Finding the best cat food to keep your finicky feline happy is no easy feat. First, you'll need to consider key factors, from your cat's age to whether you prefer the convenience of dry food over the beneficial moisture in wet food. If your cat has specific health concerns, there are also foods formulated to address everything from hairballs to weight management.

I've spent the last four years researching hundreds of cat foods and interviewing more than a dozen veterinarians and animal nutritionists to learn how to identify high-quality, nutritious cat foods. While there's no one-size-fits-all food, my top picks are nutritious recipes from top brands.

Beyond my recommendations below, you can find more nutritionally complete and balanced foods in the buying guides linked throughout this article. All of these foods meet the veterinarian-recommended nutrition standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the Global Nutrition Guidelines published by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). If you'd like to learn more about these standards, jump to the section on "What to look for in a cat food." Most importantly, always make sure to talk to your vet before making any changes to your cat's diet.

How we chose the best cat foods

My recommendations for the best cat foods are based on over four years of research and testing. I've consulted with more than a dozen veterinary experts, including board-certified nutritionists and those with a doctorate degree in animal nutrition who teach at accredited veterinary colleges. All of my recommendations align with the key factors highlighted in this guide, including the AAFCO standards and the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines. You can read more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and recommends pet products.

Our top picks for the best cat foods

Best wet overall: Instinct Original Real Salmon Entree, 3 oz. cans (24 count) - $48 at Chewy

Best dry overall: Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Lamb and Blueberry Recipe, 11 lb. bag - $76 at Chewy

Best budget wet: Fancy Feast Turkey and Giblets Feast Classic Pate, 3 oz. cans (24 count) - $23 at Chewy

Best budget dry:  Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Salmon and Brown Rice Recipe, 14 lb. bag - $45 at Chewy

Best for indoor cats: Royal Canin Indoor Morsels in Gravy, 3 oz. cans (24 count) - $53 at Chewy

Best for kittens: Purina Pro Plan Kitten Salmon and Ocean Fish Entree, 3 oz. cans (24 count) - $47 at Chewy

Best for seniors: Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Prime Plus Salmon and Tuna Entree, 3 oz. cans (24 count) - $47 at Chewy

Best for sensitive stomachs: Royal Canin Digestive Care Thin Slices in Gravy, 3 oz. cans (24 count) - $57 at Chewy

Best for weight loss: Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Adult Liver and Chicken Entree, 2.9 oz. cans (24 count) - $52 at Chewy

Best for hairball control: Hill's Science Diet Urinary Hairball Control Adult Savory Chicken Entree, 2.9 oz. cans (24 count) - $48 at Chewy

Best fresh: JustFoodForCats Fish and Chicken Recipe, 18 oz. pouches (7 count) - $112 at JustFoodForDogs

Best wet overall

Cat food should include animal protein as a top ingredient because cats are obligate carnivores who cannot produce essential amino acids on their own. These amino acids, such as taurine, are required for healthy growth and physical well-being. They must be sourced from a meat-based diet, says Dr. Jonathan Stockman, a veterinary nutritionist and associate professor of clinical veterinary sciences at Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine. Instinct Original Real Salmon Recipe delivers 48% protein from salmon and pork liver.

The pate is low in calories, high in fiber, and moderate in fat, which can help manage your cat's weight when served in appropriate proportions. Thanks to its high moisture content, this recipe and our other picks for the best wet cat food also more filling than dry food. The food contains healthy extras, such as antioxidants from cranberries and blueberries, which may help lower a cat's risk of degenerative diseases of the liver, kidneys, and brain. It also includes pumpkin, a fiber source that promotes regularity and may help cats feel fuller for longer.

While high-protein foods such as this one can benefit many cats, consult your veterinarian before feeding your cat a high-protein diet if they are a senior or have underlying health issues. Foods high in protein can be harmful to cats with kidney disease, says Dr. Carly Fox, a senior veterinarian at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center.

Best dry overall

Dry cat food is a practical way to keep your cat fed. It's generally more affordable and lasts longer once opened than wet cat food. Plus, many cats enjoy its crunchy texture and flavorful coating. One of our top picks, Farmina N&D Prime Lamb and Blueberry Recipe, provides 36% protein with healthy servings of fat and fiber.

This food contains dried beet pulp, a good source of fermentable fiber that can support digestive health by feeding beneficial gut bacteria, says Ellen Dierenfeld, a comparative animal nutritionist and founder of Zootrition. The food also includes sources of fiber from oats, inulin, and psyllium seed husk. In addition, blueberries and pomegranates provide beneficial antioxidants.

Omega-3 fatty acids are nutrients that your cat can only get from their diet. Small, cold-water fish like herring are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, and this recipe includes herring in both meat and oil form. Omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain a healthy coat, prevent dry skin, and reduce joint inflammation.

Our guide to best dry cat food includes more recommendations for cats of all ages. You can also learn more about the differences between kibble and canned food in our explainer on wet versus dry cat food.

Best budget wet

Wet cat food often costs more than kibble, but high-quality, affordable options exist. Fancy Feast Turkey and Giblets Feast Classic Pate is one such food because it's packed with protein-rich organ meats. Stockman says byproducts are nutrient-dense parts of a cat's natural diet.

Byproducts in cat food can appear under a variety of names on labels, including byproduct meals, meat byproduct, or simply the organ name. This recipe contains meat byproducts, which may include organs such as heart, kidneys, and lung. It also includes the specific byproducts liver and poultry giblets. Liver is often added to cat foods not only for its nutritional value, but because the smell and taste are highly appealing to cats, says Dr. Nancy Welborn, a veterinarian and associate professor of community practice at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine.

Organ meats provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, iron, and zinc, along with taurine for heart and eye health. Byproducts also often provide more nutrients per weight than muscle meats, helping keep this food affordable without sacrificing nutritional quality.

Fancy Feast is manufactured by Purina. The company has been producing pet food for nearly a century, during which time they have collaborated with leading institutions and universities to research and develop complete and balanced diets for pets. In other words, you can feel confident that this budget-friendly recipe meets an adult cat's nutritional requirements. If your cat develops specific health needs as they age, your veterinarian can advise on any additional supplements or ingredients that may help.

Best budget dry

Even if you have more money to spend, don't write off the best affordable cat food. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Salmon and Brown Rice is an affordable AAFCO complete and balanced dry food that is just as nutritious as pricier kibble.

Not only does this budget-friendly dry food contain whole meats and protein-rich meat meals, but it also has ingredients like whole brown rice and whole grain oatmeal. Whole grains are preferred over processed flours and meals, says Dr. Korinn Saker, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and retired associate professor of clinical nutrition at the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University. Whole, complex carbohydrates keep cats feeling full because they take more energy to break down. Plus, they're a good source of fiber, which can aid digestion and help reduce hairballs.

The salmon in this recipe is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which may improve skin and fur health and reduce shedding. It also contains the fermentable fiber beet pulp for digestive health.

Best for indoor cats

Even with the best cat trees, exercise wheels, and toys, indoor cats are often less active than their outdoor counterparts, which can increase their risk of weight gain. In addition to portion control, feeding best cat food for indoor cats that is low in calories can help keep your cat satisfied and at a healthy weight.

Royal Canin Indoor Adult Cats Morsels in Gravy is a low-calorie wet cat food with added fiber from powdered cellulose to help your cat feel fuller for longer. It also contains L-carnitine, an amino acid that may help the body burn fat for energy to support a healthy weight.

If you're unsure how much your cat should eat, ask your veterinarian about the Body Condition Score (BCS), a nine-point scale used to assess your cat's body fat and help determine their ideal weight and calorie requirements.

Best for kittens

Kitten food is specially formulated for cats under a year old, with a minimum of 30% protein, 9% fat, and extra vitamin A, calcium, and phosphorus. These foods also contain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid. DHA supports brain development and can be found in fish, fish oil, and fish meal, such as the salmon and ocean fish in Purina Pro Plan's Kitten Salmon and Ocean Fish Entree.

Whether a kitten is fed dry food, wet food, or a combination, each can provide adequate nutrition if formulated for growth at all life stages. This smooth pate, however, offers a gentle transition from mother's milk. While its high moisture content promotes proper hydration, cats of all ages should always have access to fresh water.

In addition to being formulated under the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist, this food stands out because it has been proven to be nutritionally adequate through feeding trials. This means it was fed to a group of kittens to ensure its nutritional value and safety.

In our guide to the best kitten foods, we highlight both wet and dry foods with various proteins and textures.

Best for seniors

Once a cat reaches 7 years of age, they begin to show signs of aging. Around 12 years old, they enter their senior years. Although older cats have the same minimum AAFCO nutritional requirements as younger adult cats, they may experience age-related conditions such as arthritis, weight gain, muscle loss, and declining kidney function. One of the best senior cat foods can help manage these specific issues.

While high-protein diets benefit younger cats with healthy kidneys, they can strain the kidneys in older cats. Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Prime Plus Salmon and Tuna Entree offers a beneficial compromise with a moderate 46% protein content. A portion of that protein comes from liver, which may help entice picky eaters. However, if your cat has been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), your veterinarian may recommend a prescription kidney diet, which typically has a lower protein content of 28% to 35%, Fox says.

Weight management can be another challenge for some senior cats due to decreased exercise and a slowing metabolism. This high-moisture food includes inulin from chicory root, a fiber source that helps promote regular bowel movements and may help cats feel fuller for longer. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial because it reduces stress on the joints, allowing your cat to stay mobile and engaged in age-appropriate play. To further support their playful side, this food contains omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, tuna, and salmon. Omega fatty acids help reduce inflammation and joint stiffness.

Best for sensitive stomachs

Like humans, some cats have more sensitive stomachs than others, leading to unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or gas. If your cat experiences these issues, Royal Canin Digestive Care Thin Slices in Gravy may provide relief. However, you should consult your vet before changing your cat's diet.

Royal Canin Digestive Care Thin Slices in Gravy contains minimal fat (1.6%) and low fiber (2.5%), making it gentle on sensitive stomachs. The limited fiber in this recipe comes from powdered cellulose, an insoluble fiber that may help relieve constipation by increasing stool volume and bowel movement frequency. Instead of whole meats, the recipe includes processed proteins like pork byproducts, chicken liver, and pork plasma. Foods with more processed proteins may help your cat absorb the nutrients more efficiently, Saker says.

This food is formulated for adult cats only. Kittens have specific nutritional needs for growth. If your kitten has gastrointestinal issues, consult your vet before considering our picks. Then, you should only consider foods formulated for growth or all life stages, such as Royal Canin Kitten Loaf in Sauce.

Our guide to the best sensitive stomach cat food highlights more formulas for various budgets.

Best for weight loss

The more overweight a cat becomes, the more likely they are to develop conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, arthritis, and pancreatitis. You can help your cat lose weight and maintain a healthy body weight by closely controlling their portion sizes and switching them to a weight management diet, such as Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Adult Liver and Chicken Entree.

Fiber-rich weight management foods like this one can help your cat feel fuller longer. This means less meowing between meals and less temptation to sneak your cat a treat or overfeed them. This diet's fiber sources include powdered cellulose, an insoluble fiber, and carrots, a soluble fiber source. This adult cat food also contains the amino acid L-carnitine to help the body burn fat for energy.

While both wet and dry weight management diets can be effective, wet food's moisture content aids in satiety, reducing begging and overeating. Plus, it's generally easier to overfeed your cat with dry food than wet since dry is more calorie-dense.

You can find more dry and wet food options in our guide to the best weight loss foods for cats.

Best for hairball control

When cats groom, they often swallow loose hairs. These hairs may pass through their digestive tract without issue or clump into hairballs. Coughing up a hairball once every week or two is normal for most cats. But some hairballs may grow too large and get trapped in the stomach, where they can cause a dangerous blockage. Hill's Science Diet Urinary Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entree may help cats who struggle with hairballs.

Although this food won't stop your cat from licking themselves or swallowing hair, insoluble fiber sources such as powdered cellulose and dried beet pulp might help prevent loose hairs from getting stuck in the digestive tract. Insoluble fibers don't dissolve during digestion, so they work by pulling along hairs on their way out.

In addition, this recipe contains fish oil, a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which may improve skin and coat health and reduce shedding.

Our guide to the best hairball control cat food highlights nine more excellent formulas.

Best fresh

Fresh pet food is a relatively new trend in which whole meats, vegetables, essential vitamins, and minerals are combined and then frozen to maintain freshness. Some fresh pet foods are available via fuss-free subscription, and others are available in the freezer section of pet stores.

While several fresh cat food companies meet the AAFCO standards, JustFoodForCats stands out because they have a veterinary nutritionist on staff. According to our experts, this is an essential quality to look for when choosing any cat food. Additionally, the company has a research advisory board of 14 veterinarians who provide nutrition research and feeding guidance.

JustFoodforCats offers one recipe for cats: Chicken and Fish. While the selection is limited, we like that the most nutritious parts of the chicken are used, including the thighs, hearts, and livers. Pacific cod and sardines add to the palatability and are also a good source of omega fatty acids for skin and joint health.

What to look for in a cat food

When shopping for the best cat food, there are some key criteria to keep in mind.

An AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement: The most basic measure of nutritionally complete and balanced cat food is an AAFCO statement on the label. The AAFCO is a nonprofit organization that defines the standard nutritional requirements for pet food and animal feed. A cat food with an AAFCO statement is guaranteed to be complete and balanced for cats at specific life stages. The AAFCO designates the stages according to the following criteria.

• Growth and reproduction: Foods that carry this designation are for kittens under 1 year old and pregnant or nursing cats. These formulas are high in protein (30% minimum) and fat (9% minimum) to support rapid growth. They also contain more vitamin A, calcium, and phosphorus than adult maintenance foods.
• Maintenance: Maintenance foods are formulated for adult cats. They are lower in protein (26% minimum) and fat (9% minimum) than kitten foods.
• All-life stages: You can feed these foods to kittens and adult cats because the formulas meet the higher nutritional demands of kittens.

While many senior cats benefit from specialized nutrition, the AAFCO does not recognize "senior" as a distinct life stage. Senior cat foods typically meet the nutritional recommendations for maintenance. For senior cats without weight management or those experiencing muscle loss, an all-life-stages formula, which meets the higher nutritional requirements of kittens, may be beneficial.

Look for one of three AAFCO statements on the label of cat food to ensure that it is nutritionally complete and balanced.

• "[Product] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles." This statement confirms that the food's minimum nutrient profile has been verified via a third-party laboratory analysis.
• "Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that [product] provides complete and balanced nutrition." Instead of submitting a food for laboratory analysis, a company may test food through controlled feeding trials. Keep in mind that these trials are imperfect; the AAFCO requires eight healthy cats to consume the food for six months. At the end of the trial, at least 75% of the participating cats must meet four blood test parameters and must not have lost more than 15% of their original body weight.
• "[Product] provides complete and balanced nutrition and is comparable in nutritional adequacy to a product which has been substantiated using AAFCO feeding tests." A cat food manufacturer whose family of products has already met the AAFCO's feeding trials criteria may carry this statement for recipes that were not directly tested.

Almost all commercially made cat foods exceed the minimum standards set by the AAFCO, says Dr. Valerie Parker, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and professor of clinical small animal internal medicine and nutrition at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The manufacturer must conduct a third-party laboratory analysis or feeding trials using AAFCO protocols to determine whether a product meets the minimum standards. A cat food without an AAFCO complete and balanced statement for an individual cat's life stage should never be fed as the cat's primary food.

