• Oil prices have slid back toward pre-war levels as crude flows pick up in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Apollo's top economist Torsten Sløk says lower oil prices may lead to higher inflation.
• "The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz will further overheat the economy," Sløk said.

Oil prices are pulling back toward pre-war levels, but one economist doesn't see the move as a reason to expect lower inflation.

US oil prices dropped by about 4% on Wednesday, briefly dipping below $70 a barrel for the first time since early March. Brent oil fell 5% to about $72 a barrel.

The drop follows the US and Iran's signing of a memorandum of understanding to end the nearly four-month conflict, with crude flows through the Strait of Hormuz picking up on Wednesday.

High oil prices driven by the war led to a resurgence of inflation worries in the last few months, but Apollo Global Management's top economist says that cheaper oil isn't necessarily a reason to expect disinflation.

"The narrative in markets is changing from 'lower oil prices mean lower inflation' to 'lower oil prices mean more demand in an already overheating economy, which means higher inflation,'" Torsten Sløk wrote on Wednesday.

He pointed to a slew of factors that he says show inflation continues to rise even as oil has pulled back from wartime highs.

"Driven by the strong April CPI, hot May non-farm payrolls and a hawkish Fed, the market narrative now suggests that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz will further overheat the economy, forcing the Fed to raise interest rates soon," the leading economist laid out.

Oil prices accelerated their declines from recent peaks after the US and Iran signed a tentative deal on June 17. Since then, the details and sticking points of the agreement have come into focus, but oil has continued its decline.

Market experts expect the downward move to continue.

"Oil prices are likely to remain under pressure as supply recovers and risk premiums continue to unwind," MUFG Research analyst Soojin Kim said.

"While key issues, including Iran's nuclear program, the Lebanon ceasefire, and the full reopening of Hormuz, remain unresolved, the market is increasingly pricing in a normalisation of regional energy flows," the analyst added.

This week, analysts at Goldman Sachs said that the disruption to energy flows will be offset in the coming year by more widespread adoption of electric vehicles around the world.

The bank said that the oil shock will fade, driving Brent crude prices to the mid-$50 a barrel level by the end of 2027, a drop of about 23%.

Day two of Prime Day is live, and by now, the decision fatigue has almost certainly set in. As the anchor of Business Insider's Valued newsletter, I know this firsthand.

The BI Reviews team has published our share of comprehensive Prime Day deal guides. They're the result of a tremendous amount of deal hunting, research, and product expertise and testing, and we stand by them. Still, you're probably not looking for another list of 100+ "must-buy" options to sift through — which is why we're treating Prime Day like a bracket and crowning just one ultimate winner per category.

Our editors have spent months testing products at home and on the road, tracking historical pricing data, and figuring out what's actually worth buying when it's NOT on sale. In the lead up to Prime Day, we vetted testing insights and weeded out the cheap knock-offs to ensure every recommendation we make holds up. But after a while, even a carefully curated list of great deals can start to feel like homework.

For this live blog, instead of showing you hundreds of deals, I asked my fellow BI Reviews editors a simple question: If you could only buy one product in your category before Prime Day ends, what would it be?

Our tech editor picked the ONE TV worth the upgrade, our home editor gave me ONE vacuum recommendation, our culinary tester chose the ONE air fryer worth the counter space in most kitchens, and our style and beauty editor tracked down the ONE skincare device that's actually worth the splurge.

No fluff, no filler — these are the single best Prime Day deals in any given category, curated by experts who know these products better than anyone. I will be updating this post throughout the day as inventory shifts, so you can trust that every item I recommend is still in stock and sitting at a verified deal price.

Let's get straight to the upgrades.

The best Prime Day pillow deal: Coop Original

"If you can't remember the last time you replaced your pillow, Prime Day is the perfect time to make the upgrade. Regardless of how you sleep, the one pillow our team all agree deserves its place among the best pillows is the Coop Original Pillow. It's an adjustable-fill pillow made of shredded memory foam that can be tailored to exactly how you want your pillow, whether high and lofty or low and thin. We recommend this pillow at full price, so 20% off the Coop pillow for Prime Day just sweetens the deal.

And it comes with an extra bag of stuffing, if you need more. The resulting feel is supportive and full. The pillow is quite dense, and has a contouring, medium-firm feel that is supportive. It's also available in a number of variations depending on your preferences, including a crescent shape for side sleepers, a body pillow, and a version for hot sleepers with special cooling fill.

The best Prime Day Apple deal: Apple Watch Series 11

Shop now: Apple Watch Series 11 (was $399, now $279)

"Apple products are always popular buys on Prime Day. Right now, you can find several of the brand's top gadgets at a great discount, including some of my team's favorite AirPods and iPads. But the deal that stands out the most is on the Apple Watch Series 11. This flagship smartwatch is on sale for $279. That's the lowest it's ever been, and around $50 off its typical street price.

The Series 11 impressed our reviewer with its sleek design, bright screen, seamless iPhone integration, and smooth navigation. Its battery life is long enough to last through a typical day of use, and it boasts cool health-monitoring features that you can't get on the cheaper SE 3. If you're after an Apple Watch that nails the basics and can serve as a capable fitness tracker, the Series 11 is the most well-rounded option." - Steven Cohen, senior tech editor

The best Prime Day moisturizer deal: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré

Shop now: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Face Moisturizer (was $32, now $26)

"I've written about beauty products for almost a decade, and I have never found a moisturizer that works better than Embryolisse. It's a classic French pharmacy staple that makeup artists often use as a makeup primer because it makes skin incredibly smooth, hydrated, and supple. I personally use the sensitive skin formula because I have rosacea and super sensitive skin, but both that and the original formula are on sale right now for Prime Day.

It was the first thing I checked for Prime Day, and I immediately stocked up when I saw the discount. The moisturizer isn't that expensive to begin with (about $28 for a 3.4-ounce bottle), but right now the original formula is at its lowest price ever and the sensitive formula is close behind." -Sally Kaplan, executive editor

The best Prime Day cordless vacuum deal: Dyson Gen5detect

Shop now: Dyson Gen5detect Cordless Vacuum (was $1,050, now $670)

"Prime Day vacuum deals can be incredibly sneaky, and the cheapest option is rarely the smartest buy. While I usually recommend Dyson's mid-tier V15 Detect, I did the math on this year's sales, and those bundles skimp on crucial tools. If you want the absolute best value for your money, the Dyson Gen5detect cordless vacuum is the only one you should put in your cart.

Until earlier this month, the Gen5detect was Dyson's flagship model. Now that they've launched a newer version, this powerhouse has hit an unprecedented 37% discount for the very first time. It outpaces cheaper models with up to 70 minutes of run time, 280AW suction power, and a convenient push-button power switch instead of Dyson's often annoying trigger control. Most importantly, it includes full HEPA filtration and the Fluffy Optic cleaner head, which uses a green laser light to reveal hidden dust and debris on hard floors. At this price, it's the single smartest Dyson investment you can make."- Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor

The best Prime Day air fryer deal: Cosori TurboBlaze

Shop now: Cosori TurboBlaze (was $120, now $85)

It's been a chaotic Prime Day for cheap kitchen appliances, but there's a clear standout: The Cosori TurboBlaze 6-quart air fryer is the one air fryer we'd buy today. Currently sitting at a sale price of $85, the TurboBlaze has officially hit its lowest price on record, well below the typical $100 average.

"It never wavered in any test, turning out perfectly golden fried and crispy wings," says culinary tester Jennifer Zyman. Unlike the dozens of cheap air fryers with slashed Prime Day prices, the TurboBlaze isn't just a glorified toaster. A powerful DC motor also handles baking and dehydrating — a versatility that makes its slightly fragile basket handle an easy trade-off.- Bronwyn Barnes, deputy editor, Valued newsletter anchor

The best Prime Day TV deal: Samsung S90F 4K TV

Shop now: Samsung S90F 4K Smart TV (was $1,698, now $1,198)

"My team and I review new TVs year-round, and it's getting harder and harder for different models to stand out. But the Samsung S90F 4K Smart TV rises above the pack. It uses an OLED panel, which delivers pixel-level dimming with black levels that completely disappear in a dark room. On cheaper LED TVs, dim scenes can look like a cloudy mess, but the S90F delivers deep, inky images with perfect contrast. It also boasts wide viewing angles, so the picture looks great no matter where you sit.

There are other excellent OLED TVs on the market, but none can match the S90F's brightness and color at this price. For Prime Day, it's on sale for $1,198, which is a record-low price. Since this is a 2025 model, stock will become harder to find as the year goes on, so I recommend grabbing it while you still can."- Steven Cohen, senior tech editor

• REI faced backlash after an Instagram ad featured a bike with two sets of handlebars.
• REI said the ad was generated by Meta's AI ad tool.
• Meta has said its AI creative tools for ads are used by millions of advertisers.

A recent Instagram ad from outdoor retailer REI Co-op drew backlash after some users noticed that the bike in the image seemed to have a unique feature: two sets of handlebars.

"REI using AI slop now. So much for caring about the environment," read a Reddit post over the weekend about the ad that received hundreds of upvotes.

Turns out the image was the result of AI adjustments, with REI pointing to an AI tool from Meta, Instagram's parent company.

"Meta auto-enrolled us in an AI personalization tool that produced an inaccurate and inappropriate alteration of a vendor-provided image in some of our ads," an REI spokesperson said in a statement to Business Insider. "While a two-handled bike might be interesting, it is not something you will find in our assortment."

The image, which promoted a bike from the brand Van Rysel, showed a woman in a park standing beside the oddly shaped bike.

Van Rysel North America confirmed to Business Insider that the original image supplied to REI came from a Van Rysel photo shoot featuring cyclist Amity Rockwell, adding, "Any later alterations were not made by Van Rysel."

Meta declined to comment when reached by Business Insider.

The company's terms for its generative AI ad tools state that AI-generated ad outputs may be "inaccurate, incomplete, misleading, offensive, and/or inappropriate" and that advertisers are responsible for evaluating them before use.

The REI spokesperson said the company unenrolled from the Meta tool, adding, "This does not align with our values or how we manage our brand. Product accuracy and our vendor relationships matter. We apologize for the confusion this caused."

REI is not the first advertiser to report unexpected results from Meta's AI ad tools. As Business Insider previously reported, several advertisers said Meta's AI tool had also generated bizarre or nonsensical ads for their products, and that some settings, like "test new creative features" and "automatic adjustments," had automatically been toggled to "on."

A Meta spokesperson at the time said advertisers who use full image generation "have the opportunity to review the generated images before running their ad." They also said millions of advertisers had found their AI ad creative tools valuable and that the tools improved their ad performance.

The World Cup continues with another can't-miss game. We've gathered everything you need to know about where to watch Scotland vs. Brazil, including worldwide free streaming options.

Brazil has already advanced to the knockouts, but Scotland is still vying to secure their place in the Round of 32. Scotland beat Haiti 1-0, but lost to Morocco 0-1. Brazil came to a 1-1 draw against Morocco, but they beat Haiti 3-0.

• See also: The best Prime Day deals

The match will live stream for free around the world, and we'll highlight everything you need to know about tuning in below. If you're hoping to watch additional matches, you can check out our where to watch the World Cup streaming guide.

Where to watch Scotland vs. Brazil for free

World Cup fans in several countries are in luck this year. There are tons of free options for all of the games, including Scotland vs. Brazil. This match is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer in the UK and SBS On Demand in Australia. Spanish-language coverage will be available for free on RTVE in Spain.

US viewers can watch at no immediate cost with a free trial from a live TV service, such as Fubo or YouTube TV.

How to watch Scotland vs. Brazil from anywhere

If you're away from the location where your streaming service works, don't worry. You can access your free option from anywhere with a VPN (virtual private network). VPNs are easy-to-use tech apps that help people temporarily alter the location on their electronic devices so their favorite websites work from anywhere in the world. They're popular among those looking to keep up with their usual services while traveling abroad or hoping to boost their day-to-day cybersecurity and privacy.

NordVPN consistently ranks among the best VPNs we've tested. It's fast, user-friendly, and offers an impressive selection of global servers. Plus, it includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, so there's no sweat if you find that it's not what you're looking for.

Where to watch Scotland vs. Brazil in the US

Scotland vs. Brazil, and much of the rest of the tournament, will air on FOX in the US. Other matches will be available through FS1. If you're a cord-cutter looking for a streaming service to watch the rest of the World Cup, you have several options.

Fubo Sports + News offers FOX, FS1, and around 27 other channels in its lineup. Subscriptions also unlock access to ESPN Unlimited. If you're looking for even more channels, FOX and FS1 are also available in Fubo's pricier Pro and Elite plans. Fubo Sports + News costs $56 a month, but first-time customers can get $10 off their first month after a free trial.

YouTube TV carries FOX and FS1 in both its main and sports plans. The main plan typically costs $83 a month, but a limited-time deal can bring the first five months down to $68 a month for new customers. Similarly, the sports plan typically costs $65 a month, but new users can get $10 a month off their first 12 months. YouTube TV also typically offers a free trial for first-time customers.

Sling TV is another live TV service with World Cup coverage, though you should double-check whether FOX is available in your ZIP code, as Sling's local channel coverage varies by market. If you can get FOX via Sling in your region, you'll want to opt for a Sling Select or Sling Blue plan, both of which also have FS1. When local channels are available, Sling Select starts at $25 a month, and Sling Blue costs $51 a month.

Fans interested in Spanish-language coverage in the US will need to subscribe to Peacock. Sports-friendly plans start at $11 a month for Peacock Premium and unlock access to all 104 World Cup matches.

FOX also has a direct streaming counterpart, FOX One, which costs $20 a month. You can also sign up for the service as an add-on through Prime Video if you don't feel like downloading another app.

Where to watch Scotland vs. Brazil in the UK

BBC and ITV split coverage rights in the UK, but Scotland vs. Brazil is available on BBC One. This means fans will be able to live stream all of the action for free with a BBC iPlayer account. Users just need to create an account if they don't already have one, and then they're all set to start watching.

Where to watch Scotland vs. Brazil in Australia

All World Cup games, including Scotland vs. Brazil, are available to live stream on SBS On Demand in Australia. This is a free streaming service that supports SBS channels and just requires account creation to use.

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.

Amazon Prime Day is back for another year — and with it, thousands of red-tagged deals competing for your attention. But not every markdown is worth your time, let alone your money.

To cut through the noise, we turned to some of the internet's most discerning shoppers: Redditors. Between flashy gadgets, lookalike dupes, and an endless scroll of "limited-time" offers, even savvy shoppers can get lost in the chaos. But members of anti-consumption-minded communities like r/BuyItForLife and r/Frugal aren't easily swayed. They're some of the pickiest shoppers out there — so when they recommend something, we pay attention.

And it's not just the practical stuff that sparks Reddit's enthusiasm. Entire communities spring to life when a cult-favorite beauty product goes on sale, like the Aestura ATOBARRIER365 cream (which also happens to be the K-beauty cream that our editors swear by for fighting chapped winter skin).

So we mined these subreddits, compared notes with our in-house testing data, and compiled the standout deals worth your attention for Prime Day. In addition to product recommendations, we've also rounded up some of the best Prime Day shopping advice according to Redditors. The event runs from June 23 to 26, and you can find some of the best offers available across categories in our massive roundup of Prime Day deals.

Recommendations from the r/BuyItForLife community

The r/BuyItForLife community is ultra discerning in its recommendations. The group's central tenet is to purchase as few things as possible, with the goal of never having to buy a replacement.

Some of the most popular posts are odes to items that have lasted for years (or, ideally, decades), ranging from water bottles to pocket knives. So when the community rallies around a recommendation, you know you have a product that's made to go the distance. Here are some highlights.

Budget-friendly recommendations from r/Frugal and r/SavingMoney

If you ask r/Frugal or r/SavingMoney what you should buy for Prime Day, you're almost guaranteed to get the same answer: Nothing you don't already need.

These thrifty communities caution strongly against falling for the lure of a red sale tag. For them, the only things worth buying are household essentials that you know you're going to need anyway.

Shop all Prime Day deals on household essentials.

Recommendations from the r/Backpacking community

Backpacking season is in full swing, and Prime Day is a good time to upgrade the gear people keep recommending across Reddit. Here are some products that come highly recommended by us and the r/backpacking community.

See all Prime Day deals on outdoor recreation.

Recommendations from r/KoreanSkincare

Korean skincare is still having a major moment, and Prime Day is a good time to try some of the K-beauty products people keep raving about on TikTok and Reddit. This year's Amazon deals include top-rated Korean moisturizers, barrier creams, ceramide masks, and other gentle, hydrating skincare essentials.

A huge favorite of ours is the K-beauty brand Aestura, which we swear by for intense hydration and bouncy skin. Here are some products that come highly recommended by us and the r/koreanskincare community.

See all Prime Day deals on Korean beauty and check out our spotlight of the best Medicube Prime Day deals.

Hero products from well-known beauty brands

The Redditors at r/beauty caution against buying unvetted Amazon brands that pop up on Big Deal Days sales (basically, if it has a collection of uppercase, unpronounceable letters, avoid it). Instead, they advise investing in personal care items from brands you already know.

See all Prime Day beauty deals and check out our roundup of editor-favorite makeup and skincare deals.

Shopping for more discounts today? Check out our roundup of all of the best Prime Day deals, or browse Amazon's website for the full selection.

• Demonstrators gathered outside Poetica Coffee's Williamsburg location on Wednesday.
• The protest came after Poetica said on social media that Rep. Dan Goldman was not welcome back after a visit.
• Protesters and counter-protesters traded insults. One passerby suggested the barbs hyperbolic.

Roughly 65 protesters and counter-protesters gathered outside a Brooklyn coffee shop on Wednesday after the chain banned Rep. Dan Goldman over his stance on Israel.

The demonstrations at Williamsburg Poetica Coffee shop came days after the chain's now-deleted Instagram post showing Goldman inside its Park Slope café — and said he was not welcome back.

In the caption, Poetica said it did not serve "genocide enablers" and told the New York Democrat not to return. It also said it had refunded his order.

"Hey Congressman Dan Goldman, we see that you stopped by our shop today for a coffee," the deleted post read. "Do you see how it doesn't taste like genocide juice?"

On Wednesday morning, Business Insider observed a few dozen protesters outside Poetica's Williamsburg location, along with two smaller, less organized counter-protest groups. NYPD officers separated the groups with barricades as demonstrators shouted competing chants into microphones and megaphones.

The demonstration — organized by #EndJewHatred, a Jewish advocacy group — included several speakers who called on Poetica to apologize, praised the Justice Department's decision to open a civil-rights investigation into the chain, denounced New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and led a chant supporting the New York City Police Department.

In two other barricaded areas, counter-protesters held signs condemning Israel's military actions in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. Several of them took turns using a megaphone to chant or address the pro-Israel demonstrators.

NYPD officers directed protesters, counter-protesters, and onlookers to stay behind temporary fencing. Officers also directed traffic, which was mildly slowed by camera crews outside the coffee shop.

A small stream of customers continued to walk into the shop past the protesting groups. One man ate a muffin inside the shop while watching the protests.

Business Insider spoke to several people who walked by, as well as people who came to support both sides. While some demonstrators said they were motivated by strongly held views about antisemitism, Israel, and Palestinian rights, several passersby said they had not heard about the protest beforehand and had stopped because of the spectacle.

One passerby suggested the groups were being hyperbolic. "It's a lot of mental gymnastics both groups are doing," the man said.

The controversy surrounding Poetica has already drawn national attention and federal scrutiny. The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division said it had opened an investigation into the incident, citing federal laws that bar public companies, including coffee shops, from discriminating on the basis of race, religion, or national origin.

Poetica did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The chain's Instagram account was unavailable on Wednesday afternoon.

Poetica Coffee's Yelp page also displayed a "public attention alert" after the business received an influx of one-star reviews.

Goldman, who is Jewish and represents parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn, said earlier this week that he had stopped by the café with his young daughter and had a pleasant interaction with the staff. In an Instagram comment, he called the shop's post "sad."

In a later interview with CNN, the US representative for New York's 10th congressional district said that he supported human rights and "what is going on in the Middle East is horrific"

"Now, I may disagree as to whether or not there's a genocide, but come on, we're better than this, and we need to be better than this," Goldman said about the incident. He added that Justice Department resources might be better used on antisemitism cases involving people without his public platform.

Goldman lost Tuesday's Democratic primary for New York's 10th congressional district to Brad Lander, the former New York City comptroller.

• The release date for Google's new Gemini 3.5 Pro model has been pushed back to July.
• The company has been improving the model based on feedback from early testers and its Flash model.
• The pressure is on Google to deliver amid intense competition between rival AI labs.

The release date for Google's next frontier AI model has been pushed to July, Business Insider has learned.

The company previously said it planned to roll out the new Gemini 3.5 Pro model in June. However, it is now targeting a July launch as it spends extra time gathering feedback from early testers and tweaking the model, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Google teased the new model at its I/O developer conference in May but said it wasn't quite ready. At the time, CEO Sundar Pichai said the model would launch "next month."

A Google spokesperson declined to comment.

With this upcoming model, the pressure is on for Google at a moment of intense competition among the AI labs. While Gemini 3 outperformed expectations last year, Anthropic and OpenAI are continuing to pull ahead of Google in coding, which has emerged as the first major enterprise use case for modern AI.

The source said that Google pushed the launch date back so it could spend more time gathering real-world use cases from early testers. The new model has been available to some users on Google's Antigravity platform and on the AI benchmarking site LMArena, they said.

The new Gemini 3.5 Pro model is expected to be better at long-horizon tasks and powering agents.

Google has also incorporated feedback from its recent Flash 3.5 model into 3.5 Pro, the source said, confirming a theory that Business Insider floated at I/O. That includes criticisms that Flash consumed tokens too quickly.

Have something to share? Contact this reporter via email at hlangley@businessinsider.com or Signal at 628-228-1836. Use a personal email address and a non-work device; here's our guide to sharing information securely.

• A new legal filing is pushing to stop the transition of millions of student-loan borrowers off the SAVE plan.
• Beginning July 1, borrowers will start to receive their 90-day timeframe to leave the plan.
• The lawsuit said that borrowers who reached the relief threshold would be harmed by the transfer.

A new legal filing asks a federal judge to pause the forced transfer of millions of student-loan borrowers off of SAVE, the income-driven repayment plan that the Trump administration eliminated in March.

On Tuesday night, the law firm Public Goods Practice filed a motion in a US District Court seeking to block borrowers enrolled in SAVE from being automatically moved to a new, more expensive repayment plan while their broader lawsuit continues.

The case, filed in March, challenges the Department of Education's decision to eliminate SAVE, a Biden-era plan that reduced monthly payments and shortened the timeline for debt relief.

The motion argues that legal procedure requires the department to make the benefits of REPAYE, a precursor to SAVE, available to borrowers and to pause forced transfers to a new plan while the case proceeds.

A Department of Education spokesperson disputed the merits of the argument and recommended that borrowers enroll in "a lawful repayment option," such as the new Repayment Assistance Plan, which will become available on July 1.

Also beginning July 1, borrowers enrolled in SAVE will start receiving notices from their servicers on their 90-day timeframe to transfer to a new plan. If they do not voluntarily switch, those borrowers will automatically be placed in the standard repayment plan or the new tiered plan, both of which are the most expensive options.

Austin Hinkle, a managing partner at Public Goods Practice, said he's pushing to pause that transfer before borrowers reach the deadline.

"Once borrowers start getting transferred over, injuries for lots of borrowers could start to happen right away," Hinkle said, referring to the higher monthly payments borrowers would face under new repayment plans.

Democratic lawmakers have previously pushed the department to give borrowers more time to transition to a new plan. They wrote in an April letter that "borrowers deserve to have the time, critical information, and support necessary to successfully enroll in another affordable repayment plan and continue to pay down their loans."

Have a story to share about student loans? Contact this reporter at asheffey@businessinsider.com.

• Garfield, an AI-powered law firm, has helped a freelancer win a court case in England.
• The freelancer used Garfield's software to draft a legal letter to try to recover unpaid fees.
• Garfield is part of a new class of startups using technology to make legal services more accessible.

An English court has handed a victory to a law firm that uses artificial intelligence more than lawyers to bring legal claims.

Garfield, a tech company that is also a regulated law firm, helped a freelancer recover £7,000 in unpaid fees from a former client after a trial in Wandsworth County Court in May.

The case was small, but its implications are big. Garfield is part of a new class of startups trying to use artificial intelligence to make legal services cheap enough for the everyman to pursue. The company believes it is the first robo-firm to win a case in an English court.

Garfield's software helps users chase unpaid invoices by uploading documents such as contracts and invoices, then producing legal letters and court documents. Its founder, Philip Young, a longtime litigator, said the company is starting with small debt claims because they are common, painful, and often costly for businesses to solve with traditional lawyers.

"You don't want to spend a lot of money on lawyers to collect a £4,000 debt," Young said. "It's just not worth it."

In this case, Tamires Camal Taquidir, a human-resources consultant, said she had not been paid for work she performed for a hospitality company. Young said she was originally owed about £6,000.

When she pressed the claim, the defendant denied owing her anything and brought a counterclaim of about £1,500, Young said. He said he believed the counterclaim was meant to pressure her into dropping the case or accepting a steep discount.

"To her credit, because she did have a meritorious claim, she wasn't willing to accept that," he said.

Garfield drafted the pretrial materials. A human barrister ultimately represented Camal Taquidir in court. She paid Garfield about £400.

After the hearing, the judge issued a decision weeks later. Her claim succeeded, and the counterclaim failed.

Young said the outcome was "very satisfactory" for Camal Taquidir and for Garfield.

The ruling has already brought Garfield a surge of attention. Young said visits to the company's website spiked 1,000% on Monday, after The Financial Times and The Guardian published articles about the case.

Garfield has processed more than 600 claims and recovered about £500,000 for clients, Young said. He said usage has been increasing over the past six months, with early adopters giving way to larger businesses and even a regulator in England using the platform.

Young began his career at the white-shoe law firm Baker McKenzie before starting his own boutique, Cooke, Young, & Keidan. After retiring from the London firm, he started playing with ChatGPT on a family road trip. He believed the technology would transform how legal services are delivered.

Last May, Garfield became the first regulated law firm of its kind when it won approval from the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the ruling body for lawyers in England and Wales. Domestic rules let non-lawyers own or invest in law firms — a structure that makes room for law firms to take on outside capital.

Even so, Young said Garfield has not raised institutional capital. So far, the company has been funded by him and his close friends.

Young said the idea for Garfield was inspired in part by his brother-in-law, a plumber in South Yorkshire who would call him when customers failed to pay.

"In England, we've got a choice," Young said. "Either we can build things to solve access to justice gaps, or we can rearrange it so that every plumber has a brother who happens to be a litigation partner."

It's day two of Amazon's Prime Day sale, and there's no shortage of excellent discounts to go around. Our readers have been jumping on plenty of great Prime Day deals, but when it comes to tech, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones have been a particularly popular buy. These over-ear headphones deliver some of the best noise cancellation available, and they're at an all-time low price.

Right now, you can get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones for $269, which is $180 off. My team and I test headphones year-round, and the QuietComfort Ultra offer best-in-class active noise cancellation (ANC). Rival models from Sony get remarkably close, but Bose still has the edge in reducing the widest range of frequencies. And though I typically recommend the newer second-generation version of these headphones, this Prime Day deal makes the first-gen model an unbeatable value.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are an especially appealing pick for commuters, frequent flyers, office workers, and anyone who wants a pair of premium headphones to quiet the world around them. Here's why this is easily one of the best Prime Day headphone deals you can get.

