• Greg Lindgren co-owns three bars in San Francisco. He's noticed the sobriety kick in tech.
• "There's a herd mentality to tech, especially when so many people have arrived so recently," Lindgren said.
• Lindgren said that companies aren't pulling back from bars at corporate events — but they want more mocktails.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Greg Lindgren, a 57-year-old bar operator from San Francisco. He co-owns 15 Romolo, The Cordial, Rye Cocktail Bar, and the events company Rye on the Road with Jon Gasparini. It's been edited for length and clarity.

In San Francisco, you throw a rock, and you hit a laptop.

We started in the industry at the adolescence of the 1.0 boom. I have friends who worked for Webvan. Over the years, we've worked for all of the household names in the PayPal Mafia that survived the first crash and created the second wave.

When we opened Rye, we went to Google ourselves. The first result was a Yelp review. This was 2006. The person who made the review was the sixth hire at Yelp. I recognized his name, because there's a lot of convergence between real-life social and tech.

We have a warehouse in SoMa. We're a half block away from where Twitter was founded. This building was a temporary place where Airbnb, pre-IPO, was building its business. We get mail for Brian Chesky.

We've had a front row seat. "Silicon Valley" is a documentary. It's a lot of fun to watch and be a part of it.

The trend toward abstaining from drinking has been ongoing for a while. Around the time that people started looking at alternative forms of eating, they were toying around with cutting back on alcohol.

It's been gaining momentum over the last few years. It's not just health, and it's not just trying to have that edge.

There's a new gold rush happening. The miners in the last year and a half are mostly young men. Some of them are abstaining from a health-maxxing standpoint. Other people just didn't drink; they're already of that generation.

There's a herd mentality to tech, especially when so many people have arrived so recently. Smart people adopt this lifestyle and say, "I need to signal to everyone around me that I have all the edge, and that we're not going to succumb to distraction." One of the things in that conversation is alcohol consumption.

Those same people are taking other things. It's more of an older generation, but people of the VC class are getting one-shotted on ayahuasca.

There are still groups that hit it hard. An example: young parents. When you have kids, you stop going to bars and restaurants, and you hunker down for a few years. Once their kids are preschoolers or elementary schoolers, those parents come roaring back. It's like they've been let out of prison.

The same thing holds true for various tech cultures. We work with a company that's in-person five days a week and is heavily sales-driven. They built a whole bar within their corporate headquarters, and we're the contract bar that services that. There's a social bonding aspect.

Mocktails are all the rage at tech events

More than a few years ago, we saw the writing on the wall, and that's when we went into mocktails.

We work with a company that's a household name. We've gone there on several occasions with beer, wine, and a cocktail available. We'll watch as the mocktail that we brought is the thing that everybody's drinking. We're happy to be there.

Everything is better and more professional by having a service like ours there, whether or not they're drinking alcohol at 4 in the afternoon. It helps with breaking the ice to have something in your hand. It's not going to be a cigarette, and you can only have so much caffeine.

The people who assemble these events look at reactions. It's similar to having a cool photo booth; it's something people remember.

The business model hasn't shifted. I can count on one hand the number of times we've been hired to do just non-alcoholic drinks. There has not been a reduction in price or a rejection of the offering as people change their event curation.

So far, companies are not fixating on: "Hey, we noticed that a lot of people are drinking less alcohol." They're asking: "Did we have a great event? Did we get everyone together, whether they drank sparkling water or an old-fashioned?"

That's what we see in the current landscape. It hasn't slowed our business down.

• An Illinois man said he tried to organize a protest around a data center development opportunity.
• He was arrested 12 hours later after police said he made threats to a local official.
• Data center proposals across the US have faced increased public opposition.

The arrest of a data center protester is drawing public attention to a rural town in northwestern Illinois, where a roughly 400-acre plot of land is being pitched as a "data center development opportunity."

Harley Delander of Dixon, a small city about two hours west of Chicago, was arrested on Wednesday outside his home after the local police department accused him of making threats against former state representative Tom Demmer. Demmer is now the head of a local business association that's trying to attract a data center operator into the region.

About 10 miles west of Dixon, a 387-acre plot of farmland is being pitched to potential operators as a "prime data center development land" by the Lee County Industrial Development Association (LCIDA). Demmer, the former state representative, is the association's president.

Delander posted a TikTok video of his encounter with local law enforcement on Thursday. It has garnered a quarter of a million views, along with a slew of commenters who have thrown their support behind the Dixon resident.

The Dixon Police Department said on Thursday that Delander was charged with two felonies, intimidation and stalking, after it received information about his communication with the former lawmaker. The department alleged that Delander "knowingly and willfully communicated threats and engaged in a course of conduct that caused concern for the safety of Demmer and his family."

In an interview with Business Insider, Delander said he started organizing a protest on Facebook on Wednesday that would take place near Demmer's house, using an address he found on the internet. He also said he sent an email to the former representative asking him to recuse himself from his position, along with the wording "if you know what's good for you and your family." Business Insider did not review the email.

"What I meant by that was, the sentence prior to that, I said, 'Your address is public information and I can protest in front of your house all day and night until you gain humanity and ban this data center.'" Delander said.

Delander said he was arrested about 12 hours later at his home.

"We'll be carefully evaluating the important First Amendment issues that stem from a case of this nature," James Mertes, a Sterling-based civil attorney who is representing Delander, told Business Insider. "Cases involving data center opposition are going to be more prevalent as more and more data centers pop up."

The case is another example of how the recent proliferation of data centers amid the AI boom has sparked heightened tensions between developers and local communities — often in small towns or rural areas — where the facilities are being built.

It's not immediately clear if a data center operator has expressed interest in the site. A brochure for the plot of land from a real estate firm, Peoples Company, maps nearby sites where hyperscalers like Meta and Microsoft are also developing computing facilities.

Demmer and a representative for Peoples Company did not immediately return a request for comment.

Nationwide data center backlash

The prospect of data centers coming to the backyards of communities has drawn intense clashes with residents and local officials who are often responsible for approving development plans.

Residents have expressed concerns about rising utility bills, water usage, environmental impact, and ambient noise. Operators and proponents of data centers have pointed to the economic development potential and water efficiency of the facilities, while also saying that data centers are essential infrastructure.

In a small New Hampshire town of about 5,300, a developer abruptly withdrew plans for a data center after residents opposed the project and a Change.org petition drew more than 25,000 signatures.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox on Friday issued an executive order establishing a standard for developing data centers in the state after community members protested a massive data center project backed by "Shark Tank" investor Kevin O' Leary.

The growing opposition has also drawn attention from local and federal law enforcement groups: Wired reported that an intelligence report from the New York Intelligence and Counterterrorism Bureau highlighted "anti-tech violent extremist activity" resulting from the rise of AI technology.

• Healthy food should be tasty as well as nutritious.
• Registered nutritionist Sophie Gastman believes enjoying your food is the gateway to a healthy diet.
• She uses lots of pickles, spices, and oils to add flavor to her dishes in seconds.

A balanced plate of food consists of carbs, healthy fats, protein, and fiber, but to Sophie Gastman, this formula is missing one key nutrient: Vitamin P (pleasure).

"I'm a big advocate of making food taste nice, and then the healthy part follows," Gastman, 28, a registered nutritionist dedicated to debunking nutrition misinformation myths, told Business Insider.

After spending years trapped in cycles of food restriction and following diet "rules" as a teenager, Gastman believes life is too short to eat food you don't enjoy. " Ultimately, if your diet isn't something that you enjoy, then it's not healthy," she said.

She thinks about adding protein, fiber, and a variety of plants to dishes — and doesn't overdo it on ultra-processed foods — but emphasizes that nutrition is just one element of food. "If something doesn't taste good, I don't want to eat it," Gastman, the author of "Find Your Healthy," said.

To make her meals taste good, Gastman leans on the flavor boosters that she always has in her kitchen. "I always have a lot of jars of various things like chili oils and various kind of saucey things," she said.

She shared her four favorite flavor boosters.

Chili oil

"I've got about 15 million different chili oils," Gastman joked.

She has two favorites. The first is Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp, an umami Chinese chili oil containing dried chili, crispy fried onions, fermented soybeans, and Sichuan peppercorns. She likes to use it on dumplings, eggs, noodles, fried rice, soups, and avocado toast.

The second is White Mausu Peanut Rayu, a crispy chili oil with peanuts and sesame. "This one's brilliant if you want something a bit nuttier and less spicy," she said. It goes well with spooned over greens, eggs, and noodle dishes, she said.

Pickled anything

Gastman keeps her fridge stocked with different types of pickles to add acidity and saltiness to her food. "They can completely transform a dish," she said.

She likes adding pickled cucumbers to sandwiches, burgers, and potato salad for a bit of crunch, and has a dill pickle hummus recipe in her cookbook, which calls for pickle brine in the hummus itself and chopped pickles on top.

Pickled onions make an "amazing garnish" on salads, tacos, or with avocado and eggs on toast, she said, and olives are delicious stirred through Mediterranean-style dishes like pastas and traybakes.

She also makes good use of capers, often chopping them finely into salad dressings, stirring them through potato salad or pasta dishes, or pairing them with smoked salmon and cream cheese.

Pickled jalapeños and anchar, a type of South Asian pickle, are staples for Gastman too.

Herbs and spices

Gastman loves to add herbs to all sorts of dishes. Not only do they add flavor, she said, but they also help her eat a wider variety of plant foods a week, which is understood to boost gut health.

Her two most-used herbs are cilantro and parsley. "I add them to everything from curries to salads," she said. She also loves Thai basil in a stir-fry or noodle dish as it adds a really fragrant, almost licorice-like flavor.

She also uses spices to zhuzh up a dish in seconds. She "constantly" uses cumin in curries and on roasted vegetables for an earthy, warm flavor.

She thinks smoked paprika is brilliant for adding depth and a smoky flavor to traybakes, beans, stews, or roasted potatoes. And cinnamon is more versatile than people think, she said, "I use it in porridge and baking, but also in savory dishes like tagines, chilis, and slow-cooked stews."

Anchovies

Anchovies, the salty, tiny preserved kind, put a lot of people off because they associate them with a strong fishy flavor, Gastman said, but when cooked, "the flavor melts into the background, leaving your dish with a new level of depth and umami that tastes like it's been cooked for hours."

Gastman uses them mainly in pasta sauces and salad dressings, and thinks people are sleeping on them.

There's a lot of confusion about the safest way to transport dogs in a car, but letting them roam free isn't advisable. Dr. Jessica Bell, associate professor at Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, says that unsecured pets can be injured during sudden stops or collisions and may distract drivers. The best dog car seats can help minimize these risks by securing your pet in the back seat. Some dogs may even find a car seat calming, says Allie Bender, a certified dog trainer, behavior consultant, and owner of Pet Harmony. Every dog is different, but many find comfort in the confinement, cushioning, and traction that a pet car seat provides.

As a dog guardian myself, I was personally invested in learning about safe car travel and where dog car seats fit in. So I tapped into my experience as a pets reporter and consulted veterinarians, pet safety experts, and a dog behaviorist. Based on my experts' feedback, I chose seven seats for hands-on testing. Ultimately, I landed on recommendations for small and large dogs.

While a car seat keeps pets secure, it's important to acknowledge their inherent safety limitations. Aside from the Sleepypod, none are crash-test certified by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), a nonprofit organization that conducts independent crash testing of pet travel products. With no official safety standards in place, CPS is widely regarded as the gold standard when it comes to safe pet transportation. Lindsey Wolko, founder and CEO of CPS, says if you're going to use a travel seat, it should be paired with a CPS-certified harness that connects directly to the vehicle seatbelt system. The dog should not be tethered directly to the car seat. For this review, I used the CPS-certified Sleepypod Clickit Sport Plus Harness, which kept my pup Olive restrained yet able to lie down in the larger car seat if she wanted.

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

Our top picks for the best dog car seats

Best for small dogs: Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed - $225 at Chewy

Best for medium and large dogs: PawsPik Ultra Large Premium 2-in-1 Convertible Travel Dog Bed and Car Seat - $150 at Chewy

Best budget: Kong Ultimate Safety Tether and Car Seat - $90 at Chewy

Best for small dogs

For the smallest of dogs, the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed is a versatile car seat that also functions as a pet carrier and portable bed. It’s CPS crash-test certified and secures pets with the brand’s Pet Passenger Restraint System (PPRS). This refers to the carrier’s three-point seatbelt connection, which helps distribute forces more evenly and prevents pets from being ejected during a collision. Note that the dome cover must be closed during travel to maintain crash-proof integrity.

Sleepypod is continually working to enhance the safety of its travel carriers. The brand’s Research and Development team has made a number of improvements to its crash-test dog dummies, and materials undergo tensile-strength testing to ensure durability. In 2015, Sleepypod added a PPRS Handilock to this carrier. This is a small plastic slide that goes over the carrier’s velcro closure to help keep it in place.

Dr. Patricia de Carvalho I. Obeid, a veterinarian and assistant professor at the Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine, says the Sleepypod’s enclosed, stable design reduces visual motion, which helps minimize nausea during travel. The circular design is ideal for pups who like to curl up, and the interior cushion is plush and lined in a cozy faux fur.

This seat also wins points for practical ease of use. Since there are no latches to fuss with, I found it easy to install. If you run into a snag, the brand provides plenty of installation videos to guide you through the process. The water-repellant liner is easy to remove and toss in the wash.

If your dog is used to looking out the window or roaming freely in the car, you should plan for an adjustment period. Since Olive was too big for the Sleepypod, I tested it with her friend, Frances, an 11-pound miniature dachshund. Frances expressed her displeasure with being restrained, loudly and clearly, whining during the 10-minute drive. To minimize stress, I advise spending some time acclimating your dog to this method of travel. (See my instructions at the end of this article.)

Available in 11 colors, the Sleepypod is backed by a one-year warranty and a 30-day return policy. Unfortunately, this system will only work for dogs up to 15 pounds. But if you have a smaller dog, it’s hard to beat in terms of safety.

Best for medium and large dogs

Most dog car seats are designed for small pets. The PawsPik, however, spans the entire backseat and can accommodate your larger pooch. This seat connects to the vehicle with two headrest straps. While I'd rather see it utilize the LATCH system, I was happy to see that the PawsPik includes seatbelt slots, so you can use it in conjunction with a crash-tested harness. This seat also features a nonslip bottom and two anchors that wedge under the back of the seat to keep it in place.

Since it takes up the entire back seat, I liked that the front panel can be lowered, allowing a human passenger to sit next to their pet. My dog and I found this seat very comfortable. It's plenty roomy and has a soft polyfill interior. Plush bolsters create a boundary and give your dog a place to rest their head. My pup tends to be nervous in the car, but she seemed content and relaxed in the PawsPik.

The water-resistant cover helps manage spills and messes. It's also removable and machine-washable for easier cleanup after muddy outdoor adventures. On the downside, this seat only comes in one size and one color (black). But it outshone other car seats in many areas. PawsPik also offers a one-year warranty and a 30-day return policy.

Best budget

The best dog car seats don't come cheap, but this Kong seat offers a more affordable ride for dogs up to 20 pounds. It connects to the vehicle's LATCH system and can be used with a crash-tested harness. It also has a tether that connects to the back of the seat for added stability. During our driving test, the Kong seat stayed put without any shifting, even during sharper turns.

This seat is super plush and gives smaller dogs a good boost to see out the window. Even though test pup Olive technically exceeded the weight limit by 4 pounds, she's a compact dog. At 16 inches long, she seemed to fit comfortably in this seat. That said, we don't recommend exceeding a manufacturer's weight limits. Outside of testing, I would choose a different option for Olive's safety. The fabric has a soft, suede-like texture. The cover is also machine-washable, but you'll need to remove five separate pillows to do so.

Installation was fairly easy. You do need to feed the LATCH hooks through a fabric loop on the back of the car seat, which I found a little tricky. I also wish this came in a bigger size. But the brand says it's working on releasing a larger size, so guardians of big dogs may have an option in the future.

What to look for in a dog car seat

If you're looking for the best dog car seat, safety should be your No. 1 priority. Below, I've laid out a few important features that make a car seat safer than others. You'll also want to consider your dog's comfort. To guide your search, here's what experts recommend prioritizing in pet travel seats.

Crash-test certification: The best dog car seat will be crash-test certified by the Center for Pet Safety. Currently, only the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed carries this certification. The good news is that Wolko says a few brands are working toward certification. You'll also find brands that have their seats crash-tested by other independent facilities, and some that conduct their own testing, but CPS certification is the ideal.

Compatibility with a CPS-certified harness: Wolko advises against connecting dogs directly to a car seat. She says most connections are not strength-rated and failed at low forces during CPS testing. Instead, Wolko recommends securing dogs to the vehicle seatbelt system with a CPS Certified Crash Protection harness and using the travel seat as a riser only. Currently, there are only three CPS-certified harnesses: the Sleepypod Clickit Sport Plus, the Sleepypod Clickit Range, and the Saker Bomber Harness. Check that a car seat's design leaves the seatbelt accessible and usable.

Safe connection points: Wolko says a car seat should not share connection points with your dog's harness. "The ideal travel seat will connect directly to the LATCH/ISOFIX anchors," she says. LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) is a method for installing child car seats using built-in metal anchor bars, standard in cars made after 2002. Europe has a similar system, called ISOFIX. Usually, you can find LATCH anchors in the crease of the backseat, where the seat's bottom cushion meets the seat back.

Safe materials: Since plastic can fracture on impact, Wolko says seats made with plastic should be covered with a sturdy fabric layer to minimize the risk of injury. Look for soft materials that won't shatter and that provide plush cushioning.

Size limits: Bell says a car seat should be appropriately sized for the dog's comfort and able to fit in your vehicle's seat. Many seats are designed for smaller dogs, so check the weight limitations and dimensions if you have a bigger dog.

Warranty and return policy: The best dog car seats are pretty pricey, so a solid warranty and return policy offer financial protection and peace of mind. Two out of the three seats featured here come with a warranty of at least one year. All have a minimum 30-day return policy.

How we tested dog car seats

Based on the expert-backed criteria above, I chose seven seats for testing with my own vehicle and dog. I developed a methodical rating system and awarded points based on each product's performance in several key areas. Here's a rundown of my testing process.

Crash-testing protocols: First, I learned about each brand's approach to crash testing. The only car seat crash-test certified by CPS received the highest score, followed by seats tested by other third-party facilities. Brands that conducted their own testing received lower scores, and seats that had not undergone any crash testing received zero points in this category.

Safety test: I also looked at how brands incorporated additional safety features. Most importantly, I wanted to see seats that attach to the vehicle's LATCH system and can be used with a CPS-certified harness (I used Sleepypod's Clickit Sport in testing). I also checked for any exposed plastic or sharp edges and yanked forcibly on each strap multiple times to verify secure connection points.

Durability test: To learn how these seats held up under heavy use, I subjected them to a series of durability tests. I simulated dog nail scratching by scraping the fabric in one area 50 times with a fork. I also tugged strongly on each connection point and ran zippers back and forth to check for smooth operation.

Washability test: Since dog car seats are subject to muddy paws, fur, and the occasional accident or upset stomach, I wanted to see how easy or difficult they were to clean. First, I used a lint roller to see how effectively I could remove loose hair from the seats. Then I smeared dirt onto the fabric along with a mix of water and kibble to simulate vomit and left them overnight. Afterward, I washed the covers according to the manufacturer's instructions, noting any stains, compromised material, and the overall ease or difficulty of the cleaning process.

Comfort test: To minimize stress during travel, a dog car seat should be comfortable. I checked for softness and cushioning by pressing down onto each seat. I also took a 10-minute test drive with my dog, Olive, in each seat. Since the Sleepypod only accommodates pets up to 15 pounds, I test drove it with an 11-pound Miniature Dachshund. While these short test drives cannot evaluate comfort during long-distance travel, I observed the dogs' reactions and whether the seats shifted during turns.

Installation test: If you've ever installed an infant car seat, you know it can be a tricky undertaking. For this test, I set a timer to see how long it took to set up each seat. During the process, I took note of any challenges, like stubborn hardware or unclear instructions. Seats with clear directions and fast, easy installation received the most points.

Meet the expert behind this guide

Liz Coleman, pets reporter: My work is informed by extensive research, consultations with experts in the field, and hands-on testing. To find the best dog car seats for this review, I interviewed several veterinarians, a certified dog behaviorist, and two pet safety experts, including Lindsey Wolko, founder and CEO of the Center for Pet Safety. I also read the 2015 CPS Pet Travel Seat Pilot Study and reviewed many crash test videos. In addition, I communicated directly with brands to learn about their testing and development protocols. To make my final recommendations, I tested seven highly rated car seats with my own dog, Olive, evaluating key factors like ease of installation, pet comfort, and practicality of use.

Dog car seat FAQs

Are dog car seats safe?

They can be. Wolko says the Center for Pet Safety technically classifies dog car seats as "distraction prevention tools." For the safest setup, CPS recommends securing your dog to the vehicle seatbelt system with a CPS Certified Crash Protection harness and using the car seat as a booster only. "Pet owners should never secure their pet directly to the travel seat due to the inferior connection strength," Wolko says. Additionally, the ideal travel seat will connect directly to the vehicle's LATCH anchors.

Where should a pet car seat be placed in a car?

It is recommended to place a pet car seat in the back seat of the vehicle. Wolko says CPS does not recommend car seats that secure pets in the front seat or center console area.

Can a dog ride in the front seat?

No, it is not considered safe for dogs to ride in the front seat. Denise Fleck, a pet safety expert and pet first aid instructor, advises against putting pets in the passenger seat due to the risk of injury posed by airbag deployment. Instead, she suggests using properly fitted gear (i.e., a CPS-certified harness, carrier, or crate) in the back seat or cargo area.

How can I get my dog used to a car seat?

Bender recommends starting training in the house. She suggests setting the dog up with a long-term calming project (for example, a lick mat, stuffed Kong, or chew) in the seat until they get used to it in that context. Then, move the seat and calming project to the car and see how the dog behaves in that setting. "If they can work on their project proficiently, awesome! Our work is done," Bender says. If they struggle or seem nervous, lower the criteria. This might mean working with a shorter duration or keeping the car off or stationary.

If your dog has never used a car harness before, they may need to get used to that, too. Bender says the process will look similar. Set up a calming project while your dog is wearing the harness indoors, then move on to using it in the car. Dogs sensitive to handling may need to take a step back and work on being OK with simply putting on a harness, generally.

Finally, some dogs are comfortable with the seat but are not OK with being picked up and placed in it. For these dogs, Bender says it can help to teach them to use a ramp or stairs to get into their car seat.

What are the best options for car-sick or anxious dogs?

For small dogs weighing 30 pounds or less, de Carvalho I. Obeid says CPS-certified carriers like the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed are ideal. These enclosed, stable carriers reduce visual motion, helping minimize nausea. For medium and large dogs, she says a CPS-certified travel crate, like our pick from Gunner, is recommended as it provides the most stable environment and prevents sensory overload.

• Gov. Spencer Cox issued an executive order on data center developments in Utah.
• It establishes a framework that includes protections for water resources.
• Utah residents have protested a huge data center development backed by Kevin O'Leary.

Utah's governor is all for new AI data centers — under certain conditions.

After a massive data center project backed by "Shark Tank" investor Kevin O'Leary outraged many Utah residents, the governor is issuing new parameters around its development.

In an executive order on Friday, Gov. Spencer Cox established a "higher bar for data center development in Utah."

"Utahns deserve confidence that water resources, air quality, utility rates, wildlife, and quality of life will be protected. This framework helps ensure that data center development aligns with Utah's long-term interests and reflects Utah values," Cox wrote in an X post.

The framework contains eight principles that address a range of issues, including protecting water resources such as the Great Salt Lake and mitigating the impact on wildlife. Protecting utility rate payers, leaning into "human-led AI development," and providing "transparent, meaningful and thorough opportunities for public comment" were also among the outlined principles.

The executive order, which directs agencies to adopt the framework, is effective immediately.

Tensions in Utah have been high for months, particularly in Utah's Box Elder County, where commissioners approved plans for the Stratos Project, a hyperscale data center campus spanning 40,000 acres, despite community opposition. The development, also dubbed "Wonder Valley" after O'Leary, who calls himself "Mr. Wonderful," could reach 9 gigawatts of power when all is said and done.

Many residents have fiercely opposed the development, crowding local council meetings and circulating petitions. Recently, some critics protested the data center outside the Utah State Capitol.

While supporters say the data center will create jobs and spur economic growth, opponents are concerned about its environmental impact, noise levels, air quality, traffic, and the overall quality of life for nearby residents.

O'Leary has defended the development several times. Earlier this month, he suggested — without evidence — that "professional protesters" orchestrated much of the controversy, that AI amplified some opinions, and that Chinese funding was fanning the outrage.

A webpage for the Stratos Project said residents submitted over 2,000 questions and concerns that included "a mix of supportive and critical feedback."

In a May X post, Cox said the developers behind the Stratos Project agreed to use a phased approach to development, meaning they'll need to apply for new permits for every planned addition.

Data centers are becoming a major political issue ahead of November's midterms. Communities across the country are rallying against them, pressuring local politicians. In February, residents in a New Jersey city, for instance, successfully blocked a data center development.

• I've always made a point to travel with my kids so they could experience and enjoy new places.
• When they were younger, it was draining and not as enjoyable for me.
• Once they turned 10, things changed, and family vacations became something we could all appreciate.

It was one of those days that only parents of younger kids can truly relate to. We were on our annual family beach vacation in Mexico, where the beaches are beautiful, meals are included, and the goal is to relax.

No one really knew what set the kids off (do we ever?), but I remember saying to myself, "This was supposed to be a vacation."

If I'm being honest, I didn't really enjoy family vacations as much when my kids were younger. I was so focused on packing and planning for them that I didn't really stop to think about what the vacation meant for all of us. I had an idea of what trips would be like: connecting with each other, having new experiences, and making those core memories that get stored in an orb like in the movie "Inside Out."

Unfortunately, trips became more about what to pack, what we forgot, how to make it until the next nap, and planning evenings so kids can go to bed at a reasonable hour. It was a lot — until one day, things finally changed.

Travel was so much work

The logistical stress of packing, schedules, snacks, and gear is enough to deter a parent from going on vacation in the first place. Then there is the emotional burden of constantly having to watch your kids to keep them safe.

The lack of downtime as parents, as we are always "on," means there is no time to enjoy that drink or sleep in the morning after a busy day.

But the most daunting task of a family vacation is the pressure to make it magical. Young kids are filled with wonder and amazement, and I wanted to expose my own to as much as possible. After all, we are the gatekeepers of what the world has to offer, and are usually the first in line to get to see that discovery. I didn't want to miss those opportunities.

Age 10 was a turning point

There was an interesting shift that happened around the age of 10 that I remember vividly on one of our family trips. My daughter asked if she could go explore a bit by herself, and I let her.

At first, I was hesitant, but I trusted that she would come back or find an adult if there was a problem. She came, happy to tell me everything she saw, beaming with a new sense of independence.

As my kids enter their tween years, the desire to do things on their own grows exponentially. They gain a sense of independence by figuring things out, and I get a bit of a break. The longer attention span has helped us engage in activities for longer, so we can connect and learn together instead of rushing.

While vacations used to be planned around naps, meal times, and early bedtimes, now our days are filled with activities we're all invested in. This is where those core memories are made, and vacations become easier and more enjoyable.

Now we're all enjoying ourselves

While those trips when my kids were younger had their own kind of magic, looking back, I can say they weren't as enjoyable for me. I loved having the opportunity to introduce them to the world, but it really did feel like parenting in a different location.

It's OK if parents don't love every stage of travel. For me, travel finally feels like a vacation now that every member of the family gets a say on what to do. In the end, getting to relax and recharge together is the best kind of trip you can hope for.

• DoorDash's corporate communications team is hiring an executive social strategy and operations lead.
• The company described the role as a "fight promoter meets growth hacker meets clip merchant."
• Compensation ranges between $136,000 and $200,000.

DoorDash is hiring an "executive communications professional" who's maybe not your typical PR person.