Guaranteed analysis: The guaranteed analysis on a pet food label shows the percentages of protein, fat, and other important nutrients in a food. If you're looking to compare wet food to kibble, you'll find the guaranteed analysis of wet food doesn't give you the complete picture of how much of these vital nutrients are present. That's because the two types of food have vastly different moisture contents (around 75% to 78% in wet food and 10% to 12% in dry food).

The percentages of fat, protein, and fiber in wet food must be converted to "dry matter basis." To find the dry matter basis, use these directions from the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, call the food manufacturer, or ask your veterinarian for help.

Calories: A cat food's calorie content should be clearly listed on its packaging. The calorie content of cat food is listed in kilocalories (kcal). According to WSAVA, the average cat weighing between 8 and 10 pounds should consume between 230 and 270 kcal daily.

"The most common mistake that pet parents make, leading to overweight or obese cats, is feeding too many calories," says Dr. Nell Ostermeier, a veterinarian and veterinary spokesperson at Figo Pet Insurance. You can calculate your cat's daily calorie needs based on your cat's weight, or consult your vet for a personalized plan. "Leave a little extra room for about 5% to 10% of their calorie intake to come from treats," Ostermeier adds. Our guide to the best cat treats is a great starting point for finding low-calorie options to please your cat.

Brand reputation: By carefully reviewing the WSAVA Global Nutritional Guidelines, you can distinguish trustworthy brands from those that may fall short. We prioritize brands that align with these standards, considering their expert formulation, research initiatives, quality control measures, and recall history.

Selecting pet food manufacturers that employ at least one full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist or an animal nutrition expert with a master's or doctorate degree can help ensure the highest quality standards. "Pet food production requires a thorough knowledge of pet nutrition, pet food ingredients, processing methods and their effect on nutrients, plus a good understanding of physiology, chemistry, mathematics, microbiology, and biochemistry," Okada says.

It's also important to consider a manufacturer's quality control measures and the types of facilities where they produce food. Parker says this information should be easily accessible on a pet food company's website. If not, you should be able to call the company and get quick answers.

Some smaller pet food companies produce their food in facilities used by larger, more established manufacturers. This is a reliable way to ensure food quality and safety, says Dr. Yuki Okada, a veterinary nutritionist at Seven Hills Veterinary Hospital. When in doubt, select a larger manufacturer with a long history of making pet food. "If a problem arises, it will likely be discovered sooner if the product is widely distributed," Okada says.

Ingredients: The ingredients on a pet food label are listed in order of weight. Proteins in the form of whole meat or meat meal should come first on the ingredients list. Beyond that, you can look for healthy extras that may benefit your cat's specific needs, such as L-carnitine for weight loss, fish oil for joint health, or high-fiber foods that will keep your cat feeling full.

Special formulations: Cats with specific needs, like sensitive stomachs, age-related issues, weight management, or hairballs, might benefit from specialized diets. However, you should always check with your veterinarian before changing your cat's food.

Underlying health conditions like kidney disease, allergies, or cancer often require close veterinary coordination. For instance, Swanson says cats with low-functioning kidneys require lower protein diets. The less protein a cat with kidney problems has, the less likely it will be to build up waste products in the blood that make them sick.

Beware of marketing and pet food myths: Focus on a cat food's complete and balanced nutritional profile rather than individual ingredients or marketing claims. Terms like "flavor," "premium," "gourmet," and even "natural" can be misleading.

Meet the expert behind this guide

Janelle Leeson, pet nutrition reporter: I've been reporting on pet food for Reviews since 2023, combining in-depth research with expert interviews to help cat guardians make confident, informed choices. To make my recommendations for the best cat food, I asked veterinarians and animal nutritionists what to look for in high-quality food for every life stage and common health needs. Then I evaluated hundreds of formulas, including their their nutrient profiles and ingredient lists.

Cat food FAQs

What is the healthiest cat food brand?

The healthiest cat food brand is one that provides a complete and balanced diet based on the AAFCO standards and adheres to the Global Nutrition Guidelines published by the WSAVA. Look for brands that invest in animal nutrition research and employ full-time veterinary nutrition experts, such as Purina, Hill's, Royal Canin, and Farmina. Your veterinarian is the best person to provide tailored recommendations. You can also check the quality of the cat food by examining the label. Animal proteins should be listed as the first ingredient, with water in canned foods being the only exception. A statement on the label confirming that the food meets the AAFCO nutritional recommendations for your cat's life stage guarantees it provides all the essential nutrients they need.

Is dry or wet food better for cats?

Whether to feed your cat wet or dry food, or a combination of both, should be based on a cat's preferences and a guardian's budget. Parker says neither dry nor wet food offers specific health benefits. While both options provide complete nutrition for healthy cats, wet food requires refrigeration after opening and has a shorter shelf life than dry food. On the other hand, dry food tends to be more calorically dense and can easily lead to overfeeding and weight gain if not proportioned appropriately.

Which dry cat food is best for cats?

Determining the best dry food is highly individual. Factors like age, health conditions, and personal preferences should be considered when choosing a food for your cat.

What wet cat food do vets recommend?

Veterinarians recommend wet cat foods that meet the AAFCO nutritional standards for your cat's life stage. If your cat enjoys a particular food and shows signs of good health, such as good energy, a healthy coat, and no signs of illness, it's likely meeting their nutritional needs.

How much should I feed my cat?

Feeding a cat just the right amount depends on many factors, including age, size, overall health, activity level, and reproductive status. Highly active cats need to eat more to sustain their energy, while sedentary cats may need to eat less to avoid weight gain. Pregnant female cats require more food to meet the demands of pregnancy, while their spayed counterparts do not need to eat as much. The WSAVA has a helpful chart for determining how many calories a cat should eat according to weight. This chart provides only general recommendations, so consult your veterinarian to discuss your cat's needs.

How often should I feed my cat?

The feeding frequency depends on factors such as age, lifestyle, and overall health. For example, kittens do best with eating small meals throughout the day, while adult cats are usually OK with eating just twice a day. Free-choice feeding, in which food is left out all day, is convenient if you are not home for most of the day. However, this feeding method puts cats at risk of overeating and gaining excess weight. Providing meals at specific times of day and in specific amounts will help control your cat's food intake and prevent overeating. Your veterinarian can help you develop an ideal feeding plan for your cat.

Do cats need grain-free food?

No. Despite marketing claims, grain-free food has not been proven nutritionally superior to foods containing grains. A cat's digestive system is not designed to digest a large amount of carbohydrates, but cats do well eating foods that contain carbohydrate sources of grains, such as corn, oats, and wheat. These can be sources of essential nutrients like fiber and various vitamins and minerals. A grain-free food would be recommended for cats with grain and gluten allergies, but these allergies are exceedingly rare in cats. In recent years, the FDA has been investigating a potential link between grain-free dog foods and the development of a heart condition called non-hereditary dilated cardiomyopathy. However, this link has not been identified in cats eating grain-free foods.

Is raw food good for cats?

Raw meat diets have gained popularity in the pet food world. However, the risks of diets that contain raw meats outweigh any potential health benefits. Raw meat can contain disease-causing bacteria, such as E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella, which can sicken cats and their owners if the meat is not handled correctly or prepared. Also, there is no nutritional benefit to feeding raw meat to cats. Any cat food with raw meat should be avoided.

• Greg Abel made a dent in Berkshire Hathaway's cash pile last quarter.
• Berkshire's heaviest spending on stocks and buybacks in years shrank its cash pile to $365 billion.
• Warren Buffett grew Berkshire's cash to record highs as bargain stocks and acquisitions were scarce.

Greg Abel might just be a little looser with the purse strings than Warren Buffett.

Abel, who succeeded Buffett as Berkshire Hathaway's CEO at the turn of this year, oversaw a drop in the conglomerate's mountain of cash and Treasury bills from $380 billion at the end of March to $365 billion at the end of June, excluding Treasury payables.

Berkshire opened its coffers to buy $23.5 billion in stocks while selling only $3.7 billion, meaning it purchased nearly $20 billion on a net basis. It had been a net seller for 14 quarters straight. The last time it had a larger net outlay on stocks was in the first quarter of 2022.

Abel also repurchased $4.6 billion of Berkshire stock, marking the company's biggest quarter for stock buybacks since 2021.

The parent company of Geico, Dairy Queen, and Squishmallows-owner Jazwares reported a 16% year-on-year rise in operating income to $13 billion in the second quarter.

Lower insurance profits were offset by profit growth at BNSF Railway, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, and the manufacturing, service, and retailing division, plus a nearly $1.3 billion foreign-currency exchange gain.

Berkshire completed its acquisition of Taylor Morrison Home Corporation for $8.5 billion in cash on July 24, after the quarter ended.

Ramping up net stock purchases and buybacks marks a change in tempo for Berkshire. Its cash pile roughly doubled during Buffett's last two years as CEO as the legendary bargain hunter struggled to find them in a red-hot market for stocks and private businesses.

Macrae Sykes, a portfolio manager at Gabelli Funds, said in emailed comments that he welcomed the sizable buyback since it suggested Abel and Buffett — who remains chairman — once again saw Berkshire shares as offering good value for money, and were finding ways to deploy cash.

Abel pledged allegiance to Buffett's signature approach of disciplined capital allocation in his first letter to shareholders in February, writing that Berkshire pursues opportunities where the reward matches the risk.

Buffett's successor said he's proud of Berkshire's "nimble culture," which enables it to make considered, thoughtful investments quickly.

"Many times in Berkshire's history, some observers have suggested that our substantial cash position signals a retreat from investing. It does not. We continue to evaluate many opportunities and will remain patient and disciplined in pursuing the right ones for the benefit of our owners," Abel wrote.

• We skipped the expensive play-place birthday party and hosted our son's fifth birthday at home instead.
• We let him invite everyone he wanted, and nearly 100 people RSVP'd.
• Rain turned our unfinished backyard into a giant mud pit, but we leaned into the chaos.

"Hey, great party!" a parent laughed while wiping mud off their daughter's happy face. My own grin stretched wide as I thanked them for coming and made my way upstairs, dodging kids in animal costumes sprinting down.

I made my way to the platform and poked my head into each room until I found my son, the birthday boy. He jumped on our bed in a pillow fight with his friends dressed in a Spider-Man costume, his laughter roaring throughout the whole upper level of our modestly sized home. "You good, bud?" I shouted with a thumbs up. "Mama!!" he shouted back. "I'm having the BEST DAY EVER!!"

We questioned the expensive birthday party formula

We had previously conformed to the birthday party routines we kept witnessing all around us — trampoline parks, gymnastics studios, indoor playrooms. We'd sign up for their conveyor-belt-like process of planning a birthday party. You're limited to give-or-take 15 kids total. You get one hour of play, then one hour for pizza, drinks, dessert, and gifts. You get a coupon to come back another time. And then they cycle you out for the next party. All for hundreds of dollars.

We started to rethink our son's birthday party when it came time to choose which kids made "the cut" for the invite. How do you teach a 5-year-old to rank their friends with a hierarchy of importance?

"What if we just had the party here?" I asked my husband one night, feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. We knew the risk of a house party in early March in St. Louis. If the weather were great, it would be easy. But if the weather did not work out in our favor, our home was not ideal. We have a two-story, three-bedroom home, but our rooms are by no means large.

We sawed back and forth for a while until I reminded my husband of the motto that has carried us through our crazier ideas, like living in a van or moving completely off-grid in a state we barely knew years prior: "We'll figure it out."

We leaned into the mess instead of fighting it

We told our son he could invite any friends he wanted to his party. What we didn't realize is that he translated that to mean he could invite EVERY friend to his party. We were staring at 70, 80, 90+ RSVPs, and the count kept growing each day.

Not only that, but the weather was calling for rain. We had an unfinished strip of our backyard that we were turning into a play area, but it wouldn't be ready in time for the party. So we had a large strip of dirt that became a massive mud pit. "I don't think we can pull this off." My husband stressed to me. "I think we're going to have to schedule an indoor venue at the last minute. I don't see how we can make this work."

After living remotely off-grid and moving to a walkable city, I was leaning into intentional community. I wanted to prove we could host a large party in our home, even if it was a little chaotic. We updated the invite and sent all of our RSVPs a message. "Mud is on the forecast! Bring rainboots, a towel, a change of clothes, and a flexible attitude!"

We threw every pillow, cushion, and blanket we could find into our bedroom. We made one room an art room with construction paper, magazines, glue sticks, markers, and more. We set up stations in the playroom and highlighted a rack filled with hanging costumes.

The party became a celebration of community

The party was in full swing. A mountain of shoes sat by our front door. My husband carried old yoga mats up from the basement to form a walkway from the back door to our bathroom. Kids dug in the mud pit with hoes and shovels while adults hosed them off before they went inside. People in the gated off living room played with the younger kids while talking about concerts. Parents leaned against our counters in the kitchen, conversing about the best camping spots. Upstairs, one parent was assisting with putting on and removing costumes while a group of parents stood on our landing, popping their heads into each room to see if anyone needed anything.

I admired how everyone had stepped up to keep the kids safe, our home tidy, and the laughter flowing.

It was time for cake. I squeezed my way through each room of the house, my hands cupping around my mouth, hollering "CAKE IN 5 MINUTES!!" Kids squealed and took the cue to wrap up their activity and head to the front room. I looked around while my husband placed candles on the cake and nearly started to cry. The bodies filled our room, shoulder to shoulder, on the floor, up the stairs, around the table. Everyone seemed relaxed, smiling, and present. My son looked around and jumped up and down, his smile devouring the rest of his face.

We didn't need to throw money toward a franchise to give our son the best day. We didn't need an epic house or perfect weather. We just needed open communication, good attitudes, and a bit of letting go of typical expectations.

• Teaching a kid to ride a bike is hard, especially when that kid is your own.
• After some failed lessons, I outsourced this important parenting rite of passage.
• I spent a bunch of money on bike lessons, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

I'm going to admit something here that's probably going to get a lot of parents up in arms: I paid a guy $300 to teach my two kids to ride a bike.

I know that $150 for a bike lesson is exorbitant, and it was one of the reasons I hesitated to do it (or talk about it publicly). But when I reframed it in my mind as an extremely finite cost for a job I could not do myself, for what will hopefully be a lifetime of family bike rides — I decided I could live with it.

And I have zero regrets.

We tried to teach our kids ourselves and totally failed

My kids are 6 and 8. We live in a New York City apartment, so I can't just send them outside to futz around on their bicycles and figure it out on their own. My husband and I have schlepped the bikes to a local blacktop a handful of times over the past few summers, and very quickly turned into two very sweaty, grumpy adults with two very sweaty, grumpy kids — kids who still needed training wheels.

Before you ask, yes: we tried the balance bike. We tried training wheels, and one training wheel slightly lifted, and also a bike trainer handle that was supposed to let us run gracefully behind the bike rather than lurching alongside the tiny rider while holding his waist.

None of it clicked. Our vision of helmeted children riding proudly into the sunset after a few spins together was fading with each failed session. It was clear we needed a different approach.

Sometimes, as a parent, you have to know your limits

So I went back to my text messages to dig up the name of the local "bike whisperer," a 20-something BMXer and bicycle mechanic whom parents turn to when it's time to suck up their pride and outsource this sacred parenting rite of passage.

