rhode Island

Secluded and serene, Mohegan Bluffs in Rhode Island provides stunning views from 150-foot cliffs that line its shore.

Getting to the beach involves a bit of a hike, but it is worth the effort — as you will see — once you step onto the sandy shores and watch the gentle waves of the Atlantic glide back and forth. Nearby, the Southeast lighthouse is also worth visiting.

Park Point in Minnesota

Park Point, with beautiful views of Lake Superior, is Minnesota's No. 1 beach, according to TripAdvisor.

A popular summer destination, the beach offers more than just a space to relax or swim. It also includes access to volleyball courts, grill stations, and pavilions for picnics.

Harris Beach State Park in Oregon

Located on Oregon's south coast, the Harris Beach State Park offers beautiful sights along various trails. The beach's soft sand and rocky views give visitors a unique taste of the Pacific coast.

The park is also home to the largest island off Oregon's Pacific coast, as noted by Oregon State Parks. The island houses rare birds and marine animals, making the beach a perfect spot for nature watching.

Weirs Beach in New Hampshire

A visit to New Hampshire's Lakes Region is incomplete without a trip to Weirs Beach by Lake Winnipesaukee.

One side of the beach features a boardwalk, where visitors can explore the entire beach on foot, while the sandy areas closer to the shore are perfect for those looking to unwind or dip in the water. Across the boardwalk, on Lakeside Avenue, there are a variety of game shops and food outlets, including a mini-golf station.

Key Biscayne Beach in Florida

The drive to Key Biscayne is just as scenic an experience as spending time there.

The coast, which extends 4 miles across Barrier Island, is popular among tourists for its soft sand and crystal clear waters. It's shared by two main beach parks, Crandon Park to the north and Cape Florida Beach to the south.

This year, Travel + Leisure named Crandon Park one of Florida's best beaches in Key Biscayne.

Kohler-Andrae State Park in Wisconsin

Kohler-Andrae State Park in Wisconsin has dunes, clear blue water, and over 2 miles of sandy beaches.

Set along the shores of Lake Michigan, this park offers abundant natural beauty and activities for visitors to enjoy. Spend the day hiking, swimming, or exploring nature trails, and as evening falls, try stargazing, camping, or attending wildlife presentations.

Gulf Shores in Alabama

Florida might be the go-to for a seaside vacation, but if you're looking to switch it up this year, Alabama's palm-lined and pristine Gulf Shores are a hidden gem worth exploring.

Named one of the top beach destinations in the US and the No. 1 spot in Alabama by US News & World Report last year, this beach offers something for everyone. It's conveniently located near a boardwalk and has plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. It is also ideal for activities like beach volleyball and bodyboarding.

Honokalani Beach in Hawaii

Known as the Black Sand Beach, Honokalani Beach in Maui is one of the island's most distinctive spots.

The sand is made of eroded lava pebbles, and the beach is surrounded by hiking trails and volcanic sights, making it the perfect adventure for those looking to explore the island's breathtaking nature.

McWay Falls in California

California's Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park features some of the state's best views of the Pacific coast, including a unique beachside waterfall.

The 80-foot waterfall at McWay Falls gives visitors a one-of-a-kind view.

While the park does not allow beach access, visitors can enjoy the view of the waterfall and the beach's fragile environment while hiking the Big Sur trails.

Washington Park and Beach in Indiana

Washington Park and Beach in Indiana is home to 2 miles of sandy shoreline, a historic lighthouse, and a zoo.

With its soft sand, clean waters, and a space free from crowds, the beach offers a serene respite from everyday city life. It's close to restaurants and charming boutiques, and if you're up for more adventure, a short drive west will take you to the Indiana Dunes National Park, where you can explore even more natural beauty.

South Padre Island in Texas

Situated in southern Texas, close to the Mexico border, South Padre Island is "beloved by generations of spring breakers," Travel + Leisure reported earlier this year.

The island has space for both people who love dining at buzzy beach bars and restaurants and those who prefer to be left undisturbed in a quiet corner while on vacation.

Grand Haven State Park in Michigan

In 2024, Thrillist described Grand Haven State Park in Michigan as "arguably the grandest Michigan beach town of all."

Just west of Grand Rapids, Grand Haven has a stretch of soft, sandy shoreline and a picturesque lighthouse pier. There's a dog-friendly section of the beach and the town features several quaint coffee shops, rooftop bars, and family-run restaurants.

Huntington Beach in Ohio

Visitors to Ohio's Huntington Beach can swim in the vast, beautiful Lake Erie.

Known for its clean shoreline and stunning lake views, this beach offers a peaceful retreat for visitors. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or picnicking with family and friends. The walking trails nearby are ideal for those who wish to explore the natural beauty of the area, while the picturesque sunsets over the water make for the perfect photo backdrops.

Presque Isle State Park in Pennsylvania

Presque Isle State Park in Pennsylvania is a natural escape on the shores of Lake Erie.

This 3,200-acre peninsula is home to a collection of beaches, offering plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. It's also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and biking along scenic trails. Birdwatchers will love the park's diverse wildlife, as it's a key stopover for migratory birds.

Grand Isle in Louisiana

A "perfect getaway for camping, picnicking, and surfing," Louisiana's Grand Isle offers beautiful views over the Gulf of Mexico, according to Travel + Leisure.

Alongside classic beach activities like swimming, this barrier island has also become a hot spot for surfing enthusiasts.

Jones Beach State Park in New York

With over 6 miles of white-sand beaches, Jones Beach State Park is the perfect spot for seaside strolls and swimming.

The park features a 2-mile boardwalk lined with snack stands and shops, where visitors can eat on the go while enjoying beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. Other outdoor activities like mini golf, fishing, and biking are also easily accessible.

Marble Beach State Recreation Area in Iowa

Marble Beach State Recreation Area in Iowa is a peaceful retreat on the shores of Big Spirit Lake.

The park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with a beach nearby, designated spots for fishing, and shaded campsites for overnight stays. Boaters can enjoy easy access to the lake, while nature lovers can explore scenic trails, including one that covers the whole park.

• Unwell and fearing burnout, Tina Bonnano considered retiring from KPMG after 10 years in the job.
• However, she wasn't ready to "jump off the cliff" and proposed a "soft retirement" plan to HR.
• The IT specialist works 20 hours a week for half her old salary. She has time to relax and reflect.

This story is based on an interview with Tina Bonanno, 68, a KPMG information architect, from Northern New Jersey. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I was seriously ill in 2022 and 2023, which led me to having a knee replacement removed and a revision after being treated for an infection.

It meant five months of disability leave from my IT job at KPMG, but I pushed through and returned to my position.

However, the sickness had taken its toll. I suffered extreme brain fog and was unable to concentrate. It became harder to manage up to 10 projects at a time during my typical 50 to 60-hour workweek.

I was heading toward burnout and considered full retirement when I reached my Social Security age of 66.

Still, I had to acknowledge that I was woefully unprepared monetarily and had no one else's income to rely on.

I'd talked to my financial advisor at the end of 2024 and said, "How do I look for a retirement?" We came up with a number of what I'd need in replacement income plus Social Security.

He said I'd be good as long as I didn't live past 87. Longevity runs in my family, and I was reluctant to take the risk.

I retained my benefits

I didn't feel comfortable jumping off the cliff after 10 years at KPMG, so I said, "I need a ladder." That ladder came in the form of a so-called "soft retirement."

I'm a great believer in putting forward solutions, rather than complaining to your manager. And after a lot of research, I found that my company would keep on someone who wanted to reduce their hours to about 20 hours a week.

I bothered HR more times than I can admit. They told me I could earn half my regular salary and receive half of my PTO while retaining my benefits.

So I devised a career plan by demonstrating my continued value to them. I'm a subject-matter expert in several areas and have legacy knowledge. I framed the change as meeting the firm's needs.

My proposal was reasonable and gave a lot of thought to business continuity. I said I'd work eight hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and a half-day on Wednesday in the afternoon.

If they needed me for meetings outside those times, I'd be willing to attend, within reason.