Specifically, the delivery service is looking for someone who embodies a "fight promoter meets growth hacker meets clip merchant."

In a May job posting, DoorDash said it's trying to build the "next generation of local commerce," which includes autonomous robots, agentic commerce, and in-store software.

"These efforts require a nimble 'build in public' mentality to reach and engage with technical talent, the terminally online, policymakers, market observers, and prospective partners," the company said.

DoorDash is looking for an experienced candidate who can help its social media accounts participate in real time conversations on X.

"This is not a traditional executive communications role. It is not press-office PR. It is not brand social," DoorDash said. "It's a judgment-heavy, social-first role at the intersection of corporate strategy and internet culture focused on influence, credibility, and distribution."

Compensation for the new position ranges from $136,000 and $200,000 in addition to a benefits package.

For many companies, social media is an invaluable marketing tool that connects them with customers and gives them opportunities to shape the public's opinion about their products.

Brands are increasingly becoming bolder with their social presence, using snark and sarcasm to capitalize on online conversations, especially on X.

Wendy's was one of the first to embrace this strategy when, in the late 2010s, its X account regularly roasted other users and got into lighthearted spats with other companies.

Duolingo took a similar approach, replying to users with cheeky responses, participating in viral trends, and leaning into what some industry professionals describe as "unhinged marketing."

Recently, the internet had a lot of opinions about fast-food chain cheeseburgers, for example, after McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski took a devastatingly small bite of the Big Arch burger during a taste test in February.

Although social media users mocked Kempczinski — and a wave of rival CEOs jumped at the chance to join the conversation — the taste test sent McDonald's online engagement skyrocketing. The footage has gained 16.5 million views on Kempczinski's Instagram, not counting views from accounts that reshared the video.

DoorDash now appears to want a piece of that action. In its job posting, it notes that "traditional comms or PR experience is not required."

As professional product reviewers, our editors are looking at hundreds of products a month. Frankly, only a handful can earn the title of being our favorite.

In May we crowned a new best air fryer, stress-tested the best luggage in our travels, debated graduation gift ideas, realized just how useful a portable power station can be, walked a lot to find comfortable heels that are wedding-guest ready, found relief in cooling pajamas, and dived into easy summer workwear refreshes. Outside of our everyday coverage, we also looked at new launches and brands that caught our attention.

This month, our product experts loved products that made travel easier, comfy style essentials, beauty holy grails, and hobby items that got us off our phones. Keep reading to see the best products we tried in May that our editors can't stop talking about.

A leather travel bag that can be styled multiple ways

The Aoyama 2 by Lo & Sons just earned the top spot in our guide to the best travel purses, overtaking its predecessor thanks t the addition of an elasticated key leash, and best of all, there's no more logo on the convertible strap. The smart 3-in-1 design is so subtly executed that it doesn't appear as utilitarian as it is. I flew with mine to Florida and wore it on my shoulder as my personal item. I then styled it as a clutch to a rehearsal dinner, and again as a crossbody on a swampy hike. The roomy leather bag easily held my hardcover book, wallet, passport, earbuds, and charging port, with space left over. My favorite pocket is the vertical exterior one, which lets me access my phone without having to sling the entire bag off my shoulder. — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor

Hardshell luggage with a a top-side opening

For as long as I can remember, hard-shell suitcases have had a clamshell design, and frankly, I hate them. They require twice the floor space when opened, and juggling to open a full half design is clunky and not user-friendly. I've much preferred soft side luggage, where I can easily flip open the lid or slip something inside at the last minute.

Away has created the perfect hybrid, called the Topside, offering hardshell durability with softside convenience, available in a Medium Trunk check-in and a Bigger Carry-on. In addition to the flip-top lid, Away has thought of other conveniences like a wheel brake system, which is useful for when on public transportation. Alongside the launch, they released a PackAway Closet system with collapsible shelves that can be packed and directly hung in a closet. I'm looking forward to traveling with them on a cruise later this month and reporting back on handling. — Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor

Size-inclusive wide leg pants

I fractured and sprained my ankle on a run last month, so I've been looking for pants that are easy to move around in, comfortable, don't hug the ankle, and still look nice enough that I don't feel like I'm wearing sweatpants every time I leave home. Enter the Halara Flex Wide Leg Micro Waffle Work Pants, which are the budget pick in our guide to the best stretchy work pants and the best travel pants. These are light and breathable enough that I can wear them to physical therapy, but I can just as easily wear them out to dinner with the right shoes. I like the breezy feel, flattering fit, and elastic waist of the pants, and the sizable pockets add an extra layer of utility. They're available in 5 inseams in sizes XS-3X. — Lillian Brown, senior associate editor of streaming

Butter yellow linen bedding for warmer weather

I tested this butter yellow set from Australian sleepwear brand Hommey, and it's one of the easiest ways I've refreshed my bedroom for summer. The color was the first thing that won me over — it's bright and dopamine-boosting without feeling too loud — and the blue border piping ties in perfectly with the blue tones I already have in my room.

I was originally skeptical because I'd never tried linen sheets before, but these completely changed my mind. They came out of the wash incredibly soft, with none of the scratchiness or stiffness I expected, and they've been easy to clean without losing that breezy, lived-in feel. The linen also stays cool to the touch, which makes it especially nice for warmer nights. Between the washable, low-maintenance fabric and the way the yellow instantly changes the mood of the space, this is exactly the kind of sheet set I want on my bed all summer. — Samantha Crozier, style editor

Korean skincare staples

I have very sensitive skin. I flare up easily with rashes, dry patches, and redness, so I have to be very careful when I try new products. I gave this one a shot on a whim: the ingredients seemed simple, the brand is a Korean skincare brand on my radar, and I needed a new moisturizer. I'm so glad I did.

When it comes to simple, rich moisturization, the Nacific Uyu Cream Moisturizer and Toner are my favorites. I've used them both almost daily for over a year, and loved how they make my skin feel and how effective they are against dry California weather. The cream moisturizer is a bit heavy for morning use, but at night time, it hydrates without feeling overbearing and absorbs quickly. My skin always feels so bouncy and refreshed the morning after. The toner is more versatile, and its creamy formula makes a great base under my makeup. — Sarah Saril, deals editor

4-inch sandals you can dance in all night long

I broke in these 4-inch peep-toe sandals on a recent walk through Central Park. I know that height sounds intimidating if you're not used to heels, but it doesn't feel as high as you'd think — the Inez Camillas have block heels to steady your gait, and their shallow pitch means you're not putting all your weight on your tiptoes. My fellow style editor, Samantha Crozier, put me onto this pair after she wore hers to three weddings. On my walk, I discovered they were easy to maneuver in, even on grass, gravel, cobblestone, and hilly pathways. I came away with no blisters and will certainly be wearing these dress shoes to my friend's wedding in June. I'm ready to crown them as the comfiest wedding guest shoes. — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor

The next-generation of a beloved crafting machine

Whether you're a parent upping your party prep game, a teacher making hand-me-outs for your students, or just a crafty gal like me, a Cricut makes a big difference.

When it comes to Cricut cutting machines, there are two you can choose from in terms of "big" machines: the Explore and the Maker. Between the two, the Explore is the mid-range model, best for folks cutting thinner materials like sticker paper, cardstock, and vinyl — perfect for my casual recreational usage. I recently upgraded to the new Cricut Explore 5, and having used both the 3 and 4, I'm a fan of this new generation. I love using mine to create fun stickers.

The new model has a smaller footprint, taking up less horizontal space, though you'll still need enough room for the cut mat to pass through entirely from the front to the back. It's also notably faster at reading registration marks, most often used with "Print to cut" projects, so the amount of time spent babysitting a cut before it starts is considerably less. — Sarah Saril, deals editor

Plant-based laundry care in heavenly fragrances

My guilty pleasure is elevated laundry detergent. Fresh linen and meadow breeze scents are great, but I love crawling under freshly laundered sheets scented with a layer of nuance.

The creator of The Laundress launched her next venture, Lindry Lab, with a focus on performance, clean materials, and fragrance. Working with master perfumers, the plant-based laundry detergent is made with USDA biobased ingredients, plant surfactants, 5 highly concentrated enzymes, a biodegradable preservative, and natural-origin fragrances, and contains no known endocrine disruptors, phthalates, parabens, BPA, or alkylphenols. The Scent 01 Laundry Detergent is a blend of bergamot, petitgrain, lavender, and ambrette musk. It smells heavenly and, perhaps more importantly, brightened my whites and erased some long-set-in sweat stains. The launch spans laundry detergent in six scents, including fragrance-free, as well as a suite of fabric care products, including scent sprays, delicates detergent, wool wash, and stain sprays. I like that the website goes into detail about all the ingredients they use and how they work in laundry care. — Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor

Chic flip-flops

I love a chic flip-flop, but I often find that simple leather silhouettes lack support. I started testing these Solei Sea sandals for a forthcoming guide to comfortable flip flops, and I've been wearing them nonstop since they arrived. The arch support wouldn't be sufficient for someone with plantar fasciitis or high arches, but there's just enough of it for someone like me who needs a little bit of support and isn't doing a ton of walking. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews

An OLED TV that made a lasting impression

I test lots of TVs year-round, and with so many displays coming in and out of my testing room, it's hard for any one model to really stand out. The LG C6H OLED, however, left an immediate impression. This submodel in LG's popular C Series is available in 77 and 83 inches and delivers one of the biggest year-over-year upgrades the brand has offered in a long time. Its bright, high-contrast image makes it one of the most impressive big-screen TVs on the market, and it's easily a contender for one of the best LG TVs and best OLED TVs available. Its launch price is a bit high, but once regular discounts start popping up, I expect this model to earn a spot in several of my best TV guides. — Steven Cohen, senior tech editor

A clever way to get in more veggies and fiber

I ordered these Liquid+ Salad pouches myself after a clever Instagram ad reminded me how bad I am at eating fiber. The pouches each contain 8 grams of prebiotic fiber, and the ingredients list reads like an overengineered salad. You'll find familiar fruits and veggies like apple, cucumber, kale, and celery, along with supplemental ingredients like broccoli and wheatgrass powders, konjac root, and chicory root inulin. As the name suggests, they taste a lot like green juice. The texture is totally smooth and more gel-like than applesauce-like, so they can be eaten quickly or even mixed into a big glass of water. It's nice to have something quick and easy to grab between or alongside meals if I'm otherwise not doing a great job balancing my nutrients for the day. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews

A lightweight carry-on that fit enough for a 9-day trip

I was impressed by the lightweight design and smooth wheels of this Victorinox Carry-on during a trip to Italy earlier this month. It was easy to maneuver over Rome's treacherous cobblestone streets and the uneven slab sidewalks of Florence. What makes this carry-on suitcase especially noteworthy is its packability: I fit enough clothing and a pair of sneakers for a nine-day trip, with room to spare for another pair of jeans and two lightweight tops later on. It also held up to abuse, including my preliminary tests pre-trip, which included tossing it several feet into the air over a concrete floor. All this said, it's easily one of the most practical and reliable pieces of luggage I've used. — Lisa Sabatini, senior pets editor

A fresh look at a streaming subscription

I've been streaming Apple TV shows since the service first launched in 2019, but I've been using the app more and more lately, and the streamer has impressed. Over the past year, it has climbed its way to the top of the pack when it comes to original TV shows, launching hit after hit with genre-defying series like "Pluribus" and "Widow's Bay." Apple TV even dethroned Netflix as the top option for originals in our guide to the best streaming services. The acquisition of live sporting events, including all MLS matches and Formula 1 races, has helped give it a competitive edge in an increasingly crowded market, but one of its most impressive features is its relatively low price. The service has one tier, ad-free, which costs $13 a month (cheaper than most of its ad-free peers, even after a recent price hike). — Lillian Brown, senior associate editor of streaming

Stretchy work pants with polish

There's nothing like stretchy pants that feel like pajamas but look like you actually meant to wear them out of the house. These ones from M.M. Lafleur Barrel Pants are unbelievably comfortable, but the silhouette is office-ready and super chic. I think I've worn them every week since I first tested them for our M.M.LaFleur review, and I can tell they'll remain a staple in my wardrobe for years to come. Plus, they're machine washable! — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews

Effortlessly chic ballet flats

I knew I needed to try the M.Gemi Una after hearing senior associate style editor Gabrielle Chase rave about them in her guide to the best flats, and now I fully get the hype. The leather is the softest and most pliant I've ever tried — it genuinely feels like butter and molds to your feet without any stiffness or break-in period.

They're also so lightweight that it almost feels like wearing nothing on your feet. I love them so much that I've started keeping them in my bag while I'm out testing heels for my guide to the most comfortable heels, just so I have something to slip into if a pair starts getting uncomfortable. They take up barely any space, feel amazing right away, and have quickly become my go-to backup shoe. — Samantha Crozier, style editor

A device to help with neck pain

I carry a lot of tension in my shoulders and neck — always have. It's due to poor posture and a lack of muscle strength in the area, I'm sure, but on a daily basis, it's a real nuisance. Especially during the last few very stressful months in my life, I've found that the pain has kept me from getting a good night's rest. I gave this cheap chiropractic pillow a shot, and it really helped more than I can put into words. I'll wedge it at the base of my normal bed pillow or spend 15 minutes stretching on it before bed, and find that it helps alleviate a lot of the soreness I carry there. It's not a long-term solution, but for a quick stretch, this pillow for neck pain is indispensable. — Sarah Saril, deals editor

A clarifying shampoo and deep conditioner set

Recently, a "celebrity shampoo" left my hair feeling bizarrely greasy, clumpy, and coated, no matter how much I rinsed. After a little beauty detective work, I realized I was dealing with product buildup, likely from protein-heavy ingredients that don't always play nice with my hair type — or Los Angeles water. So I ordered Malibu C's Un-Do-Goo shampoo. It's a brand I already trusted after falling hard for their Swimmers Wellness shampoo years ago. One wash with Un-Do-Goo was enough to make my hair feel like hair again. It cuts through the residue without stripping, which is a tricky balance. If your locks are feeling waxy, stiff, or still dirty after washing, this is the reset button I'd reach for. — Bronwyn Barnes, deputy editor, Insider Reviews

The perfect accessory for mahjong lovers

Like much of the country, I've been swept up in mahjong mania. (Here's my go-to set— and it's under $200) While the game is fun, the real draw for me is the people. I've played everywhere from my mom's buttoned-up group of rule-followers to my regular weekly game, which is considerably more chaotic. This mahjong journal gives me a place to capture all of it: memorable wins, inside jokes, new strategies, and the cast of characters who make each game different. I bought it thinking I would be a scorekeeper, but it has become more of a time capsule. — Bronwyn Barnes, deputy editor, Insider Reviews

A limited edition sweet and spicy fruit snack

What fruit snack could be worth $82 is the question I'm dying to answer. Flamingo Estate's Limited Edition Spicy Strawberry Fruit Snack is quite literally a delicacy: comprised of organic small-batch Harry's Berries strawberries (yes those iconic California farmer's market staples), key lime, and guajillo chile for a spicy kick. These dehydrated berries are chewy, the right blend of sweet and tart, and leave an exciting mouth tingling feel. While definitely not an everyday snack, these make a great gourmet gift or an addition to a charcuterie board.

• My sister is married, recently bought a house, and is pregnant with her second child.
• I'm two years older, single, child-free, and renting in a shared community house.
• I'm happy for my sister, but sometimes feel jealous. I'm learning to embrace my own path.

I'm a single 30-something renting in a community house in central Vancouver, where I can enjoy everything the city offers. I work a flexible freelance schedule, and fill my time with friends, new hobbies, and traveling.

In so many ways, I truly love my life. I know I'm lucky.

But I'm also ready to find a partner and start building a life together.

This dream sometimes feels far away, especially when I start comparing myself to other people, like my sister, who is married, has recently bought a house, and is pregnant with her second child.

She's one of my best friends, and I am genuinely thrilled for her. But I still feel jealous at times.

I struggle with comparison sometimes

My sister and I have always been close and see each other weekly. Having her, my brother-in-law, and nephew is a privilege, and I'm genuinely so happy for them.

Sometimes, when I compare our lives, jealousy creeps in. I look at her beautiful family and think, "Why can't I have that?" It's hard to admit this; I sometimes feel guilty that I can't just "be happy for her."

I think it's common to fall into this comparison trap. When looking at other people's lives, it's easy to see where I'm "behind" in terms of career, family status, income, house, or other areas. It's particularly hard when cultural or societal standards dictate where I "should" be in my thirties, even if it's an outdated expectation.

But there's really something behind the truism, "comparison is the thief of joy." Getting caught up in it can cause unnecessary pain, which is something I never want to impact my relationship with my sister.

Both things can be true at once

While comparison is human nature to some degree, I don't want to get stuck there. A helpful mindset shift for me is recognizing how two things can be true at once.

I can be excited for my sister's life, and I can feel disappointed that I don't have the same. I can even feel both grateful and sad over things in my own life.

One emotion doesn't negate the other — both things are true at the same time. And by acknowledging all emotions, I can stop dwelling so much on the negative ones and embrace the good.

I'm learning to live my life as it is now

I'm not perfect at it, but this mindset has helped me embrace where I am today, instead of wasting energy comparing myself to my sister or anyone else. I can embrace my unique story and appreciate all the good things in my own life, and in my sister's life, too.

While I still want a partner, a house, and a family one day, I'm also grateful for what my life without them affords, like time freedom and opportunities to travel or have new experiences.

Ultimately, learning to accept the mixed emotions we all experience in life is helping me embrace my own path and make the most of life today.

• It's the start of hurricane season, and with it comes the risk of home damage.
• Cotality ranked states with the biggest risk of hurricane damage, and some of the results were surprising.
• Gulf states have more homes susceptible to hurricane wind damage, but the Northeast's damage can hit harder.

For a lot of homeowners, summer means more than vacations — it also means staying vigilant during hurricane season.

A problem most associated with Southern states hugging the Gulf Coast, like Florida and Texas, hurricanes also pose a serious threat to the Northeast.

Property data and analytics firm Cotality found that while Florida and Texas have the highest amount of homes with moderate or greater risk of hurricane wind damage, the damage in the Northeast can be more devastating.

"While hurricanes hit the Northeast less frequently than the Gulf Coast, the region's immense population density and property value mean the stakes are incredibly high," Cotality vice president of insurance market insights Maiclaire Bolton-Smith said in a release.

"It's critical that homeowners in the Northeast understand that while landfalling hurricanes may not be as frequent as other states, the risk is still real."

As for metropolitan areas, New York City ranks ahead of any Florida city, with a reconstruction cost value of more than $1.9 billion. The metro also has the most homes with a moderate or greater risk of hurricane wind damage.

In total, more than 32.2 million homes across the United States are at moderate or greater risk from hurricane winds alone, accounting for over $12.26 trillion in reconstruction cost value, according to Cotality.

Below, see the states where homeowners are at the highest risk of hurricane damage.

Median home price data is from Redfin.

15. Maryland

Number of homes with moderate or greater risk: 479,881

Reconstruction cost value: $179.6 billion

Median home price: $446,900

14. Alabama

Number of homes with moderate or greater risk: 768,390

Reconstruction cost value: $232.7 billion

Median home price: $299,000

13. Pennsylvania

Number of homes with moderate or greater risk: 781,797

Reconstruction cost value: $360 billion

Median home price: $308,500

12. Connecticut

Number of homes with moderate or greater risk: 813,066

Reconstruction cost value: $426 billion

Median home price: $445,100

11. Georgia

Number of homes with moderate or greater risk: 836,172

Reconstruction cost value: $243.1 billion

Median home price: $373,700

10. Mississippi

Number of homes with moderate or greater risk: 837,860

Reconstruction cost value: $241.8 billion

Median home price: $265,200

9. Virginia

Number of homes with moderate or greater risk: 1,146,781

Reconstruction cost value: $426.4 billion

Median home price: $462,400

8. South Carolina

Number of homes with moderate or greater risk: 1,482,345

Reconstruction cost value: $476.9 billion

Median home price: $397,600

7. Louisiana

Number of homes with moderate or greater risk: 1,657,255

Reconstruction cost value: $515.7 billion

Median home price: $260,300

6. Massachusetts

Number of homes with moderate or greater risk: 1,785,383

Reconstruction cost value: $1 trillion

Median home price: $645,400

5. New Jersey

Number of homes with moderate or greater risk: 2,208,651

Reconstruction cost value: $1.2 trillion

Median home price: $545,300

4. New York

Number of homes with moderate or greater risk: 2,213,104

Reconstruction cost value: $1.2 trillion

Median home price: $595,900

3. North Carolina

Number of homes with moderate or greater risk: 3,165,030

Reconstruction cost value: $1.1 trillion

Median home price: $381,700

2. Texas

Number of homes with moderate or greater risk: 4,763,476

Reconstruction cost value: $1.5 trillion

Median home price: $341,800

1. Florida

Number of homes with moderate or greater risk: 8,249,592

Reconstruction cost value: $2.3 trillion

Median home price: $416,800

• Packing my 11-year-old's lunch box with healthy food she'll actually eat isn't easy.
• As a dietitian and mom, I rely on budget-friendly, nutritious staples from Aldi.
• Some of my go-to purchases for school lunches are peanut butter and whole-grain bread.

Mornings in my house feel like a race against the clock. Getting out the door on time requires a tight schedule, one that doesn't allow for an entire morning preparing a healthy meal.

As a dietitian and a mom, I aim to feed my 11-year-old daughter foods that keep her energized throughout the day without blowing our grocery budget or requiring too much time in the kitchen.

Whether I'm making a school lunch for my kid or sending her off to summer camp, I rely on easy, packable foods from Aldi to stay on track.

The Reggano classic pasta salad kit requires minimal effort.

The Reggano classic pasta-salad kit is one of my favorite time-savers. It comes with semolina pasta along with seasonings like garlic and parsley and vegetables like onion and red bell pepper.

All I have to do is boil the noodles and mix everything together. After that, lunch is ready.

Sometimes, I toss in extra vegetables, mozzarella pearls, or leftover chicken for an extra protein boost. It makes enough for several lunches, and everyone in my family loves it, including my daughter.

Goldhen eggs are a simple protein source.

Eggs are a staple in my refrigerator.

I cook a batch of them at the beginning of each week and peel them right away. They're a low-effort protein source (each one has 6 grams of protein) that requires zero preparation on busy mornings.

Sometimes, I mash them up with a little mayonnaise to make a quick egg salad that my daughter loves as a sandwich filling. If I put it in her freezable lunch box, the egg salad stays chilled until midday.

Slices of the Dave's Killer Bread with 21 whole grains and seeds are perfect for sandwiches.

When I make sandwiches, I look for whole-grain bread that isn't too dense. This thin-sliced bread from Dave's Killer Bread fits the bill perfectly.

Each slice has 3 grams of fiber, which supports digestion and satiety, and 14 grams of carbohydrates, which help support energy.

My daughter enjoys the bread's soft texture, and I appreciate the nutrient-dense ingredient list, which includes organic flax seeds, organic sunflower seeds, and organic pumpkin seeds.

Simply Nature organic creamy peanut butter is a versatile plant-based protein packed with healthy fats.

Peanut butter is a reliable addition to my daughter's lunch box.

The Simply Nature organic creamy peanut butter is a plant-based protein with healthy fats that keep my daughter full until she gets home. Each 32-gram serving has 16 grams of fat and 8 grams of protein.

I use it for peanut butter sandwiches or as a dip for apples and celery.

My daughter loves how crisp and sweet Pink Lady apples are.

Whenever possible, I try to include produce in my daughter's lunch, and Pink Lady apples are one of my most frequent purchases. Each one has about 3 grams of fiber along with micronutrients like vitamin C and potassium.

My daughter loves the apples' crispiness and sweet flavor, and I love that they're reasonably priced at Aldi.

When I'm preparing her lunch, I usually pack a sliced apple and pair it with a small container of nut butter for a boost in protein and healthy fats.

Simply Nature freeze-dried strawberries snack packs deliver the nutrition of fresh fruit.

Fresh berries are great, but they often end up squished by the time the lunch bell rings. These Simply Nature freeze-dried strawberries solve that problem completely.

The freeze-drying process removes water while leaving nutrients like iron and potassium intact. These snacks stay perfectly crisp in my daughter's lunch box and never turn mushy.

The BelGioioso fresh mozzarella snacking cheese is a delicious source of calcium.

I try to include a source of calcium in my daughter's lunches to support bone health, and these individual mozzarella packs make that easy.

I just grab one from the fridge and toss it into her freezable lunch box. She loves the mild flavor, which pairs nicely with crackers, raw vegetables, or pasta salad.

Baby carrots add a satisfying crunch to my daughter's meals.

Peeling and chopping vegetables can be time-consuming, but these baby carrots are a breeze to pack.

They deliver a satisfying crunch and healthy dose of vitamin A, which supports vision and immune health.

They also maintain their texture well throughout the day and taste fresh when my daughter reaches for them hours after I pack them. It's an added bonus that Aldi sells them at a great price point.

Curious what other shoppers are loving? Keep reading our Aldi Diaries!

• Multi-cancer blood tests are generally seen as the future of cancer detection.
• The promise is that with a few vials of blood, you could test for dozens of cancers at once.
• For now, the tests seem far better at picking up some cancers than others.

Is a $950 test that searches for upwards of 50 types of cancer in your bloodstream worth it? That depends on who you ask.

Grail, the Silicon Valley healthcare company developing blood tests to pick up early cancer, presented its largest study to date on Saturday at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting (ASCO) in Chicago.

The study, tracking more than 140,000 older people in the UK, assessed whether people who took Grail's $950 Galleri test each year for three years could catch cancer before it hit the later stages (Stage 3 and Stage 4).

The study was unsuccessful at its stated goal of meaningfully curbing more late-stage cancers. Still, the company says these results are a clear signal that their test is working.

"When you add Galleri to single cancer, standard-of-care screening, we found four times more cancer in the population," Grail President and incoming CEO Joshua Ofman told Business Insider, shortly before the results were released.

The fresh data from ASCO shows the sticking point: while an additional 937 were picked up by Grail's Galleri, the test is still not the best at detecting early-stage cancer, the kind that is generally easier to treat and cure. While Grail's testing did pick up some new cancer cases, it missed a lot more, and the majority of those it did find — 54% — were in Stages 3 and 4.

Grail's test is not yet approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, but it is available across the country with a doctor's prescription, or through telehealth services like Hims & Hers.

Business Insider has zeroed in on five key data points to keep in mind as you weigh whether the test is worth your time and your money:

1: If Grail says you have cancer, you probably do.

The test is designed with high specificity, so that it doesn't scare people into thinking they have cancer when they don't. More than 70,000 people took this test, and the odds of any individual without cancer getting a false positive test were very low, at less than 0.5%.

But there were at least a few false alarms in the crowd. 864 people were given a cancer "signal" who were not diagnosed with cancer afterwards. That's hundreds of people who worried about cancer alongside their doctors, and ultimately couldn't find anything wrong.

Grail's founding CEO Jeff Huber said that may not mean the test failed. Previous research has shown that about a third of Grail's "false positive" tests, when followed over longer periods of time, do become cancer diagnoses that doctors simply couldn't identify right away.

"When you get a Grail test result, and it says you have cancer, you can be highly, highly, highly confident you have cancer," Huber said. "If Grail says you have cancer, unfortunately, you should freak out and do something about it as quickly as you can."

Dr. Scott Ramsey, who directs the Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research at Fred Hutch Cancer Center, and who was not involved in this study, agreed with Huber.

"If I did Grail and I had a positive test, I would be worried, I would be looking for cancer," he said.

2: Grail missed 2,114 cancers

Getting a negative Grail test does not mean you're in the clear.

In the study, 2,114 people with "negative" Grail test results were diagnosed with cancer in the following 12 months, through traditional oncology methods like regular screenings and biopsies.

This means Grail's test is not yet a viable safety net — it's missing twice as many cancers as it is finding, with a sensitivity around 30%.

"If it's a negative test, you should not feel safe because they are not very sensitive," Ramsey said.

3: The test caught most cancers before they were terminal.