It worked like a charm. Our instructor showed up at the local school basketball court with his BMX bike and a bag of chalk. He impressed my kids with a few bike tricks and charmed them by writing their names in chalk—calligraphy for my daughter and Minecraft-style block letters for my son. Then he employed a series of steps that involved removing their pedals, getting them to find their balance, and holding up their bikes by the handlebars while they pedaled furiously into the air.

By the end of their 45-minute lessons, each one was comfortably riding loops around the blacktop and grinning like they had conquered Mt. Everest.

Our bike instructor took the emotional weight out of the situation

This method did not involve running alongside the kids while holding their waists and promising loudly to "not let go!!"

More critically, it took the emotional weight out of the situation. My kids had been airing their frustration on my husband and me, and we on them. But this new teacher was cool and impartial, and brought a new perspective to the challenge.

Plus, learning to ride a bike is hard. Just knowing how to ride does not necessarily equip a parent to teach it to a tiny, easily frustrated human being. Once I acknowledged this and got out of their way, my kids were primed to learn from a pro.

I'm a full-time working parent, and it's important to me to be involved in my kids' development and education. There are lots of things I care deeply about teaching my kids myself. For some parents, that absolutely involves teaching their kid to ride a two-wheeler. In fact, some of them might even die on that hill.

For me, the bike lesson was a good reminder that even the most involved parents have their limits, and sometimes it's better to outsource to an expert.

• We moved our 350-square-foot tiny home from our secluded community in California to Bend, Oregon.
• After packing up our house, we hired someone to drive it to the new piece of land we rented.
• Nothing broke, and we're enjoying Bend but are excited to move our home again when we're ready.

My partner and I had always dreamed of having our own small space on wheels so we could live simply and have a flexible lifestyle.

So, in 2019, we began building our very own tiny home on a 32-foot trailer. After many months (and YouTube tutorials), it was complete.

For a while, we lived in it while parked on his parents' property in New Jersey. By 2021, we'd decided to move our 350-square-foot build across the country to California, where we'd found a great tiny-home community in a national forest about an hour outside San Diego.

Although I'd been nervous about moving our home for the first time, it worked out — and our new community was wonderful. We loved taking advantage of our easy access to beautiful trails and mountain views and befriended our neighbors, too.

However, after years of secluded mountain living, we wanted a change of scenery and to be closer to a grocery store — the nearest one was more than 20 miles away, about a 35-minute drive.

We also wanted to be near more activities and be able to casually take pottery classes nearby or join a local soccer league.

So, we set our sights on Bend, Oregon. We had friends in the area and loved the idea of living in the Pacific Northwest, in a city with better access to what we wanted.

We spent a few months preparing for the move

After researching reliable moving companies, we estimated it would cost at least $3,000 to relocate our house. So, for months leading up to our move, we put as much money as possible into our savings account.

We also began looking for land in Bend that we could rent to place our house on. Eventually, we found a spot online by connecting with homeowners in the area who were interested in hosting us.

With land in place, we hired someone to drive our home to Oregon while my partner and I drove down separately with our dog.

Next, we needed to pack. On the bright side, no moving truck is needed when you're moving your actual home. Instead, we filled our house.

We packed everything from our shelves and cabinets into boxes, using clothes to wrap plates, pans, and other breakables. Then those boxes were stacked and packed tightly in our living room.

To be extra cautious, we also secured our fridge and washer/dryer to the walls with bungee cords.

Moving day wasn't perfect, but it went smoothly enough

On the day of the move, we dealt with minor car troubles and our first driver canceling, though another was sent in their place.

By then, we'd already decided to start our long drive, with our dog in tow.

Luckily, our friends in the community were able to meet the new driver and facilitate the move. The biggest relief came when they sent us videos of our house being hooked up and safely towed away.

Although the beginning of the moving day didn't go as smoothly as intended, the rest of it did.

Sixteen hours of driving later, we met the driver and our house at the new property.

Once we arrived, we weren't done. We leveled the trailer and added bottle jacks to help stabilize and support its weight. Next, we connected our plumbing and electricity.

Then we began the unpacking process. We started with our outdoor furniture, turf, and bikes — all of which we'd transported in the house.

Somehow, none of our belongings or furniture broke.

Although we won't stay here forever, it's great for now

The first few nights at a new spot are always my favorite. There's nothing like looking up at the stars in a new view, but through the same familiar window.

When we first got to Oregon, we even saw the northern lights. New experiences like that are what make all the move preparation, anxiety, and change worth it.

So far, our new spot has been great, and the people we rent it from are incredible. It's been convenient living just 10 minutes from a grocery store and 15 minutes from the center of town.

We have our own yard and a larger area for our dog to play — and we even ended up rescuing another pup. We've also built a small shed to use as an office, art studio, and gaming area.

We're enjoying living here for now, but we would move our home again when we're ready for a change. With a house on wheels, it's nice to always have the option.

• Kati Gyselinck reflected on her 27 years as a stay-at-home mom and wanted a change.
• At 62, she moved solo to the Greek mainland with one suitcase, leaving everything else behind.
• She said that downsizing and being grateful for the smaller things in life have made her happier.

This story is based on an interview with Kati Gyselinck, 65, a life coach who lives in Athens, Greece. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I arrived at Athens International Airport in October 2023 with nothing but a suitcase full of clothes.

Then I took a taxi to the Airbnb, which was supposed to be my home while I began my new life abroad. My first impressions weren't great. The place seemed dark, and there was no balcony.

A few nights later, I got up to use the bathroom and kicked my big toe against the bed. The whole nail came off, and the pain was bad.

I wondered if I'd made a mistake

There was no way I could find a pharmacy at that time. Nor did I have anyone to call. It brought home to me the leap of faith I'd taken to move to another country.

"Did I make a mistake?" I thought. I felt sorry for myself because I was alone. I cried my eyes out for hours.

My departure from my house in Israel, which coincided with a divorce, wasn't something I'd meticulously planned.

Nevertheless, I needed a new direction. My three kids were adults, leading their own lives. I'd been a homemaker for 27 years. It had reached the point where it was pretty much, "Hi Mom, Bye Mom," as they rushed in and out of the door.

I was dedicated to being a wife and mother

Yes, raising beautiful children was an accomplishment. Yet, I couldn't help thinking that I hadn't gotten much to show for myself.

I'd been dedicated to the role of wife and mother since leaving my job as a mortgage consultant when my son was born.

It wasn't as if I didn't enjoy being with the kids. I'd waited until 34 to have my first baby, feeling so much love, and didn't mind staying at home without a nanny.

My husband was a successful businessman, and our finances were secure. Despite that, I found it hard to no longer have my own stream of income.

The years went by, and I hit 62. Things had been building up for a while. I had a heavy feeling in my chest because I wasn't where I wanted to be. I had material things like a big car, but I was convinced I could be happier with a lot less.

I thought about staying for a few more years, until my youngest was in her mid-20s, but by then I'd be 67 or 68. Almost on the spur of the moment, I opted for a fresh start in Athens.

I walked 6 miles a day

I've loved Greece ever since I went on a cruise off the coast. The people are very friendly. And it's an easy flight from Tel Aviv. My kids can visit me within a day of travel.

Still, it took me almost a year to find my feet. The night when I hurt my toe wasn't the only time I wondered if I'd done the right thing.

One of the issues was not finding an Airbnb that I was comfortable in. I didn't like living with other people's furnishings, when I was used to choosing my own.

Rather than stay home, I'd walk for hours, exploring the neighborhoods. I clocked five or six miles a day on my Apple Watch.

I deliberately chose a big city because, as a single woman, it seemed it would be easier to make friends. Slowly, but surely, I found people I wanted to hang out with, including a couple I met in a café.

One of the guys lived in the Athens Riviera, about 25 miles south. He knew I wasn't 100% OK in the city, and suggested I check out some properties near him.

In December, 2024, I rented a 1,300 square foot, three-bedroom apartment, a few minutes' walk from the shore. It wasn't furnished, and I transformed it to my taste. I bought a compact Fiat 500.

Food is fresh here

Downsizing did me good, as I'd suspected. I had never been one to chase designer bags or anything like that, but I developed an appreciation of the simpler things.

I swam in the ocean every morning, then sat on my balcony surrounded by lemon trees, drinking an espresso. Those moments were precious to me.

One of my favorite activities is checking out the farmers market around the corner. Food is fresh here and reasonably priced. A little over two pounds of tomatoes costs less than $2.

I've met people through people and joined a few Facebook groups. We'll get together for drinks or a meal, and once, ravioli-making.

Last month, I hired a tutor to teach me Greek. It's complicated because there are 10 different words for everything. I told her that I wanted to at least follow the conversation with my Greek friends.

I recently launched my life coaching business for over-55s after writing about my journey on Instagram. Women message me, asking how I did what I did.

Expand your horizons

They include divorcees, widows, or stay-at-home moms who crave some personal space. Many are afraid to travel solo or even to eat dinner alone in a restaurant.

You don't have to make a big change. I'm not telling my clients or my followers to blow up their marriages, pack their belongings, and move to Greece.

I encourage them to expand their horizons. You might take baby steps with a weekend away on your own. It's good to experiment. If you don't like it, you can always come home.

Older women can cultivate and cherish themselves in whatever way they choose.

• I moved to Paris from the UK nearly a decade ago, and it's come with surprising challenges.
• The language barrier was both more and less of a challenge than I expected.
• Sundays and summers here look very different and a lot quieter than what I was used to.

I moved to Paris from the United Kingdom in 2017, and while I expected some challenges along the way, I was surprised to discover that many of the things I'd been worrying about turned out not to be issues at all.

However, in their place were several other unforeseen obstacles that I wished I'd been aware of before I relocated.

The language barrier wasn't an issue in the way I expected it to be

I'd spoken French fluently-ish as a teen, but I'd barely used so much as a "bonjour" in the four years prior to my relocation. I was worried about the rustiness of my speaking skills, envisioning it causing real difficulties in day-to-day life.

However, I also assumed that, since I would be totally immersed in the language, my French would come back in no time. I was wrong on both counts.

Since practically everyone I encountered in Paris spoke English, my subpar French proved no obstacle at all. In fact, no matter how much I tried to speak French, in restaurants, in shops, on the metro, at the bank, you name it … most people simply replied to me in English.

It was a blessing and a curse; simultaneously very convenient for going about my life, and very inconvenient for improving my French.

Since I worked in English, and the first friends I made were all other international expats (who spoke English together), my opportunities to hone my language skills were virtually nonexistent.

Eventually, getting on dating apps is what brought my French conversation skills back up to snuff.

My takeaway: If you're not fluent in French before you move here, you will likely manage just fine. However, you may need to be proactive about finding opportunities to improve your speaking skills — and doing so should be a priority.

Becoming comfortable with French isn't essential to getting by here, but it will vastly improve your experience as an expatriate. And, y'know, it's just … good manners.

I should've been prepared for all of the bureaucracy battles and paperwork

Before I moved, I spent a lot of time researching the requirements I'd have to fulfill to live and work in France.

As an EU citizen, I faced minimal red tape — but for the processes I needed to go through to get up and running as a resident, the message from forums, blogs, and articles alike was clear: French admin can be a nightmare.

Naively optimistic as I was, I dismissed the repeated complaints as hyperbole. "How bad could it be?" I thought to myself, with completely unfounded confidence.

The internet tried to warn me, but I didn't listen. Most essential tasks, like getting a social-security number and a health card, took way longer and required more effort than I expected.

I imagine this may be the case when relocating to any new country. However, even after nearly a decade of living here, I still dread dealing with French bureaucratic systems (and all the paperwork they require).

My takeaway: Be patient, set aside dedicated time to tackle essential relocation tasks, and take a lot of deep breaths. Getting a French phone number as soon as possible will also make administrative tasks (and life in Paris) a lot easier.

Paris lives up to its chic reputation, but I didn't have to worry so much about my style

Pre-Paris, I worried I'd look out of place or underdressed because of this city's reputation for being ultra-chic. (I'm no fashionista.)

However, I quickly discovered that it's very difficult to be either underdressed or overdressed in Paris.

Something I found very refreshing when I moved to France was how much less "uniform" the clothing felt compared to the UK.

Very extravagant or outlandish ensembles would raise more of an eyebrow here than in, say, London or New York, but as a general rule, at any given activity, occasion, or gathering, you'll see a real range of styles and levels of "dressiness."

Within a year of moving to Paris, I felt able to dress in a way that was much truer to my personal tastes than I'd ever felt comfortable doing in England.

My takeaway: Wear whatever you want. Style here feels generally understated, but there's no Paris "uniform."

Sundays are way sleepier than I'm used to

Around the time I moved, Galeries Lafayette was advertising that they would "now" be opening on Sundays, and it really confused me.

I couldn't believe a world-famous department store in a capital city like Paris wasn't open on Sundays before.

Turns out, a lot of places in France are closed on Sundays, which local labor laws have helped designate as a day of rest.

There are exceptions, and I've seen more stores extend their hours over the past nine years. However, I've found it's still very hit-and-miss whether (and, if so, when) I'll be able to shop on the Day of Rest.

I'd say roughly half the shops I frequent are open on Sundays, and a lot of supermarkets operate on a sort of "compromise" model.

Some only open in the mornings, and others are open all day but have security staff only, meaning there are limitations on how you pay, and you can't buy alcohol.

I've seen shops advertise their Sunday opening time but not their closing time. Which, as far as I can tell, means they close whenever they feel like it.

I've been caught out more than once when I've gone to grab dinner ingredients, only to find the shop closed an hour earlier than it had the previous week.

My takeaway: Don't rely on buying your groceries (or anything else important) on Sundays. If you need to purchase alcohol, say for a Sunday lunch or soirée, make sure you do it the day before.

My expectations around vacation have completely shifted

About half the country packs up and goes on vacation for the whole of July … and the other half, for the whole of August. This includes the people running shops, restaurants, offices, and all kinds of other services.

I wish I'd known about this before I was in the middle of experiencing it. That first summer I spent in Paris was very long, very hot, and very quiet.

Everything had kind of ground to a halt at work, my friends were gone for huge swaths of time, and most of my go-to spots for eating or drinking out were closed for a month or more.

These days, I really enjoy the tranquility of Paris when half the residents have migrated south for the summer, but it was a bizarre experience to be unprepared for.

I definitely wished I could have taken advantage of the French norm of booking multiple consecutive weeks off to get away from the stifling city.

My takeaway: Make the most of the expectation that you'll take a long summer vacation — even if it's just to enjoy the peace of Paris sans (half the) Parisians.

Also, expect more shops, restaurants, and other businesses to be closed in July and August. Even getting a medical appointment can be trickier during these summer months.

• Gen Z values community building and everyday experiences as an important part of city life.
• Outdoor activities and third spaces are high priorities for Gen Z residents, according to a survey.
• Cities that are easy to socialize in are cities where Gen Z feels the most comfortable.

Gen Z is often labeled as cold or less sociable, but that might be an unfair characterization.

In order to determine the best places for Gen Z to live, Time Out surveyed local residents ages 18 to 29 around the world, asking them about everything from affordability to nightlife.

Time Out travel writer Liv Kelly told Business Insider that the survey findings show Gen Z socializes plenty, but does so differently than past generations.