My hobbies included DIY projects

They agreed to my terms in January 2025, which coincidentally lined up with my house move to an adorable place that needed some TLC.

My newfound four-day weekends allowed me to unpack pretty quickly. Three months in, people were asking how many years I'd lived there because I seemed so settled.

The yard was completely bare with 14ft hedges. I'm really into gardening, and the landlord was delighted. "Go crazy, and do whatever you want to do," he said.

One of my other hobbies was DIY, specifically woodworking, and I made little tables and shelves. The house really took shape.

The half-in, half-out arrangement has mostly been embraced by my clients and colleagues. I typed my working hours in red under my email signature, and people usually respect them.

We rarely have meetings outside those designated times.

Recently, I started my pet project of writing a book. It's early days, but I'm disciplining myself and enjoying the challenge.

I needed to decompress

The dramatic change in my schedule had allowed me to breathe again. My anxiety levels have diminished, and I've found peace.

I have a zero-gravity lounge chair where I sit out on my deck. I look up at the trees and use an app to identify bird song. It makes me happy.

Working five days a week no longer suited me because I needed more than Saturday and Sunday to decompress. I get stimulation and a decent wage from my job Tuesday through Thursday, and the rest of the time is mine.

• Last year, I moved back home to Australia after living in New York for five years.
• I thought my familiarity with Sydney would make returning easy, but it's been harder than expected.
• I'm still getting adjusted, but I'm embracing the slower pace of life and being closer to my family.

When I moved from Australia to New York City in my mid-20s, I had no idea it would be the best five years of my life.

I couldn't have scripted my time living in the city if I'd tried. I'd lived through the COVID-19 pandemic, learned a lot about my professional craft in communications, and made new friends who have truly cemented a place in my life.

During my time there, I'd stood beside a best friend as her maid of honor, watched others welcome their first children and navigate a new season of parenthood, and built a day-to-day that was ordinary in the best sense — weekly pickleball matches, dinner parties, and girls' nights watching "The Bachelorette."

In the summer evenings, I'd frequently take walks to Brooklyn Bridge Park from my apartment. Looking out at the Lower Manhattan skyline from the pier, I'd always feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and awe — that this was really my life, a dream I had for over a decade, finally coming true.

As great as it was living there, after five years of soaking in the city, I made the tough decision to return to my hometown of Sydney.

Even though I loved New York, I was finding it hard to plant roots, especially since my work visa was tied to my employment, which made settling down long-term feel risky.

I thought going back home would be relatively simple. Unfortunately, settling back in has been more complicated than moving away.

I thought the familiarity of Sydney would be enough to help me immediately feel at home

When I returned to Sydney in 2025, I wrestled with a quiet unease for many months. I was home, but it didn't quite feel like I was yet.

I knew it would be difficult coming back, but I had hoped that the familiarity of Australia — and all the memories of growing up there — would make this transition effortless on its own.

Even though it was challenging to stay in touch with people in Sydney while I was in New York — the 14-hour time difference did not help — I hoped it would be easy to reconnect once I started living there again.

But after years away, reaching out to old friends felt strangely transactional, like I was asking for something rather than picking up where we'd left off. And because many people in Sydney move in the same circles they had formed in high school and college, making new friends has been tough, and it's become tricky for them to relate to what I experienced while in New York.

When friends or extended family did ask about my time in New York, their questions mainly revolved around how much my rent cost or whether the city had the same food as Sydney.

The surface-level chats and lack of curiosity frustrated me, as if that formative period of my life just didn't exist. At times, it made me wonder if I'd made a mistake in coming home.

Aside from the logistical elements, like needing to drive more often to get to and from destinations, the emotional and mental parts of adjusting have been the hardest.

Returning to Australia presented me with a paradox: a slate that wasn't completely blank, but not worn with its own grooves either. I found myself see-sawing between the hopeful possibility that accompanies new beginnings and the pragmatic cynicism that comes with having lived this story before.

I wanted a life here that felt as deliberately built as the one I'd left, but I wasn't sure if that was possible in Sydney.

I worried whether I would need to form a completely new social circle or if I could find a workplace that would enable me to thrive in the same way as my roles in New York.

Overall, one question kept flooding my mind: Was I holding on too tightly to a chapter of my life that had closed?

I still haven't adjusted to being back, but I've learned to embrace the in-between

Even though I haven't returned to Australia as a completely new person, holding both the me that was and the me that I am now has been a humbling, eye-opening journey.

I had previously assumed that the familiarity of coming home would be enough for me to adjust. Turns out I needed to put in the hard work, grit, and follow-through — all qualities that had served me well in New York — to rebuild the kind of life I wanted in Sydney, which didn't look the same as it had when I'd left.

Now, I'm being more intentional with my friendships, seeking out communities to rebuild a professional network, and taking the time to consider which neighborhoods I could actually see myself in for the long term.

On the bright side, there's a slower pace of life here that allows me to breathe, along with the elimination of stressing over the unpredictability of my visa.

Plus, I'm now a short drive away from my family and can celebrate milestones together instead of just hearing about them over FaceTime.

It hasn't been easy, but I'm giving myself the time, space, and grace this new chapter requires and embracing the messy, in-between realities that come with it.

Most of all, I'm learning to carry both places with me at once: the pieces of myself shaped in New York, and the ones still taking shape here.

• Tech workers are showing off rare watches customized for their companies.
• Employees at OpenAI, Uber, and Palantir all flexed their limited-run Tudor watches on X this week.
• Watches from Tudor, a Swiss brand, tend to retail for around $4,500.

Some Silicon Valley workers are taking their résumés off LinkedIn and putting them on their wrists, showing off rare, customized watches from Swiss manufacturer Tudor.

The latest round of wrist-flexing began when a post highlighting custom watches made for Googlers circulated on Monday. The post attracted other tech workers sharing their own customized timepieces.

Boris Power, OpenAI's head of applied research, responded with a picture of the custom OpenAI version, complete with the phrase "Good Research Takes Time," engraved on the back.

Eliano Younes, Palantir's strategic engagement head, jumped in to note that some of the data giant's staff got customized Tudors, saying they were a limited run of 468.

The watch face in the image shared by Younes features an inconspicuously small Palantir logo.

Uber software engineer Alex Feng also posted Uber's custom model. The caseback is marked '1/100,' indicating it is the first watch in a limited run of 100.

Sebastian Speier, a former Instagram employee who now works for Perplexity, also shared a picture of a customized watch. Nate Lorenzen, who worked at Facebook for six years, said employees had custom watches made while he was at the company, adding that he was "dumb to not buy every single one of these.

The watches aren't typical corporate swag handed out by management, like Wall Street's once much-vaunted Patagonia gilets.

Instead, they are generally commissioned by employee-run collector groups, whose members organize enough interested buyers to meet Tudor's minimum order.

Tudor's customization program requires a minimum order of 40 watches, and production can take about six months, according to Powerfunk, the managing editor of Grey Market, a luxury watch news site.

Buyers generally pay full retail price. The Pelagos model, used for Google's custom watches, retails for about $4,500.

Tudor did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Each customized Tudor watch design is rare by default and often available only to members of the group that commissioned it, meaning the watches can become valuable collector's items once they reach the resale market.

A Google-themed Tudor featuring the Chrome dinosaur sold for more than $10,000 at auction earlier this year, while an Apple "pirate" edition attracted a $13,500 bid.

Comparable standard models typically resold for a fraction of those prices, Business Insider previously reported.

Luxury watches have become increasingly visible status symbols among tech's biggest names. Mark Zuckerberg owns rare pieces worth millions, while OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has been spotted wearing an ultra-limited-edition $480,000 Greubel Forsey, produced in a run of just 33.

• The team behind livestreaming platform Kick is launching a new app for creators.
• Called Club, it offers creators direct payment and community-building tools.
• Social media analysts said it'll be tough for Club to get users to come over to a new platform.

The team behind the livestreaming platform Kick, which has become a haven for controversial creators, is launching a new app. On Club, creators can earn money through direct payments and build fan communities.