Why we love the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones

• The noise cancellation is top-tier: The QC Ultra headphones deliver some of the most impressive noise-canceling performance my team has tested, especially when it comes to reducing a wide range of distractions.
• They're great for travel and commuting: They do an excellent job of quieting low-frequency sounds like engines, fans, and construction, making them a strong pick for planes, trains, offices, and busy streets.
• They handle voices better than most competitors: Higher-frequency noises like voices and keystrokes are tough for many ANC headphones to block, but the QC Ultra reduces them remarkably well.
• Transparency mode sounds natural: When you need to hear what's going on around you, the headphones' transparency mode lets in outside noise without sounding overly artificial.
• Sound quality is great: Compared to Bose's older models, the QC Ultra headphones offer a solid bump in depth, clarity, and balance, especially after lowering the bass a couple of steps in the Bose Music app.
• The design feels premium: Soft protein leather earcups, an aluminum band, and a handsome zippered case make the QC Ultra look and feel like a flagship pair of headphones.
• They're easy to pack: Unlike some over-ear headphones, the QC Ultra fold up for travel, making them easy to store in a bag.

Should you buy the first- or second-generation model?

Bose also sells a second-generation QuietComfort Ultra, but the newer model is more of a refinement than a major upgrade. The second-gen headphones are also on sale for Prime Day, with a discount that drops them to $369. Typically, I'd recommend the second-gen model, but with the first-gen model at such a low price, the original QuietComfort Ultra headphones are the better value right now.

Here's a quick rundown of what makes the newer model different:

• The design is nearly identical, but the new version has shinier metal arms for a slightly sleeker, more premium look.
• The biggest practical upgrade is better on-head detection: the new model can disconnect and power down when laid flat, and then automatically reconnect when you put them back on.
• Battery life has improved from 24 hours to 30 hours with ANC on.
• Unlike the first-gen model, the second-gen headphones can be used while charging over USB-C.
• The new model supports wired USB-C audio with lossless playback.
• Bose added a new Cinema mode for movies and shows, with a more dramatic spatial audio effect and clearer dialogue.
• ANC performance is largely the same, but Bose improved ActiveSense, so sudden loud sounds in Aware mode are smoothed out more naturally.
• You can learn more in our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) review.

Shopping for more discounts today? Check out our roundup of all of the best Prime Day deals, or browse Amazon's website for the full selection.

Medicube is one of those beauty brands that seems to show up everywhere once you know to look for it: TikTok routines, Amazon bestseller lists, celebrity GRWMs, and our own beauty Slack. Nearly every skincare enthusiast on our team swears by at least one product, whether it's the Zero Pore Pads, the pink PDRN skincare, or one of the at-home devices that makes a regular routine feel a little more like a facial.

The brand is best known for glass-skin skincare and beauty tools, with products that lean into hydration, exfoliation, and ingredients like PDRN — a salmon sperm DNA-derived ingredient that's become popular in K-beauty for helping skin look smoother and more hydrated. Prime Day is a good time to try Medicube at a discount, especially since some of its devices and multi-step skincare products can be a little pricey at full price.

Also, be sure to check out our roundup of the best Prime Day deals for more of our curated picks. And if you're interested in more skincare products, see our roundup of the best Prime Day beauty deals.

What makes these deals stand out

The best Prime Day Medicube deals are on the products where the sale price actually changes the calculus. For example, a $15 toner pad (normally $31) is an easy way to try the brand without committing to a whole new routine, while the beauty massager devices are pricey enough that a Prime Day markdown makes a real difference.

It's also a rare sale where the strongest deals aren't just on random overstock. Medicube's best-known products — the Zero Pore Pads, pink PDRN skincare, face masks, and at-home tools — are all part of the event, so first-time shoppers and longtime fans both have something worth adding to cart.

Why our editors trust the brand

Medicube has the rare combination of being extremely online and actually used by people who know skincare. Brownwyn Barnes, deputy editor, says it's one of the brands she saw everywhere in Korean drugstores while shopping in Seoul — not just a K-beauty line packaged for the US market. She also recently tried Medicube's PDRN products and has been using one of its newer wands daily because, even before seeing results, "it feels great."

That tracks with how our team talks about the brand: these are products people keep reaching for, not just products they tested once. Sally Kaplan, executive editor, uses the Mild Zero Pore Pads because of her sensitive skin and says she keeps them on Subscribe & Save because every time she stops using them, her skin gets scaly again. That's exactly the kind of repeat-use endorsement we look for in a Prime Day deal.

Below, we rounded up the best Prime Day Medicube deals worth shopping now, from the toner pads our editors keep restocking to the newer PDRN products that are everywhere right now.

Zero Pore Pad

Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0, ($31 $15): Medicube's Zero Pore Pads are one of the brand's best-known products, and they're a practical Prime Day pickup if you want a quick exfoliating step for smoother-looking skin. The dual-textured pads are easy to swipe on after cleansing, so they're less fussy than using a liquid exfoliant and cotton pads. They're especially useful if your skin tends to get flaky, congested, or dull when you skip regular exfoliation.

Medicube Zero Pore Pad Mild 2.0 ($19, $15): This gentler version is the one Sally uses for her sensitive skin, and it's a good option if you want the convenience of a toner pad without something that feels too intense. "I have these on Subscribe & Swave because every time I test out stopping them, my skin gets scaly again," she says

Medicube Deep Vita-C Pad, ($19, $15): This is the version to look at if you're more focused on dullness and uneven-looking tone than pores alone. It still gives you the easy swipe-and-go format Medicube's toner pads are known for, but the vitamin C angle makes it feel especially well-suited for anyone trying to brighten up a tired-looking complexion.

Booster Pro X2

Medicube Booster Pro X2, ($299 $239)

The Booster Pro X2 is the splurge of the Medicube Prime Day sale, and it's the one to consider if you've been waiting for a discount on the brand's at-home skincare tools. Brownwyn Barnes, deputy editor, has been using a newer Medicube wand at least once a day and says that while she hasn't seen results yet, the device itself feels great to use. This version has seven modes and is designed to pair with your existing serums, masks, and moisturizers, so it makes the most sense if you already have a skincare routine you'll actually stick to.

PDRN Pink Peptide Serum

Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum ($22 $15): This lightweight pink serum is one of the easiest ways to try Medicube's PDRN skincare. PDRN is a salmon DNA-derived ingredient that's become popular in K-beauty for helping skin look smoother, plumper, and more hydrated, and this formula pairs it with peptides and niacinamide. I've found it gentle and not sticky, and after using it, my skin looks a little more even and bouncy without adding a heavy layer to my routine.

PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask

Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask ($26 $18): This moisturizer looks like a simple pink gel (since I've been using this pot for ages), but it actually starts with tiny pink cream capsules suspended throughout the formula. After my first night using it, I woke up with skin that felt noticeably softer, which makes it an easy add-on if you're already trying Medicube's PDRN toner, serum, or eye cream. The gel-cream texture is lightweight but still moisturizing, so it's a good pick if you want a hydrating final step that doesn't feel like a heavy night cream.

PDRN Toner

Medicube PDRN Pink Niacinamide Milky Toner ($20 $14): This milky toner is the softer, more cushiony pick in Medicube's pink PDRN lineup. I use it as the first step after cleansing before layering on the PDRN serum and eye cream, and it makes the whole routine feel more hydrating without getting heavy. It pairs PDRN with niacinamide, ceramides, and peptides, so it's a nice base layer when your skin feels tight, dry, or a little depleted.

PDRN Pink Peptide Eye Cream

Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Eye Cream, ($22 $15): This eye cream rounds out the pink PDRN routine if you're already using the toner and serum. I like it for adding a little extra moisture around the under-eyes without making the area feel slick or overloaded. It combines PDRN with peptides, niacinamide, and retinol, so it's a good add-on if dryness, fine lines, or uneven tone are your main under-eye concerns.

What are the best Prime Day Medicube deals?

The best Prime Day Medicube deals depend on what you want from your routine. The Zero Pore Pad 2.0 is the easiest starting point if you want smoother-looking skin, the Mild Zero Pore Pads are better if your skin is sensitive, and the Deep Vita-C Pads are the better pick if dullness is your main concern. If you're shopping for hydration, the PDRN Pink Peptide Serum, Milky Toner, Eye Cream, and Pink Collagen Gel Mask are the standouts.

What is PDRN in Medicube skincare?

PDRN is a salmon DNA-derived ingredient that has become popular in K-beauty for helping skin look smoother, plumper, and more hydrated. In Medicube's pink PDRN line, it's paired with familiar skincare ingredients like niacinamide, peptides, ceramides, and retinol, depending on the product.

Which Medicube product should I try first?

If you're new to Medicube, start with the Zero Pore Pad 2.0 or the PDRN Pink Peptide Serum. The pore pads are a quick way to add exfoliation without a separate liquid exfoliant, while the serum is a gentle, non-sticky way to try the brand's hydrating pink PDRN skincare.

Are Medicube devices worth it?

Medicube's devices are the biggest splurge in the Prime Day sale, so they're best for someone who already has a skincare routine and knows they'll use a tool consistently. Brownwyn Barnes, deputy editor, has been using one of the newer Medicube wands daily and says that while she hasn't seen results yet, "it feels great," which is useful context if you're deciding whether the device step is something you'll actually enjoy.

Amazon has thousands of standing desks on sale for Prime Day, with prices starting around $100. But after tracking deals on the desks we recommend in our guides, I've also spotted a few inflated discounts where the price has only dropped a negligible amount from its usual cost.

The best standing desks should be built to last, with proven stability and reliable motors. The last thing you want to worry about is piling your desk with pricey tech and then feeling it wobble and sway, or a motor that's loud and noisy and could cut out on you.

I found a few strong deals from trusted, affordable home office brands like Flexispot and Vivo, but the one I'm really excited about is 20% off Branch, which makes two of our best standing desks. Branch isn't the cheapest brand, but its desks feel premium, sturdy, and well-built.

If you're looking for more of the best Prime Day deals to round out your home office, we've been tracking everything from the best monitor deals to furniture.

• See all Prime Day standing desk deals

Why Branch has the best standing desk deal

While not the cheapest standing desk deal, I think this one is the best. Branch makes premium standing desks and very rarely discounts its products, and 20% off is the biggest sale I've seen them offer.

The Duo is small-space-friendly at 36 inches, but it's also available in larger 48- and 58-inch width variations. It's available in various configurations with a white or charcoal base and a white, charcoal, walnut, or woodgrain laminate top. The desk has a good 20-inch range of motion and is operated by an OLED control paddle that features two memory presets, sit-stand reminders, and collision detection. It can lift up to 275 pounds of gear. Our tester found the desk stable and not wobbling at high heights, and it adjusted smoothly.

It also offers unique smart integrations when you add the Branch Bluetooth Adaptor, which lets you control your desk with your phone, set additional presets, log daily standing time, and schedule your desk to raise or lower at set times or during meetings.

The setup does require two people, which is pretty typical of standing desks, but it had predrilled holes and clear instructions

Read our Branch Duo Standing Desk review.

The classic Branch Standing Desk is also 20% off, and it's our pick for taller individuals because it offers one of the widest adjustment ranges, reaching up to 52 inches to suit people up to 6-foot-8 inches. It's available in one size, 48 by 30 inches, and has an easy-to-use digital keypad that lets you adjust height down to the centimeter and also set four presets. It meets the BIFMA standard for commercial-grade use.

More Branch deals

More standing desk deals I recommend

The Flexispot E6 Max is the Amazon-exclusive equivalent to our top heavy-duty recommendation, the E7 Pro. The E6 Max is 20% off, a 90—day low price. The 3-stage dual motor leg design can smoothly and quietly lift up to 330 pounds. Also, at this price point, you can get a beautiful bamboo tabletop.

In contrast, the Flexispot EN1 48 × 30 looks like a great deal at the low, low price of $105, but it's only $5 less than its typical price. If you want the cheapest desk we recommend, the EN1 is available in numerous sizes and supports up to 187 pounds. It's straightforward and easy to use, but our tester noted that assembly was more difficult than anticipated.

Typically, the larger the desk, the more you can expect to spend, but in this case, Vivo has my favorite affordable option. A 60-inch desk is a great choice if you have a dual-monitor setup. Vivo's larger standing desks in its budget 1B standing desk series are 15% off. This desk has a healthy 220-pound weight limit and was very stable to work from, but our tester noted a complicated setup and minimal cord management options.

Shopping for more discounts today? Check out our coverage of all the best Prime Day deals or browse Amazon for the full selection.

• Citrini Research says the AI trade is getting crowded, urging investors to explore new themes.
• The firm like airline stocks, which may benefit from economic shifts and increased travel demand.
• Senior living facilities and live events are other themes it says have potential for investors.

Citrini Research says investors should cool it with the AI mania.

The firm whose viral prediction about the dire economic impacts of AI says the market's top trade is looking crowded, and that investors should start looking for more under-the-radar themes to play.

The AI market's "blind spot" is the focus of Citrini's latest note this week on "small themes" that the firm sees as opportunities for a rotation.

"The mechanism we care about is simple enough," Citrini wrote. "Capital crowds into one theme, while names outside it get under-owned, which is mildly interesting in and of itself. These names also get under-modeled and overlooked."

Citrini broke down the three trades its analysts say are likely to benefit from broader trends as investors look for new winners outside of artificial intelligence.

Airlines: Delta and United

The firm is bullish on US airline stocks, maintaining a view that its held for a few years. In November 2024, Citrini wrote about a "structural reset" it was eyeing in the sector that would make United and Delta Airlines likely stock winners.

More than two years later, it remains constructive on both stocks, noting that both were weighed down by macro trends that had nothing to do with airlines directly. Now, the firms sees strong growth ahead for both names as the economy moves on from both tariff-driven inflation and the Iran war oil shock.

"The K-shaped economy is only getting more… K-ish," Citrini stated. "And the mainline carriers know it. They're actually leaning into it."

It added that the World Cup is likely to help boost travel stocks as the global event keeps soccer fans on the move.

Senior Living: Welltower, Brookdale, and Janus Living

Citrini also sees potential in a growing industry that may be overlooked by investors simply because it's not as flashy as high-flying tech and AI trades: senior living facilities.

In its analysis, the firm highlighted just how fast the over 80 population in the US is growing, emphasizing that there aren't enough facilities to house the rapidly aging Baby Boomer generation.

"The 80-and-over population in the US is expected to grow by more than 56% over the next decade, dwarfing total population growth of around 5%," it noted. "One million additional 80-plus households will materialize this year alone, doubling to two million by 2029."

Citrini's analysts see a key opportunity for investors to benefit from this trend, specifically through senior living facility stocks and real estate investment trusts. It named REITS Welltower and Janus Living as two of its top senior living picks, with retirement home operator Brookdale Senior Living as the third.

Live events: TKO Group, Cinemark and IMax

Citrini's third investment is one it says is the past decade's best performing asset class, even more so than tech. The firm is highly bullish on live events, describing physical presence as a luxury good, highlighting a willingness among consumers to pay steep prices to be onsite for major events.

"Sports franchises, and to a greater extent — all IRL events — are benefitting from a desire to be present," Citrini wrote. "With that comes an increased opportunity to monetize through attendance, premiumization, and promotion."

The note highlighted strong financial growth and lucrative partnerships from TKO Group, the owner the WWE and UFC. It also said that consumers are returning to the movies, as reflected in the growth of theater chain Cinemark. However, Citrini also added that theater goers may be wanting more than simply seeing a film, which could bode well for IMAX, shares of which have rallied to record highs earlier this month.

• Congress overwhelmingly passed a massive bipartisan affordable housing bill.
• President Donald Trump has indicated that he may not sign it into law.
• The policies would make it easier to build affordable housing for lower- and middle-income Americans.

YIMBYs and the abundance movement are set to notch a big national victory, as long as President Donald Trump signs a landmark piece of legislation.

The House and Senate overwhelmingly passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act this week, a 374-page document with sweeping changes to America's housing policies for the next few decades. Largely, the bill makes it easier and cheaper to build new homes, prevents major corporations from swallowing supply, and supports communities most affected by the climate crisis.

Championed by Democrats and Republicans alike, it would be a rare bipartisan win ahead of midterms and would build on headline-making affordable housing successes in cities like Austin, Minneapolis, and New York.

The bill hit a stumbling block Wednesday morning after Trump indicated he may not sign it into law.

"Today's Housing News Conference and Signing is hereby cancelled until such time as we pass the desperately needed SAVE AMERICA ACT, which I consider to be a National Emergency," he posted Wednesday on Truth Social.

Business Insider spoke with economists and real estate analysts for their biggest takeaways on what the bill would mean for you should it finally become law.

Pushing down the cost of housing supply with looser building regulations

A central driver of America's housing problem is supply. There are millions of lower- and middle-income households looking to rent and buy, but not enough affordable places to live. It leaves public housing wait lists overflowing, and expensive homes across the country sitting vacant.

Emma Waters, senior policy analyst at the Bipartisan Policy Center, said the bill focuses on addressing the supply gap by making it easier and faster to build housing at a lower cost. Yet, it will take time to feel these positive impacts.

"It's not going to be an overnight solution," she said. "If we are able to bring that new supply online, that will have an effect on prices for home ownership and also for renters."

The ROAD to Housing Act is set to loosen some federal zoning regulations that prevent the construction of new affordable housing. This looks like encouraging more mixed-use buildings, cutting restrictions on alternative housing solutions like accessory dwelling units and manufactured homes, and instituting tax incentives for cities developing in densely populated areas. It also removes some of the red tape that has historically stopped these projects from being greenlit.

On the construction side, the bill revises minimum lot, building height, and floor-area ratio requirements that limit the number of units in a single development. It also outlines construction and repair grants available to state through federal funding, especially those supporting low-income households.

More resources for climate-impacted communities

As more parts of the country become vulnerable to natural disasters, the bill includes policies to support affected residents. It includes standardized efforts to assess and plan for resilient land use, as well as ways to address emergency and transitional housing needs in the event of a disaster. The bulk of these resources will be allocated to low-income areas. The policy also bolsters existing federal funding for relief and redevelopment in areas devastated by floods and wildfires.

Joel Berner, senior economist at Realtor.com, highlighted the bill's authorization of a new program within the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, which coordinates recovery efforts in the event of disasters.

"Low-income households, rural communities, and veterans are explicit beneficiaries," he wrote in an email statement.

The bill also creates a pilot program to assess temperature-related housing complaints in federally funded rental units, with the goal of making the spaces more livable for residents.

Restrictions on corporations buying residential real estate

As lawmakers put it, "homes are for people, not corporations." The bill imposes limits on the number of single-family homes large institutional investors can purchase, intended to make it easier for people to rent and buy affordable homes. This has been a pet policy of Trump, who advocated for it last winter with an executive order.

However, evidence indicates that institutional investors have little impact on home affordability. Major investors own only about 2 or 3% of the country's single-family rental housing stock, which doesn't impact consumers much in most markets.

If Trump signs the bill into law, it's unclear how much the outlined policies and grants will actually affect prices for renters and buyers and how quickly. Interest rates remain elevated, contributing to 30-year fixed mortgage rates above 6%, and median rents are at record highs — with an especially bleak outlook in high-cost cities. Improving housing supply will help, though it doesn't guarantee that the new housing will be available at prices that lower- and middle-income Americans can pay. Local cities and municipalities may also have their own building restrictions, which this federal law can't override.

"This is something that I think voters have been asking for for a long time," Waters said. "I do think this is hopefully an indicator of forward momentum, and I think there is a recognition that there's still more to be done on housing."

• New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan published "Regime Change" on June 23.
• The book details the inner workings of Donald Trump's presidency, including White House redesigns.
• Melania Trump was reportedly opposed to building a new ballroom and redesigning the Rose Garden.

A new book chronicling the inner workings of President Donald Trump's second term reveals his extensive involvement in redecorating the White House — and how, reportedly, Melania Trump wasn't always pleased with his changes.

As part of their reporting for "Regime Change," published June 23, New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan conducted over 1,000 interviews with people close to Donald Trump and sat for an hourlong interview with the president, where they wrote that he "pushed back on a few specific points" but overall did not dispute their findings.

In the book, Haberman and Swan wrote that Melania Trump considered her Rose Garden redesign from Donald Trump's first term, which included a new limestone border around the lawn and roses in white and pastel shades, "one of her proudest achievements." So she was "very unhappy" when Donald Trump planned to pave over it.

The couple eventually agreed to a compromise: Stone tiles would cover the grass, but the rosebushes would be left alone. The new Rose Garden Club, modeled after Mar-a-Lago's outdoor terrace, was unveiled in August 2025.

Donald Trump's plans for a new White House ballroom reportedly also proved contentious, with staffers attempting to manage the president and first lady's "competing desires about the future of the complex."

"Mrs. Trump, who preferred a quiet environment with minimal disturbances and objected to living in a construction zone, had repeatedly expressed concern about the size and location of the ballroom," Haberman and Swan wrote.

The president's vision ultimately won out. The East Wing, which once housed the Office of the First Lady, was demolished in October 2025 to make way for the ballroom.

Undoing Melania's decor

Haberman and Swan wrote that Donald Trump took pieces of White House decor that Melania Trump had curated during his first term and moved them to new locations as part of his own design projects. One such change was a mirror he transferred to the Rose Garden colonnade in March 2026.

"A massive mirror framed in gold leaf — one Melania had made the centerpiece of a first-term redesign of the Queens' Bedroom — was relocated to the White House colonnade, where it became known as the 'selfie' mirror," Haberman and Swan wrote.

According to "Regime Change," Donald Trump also employed this tactic while redecorating his bedroom in the White House residence, where he and Melania Trump maintain separate rooms, leaving staff members feeling "caught between the two Trumps" in the weeks after the inauguration.

"Once, when staff gently reminded the President that he was taking things from the Center Hall his wife had personally selected, he made clear he didn't care," the book says. "He seemed almost to be competing with her — determined to have the better room. The staff resorted to photographing potential substitutes and sending the images to Mrs. Trump for approval."

'She's a minimalist'

Melania Trump reportedly wasn't big on her husband's gilded Oval Office redesign, either. The book recounts an Oval Office meeting between Donald Trump and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson on Independence Day in 2025, where the first lady entered and made it clear that "she was not a great fan of all the gold."

"She's a minimalist," the book quotes the president telling Johnson. "But this is the Oval Office. It just looks better."

Donald Trump reportedly wasn't deterred from taking a hands-on approach, on one occasion using superglue to add more gold decorations to the fireplace mantle himself.

"As he was known to prefer his own aesthetic handiwork to anyone else's, the sight of the President squeezing glue onto gilded appliques and mounting them on the wall himself surprised no one in his inner circle," Haberman and Swan wrote.

The White House and the Office of First Lady Melania Trump did not respond to requests for comment from Business Insider.

• Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman argued AI will transform, not eliminate, jobs.
• Garman said half of white-collar jobs "may change" because of AI, but it won't be a "wipe out."
• He also emphasized the value of entry-level employees as Amazon hires over 11,000 software interns.

Doomsday predictions about AI and jobs are massively overblown, according to Amazon chief Matt Garman.

On an episode of the Platformer podcast released on Tuesday, the CEO of Amazon Web Services pushed back on fears that artificial intelligence will decimate large swaths of the workforce.

Instead, Garman said he believes half of white-collar jobs "may change" because of AI, but that doesn't mean they'll be wiped out.

"Wipe out and change are different," Garman said, citing the spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel as an example of a technology that reshaped work rather than eliminated it.

"The key thing is not to look at a still picture of the world and say that job's not going to exist, so I guess those people won't have jobs," said Garman. "New jobs will be created."

AI is already giving rise to new kinds of jobs, he said.

"What I tell people at Amazon is — there are going to be lots of jobs," Garman said, as he stressed the value of entry-level employees despite growing concerns that AI could replace junior workers.

Entry-level employees, he said, are the cheapest to hire, can be taught a company's culture, and are often eager to learn new tools.

"They're some of the very best employees you can possibly have," Garman said.

That's among the reasons why Amazon is hiring more than 11,000 software development engineering interns and early-career software development engineers globally this year, he said.

"They come in with an energy and excitement, a new view on things," Garman said of junior employees. "If you just have the exact same people you've had for the last 15 years, you don't get that energy and excitement and new ideas."

Garman said workers who are willing to learn new skills will continue to have jobs in the AI era, even if those jobs look very different from today.

"I tell all of our employees — If you look at what your job was two years ago, and you look at what your job is going to be in two years, it's going to be vastly different," he said. "You're going to have a job — you're going to have probably a more exciting and interesting job. But you're going to have to be willing to learn."

Garman also suggested that a worker's adaptability may soon matter more than any particular expertise.

"I actually think one of the things we start to look for in employees is not what skill set you have," he said, "but whether you have the ability to learn."

• New satellite images show Russia using smoke screens to protect areas of the Kerch Bridge.
• Russian smoke generator vehicles have previously been used to try and throw off Ukrainian strikes on the bridge.
• Ukraine's strike campaign has been heavily targeting Russian logistics.

Ukrainian forces are relentlessly targeting Russian supply lines, both overland routes and bridges, around occupied Crimea with drones. Russian forces are, in turn, throwing up smoke screens to shield a key bridge from attack, new satellite images provided by commercial satellite imagery company Vantor show.

Along the front lines, Ukraine has been increasingly using mid-range strike drones to implement a lockdown on Russian logistics. That growing logistics pressure extends to the Crimean peninsula, putting supply channels at risk. Russian forces are now repositioning air defenses and employing apparent countermeasures.

Ukraine's military intelligence agency, the GUR, has been targeting strategic overland supply routes, and its special operations forces have been destroying bridges. Over the past week, drones and missiles have damaged Russian infrastructure, vehicles, and energy sites.

The GUR released a video montage this week of recent strikes on supply routes.

"For some reason, the occupiers still think that their logistics routes through the so-called land corridor to the temporarily occupied Crimea are a safe walk," the intelligence agency wrote on its Telegram channel, per a translation of the post. But its drones had a difference of opinion, it said.

Meanwhile, a Ukrainian special operations mid-range strike unit said that it had destroyed another key target, a railway bridge over the North Crimean Canal near the village of Rozdolne on the western side of Crimea.

The railway bridge was a transport route for cargo and military supplies from Russia through Crimea, the special operations forces said on social media. SOF drones destroyed the bridge during the night of June 22, hitting both the railway track and one of the bridge spans.

Other bridges in and around Crimea have also been hit, satellite images show. These include the Henichesk Bridge and Chonhar Bridge.

With Russian logistics under fire, other satellite images have captured apparent Russian countermeasures, smokescreens at some locations on the Kerch Bridge, a symbolic and strategic target for the Ukrainians also known as the Kerch Strait Bridge or Crimean Bridge. Vantor said multiple smoke generator vehicles were operating on the bridge, attempting to obscure parts of it.

Russia has previously used smoke generators to complicate efforts to target the bridge. The effectiveness of these generators is questionable, though, as wind and weather can limit the obscurant's coverage. Also, the bridge is a fixed target with a known location.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said intelligence obtained by Kyiv from internal Russian documents tracked Moscow's response to the long-range and intermediate-range strike campaigns, including the movement of air defense systems from other regions to Moscow and to the Kerch Bridge.

"The Russians have been ordered to protect" these areas, Zelenskyy said on X, "by weakening other areas on their own territory and in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine."

Officials and war watchers have said Ukraine's strike campaign is disrupting both supply transport to Russian troops as well as energy infrastructure in Crimea.

Ukraine's Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said recently that "Crimea is being isolated by drones," saying the mid-range strikes could "lead to very unexpected consequences for the Russians."

The Institute for the Study of War, a DC-based think tank, highlighted in a new report a Ukrainian commander saying that strikes against Russian ground lines of communication in southern Ukraine, including bridges, "have significantly reduced the amount of supplies Russian forces operating in Zaporizhia Oblast are receiving from Crimea."

It also noted reports of power outages affecting equipment at the state water enterprise in Crimea, as well as traffic jams on both sides of the Kerch Bridge.

Beyond being a supply and logistics line for Russia, the Kerch Bridge is also a symbolic monument to Moscow's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. Completed in 2018, it provides convenient access to the peninsula. Ukraine has repeatedly targeted the bridge with drones, including uncrewed surface vessels.

• Taylor Swift's newest single, "I Knew It, I Knew You," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
• Swift now has the third-most No. 1 hits of any artist, trailing Mariah Carey and The Beatles.
• Swift's biggest hits also include "Blank Space," "Anti-Hero," and "The Fate of Ophelia."