Kelly said her generation finds joy in day-to-day experiences rather than living for the weekend. While nightlife was a factor in Time Out's rankings, alternatives like outdoor activities and community building opportunities were just as, if not more, important to the under-30 crowd.

"I think how Gen Z socializes and how they go out is still crucial to their day-to-day interactions and their happiness — it's just changing shapes," Kelly told Business Insider.

Gen Z yearns for third spaces, and cities that can provide those ranked high on the list.

"In Tokyo, there are spaces which offer game nights where you can engage in sports with friends without having to drink," Kelly said. "In Shanghai, there are no-phone socials. The cities that are ranked particularly well are ones where people find it easy to socialize. I think that also speaks volumes about there being a shift towards people preferring face-to-face interaction."

Below, see what cities around the world are best suited for Gen Z.

20. Vienna

Population: 1,925,213

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $1,215.90

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $1,281.45

Cost of a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (excluding drinks): $86.48

Cost of a cappuccino: $5.40

19. Vancouver, Canada

Population: 751,644

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $1,075.70

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $1,831.78

Cost of a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (excluding drinks): $85.31

Cost of a cappuccino: $4.26

18. Rio de Janeiro

Population: 6,772,868

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $637

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $842.04

Cost of a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (excluding drinks): $39.86

Cost of a cappuccino: $2.46

17. Mexico City

Population: 9,020,812

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $815.60

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $1,113.41

Cost of a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (excluding drinks): $52.12

Cost of a cappuccino: $3.89

16. Athens, Greece

Population: 3,134,884

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $981.90

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $731.46

Cost of a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (excluding drinks): $74.95

Cost of a cappuccino: $4.22

15. Paris

Population: 2,059,821

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $1,212.6

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $1,630.82

Cost of a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (excluding drinks): $80.71

Cost of a cappuccino: $5.05

14. Seoul, South Korea

Population: 9,217,913

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $1,057.40

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $830.54

Cost of a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (excluding drinks): $64.69

Cost of a cappuccino: $4.03

13. Kraków, Poland

Population: 814,595

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $889.70

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $937.08

Cost of a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (excluding drinks): $53.67

Cost of a cappuccino: $4.46

12. Cape Town, South Africa

Population: 4,974,327

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $729.10

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $1,045.00

Cost of a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (excluding drinks): $48.82

Cost of a cappuccino: $2.49

11. Naples, Italy

Population: 904,846

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $996.30

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $1,061.95

Cost of a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (excluding drinks): $80.71

Cost of a cappuccino: $2.29

10. Bangkok

Population: 5,186,582

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $719.50

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $704.74

Cost of a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (excluding drinks): $36.09

Cost of a cappuccino: $2.90

9. Valencia, Spain

Population: 850,475

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $834.50

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $1,470.20

Cost of a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (excluding drinks): $69.18

Cost of a cappuccino: $2.80

8. Berlin

Population: 3,775,697

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $1,212

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $1,504.07

Cost of a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (excluding drinks): $80.71

Cost of a cappuccino: $4.64

7. Copenhagen, Denmark

Population: 671,714

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $1,397.70

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $1,951.86

Cost of a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (excluding drinks): $123.40

Cost of a cappuccino: $7.07

6. New York City

Population: 8,546,038

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $1,681.40

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $4,408.32

Cost of a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (excluding drinks): $140

Cost of a cappuccino: $6.20

5. Shanghai

Population: 24,722,254

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $618.60

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $943.43

Cost of a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (excluding drinks): $29.61

Cost of a cappuccino: $3.24

4. Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Population: 540,101

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $1,234.60

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $1,637.28

Cost of a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (excluding drinks): $107.60

Cost of a cappuccino: $5.12

3. Melbourne, Australia

Population: 4,928,443

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $1,225.10

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $1,730.30

Cost of a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (excluding drinks): $84.54

Cost of a cappuccino: $4.03

2. Porto, Portugal

Population: 264,493

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $825.70

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $1,316.24

Cost of a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (excluding drinks): $57.65

Cost of a cappuccino: $2.66

1. Tokyo

Population: 10,316,210

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $959

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $1,262.13

Cost of a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (excluding drinks): $44.38

Cost of a cappuccino: $3.59

• Our six-day Orlando trip for a family of five cost about $8,620.
• By opening credit cards before our trip, we were able to earn points.
• We then used those points to redeem a lot of our travel expenses, reducing the cost.

When I started planning our family's Disney and Universal vacation, I knew it wouldn't be cheap.

Our six-day Orlando trip for a family of five cost about $8,620, including airfare, hotels, theme park tickets, airport transportation, meals, and other travel expenses.

So, I started looking for a way to offset some of those costs using credit card rewards. Over time, I earned enough rewards to save about $1,920 on our vacation, bringing our final out-of-pocket cost down to roughly $6,700.

We first researched different credit cards and planned ahead

The key was timing our credit card applications to take advantage of their generous welcome bonuses.

Neither my husband nor I had previously held the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card, so we each qualified for the new-cardmember welcome offer.

We learned that at the time, the card offered 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months. Since those miles can be redeemed to cover eligible travel purchases, this welcome bonus was worth $750.

After I opened my card, I realized I could also "refer" my husband for his own card. This earned me an additional 20,000 miles as a referral bonus, worth $200.

By opening one card in my name and another in my husband's name, we earned two separate welcome bonuses totaling $1,500. Between the welcome bonuses, referral bonus, and miles earned from our everyday spending, we accumulated $1,920.75 in travel rewards before we even set foot in Florida.

We put all expenses on the credit cards

We applied for the cards several months before our trip, knowing we had enough upcoming expenses to comfortably meet the $4,000 minimum spending requirement within three months without buying anything we didn't already intend to purchase. We charged items like meals, groceries, household bills, and our upcoming travel expenses.

It was important that we only used the cards for purchases we were already planning to make and paid the balances in full each month. Otherwise, we could have ended up carrying debt or paying interest, which would quickly erase any savings we gained from the rewards.

Once the travel charges were posted to our accounts, we used Capital One's "Cover Travel Purchases" feature to redeem miles for statement credits.

Not every Disney expense counted as travel

One lesson I learned is that merchant coding matters.

Our Universal Orlando expenses, for example, were coded as "travel," making them eligible for redemption. That included our hotel and Universal theme park tickets.

Disney purchases were more complicated. Theme park tickets purchased directly from Disney are coded as "entertainment" rather than "travel," so we couldn't redeem our Venture miles to erase those charges. The same was true for Lightning Lane pass purchases from Disney.

Fortunately, we had more than enough eligible travel expenses to redeem all of our rewards. We applied our miles toward two of our biggest vacation costs: about $1,451 in Frontier airfare and roughly $4,948 for our Universal hotel stay and theme park tickets.

If we had needed another eligible travel purchase, buying theme park tickets through a third-party travel agency that codes as travel — such as Undercover Tourist — could have been another option.

It's a reminder that before counting on points to cover an expense, it's worth checking how that merchant is likely to code it.

The savings went beyond the welcome bonus

The welcome bonuses accounted for most of our savings, but they weren't the only perk.

The Venture card reimbursed my husband and me for TSA PreCheck application fees, a benefit worth $76.75 per person, for a total of $153.50.

We simply charged the application fees to each of our cards, and Capital One automatically issued statement credits.

This strategy isn't for everyone

Travel rewards can be incredibly valuable, but they're only worthwhile if you're prepared to use them responsibly.

Opening new credit cards can temporarily affect your credit score, so this approach works best for people with good credit who pay their balances in full every month.

It's important to note that this card does carry a $95 annual fee. Since we each opened a card, we paid $190 in annual fees. Even after accounting for those costs, the value we received far exceeded what we paid.

When the annual fee comes due next year, we'll evaluate whether the card's ongoing benefits justify keeping it. If not, we can consider downgrading to a no-annual-fee version or closing the account.

For our family, though, the math was easy. Our Orlando vacation cost thousands of dollars, but redeeming $1,920 in travel rewards dramatically reduced our out-of-pocket costs.

I'll absolutely use this strategy again before another big trip.

• William Swanson, 22, moved to New York and needed to find a short-term rental.
• After scouring the internet, he found a listing on SpareRoom from a 70-year-old woman.
• Swanson moved in with her and found that despite their age difference, she was the perfect roommate.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with William Swanson, a 22-year-old working in medical sales who moved to New York in June. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

I had just graduated from college and was moving from Massachusetts to New York for a job starting in June. I planned to get an apartment with friends, but they wouldn't arrive in the city until the end of July. Since they didn't want to start paying New York rent before they needed to, I had to find a short-term place to stay in the meantime.

Finding long-term housing in New York is already difficult, and looking for a short-term lease is even harder. I was in a time crunch and didn't really know where to start.

I wanted to live close to the hospital where I'd be working because I was new to the city and unfamiliar with public transportation. I was also just starting out, so I wanted something affordable that was still safe.

There are a bunch of NYC Facebook groups where people post things like, "My roommate just left, and we're looking for someone to fill their spot." Those can be good, but you have to get lucky with the timing and location.

I also looked on Airbnb and websites like SpareRoom and Furnished Finder. I reached out to a few people, but some of the situations were weird. It would be like, "My cousin is sleeping on the couch," or, "Someone else might also be staying in the room." So I avoided those.

Eventually, I found a listing from a 70-year-old woman named Aleyda on SpareRoom. We messaged a little, and I figured she was probably a safer bet. It was an unusual living arrangement, but I decided to take a chance.

I took a risk, and it was worth it

I FaceTimed Aleyda to see the apartment, but the person I spoke with wasn't even her. It was a younger guy who lived in the building and was helping translate for her because she spoke Spanish.

He showed me around the apartment, and I liked it. Still, I was a little suspicious because I thought, "I'm not even meeting the person I'm going to be living with."

I told my parents. My dad, who's from Boston, was basically like, "Yeah, you'll be fine." My mom was more concerned.

Being a guy made it feel a little less scary. So I decided to go for it and hope the apartment actually existed. Worst case, I figured I'd get a hotel or find something else.

On move-in day, I finally met Aleyda and was relieved to find out she was a real person and I wasn't getting scammed. My parents helped me move in because they wanted to meet her, too.

She was incredibly nice and caring. I remember my mom was taken aback by how lucky I had gotten. I had somehow found the perfect roommate.

We had an unusual but great living arrangement

I don't know too much about Aleyda because I didn't want to ask her too many questions. What I do know is that I was the 11th or 12th person she had rented the room to.

Aleyda's apartment has three bedrooms, a kitchen, and a small living room. She sleeps in one bedroom, another is used for storage, and mine was near the bathroom we shared.

I paid about $1,900 for the month without utilities, which is objectively insane. But short-term rentals are more expensive, and it was still one of the better deals I could find in a great location. I figured I'd eat the cost for a month.

Aleyda speaks Spanish, so a lot of the time we texted, and I think she used some kind of AI to help with translation. I also have a Colombian friend who speaks Spanish, so sometimes I'd FaceTime him to help us communicate. Other times, the neighbor would help.

It was obviously a nontraditional living situation — a 22-year-old guy living with a 70-year-old woman — but she was super laid-back and let me do my own thing.

She had a few rules: no partying, drugs, drinking, or having a bunch of people over. Basically, she was like, "Whatever you do outside my apartment, I can't control." I thought that was fair. I was coming into her home, so I was going to play by her rules.

Aleyda had a social life of her own. She was always out with friends. Sometimes she'd make me meals, and I'd ask her to eat with me, but she'd be like, "No, I'm busy. I have somewhere to go, but please eat." Some nights, she'd stay up watching TV way later than I did, which was kind of funny.

The NYC rental market is difficult to navigate

While I was living with Aleyda, I had boots on the ground touring apartments for my future roommates and me.

I was looking for listings on StreetEasy and Zillow. Local New Yorkers will sometimes make fun of people for using StreetEasy, but a lot of them seem to have connections or just know how the market works. Some of my friends even have rent-stabilized apartments that were passed down to them.

The New York rental market is insane, so if you're coming to the city with no connections, it's much harder. You might not know which websites to use or which listings to trust.

Sometimes I'd show up to a listing, and there would literally be 100 people touring it. It definitely tempted me to stay at Aleyda's, but she already had someone lined up for the room once my one-month lease ended.

Eventually, my roommates and I found a pretty decent place in the East Village. I pay around $1,975 before utilities — pretty similar to what I was paying before. We really lucked out. If you find anything for under $2,000 in Manhattan, you're lucky.

There are definitely upsides and downsides to my new place. I have my own room, so I'm more relaxed, because I don't have to tiptoe around someone else's home. While it's nice to have that freedom, I don't have an abuelita looking after me anymore.

New York kind of forces you to say yes and try new things. Living with Aleyda was an awesome experience. She welcomed me into her home and put a lot of trust in me. Having that stability and comfort when I first moved to the city was really nice.

• Instagram head Adam Mosseri said he supports people wearing shorts to the office.
• Stylist Zahra Waliji agreed that shorts can be appropriate if worn and styled smartly.
• She suggests pairing longer shorts with a more formal top, loafers, and accessories like a belt.

In 2026, you can show up to work in jeans, eat a slopbowl at your desk while working through lunch, and enjoy wine on tap later in the day. If you dare to show a little knee, though, you might stun your colleagues.

Adam Mosseri reignited the debate over wearing shorts in the office on Monday's episode of the "Throwing Fits" podcast. The head of Instagram said he's "pro," though "not everyone can pull them off, and not all shorts are created equal." But, he added, "When it hits, it hits."

Mosseri does lead one of the largest social media platforms, so he likely has more flexibility with his work wardrobe than most of us. Still, a professional stylist says he has a point: Workers can wear shorts to the office. They just have to follow a few style rules.

Yes, you can wear shorts at work — sometimes

If you ask the general public, most people will probably advise against showing your legs at work.

At least, that's where most people landed in Business Insider's LinkedIn poll asking whether shorts at the office are appropriate. Over 7,000 people have responded so far, with 55% voting "no" and 20% voting "yes." Meanwhile, 25% said that "it depends."

Naturally, this debate found its way into my conversations with friends and family, and everyone I talked to was somewhere in the middle. So I texted an expert.

Zahra Waliji, a stylist who dresses everyday people and corporate workers, told me that wearing shorts in the office can be fair game. After all, it's about a lot more than style.

Even light trousers can feel like too much fabric on hot days. And while women generally have the option to wear skirts and dresses, they can still be thick and overwhelming.

Shorts can be an easy swap for anyone. They're light, breezy, and comfortable. So long as your office culture allows it, Waliji said workers should feel empowered to wear them.

"I definitely think women can wear shorts [in the office]. For men, it's a little trickier," she said, explaining that there are simply fewer pant options made for men.

"But it's hot in the summer, and it's OK to wear dress shorts," she added.

Some fields, she said, are more welcoming of garments like shorts than others.

Tech is the biggest example, with even the biggest names in the industry wearing everything from simple hoodies to statement leather jackets on work days.

Private-practice jobs are also likely safe spaces to wear the style.

"I'm not sure you could get away with it working at a hospital, but if you're a therapist in private practice, sure, you can," Waliji said.

There are a few rules to follow if you want to 'free the knee'

Even if you can wear shorts at work, you shouldn't necessarily wear any pair you have.

For one thing, work shorts should be longer than ones you'd likely wear otherwise — knee length or longer. Athletic shorts with five-inch inseams won't cut it, and neither will satin, lace-lined bottoms. That means this isn't the time to try those extra-short styles loved by Paul Mescal and Harry Styles, nor the daring pairs worn by Alexander Skarsgård.