The pitch: At a time when social media has become riddled with bots and AI slop, Club can help creators — particularly livestreamers — build stronger relationships with their fans and diversify their businesses.

"We launched Club to create a more human form of social media," said Henrik Pohlmann, Club's 30-year-old CEO.

Club, which is launching out of beta this week with iOS and Android apps, is entering a crowded market, with big players like Patreon, Substack, and adult-focused OnlyFans.

Club is betting that its emphasis on community and discovery features can help set it apart. For example, fans have profiles, can earn rewards such as participation badges, and can interact with creators and fellow fans.

Club plans to be ad-free, Pohlmann said. It makes money by taking a 20% cut of the payments creators collect, the same percentage that OnlyFans takes (Club doesn't allow explicit sexual content). That's higher than Substack's 10% take on paid subscriptions, and Patreon's 10% platform fee (though Patreon has other fees, including for processing).

Club has been operating in beta for a few months and said it's signed up roughly 3,000 creators, mostly livestreamers from Kick.

Club comes from founders Bijan Tehrani and Ed Craven, who also operate Kick and the crypto gambling site Stake.com. Australia-based Kick, established in 2022, has earned a reputation for having lighter content moderation than some of its rivals. The content moderation approach, along with big payouts, has made it a destination for some inflammatory personalities like looksmaxxer Clavicular. Kick has said it has increased its human moderation team over the past few years, and it has just opened up to advertising.

"If they're trying to attract mainstream creators, they're going to ask, 'What is the philosophy behind the platform?'" Matt Navarra, a social media industry analyst, said of Club.

Pohlmann said Club was created with livestreamers in mind. He said the member overlap between Club and Kick is significant now because Club did only limited marketing while it was in beta, but that the platform has ambitions beyond Kick livestreamers. He added that Club is independent of Kick, with its own mission and content moderation policy.

"We are focused on building a platform that supports creators across all types of content and communities," he said.

Social media analysts say it'll be tough for Club to get users to come over to a new platform.

Creators are multiplatform now, so there's less incentive for fans to follow them from one platform to Club unless it can offer a better experience than YouTube, Twitch, and the like, said Ben Woods, head of creator economy at Enders Analysis.

"If it's the same type of thing, I have a question mark as to how effective that can potentially be," he said. "It's got to have a defining feature."

• Three execs who sold their company to Martin Sorrell's S4 Capital are suing the ad firm.
• The lawsuit alleges they're owed millions of dollars and shares.
• S4 declined to comment on ongoing litigation.

Three executives who sold their company to S4 Capital are suing the agency group helmed by advertising mogul Martin Sorrell, alleging it has withheld millions of dollars and shares owed to them.

The former CitrusByte execs allege in the lawsuit that S4 engaged "in a campaign of obfuscation and delay" and raised "unfounded claims and arguments" to avoid payment, allegedly withholding at least $7 million in escrow funds and delaying or withholding millions of S4 shares tied to the deal.

S4 declined to comment on ongoing litigation. The company has not made a legal response to the claims in the lawsuit, which was filed earlier this month.

UK-based S4 was launched in 2018 by Sorrell, following his acrimonious exit from WPP, where he had served as CEO for more than 30 years. The company, which focuses on digital marketing, grew in size rapidly through more than 20 acquisitions in its early years.

S4 acquired CitrusByte, a tech consulting firm later known as TheoremOne, in 2022. It sits within S4's Monks Technology Services division.

The lawsuit highlights the friction in Sorrell's empire-building strategy, in which S4 typically acquires agencies and tech businesses for a mix of cash, stock, and future earnouts. A public court battle risks creating a distraction and could complicate future deals at a time when it's trying to turn around its business.

S4's rapid expansion in its first four years was followed by a more difficult period, as major tech clients cut marketing spending and some of its agencies underperformed.

The company has since been focusing on reducing its costs, including cutting its head count to 6,150 as of June this year, down from more than 9,000 at its largest. S4 Capital's stock has fallen by around 94% since its 2021 peak. Its market capitalization stands at about 347 million pounds, around $470 million.

The complaint, filed in Delaware Superior Court this month, was brought by Brady Brim-DeForest, CitrusByte's former CEO; William Jessup, who was previously the firm's head of services delivery; and David Kullmann, its former head of staffing.

The lawsuit says that a year after the transaction closed, S4 said CitrusByte had met the standards required by its purchase agreement and agreed to make a "maximum contingent payment" to the CitrusByte security holders. The exact details are redacted in the filing.

The lawsuit alleges that S4 has refused to release at least $7 million held in escrow accounts after anniversary payout deadlines in 2025 and 2026.

S4 said it had the right to withhold the money to cover costs related to a separate legal dispute with a former CitrusByte executive, Yoav Cohen, the lawsuit says.

Cohen served as chief commercial officer of S4's Formula.Monks tech services division after S4's CitrusByte acquisition. He sued S4 and CitrusByte in March 2025, alleging they had failed to pay him two-thirds of $940,000 in incentive payments owed following a settlement. A week later, the parties agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice, meaning that the same claim can't be refiled.

Brim-DeForest, Jessup, and Kullmann countered that the Cohen matter arose after the deal closed, arguing the deal's contract only made them financially responsible for liabilities created before S4 took ownership. Brim-DeForest, Jessup, and Kullmann also allege that S4 settled Cohen's claim without obtaining their contractually required consent, which they argue meant that they were off the hook for costs associated with the dispute.

The suit also claims S4 didn't deliver shares in a timely manner that were due to the executives in 2025. It says S4 did eventually issue the shares owed to Jessup and Kullmann in November that year, but hasn't released the shares owed to Brim-DeForest.

The former CitrusByte executives are seeking at least $7 million in cash payouts related to the escrow accounts, damages for the withheld and delayed equity, and legal costs.

• Shares in Chinese robotics giant Unitree soared more than 600% after the company's blockbuster IPO.
• Unitree, known for its boxing and backflipping humanoid robots, ended the day with a $50 billion market cap.
• China is going all in on humanoid robots, and the country's robotics firms have raced ahead of their US rivals.

Chinese investors are going wild for humanoid robots.

Shares in Unitree, a Chinese robotics company known for its dancing and backflipping humanoid robots, soared as much as 629% on Wednesday in its trading debut, before closing at 845 yuan ($125), up 460%.

The Hangzhou-based tech firm raised 6.1 billion yuan ($904 million) in mainland China's first major IPO of a humanoid robotics company. The price of its shares skyrocketed to about $163 from the IPO price of $22 before paring back gains to close with a market cap of around $50 billion.

The frenzied demand for Unitree's shares is a signal of just how red-hot China's humanoid robot industry is.

The Chinese government has designated the technology as strategically important, and local firms like Unitree and AgiBot have leveraged the country's tech supply chain to outpace their US rivals in shipments.

Chinese firms accounted for about 97% of global shipments of humanoid robots in the first half of 2026, according to data from Smart Analytics Global, with Unitree capturing around 31% of the market.

Unitree's massive share price surge is a sign of how investors are betting on an industry with a lot of potential and strong backing from the Chinese government, even though the prospect of humanoid robots taking over factory jobs and serving as robotic butlers is still a long way off.

Broad adoption of humanoid robots in real-world environments has been limited by the complexity of the AI systems needed to navigate messy factory and home environments, and the difficulty of creating robotic hands as dexterous as a human's.

In its IPO filings, Unitree reported around $41 million in net profit and $252 million in revenue last year, and at its IPO price, Unitree was valued at 219 times its 2025 earnings.

Earlier this month, Trace Cohen, the cofounder of US venture capital firm Six Point Ventures, wrote in a note that Unitree's valuation already reflected considerable optimism as it faced the difficult task of converting rising robot shipments into durable commercial demand. "Growth from a tiny base is easy," he wrote.

Unitree also faces additional headwinds from the US government's ban on certain new foreign-made imported humanoid robots. US sales accounted for 13% of the company's revenue last year, per its IPO filing.