People who took Grail had fewer Stage 4 diagnoses, and more cancer cases were picked up in Stage 3. Grail says that's a good thing, because it means doctors can catch cancer before it progresses to the metastatic, and often terminal stage. Ideally, that should mean Grail helps make cancers easier to treat, and patients can live longer lives. But that's all speculation for now.

"This is where it gets so complicated," Ramsey said. "In theory, and intuitively, detecting cancer in an early, curable stage is what you want to do because it should work. But the devil ends up being in the details because most of these cancers that Grail is screening for — the ones that aren't screened for now — we don't know the behavior of those cancers."

In general Stage 1 and Stage 2 cancers are the easiest to treat, then things get a little more challenging in Stage 3, depending on the cancer, and in Stage 4, survival is generally very low. But that's not universally true.

"Stage 4 to Stage 3? For some of these cancers, that might be a good thing, but for others it may make no difference at all," Ramsey said.

4: The test appears best at identifying a few specific early-stage cancers

After three years of running Grail, Stage 1 and 2 cancer detection improved by 16%.

For some cancers, like lung cancer and bladder cancer, there wasn't a huge surge in detection after three annual tests. But for some that cannot be routinely screened for, the test really made a dent in early detection:

• Ovarian cancers: Grail doubled the number of Stage 1 and 2 cases detected in the study
• Myeloma/plasma cell neoplasm: There was a 118.2% increase in Stage 1 and 2 diagnoses
• Esophagus cancers: And a 92.3% increase in Stage 1 and 2 diagnosed

"Those are horrible cancers that kill you when they're detected late," Huber, the former Grail executive, said.

5: Should you do it? Maybe as an add-on

Ultimately, none of these new figures tells cancer researchers what they really want to know: can Grail testing save lives?

In the meantime, patients are left to decide on their own if the testing is worth adding to their annual medical routine.

When friends ask Ramsey if they should do Grail, he tells them to keep two things in mind: "I say they're very promising tests that I think someday will be part of screening. But right now, I don't have any data to tell them that getting this test will reduce their risk of dying from cancer. And that's the whole reason you do screening."

Huber, a true believer in this technology, says he gets a Grail test every year. But he also gets regular full-body MRIs and colonoscopies. He believes the Galleri test should be part of comprehensive clinical care. But it will be some time before we can tell whether that extra vigilance saves lives.

• Mattie Gardner is a content creator in her early 30s who lives in New England with her husband.
• They racked up $63,000 in credit card debt, but are only $17,000 away from paying it off.
• She has been sharing her debt journey on social media to hold herself accountable.

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

My husband and I are in credit card debt. We started at $63,227, and our current balance is $17,401.

Back in 2022, we took a big risk and jumped into a building business opportunity offered to us by an acquaintance. I was working full-time then, but we decided to leap, and I quit my job. My husband also walked away from his career for this business.

We had no income. It was a combination of bad timing, not great choices, and an inability to face the reality of our situation. We racked up $65,000 in credit card debt in a year. Our personal finances were a mess because we were relying on credit cards for our normal expenses.

We gave it a year, and then both said we cannot do this anymore. In 2023, we both got full-time jobs shortly thereafter and slowly began rebuilding our lives. But the damage had been done.

I started a social media account to hold us accountable for the payments

In October 2025, my husband got three paychecks in one month; it was just the way it landed that month. I remember thinking that if we didn't take action right now, we'd miss the window of opportunity to start paying down the debt.

We had been kicking the can down the road for way too long, thinking that something might save us. Finally, I realized nothing was coming to save us. So I created the account in November 2025 to document the debt payment progress and what the journey would look like; I also thought it would be cool to look back on the videos and see how far we'd come once we paid it off.

I was hoping along the way we'd also find a community with people in a similar situation because I had seen creators post about debt, and it made me feel seen. One day, I uploaded a video about our debt, and it went viral.

We had to make serious sacrifices and create new mindsets

We had to sell our house. We didn't make nearly as much as we thought we would. We put everything we made from the sale toward the credit card debt. We are currently living at my parents' house; they moved out of state, and we pay the mortgage. We have accepted that we likely won't own a home for many years. We also only have one car, which we have to make work.

I wasn't involved in our finances before this. I avoided them. I didn't want to be involved because numbers and money scared me. That's a belief I had built up, that I'm bad at math, so I shouldn't be involved in finances. I've had to overcome that fear. There's very little to do with money that scares me now.

This has strengthened our relationship because we've had to work as a team to get it done. We still fight about money and budgeting all the time, but we're not afraid to have these conversations anymore. We know they need to be had.

The biggest thing that got us to where we are — $40,000 paid down — is doing a personal audit. We know our finances really well and are budgeting now. We know what's in our budget and what's in our bank accounts every day. We think about it all the time, which we didn't previously do. We use a spreadsheet I bought from Etsy and an app called EveryDollar.

We hope to pay off the remaining credit card debt by the end of the summer. It's optimistic, but we're certain we can do that and then begin tackling other debt that needs to be paid off, like student loans. We want to shift into saving mode as well, start contributing to a high-yield savings account, and make that a higher priority.

The Champions League Final has arrived, and last year's reigning champions will make another bid for the title. We've compiled everything you need to know about where to watch PSG vs. Arsenal, including free and global live streaming options.

If you don't want to scroll any further, you can live stream the games on CBS via Paramount Plus in the US, TNT Sports via HBO Max in the UK, and for free in several other regions around the world. You can access your favorite streaming options from anywhere by using a VPN.

Where to watch PSG vs. Arsenal for free

It's good news for folks in several countries. The PSG vs. Arsenal match will live stream for free in multiple regions, including Australia (9Now), Belgium (RTL Club), Ireland (RTE2), Italy (TV8), and Luxembourg (RTL2).

How to watch PSG vs. Arsenal from anywhere

If you're away from the location where your streaming service works, you can still access your free streaming option with the help of a VPN. Short for virtual private networks, VPNs are handy tech tools that let people temporarily alter their device's virtual location. They're especially popular among those hoping to keep up with their usual services while traveling abroad or looking to boost their cybersecurity.

ProtonVPN is one of the best VPNs we've tested. It's fast, user-friendly (even for beginners), and has a 30-day money-back guarantee if you find it's not helping you out.

Where to watch PSG vs. Arsenal in the US

PSG vs. Arsenal will air on CBS in the US, so if you have an antenna, you'll most like be able to get it over-the-air. The match will live stream on Paramount Plus. You only need the Essential tier, which costs $9 a month, to access Champions League games.

Where to watch PSG vs. Arsenal in the UK

In the past, the Champions League Final has been available for free in the UK. However, this year, you'll need a paid subscription to watch TNT Sports on HBO Max to live stream the PSG vs. Arsenal match. One nice thing is that you won't need the pricey £31 a month TNT Sports on HBO Max tier to watch (which is the case for the rest of Champions League matches in the UK). Instead, the final match will be shown on HBO Max's cheapest £6 a month tier.

Where to watch PSG vs. Arsenal in Australia

While most Champions League matches this season required a paid Stan Sport subscription in Australia, the final will go out for free on 9Now for those Down Under. 9Now is a free streaming option that just requires account creation to use, for those who don't already have a login.

Where to watch PSG vs. Arsenal in Ireland

Select Champions League matches have been shown for free in Ireland throughout the season, typically split between two streaming services. The PSG vs. Arsenal game will be available to live stream for free on RTE2.

Where to watch PSG vs. Arsenal in Belgium

Belgium's RTL Club has shown a substantial selection of games throughout the Champions League season, and the final is no exception. PSG vs. Arsenal will be available for free through the service.

Where will PSG vs. Arsenal take place?

The Champions League Final will take place at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary. This is the Puskás Aréna's first time hosting the Champions League Final.

Who is favored to win PSG vs. Arsenal?

PSG are the favorites to win against Arsenal. PSG is +140 on the moneyline, while Arsenal is a +210 underdog, according to DraftKings at the time of writing.

When was the last time PSG and Arsenal played?

PSG and Arsenal last played each other in the 2025 Champions League semifinals. PSG beat Arsenal 3-1 on aggregate, advancing to the final, where they defeated Inter Milan 5-0.

What teams did PSG and Arsenal beat in the semifinals?

PSG beat out Bayern Munich on a 6-5 aggregate in the semifinals, winning the first leg and coming to a draw in the second. Arsenal beat out Atlético Madrid on a 2-1 aggregate in the semifinals, going 1-1 in the first game and winning 1-0 in the second leg.

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

• Andrew Schnipper has been opening restaurants for decades, but he builds menus differently now.
• Early on, he and his brother offered a broad menu that ranged from salads to hamburgers.
• He says if he could start over, he would have built a more focused concept from the beginning.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Andrew Schnipper, cofounder of multiple restaurants, including Schnipper's and Hamburger America. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

When my brother and I opened Schnipper's in 2009, we thought having a broad menu made sense. We were focused on burgers, but we also served salads, sandwiches, and other comfort food.

At the time, we thought people would want variety because, honestly, even we were asking ourselves how many burgers someone could eat every week.

What I've learned over the years is that today's customers are looking for specialists. They want restaurants that do a few things really well. That's one of the biggest reasons our newer concept, Hamburger America, has such a focused menu.

If you look at Hamburger America, there are a couple of burgers, a couple of sandwiches, and that's pretty much it. We're very focused there, and as a result, we do those things very well.

I think one of the hardest things about running a large menu is that almost everything sells to somebody. You'll have a few blockbuster items, but even the lower-volume dishes develop loyal customers. That makes it difficult to remove anything once the menu grows too large.

Looking back, I probably would have built a more focused concept from the beginning.

How my brother and I built our restaurant business

My brother and I first got into the restaurant business in 1990 when we opened Hale and Hearty, a soup concept in New York City.

We eventually built 18 locations before selling our interest in the business in 2006. Later, we launched Schnipper's, and eventually, we partnered with George Motz to open Hamburger America.

George had spent decades documenting hamburger history through books, documentaries, and pop-ups, but he didn't want to open a restaurant without experienced operators. My brother and I already had experience building and running restaurants, so we decided to partner with him.

Our partnership works because we have different strengths. My brother trained as a chef and focuses heavily on the food and culinary side of the business. I focus more on operations, accounting, and building restaurants.

We trust each other in our respective areas, and I think that level of respect is critical in any partnership, especially a family business.

Rising costs have changed the restaurant industry

The restaurant industry has changed a lot since I started. Food and labor costs have gone up dramatically, especially since the pandemic.

We've never seen prices increase the way they have in the last several years. We're paying about double for meat compared with when we first opened our burger business, and prices have also gone up significantly since the pandemic. Labor costs have increased, too.

Most restaurateurs I know want customers to feel like they got a good value. That creates a challenge because ingredient costs and labor costs keep rising, but there's only so much you can pass along to customers before prices become too high.

I think most of us in the industry are absorbing part of those increases ourselves. We're making a little less money than we used to.

Why I still love restaurants after all these years

Even with those challenges, I still love the business.

However, there's not a week that goes by that I don't look at my brother and ask, "Why would anybody voluntarily do this for a living?"

Then you watch customers come in and enjoy what you built, and it reminds you why you're doing it.

There's something extraordinarily satisfying about putting out a product that people love and come back to. Especially in the lunch business, you realize you're part of somebody's day. People enjoy the experience, and that gives us a huge amount of satisfaction.

I really believe you either have hospitality in your DNA or you don't. If you're doing this just to make money, I think it's probably a terrible idea. You really have to love hospitality, love food, and enjoy making people happy. That's what has kept my brother and me doing this for decades.

• A military spouse had a common symptom of colon cancer for years, but doctors dismissed it as pregnancy-related.
• She eventually had a colonoscopy that found a golf-ball-sized tumor, and was diagnosed with stage 3c colon cancer at 32.
• Now five years cancer-free after treatment, she said a big challenge was learning to ask for help.

Monica Trott was about to turn 30 when she started to notice blood in her stool.

As a gastroenterology nurse who helped people prepare for colonoscopies, she was deeply familiar with common symptoms of colon cancer and knew rectal bleeding was serious.

During 2019, however, she was well into her second pregnancy. When her doctor said it was likely hemorrhoids related to pregnancy and being on her feet all day, Trott went along with it. She ate more fiber, as instructed. The blood went away temporarily, but kept coming back.

Then, in 2021, during her third pregnancy, the symptoms returned worse than ever, even as the doctors treating her insisted nothing was out of the ordinary.

"I'm seeing blood. I'm seeing mucus now. I'm so tired all the time. So I was bringing them all these symptoms. And every time they would just tell me, 'It's hemorrhoids. You're pregnant, and there's not much else we can do,'" Trott told Business Insider.

Weeks after she gave birth in 2021, she insisted on a colonoscopy. The procedure found a golf ball-sized tumor in her rectum at age 32. She was diagnosed with stage 3C, meaning the cancer had spread to nearly a dozen lymph nodes.

After successful treatment, Trott is now 38 and celebrating five years cancer-free alongside her husband and three children. As a military spouse, the family adapted to unique challenges during her diagnosis and treatment.

She shared what everyone should know about colon cancer, from screening to survivorship. "You have to advocate for yourself," Trott said. "Learn to ask for help and accept help."

Coping with a young cancer diagnosis

After months of reassurance from doctors, the last thing Trott had expected was a cancer diagnosis. Still, she was grateful it hadn't spread to her liver or elsewhere beyond the lymph nodes.

"It was a big shock," she said. "It does feel like a miracle that it did not spread to other organs."

Trott scheduled a surgery two weeks after receiving her diagnosis, followed by six months of chemotherapy.

She grappled with uncertainty about what to tell her children, and if she'd miss out on seeing them grow up. Her family, including her husband, parents, and sisters, became a source of strength, a reason to endure the side effects of chemo and stay focused on healing.

"My kids, at the very beginning, it was so hard because they were so little, and the depression was just telling me, 'Don't get close to them. There's no use," Trott said. "Thinking of my kids alone is what eventually got my mindset that, OK, I need to fight. Whatever is next, I'm going to do it."

To manage the side effects of chemo and surgery, she relied heavily on her community, moving back in with her parents in Texas while her oldest daughter stayed in Alabama with her husband, stationed there at the time. Her sisters also helped.

"That was a crazy family dynamic," Trott said. "I think about it now, how it must have been and how hard it must have been to see their daughter going through this. But thankfully, my parents are the strongest people, so they were there for me through it all."

She now lives with her husband and three kids — ages 9, 7, and 5 — in San Antonio.

Trott's takeaway from the experience: Don't be afraid to seek support, whether that's screening for colon cancer at the earliest sign of symptoms, or leaning on your community to manage daily life.

"I've seen so many people…that they don't want to be a burden, or they're the helpers," she said. "Just learn to ask for and accept help. There's no benefit in saying you did it all by yourself."

Life after cancer

Six months after starting chemotherapy, Trott got to "ring the bell," signaling she had finished treatment. Scans at the time showed she was NED — short for no evidence of disease — meaning her scans were cancer-free.

It started a countdown to five years, the milestone when the risk of colon cancer recurrence drops significantly. Trott hit the five-year mark in May and is still reflecting on what being a cancer survivor means to her.

After taking a few years to focus on her health and her family, Trott is gradually returning to work, subbing as a school nurse at her kids' school. She's also considering a move to oncology nursing.

Reclaiming her life after cancer, Trott said she has been navigating the stigma of colon cancer and the misconception that she was somehow to blame for getting the disease. All the while, she's still dealing with the effects of treatment, as she's experiencing early menopause symptoms, which can be a side effect of chemo.

"When I first was diagnosed, I was almost embarrassed to tell people, and I never shared my stage at the beginning. I almost felt like it was my fault, and people were going to look at me like, 'Oh, well, you must have been eating really bad food.' Like this is an old people's disease," she said.

Now, Trott is finding meaning in her experience by urging others to listen to their bodies, and to be aware of the most common symptoms of colon cancer, like abdominal pain and changes to bathroom habits.

"Now I'll meet a stranger, and I'm like, 'Hey, how are your bowel movements?'" she said.

• When my kids were younger, they needed my wife and me for everything.
• Now, they're 9 and 11, and they've gotten more independent over the years.
• My role as a parent has changed, and I have to embrace the time we have together.

When our two kids were little, my wife and I were needed for everything. Every snack, every bedtime routine, every scraped knee, every middle-of-the-night wake-up. Our days revolved around the rhythm of theirs.

Now my daughter is 11, and my son is 9, and something has changed. They still need us, of course, but not in the same constant, physical way. Increasingly, their lives exist just beyond the edges of ours. They spend more time with friends. They ride bikes around the neighborhood without us. They close their bedroom doors for alone time. Sometimes they disappear outside for hours and come back only when they're hungry (which in the age of screens and distraction, is amazing).

I knew this stage was coming, but I wasn't prepared for how strange it would feel while living inside it.

Parenting has become less physical and more emotional

When kids are small, parenting is tangible. Your time is dominated by tasks like packing lunches, tying shoes, and carrying sleeping children from the car to bed. Your parenting role is obvious: Keep them alive!

Now, much of the work happens in subtler ways. My wife and I spend less time actively doing things for our kids and more time paying attention to them. For example, listening carefully when they casually mention a friendship issue, noticing changes in their mood, or trying to create space for them to still want to talk to us. I like to bring one of my kids with me when I walk the dog, as it's an excellent opportunity to talk and be present.

The questions they ask are changing, too. They're less concrete and more layered. Conversations drift toward social dynamics, insecurity, growing independence, and trying to figure out who they are becoming.

I've realized that parenting older kids requires a different kind of restraint. You can't solve every problem for them anymore. Sometimes the best thing you can do is stay calm, stay available, and resist the urge to be a helicopter parent by giving them space to step up on their own.

I miss parts of the earlier years more than I expected

There are things I don't miss about early parenting. The lack of sleep, the constant chaos, the feeling that someone always needed something from me physically.

But there are other parts I miss intensely. I miss how uncomplicated our relationship used to be. Back then, connection was automatic. Our kids wanted to be near us all the time. Family time happened naturally because their worlds were still so intertwined with ours.

As they get older, our connection requires more intention and effort on our part. There are evenings when both kids are off doing their own thing while my wife and I sit quietly in the kitchen, realizing how much the house has changed. Not worse, exactly. Just different.

I've started to understand why parents always talk about time moving so fast. It's not because childhood disappears all at once, but instead because they slowly become less dependent on you.

I'm making sure we embrace the small moments

As my kids grow up, I find myself being more protective of small moments, whether that's driving them to soccer or gymnastics, doing the dishes together after dinner, or hearing about some random thing that happened at school. Those conversations are often brief and unpredictable. But more often than not, these are when the most meaningful connections happen, and they share their thoughts or feelings about their days.

Plus, older kids can easily tell when your attention is divided. If I'm half-listening while checking my phone or thinking about work, the conversation ends pretty quickly. That's why being present matters more now than ever, because attention is no longer guaranteed.

My role as a parent is changing

Whether I'm emotionally ready for it or not, I have to accept that my role as a parent is changing. My kids don't need constant supervision anymore. What they seem to need most is consistency, guidance, and, of course, our unconditional love and support. A parent who's emotionally available, calm, and paying attention — even as they become more independent.

I spend less time with my kids than I used to, but I'm learning that parenting older children isn't necessarily about maximizing time together. It's about creating enough trust, steadiness, and openness that they still want to come back and share pieces of their world with you as it expands beyond your reach.

• My husband and I decided to live and work out of a camper van for one year.
• That one year quickly became seven, and we have traveled outside the US.
• We love working on the road and have no plans to retire.

My husband and I had been married for two years when we sold most of our belongings on Facebook Marketplace, bought a van, and hit the road to explore the world outside our doorstep.

One year. That's what we committed to justify the cost of converting the van into a home on wheels.

At the time, we were working fully remote as self-employed contractors. My husband, Chris, designed websites for a living, and I was working as a contracted event planner for a company 3,000 miles away from our home in Seattle. Our jobs were only restricted by WiFi availability, which in 2018 was already widespread and accessible pretty much everywhere in the US. So off we went.

We drove through all of the US (including Alaska), through much of Canada, and developed a love for life on the road. One year has turned into a seven-and-a-half-year adventure with no plans of stopping anytime soon.

We've continued traveling for years

We grew a life and a business that was sustainable while always on the go. We shared our stories on YouTube and Instagram, and our jobs slowly became about telling stories from the road.

After we finished traveling through all 50 states, we decided to take our adventures a step further: we wanted to drive from the US to Panama along the Pan-American Highway.

We loaded our 1988 Land Cruiser camper with the essentials and headed straight for the border, nervous and unsure what working and living internationally would look like, but ready to give it a go.

It took us all of a week in Mexico's Baja California Sur before we realized we wanted to travel slower than we ever had before. We wanted to learn about a country and its culture in a way that a vacation would never allow us to. We knew our favorite grocery stores, our favorite local dishes in each region, and how to drive like a local.

Our time in Mexico brought challenges like language barriers and bribes, and car trouble that left us with no brakes on a rainy, flooded mountaintop in Oaxaca. When life threw us curveballs, and car trouble kept us still for a month in Oaxaca, we made ourselves at home in a campground on the outskirts of the city full of other overlanders from all over the world.

Work looks different for us

Being self-employed on the road, we don't get paid vacation days, but we do get to take our work with us.

I've written work emails on my phone in incredible places like Copacabana Beach in Brazil, a hot spring in Iceland, and from the back of a motorbike in Thailand.

Some may view this as never truly escaping work, but for us, it's a life without ever having to return to a cubicle in a fluorescent-lit office.

Our office view changes daily, and we're in charge of our hours, job descriptions, and location. Every lifestyle comes with give-and-takes, and for us, we'd rather prioritize the present while still working for the future.

We often connect with older retirees on the road

The thing about van life is that you're really just an RVer with a more trendy name attached to the activity. Since most RVers are generally retirees, we found ourselves in countless conversations with fellow travelers 60+ years old that first year on the road.

Many of the conversations ended with something like, "You're doing it right traveling while you're young and still able to enjoy it before your knees are too worn out."

Between in-person conversations and YouTube comments on our videos, we have heard that statement in various forms hundreds of times now. When someone in their 70's approaches you and says, "Wow, I wish I had done what you're doing," you take it to heart.

The more it's repeated, the more seriously we take the advice, and the older we get, the more urgent the challenge becomes.

Maybe one day we will retire, but right now, we have no plans to. We're already living the life we always dreamed of.

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

Inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Great Hall, a violinist played gently in the background. The famous columns were uplit orange, and cocktail tables were covered with magenta peonies for the launch of Pacsun CEO Brieane Olson's new book, "Co Created: The Cultural Strategy That Redefined Pacsun."

I'll be the first to admit that this artsy scene didn't feel like it matched the Pacsun I grew up on with its casual coastal offerings. But the Pacsun of yesteryear is a lot different from what the brand is doing today, Olson said Thursday night to hundreds of dinner guests.

Today, the legacy millennial brand is speaking directly to Gen Z in hopes to "inspire the next generation and build community to create a better world at the intersection of sport, music, art, and passion," the CEO said.

It's not an easy feat, and Olson knows it. "When we share this with people, often, it's met with a lot of resistance because people say that's a really lofty goal," she added.

Still, the strategy that Olson spoke about, which is outlined in "Co Created," isn't a theory. Pacsun has been practicing it for years — with partnerships with Selena Gomez's Rare Beauty, Formula 1, and even Live Nation.

And it appears to be paying off. Pacsun is closing in on $1 billion in annual sales in 2025, with revenue growing about 10% each year for the past two years. The company is also in expansion mode, opening new stores across the US and preparing to launch its first international location in Dubai next year.

In a space where many brands are still relying on influencers to speak directly to consumers, it stood out to me that Olson instead spoke largely about community, and how she's relying on Gen Z consumers "to build the next version of Pacsun with us."

Correction: An earlier version of this story said Pacsun had a partnership with Roc Nation. It's actually Live Nation.

• I went to Mistral AI's first-ever summit — it felt like a rallying cry for Europe's AI ambitions.
• Attendees told me Europe wants more control over its data, infrastructure, and AI.
• "I thought it would be a small gathering, but this is huge," one attendee told Business Insider.

Mistral AI's first summit felt less like a startup conference and more like a campaign rally for Europe's AI ambitions.

The French AI startup, founded just three years ago, packed Paris's Le Carrousel du Louvre — the event space beneath the Louvre's famous glass pyramid — on Thursday with executives from SAP, BNP Paribas, Accenture, Airbus, government officials, engineers, and startup founders.

Giant screens flanked a catwalk-style stage, and Mistral executives appeared casually dressed in jeans and T-shirts — a look that felt more like Silicon Valley than Paris.

Several attendees told me they walked away with the same impression: Europe is finally trying to build its own AI ecosystem rather than relying entirely on American tech giants.

A 'huge' turnout

"What struck me is Mistral announced this event just a month ago, and the turnout is pretty good," said Martin Zeps, who leads the AI business at Latvia's largest mobile operator. "I thought it would be a small gathering, but this is huge."

James Shannon, a sales director at GrowthBook, said he was struck by "the trajectory and the speed" with which Mistral had grown its customer base and carved out a place in the AI market.

While OpenAI is widely associated with consumers and Anthropic with enterprise customers, he said Mistral appeared focused on large-scale custom AI models.

"It feels like a huge moment for Mistral," Shannon told Business Insider, calling the summit "a really good PR moment for them."

That momentum was central to Mistral's message throughout the day.

During the opening keynote, CEO Arthur Mensch and cofounders Timothée Lacroix and Guillaume Lample laid out a vision for building a European AI stack.

Mensch said that AI only creates value when applied to real business problems, while Lacroix detailed the company's growing infrastructure footprint, including new data center capacity near Paris. Lample, meanwhile, emphasized Mistral's commitment to open-source models that customers can customize using their own proprietary data.

The message echoed warnings Mensch made to French lawmakers earlier this month that Europe has just two years to build enough AI infrastructure to avoid becoming what he called an American AI "vassal state."

Yet despite being valued at roughly $13.6 billion and emerging as Europe's most prominent AI startup ahead of rivals such as Germany's Aleph Alpha, France's H Company, and Sweden's Lovable, Mistral remains dwarfed by US rivals.

The likes of OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google's Gemini have attracted tens of billions of dollars in funding and are racing to build vast AI infrastructure networks. Just this week, Anthropic raised $65 billion — nearly five times Mistral's total value — at a valuation of nearly $1 trillion.

Europe wants control over its AI future

Several executives said growing concerns about where data is stored are driving demand for European alternatives.

Jan van den Bremen, who is Accenture's technology lead across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, said governments and companies alike have become more conscious about data sovereignty.

"We have become a data-driven economy," he told Business Insider. "You need to know where your data is and what happens to your data."

That sentiment was echoed onstage by Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and CEO of shipping giant CMA CGM, which has partnered with Mistral for two years. Saadé said geopolitical uncertainty and the need to protect data made having a French AI partner increasingly attractive.

"Having a French solution is definitely helpful," he said.

Charles Holive, chief AI officer at BNP Paribas CIB, said Mistral's open-source model allows companies like his to run AI systems on their own infrastructure while keeping costs under control.

Andrew Parker, head of partnerships and business development at 7SG, said it's clear governments and enterprises across Europe are increasingly trying to reduce their dependence on American cloud and AI providers.

"They're all trying to build their own little basic private technology stacks, clouds," Parker said, citing the risk of the US CLOUD Act, a 2018 law that allows American authorities to compel US-based cloud providers to hand over data stored overseas under certain circumstances.

A 'late player'

Despite Europe lagging behind the US in AI infrastructure and investment, Parker said the region may benefit from entering the race later.

"There's almost an advantage to being a late player," he said. "You can look back at history and say, 'This is where everybody messed up.'"

Parker also said Europe's approach to AI appeared more coordinated between governments and private companies than in the US. He pointed to the large number of ministers and government officials speaking at Mistral's summit.

"In the US, it's hyper-capitalistic — business comes first," he said. "Here, government and private AI are moving hand in hand."

Still, not everyone left fully satisfied.

Amira Soltani, sales director Europe at Zayo Europe, said she left wanting more technical detail.

"We hear about compute, we hear about services, but we really don't understand how it works," she said. "It's much more marketing."