"If a skirt of the same length would be too short, you shouldn't be wearing those shorts," Waliji said.

Instead, Waliji said workers should generally stick to trouser-style shorts and long chinos. Sorry to fans, but this rules out denim and cargo shorts.

Bold colors, however, are fine — if they're styled nicely.

"A red short with a white button-down shirt and loafers would look nice," Waliji said.

She also recommends elevating shorts by pairing them with more formal tops, like polo shirts, and classic accessories like loafers and leather belts.

Ultimately, as long as you dress respectfully and modestly — as you likely would with any work outfit — Waliji said you'll be fine.

"It all depends on where you're working and your dress code," Waliji said. "If you're an attorney, you need to be in a suit. I don't think a blazer and shorts are going to work."

• Teens and tweens have a bad reputation, and some of it is deserved.
• But there's another side to parenting teens that people don't often share.
• I love seeing the people they are becoming and hanging out with kids I truly enjoy being around.

Think raising one teenager is difficult?

Imagine living with five. That's where I'll be in two years' time when my youngest two join their older siblings in the dreaded teenage years.

But you know what? I'm looking forward to it more than you'd think.

Teens get a bad rap

I get it. Teenagers have a bad reputation, and raising them can be challenging. But stand by for a controversial opinion: living with teens can also be a lot of fun.

Yes, I'll probably never be able to buy enough snacks to satisfy them, and I don't doubt I'll be removing more than my share of festering food bowls from stinky rooms.

I also expect my fair share of teenage boundary pushing as my kids begin to morph into the adults they'll become.

My kids already have moments where they find constant fault with their mom, everything from my cooking to the standard of my cleaning (this from kids who use an entire room as a floordrobe). Oh, and I'm officially "so embarrassing."

There's a good side to raising teens, too

Alongside the hair-tearing (mine) and the complaining (theirs), the excessive eating and reluctance to do homework, there's quite a lot of joy to be found in raising teens.

Take my daughter, for example. Two years ago, she pretty much hated everything about me. But at 16, she's emerged from her hormonal chrysalis and become a lovely young woman. We talk, almost as equals. We make each other laugh. I enjoy her company more than I ever thought I would. Even more surprisingly, she now seems to enjoy mine. Her transformation reminds me that despite their prickly exterior, teens still love (and need) their parents.

My 14-year-old boys may still need to develop the skills required to pick up dirty clothes from their bedroom floor, but if I'm having a tough time, they'll be the first to bring me a drink of water or check that I'm OK.

And while I may not appreciate notes from teachers about late homework, these are offset by the pride I feel when I notice glimpses of the adults my children are becoming: the sudden shifts toward a more diligent way of living; the chats about the future they're starting to imagine for themselves.

The relief and joy that comes from feeling, just for a second, that you might have got this parenting thing right is immeasurable, if fleeting.

They still drive me crazy at times

Yes, I have to request that music be turned down late at night. I despair over the state of the kitchen after one of them has made a sandwich. It's hard when you pass them with their mates in the street, and they pretend not to see you.

But all in all, parenting teens is very different from what I'd imagined. Teens in general may not seem lovable, but teenage versions of your own children are surprisingly sweet: you recognize their angst is their way of protecting their vulnerability, meaning when they act up, you experience sympathy and love alongside the annoyance.

Seeing who they are becoming is a huge reward

As they progress toward adulthood, I've noticed that my teens have even started to see their parents as people, for better or worse. They appreciate what you do for them a little more, even if they do sometimes point out your failings a little too accurately.

Plus, they're hilarious. One of my older kids does brilliant impressions of family members, including his father (when he's not in the room). Their antics can have you in fits of giggles. On a good day, they have an enthusiasm and lust for life that feels infectious.

I'm not saying raising teens isn't a challenge, and I certainly don't think it's for the faint-hearted. But if we're going to point out the drawbacks, we ought to spare a little room for the things that make it absolutely amazing — and there are plenty of them.

Do you have a hot take on a common parenting belief? Email Jennifer Beck Goldblatt at jgoldblatt@insider.com to share your experience with Business Insider.

• The US Army recently combined a major technology experiment with realistic training.
• Integrating new weapons into training situations delivers both benefits and trade-offs.
• Some soldiers avoided risk with unfamiliar systems to maximize their training time.

The US Army is embracing a wave of new weapons and systems, from drones to command-and-control platforms, and putting these experimental capabilities directly in the hands of soldiers during training events.

That approach yields valuable lessons and gives soldiers hands-on experience with new technologies. The push and pull of experimentation and training, however, can create tension between testing unfamiliar gear and preparing units for the broader demands of warfare.

At Fort Irwin in California, the Army recently conducted its Project Convergence Capstone exercise, a large-scale experiment built into a training event in the brutal heat of the Mojave Desert.

Roughly 10,000 troops participated in this large multinational exercise and took part in simulated warfighting involving numerous drones, sensors, electronic warfare capabilities, and other new technologies, including the Army's prototype command-and-control system. Participants tested around 100 new weapons and technologies.

This year marked an evolution from previous Project Convergence Capstone exercises, which mainly focused on soldiers testing new systems in dedicated experimentation lanes.

Past iterations were "more laboratory-like, where we just kind of set that technology in motion, we do a quick assessment, determine what we want to do differently, and then we'll do it again," Brig. Gen. Daniel Hibner, head of the Army Joint Modernization Command, said at the exercise last month.

The shift toward a more realistic combat scenario was driven in part by the Army's desire to stress-test its new command-and-control system, but the environment and structure also created conditions for evaluating other emerging technologies.

The Army deployed emitters, jammers, and sensors to effectively create a denied, degraded, intermittent, and limited communications environment.

The Army said that testing new systems in a combat scenario against a simulated near-peer adversary produced more realistic operating conditions and potentially more useful feedback. That feedback could inform decisions ranging from whether the Army should acquire a certain drone to broader operational concepts for when and how to use specific weapons or tactics.

Soldiers said they learned firsthand how to support new systems and keep them functioning, gathering data on questions such as how many drone batteries to bring to an observation post or how to keep systems from overheating.

The Army has prioritized this hands-on testing in recent years, aiming to involve soldiers early in the development of a new technology and use their feedback to inform acquisition decisions or help vendors refine their products.

But combining experimentation with training creates challenges.

Testing new technologies involves learning by doing: evaluating how a system performs, determining where it might be useful, and developing tactics for employing it. The objectives are not always as clear, and, especially with drones, soldiers are still determining whether operating them is an additional task or an entirely new job.

At Fort Irwin, soldiers were navigating these competing demands. Some told Business Insider they did not push their systems to their limits in the harsh conditions because they wanted more time to practice with the technology rather than risk losing or breaking it. Other soldiers said they maintained physical backups in case they lost access to prototype digital maps or communications.

Certain aspects of the exercise, including the need to manage and deconflict airspace shared by soldiers operating different drones, also constrained how the systems were tested.

In one example, a sergeant operating an Anduril Bolt-M drone, said he hadn't flown the aircraft to its full range or altitude.

"We could just do it safer, and that way we could get more repetitions in." Soldiers can also manage the shared airspace. "We're not the only people flying out here," he said.

US forces were not the only ones balancing experimentation with training. British soldiers described two distinct processes for evaluating and integrating new drones: trials and experimentation.

Trials involve "taking one of these things," Lt. Col. John Black, a British Army commander, told Business Insider, referring to drones, "put it through its paces, and test it to see if it does what the Army wants it to do" before it's acquired. This includes safety and integration tests.

Experiments are more focused on applying the system to specific use cases. For an uncrewed ground vehicle, that could mean examining whether it makes front-line logistics easier or safer.

The challenges of tomorrow's battlefields, including uncrewed systems, electronic warfare, and artificial intelligence, mean troops must acquire new skills while continuing to refine their foundational combat skills. That demands a more flexible and adaptable mindset.

Hibner told Business Insider the exercise's goals were to achieve combat realism, avoid interfering with how rotational units fight, and introduce new technology that disrupts but doesn't detract from foundational training. "So you bring in the right amount of tech, you train it in the right amount, put it in the hands of soldiers and leaders, and then you let them go," he said.

• A version of this story originally appeared in the BI Tech Memo newsletter.
• Sign up for the weekly BI Tech Memo newsletter here.

New research from Indeed shows that some of the fastest-growing tech jobs are now electricians, installers, maintenance workers, and engineers building the data centers that power AI.

Data center job postings have more than doubled over the past two years, even as overall US job openings fell. Today, six out of every 1,000 US job postings are related to data centers, triple the share seen in 2023.

The hiring is also spreading beyond Silicon Valley. Big tech companies are recruiting heavily in places such as Columbus, Ohio, Jackson, Mississippi, and Reno, Nevada, where their share of local job postings has surged.

About one-quarter of all data center openings are for installation and maintenance workers, who can earn about $10 more per hour than similar jobs outside the industry.

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

• On a trip to see my parents last year, a conversation with my dad left a lasting impression on me.
• I felt an overwhelming pull to move my family back to the Gold Coast and live near my parents.
• My family has been living with them this year, and in June, my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's.

I've always been a little woo-woo. Throughout my life, I've had this strange sense that the universe was guiding me in a particular direction.

Looking back, I can also pinpoint a handful of sliding door moments that drastically changed the course of my life. Last July, I experienced one of them.

I was holidaying on the Gold Coast, where my parents live, sitting in a park with my dad while my three kids played nearby. Out of nowhere, my dad began to tell me how much he loved me and what a wonderful daughter I'd been.

I'd already noticed subtle changes in my dad's health during that trip, and somehow the conversation felt like a goodbye. For the first time, I was struck by the terrifying realization that my time with my parents was running out.

Something told me to move back home and be with my parents

When I flew back to country Victoria, I couldn't shake the overwhelming feeling that I needed to go home and be with my parents. I'd been living away from them for 15 years, always saying I'd move back "one day." But this felt different. It's hard to explain, but deep down I felt like it was now or never. After some convincing, my husband agreed to try it.

Moving interstate as a family of five is no small undertaking. Over the next few months, we were under tremendous stress to make the move happen. My husband had to figure out what to do with his remedial massage and myotherapy clinics in Victoria, while I focused on finding the right school for our kids.

More than once, I questioned whether we were making the right decision, but the feeling never left me. It was like the universe was nudging me forward.

In January, we packed up our belongings and left them in storage at my husband's parents' place, then drove up the east coast of Australia in two cars. As we crossed the New South Wales border into Queensland and saw the sign saying, "Welcome to the Gold Coast," tears streamed down my cheeks.

It had taken me a long time, but I was finally home.

Since then, we've been living with my parents, making memories together. There have been challenges, particularly for my husband, who has had to open a new remedial massage clinic and start from scratch. But in June, something happened that confirmed, beyond any doubt in my mind, that we'd made the right decision.

My dad's Parkinson's diagnosis confirmed it was the right decision

One Sunday morning, I took my dad to see a neurologist. We'd noticed a slight tremor in his right hand that came and went, and we wanted to get it checked out.

I waited outside while Dad went in. When he emerged, he smiled.

"It's good news," he said.

I assumed that meant he'd been given the all clear.

"I have Parkinson's," he clarified.

I stood there, dumfounded, then burst into tears, crying like a little girl, despite being 41.

"How is that good news, Dad?" I asked.

My dad is one of my favorite people in the world, and one of the things I admire most about him is his optimism. He's a glass-half-full person in every sense.

"Well," he said, "it's the lesser of two evils. It's better than Alzheimer's." That's one disease Dad has always feared.

I've felt both grief and gratitude since that day

On the way home, we stopped at a café, and I bought him breakfast. As I looked across the table at this beautiful man who had always seemed invincible in my eyes, my heart broke. How could he have Parkinson's?

But as the days passed and we began to process the diagnosis, another emotion slowly emerged alongside the grief. Gratitude.

I was so grateful to be home. Grateful to my husband for agreeing to uproot our lives in order to give me more time with my parents. Grateful to my kids for coming along for the ride. And grateful to my parents for welcoming us into their house.

Maybe it's a coincidence that I felt that unmistakable pull to come home. Maybe it's intuition. Either way, I know I'm exactly where I need to be at this point in my life. By my Dad's side, ready to support him on the road ahead.

• Norwegian troops are bringing a Viking-inspired warrior culture into their training of Ukrainian soldiers.
• The Telemark Battalion uses harsh training to build cohesion, discipline, and resilience.
• Ukraine is also shaping the program and sharing its battlefield expertise with NATO.

Norwegian soldiers are bringing their own "Viking mentality" and warrior culture to the training of Ukrainian troops for war with Russia.

Norway is leading Operation Legio, a new international effort to support, train, and equip Ukrainian soldiers for the fight. Battlefield training combines Ukrainian combat experience with NATO warfighting practices.

The training, supported by 11 nations, is primarily conducted by personnel from the Telemark Battalion, an elite mechanized infantry battalion of the Norwegian Army that has made aspects of Viking culture central to its identity.

Maj. John, the S3 Operations Officer in charge of synchronizing the overall training operation, told Business Insider that Norway's Telemark Battalion puts great emphasis on building skills, but also developing a "warrior mentality" that allows them to fight and "thrive in harsh conditions."

"We draw that warrior mentality from our Viking heritage," he said, "and the Viking culture is very important for us." He asked to only be identified by his first name for security reasons.

The elite battalion, which has deployed on combat missions in places like the Balkans, Afghanistan, and Iraq, is represented by the emblem of a Viking ship, and the unit's Viking-inspired battle cry is: "To Valhalla!" In Norse mythology, Valhalla is the great hall in Asgard for brave warriors slain in battle.

John said the battalion's mindset is "not like over-aggressive, over-eager, doing stupid stuff. We take the best parts of that Viking mentality and then apply it to the ethical and moral standards that are required of our soldiers."

John said the training emphasizes both battlefield skills and the "warrior mentality" and discipline needed to "thrive in harsh conditions."

"It's a mix between skills and mentality," he said.

The Ukrainians arriving for training are not necessarily novices when it comes to enduring harsh conditions. Many of them come from a military shaped by years of high-intensity warfare, and Norwegian leaders repeatedly described the training as an exchange in which Ukraine's combat experience shapes what its NATO partners teach.

The way the Norwegians reinforce their approach, John said, is "through exposing them to harsh training." The training, conducted at a camp in southeastern Poland, is designed to be tough, with daytime and nighttime operations and scenarios intended to replicate battlefield conditions as closely as possible.

Brigadier Atle Molde, commander of Task Force Legio, doesn't currently serve in the Telemark battalion, but he said of this unit that "they have their culture, and of course, a warrior mentality is a good thing as long as it drives unit cohesion and fighting for something common."

Even the training camp, a purpose-built training site in Poland, roughly two hours from Ukraine's border, reflects that Viking identity.

Camp Jomsborg was established in 2025, and it began its fifth 51-day rotation of Ukrainian soldiers in late May. Norway acts as the framework nation, providing the main structure and leadership for the other participating countries.

"It's all about the Ukrainian soldier and increasing his lethality and survivability within this program before he leaves for front-line war," said John. The main goal, he said, is supporting Ukraine so it can keep defending itself and win the war on its own or negotiate a peace agreement on its own terms.