Since releasing her first No. 1 album in 2008, Taylor Swift has enjoyed a historic run on the charts, topping the Billboard 200 and Billboard Hot 100 over a dozen times each.

Swift's collection of chart-toppers includes both radio-friendly pop singles and understated gems pushed to the top of the chart by passionate fans.

Most recently, "I Knew It, I Knew You" joined the ranks of Swift's biggest songs, breaking Swift's tie with Rihanna and Drake for the third-most No. 1 hits on the Hot 100 in history. She now trails Mariah Carey and The Beatles for the all-time record.

All of Swift's No. 1 songs on the Hot 100 are listed below in chronological order of their peak dates.

1. "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together"

Weeks at No. 1: Three

Despite writing ubiquitous hits like "You Belong With Me" and "Love Story" earlier in her career (which peaked at No. 2 and No. 4, respectively), "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" was Swift's first-ever song to top the Hot 100.

The country-pop crossover smash was released as the lead single from Swift's fourth album, "Red." It rose from No. 72 to No. 1 in its second week of tracking and remained atop the chart for two more weeks.

2. "Shake It Off"

Weeks at No. 1: Four

"Shake It Off" was released as the lead single from Swift's fifth album, "1989." It became her first No. 1 debut on the Hot 100.

3. "Blank Space"

Weeks at No. 1: Seven

"Blank Space," the second single from "1989," debuted at No. 18 on the Hot 100.

It rose to No. 13 before soaring to No. 1 in its third week — dethroning "Shake It Off" and making Swift the first woman in history to replace herself in the chart's top spot.

"Blank Space" went on to become one of Swift's biggest hits, reigning atop the chart for nearly two months.

4. "Bad Blood" featuring Kendrick Lamar

Weeks at No. 1: One

On May 17, 2015, a remix of "Bad Blood" featuring Kendrick Lamar was released as the fourth single from "1989."

It rose from No. 53 to the chart's top spot after the music video premiered at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards and broke the Vevo record for most views in 24 hours.

5. "Look What You Made Me Do"

Weeks at No. 1: Three

Despite mixed reactions from critics, Swift's lead single from "Reputation" rose to No. 1 after its first full week of tracking, breaking the weekly streaming record for a song by a woman.

Once again, Swift's music video broke the record for most views within 24 hours, racking up 43.2 million views in its first day.

6. "Cardigan"

Weeks at No. 1: One

Swift announced the arrival of her eighth album, "Folklore," just one day in advance. The second track, "Cardigan," was released alongside the album and promoted with a whimsical music video.

"Folklore" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 while "Cardigan" simultaneously debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100, making Swift the first artist in history to open atop both charts in the same week.

7. "Willow"

Weeks at No. 1: One

Just five months after "Folklore," Swift repeated her pandemic-era strategy and surprise-released her ninth album, "Evermore," alongside its lead single.

Again, "Willow" debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100 while "Evermore" simultaneously debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

8. "All Too Well (Taylor's Version)"

Weeks at No. 1: One

"Red (Taylor's Version)" was the second rerecorded album Swift released. It was accompanied by the long-awaited 10-minute version of "All Too Well," a fan-favorite track from the original album.

"All Too Well (Taylor's Version)" was promoted with a self-directed short film starring Sadie Sink and Dylan O'Brien, a convention-breaking performance on "Saturday Night Live," and plenty of theories about the song's muse.

It debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100, becoming the longest song in history to top the chart. The record was previously held by Don McLean's "American Pie (Parts I & II)" at 8 minutes and 37 seconds.

9. "Anti-Hero"

Weeks at No. 1: Eight

"Anti-Hero" was released alongside Swift's 10th album, "Midnights," and promoted as the lead single.

It dominated the Hot 100 for eight weeks, surpassing the high-water mark set by "Blank Space."

The same week that "Anti-Hero" debuted at No. 1, Swift became the first and only artist in history to occupy the entire top 10 on the Hot 100. The hit single was flanked by "Lavender Haze" (No. 2), "Maroon" (No. 3), "Snow on the Beach" (No. 4), "Midnight Rain" (No. 5), "Bejeweled" (No. 6), "Question...?" (No. 7), "You're On Your Own, Kid" (No. 8), "Karma" (No. 9), and "Vigilante Shit" (No. 10).

10. "Cruel Summer"

Weeks at No. 1: Four

"Cruel Summer" was originally released as the second track on Swift's 2019 album "Lover."

Although it was identified early as a fan favorite, the song was never promoted as a single and debuted modestly at No. 29 on the Hot 100.

Four years later, Swift transformed "Cruel Summer" into a showstopping spectacle on the Eras Tour. Streams of the song began to surge, and it reigned atop Billboard's Pop Airplay chart for two months. Swift's label sent the song to pop radio in June 2023.

Finally, following the release of "The Cruelest Summer" EP — which includes a live version of the song and a remix by LP Giobbi — the song reached No. 1 on the Hot 100, marking Swift's milestone 10th chart-topper.

11. "Is It Over Now?"

Weeks at No. 1: One

"Is It Over Now?" was released as the final vault track on "1989 (Taylor's Version)," a rerecording of her beloved fifth album.

Although it wasn't initially slated as a single, its enthusiastic reception from fans pushed Swift's team to serve the song to pop radio.

"Is It Over Now?" debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100, dethroning "Cruel Summer." Swift remains the only woman in history to replace herself in the top spot, a feat she's now achieved twice.

12. "Fortnight" featuring Post Malone

Weeks at No. 1: Two

"Fortnight," a duet with Post Malone, was released alongside "The Tortured Poets Department" and promoted as the album's lead single.

The song debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100 while "Poets" simultaneously debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

For the second time in her career, Swift managed to occupy the entire top 10 of the Hot 100. In fact, the top 14 positions on the chart were occupied by "Poets" tracks, including "Down Bad" (No. 2) and "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart" (No. 3), all the way through to "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived" (No. 14).

"Fortnight" returned to No. 1 on the Hot 100 for a second consecutive week.

13. "The Fate of Ophelia"

Weeks at No. 1: 10

"The Fate of Ophelia" was released alongside Swift's 12th studio album, "The Life of a Showgirl," and promoted as the lead single.

The Shakespeare-inspired pop song debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100, while "Showgirl" simultaneously debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, breaking a record for the biggest sales week of all time.

All 12 tracks on the album debuted within the Hot 100's top 12 spots, making Swift the first and only artist to dominate the chart's entire top 10 on three separate occasions. "The Fate of Ophelia" was joined in the top five by "Opalite" (No. 2), "Elizabeth Taylor" (No. 3), "Father Figure" (No. 4), and "Wood" (No. 5).

"The Fate of Ophelia" remained atop the Hot 100 for eight straight weeks after its release. After falling to lower positions during the holiday season, it returned to No. 1 in early 2026, surpassing "Anti-Hero" as Swift's longest-leading hit to date and becoming her first to top the chart for double-digit weeks.

14. "Opalite"

Weeks at No. 1: One

"Opalite" was originally released as the third track on "The Life of a Showgirl" and debuted at No. 2 on the Hot 100.

It was later promoted as the album's second single, rising to No. 1 after Swift sold vinyl copies of the song. She also released a music video co-starring Domhnall Gleeson, which premiered exclusively on Spotify and Apple Music in a savvy move to boost streaming numbers.

Swift celebrated her latest chart achievement on Instagram, thanking fans for their support of the song.

"This is actually the first time I've had two Hot 100 #1s off of one album since my album 1989 came out in 2014, nearly twelve years ago!" Swift wrote. "I know that's a lot of numbers but it all adds up to me being so thankful to the fans who helped make this happen by welcoming this song into your lives with open arms."

15. "I Knew It, I Knew You"

Weeks at No. 1: Two

"I Knew It, I Knew You" was released as a soundtrack single for Pixar's "Toy Story 5."

The twangy tune, cowritten by Swift and her longtime producer Jack Antonoff, was embraced by country radio and debuted simultaneously at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Hot Country Songs charts.

• KC-10A Extenders served as aerial refueling tankers in the US Air Force from 1981 to 2024.
• The first KC-10A Extender ever built is on display at the Air Mobility Command Museum in Delaware.
• Visitors can get a rare glimpse into the aircraft's refueling operator station.

Military aircraft don't have time to stop and refuel during sensitive, time-critical missions. That's where aerial refueling tankers come in.

With their ability to transfer up to 56,154 gallons of fuel to planes in midair, KC-10A Extenders refueled bombers, fighter jets, cargo planes, and other aircraft in the US Air Force for over 40 years, increasing their range and mobility.

The Air Mobility Command Museum on Dover Air Force Base in Delaware offers visitors the chance to see inside the first KC-10A Extender ever built.

Business Insider visited the museum in May to tour the KC-10A Extender and get a rare glimpse into its refueling operator station. Take a look.

KC-10 Extenders were primarily built as aerial refueling aircraft, but they also carried cargo and conducted aeromedical evacuations.

KC-10s entered service in the Air Force in 1981. They provided in-flight refueling in combat operations during the Gulf War and the Iraq War, and supported aircraft during Operation Allied Force in 1999.

They also helped carry out the largest non-combatant evacuation operation in US history during the Taliban offensive in Afghanistan in 2021, when 40% of the KC-10 fleet was deployed to evacuate over 3,000 people and refuel other aircraft, according to the Air Force.

The KC-10 was a military version of the DC-10 airliner built by McDonnell Douglas, which merged with Boeing in the late 1990s. The DC-10 has similarly been retired by commercial airlines.

The last KC-10 was retired in 2024.

While KC-10 refueling jets have been retired, the Air Force still uses KC-135 Stratotankers, which entered service in 1957, and introduced the KC-46A Pegasus in 2019 as part of efforts to upgrade its aging tankers.

The US Air Force plans to buy over 260 KC-46s from Boeing, with each costing about $200 million. The Stratotankers and Pegasus aircraft have fallen short of readiness standards in recent years.

With a capacity of over 356,000 pounds of fuel, KC-10s could carry nearly twice as much fuel as the KC-135 Stratotanker. However, KC-10s were phased out, while the Air Force still uses KC-135s.

So, why didn't KC-10s remain in service as long?

"You can ask 10 different people and get 20 different answers to that," Michael Hurlburt, operations manager at the Air Mobility Command Museum and an Air Force veteran, told Business Insider.

Hurlburt thinks the KC-10's third engine was partially to blame, since its position above the fuselage on the vertical stabilizer required special scaffolding platforms for inspection before every flight, which he called a "maintenance nightmare."

The KC-10A Extender on display at the Air Mobility Command Museum on Dover Air Force Base was the first one ever built.

The museum's KC-10A Extender was built as a prototype for a larger, longer-range alternative to KC-135 Stratotankers. It clocked over 32,560 flying hours before it was retired to the Air Mobility Command Museum in 2022.

The KC-10A Extender measures 181 feet and 7 inches long with a wingspan of 165 feet and 4 ½ inches.

The aircraft is open for guided tours. Museum admission is free.

A model of the KC-10A Extender helps orient visitors when they step inside the aircraft.

The flight deck and passenger compartment are located up front. The cargo bay takes up most of the remaining space, with the refueling operator station at the back of the plane.

The KC-10A Extender could carry up to 75 passengers.

Seats in the passenger compartment resembled those on regular commercial airlines.

The crew consisted of a pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, and boom operator.

For cargo transport missions, a loadmaster would join the crew. For aeromedical evacuations, two flight nurses and three medical technicians were added.

The cargo bay could hold 170,000 pounds of cargo.

On refueling missions, extra fuel tanks were also kept in the cargo bay, totaling up to 356,000 pounds of transferable fuel.

On display in the cargo bay was a wing air-refueling pod, or WARP.

WARPs can be mounted under a tanker's wings to provide additional refueling points. On the KC-46, the successor to the KC-10, WARPs are in testing to enable the Pegasus to simultaneously refuel two aircraft.

The refueling operator station was located down a narrow set of stairs at the rear of the aircraft.

To receive fuel in-flight, other aircraft positioned themselves behind and lower than the KC-10.

The boom operator used a joystick to connect the boom — the extended gas pump — to other planes to transfer fuel during in-flight refueling.

In KC-10s, boom operators sat upright. In KC-135s, boom operators lie on their stomachs to operate the controls.

The boom operator's job is to guide a rigid pipe into a receptacle on the receiving aircraft.

Once the boom is connected, the operator turns on the pumps to begin transferring fuel at a maximum rate of 1,100 gallons per minute. An F-15 Eagle, for example, can carry over 5,000 gallons of jet fuel.

In-flight refueling is a dangerous operation requiring tankers and the planes they refuel to fly within 8 to 12 feet of each other at hundreds of miles per hour.

"You're close enough that you can wave and say hi to the other pilot in the other airplane," Hurlburt said.

Mistakes can be catastrophic. In July 2025, a KC-46A Pegasus refueling aircraft's boom got stuck in the receptacle of an F-22A Raptor and broke off, causing nearly $10 million in damage. In March, a KC-135 tanker crashed in Iraq, killing all six crew members.

Museum visitors can take a closer look at the boom outside the aircraft.

The boom is labeled with signage from the 305th Air Mobility Wing, located at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey, where this KC-10A Extender served from 1995 until its retirement in 2022.

Hurlburt described the boom operator's window as a "very rare view."

"Very few airplanes have something like this, and very few people get to see areas like this," he said. "We're pretty proud of being able to show this off."

• Walmart is going big on AI and equipping employees across the company with tools and training.
• Logistics manager Leo Garcia used what he learned from an AI course to build new apps for work.
• One tool he made helps truck drivers get home faster while also running fewer empty trailers.

Leo Garcia is serious about getting his drivers home on time.

As a regional load manager for Walmart, Garcia is responsible for hundreds of semi-trailers hauling merchandise through the Chicago area.

He also knows what it's like to be in the driver's seat, having spent more than five years there before landing in his desk job.

"Being on the road for five days is difficult," he told Business Insider. "You miss your wife, you miss your kids. We have to do our utmost best to get our drivers home."

He's using artificial intelligence to make that journey a little smoother for his team.

Garcia said he started vibe coding after taking a Google AI certification course through Walmart's online education portal for employees. Walmart has a similar credential program with OpenAI.

"I've always wanted to build, I've always wanted to create things, but I was lacking the fundamentals to do it," he said. "Doing the AI program gave me those fundamentals, it gave me that knowledge."

Taking the AI course, as well as others on data analysis, changed the way Garcia looks at problems, he said.

Soon enough, he was tackling one of the most frustrating problems he faced every day: getting drivers home at the end of their routes without leaving the trucks empty.

Garcia could send a driver straight home, but that comes with costs, most notably a metric called empty miles. It's more efficient for Walmart to send the trucks back after a delivery loaded with other merchandise than to send them empty.

Garcia said he used Walmart's in-house coding agent, Code Puppy, to design a tool that analyzes hundreds of available truckloads in the region that need to be picked up and flags the best five or so for him to choose from based on location, timing, and other factors.

"If I'm in the San Gabriel Valley, how are you going to get me home to Oregon?" he said as an example. "It's a difficult question to answer without knowing all the geographies, all our vendors, all our stores, and every option. What this does is it does that for you. It quantifies everything in seconds."

Earlier this week, Garcia said a driver was scheduled to pick up a trailer on his way home to Wisconsin earlier this week. When the driver arrived, he learned the load wouldn't be ready for three more hours.

"He could accommodate those three hours, but he would get home three hours later," Garcia said. "And that's rough."

Instead, the program found a vendor five miles down the road with a load ready to go to the same town, keeping the driver on schedule. Later, the system assigned another driver to grab the initial load when it was ready.

Like many projects built with Walmart's coding tool, the company can evaluate and distribute employee-made ideas across the organization. Garcia said that hasn't happened with his tool yet, but it is being tested for wider use.

Garcia said he couldn't have imagined himself designing software back when he first walked into a Walmart warehouse at age 18.

"If you had told me that now, over 15 years later, I would be sitting here running an area, learning how to implement tools that are going to help people learn and help the company grow, I wouldn't have believed it," he said.

• I ate at Café La Trova in Miami, where Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez were spotted having dinner.
• The restaurant was buzzy, but low-key enough for a major celebrity to eat there undisturbed.
• The Cuban hot spot impressed me with its authentic food and lively atmosphere.

Miami is packed with see-and-be-seen restaurants, from flashy steakhouses to beloved sandwich shops, but Café La Trova in Little Havana stands out for blending authentic Cuban culture with a fresh, modern energy.

The Cuban hot spot made headlines after Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez were spotted dining there in 2022. During a trip to Miami in April, I stopped by to see what all the buzz was about.

With its vibrant atmosphere, live music, expertly crafted cocktails, and authentic, inspired Cuban dishes, it didn't take long to understand why the restaurant has become one of the city's most coveted tables.

After dining there, I also imagined it would be the perfect environment for a celebrity or billionaire to slip out for the evening and be perfectly incognito.

Here's what it was like to dine at Café La Trova in Miami.

On a recent trip to Miami, I dined at Café La Trova in Little Havana.

Founded by renowned bartender Julio Cabrera, who was born in Cuba, and award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein, who was born and raised in Miami, Café La Trova was designed as a tribute to classic Cuban culture, food, and hospitality.

Since opening in 2019, Café La Trova has earned acclaim as one of the 50 best bars in the world. The restaurant drew additional attention when Bezos and Sánchez were spotted having dinner and drinks there, while enjoying live music, in September 2022.

A year later, the Amazon founder announced he was moving to Miami from Seattle. The Bezoses now live on Indian Creek Island, also known as Miami's "Billionaire Bunker."

From the moment I arrived at the restaurant during my visit to the city, it was clear why it has become such a fixture in Miami's dining scene.

I arrived for my 8:15 p.m. reservation on a Tuesday and found the restaurant in full swing.

Despite the crowd, the restaurant didn't feel flashy or exclusive. Instead, it struck a balance between lively and approachable, creating an atmosphere that felt welcoming to a visitor like me.

The restaurant was also surprisingly large on the inside. In addition to the bar, there was a spacious dining room with bistro tables positioned in front of a stage where a live band played, and a dining room with larger tables at the back of the restaurant.

I was seated in a prime location directly in front of the stage.

The dining room immediately transported me from modern-day Miami to a glamorous vision of old Havana.

Crystal chandeliers emitted warm light, and throughout the space, old photographs, memorabilia, and retro design elements — including a vintage car worked into the decor — evoked a sense of stepping back in time.

It appeared to incorporate Cuban influences without making the experience feel overly curated or touristy.

Before arriving at Café La Trova, I had heard that they often had live music.

Since it was a Tuesday night, I wasn't expecting to catch the show, but after I was seated, the band began setting up, and I soon learned that the restaurant features daily live music by traditional Cuban bands, boleros, and salsa artists.

The menu at Café La Trova is built on Cuban traditions and cuisine.

While the atmosphere may attract first-time visitors, it's the food that has helped Café La Trova build a loyal following.

Chef Bernstein's menu focuses on traditional Cuban recipes with subtle modern influences, such as the restaurant's Cuban sandwich empanadas. The result is a lineup of dishes that felt authentic without being overly conventional.

The menu offered a range of appetizers, entrées, desserts, and cocktails, making it difficult to decide where to begin.

Many of the dishes highlighted classic Cuban ingredients and cooking techniques, while others featured creative twists.

I found myself wanting to order far more than I could reasonably fit into one meal, though the restaurant's variety of tapas, or smaller plates, allowed me to try multiple dishes.

My server recommended that I try a mojito criollo, the restaurant's most popular cocktail.

Mojitos, which originate in Cuba, became popular in Miami following waves of Cuban immigration to South Florida in the mid-20th century.

The mojito criollo ($15) was made with Mount Gay Silver Rum, lime juice, sugar, mint, soda water, and Angostura bitters.

My cocktail arrived beautifully presented. It was light and refreshing, with a strong mint flavor that paired well with the dishes I ordered.

It was a reminder that while Café La Trova is celebrated for its food and atmosphere, its drinks are every bit as much a part of the experience.

Up next were the Cuban sandwich empanadas.

The empanadas ($15), which balanced classic Cuban flavors with an unexpected, modern spin, came in an order of two with a vinegar-forward dipping sauce.

The empanadas were crispy on the outside and filled with savory pork, cheese, mustard, and pickles.

These weren't a traditional Cuban sandwich, but they packed all the same delicious flavors.

I also ordered the Peruvian ceviche.

The Peruvian ceviche ($25) was the most memorable dish I tried. Made with local Florida fish and dressed in a bright mix of cilantro, lime, red onion, huancaína sauce, and crunchy cancha, it arrived looking as vibrant as it tasted.

It was served with slices of sweet potato, which balanced the citrusy punch of the marinade.

Bites of tart red onion and melt-in-your-mouth fish made this dish a standout.

Though it was intended to be shared, it was so fresh and delicious that I nearly finished it myself.

The creamy huancaína sauce tied everything together, lending richness without overpowering the delicate seafood.

I also tried the prawns al ajillo, a tapas dish that originated in Spain but has become popular in Cuban cuisine.

The restaurant's version of prawns al ajillo ($28) featured plump prawns nestled atop a rich white bean stew, with crunchy garlic, confit tomatoes, and slices of toasted bread for scooping up every last bite.

The comforting dish was filled with the aroma of garlic and olive oil.

The prawns were tender and juicy, while the white bean stew added a creamy, hearty element that transformed the tapas dish into something substantial.

Sweet bursts of flavor from the confit tomatoes balanced the savory garlic, while the tostada underneath provided a satisfying crunch.

While many of Café La Trova's dishes celebrate Cuban traditions, this plate also highlights the Spanish influences that have helped shape the island's cuisine over generations.

The live music made my meal one of the most memorable restaurant experiences I've ever had.

As I ate, I watched fellow diners clap along and sing with familiar songs. The performance added an authenticity that's difficult to replicate, reinforcing Café La Trova's mission of celebrating Cuban culture through food, music, and atmosphere.

The live music is the main reason I would encourage anyone visiting the city to dine at Café La Trova, especially if you can grab a table towards the front of the stage.

After spending an evening at Café La Trova, it wasn't hard to understand why Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez chose it for a night out in Miami.

The restaurant managed to accomplish something surprisingly rare in a city known for flashy dining destinations: It felt both exciting and authentic.

From the vibrant live music and thoughtfully designed space to the standout cocktails and memorable dishes, every part of the experience felt carefully crafted. The restaurant was buzzy, but not contrived or touristy, and it felt low-key enough for a major celebrity to eat there undisturbed.

In a city packed with trendy restaurants, Café La Trova stood out as a place that genuinely lives up to its reputation — and one I'd gladly return to on my next trip to Miami.

Switzerland and Canada are both trying to advance to the next round of the World Cup. We'll show you everything you need to know about where to watch Switzerland vs. Canada, including free and global streaming options for the match.

• See also: The best Prime Day deals

You can live stream the match on FOX via a live TV service in the US, free on ITVX in the UK, and free on SBS On Demand in Australia, among other international broadcast options. You can access your favorite streaming options from anywhere with the help of a VPN. To learn about tuning into additional matches, make sure to check out our where to watch the World Cup streaming guide.

Where to watch Switzerland vs. Canada for free

World Cup fans in several countries are in luck this year. There are tons of free options for all of the games, including Switzerland vs. Canada. This match is available to stream for free on ITVX in the UK and SBS On Demand in Australia.

US viewers can watch at no immediate cost with a free trial from a live TV service, such as Fubo or YouTube TV.

How to watch Switzerland vs. Canada from anywhere

If you're away from the location where your streaming service works, don't worry. You can access your free option from anywhere with a VPN (virtual private network). VPNs are easy-to-use tech apps that help people temporarily alter the location on their electronic devices so their favorite websites work from anywhere in the world. They're popular among those looking to keep up with their usual services while traveling abroad or hoping to boost their day-to-day cybersecurity and privacy.

NordVPN consistently ranks among the best VPNs we've tested. It's fast, user-friendly, and offers an impressive selection of global servers. Plus, it includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, so there's no sweat if you find that it's not what you're looking for.

Where to watch Switzerland vs. Canada in the US

Switzerland vs. Canada, and much of the rest of the tournament, will air on FOX in the US. Other matches will be available through FS1. If you're a cord-cutter looking for a streaming service to watch the rest of the World Cup, you have several options.

Fubo Sports + News offers FOX, FS1, and around 27 other channels in its lineup. Subscriptions also unlock access to ESPN Unlimited. If you're looking for even more channels, FOX and FS1 are also available in Fubo's pricier Pro and Elite plans. Fubo Sports + News costs $56 a month, but first-time customers can get $10 off their first month after a free trial.

YouTube TV carries FOX and FS1 in both its main and sports plans. The main plan typically costs $83 a month, but a limited-time deal can bring the first five months down to $68 a month for new customers. Similarly, the sports plan typically costs $65 a month, but new users can get $10 a month off their first 12 months. YouTube TV also typically offers a free trial for first-time customers.

Sling TV is another live TV service with World Cup coverage, though you should double-check whether FOX is available in your ZIP code, as Sling's local channel coverage varies by market. If you can get FOX via Sling in your region, you'll want to opt for a Sling Select or Sling Blue plan, both of which also have FS1. When local channels are available, Sling Select starts at $25 a month, and Sling Blue costs $51 a month.

Fans interested in Spanish-language coverage in the US will need to subscribe to Peacock. Sports-friendly plans start at $11 a month for Peacock Premium and unlock access to all 104 World Cup matches.

FOX also has a direct streaming counterpart, FOX One, which costs $20 a month. You can also sign up for the service as an add-on through Prime Video if you don't feel like downloading another app.

Where to watch Switzerland vs. Canada in the UK

BBC and ITV split coverage rights in the UK, but this match is available through ITV. This means fans will be able to live stream all of the action for free with an ITVX account. Users just need to create an account if they don't already have one, and then they're all set to start watching.

Where to watch Switzerland vs. Canada in Australia

All World Cup games, including Scotland vs. Brazil, are available to live stream on SBS On Demand in Australia. This is a free streaming service that supports SBS channels and just requires account creation to use.

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.

• Nominations are now open for Business Insider's 2026 Rising Stars of Real Estate list.
• Nominees should be under 35, US-based, and making tangible contributions to the real estate world.
• Submit your nominations through the form below by July 24, 2026.

Business Insider is now taking nominations for this year's Rising Stars of Real Estate.

Now is the time to tell us about fresh trailblazers aged 35 or younger making waves in commercial or residential real estate.

We're looking for candidates with potential and notable contributions in their fields already. The nominations are open to real-estate professionals and individuals from other industries who work closely with real estate.

Business Insider reporters and editors will review each nomination and select candidates based on their impact on today's real estate industry and their broader influence.

Please submit your suggestions below through the form by Friday, July 24, 2026.

Check out last year's list for inspiration.

Criteria and methodology

We ask that nominees be 35 or under as of July 24, 2026, be based in the US, and stand out from their peers.

We are seeking the best and the brightest working in real estate, including, but not limited to academics, agents, architects, brokers, builders, designers, developers, founders, investors, nonprofit staffers, policymakers, property managers, and urban planners.

Final decisions will be made by Business Insider's editorial team.

Have questions? Please email Alcynna Lloyd at alloyd@businessinsider.com or Jordan Pandy at jpandy@businessinsider.com.

• A new test looms for the AI trade after a bruising sell-off shook the market on Tuesday.
• Micron, which has been one of the best stock performers in 2026, reports earnings on Wednesday.
• Analysts say the results will serve as a key update in the market's AI narrative.

After the AI trade took a tumble on Tuesday led by losses in chip stocks, the market is bracing for Micron earnings.

AI stocks have been fueling record highs, with the bull market proving resilient despite ongoing macro uncertainties like the war in Iran, inflation, and Federal Reserve policy.

After Tuesday's pullback, Micron's quarterly reports looms. As one of the top stock performers in 2026, the results will serve as the latest test of the AI trade.

"All eyes will be on the company after tonight's close when it releases its quarterly results," David Morrison, Trade Nation senior market analyst, said.

Investors took profits from high-flying chip names on Tuesday, driving stock losses. The session saw the most dramatic losses in the AI chip stocks that have dominated year-to-date gains.