That may have been the point of the summit, though.

European giants appeared to be rallying around Mistral because the company has become a symbol of something larger: the belief that Europe can still build, control, and profit from the next major wave of technology.

Despite the enthusiasm, Parker acknowledged the scale of the challenge ahead, saying that Europe still trails the US on AI infrastructure, talent, and investment.

"Europe is kind of waking up to catch up," Parker said. "It's good to finally see this is happening."

• Companies are replacing lower-performing workers with stronger talent to boost performance.
• It’s one way businesses are optimizing their workforces as hiring budgets tighten.
• The trend is playing out from early-career roles to the C-suite.

With hiring budgets constrained, some companies are finding a different way to bring in talent: replacing workers with better ones.

"There is just no appetite for mediocrity anymore," said Brent Orsuga, founder of the supply chain and logistics recruiting firm Pinnacle Growth Advisors. Over the past year, he's seen many of his clients quietly replace employees rather than grow headcount.

"Everyone was looking at what they have and being like, 'I want the best of the best,'" Orsuga said.

Take the example of a company with 10 sales reps that is looking to boost performance, he said. They could expand the team. But it's often more affordable to identify the lowest-performing reps and replace them with better ones — even if the new employees cost a bit more.

While upgrading isn't new, Orsuga said that 2025 was the biggest year he's seen for the trend in more than two decades in the recruiting world. He calls it "bullseye hiring."

"It's like every seat matters, so I've got to hit a bullseye and get the right person in the right seat," he said.

Hiring has slowed in the US recently, due to economic uncertainty, cost-cutting, and AI adoption. In February, the hiring rate fell to 3.1% — a modern low matched only by the pandemic and early recovery from the Great Recession. Three recruiters across tech, marketing, and logistics said that when companies do hire, it can come at the expense of an existing employee.

One of the driving forces behind the shift, which they said is playing out from early-career roles to the C-suite, is a push to maximize every dollar spent on talent as hiring budgets tighten.

You need to do a "great job" — not a "good job"

Many clients looking to upgrade existing employees turn to confidential searches, said Lindsay Myketey, a recruiter at Cella by Randstad Digital who focuses on mid- to senior-level marketing and technology roles.

She said that as roles evolve, companies may replace workers for several reasons, from underperformance to gaps in skills, including those related to AI. She added that many managers are taking on more responsibilities, and that companies might replace those who can't keep up. Sometimes, she said, employees are moved into different roles rather than let go.

How replacement searches happen can vary by role and level. For senior roles — typically those paying at least $100,000 annually — Orsuga said companies might use headhunters to conduct confidential searches instead of publicly posting the role, adding that this helps avoid "spooking" the employee they're looking to replace.

For mid-level roles, he said companies use a mix of headhunters and job postings. Some are required to post roles externally for compliance reasons, he said, and because many employees share similar titles, a new posting can signal growth rather than a looming replacement. Orsuga added that some companies are "always hiring" — bringing on new talent not necessarily to grow headcount, but to replace lower-performing workers over time. That dynamic can disproportionately affect early-career workers, who may find themselves competing with annual cohorts of new graduates.

In some cases, Orsuga said, high-performing employees are cut because they're too expensive. He compared it to the sports world, where many teams operate under a salary cap. There's only so much money to spend, and sometimes that means moving on from a talented, highly-paid player.

Workers are feeling the pressure

For workers across the economy, layoffs remain low relative to historical levels. But Myketey said people shouldn't overlook the risk of replacement — and being pushed into a challenging job market.

"Even when you have the job, you really need to make sure you're operating at a high level, like on the 'good list,'" she said.

Some workers said there were warning signs that their future at the company could be in jeopardy.

In 2024, Nicholas Jenkins, then a program manager at Amazon, landed under new management following a reorganization. He said the new arrangement didn't feel like a great fit, though he initially wasn't too concerned.

"I thought my work was critical and that, for the most part, the quality spoke for itself," said Jenkins, who is in his 40s and lives in Texas.

Jenkins said that in mid-2024, managers began raising concerns about his performance. Around October, he was formally placed on Amazon's "Focus" performance-improvement program.

"At that point, I was like, 'I've got to get out of here,'" he said. "This is too stressful."

By the end of the year, Jenkins had accepted a termination package that included a few months of severance pay.

But for workers who were never placed on a PIP — and were blindsided by layoffs — it's often unclear how much their performance factored into the decision to cut them.

Last year, Oscar Cecena Fujigaki, then a customer success manager at LinkedIn, suspected layoffs could be coming — but he was confident he'd be fine. Then, in May 2025, he learned he'd lost his job.

"I was shocked to be affected," said Fujigaki, who's in his 40s and lives in Toronto. "Based on our performance metrics, my understanding was that I was doing well."

After initially delaying his job search to focus on a personal project, Fujigaki said he set out to land a higher-paying role than his previous position, which paid about $114,000 a year. But the market proved far more challenging than he expected.

During the early stages of his search, Fujigaki said he took comfort from his belief that the layoff had little to do with his individual performance.

"Layoffs are business decisions made by people who don't even know your name or situation," he said.

• New York City's pied-à-terre tax has officially passed.
• The new levy is set to impact several well known billionaires, including Ken Griffin.
• Here's how much the Citadel CEO, who has found himself in Mayor Zohran Mamdani's crosshairs, will owe.

New York officials rolled out the details of the city's new pied-à-terre tax this week, so we took out our calculators and got busy.

The tax will impact an estimated 10,000 properties in New York City, including those of Ken Griffin, who has found himself at the center of the discourse about the levy.

When Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the tax in April, he called out Griffin by name.

The Citadel CEO, who lives full-time in Miami, owns three apartments in New York City: a penthouse on Central Park South that broke records when he bought it for $240 million in 2019 and two units in the upscale Upper East Side coop 740 Park Avenue, which he spent a total of $83 million on over the past year and a half.

The units will cost Griffin, who is estimated to be worth $48.3 billion, an extra $1.3 million to $1.4 million next year, based on the details of the tax outlined in the State's budget, public real estate records, and building documents.

The hedge fund titan did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Griffin's Central Park South unit would make up the bulk of his tax bill, given its market value of $15.55 million last year. The Park Avenue units, which are part of a co-op building, have a combined market value of around $6.2 million, based on his ownership stake in the building's shares.

The New York City Department of Finance has a history of significantly underestimating apartment values.

"The assessed value has very little connection to actual market value," Jonathan Miller, the director of markets for StreetMatrix and an expert appraiser, said. The value assessed for a $5 million property, he said, is "hardly ever 5 million."

The new tax code hopes to address this over the next two years, at which point the calculus for Griffin's bill is set to change.

For now, the law addresses the assessed-value disparity for condos and co-ops by levying a maximum 6.5% rate on that value; single-family homes are subject to rates of 0.8%, 1.05%, and 1.3%, depending on the home's value. The idea is that, over the next two years, the city will create its own assessment mechanism to more accurately capture market value. Once the new value is on the books, all pieds-a-terre will be taxed at the rates ranging from 0.8% to 1.3%.

Griffin is one of several well-known billionaires who will owe money under the new tax law, which takes effect on July 1.

Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, who moved from Washington state to Miami this year, owns a West Village penthouse, and President Donald Trump, who lives in D.C. and votes in Florida, owns property in his hometown of New York, including his Fifth Avenue triplex in the Trump Tower.

While Griffin has come out against the tax and the mayor — "Mamdani has made it very clear, New York does not welcome success," he said in May — Amazon cofounder Jeff Bezos was more open to the idea.

"I think the pied-a-terre tax is a fine thing for New York to do," Bezos told CNBC earlier this month.

It's a good thing, too. Bezos, a Miami resident, owns at least five apartments inside 212 Fifth Avenue that he purchased for a total of more than $100 million, so he should be getting his checkbook ready.

• Many CEOs advocate AI adoption yet cite it as a driver of layoffs, creating a complex workplace dynamic.
• One company, Standard Chartered, said it plans to cut over 7,000 jobs by 2030 as tech takes on tasks.
• Despite CEOs' enthusiasm for AI, many firms are still working to see major ROI on the technology.

CEOs want you to embrace AI. Many are also citing it as a reason for job cuts.

That disconnect is becoming harder for some to ignore.

Lis Cooper, a 30-year-old in Melbourne, recently left their job as a data analyst after growing uneasy about AI. The tools they were asked to use weren't as effective as humans so far, Cooper said, yet every interaction felt like contributing to technology that could eventually replace them.

"It was an impossible situation to navigate," Cooper said.

Across industries, execs are encouraging workers to embrace AI via hackathons, trainings, and performance reviews that score AI use.

Yet many tech companies leading the AI push are also announcing layoffs, reorgs, and hiring slowdowns, often while pointing to efficiency gains or funneling resources toward AI. Those moves could backfire by making employees more fearful and less willing to embrace the technology, workplace observers told Business Insider.

This year, major companies including Snap, Block, and Cisco have tied job cuts to AI.

This month, Meta laid off about 8,000 employees, saying the cuts would offset "other investments" it was making. The message was clear: Funding tech spending would require trimming workers. Meta also said that it was shifting more than 7,000 employees onto AI-focused projects.

The changes "include layoffs, open role closures, and moving thousands of employees to business critical priorities across the company," a spokesperson said.

While employers are pushing workers toward AI, there is bubbling pessimism about the tech's potential to reshape the workforce. In an Economist/YouGov survey of about 1,500 US adults released in May, about three-quarters said they were at least somewhat worried about AI taking jobs.

Workers are often far more skeptical about AI than executives are, largely because staffers fear it could put their jobs at risk, said Mark Ma, an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Business.

Ma was part of a research team that analyzed more than 20 million Glassdoor reviews and thousands of corporate earnings calls to compare how workers and C-suite bigwigs talk about AI. The takeaway: Employers that pair AI rollouts with job cuts risk undermining the productivity gains they hope to achieve because workers' layoff fears can discourage them from embracing the technology.

"The job security concern really dominates," Ma said. "It is so big that even with such significant benefits, most employees are still resisting actually using AI or learning AI."

That resistance was on full display at several commencement addresses this month, as speakers drew boos from students facing a tough job market.

The perceived threat of AI can be particularly intense for people who closely tie their identities to their work, said Wendy Turner-Williams, cofounder and chief data & AI officer at SymphraAI, an AI consulting firm.

"People are rejecting the tone-deafness of leaders who talk about AI like it's a productivity miracle, while it's the workers who experience job loss," she said.

'This new world'

The pushback comes as some leaders are getting frank about the reshuffling underway at their companies.

This month, Standard Chartered said it would cut more than 7,000 jobs by 2030, as the UK bank seeks to replace what group CEO Bill Winters described as "lower-value human capital," with technology.

The message rankled some workers, and Winters later apologized on LinkedIn for his word choice.

Winters "has long been clear about the need to transform our workplace into a skills-led organization that offers our people future opportunities in higher skill, long-term employment," a spokesperson said.

He's hardly alone in thinking AI could take on some work people now do. In a global survey of 825 execs by the consulting firm Mercer in October, 99% of C-suite leaders said they expect AI to translate to at least some job cuts in the next two years.

Lately, some executives have tempered the AI doomsaying. OpenAI's Sam Altman said he was "delighted to be wrong" about the effect AI has had on entry-level desk jobs. And Nvidia chief Jensen Huang recently dismissed some CEOs' take that AI will cause a bloodbath in the job market.

Most leaders don't set out to swap workers for AI, said Larry Gadea, CEO and founder of workplace software company Envoy. The goal, especially for venture-backed companies, is instead to win in the marketplace, he said.

Companies are trying to determine "who's going to fit in in this new world," he said, and that will be defined by how willing people are to embrace AI.

Surveillance, scrutiny, and AI pressure

At some companies, the pressure to adopt AI is showing up in workers' check-ins with managers and performance reviews. There are more tools to track AI use and public dashboards to rank top performers.

At Meta, some criticized the company's decision to install software on its US workers' computers that tracks keystrokes and mouse movements to train AI, Business Insider previously reported.

The Meta spokesperson said that AI agents need real examples of how people use computers and that the company has safeguards to protect sensitive content.

Companies' push to get workers using AI comes as many of the dramatic productivity gains executives expected from the technology have yet to materialize, said Swagatam Basu, a senior director analyst at the consulting firm Gartner.

He said many companies underestimated how difficult it would be to integrate AI effectively into daily workflows.

The challenge of getting AI to work is creating friction inside some companies. A little over half of respondents to a recent survey by Writer and Workplace Intelligence, which included 1,200 business leaders in five countries, said adopting AI is "tearing their company apart."

One bright spot for worried workers is that not all companies are looking to cut staff. At many firms — especially midsize ones — leaders are often hesitant to make deep workforce reductions because growth still depends on experienced employees and institutional knowledge, said Jivka Batchvarova, a managing principal at advisory firm Baker Tilly.

"You're still going to need the humans," she said.

How do you feel about using AI at work? Let us know:

• Perplexity sent Mac Minis to tech enthusiasts to test its AI-powered Personal Computer software.
• Demand for Apple's Mac Mini has been surging as AI tools like OpenClaw gain popularity.
• Apple has struggled to keep up with the desktop computer's newfound status.

Perplexity is gifting tech enthusiasts the industry's hottest commodity.

Demand for the Mac Mini has been going wild as AI tools take off, making it tough to get your hands on — unless you're on Perplexity's radar. The AI startup sent out Mac Minis to some people so they can try out Perplexity's new technology.

Perplexity's Personal Computer, which began rolling out in April, is an expansion of its AI-powered browser agent Perplexity Computer. It works across local files, native applications, and the web. As of Friday, it only runs in Perplexity's Mac app.

Enter the Mac Mini. A handful of content creators, mostly in the tech space, began posting in May, thanking Perplexity for sending them the desktop computer.

"Officially joined the Mac mini club. Thanks to @perplexity_ai for sending this over," one user captioned a picture of their device.

Perplexity confirmed to Business Insider that it gave a small number of Mac Minis to people "interested in getting the maximum use case out of Personal Computer in the Perplexity Mac app."

Leveraging the power of social media influencers isn't uncommon in consumer electronics. Some companies send out packages for content creators to unbox online and review for their followers, as Meta did with its Ray-Ban smart glasses.

Perplexity touted the Mac Mini as "one of the best ways to experience Personal Computer," in an April blog post.

"On a mini, Personal Computer stays available 24/7 for work that needs a persistent machine or secure local access to your files and native apps," the AI startup wrote.

Jesse Dwyer, Perplexity's chief communications officer, told Business Insider he uses his Mac Mini constantly, operating it from his other Apple devices whenever and wherever.

Perplexity joins a wave of techies gushing over the Mac Mini because of its ability to run AI tools, like OpenClaw and Personal Computer. Apple CEO Tim Cook highlighted its heightened demand and capabilities during a March earnings call. The company has struggled to keep the device on shelves in recent weeks as more tech users catch on to the hype.

The starting price of the Mac Mini on Apple's website rose in early May to $799 for a model with 512GB of storage, after the $599 base model with 256GB of storage was no longer available.

As AI agents become more capable, the Mac Mini is emerging as a status symbol among power users.

• Andy and Nicole Hill struggled to find balance and "enjoy today" while pursuing traditional FIRE.
• They eventually switched to Coast FIRE, a more flexible version of the FIRE movement.
• The strategy allows people to reduce or stop retirement contributions once their portfolio is large enough to grow on its own.

When Andy Hill first came across the FIRE movement through podcasts, it seemed to offer a solution to a major problem in his life.

"I felt so passionate about leaving my corporate job. I was missing out on my kids growing up," Hill, whose marketing career involved long days and travel, told Business Insider. "The solution that I had found was the FIRE movement."

The core principles of the financial independence, retire early movement — disciplined saving and consistent investing — aligned with his strengths. As a goal-oriented person, Hill said, he appreciated that FIRE offered a clear roadmap: save a majority of your income and invest it in low-cost index funds.

"I got jacked up about it," he said. "I thought, 'Max out your 401(k)? I can do that. Check. Max out your Roth IRA? I can do that. Check.'"

The problem was that he hadn't fully discussed the FIRE lifestyle with his wife, Nicole, who began to feel the trade-offs. Maxing their retirement accounts meant they couldn't max out other areas of their lives — things like hiring a housekeeper, paying for subscriptions they enjoyed, or going out to dinner when they wanted.

"She started to slowly see that my maxing of future wealth was taking away current enjoyment," Hill said. She was on board with creating time freedom, but not at the expense of "hating today."

The tension led to a string of financial disagreements that eventually culminated in what Hill calls "our volcano fight." After that, they knew they had to make a change.

Pivoting to Coast FIRE: A 'middle ground' strategy

The Hills' compromise was to pivot to an offshoot of the FIRE movement, Coast FIRE.

Hill describes Coast FIRE as a "middle ground" strategy — a way to capture some of the benefits of financial independence, like stepping back from a demanding corporate career, without the aggressive savings requirements of traditional FIRE.

Coast FIRE involves front-loading your investments. The idea is to build a portfolio large enough that, if left untouched, it can grow through compound interest and eventually reach your retirement goal without additional contributions.

Once you hit your Coast FIRE number, you can reduce or stop saving for retirement and redirect that money toward other priorities. You'll still need to bring in income to cover your day-to-day expenses, but the heavy lifting of funding retirement is already done.

Using a compound interest calculator, the Hills determined they would need about $550,000 invested by age 40 to reach Coast FIRE. Assuming a 6% annual rate of return, that balance could grow to roughly $2 million by retirement age.

"And that was plenty for us to live on," Hill said.

The Hills had already done much of the heavy lifting through years of aggressive saving and investing. By around 2020, they had reached their target and began scaling back their retirement contributions before eventually stopping them altogether.

Even so, their portfolio has continued to grow, said Hill: "The balance has grown from around $550,000 in 2021 when we stopped to closer to $1 million without any further contributions."

Business Insider confirmed the couple's near-seven-figure portfolio by reviewing screenshots of their Vanguard accounts.

Reaching Coast FIRE has completely changed the Hills' lifestyle. Andy left his corporate job in 2020 and went all-in on Marriage Kids and Money, the personal finance platform he started as a blog in 2016. He now aims to work just 20 to 25 hours a week and, more recently, has limited his schedule to Tuesdays through Thursdays. Nicole has adopted a similar schedule. She works part-time as an aesthetician on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

"We've both been doing this three-day workweek, and it has been fantastic for our marriage," Hill said. "We spend a lot more time together."

Plus, Hill said he's never felt healthier: "I was supposed to be on some cholesterol meds, and now my doctor says I don't need them anymore. I feel fantastic, and it's because we've given ourselves this margin in life where we're not rushing from thing to thing to thing. We have time to think about what's best for us."

• Lily C. Fen met her husband in the Philippines and became a "trailing spouse" when they moved to Europe.
• Fen pivoted her career from acting to writing.
• Fen allowed her husband to become her provider, and doesn't regret putting family over her career.

In 2007, my husband's wanderlust led him from his hometown of Prague to Manila, where he and I met.

When we started dating, he reassured me that he'd never tire of living in my country, but that changed a year later, when we took a trip to Europe together.

We had a drink with one of his former colleagues, who'd worked with him in Manila but later moved back to Europe. The inconsequential €6 beer for our friend was more than a whopping PhP300 for us. We realized that while this friend had moved on to earning a salary with a stronger currency, we weren't in as strong a position.

By May 2009, he had moved back to Prague for more lucrative career opportunities. I continued working in the Philippines, where I had built my career in acting. We dated long-distance for a year and a half before he flew to Manila with his family so we could exchange wedding vows.

I followed him to Prague shortly after, full of hope but unaware of how many challenges awaited me. I had to reinvent myself in an entirely new country and, over the course of our relationship, learn to navigate the nuances of putting my family before my career.

Relaunching my career in Prague came with pleasant surprises

I knew Prague would be a completely different city from Manila, but I hoped I could replicate my work as a performer over time. 

As an English speaker, the language barrier was a major hurdle. I spent two semesters in language classes developing a functional level of Czech. Prague had a thriving Czech-language theater scene, but I found enough opportunities where I could perform in English.

To my surprise, moving to Prague came with unique work advantages. While I'd done on-camera work in Manila, I never landed a commercial for a brand. Beauty standards in the Philippines tend to favor those with fairer skin, so I often lost roles to people who looked more Eurasian. In Prague, however, I found that my Southeast Asian heritage appealed to brands seeking a diverse set of actors.

I booked a handful of commercials during the four years I lived in Prague, and it became my major source of income.

After the challenges with the language barrier, I was pleasantly surprised that I could keep working as a performer in theater and on-camera in Prague, but I had to be bold and proactive when it came to seeking out contacts and opportunities.

My husband got a job in Switzerland, and I had to reinvent myself again 

By 2014, my marriage was suffering from the strain of unexplained infertility. As a form of "marital therapy," we took a summer tour, spending several weeks in Norway, Switzerland, and Malta.

My husband liked Switzerland and applied for a few jobs there after we returned home. Before we knew it, he was offered a role at a bank, and we both relocated to Zurich that year.

This time, relocating put my husband and me on equal footing, both of us struggling with another language and figuring out how to make friends.

It took many years to build connections as a thespian in Manila and I had to do it at turbo speed when I moved to Prague. Starting from scratch a third time didn't appeal to me, so I thought I'd revisit my love for writing.

Two months in, when I discovered that a group of migrant women wanted to build a book together, I offered to step in as co-editor, and they accepted.

I spent the next decade building up my writing credentials, from travel articles to sharing my interests on my blog.  I'm often tempted to go back to performing. I was good at it and I often miss it. But life can be unpredictable as an actor, and the hours are often unsociable. My husband and I finally conceived in 2019, and I knew going from production to production wasn't conducive to the family life I wanted. Plus, I love my new identity as a writer because it helped me develop different skills.

Instead of competing with my husband about who had a more successful career — something I unconsciously did in Prague — I've let him become our provider. He's established himself in the corporate world, while I rely on freelance income. Our wage gap makes me judge my prowess as a professional at times, but I insist on not living in that headspace and choose to find joy in earning a side income. I contribute to our household, but still have the time and flexibility to raise the child we fought to have.

I don't regret choosing family over my career

Ultimately, I've prioritized my family over my profession, which has been very rewarding. I'm learning to view my husband's success as mine, and he's responded with the same excitement for my writing milestones, such as the 2026 launch of my debut picture book.

Moving to Prague and Zurich with my husband and becoming a "trailing spouse," a term I both love and hate, has taught me about letting go, shedding the identity and pride I had as an actor. It's challenged me to reinvent myself and persevere in new spaces. In gradually switching from stage to page, I've had to show up, do the work, and be ready for opportunities when they arrive. 

And although I spent my 20s and 30s with an ambitious, career-driven mindset, I've now made peace with letting go of the relentless pursuit of success, at least the kind that is defined by cars, cash, and careers.

• Six F-16 pilots escorted B-2 bombers deep into Iranian airspace during Operation Midnight Hammer.
• Award citations for the aviators revealed refueling disruptions and major in-flight replanning.
• After the mission, pilots had to contend with "critically low" fuel.

During Operation Midnight Hammer in June 2025, US Air Force F-16 fighter jets cleared the way for the B-2 bombers that struck Iran's nuclear facilities. The fighters flew hundreds of miles into Iranian territory, knocked out hostile air defenses, and flew out with very little fuel left in the tank, award citations reveal.

Earlier this month, the Air Force awarded six F-16 pilots from the 55th Fighter Squadron the Distinguished Flying Cross for their part in the operation, with special designations for service in combat. The award is bestowed for heroism or extraordinary achievement in flight.

Award citations provided by the Air Force to Business Insider spotlight these aviators, who flew nearly 300 miles into defended Iranian airspace in non-stealth jets, grappled with high-risk fuel challenges during the mission, and returned home.

"It's rare that we get a chance to take a peek into the kinds of decisions that these aviators have to make and the ramifications of getting it wrong," said retired F-16 pilot and former Navy TOPGUN instructor Vincent Aiello, referring to the award documents and the precarious situations the pilots faced.

During the operation, which unfolded nearly eight months before the more recent Operation Epic Fury, the six fighter pilots were tasked with executing an offensive counter-air and suppression of enemy air defenses mission to help the stealth B-2 Spirit bombers carrying 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators reach their targeted destinations, specifically Iranian nuclear facilities.

The F-16 is a reliable fourth-generation fighter aircraft favored by many pilots, but they lack the advanced stealth technology that keeps other aircraft, such as F-35 fighters or B-2 bombers, hidden from adversary sensors, meaning the jets are far more vulnerable to enemy air defenses.

On radar, the fighter jet will "stand out like a sore thumb," said John Waters, another former F-16 pilot and former commander of the Air Force's F-16 Viper Demonstration Team.

The Fighting Falcon was developed in the 1970s and entered service toward the end of the decade, while the first operational stealth aircraft, the F117 Nighthawk, didn't enter service until the 1980s.

During the operation, the F-16s "employed multiple AGM-88 suppressive weapons against enemy threats protecting the bombers and their Airmen during their most vulnerable time over target," the award citations said. The AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles are made to destroy radar-equipped air defense systems.

The fighter pilots flew "at grave risk" to their lives in the F-16, "the only aircraft without low-observable design, deep into a sophisticated Iranian integrated air and missile defense network," the award documents said. Flying so deep into adversary territory meant the crew ventured "far beyond the reach of friendly personnel recovery assets" and accepted "the considerable risk of capture" if shot down.

Fuel troubles coming and going

The mission got off to a rough start. The pilots, including three that took off from austere airfields, ran into "immediate challenges upon initial take-off when alerted to air refueling fallout."

Flying in and out of new and austere airfields is difficult even under the best of circumstances, Waters said, and can impact a pilot's situational awareness. Adding uncertainty about fuel only compounds the challenge.

The award documents don't specify what went wrong, though two pilots were forced to direct new tanker pairings for aircraft, pre-planned aerial refueling rendezvous, while others scrambled to rejoin "with an unplanned tanker." These kinds of changes can add strain on the already stressful aerial refueling process.

The "fuel fallout" cited in the documents suggests that one or more of the tankers were unexpectedly unavailable. For jet pilots, Waters said, a tanker reliability issue immediately becomes a fuel and timing problem, forcing rapid, complex decision-making.

In response to timeline delays, two of the F-16 pilots, their citations said, "executed air refueling at speeds above anything previously performed in the F-16" to "ensure acceptable combat air power force packaging into Iran."

The initial fuel problems weren't the last for the mission.

Fighter jets rarely depart with maximum fuel loads, Aiello said. More fuel means more weight, which can reduce speed and limit the number of weapons that the jet can carry.

"If you make it out, you're gonna be tight on gas to begin with," Waters said. Departing low on fuel is common enough that pilots joke about it, he added.

In this case, the F-16s finished their escort mission "critically low on fuel."

"Even with fuel critically low, he resolutely escorted the package to safety, ensuring every aircraft made it out of harm's way before executing a high-stakes tanker rejoin while critically low on fuel," reads the citation for the senior officer, Lt. Col. Christopher Beckett.

And while extremely low on fuel, Majs. Matthew Croghan and Alexander Trembly and Capts. Megan Langas, Abigail Maio, and Daniel Dodson each "tenaciously escorted the package to safety before executing a perilous minimum fuel tanker rejoin," their citations read.

Air Force tanker challenges

The refueling problems referenced in the award citations point to an issue the Air Force is "whistling past the graveyard on," said John Venable, a senior fellow at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies and a retired Air Force F-16 pilot.

Aircrew comments made during a Midnight Hammer lessons-learned forum he attended described tanker cancellations, Venable said, which forced major in-flight replanning, including changes to tanker tracks and receiver assignments.

During that forum, Venable said, aviators recalled that on their way home, some of the jets hit their tankers "on fumes" to refuel. Others could not reach a tanker at all and were forced to divert to some "unusual locations," he said.

The Air Force did not respond to Business Insider's query regarding fuel and tanker problems during Midnight Hammer.

The service's tanker shortage, sometimes characterized as the "tanker gap," has been exacerbated by an aging fleet and delayed modernization efforts. Those issues have been previously identified by watchdogs, congressional research, and defense experts as particular points of concern. There is a lack of backup capacity, even for an operation of limited scope and duration, Venable said.