The name Camp Jomsborg comes from the legendary Viking fortress Jomsborg. Molde said that what characterized the Jomsvikings, a legendary warrior brotherhood based along the Baltic Sea, "was that they were very disciplined and professional warriors. So that's where the name comes from."

That history is visible throughout the camp, which Business Insider visited. Viking-inspired signs and a large Viking ship decorate the huge, purpose-built site where soldiers train, eat, and sleep. There are other references to Norwegian culture, too, with its streets named after figures like Thor, the Norse god of thunder.

Molde said that "unit cohesion is important," and that the Telemark Battalion was seeking to take what it sees as positive in its own culture and "try to give that over to the Ukrainians as well. So long as it has a positive effect, it's a good thing."

Plus, he said, "for one reason or another, the whole Viking mythology, the Ukrainians like that."

Ukraine's military and civilian population have shown extraordinary resilience under years of sustained Russian attacks against not just military targets, but civilian ones as well. Western leaders have repeatedly said that Moscow is seeking to break Ukraine's spirit and willingness to resist and force it into submission. Instead, Ukraine has continued fighting and adapting, developing battlefield innovations and tactics that its Western partners increasingly want to study and learn from.

Ukraine's military and population are enduring conditions that no Western country has experienced in decades, including heavy attrition, constant attacks, and enormous losses.

Ukraine's battlefield experience and expertise are central to the Legio training operation. "We have defined this as a Ukrainian training center," John said.

Ukraine outlines what it needs and wants to learn, and its partners structure the training around those requirements, with Ukrainian instructors also helping to lead. The program was built around Ukrainian requests and expertise and is regularly updated based on Ukrainian feedback.

Defining it that way means Ukraine can "hold us accountable for quality and delivering that realistic training," John said. That cooperation, he said, "is what has made this an effective training mission."

Many of the Ukrainians at Camp Jomsborg have real-world lessons from brutal warfare that their instructors lack, while Western trainers have decades of institutional experience and NATO practices to offer in return. Molde said it's a case of everyone working together to combine those strengths and learn from one another.

Jørgen, a Norwegian instructor at the camp, told Business Insider that training the Ukrainians isn't difficult. "I think it's quite incredible how eager to learn they are in general," he said. "It kind of confirms how good the guys are."

Overheating at night disrupts REM sleep and triggers frequent waking. As a certified sleep science consultant, I tested over a dozen cooling pillows throughout the summer to evaluate temperature regulation, loft retention, and pressure relief. Like other cooling bedding products, they're designed to prevent night sweats and overheating with enhanced breathability and cooling materials.

Our picks for the best cooling pillows 

Best overall cooling pillow: Coop Sleep Goods Cool+ Adjustable Pillow  - See at Amazon

Best budget cooling pillow: Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow - See at Amazon

Best memory foam cooling pillow: Tempur-Cloud Dual Cooling Pillow - See at Tempur-Pedic

Softest cooling pillow Slumber Cloud Ultra Cool Pillow - See at Slumber Cloud

Best latex cooling pillow: Purple Harmony Pillow - See at Amazon

Best cooling pillow for combination sleepers: Nest Easy Breather Pillow - See at Nest Bedding

Best organic cooling pillow: Birch Organic Pillow - See at Birch

Best silk: Cozy Earth Silk Pillow - See at Cozy Earth

Best cooling body pillow: Pluto Puff Body Pillow - See at Pluto

Best overall

What makes it cooling: The Coop Cool+ pairs a cool-to-the-touch cover and a firmer phase-change-gel side with gel-infused shredded memory foam. From the moment I first lay my head on it, it delivered one of the most noticeable cooling sensations and did not develop the heat buildup we often notice with foam-heavy pillows.

Why it's a top pick: The adjustable fill is what makes it our best overall pick. You can remove or add the shredded foam-and-fiber blend to change the loft for your ideal sleep position and desired support. The two sides offer different feels: one is plush, and the other is firmer. This makes it especially well-suited to combination sleepers and anyone who is particular about pillow height. For added flexibility, Coop also offers its Cool+ design in Cut-Out and Crescent shapes, designed specifically for side sleepers, to close the awkward gap between a side sleeper's shoulder and head.

The trade-off is maintenance. Adding or removing fill can be messy, with fine microfiber pieces sticking to nearby surfaces, and only the cover is machine washable. But if you want a pillow that combines a genuinely cool surface with customizable support, this is the most complete option we tested.

Best budget

What makes it cooling: Unlike the picks with cooling gel or phase-change materials, the Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow relies on breathable cotton and airy down-alternative fill to limit heat buildup. It does not feel cold to the touch, but it is noticeably less heat-trapping than denser memory foam pillows or even other down alternative designs.

Why it's a top pick: It earns our best-budget spot because it delivers soft, comfortable support and dependable breathability at a far lower price than most cooling pillows—and it is sold as a set of two. Former deputy editor Lauren Savoie slept on these pillows for months and found they maintained a comfortable temperature and held up well, especially for the price, calling them "airy and breathable." They are also machine washable, making them a practical choice for a guest bed or anyone replacing multiple pillows at once.

The hypoallergenic polyester fill feels soft and fluffy with a lower loft that is best for stomach sleepers and some back sleepers; most side sleepers will need a more supportive option. Choose this pair if your goal is a pillow that sleeps relatively cool without a premium price tag, but skip it if you want a pronounced cool-touch feel or adjustable support.

Best memory foam

What makes it cooling: The Tempur-Cloud Dual Cooling Pillow sandwiches dense TEMPUR foam between gel layers and a moisture-wicking, cool-to-the-touch quilted cover for 360-degree cooling. That construction gives it the contouring support memory foam is known for without the pronounced heat retention of a standard solid-foam pillow.

Why it's a top pick: It was the best option we tested for sleepers who want the stable, pressure-relieving feel of a traditional memory foam pillow. The surface stayed comfortably cool through the night, while the medium-firm, dense foam kept my head and neck from sinking too far out of alignment, so I never experienced any neck discomfort or pain. After a year of use, it has also retained its shape and support without flattening or clumping.

Its height, firmness, and weight will not suit everyone. The pillow is best for side and back sleepers who prefer a substantial, contouring feel; stomach sleepers and anyone who likes a plush, moldable pillow should choose a softer option. It also has a short-lived off-gassing smell when new and is not returnable when purchased directly though Tempur-Pedic, so it is a more committed purchase than many picks in this guide.

Best soft cooling pillow

What makes it cooling: The Slumber Cloud Ultra Cool pairs airy down-alternative fiberfill with a cover featuring the brand's proprietary Outlast technology, which incorporates phase change material. The cover has a clear, cool-to-the-touch feel, even under a pillowcase, while the loose fill allows more airflow than a dense foam pillow.

Why it's a top pick: This is the best option we tested for hot sleepers who want a soft, flexible pillow rather than the firmer feel of foam or latex. It has the lofty, moldable feel of down but stayed comfortable throughout the night without the heat buildup we expect from fluffy pillows. Choose the soft version for stomach sleeping, or the medium version for a little more support for back or side sleeping. Even with a pillowcase, it consistently remained cool and comfortable throughout the night, preventing moisture buildup.

Its plush feel comes with a trade-off: it needs regular fluffing, and the fill can become lumpy after washing. The medium loft may also feel too low for larger-framed side and back sleepers. Still, it is a strong choice if your priority is a cool-to-the-touch pillow that feels soft and traditional rather than dense or structured.

Best latex

What makes it cooling: The Purple Harmony uses a ventilated Talalay latex core wrapped in Purple's open and airy honeycomb-shaped GelFlex Grid. That breathable construction provides more airflow than solid foam and draws away heat, while the moisture-wicking mesh cover helps keep the surface from feeling clammy.

Why it's a top pick: It is the most supportive and resilient cooling pillow we tested. The latex-and-grid construction has a buoyant, springy feel that holds its shape better than softer fiberfill pillows, and it stayed comfortably temperature-neutral through the night. My husband has quickly become a fan of the Purple Harmony. He finds it perfectly supportive for his head and neck as a side and back sleeper. It is also available in three loft heights—5.5, 6.5, and 7.5 inches—so side, back, and stomach sleepers can choose a height that best suits their frame.

The distinctive, responsive feel is not for everyone. It's relatively heavy weight ensures it stays in place all night, and its high-quality build and durable materials will prevent it from going flat or lumpy over time. However, it is less moldable than a traditional pillow, and the higher lofts will be too substantial for most stomach sleepers. But if you want durable, breathable support rather than a plush pillow you can scrunch into shape, the Purple Harmony is the best latex option we tested.

Best for combination sleepers

What makes it cooling: The Nest Bedding Easy Breather pairs shredded gel foam with a silky and cool-to-the-touch Icecore cover. The cover helped wick away moisture and limit heat buildup in testing, while the shredded fill is more breathable than a solid foam pillow.

Why it's a top pick: Its adjustable fill makes it especially useful for combination sleepers who need varying amounts of loft as they move between side, back, and stomach positions. I have used this pillow on and off for about a year, and I'm impressed by how well it has retained its shape. It also has a softer, more flexible feel than the Coop Cool+, making it a better adjustable pick for sleepers who do not want a firmer cooling pillow.

It needs occasional maintenance to perform its best. Nest recommends kneading the fill regularly to restore its loft and prevent clumps, and the denser shredded foam feel may not appeal to anyone who wants an especially airy or down-like pillow. Still, it is a dependable choice if adjustable support matters as much as cooling.

Best organic

What makes it cooling: The Birch Organic Pillow uses breathable organic wool, shredded latex, and organic cotton rather than gel or foam-based cooling materials. It does not deliver the immediate cool-touch sensation of our top overall pick, but its natural fill and cotton cover allow heat and moisture to move more easily than denser synthetic materials.

Why it's a top pick: It is our favorite option for shoppers who want a firm, temperature-neutral pillow made with natural materials. It's also adjustable to adjust the pillow's height or plushness. In testing, it stayed comfortable overnight without noticeable heat buildup, and its medium-firm, medium-loft profile provided steady support for back and side sleeping. Its material credentials—including GOTS and GREENGUARD Gold certifications—also give shoppers a clearer way to evaluate the product's organic and low-emissions claims.

The pillow requires more upkeep than some others in this guide. Over time, I noticed that the pillow tends to decompress and bunch, requiring frequent fluffing and kneading. The pillow itself is not machine washable, but the casing is. Choose it for naturally breathable materials and supportive loft, not for a strongly cold-to-the-touch feel.

Best silk

What makes it cooling: The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow is filled with long-strand mulberry silk and encased in premium bamboo viscose — two naturally breathable materials that helped to maintain a comfortable temperature during testing. It feels a bit like down but runs much cooler than typical fluffy pillows, with a lower-loft design that is best for stomach sleepers.

Why it's a top pick: It is the best luxury cooling pillow we tested for stomach sleepers and anyone who prefers a low-loft, exceptionally soft feel. The silk fill is light and pliable, with less heat retention than most fluffy pillows, and the low profile helps keep a stomach sleeper's neck from being pushed too far upward. Senior home editor Jaclyn Turner has also slept on it regularly for more than a year, giving us a useful long-term perspective beyond an initial testing period.

The delicate construction and high price make it a niche choice. The pillow needs frequent fluffing to maintain the plush feel, does not include a removable cover, and the outer fabric began pilling during long-term use — although that issue is covered by Cozy Earth's 10-year warranty and has not affected the pillow's comfort or support. Choose it for its unique soft, breathable feel; skip it if you need firm support, a higher loft, or an easy-care pillow.

Best body pillow

What makes it cooling: The Pluto Puff's quilted microfiber-and-cotton cover has a noticeably cool-to-the-touch feel, while its down-alternative fiberfill is less heat-trapping than dense foam. That combination is especially valuable in a body pillow, since more of the material rests against your body throughout the night.

Why it's a top pick: It is the best body pillow we tested for side sleepers who want full-body support without the extra warmth that often comes with large, dense bedding. The flexible, medium-firm fill supports the knees, hips, and upper body without feeling stiff, and it has retained its loft well over time. It is also machine washable, an important practical advantage for a pillow this large. Despite its size, the Pluto Puff maintains exceptional temperature regulation, ensuring it stays cool without overheating, which is perfect for warm sleepers.

Its 21-by-54-inch size and weight could be too much for smaller beds or sleepers who want to reposition their pillow easily, a common pitfall of body pillows. It is not adjustable, either, so choose Coop's body pillow instead if you want to customize the loft. But for a cool-feeling, supportive, ready-to-use body pillow, the Pluto Puff is our top pick.

Our top picks, compared

What to look for in a cooling pillow

Like choosing any pillow, choosing a cooling pillow comes down to your sleep position, preferred feel, and how you tend to sleep hot.

Cooling Performance: Cooling pillows work in two ways: active cooling materials, such as gel, phase-change layers, and cooling covers, create a cool-to-the-touch feel; passive cooling materials, such as ventilated latex, wool, silk, and airy fills, help reduce heat and moisture buildup. Choose active cooling if you want an immediate cold sensation and passive cooling if you prefer a pillow that stays more temperature-neutral through the night.

Match loft to your sleep position:

• Side sleepers: Opt for a medium-to-high loft for neck support.
• Back sleepers: Choose a medium loft for spinal alignment and balanced cushioning and support.
• Stomach sleepers: Prefer a soft lower loft to prevent neck strain.

• Combination sleepers: Adjustable fill lets you tailor the pillow's height to the positions you use most.

Consider the cover and care: A cooling pillow can lose some of its benefit under a thick, heat-trapping pillowcase. Use a breathable cotton, linen, Tencel, or bamboo-viscose pillowcase, and wash it regularly to manage sweat and body oils. Also, check the care label before buying: many cooling pillows have machine-washable covers but spot-clean-only fills, while down-alternative pillows are often easier to wash at home.

Check the trial period: Pillow comfort is personal, so a sleep trial can be especially valuable. Give a new pillow several nights in your normal sleep environment before deciding whether its cooling feel, loft, and support are right for you.

How we tested cooling pillows

Our testing methodology

To identify the best cooling pillows, I consulted experts like Nishi Bhopal, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist and sleep specialist, and Alex Dimitriu, MD, dual board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine. With their guidance, I then tested each pillow using the same hands-on criteria, with particular attention to cooling feel, heat buildup, support, and long-term upkeep.

• Overnight comfort and cooling: I slept on each pillow for at least seven consecutive nights in warm conditions, with a climate ranging from 75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. I evaluated its immediate cool-to-the-touch feel, how well it limited heat and moisture buildup overnight, breathability, comfort, and support. I also enlisted my larger-framed, back- and side-sleeper husband to test select pillows to assess how their loft and support worked for a different body type and sleep position.
• Support and adjustability: I assessed each pillow's loft, firmness, and ability to support different sleep positions. For adjustable models, I added and removed fill to determine how easily the pillow could be tailored for side, back, stomach, and combination sleeping.
• Shape retention: I checked for flattening, lumps, and clumping after regular use and noted how often each pillow needed fluffing or kneading to restore its loft.
• Materials and cooling design: I reviewed each pillow's fill, cover, ventilation, and cooling features to distinguish between cool-to-the-touch materials, such as gel or phase-change layers, and breathable materials that help reduce heat buildup. I also considered relevant third-party certifications, including CertiPUR-US for foam.
• Care and durability: I followed the manufacturer's cleaning instructions and assessed how easy each pillow or cover was to wash and dry. I also noted whether the cover was removable, whether the pillow was machine washable or spot-clean only, and how the materials held up after cleaning.
• Trial period and warranty: Finally, I reviewed each brand's return policy, sleep trial, and warranty, since pillow comfort is personal and shoppers should have a reasonable opportunity to decide whether a pillow is right for them.