Unitree has become a source of national pride in China, with a troupe of the company's $13,500 G1 humanoids performing a display of kung fu at China's annual Spring Festival Gala earlier this year.

Unitree's other robots include a "Superman" humanoid that the company says can run faster than Usain Bolt, and the $650,000 GD01, a giant rideable mecha.

The blockbuster IPO attracted some of the biggest names in Chinese AI, with AI startup DeepSeek investing about $20 million.

It also propelled Wang Xingxing, Unitree's 36-year-old founder, into the ranks of China's ultra-rich, with his stake in the company worth around $15.9 billion at market close.

• The US Army is outsourcing training for up to 1,500 new helicopter pilots a year to a private company.
• The new, civilian-run flight school could run for 26 years under a contract worth up to $10 billion.
• Army leaders have previously said such a plan could build better flight skills and save money.

The US Army is moving to outsource the first stage of helicopter pilot training in a substantial shift that will hand a role long filled by military aviators over to a private contractor.

M1 Support Services, a Texas-based aviation contractor, will provide entry-level helicopter training, the Army announced last week.

The new "Flight School Next" program will provide the aircraft, equipment, simulators, and classroom, as well as the flight training for between 800 and 1,500 new pilots each year at Fort Rucker, Alabama, for up to 26 years as part of a deal worth up to $10 billion. The service says that the shift is intended to modernize training and save money.

The change comes as Army leaders have questioned whether the current training model is sufficiently preparing junior pilots for more advanced flight training. Turning the training over to a private company upends a foundational piece of Army aviation training. Traditionally, senior Army helicopter pilots have trained their junior counterparts, serving as instructors in yearslong assignments.

"Flight School Next delivers a critical improvement in our Initial Entry Rotary Wing Training model. Simply put, it delivers new military helicopter pilots with far better foundational skills," Maj. Gen. Clair Gill, the commanding general of the Army's Aviation Center of Excellence, said in a press release. "The fact that it delivers this increased capability at a significant long-term savings to our Army is a great added benefit."

While M1 Support Services will handle the early flight training, the Army will continue to oversee follow-on training for pilots, depending on what type of helicopter they'll eventually fly. All military aviators, whether they're destined to fly jets, cargo aircraft, or attack helicopters, begin with basic rotary-wing or fixed-wing training before moving on to learn to fly specialized military aircraft that require advanced skills.

The new Army announcement did not say when the new program would begin training students.

The Army has said it wants a simpler training aircraft to help new pilots develop fundamental flying and aircraft maintenance skills before progressing to the military's advanced helicopters.

The service currently uses the UH-72 Lakota for basic training, but Army aviation leaders have previously said that the aircraft is too easy for inexperienced students to master, according to Army Times reporting.

Speaking of Army transformation, Gill, who is overseeing changes associated with the new contract awarded to M1 Support Services, said earlier this year that the Lakota basic training helicopter produces pilots who are "good systems managers but not good stick and rudder pilots."

"We really need to go to something simpler to teach the fundamental skills of our pilots," the general said last year of flight training, adding that the Army had hit an "inflection point where we either need to recapitalize what we have and do more of the same, or we can look at ourselves and say, are we delivering the capability the Army needs in the most effective and efficient manner here?"

The new helicopter pilot training contract comes as the Army, Navy, and Air Force are offering large bonuses, in some cases up to $280,000, to retain some of their most experienced aviators, even as the services increasingly invest in uncrewed aviation.

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

AI is running into a data dilemma, and it needs your help.

Technically, it doesn't need your help. It just needs your emails, your internal messages with coworkers, and any documents you created.

Consider this the newest stage of the great education of AI.

AI companies have run the well dry training their models with internet text and people rating their chatbot responses. Now they want AI to get hands-on job experience, and they're doing it with simulated workplaces.

(Alistair Barr, author of the great Tech Memo newsletter, has a fantastic breakdown on how these reinforcement learning environments work.)

These training grounds need real data and workflows that models can study.

AI companies can leverage their own workforces for that. Elon Musk recently told SpaceX workers their data will be used to train Grok. "It will inherit your thoughts and ideas," is a totally normal thing Musk said at a recent all-hands meeting.

But some employees don't take kindly to their mouse movements and keystrokes being used for AI training. (See: Meta.)

Which brings us to Google. The tech giant just paid $10 million for corporate data from bankrupt Spirit Airlines. And it wasn't alone. AI training startup Mercor also bid $7.5 million for the info.

It's an important reminder, lawyers told BI, that your work data isn't as private as you might think.

If AI companies are in the market for work-related data, are you selling yours?

That's the question Handshake AI is asking. The AI training firm is offering up to $30,000 for "high-quality written documents."

The request raises plenty of compliance questions. (Handshake AI stipulated that you must own the documents and be authorized to share them.)

But setting aside the legality of it all, the pitch brings up an interesting debate about how much you value your work-related data in the AI era.

Last year, when Meta was paying people to smile on camera, I posed a similar question: What's your price for training AI models on something you're highly skilled at?

The results were split. Some were willing to accept as little as $25 an hour. Others outright refused to do it.

Handing over some data is a lot easier than spending hours training a model. But AI has made a lot of progress over the past year, potentially giving people pause.

You also need to factor in what others might do. Just because you choose to shun AI over fears it'll eventually automate your job away doesn't mean your colleague will make the same choice.

So, I'll ask again, are you selling? And if so, what's your price?

• Microsoft AI's chief marketing officer, Andréa Mallard, is leaving the company.
• She joined Microsoft's AI unit in January.
• Her exit reflects a strategy shift, with Microsoft recently merging its consumer and business Copilot apps.

Microsoft AI's chief marketing officer, Andréa Mallard, started transitioning out of her post about six months after being appointed to the role, Business Insider has learned.

In an internal email, Microsoft announced that Mallard, who joined Microsoft's AI unit from Pinterest in January, plans to leave the company.

In the June 30 memo, viewed by Business Insider, Microsoft executive Yusuf Mehdi said Mallard planned to relocate her family to Europe in August to be closer to her father, who was unwell, and that this would result in her stepping back from her role.

Microsoft confirmed Mallard's departure plans and said she'll stay on until early next year as an advisor.

"I'm grateful for the incredible energy and consumer-centric ethos she's brought to turbo-charging our Copilot marketing efforts;  Andrea has played a key role in advocating for a more unified approach, including the single app experience," the memo said.

Two people familiar with the matter said Mallard's departure also reflected a recent change in strategy at Microsoft AI as the company rethinks consumer marketing. Microsoft is merging its consumer and business Copilot apps into a single application. Copilot, Microsoft's flagship generative AI product, generally lags behind other AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude.

Copilot marketing is being consolidated under Microsoft executive Jared Spataro. Microsoft AI doesn't plan to directly replace Mallard's role.

Microsoft AI, the unit where Mallard was hired as CMO, has undergone a transition in recent months. Microsoft moved Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman to a new role focused on a superintelligence team in March, and consolidated its various commercial and consumer Copilot teams under a new executive.

Mallard has an extensive consumer marketing pedigree, having served as Pinterest's chief marketing officer for over seven years. Prior to that, she oversaw marketing at Gap's athleisure brand, Athleta, and served as CMO at the virtual care company Omada Health.

Marketing efforts during Mallard's short tenure included a Super Bowl spot showing how NFL teams could use Copilot in Excel to analyze athlete performance data and build profiles of their top prospects. Microsoft has also been working with influencers like Alix Earle, who has posted video content using Copilot on her social media accounts. Work on both these projects began before Mallard joined the company.

Writing on LinkedIn in January to announce her move to Microsoft AI, Mallard said she would be hiring talent and was on the lookout for people who were passionate about "humanist AI." She described AI as the most consequential technological shift of her lifetime.

"We have an enormous responsibility to get this right," Mallard wrote.

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• Chloe Steinberg left her venture capital job after having her second child.
• She said she struggled with the loss of her professional identity and re-learned to trust her instincts.
• Now a mother of four, Steinberg has redefined what ambition and meaningful work mean to her.