That tanker challenge could become far more serious in a Pacific conflict, he added, where the distances are significantly greater and aerial refueling demands would be much higher.

• The S&P 500 just saw its ninth straight week of gains fueled by strong earnings.
• Charles Schwab strategist Liz Ann Sonders warned investors not to be swept up in specualtive fervor.
• The strategist describes "the casino-like behavior" on Wall Street as stocks hit record highs.

Stocks are on a roll, but it might be time for investors to take some profits, one strategist warned.

Liz Ann Sonders, the chief investment strategist of Charles Schwab's Schwab Center for Financial Research, highlighted what she called "casino-like behavior" among investors as markets climb to new highs. The strategist encouraged investors to rebalance their portfolios to avoid getting caught up in a concentration risk trap.

"I have been very focused on the blurring of the lines between gambling and investing and some of the casino-like behavior that we're seeing in markets, and there's no question that there's speculative juices flowing here," Sonders said this week.

The S&P 500 recorded its ninth consecutive week of gains, notching several fresh record highs along the way, fueled by blowout earnings and huge stock rallies in stocks like Snowflake and Dell.

The gains come even as the war in Iran and the historic oil shock continue. Potential rate hikes, surging bond yields, and inflation concerns are among the growing list of worries for investors, but the relentless rally has yet to show signs of stumbling.

"It won't last forever"

Strong earnings have fueled the rally, with some stocks seeing massive gains after delivering better-than-expected earnings prints.

"The earnings coming out of Corporate America this quarter have been, frankly—and I have no other way to state this—stunning," Siebert Financial CIO Mark Malek said, calling out the best quarterly earnings seasons since 2021.

Within the strong quarter, there were some names that stood out with notable upward moves.

Dell stock skyrocketed 35% higher after reporting first quarter earnings results that crushed analyst estimates. Snowflake shares also saw massive gains, surging nearly 40% after posting a blockbuster print and announcing an expansion of its Amazon partnership.

"It won't last forever," Sonders said on the earnings-fueled rally, adding, "There's risk associated with some of these parabolic moves."

"No one ever went broke taking profits"

It may be tempting to ride out a winning streak and let the gains keep piling up, but Sonders warned that investors need to stay disciplined to protect themselves from undue risk.

"I think there's a lot of short-term oriented money that is looking for those next moves and is treating stocks to some degree like lottery tickets," the strategist said, explaining that recent upward swings in the market could lead to higher concentration risk.

Sonders said it's time for investors employ a rebalancing strategy to make sure their portfolio isn't overly concentrated on any particular part of the market, especially during a time when speculative momentum is in the drivers seat.

"Heed the old line of, 'no one ever went broke taking profits,'" she said, adding "I understand the desire to let winners run, but I do think that a rebalancing strategy is the best way to think about reigning in some of where that speculative excess might cause some concentration problem in your own portfolios."

• Substack hosted an all-day forum on the state of media. Then it threw a party.
• The newsletter platform invited its own writers, outside journalists, and media startup founders.
• Here's a glimpse into the night: an indoor pool, an after-after party, and an abandoned musical act.

My day with Substack began at around 10 a.m. on Thursday, with the platform's CEO, Chris Best, telling a crowd of writers that they "deserve to get rich" and "have fun."

It ended a little past 10 p.m. at a podcast studio office space with Substack cofounder Hamish McKenzie, eating pizza with the lingering media folk.

Substack's big day was its first-ever media summit — "The Once and Future Media Forum" — that brought together the newsletter platform's content creators, journalists (like me), and founders of new media startups in a sprawling five-story building in the center of SoHo, in New York City.

Feed Me's Emily Sundberg kicked off Substack's series of panels by interviewing TBPN's president, Dylan Abruscato, about the tech talk show and its acquisition by OpenAI. Sundberg told Abruscato (who also worked on HQ Trivia) that his work was like that of the Velvet Underground (in that the rock band inspired many others to start bands).

"I feel like the projects that you worked on have a similar influence," Sundberg said.

The rest of the day brought media figures onstage to talk about topics like video on Substack and the future of media from the perspective of content creators.

There was a museum of media artifacts, a swimming pool you could ogle at (but were forbidden to swim in), and a café/rooftop where creatives prepped for panels downstairs and sipped iced coffee.

Substack employees wore lanyards with signs around their necks: I work at Substack. I can make yours better. Ask me anything.

I heard someone refer to the event as "Substack Coachella."

After a full day of panels, they closed the event with a "Substack House Party" with trays of drinks and bite-sized snacks. The venue's rooftop kept reaching capacity, prompting a one-in, one-out policy.

Let me take you into the night.

• The guest list: Media people, talking about media, mingling with other media people. Speakers from the day, including The Free Press' Suzy Weiss (Bari Weiss' sister), Mad Realities cofounder Alice Ma, and actor-writer Ben Sinclair (known for his HBO series "High Maintenance"). Media reporters like Breaker's Lachlan Cartwright (who publishes his newsletter on the Substack competitor Beehiiv) and outlets such as Bloomberg, Axios, Semafor, and Adweek. Substack-powered outlets like Byline and The Metropolitan Review. And content creators, too, including Substack food writer and video star Caroline Chambers, and Wahlid Mohammad, who got his start on Vine.

• The moment: As the venue shut down the rooftop right on time at 9 p.m., guests came pouring into the main bar. Within minutes, we were all kicked out, and the party descended down the several flights of stairs and gathered on the curb. An after-after party was swiftly thrown together, and I found myself with a gaggle of Substack employees (including McKenzie and the company's events connoisseur, Matt Starr) and creators, as we walked down the block to the SoHo office space for Osprey Studios (a digital media and podcast company).

• The quote: "It feels like media in the early aughts," Mary Alice Miller, who worked at Vanity Fair for nearly a decade, told me over pizza. The optimism and partying at Substack's event brought back memories of the magazine parties of yesteryear. "Casual hangs" like the one unfolding were also commonplace, Miller said.
• The gripe: There was a promise of a surprise special musical performance. I was enticed. Someone else had thrown out Charli XCX (who, notably, has a Substack). I asked if it was Bob Dylan (it definitely wasn't) or Jeff Tweedy (the Wilco front man who also has a Substack). It turned out to be a James Brown impersonator, who, sadly, never got a chance to perform. Later, I heard there was an aspiration to secure Madonna for the night. I really wish that came true. Perhaps next year.

Want to read more party dispatches from Business Insider? Tag along with our reporters as we dive into the social scenes behind tech, media, and finance:

• An AI psychosis-themed summit
• A YouTuber's television show premiere
• A Tax Day party for creatives and Wall Street

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Eva Chow, chair of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) Art + Film Gala and founder of the soju brand KHEE. She splits her time between Seoul and Los Angeles. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I was born in Seoul and moved to the US with my family when I was 16. I built my career in New York as a fashion designer and later owned and operated Mr. Chow, a luxury Chinese restaurant chain that operates worldwide.

I was recognized for my watercolor painting at a young age, which is why art has been a huge part of my life. I joined the board of trustees at LACMA in 2007, and in 2011, I cofounded the Art + Film Gala with Leonardo DiCaprio, which I still chair today.

I founded KHEE Soju in 2021 because I wanted to share my Korean heritage with the world. KHEE means "energy" in Korean, and good energy is central to how I live and work.

There's a lot to juggle, but I multitask and manage my time effectively. Here's a day in my life.

I usually wake up around 10 a.m., no matter where I am

I don't really do breakfast. In the morning, I usually have coffee and water. When I'm in Los Angeles, I sometimes have scrambled eggs and coffee in bed, which is very nice.

I try not to wear makeup so my skin can be its natural self. I don't like covering my pores. In the morning, I wash my face with water. Then I use toner and a daytime moisturizer with SPF, do my eyebrows, and maybe add lip balm. I don't go to the hair salon or use a makeup artist that often.

Once I'm up, I start making phone calls and replying to emails and texts. No matter how many emails I answer, my inbox never seems to go down. It's the same with texts. I have a US phone and a Korean phone.

I listen to music constantly while I work. In the mornings, I mostly listen to classical music and operas, especially piano concertos and piano sonatas.

I don't use a laptop much

It's heavy, and I can do almost everything from my phone. I use my phone for email, texts, WhatsApp, Telegram, and KakaoTalk.

I used to split my time between the US and Seoul, traveling back and forth two or three times a year. Now, because of my work in distilling and developing new products, I spend more time in Korea. I also travel frequently for work to Southeast Asia and China.

I'm planning the next LACMA Art + Film Gala, which will be on November 7, and I was recently in LA for gallery openings. I attend several board meetings at LACMA each year. It takes almost the entire year to plan.

Once one year's gala is done, I'm almost immediately thinking about the next. It feels like a labor of love and a way for me to give back. Through that, I help raise funds for the museum.

I don't do lunch either. I spend the first part of the day working from home after I wake up.

By the time I finish my correspondence and get myself together, it's usually 12:30 or 1 p.m.

I prefer meetings after 1 or 2 because that's when I feel more relaxed, whether on Zoom or in person. I take meetings from around 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

By the afternoon, I've answered emails, taken care of myself, and stretched. I've also been doing physical therapy because I broke my toes and had surgery.

Around 3 or 4 p.m., I start getting ready for the rest of the day

Right now, I'm very focused on launching two new ready-to-drink products for KHEE. My main focuses are perfecting the taste, designing the packaging, and overseeing many details.

I usually have dinner plans three or four times a week, whether with friends, work contacts, or both. I enjoy sharing a meal and being in good company. Recently, we drank quite a bit of my soju at Simon Kim's incredible new place, Bar Chimera. I had so much fun and got a little carried away. That was later than most nights.

Generally, I'll head home around 7:30 or 8 p.m. to relax

As much as I love people. I'm a night person and value my alone time. After I get home, I wind down with a KHEE cocktail or on the rocks.

I'll listen to music and play with my Pomeranian, JoJo. She's only three pounds, but she travels everywhere with me and can handle a 13-hour flight with no problem. She's my service dog, my security dog, and she thinks she's big and dangerous. I love her.

I also like to watch YouTube because once the algorithm takes over, I don't have to choose what to watch next. I leave it on while I play puzzle, number, and block games. It's how I relax, and it's good for your brain, too.

I live with my daughter, and she tells me I'm like a millennial kid.

I rarely go to sleep before 3 or 4 a.m.

When I'm in Korea, I'm speaking with my US team around 3 or 4 a.m. When I'm in the US, I'm on calls with my Korean team around 2 or 3 a.m.

Working at night is ideal; it's always been my natural rhythm. My brain works really well then. I can be in shorts and a T-shirt with nobody looking, and I feel free and focused. I do a lot of thinking, writing letters — it's a very productive time.

Even if it's been a late night, I'll cleanse my face for three to four minutes. Then I use toner and moisturizer, and that's it.

I'm in New York right now to help people understand soju, especially those who have never tried it or only know the diluted version. That distinction is important to me.

Premium soju should be distilled and simple: made with rice, water, and yeast, with no additives. I think people are ready for a new spirit. Soju is part of my heritage. I'm very proud of where I come from and of what I make.

• Russia fired its Oreshnik ballistic missile at Ukraine on Sunday from a range in its steppe.
• The dilapidated state of the nearby town contrasts with the expensive missiles Russia develops there.
• "Nothing reaches us," a businesswoman in the restricted town said.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin has ordered Oreshnik ballistic missiles to be fired at Ukraine, and each time they came from a restricted area in the barren steppe of southeastern Russia.

The most recent Oreshnik attack came on Sunday amid a massive barrage that killed four people and injured many more, according to Ukrainian media. Strangely, the powerful $40 million ballistic missile caused only a smattering of damage to a garage complex near Kyiv. That may be due to the missile's armament and Russia's intent.

A clue about the missile's use is its name: the Russian word Oreshnik means "hazel bush." In Russia, hazel bushes have been used for hundreds of years to make rods for corporal punishment, a Russian lawmaker recently said.

The damage from the May 24 attack was largely caused by 90 missiles and hundreds of drones heading toward Kyiv. Speaking to the Russian outlet Vot Tak, political scientist Oleg Saakyan estimated that Russia used weapons worth about $1 billion that night.

The Oreshnik missile struck in approximately six clusters, the absence of explosive flashes showing it was likely armed with inert warheads. It appears to be a demonstration of raw power.

"It appears that none of those projectiles have any explosive in them," said Pavel Podvig, a senior researcher with the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research. "All the attacks happened at night. Even a relatively small explosive charge would produce visible flashes."

All three Oreshnik missiles that have struck Ukraine were launched from Kapustin Yar, a historic missile test range near Znamensk. The small town, with just under 30,000 inhabitants, lies about 700 miles east of Kyiv and not far from the Kazakhstan border. Surrounded by barren steppe and a reinforced-concrete fence, the town is a so-called "closed administrative-territorial area."

To protect Russian military secrets, no one may enter the town unless they are registered there, have been expressly invited, or have undergone an elaborate advance registration process. Anyone with a permanent residence in the town receives a pass from the authorities, featuring, among other things, an ascending rocket.

The dilapidated state of this small town is in stark contrast with the advanced and expensive missiles Russia develops there.

A run-down rocket-town

On social networks such as X and Instagram, several unflattering images of Znamensk can be found. They show completely run-down wooden huts, unpaved roads, apparently abandoned houses with smashed windows, and a Lenin statue standing in front of sagging power cables.

In Russia, mockery erupted in January after the second launch. Firing an Oreshnik costs at least the equivalent of $40 million; other sources put the figure at $60 or even $80 million. Users fantasized about what a handsome town the Russians could turn Znamensk into if they invested that sum into proper roads, new facades and modern infrastructure.

"Whether this is the 19th or the 21st century? No idea," one user wrote. Another, after the January attack, juxtaposed images of Kapustin Yar with Lviv's beautiful old town in western Ukraine. The Russians, he wrote, supposedly wanted to "liberate" Ukraine and Lviv. "How absurd: perhaps Kapustin Yar should be liberated from the Russians instead."

Another X user wrote: "This is exactly where the Russians fire their 'hazelnuts' at Ukraine from — to demonstrate vividly to Ukrainians and the whole world the greatness of so-called Russian civilization. A civilization that considers firing rockets at residential cities the highest form of cultural expression. So that everyone will be envious."

Nevertheless, Znamensk is a proud place. Since 1946, almost every Soviet and Russian missile program has been tested at the range, formally designated Military Unit 15644. A wide variety of missiles and more than a hundred satellites have been sent into orbit from here.

And today, war is being waged from here. Ukraine keeps the test range under constant observation: it is enough for the Russians merely to simulate activity at the training ground to trigger an air alert across Ukraine.

Ukraine has repeatedly tried to damage the site with drone attacks. Apart from a few fires, it has so far failed. The site lies several hundred kilometers from the Ukrainian border, leaving Ukrainians mere minutes to take cover.

For the residents of Znamensk, the test range is of great importance. It secures jobs and brings life to the town. Every May 13, for example, the anniversary of the missile range is celebrated with military parades and ceremonial speeches. The municipal "Museum of the Strategic Missile Forces" organizes tours and festivities. Children and teenagers from the "Young Army" also visit regularly — a kind of nationwide Russian leisure club under the patronage of the Defense Ministry, which puts adolescents in uniforms, has them dance in videos for the fighters of the "special operation" (the official term for the Ukraine war), or write greeting letters to the "liberated" children of Donetsk.

'They do their own thing'

The consequences for the residents of Znamensk are limited. In a Telegram chat with a local resident, it was said that the local population is involved in military activities as little as possible.

"Everything is quiet here," said one businesswoman. "Nothing reaches us." Even when Ukrainian drones come, she said, "They turn on the alarm and notify all of us by phone. No reason to worry."

She said she couldn't say what happens with the Oreshnik missiles. "That is a military secret. Nobody knows where they are stationed." And even if someone did know something, no one would ever talk about it.

Another resident, speaking about the night of the missile launch, said: "I didn't hear anything. They do their own thing there."

It is entirely possible that residents do not notice the missile launches. The test range covers many hundreds of square kilometers; residents of Znamensk probably hear little more than a distant, thunder-like rumble when an Oreshnik is launched, and which couldn't be distinguished from test launches.

The missiles are also quickly out of sight: they typically climb to an altitude of several hundred miles and reach speeds of 13,000 kilometers per hour, roughly 10 times the speed of sound. It therefore takes only a few minutes to reach their target. Other states learn of the launch via satellite surveillance, monitoring the Earth's surface. On infrared scans, the exhaust plume, several thousand degrees Celsius hot and rising from the ground into orbit, is immediately visible.

The Russians in Znamensk can lead quiet lives. They play in volleyball tournaments in the sports hall attached to the administrative wing of the test range. They can walk in the "Fairy-Tale Glade" park, where several life-sized rocket-shaped monuments are arranged around a fountain.

The victims of the missiles manufactured here are primarily Ukrainians. But neighbors in Kazakhstan are also severely affected. Russia has leased parts of western Kazakhstan as an extension of the test range — the contract currently runs until 2030.

For local Kazakhs, the lease of the land has serious consequences. As the Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta reported in 2024, Russia prefers to test its missiles over Kazakh territory.

As a result, missile parts and fuel fall into the steppe, causing fires, killing livestock, and contaminating soil and water. The steppe is littered with craters; no recultivation takes place.

Researchers have now found that cancer rates in the region are above average. Neurological damage and disabilities among children are strikingly common. State assistance from Kazakhstan is practically nonexistent.

Julius Fitzke, a trainee at WELT in the foreign affairs department since July 2025, lived in Russia for three years.

• Some fields that tend to attract college grads may be difficult to enter quickly.
• New job seekers having a hard time landing work can make some pivots.
• A grad focusing on applying to big companies can switch their strategy to small businesses.

For Cross Sierra, the path from college to career has included an accelerated MBA, a nationwide job search, and crashing on friends' couches.

The 23-year-old hopes to become a high school athletic director. So far, though, he's only become frustrated by what feels like an impossible job market to break into.

"What more do I have to do?" he asks.

Economists and workplace observers say it's a question many recent graduates are asking. Despite the usual advice about the importance of networking and conducting a targeted job search, the market for entry-level workers is tougher than it was a few years ago.

Hiring has slowed across much of the economy, leaving fewer openings and longer searches for many newcomers. In fields that tend to draw fresh grads — including finance, professional and business services, and healthcare — hiring rates are about as low as they've been since the pandemic, said Dante DeAntonio, senior director of economic research at Moody's Analytics.

Job seekers might need to consider pivoting their approach. If you're applying only to big-name companies, you could widen your search to include smaller employers. If you're an accounting major focused on landing a job at a Big Four firm, you might also look at accounting roles in other industries. And if you're set on a full-time job, you may need to consider an internship as a way in.

"Focus on getting your foot in the door, even if it's not the ideal thing you want," economist Guy Berger said. "Once you have a job, it becomes much less stressful to look for another one."

Berger said both high school and college graduates should expect a longer job search and be flexible with offers.

The underemployment rate for recent college graduates has edged down from its 2025 high of 42.4%, but at 41.5% in March, it is still above its late 2024 low. That data, published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, suggests some graduates are taking positions that don't require their years of schooling.

In the hot post-pandemic labor market of 2022, job hunters could be picky, Berger said. If they didn't like something, it was easy to move on. "Now, it's the kind of thing where you might have to bide your time more," he said.

College graduates are going to have to be flexible

The difficulty of finding work can depend on where you are hoping to end up. Cory Stahle, senior economist at the job platform Indeed, said healthcare and education jobs have clear pathways that could make the job search less onerous.

"They're going to have an easier time finding a job versus something that's more kind of market-based," he said of grads looking for work in those fields. Healthcare, in general, has been propping up the job market — and helped keep overall job growth positive in 2025 as hiring has lagged in other industries.

Another possible hiccup for new grads: AI. Some large companies have been laying off workers while investing in technology. That search for efficiency will push some employers to cut back on hiring less-experienced workers in hopes that AI could take on some of the load, DeAntonio said.

"The first domino to fall is likely to be a pullback in hiring amongst younger workers," he said.

Anxiety about AI and its effect on work is spilling into graduation ceremonies, where some students have booed speakers who mention the technology.

Priya Rathod, workplace trends editor at Indeed, said grads might have to take a less direct route into their careers than they did a few years ago, though that doesn't make those paths any less promising.

"Your career is going to be more like a lattice than a ladder, so remember that even if you don't have the perfect role right now, it doesn't inhibit you from getting that perfect role down the road," Rathod said.

Graduates might need to rethink what a first step looks like. Contract work, temporary jobs, and internships can help build experience while the search for a permanent role continues. Postings on Indeed through April suggest demand for interns has been pretty strong, roughly in line with 2024 levels and above 2025. While some internships are limited to enrolled students, the positions can lead to full-time offers.

"It's going to help you understand how the company functions," Rathod said. "It's going to help you make connections within the company."

Rathod also pointed to the National Federation of Independent Business's jobs report, which showed that about a third of small business owners had openings they couldn't fill — the highest level since June 2025.

She said that smaller employers can offer graduates a wider range of experiences and greater opportunities to build relationships with senior colleagues who could become mentors.

"It can help give you access to things that you wouldn't be able to engage in or projects you wouldn't be able to engage in at larger companies," Rathod said of smaller firms.

People can also pivot how they job search

Instead of only looking at job boards, take the hunt to social media. Anya Roodnitsky, who attended Dartmouth College, landed a job after a video on Instagram went viral, leading to coffee chats and new connections.

"I was sitting in the kitchen, and had just hit 'submit' on my 300th application. I was like, 'This isn't working,'" Roodnitsky said in an as-told-to essay with Business Insider. "It hit me that I should create a funny presentation video."

Someone who saw her video flagged a job posting at an energy company. "I applied, and the company's recruiter reached out the next day," Roodnitsky said.

For Sierra, who completed his MBA in May at a college in New Hampshire, the plan is to stay with a friend and spend the summer coaching for a travel baseball club in Massachusetts. If that doesn't turn into a full-time gig, he'll continue searching — as he has for more than a year.

"I've just got to keep my head down and keep going," Sierra said. "This too will end."

• Dan Shipper says his AI-focused company — Every — spent a lot of money on his token use.
• AI reads and drafts his emails, he said. It's also helping the company create pitch decks.
• He said Every believes it's building an employee model that looks like the future of business.

Dan Shipper says he doesn't write many of his routine emails.

Instead, the CEO of Every — an AI-focused media, software, and consulting company — said he uses OpenAI's Codex to read his inbox, check his calendar, propose meeting times, and draft responses.

The tool is not allowed to send emails without his approval, but Shipper said much of the scheduling correspondence around his Business Insider interview was generated by AI.

"All the words are pretty much Codex," Shipper said. He's considering changing the "From:" field in his email to indicate when messages are drafted with his AI agent's help.

His New York City-based business is built around AI. Shipper cofounded the company in 2020 with backing from Starting Line and Reid Hoffman. It writes its own technology newsletter, sells AI consulting and training services, and builds apps like Sparkle, a computer-file automation tool.

The firm also gets early access to models and tools from major AI companies, including OpenAI and Anthropic, giving Shipper a close-up view of where the tech is heading.

That perspective has made him optimistic about how people will work in the future. And he thinks his business is structured like a company of the future.

That optimism is expensive.

Every's AI expenses

Shipper told Business Insider he spent about $13,000 on his personal Codex overages last month, one of the highest AI bills he could recall.

"I got some side eye from our COO, Brandon Gell, on that one," he said.

Asked how much larger that bill was compared with the same month last year, Shipper responded: "Way more. Way, way, way, way, way, way, way, more."

At Every, AI access is just part of the cost of employing people. All 27 full-time employees get the entry-level $20-a-month subscriptions, while technical workers get $200-a-month plans, and the company pays overages. Token budgets are akin to other employee costs, like health insurance or company-issued laptops, Shipper said.

Even with the high costs, nobody at Every has been told they're spending too much on tokens, he added.

"We've started to figure out how we will think about overages," he said. "As long as you don't spend so much money that we go bankrupt, we'll be fine."

AI changed how the company works

Every's spending shows how deeply embedded AI has become in its workflow. Shipper said the company once experimented with giving every employee their own AI agent, but moved away from that model because the agents required too much upkeep.

Instead, Every now uses a smaller number of agents that serve specific teams or the whole company. One of them, called Claudie, helps the consulting team draft initial slide decks, put together sales proposals, and track client to-dos by reading transcripts and updating the company's task manager.

Shipper said he does not see those tools as replacing Every's workers outright. Instead, he said that AI could push more people into manager-like roles earlier in their careers.

"Very few people actually get the opportunity to be managers, because managing humans is very expensive and risky," he said. "I think many, many more people are capable of that than we think."

Still, Shipper said AI has limits. As a writer, he said, the technology is useful for research, drafting, and editing, but it is not especially good at knowing what is interesting.

That is where he thinks humans still matter most: not in doing every task by hand, but in knowing what is worth doing.

Predictions for AI's future

Right now, Anthropic is all the rage.

The AI startup just launched its well-received update to its Opus model, leapfrogged OpenAI as the nation's most valuable AI company, and is racing toward its IPO.

Shipper is betting that OpenAI's Codex is better positioned than many people realize. He said Anthropic has "a ton of momentum," but predicted the narrative around OpenAI could shift over the next few months.

"What they're doing with Codex is incredibly impressive," he said.

Also, for anyone looking for help with their prompting skills, Shipper said he's still nice to the robots just in case they — you know — accidentally start to dominate us humans.

"I'm usually very nice, because you never know when they're going to take over the world," he said with a laugh.

• Are you getting a prematurely wrinkled, creased neck from spending hours on your laptop?
• If so, you just might have 'tech neck.'
• People are spending big money on creams, gadgets, and procedures to try to prevent or reverse it.

Nora Ephron was around 62 when, in 2003, she wrote that she felt bad about her aging neck. Today, a distinctly modern phenomenon known as "tech neck" is leaving people as young as their early 20s feeling the same way.

Though not an official diagnosis, the term "tech neck" is popular on social media and recognized by dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and physical therapists. It refers to horizontal lines or creases on the neck, as well as postural changes such as rounded shoulders and a forward head position.

Anyone can get tech neck, but based on social media posts, women in their 20s and 30s are most concerned about preventing or "fixing" its signs, with some spending upward of $5,000 to reduce fine lines and improve posture.

Lindsey Wallace, a 35-year-old marketing director based in Los Angeles, first learned about tech neck from an Instagram reel.

"It became my latest fixation when I looked in the mirror, and I noted lines getting deeper. My neck and upper chest was changing at a rate that my face wasn't," Wallace told Business Insider. "As soon as I turned 30, I would say is when I became concerned, but I didn't quite know the term yet, or why the wrinkles were appearing."

"Now it all makes sense," she added. "I am hunched over a computer for over 10 hours a day."

$5,000 for a fresher neck

Dr. Kristy Hamilton, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Houston, Texas, and social media chair of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, told Business Insider that tech neck is "both a musculoskeletal and aesthetic concern."

"When a person hunches over a laptop, tablet, or phone for a lengthy period of time, the head tilts forward and places significant stress on the cervical spine and surrounding tissues," she said. The delicate, thinner skin of the neck ages faster than the face because we constantly move it in different directions, which leads to creases. A consistent downward-facing posture speeds up this process as the skin is repeatedly folded, Hamilton said, and weakens the supportive muscles.

In the short term, patients may notice stiffness and soreness. But over time, untreated tech neck can contribute to spinal misalignment and chronic pain, as well as accelerated skin aging, Hamilton said.

For Wallace, it's the aesthetics that bother her — a lot. So much so that she estimates she's spent at least $5,000 trying to correct it.

Each night, she uses a neck firming cream, a red light therapy mask, a hydrating collagen neck mask, and a high frequency wand, a handheld device that stimulates the skin with electric current and neon gas, from the skincare brand NuDerma. On top of that, every six months, she gets a laser treatment called CoolPeel, which stimulates collagen production by creating microinjuries in the skin, and costs about $1,200 to $1,600 per session for the face and neck.