Meet the expert behind the guide

Suzy Hernandez, freelance contributor: I write about bedding for Business Insider Reviews with a specialty in cooling bedding for hot sleepers. I'm a sleep expert with a background in sleep research and product testing.

Cooling pillow FAQs

What are the best pillows for hot sleepers?

Hot sleepers benefit most from pillows equipped with advanced cooling technologies or materials that effectively regulate temperature and dissipate heat. These include cooling gel foam fills, latex, and silk.

How do cooling pillows work?

Cooling pillows largely depend on the materials, according to Dr. Dimitriu. Cooling pillows work through either active heat absorption or passive airflow enhancement. Active cooling incorporates materials such as Phase Change Materials (PCMs) or gels that absorb body heat and draw it away from the skin, while more traditional passive cooling pillows rely on naturally breathable materials like cotton or wool, or on ventilated or shredded foams and latex designs to facilitate airflow and reduce heat trapping.

Can cooling pillows help with night sweats and hot flashes??

Yes, cooling pillows help manage the discomfort of night sweats by absorbing excess heat and wicking away surface moisture. Dr. Nishi cautions that while cooling pillows may not entirely prevent night sweats or hot flashes caused by underlying medical conditions, they can offer a soothing cool-to-the-touch sensation that makes it easier to fall and stay asleep.

Are cooling pillows machine washable?

Many cooling pillows in this guide come with a machine-washable cover, although most pillows should not be washed as the fill or cooling technology could be damaged. It's important to follow the care instructions carefully. Using an extra protective pillowcase can also help keep the pillow clean and extend its lifespan.

Can I use a pillowcase with a cooling pillow?

Yes, you should always use a pillowcase to keep your cooling pillow in top shape. Most cooling technologies work effectively even with a pillowcase, but it's important to choose the right materials. According to Dr. Nishi, natural fibers such as cotton, linen, bamboo, and Tencel are the best cooling fabrics for sheets, thanks to their breathability and cooling properties. These materials offer a comfortable, cool-to-the-touch experience while maintaining the pillow's cooling benefits.

• Before her 90th birthday, my grandmother invited us over to her apartment.
• She asked us to tell her which of her belongings she wanted.
• I had mixed feelings at first and told her I didn't want the paintings I'd chosen for a long time.

We've all heard stories of familial feud after a loved one passes and assets are divided. Verbal promises become null and void once the person who made the pledge is gone — or perhaps those promises were never made to begin with. And even words written into legal wills can spark arguments and resentment for years to come. To avoid family upheaval after her future passing, my now-95-year-old grandmother took matters into her own hands.

About 13 years ago, my grandparents moved into a retirement community. As they packed up their home, they sorted through belongings, selling furniture and giving away items they no longer had space for. My brother took a large, green antique lamp, and my husband and I took an ottoman that converted into a small bed. They were tiny reminders of a home my brother and I grew up in alongside our own.

After my grandfather died, my grandmother made a request

A few years later, my grandfather passed away after a drawn-out battle with Alzheimer's. Then, before her 90th birthday, my grandmother invited our family over in an attempt to prevent future confusion or fighting over her possessions. My kids, parents, brother, aunt, uncle, and cousins poured into her two-bedroom apartment to fulfill her wishes. "Tell me what you want," she said. "I'll put a sticky note on the back with your name on it."

I was hesitant to respond. My grandmother was my second mother, always stepping in during my childhood when needed. When my mom caught chickenpox from me at 33 and was laid up in bed, my grandmother came over to apply my makeup before a dance recital. She cared for my brother and me for a week while my parents were away when I was in 6th grade, and she was present at every orchestra concert and commencement ceremony. A ceramic bowl or sectional sofa could never replace her.

Putting my name on the back of a vase couldn't ease the idea that my grandmother was getting older. And it certainly can't replace grief with happiness when she's gone. But it was what she wanted. "It will make me happy to know this work is done," she said. "I don't want any fighting when I'm gone."

I chose a few belongings, though I had mixed feelings about it at first

In her younger years, my grandmother was a watercolorist. Her walls are covered with her personal artwork, capturing strokes of her paintbrush from long ago. "I'd love this one," my mom said, pointing to a rustic painting of a barn.

If I didn't speak up, I wouldn't have a piece of my grandmother on the walls of my house when I need it most. There is no better way to feel someone's presence than through something they created themselves. "I want this one," I said, pointing to the painting of a young girl, one my grandmother and I always joked was me. That day, my name was written on a sticky note stuck to the backs of two of her paintings and on various other belongings. It left me with a feeling of discomfort, but I told her, "I don't want them for a very long time."

For the next couple of hours — and even over the next few years — sticky notes with our names were added onto the back of every painting and the bottom of every belonging in her apartment. Even my 14- and 11-year-old boys have chosen an item from her home. When a sprinkling of sticky notes appeared throughout her floors, she moved our names and items onto a list on paper.

I'm glad my grandmother started the conversation

I'm unsure where the paper is or if we'll be able to find it when the time comes. But my grandmother made sure we took time to choose the pieces of her that we'd like to remember her by. She gave herself peace of mind by starting a conversation most never have, and I'm so glad she did.

One day, when I can't visit with my grandmother or hear her voice on the other end of the line, I'll have her paintings on the walls of my home. Bits and pieces of her will be sprinkled throughout my house, and if I'm lucky, there just may be a sticky note hiding on the back with my name on it.

• OpenAI product manager Ty Geri told Business Insider his advice for landing land a job at the AI lab.
• Geri said to be passionate about OpenAI's mission, and to consistently experiment with the tools.
• He shared one of OpenAI's most distinctive (and sometimes stressful) expectations: "building in public."

OpenAI job seekers, listen up.

Ty Geri joined the AI lab in 2025 as a product manager. Business Insider asked for his advice on landing a job at OpenAI — and he said that enthusiasm was key.

"I think OpenAI tries to hire people who are really passionate, and care, and want to be a part of this mission," he said.

Geri's advice is agnostic of role, he said: engineer, researcher, product manager, data scientist, whatever.

His other advice was to use the company's products. That doesn't mean he expects all the products to work instantaneously. Some will be "a little rough today," he said, but OpenAI is looking for people who are willing to "push on the frontiers."

"Try to bring these products into your life, into your workflows," Geri advised.

In July, a former OpenAI intern shared his advice with Business Insider. He said: go broad, specialize, and build. Another OpenAI employee said he got his job thanks in part to a cold DM on LinkedIn.

Sundeep Teki, a career coach who helps place talent at AI companies, told Business Insider in June that OpenAI had one of the hardest technical interviews in the industry. So, study up. Also, the labs sometimes recruit people from their public profiles, so keep contributing to that GitHub.

As for Geri, he said that the messiness of experimentation was core to OpenAI's culture. The company expects "a lot of building in public," he said.

Staffers at the company want to see what you're building and try it out for themselves, Geri said. He described a fallacy of work: "You sit in a dark room, you come out three years later, and you're like: 'Voila, magic.'" That doesn't fly at OpenAI.

"It definitely stresses me out," he said, "but I think it's part of the fun."

Among OpenAI employees, Geri said that there was a willingness to try new things. If the product you put out is "not quite it yet," Geri said that others at the company will try again.

The culture of experimentation and "big swings," as Geri calls them, is also what makes OpenAI different from his prior job at Google.

"Larger companies in the space can sometimes be a little bit slower," he said.

• Michael and Connie Frost, in Georgia, are raising their 13-year-old granddaughter, Kinsley, full-time.
• Michael said he went back to work shortly after Kinsley came under his care to afford raising her.
• Michael and Connie have tried to provide her with a stable home and a strong education.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Michael Frost, 67, and his wife Connie, 63, who are raising their teenage granddaughter in Georgia. They have permanent custody of her and said they've prioritized providing her with a stable home and strong education. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

MICHAEL: My wife and I have been raising Kinsley, our granddaughter, since she was 2 years old. Now, she's 13.

This is the second marriage for both my wife and me, and we married in 2012. I have three daughters, and she has four. I tease everybody that we live on the "Estrogen Ranch."

My family owns a party rental business, where you can rent anything from a large excavator to a lawnmower to tents and chairs. Two of my daughters are also in that business. My wife has long worked in ministry, and she did event planning for church events and weddings.

I retired in 2010. My family had a farm in Winston, which is about an hour from Atlanta. My family bought the farm in 1987. My parents died in 2009, and I bought the farm from the estate in 2010. It's 57 acres, and we have cows, goats, and chickens, as well as sawmills and a pottery studio.

We have 20 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. It's a large family, and we try to be as present as we can in their lives.

We were empty-nesters for almost two years.

MICHAEL: After we got married, our children were all out of the house, and it was awesome being empty nesters. Kinsley's mother had moved around a lot. Kinsley was in some situations that weren't great. Her mother, Connie's daughter, was also in and out of the hospital with liver disease and wouldn't see Kinsley for a few months at a time.

After a series of liver transplants, she improved and has her own place. She had another child whom she is raising.

We were granted temporary custody of Kinsley, then won permanent custody. I knew that this was going to be at least 18 years of taking care of a child again. I wouldn't be an empty nester again until I was 72. I didn't want to do this, but there was nobody else willing to do it. My wife believed this would be only temporary.

This was all about safety. My wife has so much compassion and is willing to do anything. I'm not saying I'm not that way, but I also understand that people have responsibilities.

CONNIE: The adjustment was hard. She couldn't sleep in the bed by herself, so we had to tag-team until she was asleep. We made her a really cool bed and playhouse. Mike has a great sense of humor, and he's been super gracious, especially given that he's not related to her.

MICHAEL: We expected there would be differences between raising our children and raising Kinsley. We're much older now, so in all her school activities, it felt awkward that the parents of all the other kids were our children's age. But we now have a lot of friends that age. We also sent Kinsley to a private school because we didn't have confidence in where her education was headed.

Raising her has been complete bliss.

CONNIE: There were plenty of challenges, though. We have a lot of grandchildren, and when she was very small, she was always sharing her toys and room with the other grandkids who came over. It was a challenge to share attention. It's a tug-of-war in my heart to make sure that when Mike's grandchildren from his previous marriage are here, they have time with him without Kinsley. She feels like she owns the place.

She definitely runs us now. She's such a great kid, and we're really blessed. She was always very busy and active, but she's always been gracious with people. She can get along with just about anybody. We're trying to teach her to be generous and kind.

We wanted her to have her own space, and she needed to feel like we were the nucleus. I try to keep her busy because we don't want the other grandkids to be jealous of her. We eventually established that we're not grandparenting her but are instead parenting her.

We have some friends who are raising grandkids, but we have it a lot differently. We've had to tighten our belts a lot, especially recently. Now that we're not out in the world as much, we rely on whatever's been set up for retirement. I tell Kinsley, much like I told my daughters, that they have more than we ever had.

We don't have as much put away as I would like to have had at this age, but we're OK.

MICHAEL: We aren't solely relying on Social Security. We have some rental properties that help us.

I turn all my hobbies into businesses, and we've tried to make this more of an active farm than just a hobby farm. There are days when I wonder if we should try to stop because it costs more than what we make from it, but we need to add to our income. We also jump in to help my daughters when they're overwhelmed. Connie recently started volunteering to help them out with linens. We always look for ways to increase our income and reduce expenses.

CONNIE: We're not wealthy, though some of our grandchildren think that we are. Kinsley had to have surgery on her foot last year, and it was very expensive. We were looking at dental work, and all these extra expenses have piled up. It's hard not to think in those terms. We have to plan for all these things again, though we thought they were behind us.

Raising her hasn't been too strenuous on us.

MICHAEL: We are homeschooling her this year in hopes of traveling more and having her with us. There is a lot of traveling we would have liked to do that friends our age can do.

My heart goes out to people who are in their 70s, and all of a sudden get a 2-year-old. We were fortunate to be both younger and active when we got Kinsley. It does get taxing, though, when a lot of our grandkids come and stay with us.

My daughters like to tell me that I allow Kinsley to do things that they were never allowed to do. I don't feel we're that far off from how we parented our girls, though. We're more strict than her peers' parents are.

Electronics weren't involved when we raised our daughters. Kinsley just got her first iPhone, but for five years, all her friends had them, and we resisted.

CONNIE: I try to watch what she's doing, and maybe it's because we're older, but the electronics thing is a whole other world, and I don't think it's healthy. I don't have a problem knee-jerking this tech out of her hands. The kids are bombarded online. We don't care so much about what she thinks of us as much as a lot of young parents do because we know that eventually the kids are going to come back and say, "Thank you for doing that."

We're pushing her to get a scholarship. We do tease her about taking care of us when we're old. We don't believe she should bear that burden, but she jokes about it and says, "You could adopt me." The consensus among everyone in our family is that she belongs here.

• Companies are struggling to decide which AI models to use, Arena CEO Anastasios Angelopoulos said.
• Angelopoulos said enterprises have reasons to be skeptical of frontier labs and Chinese open models.
• Angelopoulos told Business Insider that it's "a really tricky situation."

Companies don't know which side to choose in AI, the leader of one of the largest model evaluators said.

"It's not only true that they're terrified of working with the frontier labs, but they're also terrified of working with the Chinese open source," Arena CEO Anastasios Angelopoulos said during a recent episode of the "20VC" podcast.

Angelopoulos said the companies he talks to are struggling to figure out where to build their AI future.

"I think we're in a really tricky situation for enterprises because just the way that the cards have landed," Angelopoulos told Business Insider during an interview where he expanded on his comments.

The current situation is, by all accounts, a bit messy. Arena has an up-close view. The company offers a crowdsourced AI model battle royale that lets users pit generative AI models against each other and vote on which one best completes the task. In September, it announced a commercial business where it would sell AI companies and businesses data gathered from the battles. In June, Arena announced it had reached $100 million in annualized run-rate revenue within 8 months of launching its enterprise service.

Frontier AI companies, including OpenAI and Anthropic, offer cutting-edge models, but that technology can come with a steep price tag. The Trump administration's recent actions also illustrate that the model providers can be forced to shut off access without warning. Those companies, as Anthropic has demonstrated, can also impose safeguards on the models, which may mean that many companies cannot access the full extent of the model's capabilities.

"Anthropic or OpenAI could decide to turn off their AI at any moment if they feel that it is, quote unquote, 'unsafe,'" Angelopoulos told Business Insider. "And so if you're a business, what are you supposed to do? You want to be able to build on a stable and reliable AI stack."

In contrast, China-based open model companies, including Moonshot and DeepSeek, offer open-weight models that can be run locally, often at a fraction of the cost of frontier models. Some are worried about the security risks of relying on Chinese companies. Last month, Axios reported that the Trump administration has considered imposing restrictions or even issuing de facto bans on Chinese models.

Angelopoulos isn't the only one to hit on these themes. Palantir CEO Alex Karp has repeatedly warned that frontier AI companies, with which Palantir works, want to gather valuable intellectual property and data that they could then use to compete with their current customers.

"They deserve to colonize your enterprise," Karp said during Palantir's second-quarter earnings call on Monday, characterizing what he believed was the labs' attitude.