Chloe Steinberg, 34, is a venture capital investor who was a seed investor in Canva and led Equinox Ventures, the VC arm of the Equinox Group of brands. Steinberg is a mother of four and lives in Connecticut. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I left my firm about four years ago after I had my second child. I was raised as a chronic overachiever. You go to an Ivy League school. You go to an investment bank.

Power to my parents for raising me to have that kind of ambition, but when I had my daughter, I had this anxiety over, "I don't want her to have my nervous system." I'm proud of everything I've accomplished, but I really just want her to chase joy.

While I was in the delivery room, I inked a life-changing exit from an investment in a tech company, where I was an early-stage investor. I wrote that check when I was in my early 20s. Ten years later, I had the opportunity to exit a portion of my holdings. It's a crazy realization that one investment can change your entire life.

It afforded me the opportunity to leave my job and think about who I wanted to be for the next evolution. I knew I didn't want to raise my kids from an airplane. Having breakfast with them on a Tuesday matters more than any deal I would close.

The same brain I always had

My identity crisis started after I left because I moved to Connecticut, where I didn't know anyone. When I met people, the first thing they asked was, "What do you do?" In the beginning, I said, "I was a VC."

I was suddenly a stay-at-home mom. Nobody knew I had accomplishments. I don't know why that matters, but after I quit my job, I was still trying to prove myself. Stepping back from a title, you want the room to know you've still got it. The hardest part of leaving my career was my ego.

Part of the identity crisis of becoming a mom is that I didn't want my kids to view being a mother as not being ambitious. I didn't stop working; I took the same brain I've always had — I just shifted what I was using it for. The fact that it doesn't count, because I don't have a fancy title, is stupid.

How do you show that you can be a mom and be ambitious, or you can be anything and be ambitious? At the same time, ambition doesn't define a person. It's a tool for navigating life. It shouldn't be about how hard you can grind. It's about how effectively you can live.

Where did that brava go?

At one point, a good friend of mine, who is the CEO of a well-known consumer company, said, "I know you're not working right now, but why did you go quiet? You used to publish articles. You're such a thought leader." My answer was, "I'm quiet because I don't know what to say."

It had started before I left my job. The more senior I got, the more I let people talk me down from my own certainty. We're born certain. Kids are pure instinct, no apology. They know what they want, and they don't check it against the room. By the time we're called experienced, we have been trained to distrust what was loudest in us when we were young.

Part of what makes a great investor is having that intuition. You don't have groupthink when you go with what you feel. The best investments are the ones 99% of people thought were wrong.

I'm Puerto Rican, and my mom always says, "My daughter is so brava." Where did that bravery go after years of being beaten down in a boardroom, years of learning the reasons not to do something, of over-diligencing, of not trusting my gut?

That's when it clicked. I was thinking about how badly I would never want my daughter to be quieted. How ashamed would I be as a mother if I let that happen to her?

What's worth my time?

I recently invested in a Silicon Valley startup after reaching out to the founder. I had lunch with him to explain my interest in the company. Sitting across the table, talking about why I love the product, what I envision for the future — it reminded me that I did that. The firm didn't do that. It was validating to believe in something enough to chase it down.

Why do we have to talk about who we used to be? People will say, "What's your plan when your kids are all in school again?" I'm like, "I don't know. I'm going to do something meaningful." If nothing is more meaningful than raising these little people, why is it worth my time? I understand that's coming from a position of privilege. I'm so fortunate to be here because of my hard work, but ambition for the sake of ambition feels stupid now.

Do you have a story to share about your career? Contact this reporter at tparadis@businessinsider.com.

• Buyers who have waited patiently for the housing market to improve see little relief in sight.
• New construction data shows things are still moving in the wrong direction.
• Sign up for First Trade, Business Insider's daily markets newsletter.

When mortgage rates hit multi-decade highs in 2023, the prevailing wisdom was that the housing market would eventually become more affordable. Buyers who stayed patient would be rewarded. The market would self-normalize.

Three years later, prospective buyers are still waiting for that relief. And there are recent signs of a housing market going in the wrong direction.

The latest bad news came on Tuesday, when data showed new residential construction fell 12.4% in July. Not to be outdone, single-family housing starts fell to their slowest pace since 2022.

For a major reason why, look no further than the 30-year mortgage rate, which has stayed stubbornly high for the past few years. It did fall below 6% early this year, but the Iran war quickly derailed hopes for further declines. As oil prices surged, stoking fears of inflation, any optimism around cheaper borrowing evaporated.

The 30-year Freddie Mac mortgage rate is down just moderately from its 7.8% peak reached in October 2023 — a far cry from the COVID-era low of 2.7%.

Add in home prices that have been on a steady chug higher since COVID-era lows, and you have a difficult mix of forces that all point towards the same end result: you not getting a house. (Disregard the seasonal peaks and valleys in the chart below. Instead note the multiyear upward trend.)

Taken together, these headwinds recently prompted the macro research firm Capital Economics to forecast the slowest year for home sales since 2011. What's more, the firm also predicts that mortgage rates will stay above 6% for another two years. So much for near-term relief.

The housing-market gridlock is also spilling into the home-improvement industry. On Tuesday, Home Depot posted an earnings beat, but its stock fell as CFO Richard McPhail acknowledged that "frozen housing conditions" are impacting large-scale home projects — aka the ones most linked to homebuyers.

A slowdown in construction risks making affordability even worse. Fewer homes being built means less supply, which could keep upward pressure on prices.

That leaves buyers with few good options. Mortgage rates remain high, home prices haven't meaningfully declined, and there's little reason to expect either to change dramatically in the near term.

For buyers who decided to wait out the housing market three years ago, patience hasn't paid off. And there's little evidence yet that it will anytime soon.

• Multiplier, formerly known as WithAI, is a young AI company that works with hedge funds' stockpickers.
• The firm raised $6 million from Y Combinator, Lux Capital, and Bridgewater's chief investment officers, among others.
• The firm is run by a former Bridgewater investment associate, Ian McInnis.

Smaller hedge funds outgunned by deep-pocketed rivals believe artificial intelligence can help level the playing field — and former Bridgewater analyst Ian McInnis raised millions to do just that.

The startup, which is changing its name from WithAI to Multiplier, pulled in $6 million in new capital from existing investors such as Y Combinator and Bridgewater co-chief investment officers Greg Jensen and Karen Karniol-Tambour, as well as big names like Lux Capital, Opendoor CEO Kaz Nejatian, Fortress chairman Pete Briger, and Google DeepMind chief strategy officer Jas Sekhon. Several of the firm's clients are also a part of the fundraise, according to a press release shared exclusively with Business Insider.

Multiplier is one of several startups founded by former hedge funders that hope to either automate or supercharge parts of the investment process. CEO Ian McInnis, a Princeton grad who just turned 27 years old, worked at Bridgewater under Jensen on large language model projects.

The firm currently counts six long-short equity funds as clients, as Multiplier specifically focuses on fundamental stockpickers' investment processes and builds its product within its clients' own clouds, to prevent potential leakage of funds' secret sauce.

"You still need domain specialization, but you also need firm specialization," McInnis said in the release.

"Now that the AI's getting woven so deeply into your firm, your security demands go way beyond compliance box-ticking. Investors are legitimately concerned about their edge being stolen."

The startup's goal is to build AI agents that can "research every stock on Earth, every day, watching for setups or updating projections," according to the firm's website. With more mundane parts of the job now outsourced to AI, the theory is that investing teams can spend more time on the parts of the job where human intuition can lead to outperformance.

The backing from Bridgewater's leaders — and McInnis's former bosses — is notable given the investment giant's push into artificial intelligence. The manager has partnered with Mira Murati's Thinking Labs to create an LLM that can sift through text with "expert-level taste and judgment" and runs a fund that is primarily run by AI and machine learning algorithms.

Additionally, Jensen has personally invested in OpenAI and Anthropic.