The skincare products leave her neck feeling smoother and more hydrated when she's consistent, but she believes the laser treatment has had the biggest impact on reversing her fine lines.

Lauren Cummings, a 31-year-old PR account executive based in New York City, has spent around $1,000 on tech neck treatments since she became concerned about postural issues and some horizontal lines on her neck a few years ago. She's paid for chiropractor appointments, tightening creams, and done one session of a collagen-stimulating laser treatment called EVERESSE.

"I'm getting more concerned as I'm now in my 30's and want to prevent it from getting worse," she said.

For James Sheridan, a 38-year-old engineering and product development firm CEO who has spent hundreds reversing his tech neck, the condition reflects a wider problem with modern working conditions.

"The conversations are usually less about vanity and more about how modern work slowly wears on your neck, back, wrists, and eyes if you're not careful," Sheridan, who is based in Vancouver, Washington, said of discussions he has with friends about the neck.

Neck-maxxing now to prevent tech neck later

For many of those on the tech-neck lookout, the battle starts early.

Chloe Coles, a 24-year-old health and wellness PR account executive at Everything Branding based in San Diego, said tech neck is a regular topic of conversation among the women in their 20s at her office. She, for one, doesn't have it yet.

"I'd say I'm more concerned that it could become a problem, so I try to stay on top of it before it gets there," Coles said.

Most of her team keeps their screens at eye level to avoid slouching, uses a standing desk, and takes advantage of the communal wearable red light therapy device. Caroline Applegate, 24, also an account executive at the agency, said she bought a $134.99 side-sleeper pillow to support her posture while she sleeps.

"We use computer holders for better posture, do some workouts to make sure we are sitting up right and not looking down, have pillows on our chairs that also help with posture," Coles said.

Coles estimates she's spent a few hundred dollars on neck skincare, weight training, yoga, Pilates, and Thai massages to actively combat tech neck. She thinks that the combination of everything she's tried "seems to make a difference."

Yahya Khan, a 29-year-old founder based in New York City, noticed lines on his neck two years ago, and they've affected his mood at work more than he expected. "When you're running a business, and your appearance is part of how clients perceive your credibility, you notice things," he said. Khan has spent about $400 so far trying to fix his fine lines.

All aboard the tech-neck prevention train

Anti-aging neck creams have been around for decades, but the rise of tech neck has given skincare brands an opportunity to market them to a younger crowd.

Ulta, the beauty retailer particularly popular with people aged 25 to 30, launched six new neck-focused skin products between 2025 and 2026. There are 64 neck-focused products available on Ulta's website and 14 on Sephora's.

In February, SickScience's ShapeShift Advanced Jaw & Neck Firming Serum, a product that claims to be "clinically shown to reduce the appearance of skin slackening, crepiness, and tech neck," was added to the Ulta stocklist. K-beauty brand Anua's Collagen Retinol Refining Gua Sha Cream, launched in March and currently sold exclusively at Ulta, promises to help address "tech neck concerns with consistent use."

These products add to the bevy of goods and services showing up on the market as health optimization trends like biohacking and looksmaxxing take hold with consumers. Tech neck creams and gadgets are by no means the only products people are shelling out on in an effort to keep looking good in the workplace; people are dishing out thousands for "tweakments," to fix their hairlines, and more.

How to prevent tech neck

Even if you work a desk job, there are things you can do to help prevent the musculoskeletal and aesthetic signs of tech neck.

It's important to set up your workstation to encourage upright posture, Hamilton, the plastic surgeon based in Houston, said. "Elevating your screen to eye level, keeping shoulders back, and taking frequent breaks to stretch can help minimize strain," she said.

Dr. Maya Thosani, a double board-certified Dermatologist and owner of Modern Dermatology in Scottsdale, Arizona, recommends applying your facial skincare routine to your neck and upper V-chest too. "Consistent care will likely be more effective than using specialty neck creams," she told Business Insider.

Wallace, the marketing director in LA, swears by the money and effort she has put into keeping her neck looking eternally young.

"If I wake up in the morning and I didn't do any treatments the night before — no serums, no mask, no neck wrinkle-cutting cream — you instantly wake up and see the difference," she said.

But be warned, the treatments aren't always a walk in the park. "The wand on the highest setting is not for the weak," she said.

• Peter Thiel is reportedly spending more time in Argentina.
• His flirtations with a new nation are part of a trend among the world's wealthiest, advisors say.
• Argentina may be a risky choice, but for billionaires, that may not be the point.

Peter Thiel appears to have found a new bug-out spot. He isn't alone in looking beyond America's shores.

The PayPal and Palantir cofounder and prominent libertarian has been spending more time in Argentina, The New York Times reported, where he has enrolled his children in school and bought a home in one of Buenos Aires' wealthiest neighborhoods.

Among the ultrawealthy, that fits a larger pattern. The rich are treating their lives in America like part of an investment portfolio: still worth betting on, but increasingly in need of a hedge.

"There's a clear trend toward sovereign diversification," Charlie Garcia, founder of centimillionaire membership club R360, said, including "multiple passports, multiple tax regimes, and at least one 'Plan B' jurisdiction in the Southern Hemisphere."

There are plenty of places competing to become the new billionaire hot spot. Last year, New Zealand saw a spike in American applications after relaxing rules around its golden visa investment program. Costa Rica and Thailand have also seen jumps in the number of high-earning migrants.

And some wealthy people are fully relocating their lives, rather than buying secondary homes abroad. Last year, a record 142,000 high-net-worth individuals — defined as people with over $1 million in liquid assets — migrated to new countries, according to private wealth research firm Henley & Partners. That number is expected to balloon past 165,000 this year.

But migration is only part of the story. For the richest families, the bigger play is optionality.

Garcia said taxes are a major motivator. In California, where many of America's richest people built their companies, legislators are considering a ballot proposal that could impose a one-time 5% tax on the net worth of billionaires residing in the state. New York City just passed a pied-à-terre tax aimed at high-end secondary homes.

There are also darker, maybe chimerical concerns about political realignments and existential global threats, from artificial intelligence going sideways to nuclear escalation.

"It sounds melodramatic until you've sat through the off‑the‑record dinner conversations," Garcia said. "For that crowd, the Southern Cone looks like a literal and figurative safe distance."

Still, Argentina is an unusual hedge, Garcia said. The country has a long history of inflation, currency crises, capital controls, and abrupt legal changes — exactly the sort of instability wealthy families typically hate.

That tension may be the point. Argentina does not have to become the next Miami to matter. For the billionaire class, it's another door they can keep open.

Representatives for Thiel didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

• I just had my anniversary and can say I have been in remission from breast cancer for five years.
• I am grateful for my health, but there are so many hard things about surviving cancer.
• Fear of recurrence and survivor's guilt are constantly on my mind.

When the big day finally arrived, the day I could say I'd been in breast cancer remission for five years, I wasn't as ecstatic as I thought I'd be.

It turned out to be a regular Tuesday, and I had to take my kids to school and go to work. There was no fanfare. I was here, I was healthy, and I had to get on with my daily life.

The reality is that breast cancer fighters and survivors are often labeled as inspirational warriors. We fight the battle "like a girl," with pink boxing gloves on, our heads bald, but our grins wide. However, the reality is that there are so many hard things about surviving cancer that no one warned me about.

You never "get over" having cancer

After my first breast cancer battle, I wound up choosing to do EMDR, a specialized type of trauma therapy. I wasn't officially diagnosed, but was strongly suspected to have PTSD as a result of my initial diagnosis. After several sessions of EMDR, I started to feel safer, more confident, and less like a cancer patient.

Though I fared better mentally the second time around, about three years after my first breast cancer diagnosis, the cancer shadow is always lurking in the background, sometimes popping up when I least expect it.

One day, I pulled up to my favorite coffee shop to grab a coffee via the drive-thru. As I waited, one of the coffee timers started going off, and I immediately started panicking. This is because the timer sounded eerily similar to the timers on the IV poles at my chemo infusion center.

I don't know when these fears or memories may pop up, but it's always a possibility lurking in the background. I sometimes wonder if this is something I'll eventually get over, but for now, I know I have to live with it.

Cancer continues to be expensive

Fighting cancer is financially draining, even with excellent health insurance.

I had dozens of lab, surgery, exam, chemo, heart scan, and radiation appointments in the span of about 18 months. Even after hitting my out-of-pocket max, we had to pay for the gas (and wear and tear on our car) to travel to all those appointments. Additionally, I didn't work for about six months while I was in chemo, and then proceeded with thirty-three rounds of radiation.

Even after active treatment days are over, there are still all the follow-up scans, exams, and labs, and those add up.

My greatest fear is recurrence

Every survivor knows that our greatest fear, one that's a reality for some, is that the cancer can come back. Every time I have basic labs drawn or go for my yearly CT scan, all my old fears come rushing back, and my brain begins to play the what-if game.

Likewise, I worry about how we will pay for more treatment, how another battle would impact my children, and what I would do for work.

Survivor's guilt is real

Five years is a major milestone in surviving cancer, and I am certainly very grateful to have made it this far. However, the longer I've been a survivor, the more thrivers, fighters, and survivors I've chosen to follow on social media, as well as the more women I've befriended in real life.

The reality is, the cancer does come back for some. Is there some secret relief that this time, it's not me? Yes. But it's also heartbreaking to watch the battles of others, including those whose souls leave the world from this terrible disease.

Society wants me to wear pink and continue to be a beacon of light and hope as someone who "won" the battle. I am certainly happy that the day I prayed for is here, an anniversary that seemed unattainable years ago. Yet, I continue to understand that two things can be true at the same time. I can be thankful for survivorship and simultaneously heartbroken at all cancer took and still takes from me.

• Trump renamed the Kennedy Center to the Trump Kennedy Center in December 2025.
• A federal judge ordered Trump's name removed in May 2026, saying only Congress can rename the building.
• It was originally called the National Cultural Center and changed after Kennedy's assassination in 1963.

President Donald Trump's efforts to name the Kennedy Center after himself and close the performing arts space for renovations were blocked by a federal judge on Friday.

Since the Kennedy Center was created by Congress, changing its name requires congressional approval, the judge ruled.

In December 2025, the Center's Trump-appointed board voted to rename the Kennedy Center to the Trump Kennedy Center, reflecting the president's broader effort to exert influence over Washington's cultural institutions. It happened despite lingering questions about its legality. The new signage read "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts."

Originally established by Congress in 1958 as an "artistic mecca" for the performing arts in the nation's capital, the National Cultural Center was officially renamed in memory of President John F. Kennedy after his assassination in 1963.

Since its opening in 1971, the center has hosted the Kennedy Center Honors and a range of events and exhibits across genres.

Here's a brief overview of how the Center came to be and its changes under Trump's leadership so far.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the National Cultural Center Act in 1958, establishing what would become the Kennedy Center.

Originally named the National Cultural Center, the act authorized construction of the building and established it as an independent institution with a mission to host arts and cultural events and educational programming.

President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis led the $30 million fundraising campaign for its construction.

Kennedy Onassis and Mamie Eisenhower served as honorary co-chairwomen of the project.

After Kennedy's assassination, President Lyndon Johnson signed legislation renaming it the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

President Lyndon Johnson signed the John F. Kennedy Center Act in January 1964 to change the name and provide $23 million in federal funds for its construction.

After signing the bill, Johnson handed the pen to Edward Kennedy, John F. Kennedy's brother.

"As this center comes to reflect and advance the greatness of America, consider then those glories were purchased by a valiant leader who never swerved from duty — John Kennedy. And in his name I dedicate this site," Johnson said at the groundbreaking ceremony, held in December 1964.

The Kennedy Center opened on September 8, 1971.

Designed by architect Edward Durell Stone, the Kennedy Center was built on the banks of the Potomac River using 3,700 tons of marble gifted to the US from Italy.

For its opening event, the Kennedy Center hosted a performance of "Mass" by Leonard Bernstein, which was commissioned by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

The first Kennedy Center Honors, an award ceremony honoring artistic contributions to American life and culture, took place in 1978.

The first Kennedy Center honorees included Fred Astaire, Marian Anderson, George Balanchine, Arthur Rubinstein, and Richard Rodgers.

The Kennedy Center has hosted iconic performances and honored legendary artists with its distinctive rainbow ribbon medallions.

Beyoncé brought the Kennedy Center to its feet with a fiery tribute to Tina Turner in 2005, and President Barack Obama shed tears as he watched Aretha Franklin perform "Natural Woman" to honor Carole King in 2015.

President Donald Trump has implemented sweeping changes to the Kennedy Center, encompassing the board of trustees and the design of the medallions.

Trump did not attend the Kennedy Center Honors during his first term, but has taken a much more active role in shaping the institution in his second non-consecutive term.

After taking office earlier this year, he fired the president and Biden-appointed members of the Kennedy Center's board of trustees, replacing them with allies and members of his administration. The board then elected Trump as its chairman.

While visiting the performance venue in March, Trump told board members that the building was in "bad shape" and said he planned to renovate the space.

"We're going to make a lot of changes, including the seats, the décor, pretty much everything needs a lot of work," he said.

At the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors, held on December 7, honorees received newly designed medallions from Tiffany, featuring blue ribbons instead of the traditional rainbow colors.

The biggest change occurred in December, when the Trump-appointed board of trustees voted to rename the center the Trump Kennedy Center.

In December, the White House announced that the board had "unanimously" voted to rename the Kennedy Center the Trump Kennedy Center, and the website was updated to reflect the change.

Trump's name was added to the building's signage on December 19, reading "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts."

"The unanimous vote recognizes that the current Chairman saved the institution from financial ruin and physical destruction," Roma Daravi, the center's vice president of public relations, said in a statement to Business Insider. "The new Trump Kennedy Center reflects the unequivocal bipartisan support for America's cultural center for generations to come."

Trump said he was "honored," while Democratic lawmakers and members of the Kennedy family criticized the president.

Kennedy's grandson, Jack Schlossberg, contested the White House's claim of a unanimous vote, writing on X that "microphones were muted and the board meeting and vote NOT unanimous," while Kennedy's niece, Maria Shriver, wrote on X that the change is not acceptable.

Six Democratic lawmakers said in a statement that Trump was "attempting to affix his name to yet another public institution without legal authority."

In February, Trump announced that the Kennedy Center would close for two years for renovations, starting in July.

Trump announced in a Truth Social post that the center will be closed for renovations for two years, starting July 4.

Trump also called the Center "tired, broken, and dilapidated," and said that the administration consulted with contractors, music experts, art institutions, and other advisors and consultants to review the building.

In his post, Trump said the period of closure would involve a complete rebuilding of the Center, to make it "the finest Performing Arts Facility of its kind, anywhere in the World."

Representatives for the White House did not respond to queries from Business Insider asking how much the project would cost.

In May, a federal judge ruled that the Kennedy Center's name change and planned closure were both unlawful.

As part of a lawsuit brought by Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty, who serves as an ex officio Kennedy Center member, Judge Christopher R. Cooper wrote in his ruling that "Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it," and ordered that Trump's name be removed from the building and other materials.

Cooper also wrote in his ruling that Kennedy Center board members did not have "sufficient information" to "make a well-considered decision" before they voted to close the Center for two years and ordered it to remain open.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Ground beef just hit a record $6.89 a pound, up 80% since 2019 — and nobody along the supply chain sees relief coming. Ranchers like Eric Gropper point to years of drought that have shrunk cattle herds to their lowest level in decades. Meanwhile, meatpackers have been hammered by labor shortages and plant closures. And restaurants have had no choice but to keep raising prices.

But how much of this is the market, and how much is manipulation? Since the late 1970s, just four companies — Tyson, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef — have come to control roughly 80% of the American beef market. The Justice Department is now investigating, and McDonald's and Target are among those suing over alleged price-fixing.

So how much has consolidation driven up prices? And would breaking up these companies actually lead to lower beef prices?

The second Grand Slam of the year is underway on the clay courts of Roland Garros, and it's proving to be tough tournament so far. We've scoured the global streaming options to highlight everything you need to know about where to watch the French Open, including free options.

In the US, coverage is available across TNT and truTV and live streamable in full via HBO Max. TNT Sports coverage via HBO Max is also the go-to option in the UK, although most other European nations will need Eurosport to access live streams. One exception is the host nation, France, which will offer select content for free via France.TV (with some matches on Prime Video). Australia will carry the full tournament on Stan Sport, with select free coverage on 9Now. You can access streaming options from anywhere by using a VPN. Keep reading to learn additional worldwide viewing options and info about the tournament.

Where to watch the French Open for free

Certain countries will offer select free coverage of the French Open. In France, free streaming is available through France.TV. In Australia, free streaming options can be found on 9Now. Both services just require account creation if you don't already have one.

How to watch the French Open from anywhere

If you're away from the location where your streaming service works and still want to access your free streaming options, you can do so with a VPN. VPNs, or virtual private networks, are handy tools that let people temporarily change the digital location of their devices. They're especially popular among those looking to upgrade their cybersecurity or access their usual websites and apps while traveling abroad.

NordVPN is one of the best VPNs on the market. It's fast, easy to use, and offers an impressive selection of global servers. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so it's no sweat if you find that it's not helping you.

Where to watch the French Open in the US

The French Open is available across TNT and truTV in the US. The best way to live stream every moment of the Roland Garros action is through HBO Max. You'll need one of the ad-free tiers of service to access sports streaming. These plans start at $18.49 a month. You can also get HBO Max in some of the Disney Plus bundles.

If you'd prefer to watch on a service that carries other channels (in addition to TNT and truTV), then one of the best live TV streaming services will be able to help you out. After testing, DirecTV is our best overall pick right now, and you can catch TNT and truTV through one of the budget-friendly genre packs (in addition to all of the signature plans). DirecTV's MySports plan carries around 20 popular sports channels and unlocks access to ESPN Unlimited. MySports costs $65 a month, but new users can get $15 a month off their first two months after a five-day free trial.

Where to watch the French Open in the UK

TNT Sports will carry French Open coverage in the UK. Fans can live stream all coverage on HBO Max, the new home of TNT Sports. Subscriptions for TNT Sports access cost £31 a month, but you can usually find some monthly savings if you commit to a longer contract. If you were previously using Discovery Plus to live stream TNT Sports and haven't yet made the switch, you can log into HBO Max by using your Discovery credentials, and you should be all set to start watching.

Where to watch the French Open in France

France will offer extensive free French Open coverage for the host nation. Live streams will be available on France.TV, a free streaming option that just requires account creation to use. Select French Open coverage will be shown on Prime Video in France. While Prime Video is a paid option, the service usually offers a generous free trial for those who haven't had an account in quite some time or haven't had one at all.

Where to watch the French Open in Australia

Australians will be able to catch French Open action on 9Now and Stan Sport. 9Now is a free streaming option (you'll just need to create a login if you haven't already) with select coverage. If you want to watch every single match, you'll need a paid Stan Sport subscription. Stan costs $12 a month for the base plan, and then an extra $20 a month for the sports add-on. In total, this will run you $32 a month.

Where is the French Open?

The French Open is held at Stade Roland Garros in Paris. Court Philippe-Chatrier is where most of the biggest matches take place.

Who is competing at the French Open?

Given the high-stakes nature of Grand Slam tournaments, you can expect to see most of the usual suspects hitting the court at Roland Garros. On the WTA side, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff (defending champion), Iga Świątek, and Naomi Osaka have all passed through the first couple of rounds.

The men's tournament has been much more surprising, with several shock early eliminations for the ATP. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner was bounced in the second round, as was Ben Shelton. The third round saw the elimination of Novak Djokovic and Alex de Minaur, and Daniil Medvedev was defeated back in the first round. Reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz isn't competing in this year's tournament due to a wrist injury, and the Sinner and Djokovic eliminations leave the field wide open.

When is the next Grand Slam?

The French Open will wrap up in early June, and Wimbledon (the third Grand Slam of the year) will kick off at the end of June and run through the first half of July. The Australian Open took place in January (until February 1), where Elena Rybakina and Carlos Alcaraz took home titles. The US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year, will kick off in late August and run until mid-September.

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

The weekend is finally here, and there are several new TV shows and movies to get caught up on before the end of the month. We've compiled the very best TV premieres, finales, and movie streaming debuts worth checking out the weekend of May 29, 2026.

This week, "Criminal Minds," "Deli Boys," and "The Four Seasons" all returned with new episodes. Apple TV also launched the long-awaited "For All Mankind" spinoff, "Star City." The Charli XCX mockumentary "The Moment" has also finally found its way onto a streaming service. You can learn more about those, and a couple of other recommendations, below.

7: Propeller One-Way Night Coach

John Travolta makes his directorial debut with the jazzy, stylized "Propeller One-Way Night Coach," starring Clark Shotwell and Kelly Eviston-Quinnett. The film, based on Travolta's 1997 children's novel of the same name, follows a young plane enthusiast and his mother as they take a cross-country flight. The movie is now streaming on Apple TV.

6: Criminal Minds: Evolution

One of TV's most iconic crime procedurals returned for a 19th season this week. "Criminal Minds," now in its "Criminal Minds: Evolution" streaming exclusive rebrand, finds the BAU gang once again on the hunt for serial killers. Notably, "Heated Rivalry" star Connor Storrie will have a multi-episode arc this season, which was filmed before the popular hockey romance series took off. New episodes of "Criminal Minds: Evolution" stream on Thursdays on Paramount Plus.

5: The Four Seasons

Co-created by Tina Fey and adapted from the '80s film of the same name, "The Four Seasons" returns for a second outing. This time, the vacationing group of longtime friends battles grief after losing one of their own. The second season stars Fey, Will Forte, Colman Domingo, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Marco Calvani, and Erika Henningsen. All episodes are streaming on Netflix.

4: Deli Boys

The crime comedy "Deli Boys" returns for a second season, and the action is heating up for Mir and Raj. The series follows two Pakistani-American brothers, who discover their deli-chain-owner father's criminal enterprise after his death. The show stars Asif Ali, Saagar Shaikh, and Poorna Jagannathan, and Fred Armisen joins the cast for Season 2. Six new episodes are streaming on Hulu and the Disney Plus and Hulu bundle.

3: The Moment

After an explosive Brat Summer in 2024, Charli XCX followed up with a mockumentary instead of a traditional tour documentary. The A24 film follows the pop star as she prepares to go on tour, where she deals with an intriguing cast of characters, starring Alexander Skarsgård, Rosanna Arquette, Kate Berlant, and Jamie Demetriou. A few other faces pop up, including Kylie Jenner. The movie is now streaming on HBO Max.

2: Star City

Apple TV's long-running alternative history series, "For All Mankind," wrapped up its fifth and penultimate season this week, but fans are in luck. The spinoff "Star City" premiered this week and follows the same story as "For All Mankind" (set in a universe where the Soviet Union beat the United States to putting a man on the moon and the space race continued), but this time showing things from the USSR's perspective. New episodes drop on Fridays on Apple TV.

1: Hacks

After five stellar years (and the full gamut of HBO Max rebrands), "Hacks" came to an end on Thursday night. The Emmy Award-winning comedy series, a two-hander between a baby boomer stand-up comedian (Jean Smart) and her Gen Z writer (Hannah Einbinder), celebrates the complex, devoted, and ultimately life-affirming relationship between the two women, and the finale is a dutiful send-up to all of that. The final episode leans into the series' best sucker-punch tendencies for a touching (but fair warning, tear-jerking) conclusion, which is now streaming on HBO Max.

Also streaming

Each week, we recommend TV show premieres and finales, film streaming debuts, and stand-up comedy specials, but there are several ongoing series that are currently dropping excellent new episodes. You can find some of our highlights below:

• "Dutton Ranch" (new episodes Fridays on Paramount Plus)

• "Widow's Bay" (new episodes Wednesdays on Apple TV)
• "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars" Season 11 (new episodes Fridays on Paramount Plus)
• "Euphoria" Season 3 (new episodes Sundays on HBO Max)
• "Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed" (new episodes Wednesdays on Apple TV)

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

The Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar is the company's latest flagship home theater speaker. It's part of the brand's renewed focus on whole-home audio, and it joins the recently released Lifestyle Ultra Speaker and Ultra Subwoofer. All three devices can pair together to create a full surround sound system. But you don't need to buy them all to get a great experience. On its own, the soundbar boasts impressive performance.

Dolby Atmos playback is supported with upfiring audio drivers that create a sense of height. There's also an AI-enhanced dialogue feature that makes speech easier to hear. And though adding a pair of Lifestyle Ultra Speakers and an Ultra Subwoofer will create a bigger soundscape, the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar does a solid job of simulating surround sound and delivering deep bass without any add-ons.

But as impressive as this soundbar is, it isn't a clear winner for everyone. The biggest drawback here is that the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar isn't compatible with older Bose wireless speakers or subwoofers. Surround sound pairing only works with new Lifestyle models. If that's a dealbreaker, this isn't the soundbar for you. But if you're a newcomer or don't care about pairing with older Bose speakers, the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar delivers excellent voice clarity, dynamic music playback, and robust movie sound.

The soundbar is packed with features and Alexa+ smarts

In some ways, the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar feels like a playground for Bose's latest tech, so get ready to learn a lot of new marketing terms. The soundbar incorporates various features with flashy names, such as QuietPort, CleanBass, PhaseGuide, TrueSpatial, CustomTune, and SpeechClarity. Those terms likely don't mean much on their own, so let me break down what they actually do.

QuietPort and CleanBass both refer to the soundbar's ported design, which vents the internal tubing. This helps make low-frequency bass less skewed and more powerful. PhaseGuide is Bose's term for its sound projection process, which reflects audio so it sounds like there are virtual speakers all around the room. TrueSpatial is the company's immersive audio processing, which can create a more three-dimensional soundscape from stereo sources. CustomTune adjusts the playback to your room's dimensions. And SpeechClarity is Bose's latest AI-assisted dialogue enhancement, available in low, medium, and high settings.

Many flagship soundbars from other brands offer their own versions of those features, so on paper, they're nothing new. However, after seeing some behind-the-scenes demos and experiencing the soundbar in my home, Bose's approach appears to use some meaningful, differentiated technology under the hood.

When it comes to connectivity, the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar features an HDMI 2.1 eARC port for pairing with a TV. It supports Dolby Atmos for movies, but not DTS or DTS:X. It can stream music from Apple Music via AirPlay or from Spotify via Spotify Connect. It supports Bluetooth and Google Cast, as well as built-in Alexa or Alexa+.

I tried Alexa+ with the soundbar, and it works just like an Amazon Echo. Bose's more affordable and compact Lifestyle Ultra Speaker is a better fit for people who are specifically looking for a smart speaker, but there's no reason this soundbar couldn't be your primary digital assistant.

The top of the soundbar houses the device's touch controls. I found these helpful for adjusting the TV volume when entering or leaving the room. Though the soundbar doesn't include its own remote, it can be controlled by your existing TV remote so long as your TV supports HDMI CEC (most TV models sold in the last decade do).

Bose's app takes a different approach than Sonos'

Bose's mobile app for controlling the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar errs on the side of simplicity. It doesn't feature built-in access to music streaming services. To use the soundbar for wireless music, you'll need to stream or cast music from your device using each individual service's app. For example, you can stream Apple Music from your phone to the soundbar using the Apple Music app and Apple AirPlay connectivity.

This contrasts with Sonos' approach, which integrates various music services into its own app so you can stream them all from one place. But that method can be more prone to glitches, as happened to Sonos after a botched app update in 2024. Seemingly, Bose saw the problems Sonos encountered with its app and decided not to go down that path, at least for now.

I do appreciate the straightforward interface and design of the Bose app. All the main controls are front and center. Your most frequently used speaker configuration and audio controls are one touch away. If you also have an Ultra Subwoofer or rear Ultra Speakers, you can toggle them on and off in seconds.

Similarly, if you turn on CustomTune, which uses your phone's microphone to optimize the soundbar to your room's dimensions, that EQ adjustment can be turned on and off. It's easy to A/B test the sound profile and decide which you prefer. Even swapping the rear left and right speakers is a single button press in the app.