Here's what to watch for as Micron gets ready to report.

An AI bellwether

Micron stock has nearly quadrupled in the first half of 2026. The stock hit a fresh record high on Monday before a more than 13% decline on Tuesday.

At the heart of its blistering rally is a shortage of memory chips that's driven pricing through the roof and boosted margins for companies like Micron and its peers. Sandisk, Western Digital,, and Seagate, are other memory makers that have seen dramatic gains in 2026.

However, supply and demand imbalances rarely last, and the cyclical nature of the memory-stock trade could rear its head during the company's earnings.

Any sign that the market is normalizing could drive shares lower. Or, even worse, Micron says something that hints at slowing demand for memory chips powering AI, which could spark broader volatility in other AI-linked names.

Lucky for investors, the memory shortage doesn't seem like it's going to let up soon. Apple hinted as much when it nodded to memory costs as a driver of future price hikes, which helped ignite a fresh rally in the sector last week.

Wall Street expects Micron's revenue to come in at $35.63 billion while earnings per share is anticipated to be $20.49, according to consensus estimates from Bloomberg.

Chip sector reboot or sell-off

The earnings report could serve as a reset for the AI narrative in either direction.

"There's a lot of good stuff already priced into the stock, so there's scope for disappointment. But some positive forward guidance may be enough to give Micron a boost, and reboot the chip sector at the same time," Trade Nation's David Morrison noted.

Ken Mahoney, CEO Mahoney Asset Management, flagged Micron earnings as a "pivotal moment" for the equity market. "We feel as though any report that's not a blowout to the upside will see an excuse for further selling in tech."

The sensitivity to even minor updates in the market shows that the AI trade has become more fragile, with investors using seizing on any excuse to take profits.

Meanwhile, macro forces are building that could keep a lid on further gains. Kevin Warsh, the new Fed chief, dashed any hope a rate cut at his first FOMC press conference this month, and the inflation outlook remains cloudy even as the Iran war winds down and oil prices continue to drop.

Amazon Prime Day is a great time to restock your beauty routine, but the sale can also be a lot to sort through. There are thousands of skincare, haircare, makeup, and sunscreen deals live at once, and not every viral product with a discount is actually worth buying.

That's why we're focusing on the Prime Day deals our editors already use, repurchase, or recommend after testing. The best deals we've found include K-beauty moisturizers that have earned permanent spots in our routines, sunscreen that makes reapplying feel fun, a shampoo I think is actually worth the higher price, and the pimple patches our executive editor calls her go-to. We also found discounts on internet-loved brands like Medicube, Laneige, OUAI, Aestura, Vacation, Paula's Choice, Hero Cosmetics, Sulwhasoo, and Tarte.

Below, we've rounded up the best Prime Day beauty and skincare deals to shop now, with quick notes on who each product is best for and why we think it deserves a spot in your cart.

For more Prime Day beauty deals, see our roundups of the best red light mask deals, the best Dyson deals, the best laser hair removal deals, and more.

The affordable K-beauty brand that's taking over the internet

Medicube has become one of the buzziest names in at-home K-beauty, and Prime Day is a good excuse to try the brand at a discount. Its products hit that sweet spot between viral and actually useful: the devices are made to help your skincare absorb better and leave skin looking glowier, while the topical formulas lean into hydration and the glass-skin ingredients people are already searching for, like niacinamide, collagen, exfoliating acids, and PDRN — a salmon-derived DNA ingredient that's become one of skincare's latest fixations..

• Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0, ($31 $15): Medicube's Zero Pore Pads are one of the brand's best-known products, and they're a practical Prime Day pickup if you want a quick exfoliating step for smoother-looking skin. "I have these on subscribe and save because every time I test out stopping them, my skin gets scaly again," says executive editor Sally Kaplan.

• Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum, ($22 $15): This lightweight pink serum taps into the PDRN trend with peptides and niacinamide for a more hydrated-looking finish.
• Medicube PDRN Pink Niacinamide Milky Toner, ($20 $14): A softening, milky toner with PDRN, ceramides, and peptides, this is the one to grab if your skin wants more cushion than exfoliation.
• Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Eye Cream, ($22 $15): This pink peptide eye cream is designed for the under-eye area, with PDRN and niacinamide to target dryness, fine lines, and uneven tone.

See all Medicube products on sale for Amazon Prime Day

A French pharmacy staple

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Sensitive, ($35 $28)

Embryolisse is a French pharmacy staple with a reputation that goes well beyond everyday moisturizing — makeup artists often use it as a primer by smoothing on a thicker layer before foundation.

Executive Editor Sally Kaplan likes the sensitive-skin version as a daily face cream and calls it "the most amazing daily moisturizer for dry skin." She has rosacea, so she's especially careful about formulas that can irritate her skin, and says this one hydrates "in a way that no other moisturizer ever has." It's a smart Prime Day pickup if you want a rich, comforting moisturizer that can also help makeup sit more smoothly.

The final boss of lip hydration

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ($24 $16)

A family friend who works as a flight attendant turned me on to the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask years ago and told me it's a staple among her colleagues for dealing with dry cabin air. It's become a favorite on our team, too, especially in winter when regular lip balm doesn't always feel like enough. Despite the name, it's not just for sleeping — I use it anytime my lips feel chapped and need something thicker, glossier, and longer-lasting.

Pricey shampoo and conditioner at a discount

OUAI Thick Hair Shampoo and Conditioner Set, ($64 $51)

OUAI's shampoo and conditioner sets are among the few haircare products I think are actually worth the higher price. I use the brand's shampoo exclusively, and while it's definitely more expensive than a drugstore bottle, the formulas make my hair feel cleaner, softer, and more manageable without leaving it stripped. That's why this is one of the Prime Day beauty deals I'd actually recommend stocking up on, especially since OUAI makes versions for fine, medium, and thick hair types.

A moisturizer so good, multiple editors have switched

Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream, ($32 $24)

This is my favorite moisturizer ever, full stop. It's rich without feeling greasy, makes my skin look immediately calmer and glowier, and has the kind of barrier-supporting texture that feels especially useful when my face is dry, irritated, or over-exfoliated.

Senior Associate Style Editor Gabrielle Chase is also a longtime fan: She says that it's "the only thing that keeps my extremely dry skin feeling hydrated for over 24 hours at a time," adding that the finish "almost feels like a wax seal, locking moisture in." Since it's usually pricier than a basic drugstore moisturizer, this is exactly the kind of beauty deal I'd use Prime Day to stock up on.

But we don't just love the moisturizer. The whole line is among our favorite hydrating products of all time. Here are our favorite products:

• Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream Mist ($24 $18): This ceramide-packed mist is a good desk or gym-bag product if your skin tends to feel dry midday and needs a quick refresh.
• Aestura Atobarrier 365 Hydro Cera-HA Serum ($34 $27): This lightweight serum has ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, making it a good pick if you want hydration and barrier support without adding another heavy cream.
• Aestura Atobarrier 365 Hydro Soothing Gel Cream ($32 $20): This is the lighter, cooling option in the Atobarrier lineup, and it makes the most sense for combination or oily skin that still needs barrier support.

Our go-to pimple patches

Mighty Patch Original from Hero Cosmetics, ($23 $17)

Hero Cosmetics' Mighty Patch is one of those products that makes the most sense to buy in bulk, since you never really know when a breakout is going to show up. Executive Editor Sally Kaplan calls it her "go-to pimple patch," and this 75-count pack is a practical Prime Day restock if you already know you'll go through them.

The most summery sunscreen

Vacation makes sunscreen feel less like a chore and more like something you actually want to keep reapplying, which is half the battle on pool and beach days. The brand's Classic scent is basically bottled summer: coconut, banana, pool water, pool toy, and swimsuit fabric (if that sounds strange, just wait 'til you smell it — it will make sense). The formulas are practical, too, with SPF 50 options that are water-resistant and designed to feel lightweight instead of gloopy.

• Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50 Face Mist, ($24 $15): Face spray sunscreen is a game changer for pool and beach days because it makes reapplying SPF feel less annoying — no smearing, no gloopy mess, just a refreshing mist you can spritz on throughout the day. It's truly a game-changer for me.
• Vacation Classic SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion and Air Freshener Bundle, ($17 $14): This travel-size lotion is easy to throw in a beach bag, and it gives you Vacation's nostalgic summer scent in a more controlled sunscreen format than a spray.
• Vacation Classic SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion Family Size, ($48 $37): This 20-ounce pump bottle is the practical pick if you want a sunscreen everyone can use all summer without constantly running out.

Shop all of Vacation's Amazon Prime Day deals

The best cleanser for combination skin

Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam, ($38 $29)

Sulwhasoo's foaming cleanser is a luxe K-beauty wash that feels more special than a basic morning cleanser, and Senior Home Editor Jaclyn Turner says it's held up as a repurchase since she bought it last Prime Day. "I love starting my morning with this cleanser," she says. "It foams up beautifully and feels velvety smooth on my skin. My skin feels so fresh afterward, and it has minimized breakouts on my combination oily skin."

The ultimate summer vitamin C serum

TruSkin Vitamin C Serum, ($20 $15)

This is my go-to affordable vitamin C serum for summer, when I want something lightweight that helps with uneven tone and gives my skin a little extra support against UV-related damage. I use Sunday Riley's CEO Glow Oil (also on sale) in the winter, but this feels better for hot weather — and you can actually feel that slight tightening effect right after applying it. It also has over 155,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.5-star rating, which is reassuring for a serum that costs far less than most prestige vitamin C formulas.

A lip color with subtle plumping

Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump, ($27 $16)

Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm Gloss, ($27 $16)

The Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump or Balm Gloss are great Prime Day pickups if you like the look of a gloss but want something that feels more cushioned than sticky. Senior Home Editor Jaclyn Turner's go-to shade in the Plump formula is Rose Quartz Shimmer Glass, a sheer, sparkly pink that adds polish without looking overdone.

She likes that it has the "perfect amount of shimmer and shine," an easy click-up applicator, and a subtle tingle that makes her lips look fuller. It's the kind of low-effort lip product that works on its own, over liner, or tossed in a bag for touch-ups.

Sally is equally obsessed with her Juicy Lip Balm Glosses, which are hydrating and sheer enough for everyday wear.

A hyaluronic acid staple

Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer, ($38 $27)

This Laneige moisturizer is a staple in Senior Home Editor Jaclyn Turner's skincare routine, and it's a good pick if you want something richer than a gel cream but not as heavy as a thick balm. It has squalane, ceramides, and blue hyaluronic acid to help hydrate normal to dry skin and support the moisture barrier, making it an easy everyday moisturizer if your skin tends to feel tight or dehydrated.

The ultimate exfoliant

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, ($37 $26)

I bought this cult-favorite exfoliant to try on my own dry skin, and it was a bit of a disaster — red, irritated, the whole thing. But when I passed it along to my fiancé, who has oily skin, it worked like a dream. I can tell when he's using it consistently because his skin looks smoother, brighter, and more even; when he's slacking, I can tell that, too. The formula uses 2% salicylic acid to clear pore congestion and smooth texture, so it's especially worth considering if your skin is oily or blackhead-prone.

A versatile hairbrush

FHI Heat UNbrush Detangling Brush ($18 $15)

The viral UNbrush is Senior Home Editor Jaclyn Turner's favorite detangling brush, with a lightweight, vented design and flexible dual-length bristles that work through knots on wet or dry hair without making detangling feel like a whole event.

Welcome to day two of Amazon Prime Day! We're not even halfway through the event yet, and we've already witnessed so many great deals come and go. Don't get overwhelmed by the influx of it all — let us guide you to what's actually worth your time.

We've been checking yesterday's best deals, too, and the majority are still in stock. Things could change, though, before the sale officially ends on Friday evening.

• Browse all deals at Amazon

Keep scrolling to find great discounts on products we've tested, reviewed, researched, or personally love ourselves. Home, tech, kitchen, style, beauty, outdoors, fitness — everything is included in the Amazon sale bonanza. You'll need to be a member to save on the retailer's deals over the next few days; newcomers can take advantage of a free 30-day trial to get access.

The best Prime Day deals 2026

Headphone deals

With how often they're on sale, there's no reason to cheap out on headphones. Especially for Prime Day, you can find brands like Apple, Beats, Sony, and Bose down to unbelievable lows, making it easier than ever to get a new pair.

Note: The price of the AirPods Pro 3 has been fluctuating recently. It briefly dropped to $169 before settling back to its usual discount price of $199 last night. I'm tempted to hold out for $169, but $179 might be the best we see during Prime Day.

Struggling to choose between the two Sony models above? While the XM6 does sound a touch better, the XM5 topped multiple best headphones lists before its sequel came along. As such, we still think it's an excellent buy, especially at this price. If you travel a lot, the XM6 folds flatter and offers better noise cancellation and call quality, which could come in handy, but you're paying a lot extra today.

• See more Prime Day headphone and earbud deals

Tech deals

As soon as the clock struck 12 on Prime Day one, many tech deals dropped to incredible lows, marking some of the best prices we've seen all year. Like 35% off the Oura Ring 4 and some incredibly low prices on some of the best phones out there. Like the S26 Ultra, and a range of excellent foldables with hundreds of dollars knocked off those high MSRPs. Our favorite portable charger has also dropped to a new low.

I've highlighted this Chromebook as it's one of the few options in this price range with 8GB of RAM. I'd urge you to avoid the 4GB models, despite their tempting price tags around $170, as they're going to feel super sluggish from the off, even for the most basic tasks. The Chrome browser alone will gobble up all that RAM with just a few tabs, but 8GB here will give you a little flex, even if the processor is on the weaker side, too. All things considered, though, there's a lot to like about this Prime Day laptop deal for such a low price when a lot of laptops are going up due to the RAM shortage brought on by AI datacenters.

If you want extra storage and a better processor, the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 is $90 off during Prime Day at $339.

TV deals

With most top brands launching new flagships in recent weeks, this is the perfect time to get huge discounts on slightly older models. There are strong showings today from Samsung, TCL, and LG. And as with every Prime Day, fire Sticks are down to super-low prices if you're tired of your current smart TV's sluggish operating system.

• See more Prime Day TV deals

Coffee deals

Coffee rigs are notoriously expensive, especially if you're hoping to invest in a trusted brand name. Luckily, Amazon offers many of the greats, like Breville, Moccamaster, and Keurig, all of which are on sale for Prime Day. Whether you're pulling smooth espresso for a latte or hustling out a quick single-serve cuppa, these machines are what you're looking for.

This Keurig is an excellent purchase at this price, and I'm so glad I picked this model last year over the slightly cheaper Mini (also on sale for $50 today). The larger water reservoir means I don't have to fill it for every cup, and it features a strong brew mode and heats up a lot faster than the Mini, as I found out when using one at a hotel recently. Don't forget to stock up on some coffee pods for it today if you're buying as loads are on sale. — Brendan Griffiths

• See more Prime Day coffee deals

Kitchen deals

If you've been eyeing the fancy countertop appliances influencers flex on social media, this is the time to jump on your new favorite kitchen tool. Air fryers, ice cream makers, stand mixers, and much more are down to great lows for Prime Day — don't miss out.

I only picked up my first air fryer last year (this Instant Pot one that's down to $60 today, by the way). And it's been a good buy so far for things like wings, asparagus, and the like. But I do kind of wish I'd bought one like this Chefman model with a window, as I also use it for warming up/toasting bagels and need to constantly keep opening it to check I'm not burning them. Being able to look through the glass would be a clutch upgrade. However, glass is a bit harder to clean if oil spits onto it while cooking.

On the flip side of all that, I've also been tempted by something a bit bigger, like this Ninja model below! New York counter space says no, though. — Brendan Griffiths

• See more Prime Day air fryer deals

• See more Prime Day blender deals

I'm not much of a chef, but after seeing our kitchen editors praise the Caraway set, I gave it a shot a few years ago. More than being a pretty lineup on the range, this cookware really… cooks. They're a little heavy for my taste, but considerably lighter than cast iron and other viral brands I've tested. The surfaces heat evenly — and did I mention how nice they look on a countertop?

They're a regular participant during major deal holidays, but outside of that, it can be tough to find them on sale. — Sarah Saril

• See more Prime Day kitchen deals

Bedding and sleep deals

Stop sleeping on ratty sheets and lumpy pillows. Prime Day is here with extremely affordable, customer-loved sleep essentials. From duvet covers to sunrise alarm clocks, these deals will have you sleeping better. You can also find plenty of mattress deals running now.

• See more Prime Day pillow deals

• See more Prime Day mattress deals

Vacuum and cleaning deals

We may not have flying cars, but in case you missed it, vacuums have gotten pretty smart in the last decade. Hopefully, you didn't buy a new one anytime recently, because a range of models are deeply discounted for Prime Day. Robot vacuums that can empty themselves, cordless stick vacuums with budget prices, and powerful upright options are just a few of the products available now.

• See more Prime Day vacuum deals | Pet vacuum deals

Home deals

Whether you're furnishing a new room or finally upgrading from a secondhand couch, Prime Day has you covered. It's surprising how much good furniture you can find on Amazon — and folks shopping for smaller upgrades can also benefit. Air purifiers, lighting, security essentials, and more await you, all at discounted prices.

• See more Prime Day furniture deals

• See more Prime Day luggage deals

Beauty deals

Amazon may not be your first thought when it comes to looking good, but Prime Day is here to change that. From Dyson Airwraps to viral beauty products, you can save a lot by restocking and upgrading your routine with the retailer.

• See more Prime Day red light therapy deals

Dry California weather is not for the dry of skin, and the Laneige lip products above really carry me through the thick of it. They're more than just hype — I actually restocked and bought three Lip Glowy Balm tubes as soon as midnight struck and Prime Day kicked off. They're not often on sale, so now is really the time to stock up. — Sarah Saril

Style deals

Viral styles, weather-proof essentials, breathable athletic wear, and much more are on sale for Prime Day. It doesn't matter if you prefer luxury quality or budget friendliness — we're seeing it all drop. Stock is especially limited in this category, so if you find your size, don't hesitate to head to checkout.

These sub-$20 Celine Triomphe dupes are having a good, long moment. Their versatility across different face shapes, chic design, and, of course, low price make them irresistible. Editor Sam Crozier will be sporting them all summer — and now you can too at this low price.

• See more Levi's Prime Day deals

I had the chance to test out this specific case after the iPhone 17 launched. It's a seriously sweet upgrade from your typical budget case: it uses premium materials with thoughtful features like pivoting loops and a clip for extra wallet security. At $100, it's still considered a pretty luxurious phone accessory, but this is a rare chance to save on a beloved brand. — Sarah Saril

Luggage and travel deals

The right gear can make a world of difference on your next trip. Don't get caught with broken zippers and painful straps — score a Prime Day travel bag deal to lighten the load financially. Popular brands we love are participating, including Away, Samsonite, Troubador, and many more.

• See more Prime Day luggage deals

• See more Prime Day backpack deals

• See more Prime Day travel deals

• See all deals at Amazon

What time does Prime Day start?

Prime Day 2026 officially starts at the stroke of midnight PT (3 a.m. ET) on June 23. We also saw a raft of deals go live the day before.

When does Prime Day end?

Prime Day 2026 ends at the end of the day on Friday, July 26. Some deals will expire beforehand, especially lightning deals, and some items will only have a limited number of units available at the discounted price, so you could see prices increase before the sale officially ends.

On the other hand, we also see a small number of deals stick around a few extra days after Prime Day, so it's certainly worth a late look over the weekend as well.

Is Prime Day only for members?

Yes, the vast majority of deals will require a Prime membership to enjoy the exclusive price.

Not a member? That's OK, as there's a 30-day free trial that you can use to enjoy the full sale, along with all the other perks like fast delivery, Prime Video streaming, and more. You're under no obligation to keep Prime, and are free to cancel it within the 30 days before you become a paid subscriber.

Is Prime Day worth it?

Yes, especially the Summer version - October Prime Day can be hit and miss, as it's too close to Black Friday, but we always find plenty of highlights in the summer.

So much so, we always tell our friends looking for a TV or laptop, a new air fryer or vacuum, or even just things for the apartment like pet items, cleaning supplies, coffee pods, and the like, to hold on for Prime Day if they can, as prices get slashed on every category around the site.

We might get some of the best prices of the year on some items, while other deals we highlight include items with what we'd consider a great price right now - one that we'd make a purchase on ourselves or recommend to a friend. Inflation, tariffs, and the RAM shortage have increased prices on a lot of things this year, for example, so we're taking all of that into account when recommending these deals in the current climate to try to help find you the best bang for your buck.

• I loved New York, but decided to move to Washington, DC, for career opportunities and a lower rent.
• As much as I like DC, living here has made me miss New York's cuisine, public transit, and bustle.
• Now, about once a month, I fly back into NYC — a routine that's helped me appreciate both cities.

Living in New York City was equally exhilarating and exhausting, and I loved every minute of it.

For almost two years, you'd find me deep in my monthly rituals: chasing rotating specials at my favorite eateries like Salt & Straw, celebrating festivals from cultures across the world, and riding trains throughout the five boroughs to show up for the people I love.

Aside from the culture and community, the professional learning and development opportunities were abundant. Somewhere along the way, though, I found my professional voice and a growing interest in federal policy, and felt New York City could only open so many doors in that space.

Relocating to Washington, DC, felt like an increasingly obvious choice. As much as I loved New York, being in DC would put me in the epicenter of US policy, and my rent could be much cheaper.

So after nearly two years in Manhattan, I left.

Living in DC has made me appreciate NYC even more

I moved to DC in the fall and, shortly after I arrived, immediately began to miss so many things about living in New York City.

I don't have a car, which means I rely entirely on public transportation. NYC's subway system is vast — 25 routes crisscrossing four boroughs — whereas DC's Metro has just six color-coded lines extending into Virginia and Maryland, with plenty of neighborhoods only accessible by car.

As someone of South Asian heritage, I shop for South Asian groceries often. In NYC, that was easy: I could hop on the train to Rose Hill in Manhattan or Jackson Heights in Queens. In DC, it's a whole adventure that usually entails a Metro ride into Virginia or Maryland, followed by a rideshare.

DC can also be surprisingly quiet. New York's population is over 10 times the size of DC's, and I could feel the difference. In DC, the Metro and the streets can feel nearly empty at night. I miss the noise and the sight of people clustered on every corner.

DC is growing on me, but I'm glad I still have access to New York

Fortunately, I never miss New York City for too long without going back.

It's easier than I ever could have imagined to get to New York from DC, and I visit often: I book most of my flights using credit card points, and the flight is only about an hour long, which makes for a short and convenient day trip.

Now, about once every month, I'll fly into the city, head to a workout class, then grab lunch with friends at a new spot and explore a neighborhood I haven't been to before.

Last time, I spent the afternoon walking the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, soaking in the skyline views on a beautiful day. I usually end the day with an early dinner before taking the train out to Jackson Heights, where I stop at Apna Bazaar, a South Asian grocery store that's open 24/7, to stock up on dry-good staples. Then, it's back to LGA for the flight home to DCA.

This isn't to say I'm not giving DC a real chance. On days when I'm in town, I spend my time exploring new exhibits at the national museums, trying out rotating drink specials at cafés, and building friendships through group workout classes at Barry's.

I say yes to hangouts where I don't know a single person, all in the hope of making new friends.

Living in DC has been its own kind of adventure, and it's been nice to save on rent while reaching new heights in my career. But what makes it work is knowing that NYC — and my community there — is only a short flight away.

If you have been waiting to buy a new coffee maker or espresso machine, Amazon Prime Day is the time to do so. As a professional product tester (and coffee fan), I've had my hands on all types of machines and found several of the best Prime Day coffee maker deals on machines we've tested and popular models, so you can get your caffeine fix, no matter how you take your coffee.

There are steep discounts across all categories, whether you are in the market for a single-serve coffee maker, an espresso machine for beginners or experts, or plenty of choices for classic drip coffee lovers. I am particularly fond of the deals coming from Breville and De'Longhi espresso machines, including the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo on sale for the new low of $399.95. That price feels unheard of for a barista-level machine with a built-in burr grinder and steam wand. Nespresso lovers shouldn't miss the tiny Nespresso Vertuo Pop+, which makes incredible coffee, but the lowest price isn't on Amazon, but on Walmart for $85.

For more of the best Prime Day deals, check out the best deals on kitchen accessories, including air fryers and blenders.

The best Amazon Prime Day coffee maker deals

Prime Day is one of the best times of the year to upgrade your coffee setup. There are major discounts and everything from basic brewers to premium specialty coffee makers. When you're shopping, it's important to consider how much coffee you brew each day, what features you may need, and whether extras like iced-coffee settings, built-in frothers, or smart connectivity are worth paying for. This year, the strongest deals include several of our favorite coffee makers from brands like Ninja, Cuisinart, OXO, and Braun.

OXO Brew 9-cup Stainless Steel Coffee Maker

One of our favorite drip coffee makers, the OXO 9-Cup, is certified by the Specialty Coffee Association for consistently brewing rich, balanced coffee. It features controls that enable precise temperature and a rainmaker showerhead to ensure even extraction in every batch. At $150, it's one of the best prices we've seen on this excellent machine.

Ninja DualBrew Pro

Our pick for the most versatile coffee maker, the Ninja DualBrew Pro, can make full carafes, single servings, iced coffee, and concentrate for lattes and cappuccinos. The built-in fold-away frother adds extra value for coffee drinkers who like to make coffee-shop style beverages at home. Its Prime Day discount makes it a compelling all-in-one coffee solution under $200.

• See all Ninja coffee deals.

Moccamaster KBGV Select 10-Cup Coffee Maker

For coffee enthusiasts who are particular about their drip coffee, 35% off the iconic Moccamaster KBGV is a rare discount that only comes around key deal events, like Prime Day or Black Friday. Beloved for their durable build, simple one-switch operation, and consistently excellent drip coffee, this coffee maker brews a full 40-ounce pot in just 4 to 6 minutes and is available in several colors. If you find you want individual portions, consider the Cup One, which brews single servings without pods.

Cuisinart Perfectemp 14-cup Coffee Maker

The Cuisinart has long been a favorite thanks to its large capacity, customizable brew strengths, and programmable features. We find it consistently produces hot, flavorful coffee and works really well for households with multiple coffee drinkers. It's also $72, making it one of the strongest values in our roundup.

Braun BrewSense

The Braun BrewSense delivers consistently flavorful coffee thanks to its PureFlavor brewing system, which maintains optimal brewing extraction and temperature control. Its compact footprint and programmable features make it a practical choice for everyday use in any home. And at under $90, it's our favorite budget coffee maker and overall a solid Prime Day value from a trusted brand.

Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker

The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker is for households that need options on a budget. It can brew a full 12-cup pot of coffee, or a single cup using either grounds or pods. However, our tester noted that it can take about 20 minutes to brew a full pot, which isn't exactly super speedy and requires a paper filter unless you upgrade to the gold filter model.

The best Amazon Prime Day single-serve coffee maker deals

Single-serve coffee makers are ideal for anyone who wants a fresh cup of coffee without brewing an entire pot. Look for machines that offer fast brewing times, multiple cup sizes, and flexible pod options. This year's best deals include compact espresso machines, budget-friendly Keurigs that make mornings easier, and espresso pod brewers.

Nespresso Vertuo Pop+

The Nespresso Vertuo Pop is one of the smallest machines in Nespresso's lineup, but it still delivers rich coffee topped with the brand's signature crema. It can brew several Vertuo pod formats from 5 to 12 ounces with the touch of a button, while taking up little counter space, and has a 19-ounce water reservoir. Surprisingly, the best price we found on this cute model is $85 at Walmart. The Pop+ version, which has a slightly larger 25-ounce water tank, is on sale for $99 on Amazon, but if you're looking for the lowest price on a Nespresso, Walmart is your best option here. You can find a Pop bundled with a milk frother for $130 back at Amazon or the slightly older Vertuo Next has the deepest discount of 45% off.

• See all Nespresso Prime Day deals.

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker

Coffee is a serious necessity for some, and the AeroPress is a small, simple, portable, and easy-to-use way to brew a highly competitive, frothy cup of coffee somewhere between a French press and an espresso. This is our preferred method for a single cup of coffee that doesn't require the use of pods.