• Techies coined a new term for performative posting about hard work on social media. They call it "grindslop."
• Business Insider spoke with the grindslop accused — and accusers.
• Who is it all for? Three founders said that grindslop posts were meant to impress venture capitalists.

Han Wang insists his intentions were pure.

The 25-year-old cofounder of Mintlify is a prolific X poster, sending off his snippets of management philosophy to the platform's techies. One of his essays fanned the flames of Silicon Valley's hardcore workplace debate. He called it: "Remember to not smile."

Wang said that the essay's lesson was "challenging yourself and seeking discomfort." Commenters took it differently: they saw a piece of performative overwork, telling employees to labor until they're miserable. Founders whom Wang looked up to criticized him; his friends publicly posted their reasons for disagreeing with him.

Critics of his post called it "grindslop."

"It's this sentiment against saying these crazy work ethic buzzwords," Wang said. "For those two weeks, I became the vessel for that disdain."

The AI era has brought a relentless new standard of work: 996ing, Celsius-fueled all-nighters, and nonstop vibe coding. Some call it committing to a once-in-a-generation opportunity; others call it unhealthy.

As tech workers chafe against an increasingly extreme work schedule — and the public posturing behind it all — "grindslop" has grown into a rallying cry.

What is grindslop?

When Martin Tobias took my call, he had no idea what grindslop was.

The 62-year-old venture capitalist posted on X that, after taking on investments, founders can't use the excuse of being tired. "A dog can sleep all day," he wrote. "It has no cap table." In his comments, a user leveled the "grindslop" accusation.

I explained the term's generally understood definition. Grindslop refers to people who share publicly just how hard they work, or expect others to work. Sacrifice is a theme. Most often, these folks are in tech.

While its exact origin isn't clear, the term was popularized by Will Manidis' essay about founder hagiography. For grindslop companies, Manidis wrote, "the documentation of those hours and the performance of suffering is the product."

So, did Tobias think his don't-be-tired post was grindslop? No, he said, because it was about hard work. "I don't want you having a long to-do list and ticking off a bunch of random things," Tobias said. "I want you doing high-leverage things."

While far from mainstream, the word is spreading. Monthly references to "grindslop" on X shot up from 21 mentions in January to 422 mentions in April, according to the social intelligence company Sprout Social. It peaked at 453 mentions in July, Sprout Social said.

When a founder posts about their long work hours or extreme routines, other founders may feel pressure to adopt those habits to stay competitive.

"It was sad to me when it started happening in real life," said Dhravya Shah, the 20-year-old founder of the AI agent startup Supermemory.

While "slop" may sound like an allusion to AI slop, it's more about the perceived low quality of the content than how it was created. Mintlify's Wang said that he asked AI to review his essay, which "in hindsight made it sound less genuine."

And there's clear incentive to be a grindslopper: internet clout can help your business grow. While Wang insists that he wasn't chasing virality, he certainly got it — and it resulted in signups and some job applications, he said.

"A lot of our investors, in hindsight, were really excited about this whole thing because of the amount of attention that we were getting," he said.

The rise of performative hustling

Justin Banusing thinks grindslop is the result of a "massive pendulum swing."

The 26-year-old cofounder of the social media distribution startup Clouted called it a reversal on "remote slop." This was the content du jour during the COVID-19 pandemic, when people posted about working while traveling or poolside.

Things are different now.

"Everyone's trying to say: 'Hey, everyone should be inside the office, inside your company, 996ing,'" he said.

Ruby Justice Thelot, a 30-year-old professor of design and media theory at New York University, compared it to gym posts.

"You'll have a very, very jacked guy, waking up early in the morning, going to the gym, telling you that you can do it, too," he said.

He charted a path to grindslop. First, there was "conspicuous consumption," in which wealthy people flaunted the leisure they had purchased. Then there was "conspicuous creation," he said, where the act of creation was the leisure. Think of the trad wife, making their homemade cookies.

Now we're in an era of "conspicuous production," Thelot said, where there's no leisure at all. "You're just working," he said. "That is also a symbol of virtue."

The VCs (and other founders) watching

Who are these posts for? Three founders said that the grindsloppers were courting venture capitalists. "All of these are targeted toward investors," Shah said. "Users don't care."

Not all VCs are on board. Tobias said that he was turned off by the founders who post about their long hours. He'd rather they post about customers.

Sarah Catanzaro, a Bay Area-based general partner at Amplify Partners, said that her opinion of grindslop ranges from "don't care" to "hazardous."

Though she said her portfolio companies don't post grindslop, some emulate its habits: 996 schedules, air mattresses. "I've had conversations with these companies about the cost of it," she said, such as talent retention.

She worries about longevity, too. Sure, you can hustle hard in your early years, Catanzaro said, but at some point you have to get off the hamster wheel. "It is getting dangerous," she said.

There's another audience for this content: other founders. "People are just trying to impress each other," said Saarth Shah, the 23-year-old cofounder of the corporate investigations startup Sixtyfour.

It's depressing, he said.

"Initially, startups were basically a bunch of nerds working on hard problems that they found fun," Shah said. "Now, it's becoming this whole circle jerk."

• Bill Bengen advises retirees on a 65% stock, 30% bond, and 5% cash portfolio strategy.
• Within stocks, he says to invest across large caps, mid caps, small caps, micro caps, and international.
• Rebalance portfolios regularly to avoid risk and fund expenses, Bengen says.

The 4% rule for retirees is easy enough to understand in theory: withdraw that much of your portfolio per year, and your money should last you through retirement.

(Well, now it's more like the 4.7% rule, but you can read more about that here).

But what does that look like in practice? Bill Bengen, the rule's creator, recently shared with Business Insider what the optimal investment portfolio looks like and how investors should go about withdrawing their money.

First, let's get into the portfolio structure. Bengen, a former financial advisor and the author of "A Richer Retirement: Supercharging the 4% Rule to Spend More and Enjoy More," said that younger investors more than five years from retirement should allocate 100% of their portfolios to stocks.

That's because stocks have historically offered higher returns than other assets, and younger investors can stomach the higher risk.

But once an investor nears retirement, they should gradually reduce their stock allocation, eventually settling at 65%. Another 30% should be in fixed income, specifically intermediate-term bonds (which should include an allocation to Treasury inflation-protected securities, or TIPS), he said. And another 5% should be in cash.

Within the allocation to stocks, he shared five areas of the market to have equal exposure to.

Here's exactly how his optimal portfolio shapes up:

Exchange-traded funds are one easy way to gain exposure to these pockets of the market.

Examples of those that represent these trades include the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), the iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH), the VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF), the First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund (FDM), the VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF), the Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (BIV), and the State Street SPDR Bloomberg 1-10 Year TIPS ETF (TIPX).

You might also consider keeping a chunk of your cash allocation in a money market account to keep earning on it before spending.

Bengen said this portfolio construction works equally well for both younger and older retirees. Safe spending levels, however, differ by how long you intend a portfolio to last. For a timeline of 30 to 35 years, 4.7% is a safe withdrawal rate. For 60 to 70 years, 4.1% is appropriate, he said.

Some experts like to recommend an even higher allocation to stocks in retirement, Bengen said. But his optimal portfolio tends to resemble more closely the classic 60/40 model, as it can provide more security if equity markets crash.

"If you get a really bad bear market like in 2008 or 1929, your portfolio can be devastated," Bengen said.

How to actively manage your portfolio

Unfortunately, you can't just set and forget your investment portfolio. Some investments will outperform others, and you'll need to rebalance.

Doing so is crucial, Bengen said, so as not to take on unnecessary concentration risk that makes your portfolio particularly vulnerable to a pullback in one area of the market. It will also be part of how you fund your living expenses.

For example, small caps and international stocks have outperformed recently. So, if they've grown to more than their 13% allotments, you should sell part of those positions to bring them back down to the appropriate levels.

The proceeds of those sales can then be put to work across other areas of your portfolio. Some of them will go into your cash position, which you'll use to fund your spending.

"At the end of the year you'll be selling off investments that have done well and placing money into cash, and so it should work kind of automatically just through rebalancing," Bengen said.