Movies sound immersive and dynamic

I tested the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar in multiple ways, including as part of a full surround sound system with two rear Lifestyle Ultra Speakers and a Lifestyle Ultra Subwoofer. This configuration enables a complete 7.1.4 experience. It gets unbelievably loud, yet remains controlled, like being in a theater. The immersion is impressive, but it's also not surprising for the roughly $2,600 it will cost to buy all four components.

Mostly, though, I focused on using the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar to watch movies and shows on its own. At $1,099, the soundbar itself is already an investment. I wanted to see what it could do, and a good soundbar shouldn't need other pieces to sound full and substantial. The soundbar supports 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos playback and features two integrated upfiring audio drivers to bounce sound off your ceiling.

I love turning on "Dune," "Interstellar," "Ready Player One," and other classic "testing" movies. The soundbar sparkled in the desert sand and reproduced the chaos of virtual reality racing with excellent fidelity. I also regularly use "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" to test soundbars. Its intro crawl is iconic, and the opening scene is full of deep-bodied dialogue and high-pitched lasers. The Ultra Soundbar played this movie perfectly. It captured the intended spectrum of audio elements.

If you want the most immersive experience possible, you can adjust the soundbar's height and surround effects in the Bose app. Separate from EQ, you can change the center, height, and surround options between -10 and +10. Depending on the movie or show, the effects can be extremely engrossing, especially the surround option. Personally, I preferred to leave these set to zero, but even at higher levels, they didn't sound overly gimmicky like you might expect.

You can also toggle on SpeechClarity, which Bose says uses AI to enhance on-screen dialogue without dulling or altering other sounds. In my testing, I found that to be accurate. On low, it perfectly boosts dialogue just a touch, which often felt like how the movie should have been mixed in the first place. Going to medium and high levels sounds among the most natural of any "voice boosting" tech I've heard. This feature alone might not be a reason to buy this soundbar, but it's tempting if you often have trouble hearing voices in movies and TV shows.

I also ran Bose's CustomTune process a few times to adjust the soundbar to my environment. But since my living room is an average-sized rectangle, I didn't notice much difference when I toggled it on and off. Other people with more atypical room designs may get more dramatic results, but the nice thing is that you aren't confined to it.

How does it compare to similar soundbars?

The Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar serves as a replacement for the older Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar, which also had upfiring drivers and similar capabilities. However, this newer Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar does deliver bigger, beefier sound overall. In that sense, it's the better high-end soundbar for newcomers to Bose's home theater lineup. But if you already own the previous-generation Ultra Soundbar, it's not worth upgrading to this new model unless you want to go all in and build a full Bose Lifestyle surround sound system.

To further test the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar, I also put it head-to-head with its biggest competitor in this space: the Sonos Arc Ultra. Sonos' flagship soundbar also retails for $1,099 but is sometimes on sale for as low as $899. Both are complete home theater solutions in their own right, but in my back-and-forth comparison, I found the Arc Ultra edged out Bose's soundbar in bass.

To my ears, the Arc Ultra puts out more low-frequency sound. In a blind test, you might even be able to convince someone that the Arc Ultra is using a dedicated subwoofer when it's not. That would be less likely with the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar, though I would still describe it as full and powerful.

Music sounds great, too, but there is a catch

Although the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar is primarily a home theater soundbar designed for movies and TV shows, it can also serve as your living room music speaker. This is where Bose's TrueSpatial technology comes in handy. It uses the soundbar's upfiring drivers to expand the soundstage of any music source.

I primarily used Apple Music to AirPlay songs to the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar, and I also compared music playback with a Sonos Arc Ultra. The Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar has a slightly sharper sound with the default EQ. Even though there's full, rich bass, the highs cut through more, and the whole sound is brighter than Sonos' offering.

There's another distinction between the two. The Sonos Arc Ultra supports native Dolby Atmos music playback, while the Bose Lifestyle Ultra only supports Atmos for movies and TV shows. With native Dolby Atmos playback, a soundbar uses metadata embedded in the music track by the recording engineers to place sounds accurately through its upfiring drivers. Bose, by contrast, relies on its own TrueSpatial processing to create a similar effect, deciding for itself how to position the different elements of a music track. Though Bose's TrueSpatial tech works well enough, native Atmos music playback would be more accurate, and it's odd that it's not supported.

While I wouldn't recommend spending the money on the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar just as a music speaker, it works well as a secondary function when your TV is off. The volume is tremendous, and it could easily serve as a party speaker.

Other cons to consider

Although Bose's mobile app is well-designed and easy to navigate, I have run into some bugs when pairing additional components. There were a couple of times when the Ultra Subwoofer would disappear from the app. That problem seems to have been resolved. I was also having problems early on trying to set up two Ultra Speakers as a stereo pair. It's not uncommon for new products to have some software issues at launch, so hopefully these kinks will be ironed out.

There's another more notable drawback shoppers should keep in mind. As I mentioned in the intro, the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar can only pair wirelessly with other Bose Lifestyle products. Even though Bose has several other subs and rear speakers, you can't use any of them to create a wireless surround sound system with this soundbar. Whether that's due to a technical reason or not, customers on various forums aren't happy about not being able to use recently purchased Bose gear. You can't keep your existing wireless Bose Bass Module 500 subwoofer, for example, and upgrade to the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar.

However, there is one exception. You can still use a Bose Bass Module 700 with the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar if you use a wired connection. Otherwise, your only option for extra bass is the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Subwoofer.

Should you buy the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar?

The Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar has enough low-end thump to make movie scenes feel big, even on the small screen. But it's also good at making it sound like there are more speakers around your room than there actually are. It has terrific dialogue enhancement, which is not a guarantee with all soundbars. The Ultra Soundbar has plenty of wireless connectivity and room to grow. It's a good example of why this type of single-speaker solution is taking over the home theater space.

But it's not perfect. The biggest downside might be the level of commitment and trust required to buy into Bose's new Lifestyle Collection. Older Bose speakers can't be used with this soundbar to build a system. Your choices for rear speakers and a subwoofer are limited to one each — a $900 subwoofer and a $600 rear pair.

But so long as that caveat isn't a dealbreaker, the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar certainly performs well. It's a great alternative to the Sonos Arc Ultra for people who prefer the Bose brand or who have jumped ship from Sonos after its 2024 software problems.

For more audio recommendations, check out our full guides to the best soundbars and best Bose soundbars.

• Robinhood stock is flying high after launching its Trump Accounts app and integrating AI agents.
• The company said this week that users could plug in AI agents to automate trading.
• The stock is down year-to-date, but recent news has pushed shares up over 30% in a month.

The move: Robinhood stock rallied 27% in the past three trading sessions, hitting an intraday high of $94.25 on Friday.

The chart:

The stock is down about 17% year to date, but recent news has pushed shares up by more than 30% in the last month.

Why: The rally was sparked by a few 2026 headline favorites: Trump and AI.

Shares extended recent gains after an eventful week of news investors deemed bullish for the stock. Robinhood launched its Trump Account app on Thursday, a day after Robinhood unveiled AI agent integration on its platform.

The stock popped, gaining nearly 3% on Wednesday after Robinhood announced users can connect AI agents to help manage and automate trades.

On Thursday, Robinhood launched the official Trump Accounts App. Trump Accounts are tax advantaged investment accounts for American children born between 2025 and 2028. Families with an eligible child can receive a $1,000 initial contribution from the US Treasury Department. The stock rose more than 11% during Thursday's session.

Robinhood stock further extended gains, rising over 8% on Friday, after reports that the company's CFO Shiv Verma said US states have expressed interest in replicating the Trump Accounts platform.

What it means: Robinhood has positioned itself as the sole provider of the infrastructure underpinning the Trump Accounts, with potential opportunities to come from similar programs at the state level.

Along with the initial contribution from the US federal government, several major companies have offered to match employee contributions, including Bank of America and JPMorgan, adding to the funds trading on Robinhood's network.

The company has also demonstrated its efforts to capitalize on the AI boom with its new agentic AI integration.

Mizuho analysts upgraded their price target for the stock, after survey results signaled a high AI adoption rate among Robinhood users that helps differentiate the company from competitors.

Finding the best bridal shoes means balancing style, comfort, and practicality — because your wedding shoes need to look beautiful in photos, work with your dress, and still feel good after hours of standing, walking, and dancing. You might want sky-high heels with delicate straps or sparkly details, but you also need a pair that won't leave you counting down the minutes until you can take them off.

Luckily, bridal shoes have come a long way from stiff satin pumps that only look good under a dress. Our team tested more than 50 pairs of shoes, including platforms, pumps, sandals, slingbacks, flats, and dance-floor-ready sneakers, to find the styles that actually deliver on both looks and comfort.

Whether you're looking for simple white heels, romantic embroidered pumps, sparkly ballet flats, or something a little edgier for a second look, these are the best bridal shoes for every dress, venue, and wedding-day plan.

And for more of our rigorously tested guides to the best footwear, see our articles on the most comfortable heels, the best flats, the best travel sandals, and more.

If this sounds like you…

• You want a tall, glamorous platform that still feels steady and walkable: Inez Camilla
• You want a cool, sculptural sandal that looks elevated but can still handle a long wedding day: Nomasei Baghera Sandals
• You want a reliable open-toe heel that you can wear for hours of standing, walking, and dancing: Naturalizer Joy Dress Sandal
• You want a romantic, photo-ready heel with delicate bridal details that can peek out from under your dress: Eve Ivory Butterfly Heels
• You want a timeless pointed-toe pump, but you need more comfort, support, and toe room than that silhouette usually offers: Scarlett 75 Pumps
• You want one polished, comfortable bridal shoe that can be styled a few different ways: Alterre White V Mule
• You want a sparkly, elegant slingback that still feels supportive, secure, and easy to walk in: Inez Mia
• You want extra height without feeling like you're suffering through a traditional high heel: Margaux Platform Sandal
• You want a super affordable, festive block heel — especially one that can double as your something blue: Amazon Bow Knot Heels
• You want a comfortable flat for dancing, changing into after the ceremony, or wearing all day: Everlane Day Mary Jane
• You want a cute, comfortable second-look shoe that can carry you through the dance floor: Vivaia Christina
• You want a sleek, high-heeled pump with more cushioning, softness, and flexibility than the average dress shoe: Vida Half D'Orsay

How I evaluated each bridal shoe

• Comfort: For the purposes of testing, I stood and walked around in each pair for at least four hours, including a little dancing. This helped me determine whether the style was comfy enough to wear for an entire ceremony and reception.
• Fit & Support: I also assessed each shoe's supportive features, such as heel stability, arch support, and cushioning. Additionally, I considered how each shoe style might fit a range of feet, from narrow to wide.
• Versatility: In order to determine how versatile each shoe is and what types of celebrations they might be best-suited to, I tested them out on a range of surfaces. This included my home tile and carpet, as well as concrete and grass outside.
• Visual Appeal: The design and shape, quality of the materials, and unique details are just a few factors that can contribute to the visual appeal of a bridal shoe. I took these into consideration when evaluating the photo-readiness of each style.
• Break-in Time: Not every bride has time to "break in" their shoes before the big day. I made sure to take note of whether or not each style was comfortable right off the bat, or needed a little initial wear.
• Rewearability: Many brides would rather invest in a pair of shoes they'll be able to wear again after the big day. So, I also took into account whether each style might work for other post-wedding occasions.

Best overall: Inez Camilla

Who it's perfect for: The Inez Camilla is for brides who want the big, glamorous high-heel moment without spending the whole day thinking about their feet. The silver metallic and cream satin finishes feel festive and bridal, the block heel keeps you steady, and the platform makes the 3.9-inch height feel way less scary than it sounds.

Who should skip it: Skip these if you have extra-wide feet or bunions, since the toe strap doesn't have much stretch, and this style doesn't come in Inez's roomier widths.

Inez is already a favorite with the Business Insider Reviews style team, and the Camilla is one of the best examples of why. Style editor Samantha Crozier has worn her pair to three weddings so far, and writes in her Inez review, "I can't say enough great things about these platform heels. They tower at 3.9 inches, but the platform keeps the pitch shallow and the weight off of your toes." She also said that when she wore the Camilla to a wedding, "I was able to wear them for the full five hours of the ceremony and reception. This included a standing cocktail hour and a full two hours of dancing. At the end of the night, my feet were totally fine — not a blister or an ache to be felt."

Senior associate style editor Gabrielle Chase had a similarly strong first impression. "After breaking mine in on a night out in New York (with no blisters!), I've decided these are the pair I'm bringing to a Rhode Island wedding next month (and the many more nuptials sure to follow)," she writes in her Inez Camilla review. That kind of repeat-wear potential is exactly what makes the Camilla such a strong bridal pick: They're special enough for the aisle, but not so precious that you'll never wear them again.

A lot of the comfort comes down to the Camilla's shape. Its platform and gentler slope keep your foot from being pushed into an extreme angle, so your weight is more evenly distributed rather than concentrated on the balls of your feet.

The Camilla still feels like a real high heel, not a sneaker in disguise. Gabrielle said that after seven hours, "the cushioning isn't as responsive as the Vivaia heels I've tried," so these aren't completely pain-proof. But for something this tall, shiny, and wedding-worthy, it's impressively wearable — and that's why I'd make it the best overall bridal shoe.

Best customizable: Alterre White V Mule + Marilyn Strap

Who it's perfect for: This is one of those rare bridal shoes that feels as good as it looks. It's polished enough for the ceremony, comfortable enough for a full wedding day, and sturdy enough that you won't feel wobbly on your feet. The block heel, cushioned midsole, and optional ankle strap all add support, while the interchangeable straps let you keep the look simple or add a little personality.

Who should skip it: Skip it if you want a very traditional pump or a barely-there sandal. The convertible design is part of what makes it fun, but it may feel like too much if you prefer a totally simple, no-fuss shoe.

What sets Alterre apart is that the brand offers removable and interchangeable straps, thus offering countless ways to customize your footwear. I love that I can pop on the ankle straps in seconds simply by pushing the holes down onto the patented studs built into the bottom of the shoes. And then I can also take them off or swap them out just to achieve a different look.

The Alterre White V Mule is designed with comfort in mind, with an extended point, cushioned foam mid-sole, and block heel. I tried it both with the ankle strap and without, and found that I felt equally comfy in both — although the strap offers a slightly more formal look, as well as little extra support and stability on more slippery surfaces. Because the block heel flares out with a slightly wider base, I feel super sturdy and confident walking in these. I also appreciate that the point is extended to give my toes a little extra room.

I'm between sizes and followed Alterre's advice to size up to the next whole size, which turned out to work perfectly. Pro tip: To give these shoes a pop of personality, consider adding on a statement-making gold metallic or glittery strap.

Best slingbacks: Inez Mia

Who it's perfect for: Brides who love the elegance of a slingback but need more comfort and security than the average pair provides. The elasticized ankle strap helps create a flexible fit, while the plush insole, arch support, grippy sole, and 2.8-inch heel make these feel polished without being punishing.

Who should skip it: Anyone who wants a flat, a true low heel, or an adjustable strap.

Inez has impressed me time and again — and I'm not alone. Not only has the brand made our list of the most comfortable heels, but it also happens to offer some of the best ankle boots, too. So, needless to say, I wasn't surprised to find that Inez makes one of the most beautiful bridal shoes I've ever laid eyes on. It's glamorous but understated, covetable but comfortable.

I'm a big fan of slingbacks, but what makes these special are the elasticized ankle straps that stretch for a flawless, personalized fit. The Mia also boasts a proprietary plush insole with arch support to stave off aches. And did I mention that 2.8 inches is my new not-too-high but not-too-low Goldilocks heel height? It flatters my legs without making my feet cranky. Finally, the leather sole with rubber insert provides ample grip on basically any flooring.

Personally, I adore the silver woven version, which is sparkly without being too showy or over the top and has a glam old Hollywood vibe. These accommodate my wide feet nicely, but I'm confident they would fit and flatter narrower feet just as well.

Read our full Inez review.

Most elegant: Bella Belle Eve Ivory Butterfly Heels

Who it's perfect for: These are for the bride who wants their shoes to have a real moment. The butterflies, embroidery, mesh, and delicate pointed toe are incredibly romantic, especially if your dress has a slit or a shorter hemline where the shoes will actually show.

Who should skip it: They're probably not the pair for someone who wants the most practical or secure shoe possible. The heel is thin and 3.5 inches high, and the ankle strap may need additional holes for a tighter fit. They're beautiful, but they're definitely a style-first pick.

If you're in the market for delicate, romantic heels that are specifically designed for stylish brides, you have to check out Bella Belle. All the heels are beautifully designed and bridal-specific — think pearl motifs, satin bows, and sparkly straps.

"I opted to test their Eve Ivory Butterfly Heels; with a thin, 3.5-inch stiletto, these seemed like the riskiest pair. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that neither the height nor the thinness of the heel was an issue. I walked a mile in them to test, and while I felt a little bit of soreness, the shoes are so cute that I'd wear them anyway.

I love the fluttery 3D chiffon butterflies and embroidered florals. The pointed toe is elegant, and the mesh material is a style detail that I love. In fact, this is a pair that I'm considering for my own wedding next year.

Being really nitpicky, I wish the vamp were a little higher so it fully covers the toe cleavage. I also needed to use a leather puncher to create more holes to really secure the straps around my ankle. But all in all, these are a pair of truly stunning shoes that would look beautiful peeking out from underneath a wedding dress." — Samantha Crozier, style editor, Business Insider Reviews.

Best sculptural sandal: Nomasei Baghera

Who it's perfect for: These are perfect for someone who wants a cool, sculptural sandal that still feels wearable for hours. The soft leather, memory-foam padding, and sturdy block heel make them a great option for weddings where you'll be standing, dancing, and maybe moving between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Who should skip it: Skip these if you really need the locked-in feel of an ankle strap. The V-shape is flattering and leg-lengthening, but it won't feel as secure around the ankle as a traditional strapped sandal.

"The day my best friend got married, I wanted to wear shoes that I could feasibly stand and dance in for at least six hours, and ended up choosing these gold, goddess-like sandals from mid-range luxury brand Nomasei. I risked wearing them right out of the box before I could break them in, and packed six Band-Aids assuming I'd need them all. Reader, I'm happy to report that I shuffled and slid to my heart's content and only sustained one tiny heel blister the entire night.

Their V-shape creates a leg-lengthening effect, which I found more flattering than any sandal with a ankle strap. They're made with a leather that's so soft and flexible that they felt like a second skin. Thanks to the memory-foam padded insoles, I could walk comfortably without getting the metatarsal pain I usually get when I wear heels for too long. Another bonus: when the wedding moved outdoors, their block heels were sturdy enough for grass and too thick to get caught in the slats of the patio, as I saw happening with some of the stiletto-clad guests.

The elegant Baghera sandals pair perfectly with a bridal gown or wedding guest dress, but I loved them so much that next I'm excited to dress them down with some ragg socks and jeans." — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider Reviews

Best pump: Scarlett Chase Scarlett 75 Pump

Who it's perfect for: This is the pair for brides who want a classic pointed-toe pump, but don't want their toes to suffer for it. The toe box is a little roomier than most pointy pumps, and the cushioned footbed gives them more support than they look like they'd have. They're polished, timeless, and easy to picture with almost any wedding dress.

Who should skip it: Skip these if you're trying to keep your shoe budget low, or if you know you'll want something strappy, flat, or super soft right out of the box. They started off a little snug before molding to the foot.

You can never go wrong with a 3-inch pointed-toe pump — and these timeless beauties would work for a wide variety of wedding dresses, from all-lace mermaid styles to silky slips and full-skirted princess-style ball gowns. While I tested them in a blush pink patent, they also come in other bridal-ready options like a gorgeous bone croc and versatile nude nappa.

When I first slipped the Scarlett 75 Pumps on, they felt a tad snug — but miraculously, within minutes of standing and walking in them, it felt like they expanded and molded to my feet for a flawless fit. Whereas most pointy pumps squeeze my toes, these are thankfully made with a slightly wider toe box.

Scarlett Chase shoes are handmade in Italy, so you know the quality is on point — but what really sets them apart is the thoughtfully designed built-in support system. That includes a patent-pending, orthotic quality cushioned footbed for maximum comfort. The shoes are engineered to distribute weight and pressure more evenly, and I could definitely feel the difference during testing — my feet weren't nearly as miserable as they would normally be after a few hours of wear.

I also love that the heel strikes a nice balance between a streamlined stiletto and a chunky block heel — it looks sleek while still feeling practical.

Best open-toe: Naturalizer Joy Dress Sandal

Who it's perfect for: This is the safe bet in the best way. It's a comfortable open-toe block heel with a padded, supportive footbed and enough stability for a long wedding day. It also comes in a ton of colors, so it's great if you're hunting for a very specific bridal shade.

Who should skip it: Skip it if you don't like open-toe shoes or want something that feels more delicate or formal. The heel is also 3.5 inches, so even though it wears comfortably, it's still not a low heel.

These open-toe heels got the hard-won top spot in our guide to the most comfortable heels. They beat out almost every other pair because of their padded footbed, stable heel, versatile style, and huge variety of colors. If you're looking for a specific shade, make sure to check all the links above, since you can often find unique, wedding-ready colorways like a pastel lilac or metallic tones.

Here's what style editor Samantha Crozier said about them: "You can see how thick the padding is by just looking at it. The insole is contoured to your foot, providing arch support and taking pressure off the balls of your feet. The heel itself is a whopping three-and-a-half inches, but they absolutely do not feel that high when you wear them.

I've recommended these to tons of friends as the perfect wedding guest (or even wedding day!) shoes, and have gotten countless post-event texts about how amazingly painless these are. I've personally danced the night away in these heels at least half a dozen times."

Best budget: ISNOM Bow Knot Heeled Sandals

Who it's perfect for: This is the affordable pick that still feels fun and festive. The bow detail makes it feel party-ready, and the low block heel keeps it practical.

Who should skip it: Skip it if you want a luxury shoe or something very sleek and minimal. The bow gives them a sweeter look that may not work with every dress.

If you're on a tight budget or you already splurged on your dress, rest assured, you don't need to spend a lot on bridal shoes — these ultra-affordable block heel sandals are a stellar option. They come in a number of wedding-appropriate hues, like white, nude, and gold; they're surprisingly well made, and they only cost $50. I bought these in blue for my recent baby shower, but they could also easily serve as your "something blue" on the big day (though they also come in white, gold, and other traditional bridal colors).

Even while wearing these Bow Knot Heels for five hours on a hot and humid day at seven months pregnant, my feet remained happy — and if that's not a testament to the comfort, I don't know what is. The organza fabric and cross-knot bow design give these a party-ready flair, but they're also sensible, too, thanks to the block heel, which is a sensible 2.36 inches, and an adjustable ankle strap. I found that they fit true to size, and I got a ton of compliments on them.

Best flats: Everlane Day Mary Jane

Who it's perfect for: This is the shoe for brides who refuse to be uncomfortable, especially for dancing. It's soft, secure, and easy to wear straight out of the box, with enough cushioning and traction to get through a long night. It's also a strong second-look shoe if you want to change out of heels later.

Who should skip it: Skip it if you want a traditional bridal heel or something sparkly and formal. These are chic and comfortable, but they lean casual compared with the rest of the list.

Everlane's line of Day Gloves has long been our holy grail of comfortable flats. They won our top overall award for the best flats, and nearly everyone on our team swears by them.

Executive Editor Sally Kaplan is so devoted to them that she wore the Day Mary Janes to her wedding. In her Everlane Mary Jane flats review, she wrote about how these were a godsend for post-ceremony dancing and celebrations.

She writes: "I ended up dancing the night away in these with no discomfort, and I've worn them so many times since with casual jeans and T-shirts. The insoles have a little bit of cushioning, and the strap across the midfoot keeps the shoes secure on your feet.

The backs of the heels are soft enough that they won't cause blisters, even when worn straight from the box. The soles are made of rubber with a lot of traction, which makes them great for walking, and I had zero break-in period for these shoes — they went from the packaging to the dance floor without a single sore spot!"

Though Everlane no longer stocks the specific blue velvet color that Sally wore to her wedding, you can get the Day Buckle Mary Jane in wedding-ready colors like blue and pink satin. Or stick to the original Day Mary Jane, which you can get in white.

Best platforms: Margaux The Platform Sandal

Who it's perfect for: This is for brides who want height without feeling like they're balancing on stilts. The platform makes the 3.5-inch heel feel lower, and the block heel plus ankle strap help with stability. It's also especially good if you need narrow, medium, or wide width options.

Who should skip it: Skip it if you don't like the look or feel of platforms, or if you want a closed-toe shoe. The open-toe style feels more spring/summer than winter wedding.

As a general rule, I don't tend to bother investing in heels that are higher than 3 inches (at least not since I turned 35). That said, I couldn't resist testing the Margaux Platform Sandal — even though the heel is 3.5 inches, it feels a lot more like 2.5-inch heels thanks to the 1-inch platform. I was truly blown away at how comfortable these are, and not just because of the platform. They also feature a 5-millimeter layer of foam on the insole, which makes wearing these feel like walking on a cloud.

Margaux's shoes are nothing if not high-quality, and like their other products, these are made with premium Italian nappa leather. I tried the sandals in gold nappa, but they also come in a stunning rose nude and classic ivory. The best part? These shoes are available in three different widths — medium, narrow, and wide — so you can get the best fit for your foot shape. I felt incredibly stable walking around in these, in part because of the block heel and thick adjustable ankle strap.

Due to the open-toe style, I'd say these are a great pick for spring and summer weddings. These also get points for versatility: They're a perfect shoe for vacation dinners, date nights, and cocktail parties alike.

Style writer Jada Wong wore the slightly lower version of these shoes to her wedding. She writes in her City Sandal Review: "I wore the Margaux City Sandal right out of the box for my wedding, and even after 10 hours, my feet didn't hurt or get any blisters."

Best high heel: Antonia Saint The Vida Half D'Orsay

Who it's perfect for: This is for the bride who wants a sleek, high-heeled pump that still has comfort features built in. The soft leather, cushioned design, and grippy outsole help make the 3.5-inch heel feel more manageable than a typical high heel.

Who should skip it: Skip it if you know you'll want a low heel, block heel, or flat by the end of the night. It's thoughtfully designed, but it's still a high heel — so it may not be the most practical choice for grass, uneven ground, or nonstop dancing.

If you've never heard of Antonia Saint New York, this brand makes high-quality, handmade shoes in Spain with sustainable materials and a number of strategic comfort-promoting design features. That includes the patented SoftSurround System — which cushions your feet from every angle (even on the straps).

The moment I slipped my feet into the Vida Half D'Orsay, I could feel the nappa leather stretching around the widest part of my foot — no squeezing or pinching whatsoever. Even though these heels are a whopping 3.5 inches, they don't feel quite so high, probably due in part to the patented SoftSurround System, which cushions my feet from every angle. Lining the upper is an impossibly soft ultrasuede material, and I feel very secure walking in these thanks to the traction-grip outsole.

Did I mention that Antonia Saint wraps all their heels in nylon to prevent unsightly nicks? Genius.

Best second look shoe: Vivaia Square-Toe Lace-Up Sneakerina (Cristina)

Who it's perfect for: This is perfect for brides who want a cute, comfortable backup shoe — or who just don't want to wear heels at all. It has the ease of a sneaker with the softness of a ballet flat, and the ribbon laces make it feel more elevated than a regular sneaker.

Who should skip it: Skip it if you want your wedding shoe to feel formal, structured, or traditionally bridal. These are stylish and comfortable, but they're still much more relaxed than a pump, sandal, or embellished flat.

If a sneaker and a ballet flat had a lovechild, it would be the Vivaia Christina. And with a breathable mesh upper, this particular iteration is ideal for carrying you through a sweltering summer reception or epic dance battle. The Cristina is proof that you don't have to sacrifice style for the sake of comfort: The lace-up style feels laidback while the sheer ribbon gives these shoes an elevated, elegant edge.

I've consistently been impressed by Vivaia's shoes when it comes to comfort, and this particular style is no different. The square toe box is plenty roomy, the elastic back wards off blisters, and the suede-like integrated insole feels like a dream underneath my feet. I can — and have — worn these all day into the night with no issues whatsoever.