Keurig K-Express Single Serve Coffee Maker

The Keurig K-Express offers the convenience that made the brand famous in a compact, affordable package, perfect for first apartments and dorm rooms. The strong Brew feature adds extra flavor intensity while the removable reservoir helps streamline busy mornings. At nearly half off its original price, it's a standout value during Prime Day for Keurig lovers.

• See all Keurig Prime Day deals.

Keurig K-Supreme Single Serve Coffee Maker

The Keurig K-Supreme means fewer frequent tank refills thanks to its 66-ounce reservoir. The introduction of mult-stream technology enables a more even water distribution for better extraction and aroma. Plus, you can customize your cup with strength and temperature control options. It's our favorite Keurig option for its versatility.

Lavazza BLUE Classy Mini Single Serve Espresso Coffee Machine

This compact espresso machine is a favorite among espresso lovers who want an authentic Italian-style coffee without sacrificing kitchen space. It heats quickly, is easy to operate, and consistently produces flavorful espresso. The 50% discount makes it an especially attractive Prime Day buy.

The best Amazon Prime Day espresso machine deals

Prime Day is considered one of the best times to invest in an espresso machine because there are deep discounts on premium models from Breville, De'Longhi, KitchenAid, and more. When shopping, consider whether you want a built-in grinder, automatic milk frothing, or a more hands-on experience that lets you refine your technique. This year's deals range from beginner-friendly machines under $100 to advanced setups that produce cafe-quality drinks at the touch of a button.

Breville Barista Express

The Breville Barista Express remains one of the most recommended home espresso machines because it combines an excellent burr grinder and an espresso machine in a single package. It gives us plenty of control while remaining approachable for beginners. This Prime Day discount makes an already strong value even better. Compare the Breville espresso lineup.

See all Breville deals.

Breville Barista Touch

The Barista Touch simplifies espresso-making with a color touchscreen and automatic milk texturing. It delivers excellent espresso drinks with a shorter learning curve than most manual machines. At a $250 discount, this premium Breville model is especially noteworthy.

Ninja's Luxe Cafe Pro

Ninja's Luxe Cafe Pro Series makes it fast and easy to whip up espresso, cold brew, and coffee in minutes with Barista Assist Technology, a guided experience featuring customized grind-size recommendations, weight-based dosing, and active brew adjustments for temperature & pressure to achieve balanced flavor. The Pro Series features an integrated tamper, hot water spout, and a frothing system with five froth presets. This is the lowest price this social-media darling has been offered at.

Gevi 20 Bar Espresso Machine

This all-in-one machine from Gevi combines a grinder, an espresso maker, and a milk frother at a more approachable price than many competitors'. It's a solid choice for shoppers who want more commercial features without spending four figures.

KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF2

KitchenAid's newly launched KF2, a fully automatic espresso machine, lets you make cold espresso beverages and features a more compact design. I tested a similar model, the KF6, and it brewed perfect espresso on the first pull, so I expect the same performance with the K2. It has an intelligent dosing system that adjusts the grind size for you, as well as a built-in milk frother.

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo

The De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo is one of the most standout Prime Day deals thanks to its massive 43% discount. It includes a built-in grinder, a commercial-style steam wand, and De'Longhi's cold-extraction technology for cold-brew drinks. At under $400, it's one of the strongest values in the category.

Casabrews Espresso Machine

The Casabrews Espresso Machine delivered incredible shot quality and timing that rivaled those of household names, making it one of the best cheap espresso machines. In our testing, there were no issues with bitter or watery shots, and every pull delivered nice body, robust flavor, and a beautiful crema. It's already a great value, but this limited-time discount during Prime Day is one of the lowest prices we'll see all year on this budget machine.

De'Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine

The De'Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine really surprised me during our espresso machine testing. It offers manual control and a traditional steam wand with few bells and whistles. But it has an incredibly compact footprint, makes excellent espresso, and has superior frothing capabilities for such an inexpensive product. At under $100, it's one of the most affordable machines and also one of the best.

De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Automatic Espresso Machine

De'Longhi has so many deals for Prime Day, but this machine is a great buy for those users who just want to push a button. This machine does it all for you, with seven one-touch recipes, including espresso, cappuccino, latte, and iced coffee. Its precision conical burr grinder offers 13 different grind settings, ensuring the proper extraction for every cup. And its Latte Crema System can handle both plant and dairy milks.

The best Amazon Prime Day coffee accessory deals

The right accessories can dramatically improve your coffee routine, whether you're grinding beans, frothing milk for lattes, or keeping drinks hot longer. Prime Day is an excellent opportunity to pick up useful upgrades at a discount. This year's best accessory deals include grinders, milk frothers, temperature-controlled mugs, and espresso essentials.

OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder

The best coffee grinders are burr coffee grinders because they're an easy way to improve coffee flavor and extraction. This OXO burr grinder has durable construction and user-friendly control, making it a strong choice for both beginners and enthusiasts. Its Prime Day price makes it a worthwhile upgrade for anyone still using pre-ground coffee, looking to improve the taste of their morning brew.

Zulay Milk Frother

This handheld electric whisk is one of my favorites thanks to its stand and performance. I can whip up foam for espresso drinks, but it is also great for gravies and salad dressing. It's a must-have kitchen tool, and it's over 50% off.

Nextmug Temperature-Controlled Coffee Mug

The days of putting your coffee or tea in the microwave are over with a self-heating mug like this from Nextmug. It's easy to use and does a great job keeping hot drinks hot. It's also easy to clean by hand, which is a plus.

Espresso Knock Box

Any espresso enthusiast will tell you that you need a knock box in some form, especially if you plan to make multiple espressos at once. We like this one because it is modern, shock-absorbent, and has a non-slip base.

Prime Day coffee maker FAQs

Is Prime Day a good time to buy a coffee maker?

Prime Day is one of the best times of the year to buy a coffee maker because many of the biggest brands offer discounts that rival Black Friday pricing. We found especially strong deals this year on espresso machines from Breville and De'Longhi, single-serve coffee makers from Nespresso and Keurig, and drip coffee makers from Oxo, Ninja, and Cuisinart.

What kind of coffee maker should I get?

The best coffee Maker depends on your habits and budget. Drip coffee makers are ideal for households that brew multiple cups throughout the day, while single-serve machines offer convenience and minimal cleanup for both home and work settings. Espresso machines are best for coffee enthusiasts who want lattes, cappuccinos, and specialty drinks at home. If versatility is your priority, look for a machine that can brew hot and iced coffee, as well as specialty drinks, from a single appliance.

Shopping for more discounts today? Check out our roundup of the best Prime Day deals, or browse Amazon for the full selection.

• Jessica C. Guthrie's mom was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's Disease at 65.
• Guthrie quit her job as vice president of a nonprofit to become her mother's primary caregiver.
• The duo struggles financially, but the daughter wants to be there for her mom without distractions.

This story is based on an interview with Jessica C. Guthrie, 38, a full-time carer and caregiving consultant from Fredericksburg, Virginia. It has been edited for length and clarity.

In 2013, we noticed that my mom, a teacher's aide, was getting a little confused about things at the school she'd had no problem with before.

She had always been very routine, very structured, but she started repeating herself and getting lost in familiar places like the pharmacy or grocery store.

The following year, she was involved in a major collision in her car on the way to church. She was unaware. There were also episodes of anxiety about going to work and being around other people.

I'd call Mom, and she'd start asking the same questions over and over. She would always try to hide it by saying, "Oh, I was just testing you and making sure you were following along."

She knew something was changing in her brain and wanted to save face.

I was working for Teach America in Dallas at the time and felt awful about being more than 1,700 miles away. She wasn't herself, forgetting to eat and pay the bills.

At first, Mom was independent

Her brother, a physician, persuaded her to undergo a basic evaluation at a memory clinic. She ended up having brain scans and other tests and, in September 2014, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's Disease.

She was only 65.

Still, she was pretty independent and comfortable in her own home. During my first visit after her diagnosis, I put systems in place to remind her who she was and help keep her occupied.

I prepped meals for the freezer, organized her medications, and, over the next five years, flew back and forth between Texas and her home.

Her condition got worse. In 2019, I walked into her room and saw how grateful she was to have me back home. I moved to Fredericksburg permanently and worked remotely.

I got to see my mom's personality again, her laugh, and her smile. But by 2022, she was no longer mobile or able to sit up in bed.

It was a pivotal point because her Alzheimer's shifted from being just cognitive changes to physical challenges. I was worried about her falling, so I installed grab bars in the hallway.

I was burned out

She started losing her words and lost a significant amount of weight. We were using a Hoyer Lift to get her from point A to point B, and I began feeding her.

I felt that I couldn't keep working and be present for my mom. I went on six weeks of family leave, plus a four-week sabbatical.

My time away made me realize I was burned out. My job was vice president and chief program officer. Managing a team while dealing with the emotions and practical experiences of caring for Mom was too much.

"I'm important, but not that important," I thought. "This job isn't going to fulfill you, and you'll regret not being there for Mom."

I left the nonprofit in 2023 after 11 years.

One big thing was the financial side. I learned very quickly about the cost of carers. Leveraging a care support person or care companion costs at least $25 an hour, and I could only afford four hours a day.

A decent memory care facility was beyond our budget

It got to the point when I was spending up to $3,000 a month. Then, when you tack on supplies and medical equipment, it was close to $4,000.

Mom, now 77, didn't qualify for Medicaid or state-based aid. We fell into the messy middle with no assistance.

The cost of a decent memory care facility is between $7,000 and $10,000, which wasn't possible on our budget. You're left to figure it out somehow, and I stepped up.

We get by on Mom's Social Security, which covers her home expenses, and my savings. I had to withdraw money from my retirement fund once when things got so low that I had to make sure I could pay the bills.

I set up a consultancy, which advises and advocates for other carers, but between credit card debt, dipping into savings, and retirement accounts, it's a huge puzzle. I am also a spokeswoman for Aeroflow Urology.

It's been a very long process. I was 26 when Mom was diagnosed, and I never thought I'd spend nearly 12 years as a carer. But I'm deeply committed to walking my mom home, as I call her end-of-life journey, and giving her the respect and dignity she deserves.

The FIFA World Cup has officially kicked off, almost four years since Argentina's victory, and Lionel Messi and his crew are attempting to defend their title against a stacked field. We've scoured the viewing options and rounded up everything you need to know about where to watch the World Cup, including free and global streaming options for all 104 matches.

If you don't want to scroll any further, we've got you covered. You can live stream every game on FOX and FS1 via FOX One or a live TV service in the US, for free on SBS On Demand in Australia, and for free across BBC iPlayer and ITVX in the UK, among many other viewing options around the world (which we'll break down below). You can access your streaming options from anywhere with the help of a VPN. Keep reading to learn more about the tournament, whether you're hoping to watch from home or attend in person.

Where to watch the World Cup for free

Several countries around the world will offer free access to World Cup coverage. In Australia, all matches will be available for free on SBS On Demand. In the UK, all matches will be split across BBC iPlayer and ITVX.

Other regions offer select games for free, often focusing on their national team and major late-tournament matches, while the rest are available via a paid service. In Spain, select matches will be available for free on RTVE Play. In Italy, RaiPlay will offer free coverage of select matches. M6 offers some free matches in France. Tabii in Turkey has plenty of free live streams in Arabic, too.

Want to access some of these free World Cup viewing options from outside the above countries? We'll show you how to get around those geo-restrictions next.

How to watch the World Cup from anywhere

Football fans who are away from the location where their streaming service works during any notable matches can still access their free viewing options with the help of a VPN. Short for virtual private networks, VPNs are handy tech tools that let people temporarily change the virtual location on their electronic devices. They're popular among people looking to upgrade their cybersecurity and keep up with their usual websites and apps while traveling abroad.

NordVPN is our top recommendation and one of the best VPNs on the market. It's fast, offers a massive selection of global servers, and comes with a helpful 30-day money-back guarantee if you find that it's not helping you out.

Where to watch the World Cup in the US

All 104 World Cup games will air on either FOX or Fox Sports 1 (FS1) in the US. FOX offers a direct streaming counterpart, FOX One, for $20 a month with a three-day free trial. You can also sign up for the service as a Prime Video add-on. If you're looking for a service with additional channels or a longer free trial, one of the best live TV streaming services we've tested might be of interest.

Fubo offers FOX and FS1 coverage in its Sports + News plan, along with 25+ other key channels. The streaming package also unlocks ESPN Unlimited access. Sports + News costs $56 a month, but new users can get $10 off their first month after a five-day free trial. FOX and FS1 are also available in the Pro and Elite plan.

YouTube TV is another live TV service with ample FOX and FS1 coverage. Until June 30, a special deal can help new users get $75 off YouTube TV for five months (that's $15 a month off each month over a five-month period). The sale brings the price of YouTube TV's main plan down from $83 a month to just $68 a month. There's also a sports plan with FOX and FS1, which costs $65 a month, but new users can get $10 a month off their first 12 months. The live TV service typically offers a free trial for new customers.

Sling TV also carries FOX and FS1 across several of its plans, with the cheapest being Sling Select. Sling Select starts at $20 a month for 10 channels (including FS1), but it jumps up to $25 or $30 a month when local channels (like FOX) are involved. However, Sling's local channel coverage varies widely by region, so check what's available in your area before signing up. Sling Blue also carries FS1 and FOX (when available). Plans start at $46 a month, but they go for $51 a month with local channels.

If you're looking for Spanish-language coverage, Telemundo has the broadcast rights in the US, and all 104 matches are available to stream on Peacock with Spanish commentary. Peacock's sports-friendly tiers start at $11 a month for Peacock Premium, but you'll be able to watch the first couple of days of the tournament with a pared-down Select plan as well.

Where to watch the World Cup in the UK

Every match at the World Cup will be available for free in the UK. Coverage is split across the BBC and ITV, meaning fans can live stream all matches via a combination of BBC iPlayer and ITVX. These are free streaming options that only require account creation to watch.

Where to watch the World Cup in Australia

It's good news in Australia. All 104 World Cup matches will be available in one place, through SBS, SBS Viceland, and SBS On Demand. That means that you can live stream all of the games via SBS On Demand, which just requires account creation if you haven't already made a login.

Where to watch the World Cup in Spain

RTVE will carry several World Cup matches in Spain. This means that fans will be able to live stream coverage for free on RTVE Play. You'll just need to create an account, and then you're all set to start watching. Coverage will favor games with Spain's national team, along with other marquee match-ups. Football fans in Spain hoping to watch every single World Cup match will need a paid subscription through DAZN.

Where to watch the World Cup in Italy

Select matches will be shown through RAI in Italy, which means that coverage will be available to stream for free via Rai Play. Italian FIFA fans hoping to watch every single match of the World Cup will need a paid DAZN subscription, which will grant access to all 104 matches.

Where to watch the World Cup in Germany

In Germany, select World Cup coverage will be available for free through ARD and ZDF. For full German coverage of the entire tournament, including all early group stage matches, fans will need a paid subscription to MagentaTV.

Where does the 2026 FIFA World Cup take place?

Typically, the FIFA World Cup is hosted by a single country (except for Japan and South Korea in 2002), but the 2026 tournament will be held across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. In Canada, Toronto and Vancouver serve as host cities. In Mexico, host cities include Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey. US host cities include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Is this a larger World Cup tournament than in past years?

If you've been looking at your TV guide and thinking that there are a lot of matches and teams, you're not alone. 2026 marks FIFA's largest World Cup tournament to date. The tournament was expanded from 32 to 48 teams, nearly doubling the number of matches scheduled to take place. This change increased the number of teams and groups in the group stages and means that knockouts begin with a new Round of 32 before the Round of 16.

Who is favored to win the FIFA World Cup?

Heading into the tournament, Spain is the favorite to win the FIFA World Cup. On DraftKings (prior to the start of the World Cup), Spain led at +450, followed by France (+475), England (+700), Portugal (+800), Brazil (+950), and Argentina (+950).

Previous FIFA World Cup winners

Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, won the 2022 World Cup. Previous winners include France (2018), Germany (2014), Spain (2010), Italy (2006), Brazil (2002), France (1998), Brazil (1994), West Germany (1990), Argentina (1986), Italy (1982), Argentina (1978), West Germany (1974), Brazil (1970), England (1966), Brazil (1962), Brazil (1958), West Germany (1954), Uruguay (1950), Italy (1938), Italy (1934), and Uruguay (1930).

When and where is the next men's World Cup?

The next FIFA Men's World Cup tournament will take place in 2030. Most of the games will be hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, with one match each taking place in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. These South American games are in honor of the 100th anniversary of the first FIFA World Cup, which was held in Uruguay in 1930.

When and where is the women's World Cup?

The next FIFA Women's World Cup is scheduled for 2027. Brazil will host the tournament for the first time. Spain is the most recent women's World Cup winner, beating out England 1-0 in the 2023 final. Prior to that, the USA won back-to-back in 2019 and 2015.

How do you get World Cup tickets?

Getting your hands on World Cup tickets has proven to be no easy task. The tournament is incredibly popular, and the initial FIFA ticket release was a bit confusing. Our team has found that some of the best prices and seating variety come from the resale market right now. You can learn more in our World Cup tickets guide.

2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule

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.

• JPMorgan sees a high risk of a flash crash in stocks.
• The bank is still bullish on stocks through year-end, but says the path won't be a smooth move upward.
• Analysts see risks stemming from "extreme crowding" in momentum stocks.

JPMorgan says beware of a flash crash brewing in the stock market's hottest speculative trades.

Strategists at the top bank said they're still bullish on stocks overall, raising their S&P 500 price target to 7,800 for the full year. However, they flagged a high risk for the market to see a sudden drop in the bank's mid-year outlook on Wednesday.

That's because, despite "Blue Sky" conditions hanging over the market generally, the bank sees "extreme crowding" in momentum stocks, a bucket of companies that have seen a rapid price increase in 2026.

Momentum stocks have soared over the last several months, fueled by unrelenting enthusiasm for AI plays in things like semiconductors and memory stocks. Invesco's S&P 500 Momentum ETF is up 29% year-to-date, outpacing the nearly 8% gain in the benchmark index.

The momentum ETF rally has already started to fade amid a sell-off in the chips sector, having dropped 4.5% since Monday.

Crowding has been a particular issue in "Low Quality" and "Speculative Growth" stocks, strategists added, two groups of stocks they referred to as "2nd and 3rd order AI plays."

"Moreover, the rapidly increasing equity supply expected over the coming quarters, alongside potentially tighter monetary policy, could constrain equity multiples," the bank said of additional risks it sees in the market.

JPMorgan's equity strategy team also sounded a warning about a potential flash-crash in 2024, citing the risk of a sharp drop due to the market's heavy concentration in tech stocks.

Prior to that, the bank flagged flash-crash risks in 2018, which they said could be triggered by a wave of automated selling of passive funds from institutional investors.

Still, the bank remains optimistic on stocks overall, and lifted its year-end price target for the S&P 500. Strategists now see the index climbing to 7,800 by the end of 2026, implying 5% gain from current levels.

"However, it's important to keep in mind that the path upwards will likely be non-linear, as the market will need to clear various hurdles," they added.

The bank said that it believes a barbell investing strategy balanced between quality growth stocks and low-volatility quality growth stocks was favorable in the current macro climate, pointing to strong finances, strong returns, and organic growth among those companies.

• A version of this post appears in Cannes Diary, a daily pop-up newsletter covering Cannes Lions.
• Sign up for Business Insider's weekly marketing newsletter, CMO Insider.

Walmart scored the deal everyone's talking about in Cannes this year.

Adtech yacht row, which was ungenerously — though amusingly — dubbed "the ruins of the open internet" by Digiday in its "official judgmental map of Cannes Lions 2026," was buzzing Tuesday with the news that Walmart scooped up the French adtech firm Vibe.co for a reported $1.4 billion, per the WSJ. (Walmart declined to comment on the terms.) Eyes are bulging at the size of the deal for a company that said its valuation was $410 million this past September, when it last raised capital.

The Cannes attendees I chinwagged with were unanimous that the acquisition symbolized Walmart's intent to become an ad giant rivaling Meta, Google, and Amazon.

Vibe's core promise is that its platform can make buying streaming TV ads as simple as using Google or Meta. (Check out its 2025 investor pitch deck.)

BI sister company EMARKETER estimates Walmart's ad business will generate $8.23 billion in worldwide ad revenue this year. To put that in context, EMARKETER forecasts Meta will bring in $243.46 billion, Google $239.54 billion, and Amazon $82.07 billion.

Vibe is another big play from Walmart as it looks to capture a larger chunk of the streaming TV ad market. Walmart acquired the TV company Vizio in 2024, helping it tap into TV ad budgets and prove its expanding ecosystem of ads could drive sales. Now, Vibe could help Walmart unlock ad budgets from small- to medium-sized businesses, Matt Barash, chief commercial officer of the adtech company Nova, told me.

"The next wave of CTV growth won't come from Fortune 500 budgets alone," he said. "It will come from SMBs seeking TV-scale reach with digital-style accountability, and Walmart is assembling the pieces to connect exposure, commerce, and sales outcomes in a way traditional television never could."

Andreas Roell, CEO of M&A advisory firm Evros Group, told me the key with this transaction is that Walmart is committing itself to self-service — a model that can unlock more revenue because it requires less hands-on support.

Walmart is building its advertising fortress with the benefit of hindsight courtesy of Amazon, Roell said. Amazon spent years frustrating advertisers with a powerful but often clunky adtech stack before overhauling it around 2022, as I've previously reported. That cleanup — and perhaps a few aggressive efforts to undercut competitors on fees — helped cement Amazon's ad dominance and made life considerably harder for rivals like The Trade Desk.

"Walmart is going about this in a more intentional, structured way," Roell said.

Other than its tech, Vibe was renowned for its provocative marketing. CEO Arthur Querou once dressed up as Sydney Sweeney to emulate the notorious "Sydney Sweeney has great jeans" American Eagle ad, replete with the golden locks and signature cleavage, to deliver an ad with the tagline: "Streaming TV has great leads."

One wonders whether the Walmart brand police might rein that in.

• GameStop has scrapped CEO Ryan Cohen's potential $35 billion pay deal — at his request.
• The Chewy cofounder wants to focus on turning around GameStop and acquiring eBay, the company said.
• The billionaire said he's putting in $500 million of his own money to make the eBay deal happen.

GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen is so determined to buy eBay that he's taken his own $35 billion pay deal off the table.

Cohen has withdrawn the proposed compensation package because he wants to fully focus on revitalizing GameStop's business and acquiring eBay, GameStop said in a press release on Tuesday.

Cohen has reiterated his intention to acquire the online marketplace in recent days, despite the target being more than five times larger than GameStop, with a market value of $48 billion, and eBay rejecting Cohen's cash-and-stock offer in May.

Chewy's billionaire cofounder explained his interest in the tie-up during an episode of the "All-In" podcast released on Tuesday.

He highlighted the opportunity to cut eBay's bloated costs; to make it a big player in live commerce by using GameStop's roughly 1,600 US stores to fulfill orders and serve as studios for content creators; and to expand into digital collectibles by creating a marketplace for digital items in video games.

Cohen also said he'll put $500 million of his own money into the deal to demonstrate his conviction.

"When you look at how much the businesses together make sense, and then you look at the fact that it's within my circle of competence, I can't stop thinking about it," Cohen said.

In a June 19 interview with Piers Morgan, Cohen declined to rule out a hostile takeover, meaning he might attempt to buy the business against the board's wishes.

At Cohen's request, GameStop has removed the proposed CEO Performance Award from its proxy statement, it said in Tuesday's press release.

The video-game retailer's shareholders were poised to vote on the pay package ahead of the company's annual meeting on July 7.

Cohen stood to secure a total of 171.5 million share options if he grew GameStop's market value to $100 billion, and its adjusted profits to $10 billion. Those shares would be worth in excess of $35 billion

He's faced backlash over his proposed pay package. Michael Burry of "The Big Short" fame revealed in early May that he'd sold his GameStop stake because he was skeptical of the eBay deal, and suggested Cohen was pursuing the heavily dilutive transaction because it would help him hit his market cap and profit milestones, generating a huge payout for him.

GameStop noted in a filing that Cohen wouldn't have received a windfall purely for acquiring eBay, as his performance hurdles stood to be adjusted to reflect a stock-based acquisition.

In its press release, GameStop said it would provide fresh details about its plans to purchase eBay this week, including its strategic rationale and how it plans to run the combined company.

GameStop and eBay did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Amazon Prime Day is now on its second day, and there are still plenty of great deals available on computer monitors. I've been writing about tech products for over a decade, and I've covered every Prime Day since the event launched in 2015, so I know how to separate the good discounts from the forgettable ones. To help you shop smarter, I've rounded up the best Prime Day monitor deals for gaming, productivity, remote work, and everyday use.

A few discounts are slightly better today than they were on day one. For example, this 34-inch Alienware gaming monitor is now down to $615, compared to $630 yesterday, saving you $185 off its regular price. There are also solid bargains on budget-friendly displays for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and streaming. One standout is a 24-inch Philips monitor that's down to an all-time low of $64. It's a simple entry-level 1080p screen, but for shoppers who just need an affordable monitor, it's tough to beat.

These Prime Day monitor deals should be available through the end of the sale on June 26, but popular models could sell out before then. I'll keep looking for new discounts throughout the four-day event and update this guide as deals come and go. If you're interested in shopping across other categories like home, kitchen, style, and more, check out our full Prime Day deals guide.

The best Prime Day computer monitor deals

If you're looking for a standard monitor suited for everyday tasks, these models from Samsung, Philips, Dell, Asus, and LG are all solid options, especially with these discounts.

The best Prime Day gaming monitor deals

These gaming monitors all deliver advanced features geared toward providing a smooth, high-contrast image. OLED models, like LG's 32-inch UltraGear, have especially strong picture quality, making them ideal for gamers and media enthusiasts.

Prime Day monitor FAQs

What's the difference between a standard monitor and a gaming monitor?

A standard monitor is built for everyday tasks like browsing the web, drafting documents, streaming videos, and basic photo editing. A gaming monitor is designed to display games with smooth motion and advanced features like HDR (high dynamic range). As such, gaming monitors offer higher refresh rates, faster response times, brighter panels, and additional features, such as adaptive sync, that you won't find in typical productivity monitors.

For casual use, a standard monitor with 1080p or QHD resolution, a basic LED panel, and a 60Hz refresh rate is fine. But if you play fast-paced games, you should invest in a gaming monitor that supports at least 120Hz. Monitors that use OLED, QLED, and Mini LED panels are also better suited for games since they deliver brighter, higher contrast images than basic LED screens. If your PC is powerful enough to handle higher resolutions, a 4K gaming monitor is also a good option since it'll deliver a sharper image.

Should you buy an ultrawide monitor?

Several monitors on sale for Prime Day feature an ultrawide design, giving you more horizontal space than a standard 16:9 or 16:10 monitor. This type of screen can be great for multitasking, productivity, and immersive gaming, but it takes up more desk space and usually costs more than a standard display. It's best for shoppers who want extra screen space without using two monitors.

Is Prime Day a good time to buy a computer monitor?

If you've been meaning to buy a new computer monitor, Prime Day is a great time to do so. The event is packed with good deals on monitors from top brands like Samsung, LG, Asus, Dell, and Alienware. That said, there are always a handful of mediocre deals to be wary of, but my recommendations cover notable discounts from quality brands.

Shopping for more discounts today? Check out our roundup of all of the best Prime Day deals, or browse Amazon's website for the full selection.

The Cannes Film Festival isn't the only fashionable event held on the southeastern coast of France.

Between June 22 and June 26, CMOs, influencers, CEOs, creative marketing professionals, and more flock to the resort city to attend the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity — also known as the Oscars of advertising.

And while at the event, many of those attendees are flaunting fashion status symbols, from designer necklaces to trendy footwear.

Business Insider is on the ground in Cannes and keeping an eye on what stylish attendees are wearing. Here's what's stood out so far.

Statement necklaces are in again.