Another way to raise cash will be through stock dividends and income from your bond positions, he said.

"Have all the income dividends from your various investments paid into that fund, so it's constantly replenished, so you don't run out of money there," Bengen said.

• Brannon Potts uses a 'build-to-rent' strategy, designing and building each of his rentals.
• The real estate strategy is setting him up for early retirement.
• Recently, rents have fallen, but he's increased his profits by cutting major expenses.

Brannon Potts has watched rents soften in North Texas over the past few years.

"Especially in the last three years, rents have come down a little bit here," the Fort Worth-area real estate investor told Business Insider.

Potts attributes the decline partly to an influx of new rental supply.

"There's been multiple hundreds of new properties coming online in the last couple of years, so it's pushed down rents a little bit, even with the growth in the area," he said. Still, "my overall profit has gone up."

Potts, 54, started investing in real estate five years ago as part of a plan to create enough passive income to retire in his 50s. As of mid-2026, he owns 14 units across eight properties, and plans to grow his portfolio to about 20 units.

Rather than buying existing rentals, he uses a build-to-rent strategy and constructs his own properties. He documents the building process on his YouTube channel, where he also breaks down the numbers behind his investments.

Rather than relying on rising rents to improve his per-door profit, Potts has focused on reducing costs. He said his overall operating expenses once represented a little over 30% of his rental revenue, while today, they account for about 26%.

To cut costs and improve his bottom line, he's focused on three of his biggest expenses: mortgage payments, property taxes, and insurance.

1. He refinanced mortgages when rates gave him an opportunity

Financing is Potts' largest expense. Over the past year, he said he refinanced several properties when rates dipped, locking the new loans in for 30 years.

"I moved some of those notes from 7.5% — one down to 5.3%, and several of them at 5.9%," he said.

The lower rates reduced his interest costs and allowed him to increase the amount of principal he was paying down each month. He highlighted this additional benefit on his YouTube channel: "Because that rate went down by 2%, I'm getting an increased return on the capital that I'm using because I'm now paying more principal per month."

2. He learned to challenge his property-tax assessments

Next, Potts started paying closer attention to property taxes. In Texas, property owners receive an appraised value from their local appraisal district. He initially thought he had to accept that value, but over time, he learned how to file a protest and make a case for a lower valuation.

In 2022, he said property taxes consumed 16.6% of his rental revenue. By 2024, that had declined to about 15%, and today, "my property tax bill represents 11.7% of my revenues."

He stopped letting the appraisal system simply tell him what his properties were worth and "became proactive," he said.

3. He raised his insurance deductibles and started shopping around

Potts has also reduced insurance costs, which once accounted for about 6.2% of his rental revenue. He said they now represent about 5.2%.

His first move was raising his deductibles. Because he already had a substantial cash reserve for repairs and vacancies, Potts decided he didn't want to pay higher premiums to insure against smaller losses he could afford to cover himself.

"I really just wanted to insure for something catastrophic," he said.

He increased his deductibles from 1% to 5%. A higher deductible generally means the policyholder assumes more of the cost when filing a claim, which can lower the premium. It also means an owner needs enough cash on hand to absorb a larger unexpected expense.

Potts also began shopping his policies more aggressively. Rather than working with an agent who represents only a limited number of insurers, he uses a broker who can compare policies from multiple companies.

Using 'common sizing' to find opportunities to cut expenses

Potts has learned that he can't necessarily count on rising rents to improve his returns. Lowering expenses is another important part of the equation.

One way he identifies cost-cutting opportunities is through "common size analysis," a technique that converts dollar amounts into percentages relative to a base figure. In Potts' case, he's tracking each property's rental income and expenses, then calculating how much of its revenue is going toward categories such as taxes and insurance.

That makes it easier to spot outliers. If property taxes consume 19% of the revenue from one property but substantially less at another, for example, he investigates why.

"A good operator is looking at revenues, expenses, the financing piece — they're looking at all of them," he said. "Common sizing helps to show it."

• Trump's student-loan analyst said he was unaware of an error that reported some student-loan borrowers' income as $0.
• It required a corrected legal filing in an ongoing case where borrowers are seeking to restore affordable bills.
• Outside the lawsuit, borrowers have reported a range of repayment glitches since July 1.

Errors in the student-loan repayment system have made their way into the courts.

On Monday, the Department of Education corrected a legal filing in an ongoing case filed by student-loan borrowers to restore the benefits of REPAYE, a precursor to the Biden-era SAVE repayment plan.

The department had previously told the court that five borrowers in the case reported incomes of $0. However, the borrowers said that was wrong; they had already shown the department they earned more than that.

This seemingly-innocuous detail matters because if the borrowers truly had no income, they would likely already qualify for low payments under an existing repayment plan. That would undermine their argument for restoring REPAYE, namely that they need its specific benefits.

In the corrected filing, department loan analyst Anthony Lowery said the mistake came from an error in the National Student Loan Data Service, the federal database the government uses to track student loans. A 2024 NSLDS system update removed some older data, he said, meaning some borrowers' income information was not retained.

"I was not aware that NSLDS records a borrower's income as $0 when the system has no data," Lowery said.

This is the latest update in an ongoing case pushing to make the benefits of REPAYE available to borrowers and to pause the forced transfer of borrowers off the SAVE plan. Beginning July 1, SAVE borrowers began receiving their 90-day timeframe to transition to a new plan. If they do not act within that timeframe, they'll automatically be placed on a standard plan with higher monthly payments.

Borrowers are still awaiting a ruling on whether the involuntary transfer will be paused; the earliest the transfer would occur is September 29.

Aside from the NSLDS error referenced in the corrected declaration, borrowers for months have reported a range of glitches with their payments, including inaccurate bills and erroneous past-due notices. The Education Department said it is aware of the errors and has fixed them as they arose.

Have a story to share about student loans? Contact this reporter at asheffey@businessinsider.com.

• Ultra-processed foods are linked to a higher risk of colon cancer, and some may be worse than others.
• A nutrition researcher explains how he avoids the riskiest kinds of ultra-processed foods.
• Instead, he recommends foods like whole grains and yogurt, which help protect the gut.

For more than a decade since he began studying nutrition, Kenny Mendoza has been paying attention to his food labels, scrutinizing grams of fat, protein, and added sugar.

But people eat food, not isolated nutrients. And, as Mendoza realized while training for his doctorate at Harvard, those foods are often heavily processed before reaching our plates, which can make a huge difference for our health.

"Now, I also pay much more attention to all the ingredients beyond the nutrients in the foods, to see if they're ultra-processed," he told Business Insider. "The evidence says that both things are important, nutrients and food processing."

Today, as a professor of public health at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Mendoza said his research has changed how he eats.

His latest work suggests that small, actionable food choices can make an important difference in colon cancer risk, at a time when the disease has become the leading cause of cancer-related death in younger people.

Mendoza shared two of the most compelling swaps to prevent cancer, as well as his personal strategies to make healthy eating simpler.

The top culprits behind colon cancer risk

Mendoza and colleagues from Harvard wanted to estimate how cancer risk might change if people ate fewer processed foods.

Researchers analyzed decades of dietary and health data from more than 200,000 US healthcare professionals. They modeled what would happen to their cancer risk if they ate more of some foods, and less of others.

They found a small but significantly reduced risk in obesity-related cancers, such as breast and colorectal cancer, was linked to cutting back on ultra-processed foods like refined carbs and packaged snacks by just 10% (measured as a share of total calories).

That's like cutting out 20-ounce soda, a small order of fries, or three to four pieces of bacon from a regular diet of 2000 to 2500 calories a day.

The swaps that matter

Mendoza said not all processed food is equally bad for our health. Two types of processed food are most closely linked to higher cancer risk: processed red meats and sugary drinks. He avoids them completely — and recommends others do, too.

Mendoza's research also found that a specific food swap offers a double whammy for cancer prevention.

His study found that replacing a serving of ultra-processed bread with a serving of whole-grain cereal (such as oatmeal) was associated with a small but significant reduction in cancer risk.