That said, they're also a perfect pair to keep on hand if you plan to change out of heels after your ceremony. You can dance the night away without a care in the world. We love the white mesh, but there are also fun satin shades like light pink, blue, ivory, and yellow for a pop of color under your dress.

And while this probably goes without saying, their versatility is practically unmatched. The Cristina is a phenomenal travel shoe, and works equally well to dress down suiting as it does to dress up a distressed pair of jeans.

Read our full Vivaia shoes review and check out more of our favorite ballet sneakers.

A guide for defining your wedding day needs

Before you shop, it's a good idea to consider your wedding's specific demands:

• Venue: At your ceremony and reception, will you be walking on gravel, grass, hardwood, or sand? The surface can help dictate what type of shoe makes the most sense: A wedge, block heel, or flat is better for sand, grass, and gravel, whereas tile and wood flooring can accommodate a slimmer heel.
• Schedule: Do you plan to wear the same shoes from your ceremony to your reception? Or might you want to slip into something a little comfier to dance the night away? We have options that allow you to do both.
• Dress Length: Keep in mind that a floor-length gown won't offer much visibility for your shoes, whereas an ankle-length, tea-length, or shorter style will put your footwear prominently on display. As such, you might go for a statement shoe if your dress is on the shorter side.
• Personal Priorities: Are you most concerned with getting epic detail shots of your bridal look? Or is lasting for several hours on the dancefloor more important to you? Asking yourself these questions can help you narrow down your shoe search.

How to find the perfect wedding day shoe

• Start breaking in your shoes before the big day: At least about two weeks or so before the wedding, you may want to start wearing your bridal shoes around the house. This will help you to figure out whether or not you can realistically wear them for the entire wedding (or need a second pair to change into after the ceremony). It also helps you break in the shoes so you can avoid blisters. Wearing them with thick socks can help to stretch out any areas that are pinching.
• Bring your shoes to fittings: It can be helpful to buy your bridal shoes sooner rather than later once you've chosen your dress, and then bring them with you to every fitting. This way, whoever is in charge of alterations can get a more accurate idea of how much, if at all, the length needs to be adjusted. Not to mention, the height and style of shoes you're wearing can change your posture and the way you walk, which can inform other adjustments the seamstress may need to make.
• Don't be afraid of a little color: Who says bridal shoes have to be white? Blush pink and baby blue can add some playful visual intrigue to an otherwise white ensemble.
• You can't go wrong with a platform: If you love the way high heels look but not the way they feel, a platform offers the perfect solution — giving you additional lift while also helping to ensure more even weight distribution on your feet.
• Have a plan B: Particularly if you're planning an outdoor wedding where conditions depend on the weather, or if you're hoping to stay on the dance floor for the entirety of your reception, you may want to have a more practical backup pair of bridal shoes you can change into — say, some fun sneakers or flats.

• YouTube is the world's biggest video site.
• So it makes sense that young directors would distribute their movies there, and find big audiences.
• Now Hollywood has realized those same directors could make "real" movies, and get big audiences, too.

Hollywood has been struggling to compete with YouTube for years.

Now it's trying a new strategy: hiring YouTubers. The early results look promising.

This weekend, "Backrooms," a moody horror movie based on an internet meme, looks like it could bring in astonishing $60 million at the box office — which means it will likely beat out Disney's new "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu." Director Kane Parsons has made stuff on YouTube for years, but this is his first film for theaters, which makes sense: He is 20 years old.

That follows the success of "Obsession," which has grossed $74 million in the last two weeks. It's made by 26-year-old Curry Barker, another YouTube veteran making his theatrical debut.

And those films came after Mark Fischbach, better known to his 38 million YouTube fans as Markiplier, brought out his "Iron Lung" movie, which he made for a reported $3 million and has now grossed $50 million.

Journalism Rules require me to point out that three things make up a bona fide trend. But I think we're actually talking about two different ideas here.

• When Fischbach made his movie, he self-financed and produced the whole thing, and asked his fans for help with distribution as well. Going to see "Iron Lung" was something you did because you liked Markiplier and wanted to support him.
• Parsons and Barker also benefit from YouTube fandom. But their followings there are smaller than Fischbach's. More important: They are actively working within the Hollywood system, by making movies with established studios — A24 for "Backrooms," Blumhouse for "Obsession." That looks a lot more like Hollywood using YouTube as a farm team, where it can pluck promising online prospects and give them a shot at the big leagues.

Which isn't a new idea. Mainstream media has been using the internet broadly and YouTube specifically as an incubator for years, which is why you know who Justin Bieber and Issa Rae are. It's true for directors, too: Dan Trachtenberg, who made last year's "Predator: Badlands," announced himself to Hollywood back in 2011, with a 7-minute short based on the video game Portal.

It seems quite likely we will see a lot more of the "Backrooms" and "Obsession" model, simply because "making movies and putting them on YouTube" is such an obvious route for any young filmmaker. Martin Scorsese would have done the same thing, if he started out with an iPhone and a broadband connection.

To me, the more intriguing question is whether we will see more Markipliers: people who develop real followings on YouTube (or any other digital platform) who can convince their followers to look up from their phones and buy tickets to something.

That remains rare, but less than it used to be, which is why it's no longer shocking when podcasters (podcasters!) fill up theaters. Let's see if more directors go the "Iron Lung" route.

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

Micron crossed $1 trillion in market value this week, a milestone that would have sounded absurd to most investors even a few years ago. The memory-chip business has long been one of the cruelest corners of tech: brutal booms followed by catastrophic busts.

I've covered this story before. Back in 2017, I wrote about Sun Microsystems co-founder Bill Joy arguing that the DRAM market had finally changed for good. His thesis was that fewer suppliers and rising demand from cloud computing and AI would reduce the industry's historic tendency to destroy itself through overproduction.

That argument turned out to be early, not wrong.

Micron shares have soared roughly twentyfold since then. Samsung crossed the $1 trillion market-cap threshold earlier this month, and SK Hynix joined the party on Tuesday. There are fundamentals behind these moves: Samsung made more than $30 billion in profit during the first quarter alone.

Now investors are asking the most dangerous question in finance: Is this time different?

Maybe.

The first big change is consolidation.

In the early 1990s, there were more than 20 meaningful DRAM makers globally. Today, the industry is effectively controlled by three companies: Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron.

For decades, memory makers responded to rising demand by flooding the market with new supply. Prices eventually collapsed and profits evaporated. Fewer competitors may mean fewer incentives to repeat that cycle.

The second change is AI demand itself.

Modern AI systems are ravenous consumers of memory because they constantly move and process huge amounts of data inside giant data centers. Even advanced techniques designed to reduce computing bottlenecks still run into memory constraints. Startup Lightmatter is using photonics — essentially light instead of copper — to speed up AI data centers, but CEO Nick Harris told me recently that this does nothing to eliminate the memory bottleneck.

So, rampant AI demand is colliding with constrained supply. UBS analysts noted this week that memory makers are signing multi-year agreements with cloud giants that lock in both volume commitments and partially fixed pricing. That should add another layer of stability. UBS estimates these deals could keep the DRAM market undersupplied into 2028.

Of course, this could still prove to be an unusually large up-cycle that eventually ends. The remaining players could flood the market again. New entrants could emerge. AI demand could cool, or a new technology might reduce the need for memory.

But investors clearly believe the old memory business may finally be becoming something new.

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

• The head of the DHS says he wants to punish sanctuary cities by limiting customs processing at certain airports.
• That sparks a lot of questions. And industry watchers say it would unleash massive travel chaos.
• A major airline trade group and the administration's transportation secretary are against the plan.

If the Department of Homeland Security follows through on a threat to yank customs agents from major airports housed in sanctuary cities, industry watchers say fliers would face travel chaos that would make long TSA lines look like child's play.

Airlines would be forced to redraw route maps on the fly — triggering all kinds of questions about staffing, facilities, and travelers themselves.

Consider, for instance, just one flight: American Airlines Flight 101, scheduled to depart London-Heathrow each day at 10:30 a.m. and land at New York's JFK at 1:20 p.m.

• Where to land the plane? The airline would have to reroute Flight 101 to another one of its hubs that can accept international flights — but only in a city that isn't a so-called "sanctuary city." That means its hubs in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia are off the list. So it could use its hubs at Dallas-Fort Worth, Charlotte, or Miami.
• Do those airports have room? DFW, Charlotte, and Miami are already busy airports, and American has only so many gates and so much room in its schedule at each airport each day. How does it weave in Flight 101 and the two other flights from London that arrive at JFK each day?
• What about staffing? The airline has gate agents, ramp workers, baggage handlers, and contracts with caterers, cleaners, and other staff at the airport. Will there be enough people to work the additional flights that are diverted to different airports? If not, what does the airline do? Send workers from JFK to Dallas? If so, for how long? And where does it house them? Who pays?
• What about passengers? Of the passengers aboard Flight 101, from London, let's say one was going on to Santa Ana, California; two were going to Des Moines, Iowa; and five were going to Chicago. What happens if American lands the flight at its Miami hub? It doesn't have direct flights to Santa Ana from there. So does it have to pay to put those passengers on another airline to get them to their destinations? Or does it have to fly them to somewhere else in its network — say, Dallas-Fort Worth — that can get them to their final destinations? In that case, who pays?
  
  And those Chicago and Des Moines passengers: Let's say the American flights are already full that day. Are the passengers just stranded? If not, how do they get to where they want to go? Does American have to figure that out, or are the passengers on their own? And again, who pays?

And that's just one example flight on one airline. There are so many variables that removing customs agents from major gateways like JFK, LAX, or Newark, New Jersey, could cripple the entire international flight operation to the US — or at least slow it way down.

DHS hasn't detailed its potential plan, so it's unclear which airports would be affected if it were put into place. When asked for comment, DHS referred to recent television interviews by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.

"They don't want us to enforce immigration, but they want us to process immigration at their facilities? Nothing about that makes sense to me," Mullin said.

American Airlines referred Business Insider to a statement from the industry's trade group, Airlines for America, which also represents United and Delta. The group said reducing Customs and Border Protection staffing at major US airports would "have a devastating effect on the airline and tourism industries." It warned of major disruptions to airlines, travelers, and international cargo.

Richard Aboulafia, managing director of the aerospace consulting firm AeroDynamic Advisory, said that people clear customs at their point of entry, not necessarily their final destination. "The idea of hitting entry points in blue states and not having this impact businesses in red states is just extremely foolish," he said.

Why Markwayne Mullin is suggesting changes at customs

Mullin has said taking customs agents out of US airports that are housed in sanctuary cities might be necessary to protect the country. He first floated the idea in April and reiterated his support for it again this week.

"If they're a sanctuary city and they're receiving international flights, and we're asking them to partner with us at the airport, but once they walk out of the airport, they're not going to enforce immigration policy — maybe we need to have a really hard look at that," Mullin said on Fox in April.

Mullin's idea has been questioned by President Donald Trump's transportation secretary, Sean Duffy, who said during a congressional hearing earlier this month that it would be "a bad idea to start restricting travel based on political views."

The US Travel Association, which represents airlines, hotel chains, and other travel-industry businesses, said what Mullin has floated would affect American citizens traveling home from abroad more than it would international visitors.

"Secretary Mullin's suggestion is impractical," Henry Harteveldt, a travel analyst and the president of Atmosphere Research Group, told Business Insider. "The secretary needs to remember that regardless of where a hub is located, it serves travelers from both red and blue states, and sanctuary and non-sanctuary cities."

How the DHS plan could affect airports

New York-JFK alone handles roughly 34 million international passengers a year and is the US' busiest gateway; that's far more traffic than any single replacement hub would suddenly be expected to absorb.

Mullin said that the policy wouldn't affect "all" airports across US sanctuary cities, but said situations like those in New Jersey — where he singled out Newark over protests at a Homeland Security detention center — force the department to "prioritize" where it puts federal employees. One solution, Mullin said, is to pull customs officers from nearby airports to help at the ICE facilities.

Airlines can't simply pack up and move

Forcing airlines to operate within a more restricted landscape would be a bear of a task. One of the biggest obstacles is logistics: Many airports in non-sanctuary cities cannot simply absorb hundreds of additional international flights each day.

Some airports are too small, too old, or already operating near capacity. Expanding terminals, gates, customs facilities, staffing, and ground operations would take years and cost billions of dollars.

Flights from places like Sydney or Tokyo may not be able — or even willing amid sky-high fuel prices — to bypass West Coast gateways like Los Angeles or Seattle for farther-inland non-sanctuary airports.

Plus, security and air traffic control systems across the nation are already dealing with staffing shortages, exacerbated by government shutdowns in late 2025 and early 2026. Concentrating even more flights into already-busy airports could trigger long lines and flight disruptions.

Take the entire state of Texas, for example. It has a blanket "no-sanctuary-cities-allowed" policy, so airports such as Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio could, in theory, take on additional traffic under Mullin's proposal.

But not every airport can handle every aircraft. San Antonio, for example, has a shorter runway than larger hubs, which can limit larger long-haul widebodies and reduce passenger or cargo capacity, and therefore, revenue.

• Reid Hoffman responded on X to reports of a DOJ probe tied to E. Jean Carroll's lawsuits.
• Hoffman accused Trump of using the federal government to punish critics.
• The reported scrutiny centers on Hoffman-linked funding for Carroll's legal fees.

Reid Hoffman is accusing President Donald Trump of retaliation.

The LinkedIn cofounder and Democratic donor responded on Friday to reports that the Justice Department is investigating issues tied to his financial support for E. Jean Carroll's litigation against Trump, calling the scrutiny "absurdly false" and accusing the president of using the federal government to punish his critics.

"Trump cannot be allowed to use the full weight and power of the US Government to come after women who speak up, or anyone who supports them in doing so," Hoffman wrote in a five-part thread on X.

His comments came after multiple outlets reported that the DOJ opened a criminal investigation related to Carroll's civil lawsuits against Trump.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the department was investigating whether Carroll committed perjury. The Washington Post, Reuters, and other outlets reported that the probe was focused more specifically on American Future Republic, a nonprofit backed by Hoffman that helped fund some of Carroll's legal expenses.

Carroll, a writer and former advice columnist, won two civil judgments against Trump.

In 2023, a Manhattan federal jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation and awarded Carroll $5 million. In 2024, another jury ordered Trump to pay Carroll another $83.3 million for defaming her. Trump has repeatedly denied Carroll's allegations and appealed the judgments.

The reported scrutiny on Hoffman's nonprofit appears to center on a 2022 deposition in which Carroll said no one was paying her legal fees. Her lawyers later disclosed that funds from American Future Republic helped cover some litigation costs nearly a year after she filed the lawsuit.

Trump's lawyers argued that the disclosure showed Carroll had lied under oath; the judge overseeing Carroll's lawsuits ruled the funding had no bearing on her credibility and blocked questions about it at trial.

Hoffman framed the reported investigation as retaliation.

"He is investigating me because I supported E Jean's lawsuit — where a jury found Trump liable for sexually assaulting her, and a court of appeals upheld the decision," Hoffman wrote. "Trump hopes that these fraudulent investigations will silence those who stand up to him. He is wrong. I will not bend the knee."

Representatives for Hoffman, Carroll, and the White House didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. The DOJ told Business Insider it does not comment on investigations.

• Zig, an open-source programming language, bans contributors from using AI to code, edit, or debug.
• Zig president Andrew Kelley said that the AI-generated contributions have "no value whatsoever."
• "They have negative value, because they take review time away from the team," Kelley said.

Zig has put its foot down: No AI code allowed.

The open-source programming language is maintained by a 501(c)(3) and a network of contributors. Any programmer can submit code to its repository — so long as they follow a code of conduct.

One of Zig's rules bans the submission of AI-assisted code. The policy is clear: They will accept no LLM-generated content, nothing paraphrased from an LLM, and nothing edited, brainstormed, or debugged by an LLM. In short: Keep AI out of it.

On the JetBrains podcast, Zig President Andrew Kelley called AI-assisted contributions "invariably garbage."

"People are sending us contributions that have no value whatsoever," Kelley said. "They have negative value, because they take review time away from the team."

Code contributions are reviewed by a handful of core team members. That's the "bottleneck," as Kelley puts it: There are more pull requests than reviewers. At the time of the recording, Kelley said that Zig had 200 open pull requests.

Those AI-generated "slop contributions" slow the whole team down even more, Kelley said. "We've wasted everybody's time."

While Zig is relatively small, it's had an outsize impact. The language was used to create Bun, for instance, which was later acquired by Anthropic. The AI ban later stirred drama between Bun and Zig.

AI-assisted code has ripped through Silicon Valley, thanks to tools like Claude Code and OpenAI's Codex. Some use AI to edit or modify their code; others use it to draft it entirely. Big Tech companies have projected lofty goals for the percentage of code that should be — and already is — written with AI.

Zig doesn't have a mandate to be maximally efficient like these public companies. Instead, "mentorship" is part of its core mission, Kelley said, making AI contributions counterproductive.

"We're all trying to get better at programming," Kelley said. "People who are sending AI pull requests, those people are not helping this goal."

These AI coders are "drive-by contributors," those who may submit a pull request or two, but will never join the core team, Kelley said.

The AI ban is also simpler. Kelley said that if he tried to say only "good" AI pull requests would be accepted, the reviewers would have to judge each one.

"If I say none whatsoever, then it's a very easy policy to enforce," he said.

• I got the same items at Baskin-Robbins and Cold Stone Creamery to see which had better ice cream.
• I had high hopes for Cold Stone Creamery, but its prices and milkshake left me disappointed. 
• Baskin-Robbins' delicious chocolate ice cream and lower prices made it my favorite chain of the two.

There are a lot of ice-cream chains out there, but Baskin-Robbins and Cold Stone Creamery are among the most popular. 

Baskin-Robbins has thousands of shops across the US and outside of it, and Cold Stone Creamery has several hundred locations worldwide. Both chains have many storefronts — but which has the tastiest ice cream? 

To answer this question, I ordered and compared the same items from both chains — vanilla ice cream with M&M's in a cup, chocolate ice cream in a cone, and a strawberry milkshake. 

Although the prices in this comparison are what I paid when I completed this in late 2023, current menu prices have been added for additional context.

Here's how my orders compared.

My first stop was Baskin-Robbins.

The store's exterior was decked out with bright colors — the door handle was even shaped like its signature pink spoon.

Inside, I saw a variety of dipped, decorated, and plain cones on display, along with candy toppings, ice-cream cakes, and other desserts. I loved the store's youthful, vibrant vibe.

The chocolate ice cream was very creamy.

I paid $3.59 for a single scoop of chocolate ice cream on a cone, and it looked like a decent portion size.

A sugar cone was my only option. According to the chain's online menu, this scoop should've contained about 4 ounces of ice cream.

I was pleasantly surprised by how good the chocolate ice cream was on its own. The texture was really creamy, and the flavor was incredibly rich.

Today, this cone would cost me about $5.44 — $4.99 for a scoop, plus $0.45 for a cone.

There were a lot of M&M's mixed into my vanilla ice cream, but I wasn't a fan of the flavor of my scoop.

My cup of vanilla ice cream was $3.59, and the M&M's topping cost an additional $0.89. Again, the portion seemed large for a single scoop. I liked that there was a generous amount of M&M's.

The vanilla flavor wasn't as good as I'd hoped, with a bit of an old-fashioned, mild taste. I usually love vanilla ice cream — especially with flecks of vanilla bean as this appeared to have — but this one was so-so.

Based on current prices, the cup of ice cream would now cost about $4.99, and the topping an extra $0.99.

My small strawberry milkshake wasn't bad.

At Baskin-Robbins, I could turn any of the store's flavors into a milkshake. There were three size options, and I could get my treat with or without whipped cream.

I ordered a small, 16-ounce strawberry milkshake without whipped cream for $6.19.

I was surprised by how quickly the milkshake was made. It wasn't very thick, but still had a good body to it.

The shake —complete with what seemed to be flecks of real strawberries — had a strong fruity flavor, making it a very tasty and overall excellent milkshake.

Baskin-Robbins near me now charge about $7.99 for this milkshake.

Next, I visited a Cold Stone Creamery to order the same three items.

Aside from its big red logo, the Cold Stone Creamery I visited wasn't quite as colorful as the Baskin-Robbins. Still, the place felt pretty welcoming and had plenty of options. 

I loved looking at Cold Stone's massive display of flavors. There was a wide range of toppings, which the employees can mix into your ice cream on a frozen granite stone in front of you. 

My scoop of chocolate ice cream came in a huge cone.

I ordered a single scoop of chocolate ice cream — a "Like It" size — for $6.25.

According to the website, the size I ordered should've given me about 5 ounces of ice cream, an ounce more than what I got at Baskin-Robbins.

I asked for it in a cone — which was an additional $1.95 — making the total over $8 for a single scoop, which I thought was pretty expensive.

To be fair, though, I could've had two ice cream flavors mixed together and a topping mixed in (the Cold Stone signature) for no extra charge.

Cold Stone had several scoop sizes, but minimal cone sizes. Although the big waffle cone had a more premium feel than a basic wafer or sugar cone, it made my small scoop of ice cream look disappointing.

It also threw off my cone-to-ice-cream ratio and made the dessert feel imbalanced.

Cone aside, the ice cream was incredibly creamy, but it didn't have a very strong chocolate flavor, and I wished it packed a bit more of a punch. 

Based on current prices, this ice cream would now cost about $6.95, plus an extra $1.75 for the cone.

My vanilla scoop didn't have much candy mixed in.

I ordered a small single scoop — or a "Like It" size — of vanilla ice cream for $6.25. As with the cone, the single scoop comes with one free mix-in, and I chose M&M's.

Again, I could've mixed two flavors together for no extra charge, but I wanted to keep my order simple.

The ice cream was creamy and luscious with a delicious vanilla flavor, but I was surprised that the scoop of M&M's in my cup seemed so small. 

The current price for this menu item would be about $6.95.

I didn't love the texture of my milkshake from Cold Stone Creamery.

I love a good, balanced milkshake — but what I ordered here didn't deliver. I ordered a small ("Like It" size) strawberry milkshake for $7.

I declined my one free mix-in and chose to order my milkshake without whipped cream.

The 12-ounce milkshake was made incredibly fast — but I was left disappointed. It mostly tasted like plain milk to me, and the texture felt too thin and liquidy.

It would now cost about $8.95 to order a small milkshake at a Cold Stone Creamery near me.

Ultimately, Baskin-Robbins was my favorite of the two chains.

Overall, I definitely see myself returning to Baskin-Robbins.

I wouldn't get the chain's vanilla ice cream again, but I appreciated how generous the toppings were on my scoop. I loved the chocolate ice cream and felt the milkshake here was more impressive than the one I got at Cold Stone.

Generally, I found that Baskin-Robbins had more affordable options than Cold Stone Creamery — even when calculating cost per ounce and reviewing more up-to-date prices.

Cold Stone has an amazing list of flavors and toppings to choose from, and I could see it being a great value for those who want a super customized dessert. After all, the cost of adding toppings or trying several flavors at once can really add up at most other chains.

However, I was looking for simpler offerings this time around, and Baskin-Robbins was the clear winner of this taste test for me.

This story was originally published on August 27, 2023, and most recently updated on May 29, 2026.

• I tried Gordon Ramsay's butter-chicken recipe, which was supposed to come together in 15 minutes.
• However, the meal took me about an hour to make and involved a lot of chopping.
• My whole family loved the delicious, creamy dinner, and I'd definitely make it again.

Indian food is my favorite type of cuisine, but taking my family of four out to eat can get pretty expensive. So, like many people trying to save money by cooking at home, I decided to try making one of my favorite meals in my kitchen.

Many Indian dishes I saw required lengthy cooking times and long lists of ingredients. So, when I came across Gordon Ramsay's "curry in a hurry" recipe for butter chicken, I knew I had to try it.

The YouTube video shows the chef making the dish in under 15 minutes, which sounded pretty convenient.

Still, I was skeptical about the tight estimate, and I wasn't alone — the video, which has over 4 million views, is flooded with comments stating the dish took longer to make than promised.

Here's how it went when I tried it for myself.

I started by marinating the chicken overnight.

Ramsay's curry in a hurry has two separate ingredient lists: one for the chicken marinade and another for the curry sauce.

I started by cubing and coating about 1 ½ pounds of chicken breast in plain yogurt, olive oil, salt, turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and black and cayenne pepper.

Following the advice in the video, I let the yogurt-based marinade sink into the chicken overnight. Notably, this step wasn't included in the video's 15-minute timeline.

After 12 hours, the chicken looked great.

I let the chicken marinate for about 12 hours, allowing the spices to really sink in and coat the meat. When I checked on it, I noticed the marinade had turned the meat yellow, and it smelled deliciously like curry.

I also think plain yogurt added a tangy note and helped tenderize the meat.

When it was time to start cooking, I gathered the rest of the ingredients.

When it was time to cook the full dish, I gathered my curry ingredients: olive oil (the original recipe calls for grapeseed oil, but I used what I had at home), red onion, ginger, Fresno chile, butter, cilantro, heavy cream, tomato sauce, and lemon.

I also used an assortment of spices, including cardamom pods, cloves, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and cayenne pepper.

One thing to note is that the recipe involved lots of chopping. From cubing the chicken to slicing the onion, ginger, chile pepper, and garlic, chopping the ingredients alone took about 20 minutes.

I cooked the chicken and curry ingredients in separate pans.

I thought Ramsay's recipe created a bit of a mess. I needed to use two pans — one for cooking the cubed chicken and the other for sautéeing the curry ingredients — and allow plenty of time for cleanup after cooking.

I cooked the chicken breast in one pan and sautéed the curry ingredients in the other.

The spices made my kitchen smell amazing.

Next, I cooked the onions until caramelized and added the cardamom pods, cloves, garlic, ginger, and Fresno chile.

Once everything had cooked through, I added butter, followed by cilantro, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and cayenne pepper.

A highlight of making this recipe was how incredible my kitchen smelled from cooking fragrant chile peppers, spices, and garlic.

The mixture started to look more like butter chicken when I added tomato sauce.

Once the mixture had become paste-like, I added the tomato sauce, heavy cream, and lemon juice.

At this point, I noticed my Indian-food-loving family hanging out in the kitchen and trying to get a peek at what I was cooking. Sadly for them, there was more work to be done.

Things got messy when I puréed the curry in a blender.

If I thought cooking in multiple pans made for a messy kitchen, that was nothing compared to pouring the hot curry mixture into my blender.

I successfully dumped the orange-red mixture into the appliance and puréed it into a lump-free curry sauce, though there were a few spills and drips along the way.

After straining the curry, it was time to combine the sauce and the chicken.

Ramsay suggested pouring the puréed sauce through a strainer when adding it into the pan with the chicken, so I pulled out my trusty sieve and went to work.

There weren't many leftover seeds or spices, so, in the future, I may skip this step to save time.

Once the sauce was strained, combining the mixture with the cooked chicken was easy. I stirred the mixture and added more butter, cilantro, and lemon zest to finish.

I served the butter chicken with naan and rice.

I kept things simple with the side dishes I served. I microwaved precooked basmati rice and heated store-bought naan in my air fryer so my family could soak up the delicious curry sauce.

If I make this dish again, I'd probably cook my own rice and grab store-bought samosas to serve along with the naan.

Even though the process was time-consuming, Ramsay's recipe was delicious.

When I tasted the finished dish, all the mess was worth it. Ramsay's curry sauce tasted as good as ones I've had at Indian restaurants — and I felt proud knowing I'd made it home.

Though Ramsay sped through the cooking process in 15 minutes on camera, it took me about an hour to chop the ingredients, cook everything, blend the curry sauce, and combine the two pans into one dish.

That said, I think I could cook this dish more quickly over time as I make it more and commit steps of the recipe to memory.

Plus, I can't deny that the end result was beautiful and tasted restaurant-quality. The chicken's flavor was buttery and tomatoey, seasoned perfectly with spices like garam masala and turmeric. My family was thrilled with the dish's creaminess and flavors.

Overall, this flavorful recipe can definitely be made a bit faster, and I can't wait to try it again soon.

This story was originally published on July 24, 2024, and most recently updated on May 29, 2026.