MarketCast CEO Lana Busignani paired her statement Chanel necklace with a striped outfit and chunky glasses.

Men are wearing dress shorts and sneakers with suede touches.

Adim Isiakpona, cofounder of The People Company, paired his burnt-orange shorts and Adidas sneakers with a graphic button-down top.

Some are making statements with monochrome looks.

Nicole Weatherbee and Heather Unruh Yost, both Salesforce employees, paired bold outfits with neutral bags. Weatherbee donned a bright-orange set, and Yost chose a mint-green look.

Woven and rattan bags are everywhere.

Karin Kildow, who works for CCG Social, accessorized her neutral top and miniskirt with a woven bag.

The more colorful, the better.

Aba Blankson, the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at NAACP, wore a rainbow dress with short sleeves and exaggerated pockets.

You can't go wrong with designer sunglasses, especially from brands like Prada.

Ashley Thorpe and Hannah Diddams both wore vibrant dresses, designer sunglasses, and bold jewelry. Diddams' shades specifically came from Prada.

Men are having fun with bags, too.

Two men were spotted wearing statement crossbody bags at the festival. One sported a black Swissdigital design that featured multiple pockets, while another wore what looked like a leather Hermès piece.

Bold prints are having a moment.

Attendee Adwoa Nyame opted for stripes, which decorated her blouse, trousers, and purse.

No outfit is complete without eye-catching accessories.

Actors Jimmy Akingbola and Darren Darnborough proved that. Akingbola, who starred in "Bel-Air," paired a brown T-shirt and matching trousers with flashy gold jewelry, a baseball cap, and sunglasses.

Darnborough, who appeared in "Marshals," wore white trousers and a denim button-down, which he accessorized with a Dior neck scarf, a silver watch, and black sunglasses.

Business Insider editor-in-chief Jamie Heller sits down with BYD executive Stella Li at the 2026 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. The two discuss how the Chinese manufacturer's business has grown and plans for future expansion in more global markets. Heller asks Li about upcoming ventures and partnerships, as well as Li's prediction that home robots will be a reality within the next three years.

• I moved from California to Minnesota for work and have fallen in love with my new home.
• Here in Minneapolis, I've found a diverse community that really seems to show up for one another.
• I love the art scene, and overall, I think life here feels pretty affordable for a major city.

This past winter, Minneapolis saw temperatures as low as -21 degrees Fahrenheit. Yes, it gets cold here, but despite moving from sunny California, I'm not sure I mind.

After spending five years in the Bay Area, home to a diverse population and great food, I moved to Minneapolis in 2024 for a job opportunity.

I had no prior roots in the city, and, at first, the thought of leaving behind my close friends and the tech salaries in Silicon Valley felt a little overwhelming.

However, I knew I was ready for something new, and I told myself that if Minneapolis wasn't for me, I'd just move again. But since then, I haven't looked back.

In fact, I think my new home is one of the most underrated parts of the country.

I've found a diverse and inclusive community that really seems to show up for one another

When I first moved to Minneapolis, I had no idea how I'd create a community of my own. I'd pored over hundreds of online posts that claimed it's hard to meet people, since most Minnesotans seem to make their friends in kindergarten.

Although it's somewhat true that Minnesotans tend to form lifelong friendships, in my opinion, it's only a testament to how deeply organized the city's community is.

People really seem to know each other here, which was nothing short of a revelation after moving from a place where it felt like almost everyone I met was a transplant.

In fact, I found it easy to build a community, since there are active groups for just about anything you can think of. For example, I quickly met some of my best friends and mentors at a weekly poetry workshop at a local youth center.

I also enjoy being a member of my local church, which has helped me make intergenerational friendships, and I've joined groups that help me stay connected to my Asian-American identity.

In addition to the welcoming community, there are also a lot of opportunities to engage with different cultures, from Somali to Ukrainian. As an Asian-American, I enjoy heading to nearby community pillars like Hmong Village — one of the nation's biggest Hmong marketplaces — to stock up on imported goods and to get my brows done for a great price.

I've also noticed that many people here are civically engaged and really take care of one another.

Like many cities in America, Minneapolis has a history of redlining and struggles with racial tensions that have gained national attention throughout the years. As a woman of color, I feel grateful to have landed in a city that continues to thoughtfully contend with its challenges, with neighbors who show up for people of color.

During Operation Metro Surge, where thousands of federal agents arrived in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, my friends helped me run errands to areas of town with a greater ICE presence. Plus, some of the coffee shops I frequented also started food drives for those sheltering in place.

I've fallen in love with the city's rich arts scene

As someone who loves exploring and creating in the arts, Minneapolis has some of the most amazing and accessible cultural amenities I've seen.

A typical weekend will see me catching a screening with Mizna, an organization that highlights Arab and Southwest Asian/North African arts and literature, spending a few hours in a specialty library stocked with zines and hard-to-find reference materials, or checking out the city's free museums.

Minneapolis is also home to many community-centered traditions, including Mayday, an annual large-scale puppet parade, and the Wedge Cat Tour, a roving tour of the neighborhood's cutest cats on windowsills.

My neighborhood, in particular, is known for Art-A-Whirl, a weekend when over 60 art studios are open for the public to peek inside. In my opinion, unique cultural pockets like this are what make Minneapolis so special.

Plus, the city has a strong live music scene. I love heading to a brewery after work to see a local act just as much as waiting in an hourslong queue outside the Fillmore for a major artist.

Considering Minneapolis is a major city, life here feels pretty affordable, too

Overall, even though Minneapolis is a big city, it still feels like a place where dreams feel possible to accomplish.

Although most of my friends live in major coastal cities with roommates, I was able to move into my own two-bedroom apartment right across from downtown — for the same rent I was paying for a single room in the Bay Area.

When friends come to visit, they marvel at the abundance of adorable Craftsman-style homes that feel within reach. In fact, according to a study conducted by management company Evernest, Minnesota has the highest homeownership rate in the US for those under 35.

I'm hoping to save enough for a down payment on a house in the next few years. This, combined with the community-oriented atmosphere, has made Minneapolis feel like it could be a permanent home for me.

Now that I've lived here for a year and a half, it's hard to imagine finding a community this vibrant anywhere else. I didn't know what to expect when I first got here, but now, I have no plans to leave.

• Dave Berke's career in aviation began after watching 'Top Gun' at age 13, inspiring his path.
• Berke, a Marine Corps fighter pilot, flew top jets, including the F-22 Raptor and F-35B Lightning II.
• The F-22 Raptor's maneuverability and stealth impressed Berke more than any other aircraft.

At 13, Dave Berke watched "Top Gun" and decided he wanted to become a fighter pilot. Decades later, he was teaching at the real TOPGUN school and had flown in the cockpits of four of the most capable fighters ever fielded by the US military.

He flew combat missions from aircraft carriers, served as a forward air controller in Iraq, taught strike-fighter tactics at TOPGUN, and eventually became the first operational commander to fly the Marine Corps' F-35B.

Over the course of his career, Berke piloted the F/A-18 Hornet, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22 Raptor, and F-35B Lightning II, and estimates he accumulated about 3,000 flight hours.

"I'm pretty sure no one else has flown those four jets," Berke said of his time in uniform. "During my time in my career, I was definitely the luckiest guy."

After spending 23 years as a Marine Corps fighter pilot before retiring in 2017, Berke says each aircraft excelled in different ways, but one still stands apart from the rest.

The Raptor is hard to beat

Berke said people often ask him which fighter was his favorite. "The short, easy answer is the F-22 Raptor is a unique aircraft," he said. "Getting to fly that was amazing, and it really doesn't have a real equal in the world that it operates."

However, he was careful not to dismiss the other planes he flew.

The F/A-18 was Berke's first operational fighter and the aircraft he flew the most. He described it as his "first love," praising its versatility as a fighter and attack aircraft capable of performing nearly every mission in the Navy and Marine Corps arsenal.

The F-16, which he began flying as a TOPGUN instructor, offered more power and performance than the Hornet and served as the aircraft that ultimately helped qualify him for an exchange program flying the Air Force's F-22 Raptor.

The F-35, meanwhile, changed the way he thought about air combat altogether. Rather than emphasizing speed or maneuverability, the aircraft's strength lies in its ability to collect, fuse, and share information. Flying the F-35 convinced Berke that future warfare will be defined by information dominance and situational awareness.

Still, out of all four aircraft, the F-22 impressed him most. He described the Raptor as a jet with "no real equal," pointing to its speed, stealth, thrust-vectoring engines, and ability to perform maneuvers that seemed to "defy the laws of physics."

The moment he realized the F-22 was different

Berke vividly remembers his first flight in the F-22.

At the time, he had already accumulated years of experience in the F/A-18 and F-16. He arrived at Tyndall Air Force Base as the first Marine selected to fly the aircraft.

"The way it felt, the way it sounded, the way it moved, it was very obvious this was unlike anything I'd ever flown," Berke said. "I fell in love with that jet from the second I climbed into that thing."

What impressed him most was the aircraft's maneuverability.

The F-22's thrust-vectoring engines allow pilots to point the aircraft in ways that conventional fighters cannot. Berke described performing maneuvers that would be impossible in the F/A-18 or F-16.

"The first time you get a sense of what we call the super maneuverability of the Raptor," he said, "you just can't do that in a fourth-generation airplane."

The aircraft combines that maneuverability with stealth, powerful sensors, and extraordinary speed. According to Berke, the result is a fighter that feels fundamentally different from anything that came before it.

"Once you feel that, you really get a sense from the cockpit this is a different machine from anything I ever flew before or after," he said. "There's just nothing like the Raptor."

• I'm a recipe developer and meal-prep expert who often gets grocery staples from Trader Joe's.
• My favorite products are the ones that save me time in the kitchen, like frozen rice.
• Preprepared plant-based proteins and vegetables also make it easy for my family to eat healthy.

As a recipe developer, meal-prep expert, and mom of three, I make dinner at least five nights a week — but I don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Trader Joe's array of specialty items, variety of plant-based options, and bounty of preprepared ingredients make it easy for me to cook healthy dinners that taste delicious.

Here are some of my favorite Trader Joe's products for planning nutritious meals with ease.

The vegan salad dressings taste better than homemade.

My kids can't believe these flavorful Caesar, green-goddess, and creamy-dill dressings in the refrigerated section are completely plant-based. Plus, they have fewer than 100 calories per serving and are made from simple ingredients.

I'm vegan and the rest of my family isn't, so they're my answer for zhuzhing up steamed vegetables, grain bowls, wraps, and, of course, salads.

Protein-enriched pasta powers up Italian night.

I'm always looking for ways to add more protein to meals, and I do so by using certain pasta varieties from Trader Joe's in noodle dishes.

There are several options for pasta with up to 14 grams of protein per serving, including varieties made with lentils, brown rice, quinoa, and chickpeas.

Beyond pasta night, I also use the noodles to ramp up salads, veggie stir-fries, and curries.

Canned chili saves me time on busy weeknights.

Trader Joe's simple can of vegetarian chili is great on nights when I don't feel like cooking. It's vegan, so everyone in my family can enjoy it.

I love that the added pea protein boosts the protein content alongside the red beans.

I serve it with a variety of toppings so everyone can pick what they like. I'll also use it as a topping for baked potatoes or sweet potato "nachos."

Salad kits can be used for any number of meals.

There's a wide variety of salad kits at Trader Joe's, from sweet-chili mango to pizza ranch.

Sometimes I just follow the package instructions to build a flavorful salad, but the kits have also inspired a number of dinners in my house. I use the Mediterranean kit as a base for falafel bowls and the Southwestern chopped as a pizza topping.

New varieties always seem to be popping up on shelves, creating limitless options for creativity.

There's so much you can do with a block of tofu.

Trader Joe's offers a variety of tofu, but the high-protein super-firm, baked teriyaki-flavored, and baked Sriracha-flavored varieties are my favorites.

The pre-seasoned and baked varieties are ready to slice, crumble, or air-fry without any prep. Meanwhile, the high-protein tofu can be whipped up for a number of dishes and provides 5 more grams of protein per serving than the store's standard extra-firm block.

Some of my menu highlights include grilled tofu "steaks" topped with chimichurri and breaded tofu sticks served with dipping sauces.

Steamed lentils are a meal prepper's best friend.

Preparing beans and legumes can be time-consuming, but they're one of the best plant-based protein sources. So, the prepared lentil package in the refrigerated section at Trader Joe's is a handy staple.

I use it in countless ways: filling taco shells, stirring into pasta sauces, and sprinkling on salads, to name a few.

I've also combined the lentils with lemon juice, fresh herbs, and Trader Joe's bruschetta to make a hearty filling for a wrap.

Frozen brown rice saves me time.

I always keep a box of Trader Joe's brown rice in my freezer to make easy weeknight meals, from grain bowls and stir-fries to burritos and casseroles.

Instead of meal-prepping a big pot of rice at the start of the week, I can just pull out one of these packets and microwave it for four minutes.

I'm also a fan of the store's frozen jasmine rice.

Shelled edamame adds a protein boost to meals.

Trader Joe's package of lightly salted edamame is ready to eat, making it a go-to for my Asian-inspired meals.

I sprinkle them into stir-fries, teriyaki bowls, and sushi rolls, but they're also just great for snacking.

We go through the refrigerated package in a week and don't have to worry about it going bad, but there's also a frozen option.

Spiralized veggies are a fun way to level up dishes.

Much to my kids' chagrin, one of the easiest ways to level up the nutrition factor in my family's meals is to add more vegetables.

Luckily, all of us can get behind Trader Joe's fun zucchini spirals and butternut-squash zig-zags.

I toss the spiralized zucchini with protein-enriched spaghetti and use the butternut-squash pieces to replace thicker noodles in soups and casseroles.

Greek chickpeas add instant flavor with no prep.

Tossed with soybean oil, lemon juice, parsley, salt, cumin, garlic powder, and black pepper, Trader Joe's Greek chickpeas are my shortcut for adding zest and plant protein to meals.

For salads, I skip the dressing and toss the chickpeas directly into the bowl with the juice of a lemon. Or, I'll roast them until crunchy and use them as croutons.

I also love to spoon them over grilled vegetables such as zucchini, cauliflower, and portobello mushrooms.

Keep reading Trader Joe's diaries like this one.

This story was originally published on January 18, 2025, and most recently updated on June 24, 2026.

As Business Insider's sleep editor, I track mattress sales year-round. People always ask me whether buying a mattress on Prime Day is worth it, and I often advise buying directly from brands for the best pricing. However, after spending hours sifting through the deals on Amazon, I found several genuinely worthwhile price drops on the best mattresses we've tested and recommend. Plus, Amazon offers fast shipping, affordable in-home set-up services, and a minimum of 90-day sleep trial to decide if it's the best option for you.

I also compared prices between Amazon and the retailers themselves to make sure the deals here are truly the best, since many mattress brands are running early 4th of July sales on their own sites.

The most noteworthy deals include the Nectar Classic Mattress for $537, our pick for the best mattress under $1,000, and our favorite cheap foam mattress from Zinus, on sale for just $188.

If you're in the mood to fully upgrade your bed, consider one of the best pillow deals and savings on other bedding accessories, too.

• See all Prime Day mattress deals on Amazon

The best Prime Day mattress deals

Nectar Classic Mattress

Why we love this deal: As our top pick for a mattress under $1,000, the Nectar Classic is a well-rounded foam mattress with a medium-firm feel that should appeal to most sleep styles, including those struggling with back pain. For Prime Day, Nectar has dropped the price to $532 on Amazon. This beats buying directly from Nectar by more than $150 and is lower than the roughly $700 price we've seen around other major shopping holidays like Memorial Day. You still get Nectar's yearlong trial and lifetime warranty.

Who should buy it: Best for back, side, and combination sleepers who want a medium-firm foam mattress with broad appeal. It's also good for couples who want strong motion isolation, but don't need advanced cooling. Read our full Nectar review.

Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress

Why we love this deal: Leesa is offering 30% off mattresses right now, including the Leesa Sapira Hybrid, the comfiest mattress we've ever tested and the top pick in our best mattress guide. This premium bed-in-a-box costs more than many Amazon mattress deals, but it delivers a high-quality build with contouring foam, individually wrapped coils, excellent pressure relief, responsive support, and strong cooling.

Who should buy it: Best for side, back, and combination sleepers who want a medium-feel hybrid that balances pressure relief and support. It's also a strong pick for couples, hot sleepers, and people with back pain. Read our Leesa Sapira review.

DreamCloud Classic Hybrid Mattress

Why we love this deal: DreamCloud has pulled out all the stops for Prime Day, dropping the price of the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid mattress to $535 from its typical $700 price. You can also opt into Amazon's in-home setup for $80, which is far less than DreamCloud's $199 fee for White Glove Delivery. Plus, you still get the yearlong trial and lifetime warranty.

If you prefer to shop DreamCloud directly, it is offering an extra 15% off its typical pricing. We found slight price differences between Amazon and DreamCloud, so I suggest comparing prices based on the model you choose. For instance, the Premier is $849 instead of its typical $1,100 on DreamCloud (unavailable on Amazon), but the Amazon pricing on the more premium 14-inch Luxe beats DreamCloud direct ($966 versus $1,189).

Who should buy it: The Classic has the same essential construction as the Premier, which our testers liked, but lacks the additional foam support and a euro-top with a cashmere blend. Best for back and combination sleepers who want the support and bounce of a hybrid without a high price. Couples who prefer a more responsive feel should like it too. The yearlong sleep trial will give you peace of mind to try it out for yourself.

Zinus Green Tea Cooling Gel Foam Mattress

Why we love this deal: Zinus makes some of the best cheap mattresses around. The all-foam Green Tea Cooling Gel Foam Mattress offers outstanding edge support and motion isolation, and sleeps cool too. Its medium-firm design appeals to all sleep types. While it's available in various depths, we recommend choosing at least 10 inches. Otherwise, you lose support.

Who should buy it: This is a solid option for budget shoppers, guest bedrooms, college apartments, and anyone who wants a no-frills foam mattress with better-than-expected cooling, edge support, and motion isolation.

Casper Original Hybrid Mattress

Why we love this deal: This is Casper's OG hybrid mattress, now exclusively sold on Amazon. Compared to its successor, the Casper Dream Hybrid, you're saving about $300 for a very similar construction. Amazon is also offering free in-home setup and mattress removal, which adds rare value for a bed-in-a-box deal. Compare the Casper lineup here.

Who should buy it: It's a good fit for combination sleepers, couples, and anyone who prefers an average-firmness mattress that feels more responsive than an all-foam bed. It's also a smart pick if you want zoned support and don't want to set up the mattress yourself.

Casper Element Mattress

Why we love this deal: The Element foam mattress is a cheaper alternative to some of Casper's other options and a rare chance to snag a mattress from the brand for under $500. It's only available through Amazon and offers a firm base and excellent edge support. It's made of two layers of foam: a base layer for support and durability, and a top layer for pressure relief and breathability.

Who should buy it: A good choice for back and stomach sleepers who want a firmer foam mattress from a recognizable brand for under $500. It's also a practical pick for guest rooms, teens, and first apartments. Side sleepers or anyone who needs deep cushioning around the shoulders and hips may want a softer, more pressure-relieving option.

Serta Five Star Mattress

Why we love this deal: On our radar for testing, Serta's affordable bed-in-a-box innerspring offering is available in several different firmnesses (plush, medium, firm) and depths (8 to 16 inches) and features zoned support, a rarity in the budget mattress category. Very few budget mattresses also see price cuts this deep, making this pricing especially noteworthy.

Who should buy it: Those looking for an affordable option from a legacy mattress brand. It's also offered in various firmness levels and depths, something you don't typically see in affordable mattresses, though the pricing does creep up for the plusher, thicker options.

Tuft & Needle Original Hybrid Mattress

Why we love this deal: Tuft & Needle seldom goes on sale, so this 33% Prime Day price cut on its flagship Original Hybrid Mattress is a great option if you've been wanting to try the brand's adaptive foam.

Who should buy it: Our tester recommends this bed for side and back sleepers seeking a plusher sleep surface and highlights its excellent temperature regulation and motion isolation, but hopes for more advanced pressure relief. It's a strong choice for couples, hot sleepers, and anyone who prefers a more cushioned feel while still wanting coil support.

Beautyrest Silver Mattress

Why we love this deal: Several Beautyrest Silver mattresses are 15% off for Prime Day, which only happens occasionally. This classic option features an antimicrobial cooling cover and gel lumbar support over 900 individually wrapped coils. It's several hundred dollars less on Amazon than what we've seen from other retailers, and you can add on a free in-home setup.

Who should buy it: This is a good pick for shoppers who want a more traditional coil mattress from a legacy brand, especially if they value cooling features, lumbar support, and the option of in-home setup. It's best for people who prefer sturdy support over the slow-sinking feel of memory foam. It's also worth considering for anyone replacing an older innerspring mattress and wanting something familiar but more updated. It's available in multiple firmness options, offering a more tailored feel.

Sweetnight CoolNest Cooling Memory Foam Mattress

Why we love this deal: This 14-inch memory foam mattress combines phase change material foam with gel-infused memory foam for layered cooling comfort and five-zone support for pressure relief where you need it most. It's a thick mattress too, which feels more luxurious than thinner counterparts.

Who should buy it: This is best for shoppers who want a tall, cooling-focused memory foam mattress. Its medium feel makes it a practical option for couples with different sleep preferences, combination sleepers, and guest rooms. We haven't tested it firsthand yet, but 81% of Amazon reviews are 5-star, which is a very high approval rating in the mattress category.

Tuft & Needle Kin Foam Mattress

Why we love this deal: The Amazon-exclusive Kin by Tuft & Needle mattress features 10 inches of adaptive foam technology to help you sleep cooler and offers balanced support between soft and firm.

Who sold buy it: This is a good pick for shoppers who want Tuft & Needle's adaptive foam feel at a lower Amazon-exclusive price. It's best for people who want a balanced, not-too-soft, not-too-firm foam mattress with better breathability than traditional memory foam. It's also a smart option for guest rooms, teens, and anyone who wants a straightforward foam mattress with a 100-day trial and a 10-year warranty.

Helix Dusk Luxe Mattress

Why we love this deal: Helix mattresses are up to 30% off for Prime Day, and they truly have a mattress for everyone. I suggest taking the brand's mattress quiz to help you find the right option for your needs. Helix mattresses have a 120-night sleep trial and a limited lifetime guarantee.

Who should buy it: I like the Dusk Luxe for back, stomach, and combination sleepers who want a medium-feel hybrid with extra support around the hips and lower back. Side sleepers may prefer the softer Midnight Luxe. The cooling upgrades are also worth it if you're a hot sleeper.

Puffy Royal Mattress

Why we love this deal: Puffy frequently offers $1,350 off its mattresses, but the current free upgrade deal makes the sale even more compelling by letting shoppers get a more luxe model for less. For example, you can get the Puffy Royal for the price of the Puffy Lux. The way to "activate" the deal can be a little confusing, as you must go through the cheaper mattress's product page and opt in to the upgrade.

Who should buy: Our tester loved the Puffy Royal for side and petite sleepers, citing its plush, sink-in feel that was extremely pressure-relieving. It does sleep warmer, so it's better for cold sleepers or anyone who isn't temperature sensitive.

Avocado Green Mattress

Why we love this deal: Avocado offers sales around major holidays like July 4th, and its entire lineup of organic mattresses is 15% off. Avocado is one of the most trusted names in organic bedding, and backs its products with various third-party certifications. The beds have a one-year trial and 25-year warranty.

Who should buy it: If you're looking for an organic or latex hybrid bed backed by tons of eco-friendly certifications. The Avocado Green is available in three firmness options and sleeps cool. The tight-top medium is best for back, stomach, and combination sleepers who like a firmer, more lifted feel. Side sleepers should consider the pillow-top plush version for more pressure relief.

The best Prime Day mattress sales by retailer

Several amazing mattresses are available directly from the brands themselves. Here are some competing offers to consider

• Avocado: Get up to 15% off mattresses
• Awara: Save up to 50% on mattresses
• Bear: Get 35% off mattresses with code JULY35
• Big Fig: Get $500 off a mattress and 20% off sitewide
• Birch: Save up to 30% off sitewide
• Brooklyn Bedding: Get 25% off sitewide
• Casper: Save up to 30% off mattresses
• DreamCloud: Save up to 60%, plus an extra 15% off on mattresses and 66% on bundles
• Glacier: Save 15% off cooling mattresses
• Helix: Save up to 30% off mattresses
• Leesa: Save 30% off mattresses
• Mattress Firm: Save up to $700 off mattresses, plus a free adjustable base
• Nectar: Get up to 50% off mattresses, plus an extra 15% off and 66% off bundles
• Nolah: Get 35% off sitewide
• Plushbeds: Get up to 50% off mattresses and $99 white glove delivery
• Puffy: Save $1,350 off mattresses, plus a free mattress upgrade
• Purple: Save up to $800 off a mattress and a base
• Saatva: Save $300 off your $1,000 order
• Siena: Save up to 60% on mattresses
• Sleep Number: Up to 20% off, plus free delivery
• Tempur-Pedic: Save $500 on Tempur-Breeze mattresses
• Zoma: Get 30% off mattresses

Prime Day deals on other bedding accessories

If you're considering a new mattress, your bed is just one part of your sleep setup. I also found several of the best mattress protectors (an essential) and mattress toppers (an affordable way to add more comfort to a bed). Adjustable bases are growing in popularity, too, and are helpful for relieving back pain, reducing pressure, minimizing snoring and acid reflux, and making watching TV or reading in bed more comfortable.

Prime Day mattress deals FAQs

What are the best mattresses?

The top pick in our best mattress guide is the Leesa Sapira Hybrid, an excellent medium-firm bed that's currently 25% off on Leesa's site.

Is Prime Day a good time to buy a new mattress?

A mattress is a pricey investment, so we recommend buying one during a sale like Prime Day. For mattresses available exclusively through Amazon, you'll find the lowest prices there, but many other brands are running mattress sales that will carry into July 4th.

Why buy a mattress from Amazon?

There are some perks to buying a mattress from Amazon. Your purchase is backed by a sleep trial of at least 90 days and includes free shipping. Some models offer scheduled delivery, in-home setup, and removal of your old mattress for $80. I've even noticed offers for free in-home delivery on certain beds.

Can I use my HSA/FSA funds to buy a mattress?

People with a qualifying medical condition — like sleep apnea, chronic pain, or mental illness — are able to use pre-taxed dollars from their HSA/FSA funds to buy a mattress, meaning extra savings for you. Using these funds requires a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a doctor, but brands like Sleep Number and Purple partner with organizations like TrueMed and Sika to make the process easier. Read our guide to using HSA/FSA funds to buy a mattress for more information.

Shopping for more discounts today? Check out our roundup of all of the best Prime Day deals or browse Amazon's website for the full selection.

• Wendy's stock surged 37% on Wednesday.
• Retail traders see the fast food chain as a potential short-squeeze target.
• Others are cautious, pointing to the Beyond Meat short-squeeze that quickly fizzled.

Wendy's was already the subject of retail traders' favorite memes. Now they're hoping it'll be their new favorite meme stock.

The fast food chain suddenly exploded on Wednesday, surging by as much as 37%. Trading volume soared to 46 million shares compared to the daily average of about 8 million.

The spike would put the stock on track to erase its year-to-date loss of about 24%.

For retail traders, all of this means just one thing: a short squeeze is brewing.

"You are looking at a classic combo," one trader wrote on Reddit. "Institutional short sellers getting caught off guard by fundamental turnaround news, and retail communities immediately weaponizing that high short interest to force a squeeze."

Data from MarketBeat shows that roughly 32% of Wendy's stock is being sold short right now.

Retail traders pointed to some corporate news they took as bullish for the company. The burger chain announced the hiring of two new leaders, CEO Bob Wright and CFO Steve Cirulis, both of whom helped lead popular sandwich chain Potbelly Corp.

But retail traders seem more focused on the potential for a short squeeze in they stock, highlighting the short interest and company's volatile year.

"I bought thanks to a WSB post," another Reddit user said on the popular WallStreetBets trading forum. "I'm not kidding. But I also actually did some checking and think it is undervalued. I don't expect this to pop, but I'm wanting it to go up slowly over the next year."