The swap is doubly beneficial because you're replacing preservatives that can harm your health with nutrients that protect it.

Processed bread contains emulsifiers, which are linked to inflammation that drives cancer risk. In contrast, whole grains contain fiber and B vitamins, which help stave off cancer.

And if you're used to a breakfast sandwich with bacon, a good cancer-fighting alternative is yogurt. Research suggests it plays a uniquely supportive role in gut health (in addition to providing key nutrients like protein and B vitamins).

"Despite the fact that some yogurts are ultraprocessed, they still retain active cultures, which are the live bacteria that basically help your gut bacteria to be healthier," Mendoza said.

One caveat: some flavored yogurts are more likely to contain lots of added sugar or thickeners. Your best bet is to pay attention to labels and opt for plain, unsweetened yogurt and mix in toppings like honey, berries, or nuts and seeds.

You may not be able to eliminate processed food — even top nutrition scientists eat them occasionally. But a good first step is ditching the soda, processed meat, and white bread in favor of more whole grains and yogurt for a healthier gut.

• Rick Ross said he installed Starlink in his private jet.
• The rapper said the internet service lets him stay on the phone during his plane's takeoff.
• SpaceX recently highlighted Starlink as its crown jewel. Flyers say they won't travel without it.

He's the self-identified "biggest boss that you've seen thus far." And, apparently, he has a one-bedroom, two-bath private jet equipped with Starlink.

During an episode of Complex's "On Display," released on Monday, rapper Rick Ross showed off his hangar (which he calls the "Eagle's Nest"), including a Gulfstream G550.

He said he integrated SpaceX's Starlink into the private jet.

"It's unbelievable," he said about the satellite internet services. "It's just like you at the crib. I'm on a phone call before I take off, as we take off, the phone call don't stop. FaceTime, whatever it is. Streaming, live, whatever it is."

Right now, Starlink is the crown jewel of SpaceX's business.

The company has deployed thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit that beam high-speed internet to far-flung areas of the world — including airspace where jets are flying.

It has 12 million subscribers, the company reported earlier this month during its first-ever earnings call. Several airlines have adopted the technology, including American Airlines, Southwest, Virgin Atlantic, Iberia, and Aer Lingus.

Big-spending airline travelers, such as YouTuber MrBeast and angel investor Jason Calacanis, have said they would choose a less convenient flight path if the planes are equipped with Starlink tech. They aren't alone.

"In fact, we heard from one of our airline customers, shockingly, customers are flying shorter hop flights instead of direct, so that they could ensure that they're on a Starlink-activated flight," SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell said in her opening remarks on the August call. "They'd never seen this in the business before."

For Ross, his internet-linked plane is a centerpiece of his multimillion-dollar stable of transportation options in his hangar in Miami, which is also filled with custom Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and classics like the 1970s Chevy Impala.

He said he dreamed about having such a fleet when he was a kid.

"I always told myself, once I got the opportunity to, you know what I'm saying, double back, all the shit that I wanted, I was going to get it," he told Complex.

Representatives for Ross didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

• Jason Shen left Meta in 2023 and began building his executive-coaching business, Refactor Labs.
• After roles at Etsy and Meta, Shen began coaching startup founders full-time in 2024.
• He now works fewer hours and prioritizes family, fitness, and writing a book.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jason Shen, the 40-year-old founder of Refactor Labs based in Brooklyn. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I'm the founder and CEO of Refactor Labs, an executive coach, and a cofounder conflict expert.

I spent two years at Etsy as a product manager, working on the seller-facing mobile app. After being laid off in a round of mass layoffs, I did contract product work for an early-stage B2B SaaS startup and completed the TED Residency, an ideas incubator, where I gave a TED Talk on the future of hiring.

I founded Headlight, a tech hiring platform, in November 2017 with a former Etsy teammate. In 2019, we did a hard pivot into voice AI products for gaming, renaming the company Midgame. In July 2020, Midgame was acquired by Facebook, now Meta.

I worked as a product leader at Meta for almost three years and voluntarily left the company in June 2023 to take a sabbatical before focusing on growing my company. I had started coaching founders on the side while at Meta, but didn't seriously spin up my business until January 2024.

My cofounder and I weren't planning to be acquired by Meta

It wasn't the outcome we set out for, but with NYC and much of the world still in lockdown, it was a bit like an emergency landing with an out-of-fuel plane.

Working at Meta really expanded my skillset. I learned how to advocate for my team during product reviews with VPs and ship social experiences to millions of people while leading multiple product teams simultaneously. The people were sharp and creative, and I enjoyed working with them.

Over time, my life turned into overcrowded meetings, document reviews, and keeping up with too many feeds. The company was in constant flux: I survived multiple managers, reorganizations, and layoffs. The money was great — my target cash compensation, including salary and bonus, was about $250,000 at the time — but I couldn't see myself doing this for another 20 years.

I stayed longer than I had at any other company

At the time, in addition to my cash compensation, I was vesting 230 Meta restricted stock units, or RSUs, per quarter. Had I stayed another three years at the same vest rate, I would have vested 2,760 more. At a recent Meta share price of about $609, those unvested RSUs would be worth roughly $1.68 million before taxes.

In preparing for leave, I set aside a chunk of money that I was willing to give up to build my coaching business, mostly by selling off my portfolio. That ended up being around $150,000.

The second half of your 30s is when you start to have a clearer sense of what you're suited for and where that will be valued

At Meta, I was running a resilient community of hundreds of people, facilitating workshops, and mentoring folks earlier in their careers. All of that counted toward "organizational impact," which accounted for only 10% of my performance review. What I loved doing most and was best at was not what the company paid me for.

My mom was a gymnastics coach, and my dad was an educator and community leader, so coaching came very naturally to me. I worked with an executive coach at my most recent startup, and he helped make that company more successful than my first. Two of my professional contacts had made the leap to coach full-time in recent years and were happy with their decision, so I thought I could make it, too.

Leaving to start a new business still felt risky. My wife and I were trying to start a family, and I realized I had to take my shot because there was no way I could launch a business while caring for a newborn. If I didn't make it within a year, I planned to get another PM job and receive parental leave before the baby arrived.

I spend about 20 hours working each week and still make a good living

I made $369,000 in revenue in the last 12 months. That sounds pretty good, but I have expenses like credit card fees, marketing, software, coworking space, and health insurance. Most of my clients are on monthly retainers, while my clients navigating cofounder conflict typically buy three-month packages.

Most of my job is joining Zoom calls. By and large, I love and respect my clients, which is a big perk of running your own business. I used to have an executive assistant, but I've learned how to use AI to save time and stay on top of my client work.

Some people love the idea of creating experiences that reach millions, but that feels too abstract. I love seeing my clients find conviction in themselves, grow their businesses, and improve their relationship with their cofounders. That feels like a tangible impact to me.

I get to spend my time on creative projects, fitness, and family

I'm working on a book called "Deep Ambition" about how recovering overachievers can escape shallow ambition and build a remarkable life on their own terms. I'm also training to set a personal best in the Murph challenge.

At 5 p.m. on weekdays, I take my daughter to the playground or for a stroller run. We do dinner at 6 p.m., then bath, milk, and bedtime by 7:30. I promised my wife before we had our daughter that I wouldn't let kids get in the way of her career, which is creative, noncorporate, and very important to her.

I'm grateful that I left Meta when I did

Do I wish I had a few extra million bucks in my bank account? Sure, but it doesn't work like that. I would have had to grind for that money for years. My workweek is now so much less frantic and stressful than it was when I was a PM.

I'm only three years into my business, and there's still room to grow. One of my goals is to surpass the total compensation I earned in Big Tech. I'm aiming to get there by 2028. Hopefully, I'll also be a dad of two by then.

It's a really competitive job market right now, with so many companies laying off workers, and I think some experienced tech workers could find coaching or consulting more satisfying than they expect. It takes courage and nontrivial resources to get off the ground, but in the end, it can be so much more fulfilling.