One WallStreetBets user shared a post comparing it to GameStop and AMC Entertainment, often seen as the OGs of the meme stock movement. The GameStop short squeeze of 2021 is often credited with sparking the rise of the retail trader movement that has reshaped the market in the last five years.

But other traders aren't so sure that Wendy's stock is destined for greatness, highlighting the Beyond Meat short squeeze of October 2025 that whipsawed investors as the stock rapidly surged by triple digits before quickly plunging again.

"Look at the push for Beyond Meat," another trader noted. "That did not end well."

Another Reddit user echoed that sentiment. "This is a continuation of the meme stock rerun," they said. "We've seen most of the tickers that ran in 2021 get astroturfed in WSB and run shortly afterwards."

• This post originally appeared in the Business Insider Today newsletter.
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Home is where the cold plunge is.

Forget curbside appeal and great school districts. Some homeowners are playing the really long game with their homes. From infrared saunas to cold-plunge pools, BI's James Rodriguez reports on the wellness and longevity hacks people are upgrading their homes with.

Turning your place into a Bryan Johnson fantasy can get expensive. (Hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers can easily run you north of $45,000.) But it's not just the ultrawealthy getting in on the action. People with more moderate means are turning their homes into mini wellness retreats.

The trend is real, with mentions of the word "wellness" in Zillow listings increasing 33% last year.

Renovating a house based on any trend comes with risks. (Anyone in the market for a house with popcorn ceilings? Anyone?) But since this is just as much an investment in yourself as your home, maybe there's more upside.

Creating wellness palaces in isolation might risk turning our homes into prisons.

Research consistently shows, and even longevity experts like Johnson admit, that the most effective ways to improve your lifespan are free or cheap.

As nice as it is to have all this stuff in your backyard, there are real benefits to leaving your house. Or, as the kids say, 'touching grass.'

People who have lived past 100 previously told BI they view regular social interactions as far more important than any pill or fancy machine.

That's why I'd like to make the case for an under-the-radar wellness hack: the gym friend.

A unique relationship in our social structure, the gym friend is a close confidant who doesn't even know your last name.

Relationships bonded between sets and spins are built differently. They hold you accountable in ways that are less annoying than a lifelong friend or family member.

I might only see Dave in gym shorts and sneakers, but that doesn't make the knowledge we trade any less valuable.

So go out and get yourself a gym friend. And who knows. Maybe they'll have an at-home sauna that they'll let you use.

• A new analysis of AI "slop" on TikTok classified 59% of videos in a new user's For You Feed as AI-generated.
• AI-generated content was particularly prevalent on some kid-targeted hashtags, like #nurseryrhymes or #kidscartoons.
• This is not great!

Imagine you're 3 years old. You've gorged yourself on an afternoon snack of expensive berries, and you have no idea what the Strait of Hormuz is. Life is good. Your mom or dad needs to take a bathroom break and hands you their phone to watch some videos while strange sounds and smells happen behind the closed door.

You watch a cartoon of a young boy with the Cocomelon phenotype face playing with several colored balloons and a red toy truck that looks suspiciously like Lightning McQueen from "Cars."

Something's slightly off, but it's not totally clear what — could it be that the balloons sometimes have two knots? Or when the clear water balloons explode, they expel paint instead of water? This flies against some of your early observations of the natural world, but the video sure is entertaining. If you could read, you might see the tiny print of a label at the bottom of the TikTok app that reads "Contains AI-generated media." But you, and probably most of the other 280,000 viewers of this video, cannot read.

AI slop for kids is here — especially in the cartoons aimed at toddlers and preschoolers on YouTube. These AI-generated videos of colors and letters are also all over TikTok, says a new report by Kapwing, a video editing software company.

The report analyzed thousands of TikTok videos with kid-targeted hashtags and classified more than half as AI slop, which Kapwing defines as "careless, low-quality content generated using automatic computer applications and distributed to farm views and subscriptions or sway political opinion." Videos were categorized as slop if they carried TikTok's AI-generated content label or, in some cases, contained obvious signs of generative AI.

AI is prevalent elsewhere in the app, as well, the report said. Kapwing created a new TikTok account (with no specific age identifiers) and said 59% of the content on its For You Page was some form of AI slop.

That's bleak, but it's most grim when looking at the levels of AI-slop targeting kids versus other categories. Here's what they found:

We checked a sample of 10,742 TikTok videos across the most popular tags in 20 categories, noting the number of AI slop and non-AI slop videos. The category with the highest slop density by far was Kids (57.4%) — more on that below.

Science and Education (35.0%), Health (33.8%), and History (33.5%) are the nearest contenders. In the top nine categories, more than one in ten videos were AI slop. But videos in the Fitness (1.6%), Music (1.5%), and Fashion (1.3%) categories are almost entirely human-made.

(I should note here that Kapwing makes video-editing software; they're not a research firm or child advocacy group. They're also somewhat of a competitor to the popular CapCut app, which is owned by ByteDance along with TikTok). TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

When Kapwing drilled more into kids-targeted content, here's what they found:

Of the 2,000 featured videos we analyzed in TikTok's Kids category, some 1,147 (57.4%) were AI slop.

The worst-affected tag, #cartoonkids, was almost entirely made up of slop, with only three of the 100 videos we checked being human-made. Around one-third or more of the videos for nearly all of the tags we checked were AI slop, and even #babytok — which had significantly less slop than other tags — featured one slop video out of every ten on its tag page.

Of course, it's not surprising that #cartoonkids is largely slop, because AI is so prevalent in animation. But Kapwing also found 83% of videos with the hashtag #babysong qualified as AI slop, along with 77% of #nurseryrhyme videos, and 52% of #kidslearning.

Yikes!

I suppose I should take a pause here and point out that TikTok is not really an ideal place for toddlers to hang out. Unlike the dedicated YouTube Kids app, there's no dedicated separate app for under-13s on TikTok. (TikTok has a teen experience for 13-17 year olds, where parents can link accounts to monitor and control the experience, but that's not really what we're talking about here; this is more stuff for toddlers and preschoolers.)

TikTok allows users under 13 to sign up, and it puts them into a very limited experience with curated content for kids.

I tested this by signing up for a new TikTok account with a 2020 birth year. When I scrolled through the feed, the top videos were slop-free — there were animal videos, coloring and art videos, some soccer and unboxing videos. Not the most enriching stuff out there, but I didn't initially see any AI slop.

When I search some of those hashtags like #nurseryrhymes or #kidscartoons on my own adult account, however, I see plenty of it — some of it with millions of views. Clearly, some little kids are watching this on adult accounts — my guess is that parents are passing their own phones to their kids to watch some videos when they need a moment of distraction.

What does this kidslop look like?

Imagine training an AI on hours and hours of Cocomelon, and somehow the results make you long for the comparatively "human" feelings of classic YouTube Kids fare like "Johny Johny Yes Papa."

These videos are churned out at a massive scale for profit, and they're not always educationally sound on a basic level. Emily Tate Sullivan recently reported for Mother Jones on the proliferation of AI slop for kids on YouTube, and how experts are concerned both about how young brains absorb it, and how low-quality it can be:

A video about vowels includes visuals of consonants. It also depicts letters on screen that don't align with the audio overlay. A video promising to teach about the 50 US. states sings along as butchered state names appear in text at the bottom of the screen — Ribio Island, Conmecticut, Oklolodia, Louggisslia. A video about the seven continents frequently shows a compass with more than four points and indecipherable symbols where the "N," "S," "E" and "W" should be.

Not great!

I try to keep an open mind about some of the AI-generated videos that are flooding social networks. Some of the surreal and weird ones, like soap operas about adulterous anthropomorphic fruits, are genuinely amusing, and I think that adults can enjoy them for what they are.

But the stuff targeted to toddlers and little kids, who can't tell if something is AI-generated, feels opportunistic. My personal feelings on this are that it's fine to sometimes let kids watch entertaining videos — and sometimes adults need a break. I'm not the screentime police here, far from it. But from my limited review, many of these videos are not high-quality educational content, even if they include the word "learning" in the video title.

• Living abroad without family nearby, my husband and I haven't taken a child-free vacation in years.
• Instead, we travel with our daughter and show her romance doesn't need to be "scheduled."
• We find moments of connection and romance while also traveling as a family.

My husband and I chose to spend New Year's Day at Hakuto Shrine, a site famous for its connection to one of Japan's oldest love stories.

Standing beside an icy pond, we watched a pair of bonded ducks circle each other in the heavy snow. "Look, it's us," he joked.

As we approached our 15th anniversary, it felt like the perfect place to celebrate our history and our future.

After leaving the grounds, we grabbed hot coffees to warm our hands and watched stormy winter waves crash against the coastline as the snow fell thick and heavy. That moment was just one of many romantic experiences we've shared while on family trips.

Living abroad without nearby family support means my husband and I haven't taken a true child-free vacation in years.

Although there are certainly times we wish we had that option, we stopped waiting for uninterrupted time and started finding ways to feel connected during the trips we were already taking.

Our anniversary trip included Legoland and still felt romantic

For a long time, I thought romance lived in a completely different category from family travel, but years on the road together have changed my view entirely.

We've shared bucket-list moments watching wild snow monkeys soak in mountain hot springs, and taking twilight canal rides through the historic old quarter of Kurashiki, under swaying willow trees.

We've walked along the soft, white beaches of Rarotonga at night to admire the stars. Sometimes it's the destination that makes it easier to reconnect.

For our 15th anniversary this year, the three of us went to Nagoya. The itinerary looked like a 10-year-old's birthday party, split between Legoland and the Maglev railway museum, but the three of us got completely carried away geeking out over trains and Lego sculptures.

We finished the day with dinner at a high-end restaurant, sharing past travel memories and talking long after the food was gone. By the end of the night, we felt deeply connected.

A romantic getaway now looks very different to us

Mainstream culture often frames romantic getaways around rose petals over a bed and private, candlelit dinners, but that version has never felt relatable to me.

To me, romance looks like a messy collection of souvenir trinkets scattered across the bed or my husband slipping out to grab takeout, just so I can have an extra hour to soak in the hotel bathtub.

Although family travel has plenty of chaotic, "we should have hired a babysitter" moments, the little routines we've built while traveling together matter more than I expected.

Once our daughter is asleep, we spread out a haul of local snacks, put on a movie, and become amateur food critics.

Even shifting our transit logistics has brought us closer. Now that our daughter claims the window seat, my husband and I sit side by side again, sharing a movie screen and instantly feeling more like a couple instead of tag-teaming parents.

When we travel, the usual distractions fall away for a while. Away from home, there's less pressure competing for our attention.

It creates room for connection, like sharing a laugh when I completely butcher the local language trying to order lunch, or finding a moment to buy each other little surprise presents from a gift shop.

Ironically, one of the ways we make our trips more romantic has been to book accommodation geared toward children. Hotels with play spaces have actually helped us more than luxury hotels ever did, as we can share a relaxed coffee while she plays.

I don't want my daughter to think romance has to be scheduled

Now that our daughter is 10, any public displays of affection from her parents are met with dramatic eye-rolls and performative gagging noises.

Still, she notices our relationship more than she lets on and volunteers to take photos of us together or sits on the other side of a restaurant booth so we can be closer.

By traveling as a family, we hope she learns that romance isn't something reserved exclusively for anniversaries or when the kids are left at the grandparents'. Instead, she sees how we handle stress, affection, and compromise together.

She watches us laugh off a missed train stop, share the load by taking turns hauling heavy luggage through airports, and calmly talk through disagreements over directions. Granted, that last part has also provided her with definitive, firsthand proof that her mother has zero sense of direction.

Most importantly, I don't want her growing up thinking she interrupted our life together. Rather, many of our favorite memories exist because she was there, too.

Our trips may look different from the romantic vacations I imagined before kids, but they still feel deeply meaningful to us.

• Gardeners and designers shared what people should remove from their outdoor spaces to improve them.
• The pros suggested replacing synthetic garden decor with more natural elements.
• Old, weathered patio furniture and harsh lighting can cause common design problems.

With warmer weather on the horizon, now's the great time to upgrade your outdoor living space so you can actually enjoy it — and potentially even increase the resale value of your house.

So, Business Insider asked gardeners and interior designers which items and styles are worth removing from an outdoor space. 

Here’s what they said.

Mismatched decor can make a space feel cluttered.

Excessive, mismatched furniture and accessories quickly make an area feel cluttered rather than cohesive, according to Keely Smith, lead interior designer at JD Elite Interiors.

“Select just a few on-theme items like a curated plant display or outdoor sculpture, and forgo extras that distract from the focal pieces,” she told BI.

Giant decorative planters can slowly degrade over time.

Giant planters may not be the most practical option after all.

"These large, round planters tend to look great for the first season but slowly fade and degrade over time," Anna Ohler, gardener and owner of Bright Lane Gardens, told BI.

They're also difficult to move and can cause water staining wherever they sit.

Ohler recommended using built-in flower boxes that match your deck or siding instead. They can usually fit more plants, and they can be insulated to accommodate ones that come back annually.

Synthetic garden decor can detract from a space's natural beauty.

Lawn ornaments, wind chimes, spinners, and other synthetic garden decor can distract from the natural environment in a yard, Barbi Gardiner, gardener and founder of The Outdoor Apothecary, said.

Consider replacing these with items made from natural materials, such as stone, wood, or recycled metals, which blend more seamlessly into your garden.

Unused wood piles can attract unwanted pests.

Having a stack of unused wood can clutter your space and attract unwanted pests.

"Repurpose or remove the wood, and turn it into a stylish fire pit," Mariya Snisar, head of interior design at Renowell, said.

If you're going to keep it, she said, "simply keep a more organized and purposeful wood-storage area."

Single-type flower beds can appear dull and uninspired — or cause other issues.

Single-type flower beds, also known as monocultures, are worth replacing for several reasons.

"A monotonous bed of identical flowers can appear dull and uninspired, missing the vibrant and dynamic energy that mixed varieties provide," Snisar said. "Mix it up with various flowers of different heights, textures, and colors."

Gardiner also told BI that single-species gardens can be more susceptible to pests and diseases because they often require more pesticides and maintenance.

"Diverse plantings encourage a balanced ecosystem and reduce the need for interventions," she said.

Swap out harsh outdoor lighting with softer alternatives to create a relaxed mood.

Bright and harsh outdoor lighting can cause discomfort and create an unwelcoming vibe, Snisar said.

"Embrace the warmth of soft outdoor lighting strategically placed around your space," she told BI. "Lanterns or fairy lights can provide a welcoming glow, setting the perfect mood for relaxation and enjoyment."

Replace worn-out patio furniture with weather-resistant pieces.

Worn-out furniture should be removed to make way for more durable, high-quality pieces suited to outdoor use.

"Harsh weather and sun can quickly deteriorate low-quality materials, leaving furniture with a tired, uneven appearance that dates the space," Smith said.

More weather-resistant options, like wood-slatted seating and wicker accessories, can stay fresh season after season.

Citronella candles can lack finesse.

Citronella candles, often used as insect repellents, can sometimes look unsightly in otherwise beautiful outdoor spaces.

Snisar said she recommends going for a more modern solution, such as insect-repelling plants or stylish, citronella-infused diffusers for a bug-free and aesthetically pleasing outdoor experience.

Invasive plants should be replaced by native species.

As awareness around the importance of native plants continues to grow, many homeowners are ready to swap out some of their invasive ornamental species.

"Plants like burning bush and barberry, though popular for their aesthetics, can overrun native ecosystems," Gardiner told BI.

As an alternative, consider native shrubs and plants that support local wildlife while still offering vibrant colors.

Tiki bars are a thing of the past.

Tropical kitsch might have been a hit in previous decades, but it's time to ditch the tiki bar.

"Upgrade to a more sophisticated outdoor lounge setup with sleek furniture, cozy lighting, and a well-designed outdoor bar for a more timeless and stylish feel," Snisar told BI.

This story was originally published on April 20, 2024, and most recently updated on June 24, 2026

Prime Day is now in its second day, and Amazon is still offering excellent deals on Apple devices. Since Apple rarely discounts its products directly, big sales events like this are usually the smartest time to save on the brand's most popular gadgets. I cover tech products throughout the year, so I'm up to date on the latest pricing trends. The best Prime Day Apple deals so far include savings on AirPods, iPads, Apple Watches, MacBooks, and accessories.

A few of the best Apple discounts right now include a record-low price on the Apple Watch Series 11, up to $200 off select MacBooks, and 28% off the AirPods Pro 3. There are also good deals on iPads, chargers, AirTags, and other Apple essentials, with savings across newer releases and select previous-generation models. Whether you're upgrading your everyday tech or shopping ahead for a gift, this is one of the better times to buy before prices climb back up.

This year's Prime Day sale runs for four days and ends on June 26. Apple deals should continue to appear throughout the event, but the most in-demand products may sell out. AirPods, in particular, have sold out quickly during past sales, so it's worth acting fast when you find a price you're happy with. And if you're shopping for other products, visit our hub of Prime Day deals across tech, kitchen, style, and home.

Prime Day AirPods deals

AirPods are always among the biggest sellers on Prime Day, and I expect this year will be no different. Right now, the AirPods Pro 3 are on sale for $180, which is just $10 more than the all-time low they hit earlier this month. The Pro 3 are my pick for the best AirPods overall, as they deliver excellent noise cancellation and advanced features like heart rate tracking and hearing aid modes. The new AirPods Max 2 are also getting their first big deal since their April release, with an excellent $150 discount.

Prime Day Apple Watch deals

Apple's full lineup of smartwatches is on sale for Prime Day. The Series 11, my team's pick for the best Apple Watch, is 30% off, which is the lowest I've seen it yet. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is also on sale, but if you don't mind going a generation back, you can get $300 off the Ultra 2.

Prime Day iPad deals

Apple's iPads are getting solid discounts for Prime Day. The brand-new iPad Air with M4 chip is an especially good buy, since this is one of the first notable discounts it's received since launch. You can learn more about Apple's tablets in our guide to the newest iPads.

Prime Day MacBook deals

Top Prime Day deals on MacBooks include $150 off the new MacBook Air with M5 chip. That's not quite as good as the $200 discount it got for a brief period in May, but it's still a solid deal. I'm also keeping an eye on the MacBook Neo, which is Apple's budget-friendly laptop. Right now, it's only getting a very modest and common $10 discount, but it's such a good value to begin with that it's still worth considering. You can learn more about why this model is so impressive for the money in our MacBook Neo review.

Prime Day Apple accessory deals

Those shopping for various Apple accessories are also in luck. Several items are on sale for Prime Day, including the brand's popular AirTag trackers. You can also save up to $30 on various Apple Pencil models. They've been even cheaper in the past, but these are still good prices. If you're unsure which Apple Pencil works with your iPad, check out our guide to Apple Pencil compatibility.

FAQs

Why aren't iPhones on sale for Prime Day?

Amazon has deals on plenty of Apple products during Prime Day, but new iPhones are the big exception. The retailer generally doesn't sell brand-new iPhones directly, and most of the iPhone listings you'll find there are refurbished models. Those can be fine in some cases, but we don't recommend them for most shoppers.

For a new iPhone, it's better to look at carrier deals from providers like Mint Mobile, T-Mobile, and AT&T. They often run their own phone promotions around major shopping events, so they're the places most likely to have a worthwhile iPhone discount.

You can read our iPhone 17 review and iPhone 17 Pro review for more details on Apple's newest models.

Do Apple products go on sale often?

Though Apple rarely has deals directly on its website, retailers like Amazon frequently offer discounts on Apple products. Year-round, it's not rare to find iPads, MacBooks, and AirPods for $50 to $100 off. However, the biggest deals tend to fall on Prime Day and other major shopping events, such as Black Friday.

Shopping for more discounts today? Check out our roundup of all of the best Prime Day deals, or browse Amazon's website for the full selection.

• With summer in full swing, it's the perfect time to check out a new seafood joint.
• From poke bowls to Cajun seafood boils, these seafood restaurants have been ranked the best.
• Yelp picked the best seafood restaurant in every state based on customer reviews.

Whether you're craving Cajun-style seafood boils, innovative sushi rolls, or hot and buttery lobster rolls served up oceanside, these seafood restaurants all offer something special.

Yelp recently named the best seafood restaurants in every state by identifying businesses in its seafood category and ranking them using several factors, including total volume and review ratings.

The restaurants had passing health scores and were marked open on Yelp as of June 23.

From hole-in-the-wall taco joints to Indian restaurants and poke bowl spots, here's the best seafood restaurant in every state.

ALABAMA: Skinner's Seafood in Dauphin Island

What to order: Fresh shrimp, blue crab claws, steamed snapper, chowder

What customers say: "Best seafood on the island! The staff was quick to get our order, and we were in and out in 10 minutes. Their main displays showed current fresh seafood. They also had a freezer full of frozen goodies (fish, crab, etc). If you plan to buy raw and prepare a boil at home, they have all the fixings you need," wrote Yelp user Jessica L.

Learn more about Skinner's Seafood.

ALASKA: The Salmon Spot in Talkeetna

What to order: Salmon cakes, salmon burger, chowder in a sourdough bread bowl

What customers say: "If you have time to drive into Downtown Talkeetna for lunch, do it. We chose Salmon Spot for everything salmon. We got the salmon burger, salmon cakes with dressing, and salmon chowder for lunch. My favorite was those salmon cakes, as they weren't heavy and left me enough room for the chowder," wrote Yelp user Joyce Z.

Learn more about The Salmon Spot.

ARIZONA: Just Tacos and More in Phoenix

What to order: Baja-style fish tacos, tequila lime shrimp tacos, mango shrimp tacos

What customers say: "Really, really good! Found Just Tacos on Yelp and was not disappointed! The fried shrimp Baja taco and carne asada taco were excellent," wrote Yelp user Jessica M.

Learn more about Just Tacos and More.

ARKANSAS: Cooyon's Restaurant in Mountain Home

What to order: Crawfish étouffée, shrimp and cheese grits, fried catfish, seafood gumbo

What customers say: "We moved from New Orleans to NWA three years ago and could never find really good, authentic Louisiana food...until now! We had the gumbo, which was awesome, boudin bites, fabulous, fried oyster poboy (my husband said the only thing better is his, lol), and bread pudding. The muffaletta was as good as any I have ever had," wrote Yelp user Marie S.

Learn more about Cooyon's Restaurant.

CALIFORNIA: Mex Peru Gipsy in Los Angeles

What to order: Ceviche, fish tacos, pescado con mariscos

What customers say: "Wow...the best Peruvian food in LA hands down! As a Peruvian, I approve. The best service and best food in downtown! I will gladly be back, and I'll bring my friends and family next time. Yummy lomo saltado and ceviche, I trust their other dishes are delicious as well," wrote Yelp user Natalia C.

Learn more about Mex Peru Gipsy.

COLORADO: Corner Poke in Greenwood Village

What to order: Poke bowl, sushi burrito, lobster tuna bowl, softshell crab

What customers say: "My favorite poke place in the area! Our whole family loves this place and keeps coming back for more. Quality of fish is definitely top-notch, fast service, and good selection. Whether you order to go or dine in, you will not be disappointed," wrote Yelp user Kate L.

Learn more about Corner Poke.

CONNECTICUT: Cold Harbor Seafood & Market in Enfield

What to order: Crab cakes, fish tacos, chowder, blue crab salad

What customers say: "Warm, friendly service, great use of limited space, took home and prepared: shrimp, smelts, smoked salmon, crab cakes, stuffed clams, calamari, more shrimp... everything was of excellent quality, worth the price and will revisit and recommend to anyone looking for good quality seafood in the area," wrote Yelp user Scott R.

Learn more about Cold Harbor Seafood & Market.

DELAWARE: Po' Boys Creole Restaurant in Milton

What to order: Gumbo, shrimp po' boy, crawfish po' boy, crawfish étouffée

What customers say: "This little inconspicuous restaurant has a mighty kitchen and staff. The food is delicious and the service is quick, which allows them to work through their constant line! Everyone is super friendly, and our catfish and gumbo dinners were fantastic," wrote Yelp user Barbara S.

Learn more about Po' Boys Creole Restaurant.

FLORIDA: Skully's Low Country Boil in Port St. Joe

What to order: Gumbo, shrimp bucket

What customers say: "Tonight ate at Skully's. Amazing food and experience. For anyone looking for low country boil this is the place to go. The service and ambiance from the owners is unmatched anywhere we've been so far. I can only say if you've heard the stories of how friendly southern folk are these folks would be who you'd find in the dictionary. So nice and welcoming. We'll definitely be back soon," wrote Yelp user Joe H.

Learn more about Skully's Low Country Boil.

GEORGIA: Che Butter Jonez in Atlanta

What to order: Salmon sandwich, salmon plate

What customers say: "I dined at Che Butter Jonez tonight. I had the salmon sandwich and it was divine, the best salmon sandwich I've ever had. The salmon with seasoned perfectly, it was juicy, the sauce on the sandwich was incredible, the toasted bread, lettuce and tomato — sounds simple, but it was spectacular," wrote Yelp user Christina B.

Learn more about Che Butter Jonez.

HAWAII: Ry's Poke Shack in Kahuku

What to order: Poke nachos, crab salad, pickled cucumbers

What customers say: "I'd say this spot lives up to the hype. The poke is very tender and flavorful, and they give you a huge portion, so it's definitely worth it. Just note that after a certain time, usually around 12:30 or so, they may run out of poke. Both of the owners there are very nice and kind, which makes the experience even better," wrote Yelp user Chunneath K.

Learn more about Ry's Poke Shack.

IDAHO: Red Fort Cuisine of India in Meridian

What to order: Shrimp coconut kurma, fish curry, seafood biryani

What customers say: "The food and flavor is out of this world. Such a nice find in the treasure valley. I love the spice level everytime I go. Sometimes when I get brave I go spicier but, I never regret it," wrote Yelp user Rick P.

Learn more about Red Fort Cuisine of India.

ILLINOIS: Penumbra in Chicago

What to order: Shadow shrimp, Cajun-Creole shrimp, surf and turf

What customers say: "What a hidden gem. My boyfriend and I came here for dinner. The ambience is super sexy and the staff, all of whom are family, were so inviting and welcoming. We shared a bunch of apps so we could try more things. We had the scallops, shadow shrimp, the quesadillas, and the pork chops. Everything was delicious," wrote Yelp user Jamie M.

Learn more about Penumbra.

INDIANA: Ali'i Poke Indy in Indianapolis

What to order: Marinated ahi poke, spicy tuna poke, salmon poke

What customers say: "Food was great, as always. Service was friendly and fast. Ambiance is casual and nice for takeaway," wrote Yelp user Taylor B.

Learn more about Ali'i Poke Indy.

IOWA: Kathmandu Restaurant in Windsor Heights

What to order: Shrimp masala, coconut seafood curry, seafood fried rice

What customers say: "I had the chicken vindaloo (medium spice) for dinner, and my mom had the shrimp coconut curry (mild). The chicken vindaloo was so tasty, and the spice builds nicely — the more you eat, the spicier it gets. The basmati rice and buttery naan bread complement the spiciness very well, for a lovely overall experience. My mom loved her shrimp curry, I tried a bit of the sauce, and it was quite good — subtle and flavorful," wrote Yelp user Vanessa M.

Learn more about Kathmandu Restaurant.

KANSAS: Lulu's Latin Food in Lawrence

What to order: Shrimp ceviche, shrimp street tacos, seafood fajitas

What customers say: "This place is the best Mexican food I have had. I've been there twice, now. I had the chicken and shrimp street tacos. They were both very tender and good tasting. I will keep going back. Service was quick. But very busy," wrote Yelp user Renee H.

Learn more about Lulu's Latin Food.

KENTUCKY: India Oven in Bowling Green

What to order: Shrimp curry, fish masala, tandoori seafood platters

What customers say: "I had the chicken saag (spinach) and my wife had the tandoori (marinated in yogurt and spices) shrimp. Both came with basmati rice, and we ordered two orders of naan (flatbread). The food was outstanding; don't let the unfamiliar terms scare you. I can't wait to go back for the lunch buffet and try more," wrote Yelp user Daniel M.

Learn more about India Oven.

LOUISIANA: Heard Dat Kitchen in New Orleans

What to order: Heard Dat pasta, crawfish, catfish, bread pudding

What customers say: "This food is delicious beyond measure. Can't even describe how scrumptious and flavorful everything was. I got the seafood extravaganza (blackened) and the most delicious sweet tea I've had lately. My friend got the Bourbon Street Love and potato salad. Practically licked our plates clean," wrote Yelp user Paige P.

Learn more about Heard Dat Kitchen.

MAINE: The Travelin Lobster in Bar Harbor

What to order: Hot lobster roll, blueberry pie, clam chowder

What customers say: "We had our one and only true lobster dinner experience here, and it was a delight! It was a hot day, but a fun experience. The other items looked great! Also shared some blueberry pie and ice cream. Good stuff," wrote Yelp user Erica L.

Learn more about The Travelin Lobster.

MARYLAND: Tandoor Spice in Woodstock

What to order: Shrimp tandoor, mango garlic shrimp, shrimp pakora

What customers say: "Wow! First time trying and I will return. Mango shrimp was so flavorful, and the stuffed nan with nuts & fruits was so yummy. My mom really liked the butter chicken, which was prepared at the spicy level you indicated. Food was ready when I arrived earlier than the time, and the workers were very friendly," wrote Yelp user Sarah O.

Learn more about Tandoor Spice.

MASSACHUSETTS: New Deal Fish Market in Cambridge

What to order: Suhsi-grade fish, oysters, snapper

What customers say: "Everything about New Deal is exceptional. The quality, the ambience, and especially the service. Carl Fantasia and his team take great pride in what they do and it shows," wrote Yelp user Mark R.

Learn more about New Deal Fish Market.

MICHIGAN: The Butcher's Block by Maxbauer in Traverse City

What to order: Scallops, battered cod, yellowfin tuna

What customers say: "I love this place. Mark is incredibly friendly and knows his stuff. By stuff, I mean every intricacy and nuance in the seafood and meat industry. Resources from honest butchers and fishmongers to bring high-quality goods into his store every day. Honestly, there are fewer and fewer places like this and it's a shame. Grade-A business," wrote Yelp user Tucker R.

Learn more about The Butcher's Block by Maxbauer.

MINNESOTA: Kusina in Mounds View

What to order: Sinigang soup, fried fish, shrimp pinakbet, seafood pancit

What customers say: "A little bit of Manila in the northern suburbs. The fare is typical, chicken adobo, roast pork, fried fish, lumpia, etc. Everything cooked fresh on-site. The manager is super friendly as well," wrote Yelp user Willie L.

Learn more about Kusina.

MISSISSIPPI: Rice Thai Cuisine in Gulfport

What to order: Shrimp fried rice, shrimp pad thai, tom yum soup

What customers say: "This is a great small family business with really good Thai food. They are always welcoming, the food is freshly made to order, and very reasonably priced. Small divey hidden gem. Coming from the West Coast, this was a huge win to find here," wrote Yelp user Justine W.

Learn more about Rice Thai Cuisine.

MISSOURI: Jalea in St. Charles

What to order: Arroz con mariscos, ceviche mixto, tuna tiradito

What customers say: "The food is astronomically amazing. The ceviche was fresh and tasty. The service was good. The ambiance was chill and relaxed," wrote Yelp user Megan M.

Learn more about Jalea.

MONTANA: Josephine's Speakeasy in Coram

What to order: Smoked trout cakes, mussels, clams

What customers say: "We loved everything about Josephine's! Hands down our favorite meal while in GNP! Service was divine and I'll be dreaming of those trout cakes until we can return," wrote Yelp user Emily F.

Learn more about Josephine's Speakeasy.

NEBRASKA: North 40 Chophouse in North Platte

What to order: Montauk Point diver scallops, seafood stew, shrimp cocktail

What customers say: "Awesome food and awesome service! I try to go here anytime I am in North Platte!! Happy hour menu, live piano in the bar, and great ambiance make this one of the very best restaurants in all of Nebraska," wrote Yelp user Carrie S.

Learn more about North 40 Chophouse.

NEVADA: Fideua in Las Vegas

What to order: Seafood paella, garlic shrimp, calamari

What customers say: "Amazing experience. The owners are present, friendly, and engaging. The restaurant is very inviting, and they've put pictures of the regions of Spain on the wall. They take the time to explain the dishes and make recommendations. We had the sangria, which was nicely balanced and not too sweet. Appetizer of Spanish ham, and for dinner, the seafood paella with steak on the side. The paella is the main star and was perfect. The seafood was so fresh, and everything was cooked right," wrote Yelp user Timmy B.

Learn more about Fideua.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: El Rincón Zacatecano in Manchester

What to order: Fish tacos, shrimp tacos, shrimp chimichangas, seafood fajitas

What customers say: "Stopped here on the way to Burlington, VT. Looks like a hole on wall on the outside, but inside it's nice. The staff is super friendly, and the service was excellent. I had the fish tacos, which were perfectly cooked and pretty much the best I've ever had," wrote Yelp user Ryan N.

Learn more about El Rincon Zacatecano.

NEW JERSEY: B2J Fish Soup in Edison

What to order: Spicy fish hotpot, suancai fish

What customers say: "B2J serves up delicious eats through their amazing soups, fair prices, and great sides. The soups are so generous and the food so fragrant," wrote Yelp user Brian L.

Learn more about B2J Fish Soup.

NEW MEXICO: Sa Thai in Albuquerque

What to order: Fish pla lad prik, shrimp jungle noodles, shrimp curry

What customers say: "My favorite Thai place in ABQ so far. It gets busy, so expect to wait 15-plus minutes for your food. I ordered the drunken noodles (Pad Kee Mao), and it was really good. My friend also ordered the Tom Kha soup, and she enjoyed it and was able to add a side of rice noodles, too. The ambiance is lively but chill. Servers were kind and apologetic about the wait, but I'm glad the food was fresh," wrote Yelp user Stephanie L.

Learn more about Sa Thai.

NEW YORK: Mr. Jones Supper Club in New York

What to order: Scallop crudo, tuna tartare, cured salmon gravlax

What customers say: "We started with the scallop crude, followed by a beef tartar with crispy lotus plant chips, fish, a twist on a carbonara by using udon noodles, and then to really blow our minds — he ended with the star of the show — a fried pork belly that had been marinated in tea, with an apple slaw, and some delicious sauce to drizzle on top. I'm drooling just thinking about it again," wrote Yelp user Suyun W.

Learn more about Mr. Jones Supper Club.

NORTH CAROLINA: Harbor House Seafood Market in Hatteras

What to order: Seafood boils, crab cakes, steamed shrimp

What customers say: "Harbor House Seafood is our go-to every year. Vicki is a delight! Imagine all of the customers she meets... and she remembers our names and our favorite items year after year. She makes us feel like we're at home when we visit. She's warm and welcoming, and the food is prepared perfectly every time. We highly recommend Harbor House," wrote Yelp user Suzanne B.

Learn more about Harbor House Seafood Market.

NORTH DAKOTA: India Clay Oven Bar and Grill in Bismarck

What to order: Shrimp kabab masala, Balti shrimp curry, fish curry

What customers say: "Wouldn't think to eat Indian in Bismarck, but dining options near the hotel were limited. This was good value, fast service, and tasted authentic," wrote Yelp user Judy C.

Learn more about India Clay Oven Bar and Grill.

OHIO: La Jaiba Seafood and Taqueria in Cincinnati

What to order: Fish tacos, shrimp burritos, seafood enchiladas

What customers say: "Portions are gigantic! The seafood burrito is enough for a few meals and is very good. The ceviche is not to be missed. Perfectly balanced. Yum! Great service, and the family that owns it was nice and treated us well. I will be back," wrote Yelp user Michael P.

Learn more about La Jaiba Seafood and Taqueria.

OKLAHOMA: Signature Grill in Edmond

What to order: Chilean sea bass, crab cakes, tomato crab bisque

What customers say: "Signature Grill is quietly one of the best and most underrated restaurants in OKC. The service and food are always top-notch. This place is great for special occasions like anniversaries, date nights, etc. Be sure to make a reservation before you go. Their halibut with crab topping is seriously excellent!!! If I were on death row and had to choose a last meal, this dish would be one of the memorable dishes I have had in my life," wrote Yelp user Torri H.

Learn more about Signature Grill.

OREGON: Yuubi Sushi in Beaverton

What to order: Pink dragon roll, dry-aged nigiri, uni wagyu caviar

What customers say: "Truly a 5-star and heavenly experience. The best sushi and raw fish experience I've had in Oregon. The raw fish is so rich, the freshest and most delicious. We tried everything from their aged salmon to their uni wagyu caviar. Everything just shoots passed our expectations we never knew we had," wrote Yelp user Duc K.

Learn more about Yuubi Sushi.

PENNSYLVANIA: Geronimo's in Ambler

What to order: Sea bass ceviche, arroz con mariscos, seafood pasta

What customers say: "Great service and amazing food! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by the owner, who chilled our wine and gave us a quick background on his Peruvian restaurant. The Geronimo ceviche was great, as was the langostino soup. We can't wait to come back," wrote Yelp user Rose G.

Learn more about Geronimo's.

RHODE ISLAND: Hometown Poké & Bubble Tea in Providence

What to order: Ahi tuna poke, salmon poke, shrimp poke

What customers say: "A meal that is well-priced and made with real ingredients. It's one of my favorite restaurants because it doesn't leave me feeling bogged down like other quick lunch options usually do. I like building my own bowl so I can customize my ingredients — I switch between tuna or chicken for my protein, but always with citrus ponzu sauce," wrote Yelp user Nina C.

Learn more about Hometown Poké & Bubble Tea.

SOUTH CAROLINA: The Jones Oyster in Greenville

What to order: Raw and chargrilled oysters, lobster roll, chowder, shrimp po' boy

What customers say: "Awesome spot in Greenville. Was in town for work and came here for a quick dinner. Excellent service, great food, and good atmosphere. I got oysters on the half shell and a shrimp po boy. Would definitely come back," wrote Yelp user M R.

Learn more about The Jones Oyster.

SOUTH DAKOTA: Chef Lance's On Phillips in Sioux Falls

What to order: Crab cakes, Parmesan-crusted halibut, seared scallops

What customers say: "We had the best time and dinner out experience at Chef Lance's. The whole dining experience was top-notch and lived up to and exceeded all the hype that you might have heard about dining at Chef Lance's. We highly highly recommend a night out enjoying this experience," wrote Yelp user Mark C.

Learn more about Chef Lance's On Phillips.

TENNESSEE: Uncle Larry's in Chattanooga

What to order: Fried catfish, fried tilapia, hush puppies

What customers say: "Great southern style fish. They have grilled or fried options. Sandwiches or plates. Best turnip greens I've ever had! Fried catfish with their hot sauce was super delicious," wrote Yelp user TN C.

Learn more about Uncle Larry's.

TEXAS: Mahi Nic in South Padre Island

What to order: Blackened mahi mahi sandwiches, shrimp tacos, mahi ceviché

What customers say: "Walk up and order at the counter and seat yourself type of restaurant. The food was fresh and delicious. The mahi tacos were on point. The fries are HUGE and next level. Great spot," wrote Yelp user Kyle M.

Learn more about Mahi Nic.

UTAH: Hawaiian Poké Bowl in St. George

What to order: Sweet and spicy ahi, shoyu poke, furikake salmon

What customers say: "This is shocking to say, but this is some of the best poke I've had. I was put on to this spot by a friend and make it a point to eat here every time I'm in town. Definitely one of the best in Utah. The quality of the tuna is top-notch. Simple flavors but done just right. You can order a bowl with one or two scoops. They have about 12 poke options, and when they sell out, they're out for the day. Go early, or you might be disappointed. Shoyu and furikake are the way to go," wrote Yelp user Pro S.

Learn more about Hawaiian Poké Bowl.

VERMONT: Mystico 802 in Manchester

What to order: Day-boat crudo, branzino, olive oil-poached halibut

What customers say: "The crudo, and main pasta courses were exceptional. The pasta is homemade, and all the seafood ingredients are fresh. The focaccia with whipped ricotta is superb. The service and ambiance are also exceptional. My vote for the best restaurant in Southern Vermont," wrote Yelp user Riff C.

Learn more about Mystico 802.

VIRGINIA: Blue Seafood & Spirits in Virginia Beach

What to order: Crab cakes, crab soup, fried oysters

What customers say: "High-quality and fresh seafood, prepared well, plus excellent service. Cocktails are also tasty. We travel around the country for work, and Blue can hold its own against any seafood restaurant we've eaten at in cities large and small," wrote Yelp user Amy C.

Learn more about Blue Seafood & Spirits.

WASHINGTON: Bistro San Martin in Arlington

What to order: Crab cakes, oven-baked jumbo prawns, Dungeness crab wild rice soup, pan-seared diver scallops

What customers say: "We absolutely loved this restaurant. I can't say enough great things about the food. We loved everything that we ordered and can't wait to try more from their changing menu. We started off with the bread and olive oil and ordered drinks. The shrimp appetizer was great! We ordered halibut and crab cakes. Followed by crème brûlée. The service was exceptional and very attentive. The chef cooked everything right there in the open kitchen, and it was wonderfully prepared. The ambiance was very warm and inviting," wrote Yelp user Andy A.

Learn more about Bistro San Martin.

WEST VIRGINIA: Cheetah B's in Petersburg

What to order: Shrimp scampi, crispy coconut shrimp, low-country boil with shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes

What customers say: "This was the most upscale restaurant that my family ate at while in the area, and we definitely got bang for our buck! We came by on a weekday afternoon, so the place was very empty. The food was wonderful! I ordered the shrimp scampi, which comes with a side salad and garlic bread (which I had replaced with applesauce). The food came out very quickly and was delicious. Would definitely come back if I'm ever back in the area," wrote Yelp user Billy T.

Learn more about Cheetah B's.

WISCONSIN: Fairchild in Madison

What to order: Halibut, snapper, lobster bisque

What customers say: "Went here for a birthday and had a great experience. The service was attentive, and the atmosphere was perfect for a celebration. The Snowdrift and Manhattan were both excellent. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The Broccolini paired well with the salmon, and the steak with potatoes and onion was full of flavor. We also tried a special appetizer that was unique and made for some great bites. Overall, a wonderful spot for a special night out," wrote Yelp user Johanna E.

Learn more about Fairchild.

WYOMING: Jalisco Mexican Grill in Evanston

What to order: Grilled shrimp tacos, Diablo shrimp, shrimp fajitas

What customers say: "Doesn't look like much from the outside, but do yourself a favor and push the door open for the best Mexican food in Southwest Wyoming. Perfectly spiced and very generous servings. You'll have leftovers to enjoy! The staff is kind, attentive, and very personable," wrote Yelp user Dave B.

Learn more about Jalisco Mexican Grill.

• Our children see my husband and me focused on our screens for work and life for most of the day.
• We started using voice chat with Claude so they can understand how we're using the technology.
• We're teaching our children that AI is a tool for support, not a substitute for thinking.

AI chatbots have been tremendously helpful in running our workflows for quite a while now. As a freelance copywriter working from home, and with my husband working as an IT configuration engineer, our laptops have always been fixtures of daily life.

Our three children, aged 12, 9, and 5, are used to seeing us focused on screens. They knew we both worked hard, but they didn't really understand how, until we started using the voice assistant feature of Claude.

A few months ago, my husband started a voice chat with Claude in our living room. We were simply trying to choose an accent setting, but the moment a warm voice answered back, the kids' faces lit up. What started as an experiment quickly turned into a fun family experience, with everyone trying to come up with questions to ask. That conversation literally ended with my son asking for tips on how to make the perfect chocolate mug cake in the microwave.

That afternoon, we had great fun, but it actually helped start something unexpected.

Of course, we still use AI for work. I use it to brainstorm ideas, organize research, and speed up editing. My husband uses it to troubleshoot technical issues and make sense of coding problems more quickly. But AI has also found its way into our everyday family life, too. After work, we keep using it for things like meal planning, researching products, organizing trips, settling random debates, and answering the endless stream of questions that my curious kids have.

Our kids are listening to us problem-solve out loud

Using the live, spoken conversation feature with AI apps is helping our children learn it well. Initially, switching to voice chat was just a matter of convenience. But over time, I realized our children were watching us think, question, verify information, and solve problems in real time. They weren't just seeing technology in action; they were actually learning how to interact with it.

Thankfully, our kids understand the difference between work time and family time. They know not to interrupt when we are deep in concentration. But when we are using the voice assistant for collaborative tasks, they love to join in. They are fascinated by the technology, but more importantly, they are learning how to direct it.

My 9-year-old recently spent an afternoon asking Claude for strategies to become better at Scrabble. My 5-year-old is the funniest. She asks Claude things like how to convince her brothers to let her join their soccer games or how to stop them from fighting. Sometimes their questions are funny, sometimes surprisingly thoughtful, but they all create opportunities for conversation.

I initially worried about what AI might mean for children

Like many parents, I was worried about how AI use might impact my kids. The most common concern, I believe, is that it will weaken their critical thinking skills.

We're working hard to avoid that. Instead, we have been teaching our children that AI is a tool for support, not a substitute for thinking. They can use it to brainstorm ideas, do basic research, or get unstuck when they are struggling with a task. But the final ideas, opinions, and arguments must always be their own. If they are working on a school assignment, AI can help organize their thoughts, but it cannot do the thinking for them. I am the one who scrutinizes their AI use.

We also make a point of discussing its limitations. When Claude gets something wrong or confidently presents inaccurate information, we treat it as a teaching moment. Our children are learning an important lesson early: technology can be helpful, but it should never be followed blindly.

The biggest benefit has nothing to do with technology

Like many working parents, I know the guilt of answering a child's question with, "In a minute," while trying to finish one more task. But because AI helps us complete certain tasks more efficiently, it has given us something incredibly valuable back: time.

Work that once took me several hours can often be completed much faster. My husband spends less time tackling technical problems. As a result, our workdays no longer stretch as aggressively into evenings and weekends.

Claude is not replacing our connection with our children. If anything, it is helping protect it. Outsourcing some of the repetitive work gives us more opportunities to focus on the things that matter most, like helping with homework, cheering for them at sporting events, playing board games, or simply being present. And that, for us, is the biggest achievement of all.

Networking is one of the best ways to land a job right now, but going about it the wrong way can do more harm than good for your reputation and potential future opportunities.

That's why Business Insider asked two etiquette experts to share the mistakes that should be avoided while networking.

Here's what they said.

Collecting contacts instead of cultivating connections

Pamela Eyring, owner of The Protocol School of Washington, which teaches business and professional etiquette, told Business Insider that networking has changed a lot over the years.

Although collecting business cards was once seen as important, now it's all about building slow, genuine connections with others.

To do this, Eyring said it's helpful to find things you have in common, which makes the conversation feel genuine rather than transactional.

For example, connect over being alums from the same college, having both traveled to the conference from the Midwest, or even shared hobbies. These things can make you more memorable later, too.

Interrupting conversations already happening

When it comes to networking, first impressions are incredibly important. That's why you should never interrupt a conversation that's already in progress.

Instead, she suggests looking for an open circle and making direct eye contact with one person.

Catching one person's attention creates space to ask permission to join the conversation, which comes off much warmer than pushing in.

Huddling with people you already know

Stayce Wagner, business etiquette consultant and founder of Spencer Crane Etiquette, told BI that one of the biggest mistakes people make at networking events is sticking with colleagues or friends they already know.

"It's a mistake because you're missing the purpose of networking — you're not expanding your network, you're not connecting with new people," she said. "It also makes you seem unapproachable."

Instead, Wagner recommends checking in with colleagues only when you feel anxious or there's a lull in conversation. This can help you preserve that sense of security without missing out on what you came to do — meet new people.

Avoiding small talk

Despite how you may feel about small talk, it's an important part of networking and creating inclusive conversations. That's why it's good to come prepared with topics to talk about.

Eyring said some good examples include, "'Is this your first time at this conference?' or 'This is my first time at this event, can you tell me what to expect?'"

She added that it's important to invite others into the conversation and that small talk naturally offers opportunities to share more about yourself and your work.

Taking your name tag off early

Most people don't love wearing name tags or lanyards, but they serve an important purpose beyond an initial introduction. According to Wagner, name tags help you seem approachable and make it easier for new contacts to remember your name.

"Everyone's learning lots of names, meeting lots of people. So keeping that name tag on keeps you approachable and it helps other people be comfortable around you."

Although it may be tempting to take it off after initial introductions, it's important to keep your name tag on until you leave the event.

Using the food and beverage table as a crutch

Hovering around the refreshments and snacks can feel comforting to some, but Wagner said it can also become a crutch and might look unprofessional.

"Avoid treating the food and beverage table as the main event," she told BI. "If you can avoid it, don't go to the event hungry."

Not preparing an adequate setup for virtual networking

Networking online is important in the digital world. Although many of the same rules apply, one of the most overlooked missteps is the lack of an appropriate camera setup and background.

Eyring said that even if you're taking a call in your car, there are ways to make your setup look more professional.

For example, she said, check what's appearing in the background of your video call before you join it to make sure it's appropriate.

Forgetting to send a thank-you note

Networking is about building connections, helping one another, and strengthening relationships. That's why Wagner said sending a thank-you note after meeting someone who helped you at a networking event is non-negotiable.

Depending on your industry norms, she said this can come in the form of an email, direct message, or handwritten note.

Of course, sometimes people get busy and this step can slip their minds. However, Wagner said, "A late thank you is much, much better than not thanking someone."

Amazon Prime Day is going strong, and the event's second day of deals continues to bring major discounts on TVs. I've spent over a decade reviewing TVs, so I know how to spot the deals that are genuinely worth buying (and what you're better off skipping). This year's best Prime Day TV deals include great prices on some of my favorite OLED, Mini LED, and QLED sets from Samsung, LG, TCL, Sony, and Hisense.

Some of the top TV discounts I'm seeing are on 2025 models, but a handful of newer 2026 models are also getting their first notable price drops. One of the most impressive deals right now is on the 65-inch Samsung S90F, which is down to an all-time low of $1,198. It's my pick for the best TV overall thanks to its excellent contrast, wide viewing angles, and vibrant color. Meanwhile, for shoppers who want a truly massive screen for movies, sports, or gaming, I recommend the 98-inch TCL QM7K, which is down to a record-low $1,898.

I'll continue updating this guide throughout the week as prices change and availability shifts. Several Prime Day TV deals have already sold out, while others have dropped even lower. And for more savings across every category, head to our Prime Day deals hub, where our expert deal hunters are tracking the best discounts across Amazon.

The best Prime Day Samsung TV deals

Some of the best Samsung TVs are down to record-low prices for Prime Day. At a new all-time low price, the brand's S90F OLED is an especially great value for shoppers who prioritize picture quality. The brand-new S90H is also getting its first notable discount of the year. It's pricier than the S90F and its color performance is slightly worse, but it has a glare-free screen that's much better at fighting reflections. Meanwhile, the brand's Frame TVs are an ideal fit for people who want a display that blends seamlessly into their living room, like a hanging piece of art.

The best Prime Day LG TV deals

LG makes some of the best OLED TVs I've tested, and several of its top models are on sale for Prime Day, including the midrange C5. The brand-new C6H is also back down to its lowest price since its spring release. The C6H is available in 77- and 83-inch sizes, and it offers a notably brighter image than the C5. You can learn more in my LG C6H TV review and guide to the best LG TVs.

The best Prime Day TCL TV deals

The best TCL TVs are already a great value year-round, but these Prime Day deals make them an even better buy. The extra-large 98-inch QM7K is a standout at an all-time low price of $1,898. The QM7K's brightness and contrast rival many pricier QLED models from Samsung, LG, and Sony.

The best Prime Day Roku TV deals

Roku is well known for its intuitive streaming devices, and the brand also makes its own smart TVs with its interface built in. The Roku Plus Series earned a spot in my guide to the best budget TVs thanks to its easy-to-use smart platform and solid QLED image quality. For Prime Day, the 55- and 65-inch models are both back down to all-time low prices. You can learn more in my guide to the best Roku TVs.

The best Prime Day Sony TV deals

Sony TVs are pricey, but their image accuracy and processing are tough to beat. For Prime Day, you can save on some of the brand's top QLED sets, including the Bravia 9, which is an excellent high-end Mini LED set with a bright picture. For an in-depth breakdown of Sony's lineup, visit my guide to the best Sony TVs.

The best Prime Day Hisense TV deals

Hisense continues to stand out as a value-focused TV brand, offering models that compete closely with TCL while often undercutting premium sets from Sony and Samsung. The U8QG is a prime example: it's one of the brightest TVs you can buy, yet it costs far less than many dimmer high-end alternatives. One caveat, however, is that the 65- and 85-inch versions use a different panel than the other sizes, which gives them better contrast but narrower viewing angles. For a full breakdown, check out my guide to the best Hisense TVs.

The best Prime Day Amazon Ember and Fire TV deals

Amazon makes its own lineup of smart TVs powered by the Fire TV platform. Though TCL and Hisense often offer better picture quality for the money, Amazon's models can still be worthwhile budget options when they're on sale. The 50-inch Omni QLED is an especially great option as it's one of the few TVs this small to include local dimming, which enhances contrast. It's back down to an all-time low of $250. For a closer look at Amazon's TV lineup, check out my Fire TV guide.

Prime Day TV FAQs

What type of TV should you buy?

TV shopping can be confusing since there are several display types to choose from, including LED, OLED, QLED, Mini LED, and RGB LED. Each technology has its own strengths, so the right pick depends on your budget, room setup, and viewing habits. Here's a simple breakdown:

• OLED TVs: OLEDs, including QD-OLED and tandem OLED models, offer the best overall picture quality, with perfect black levels, pixel-level contrast, and wide viewing angles. They're ideal for movie fans, but they cost more (especially in larger sizes), aren't as bright as top QLEDs, and carry a small risk of burn-in. You can learn more in our OLED vs. QLED comparison.
• QLED TVs: QLED TVs use quantum dots to deliver bright images and vibrant color. They're great for rooms with ambient light, come in many sizes and price points, and don't pose a burn-in risk. However, they can't match OLED contrast or viewing angles, and performance is best on models with Mini LED local dimming.
• LED TVs: Basic LED TVs are the cheapest choice and work well for casual viewing or getting a large screen on a budget. But they lack premium features like quantum dots, and usually lack local dimming and wide color support, so picture quality is limited.
• RGB LED TVs: Also called Micro RGB, RGB Mini LED, or True RGB, these TVs use separate red, green, and blue LEDs to deliver an expanded color range. The tech is promising, but options are limited, and OLED remains better for contrast. You can learn more in our RGB LED vs. Mini LED comparison.

Should you buy a 2025 or 2026 TV model?

For most shoppers, a discounted 2025 TV offers the best value on Prime Day. Generally speaking, new 2026 TVs only offer modest upgrades but currently cost a lot more than last year's models. That said, certain 2026 TVs deliver bigger improvements that could be worth the extra money if you're an enthusiast who wants the latest panel technology. With that in mind, I've singled out a few particularly noteworthy 2026 TV models in this roundup.

What size TV is best?

The ideal TV size depends on your room, seating distance, and budget. Big-screen TVs larger than 65 inches can make movie nights, live sports, and gaming sessions feel more immersive, but don't let screen size be the only thing that sways you. A cheap TV with a huge display will often fall short in contrast, color, and brightness compared to a smaller, high-end model. As you compare Prime Day TV deals, pay close attention to the panel type, picture-quality features, and design perks, rather than just picking the largest screen at the lowest price.

Is Prime Day a good time to buy a TV?

Yes, Prime Day is a great time to purchase a new TV, as select models are reaching record-low or near-all-time-low prices. While there are a few dud deals out there, I spend my days tracking prices and testing TVs, so I'm careful to only recommend truly good deals on quality televisions.

Shopping for more discounts today? Check out our roundup of all of the best Prime Day deals, or browse Amazon's website for the full selection.