Palantir and Karp also have some incentive to stoke those fears, as the company offers its customers an application layer that allows businesses to control their data and the AI models they use.

Angelopoulos said Arena has experienced its own struggles with AI companies. He said that Arena has seen model providers use Arena's internal data "to serve synthetic battles and arenas to our employees in an effort to essentially get them to label data." Angelopoulos declined to name the offending companies, but said the practice "is not uncommon."

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, whose company does business with frontier model makers and offers open models, has tried to strike a balance in the debate. He has said that companies will deploy both open models and proprietary ones, routing tasks based on both cost effectiveness and maintaining their IP.

"The world is going to have closed and open models," Huang recently told Axios. "We should use closed models as often as we can, and we should customize and use open models to build our own personal, our own customized AI if we must."

• Oversized, slouchy bags are set to trend for the 2026 fall season.
• Some of the best luxury options come from The Row and Bottega Veneta.
• There are also middle grounds in price and size, like the Gather bag from Songmont.

If you're in the market for a new fall bag, know this: it should probably be big enough to carry a cable-knit sweater, a cozy plaid blanket, and a container of your favorite pumpkin-spice treats.

The Coach Brooklyn bag and Chloé Paddington purses that reigned supreme in recent years will no longer cut it.

Cool girls want bags that are bigger, slouchier, and look more lived-in than the trendy pieces of years past.

Designers like Bottega Veneta showcased massive totes on fall runways, and retailers like Free People have recently introduced classic purses in larger sizes in their stores.

Fashion fans and stylists have also raved about larger-than-life bags on social media, saying styles continue to grow in size and become more coveted as fall approaches.

Here are some options to consider, from luxury bags to mid-range designer purses.

The Row has a large leather option that will appeal to fans of the Coach Brooklyn bag.

Whereas the famed Coach purse measures 11 inches tall and 11 inches wide, The Row's $3,900 Jean Shoulder Bag is nearly three inches longer and taller — and that's before you consider the strap.

It's also less structured with a slouchy design, and it's made from calfskin leather that naturally looks gently used.

If you prefer suede, Bottega Veneta has got you covered.

Most fashion fans are familiar with the brand's signature woven designs with knotted handles, typically found in shiny leather.

Now, the luxury label is supersizing that style. The $5,100 Jodie bag is large enough to be worn over the shoulder, measuring almost 19 inches long.

Its gray-toned color, called cloudy indigo, is also the perfect neutral for fall.

Burberry has the ideal tote for anyone who wants something they can start carrying in late summer.

Raffia totes are typically reserved for summer beach bags, while checked-patterned totes are often associated with fall.

That makes the $1,395 large Margate bag from Burberry the ideal transition piece.

It has a sand-colored base decorated with Burberry's signature print in tan, red, and black. Together, its size and details make the bag perfect to wear between August and September.

For an athletic look, consider a colorful nylon bag.

Free People Movement's cinched tote bag is more vibrant than others on the market, available in six colors, and is more affordable at $78.

It also has an abundance of pockets to carry everything you might need throughout autumn.

Oversized bags can be intimidating. Songmont has a solution.

The Chinese fashion brand has become a cult-favorite online thanks to its Gather bags, which are sold in small and medium sizes.

The latter retails for $599, and is the perfect option for people who want to dip their toes into the slouchy bag trend without going all in.

It's big, but not so massive that it's overwhelming.

• AI has upended software engineering, threatening coding jobs.
• Replit CEO Amjad Masad, however, says AI is making coding more imaginative for engineers.
• He said Replit's office is now a "more vibrant environment."

Replit CEO Amjad Masad says AI is making software engineering at his company more cerebral and fun.

That's a surprising take, given the widespread concern about the so-called "SaaSpocalypse" and fears that AI is replacing coding jobs at software companies.

Speaking on tech journalist Casey Newton's podcast, Masad said coding agents have changed the day-to-day environment at his company, freeing up engineers for more imaginative tasks.

"You are trying a lot of things, you are ideating very quickly," Masad said. "Two years ago, everyone is hands on keyboard, you hear clicking all the time."

"Now, actually, it's a lot more vibrant environment," he added.

Others, too, have scoffed at the idea that AI could spell the end of the software industry. Jared Spataro, a Microsoft executive overseeing marketing for AI-powered workplace tools, earlier told Business Insider that he thinks that "the rumors of the demise of enterprise software are greatly exaggerated."

Investors, meanwhile, have not been so buoyant. The notion that AI could let companies build their own software — instead of contracting the work out to dedicated software builders, like Microsoft — rattled the markets earlier this year.

Software engineers themselves have said that coding with AI, while more efficient, quickly leads to burnout, and at least a dozen major companies have laid off workers, citing AI as a reason.

This summer, Meta laid off nearly 1,000 software engineers. Mark Zuckerberg, however, attributed the cuts to the need to offset AI spending rather than to automation itself.

Masad said that Replit, an integrated coding environment he cofounded in 2016, reached an inflection point in 2025 when Anthropic began releasing its Opus models. The models could write code more effectively than earlier ones.

"My entire life mission around teaching people coding and making coding easier is changing," Masad recalled thinking at the time. "Everything that I work toward is kind of moot."

Masad said Replit adapted by shifting its mission from teaching people how to code to making coding as easy as possible. The company built an AI agent to build programs from requests made in plain English, a process now known as vibe coding.

Now, he said, Replit's engineers spend more time at the whiteboard, taking occasional breaks to send the next prompt to an AI agent.

"You create a culture where it's fun to build things," Masad said. "You create a culture where it's not intense all the time."

• Protein is a hot topic in nutrition for building muscle, burning fat, and boosting longevity.
• Not even top experts agree on how much is too much, or what the risks might be of overdoing it.
• But we do know a few key takeaways for making gains now, like the "sweet spot" for eating enough.

Protein may feel like a done deal, our culture's hottest nutrient. But health professionals are still hotly debating it.

At one of the biggest nutrition conferences, hundreds of doctors, dietitians, and researchers packed massive ballrooms to discuss (and sometimes outright argue over) how much protein we actually need and whether the trend has gone too far.

"We have protein everywhere. It's in vapes, it's in Peeps, it's in water, it's a protein-palooza," sports dietitian Leslie Bonci said during one presentation.

"It's not that protein isn't important. It's taken on a life of its own, and that isn't necessarily in the best interest of the people we work with on a day-to-day basis."

While the debate still rages, four key points can help you make the most out of your protein choices to build muscle and even boost longevity.

More protein does help, up to a point

There's no debate that protein is an essential nutrient for building and maintaining muscle and supporting a healthy metabolism.

Evidence suggests it can aid weight loss, help manage blood sugar, and crucially, preserve strength and stability as we age.

For all of those goals, the "sweet spot" seems to be about the same: about 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight for most people. It's about 0.6 to 0.8 grams per pound, which means 84 to 114 grams per day for a 140-pound person.

That's true whether you're an athlete looking to make gains or a busy dad just trying to keep up with life, according to researcher David Church, who has done both roles.

A strength coach turned University of Arkansas professor, Church specializes in healthy aging, and said performance can be lifting heavy, or moving around your house pain-free.

"We don't need everyone to become a bodybuilder," he said in a presentation on optimal protein intake.

You're most at risk of missing out on protein if you're eating less: on a diet, or due to lack of appetite from meds like GLP-1s, illness, or normal aging. If that's the case, Church advocates for a "protein nudge" — aiming to get an extra two grams of protein for every 100 calories you eat until you're in the right range.

Quality matters as much as quantity

A growing consensus among nutrition researchers is that it matters where you get your protein.

All protein is made up of building blocks called amino acids, some of which we need for our health but can't make on our own. While we can mix and match protein sources to get the right combo of amino acids, some foods pack more of a punch than others.

Church recommends getting at least one serving a day of foods high in essential amino acids, like eggs, chicken, fish, or soy. Then you can round out your diet with other foods that are good for you, but lower in amino acids: trendy chia seeds, beans (a superfood staple), and whole grains, for instance.

Whole foods like chicken breast may seem basic, but they're staples for a reason: they contain nutrients you need, without extra additives.

"The chicken breast isn't as sexy, it doesn't have the ripped abs and tree trunk biceps, but we're getting a lot more out of it," Bonci said.

Don't ignore other nutrients (and exercise)

The problem with protein is that its popularity is starting to eclipse other parts of a healthy diet, according to Bonci.

"People say 'I had all this protein, and now I'm too full to have the other things I need," she said. "It's making people feel inadequate or subpar because they're not getting 200 grams of protein a day. Honey, it's OK, you don't need to."

In fact, protein is less effective on its own. If your goal is to cut fat and build lean body mass, you also need to pay attention to your carbohydrate intake.

"Nowhere would we say that protein is the be-all, end-all," said Heather Leidy, a nutrition professor at the University of Texas who studies topics like protein timing, hormones, and weight management.

Cutting back on refined carbs and adding more high-fiber whole grains to your diet can be as important for a healthy weight as protein, she said.

More protein by itself won't lead to more muscle gains, either. You also need to exercise — specifically resistance training — and many people aren't, said Wayne Campbell, a Purdue University professor with three decades of experience in nutrition research.

"The broad messaging of more protein doesn't help the general population going about their business," he said. "If protein anabolism were really that effective, we'd have a lot more people walking around as blobs of protein, but we don't."

There's a lot we still don't know about protein

The biggest question that remains around dietary protein is: how much is too much? And what, if anything, is the "optimal" amount of protein?

"I hate the word optimal because what is it optimal for? We know a lot about muscle, but we don't know a lot about everything else," Campbell said.

We don't yet understand how different amounts of protein affect the immune system or heart health, for instance.

Finally, context is key. We don't eat protein in isolation. We eat foods, which are part of meals, which are part of habits that we repeat over days, weeks, and months.

Over time, those habits can lead to very different results. Too much red meat, for instance, can raise the risk of heart attack, while too much processed food, even if it's high protein, is linked to cancer.

That final question — how does protein fit into a pattern of healthy eating — is perhaps the most complicated of all to answer. For now, the bottom line is to approach protein with "yes, and," according to Bonci.

"It is not just one nutrient floating around all by itself. It is all of them together that are important," she said.

• Software engineer Andrew Caldwell said AI now generates about 80% of the code he ships.
• He credited AI with helping him take on mobile app work after focusing on web development.
• Due to AI, Caldwell now considers code review and core programming skills more important than ever.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with 26-year-old Andrew Caldwell, a software engineer in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Business Insider has verified his identity and background. This story has been edited for length and clarity.

I've always loved the art of writing code and building things. When I was a kid, I made games on Roblox and helped my father automate some tasks for his job as a voiceover artist.

That led me to a career in software development, and I've been working in the space for about 9 ½ years. I started as an intern at a marketing firm in high school, and now I'm at a financial services firm, leading five other developers.

I remember when ChatGPT came out. Somebody told me it could write code, and at the time, I had a large dataset that I needed to convert to another format, so I had ChatGPT create a program to handle the task. There were a few things I had to fix, but overall it wrote a fairly complex formatting program just by a prompt. I was blown away.

I've since switched to using Claude for all my coding needs, and my job as a software developer has changed in three profound ways:

I'm hardly writing code from scratch

About 80% of the code I push out now is AI-generated, though there's a difference between how complex a task is and how much it speeds you up.

For simple stuff, AI makes things exponentially faster. What might have taken me six-ish hours can now take 10 minutes. If I'm building a fairly complex system, I'm saving time on typing, but the thought process can take longer, so it goes from maybe six hours to four hours.

This doesn't mean I have a shorter workday. The roadmap of things to be built is almost never-ending, so I'm just building more and faster than before.

I'm working in new areas of development

I used to work almost exclusively on the web side, doing front-end and back-end development. AI changed that.

Before AI, the dev teams I worked with had a rigid divide between front-end, back-end, mobile, and QA. Each wrote their own code. While those divisions still exist, a lot of the disciplines are merging.

Recently, my team needed to build a mobile companion app for one of our web apps. It can take a while to move between development disciplines, especially when dealing with different languages or frameworks. But AI sped up that transition for me. I was able to go from not having worked in the mobile space to helping my team submit an app to Apple and Google for approval within three weeks.

I'm spending a lot more time reviewing code.

Before generative AI hit the scene, I spent more time writing code than planning, reviewing, and testing it. Now, the opposite is true.

Reviewing code is more important than ever. I've seen AI confidently recommend code libraries that don't exist. It can also create code that looks and functions well, but contains serious security issues. This is why I have a policy with my team that no code goes live unless it has been thoroughly reviewed by a senior developer.

I also want every developer on my team who submits code to understand what it means, even if they didn't write it themselves. If I spend five hours writing 1,000 lines of code, I understand how the data flows and how the system functions from working on it. If I just ask AI to do it, I'll have less of an understanding of the system as a whole than if I built it myself.

I talk about skill atrophy a lot with my team. One thing I've been trying to do recently to prevent that from happening is to hand-code for about two-ish hours a day. I still love being a software developer, but I miss some of the difficulty it used to bring.

• BofA is eyeing a potential upheaval in stocks following the midterms in November.
• The bank flagged a scenario where economic worries cause investors to dump stocks and buy bonds.
• Higher yields are a "canary in the coalmine" for the bull market, the bank said.

The bull market could run into its next big hurdle in a few months' time, Bank of America says.

Strategists flagged the risk of a "big" reversal in stocks following the midterm elections in November. In a recent note to clients, the bank pointed to the possibility of a Democratic sweep in Congress as the election amounts to a "referendum on populist capitalism vs populist socialism."

A team led by Michael Hartnett wrote in a note on Friday that investors should eschew risky assets and head into defensive investment in the near-term.

He added that the bank likes gold as an investment to hedge risks of the K-shaped economy and an electorate that delivers an "it's the economy, stupid" midterm result.

Economic dissatisfaction has been a growing concern for the lower leg of the K-shaped economy, which refers to the widening gap between the top earners and lower- to middle-income households. While top earners are benefiting from higher stock and real estate prices, many lower- to middle-income Americans are feeling the cumulative effects of hotter inflation and a tough job market.

Recent growth in the economy has largely been fueled by the wealth effect from higher stock prices, BofA strategists said, pointing to the $9 trillion in market gains investors have seen over the past two years. A reversal in the market is a risk to economic growth, as dwindling wealth on paper could cause consumers to rein in spending.

Separately, the bank floated the possibility that yields could move higher as investors continue to worry about inflation and the country's fiscal outlook. In a bear-case scenario, yields could reach levels that would materially weigh on risk assets, leading the AI bubble to pop.

"Bonds end booms and bubbles, and this one ends once 'higher yields-lower dollar' vigilante event forcing fiscal policy U-turn, and asset allocation from stocks to bonds rise," strategists said, adding that rising yields are a "canary in the coalmine" they're watching.

Yields have already started to rise as investors fret over hotter inflation, though the increase so far has been tolerated by markets. The 10-year US Treasury yield is sitting at around 4.67%, above the 4.5% psychological threshold closely watched by investors.

Other forecasters on Wall Street have flagged the potential for a surge in volatility as the midterm election approaches.

In midterm years when the president is in his second term, the S&P 500 tends to see a correction in the third quarter, analysts at Oppenheimer said in a previous note.

In all midterm years since 1974, the S&P 500 has seen a median return of 0% from August 1st through the election day in November, strategists at Goldman Sachs said in a past report.

• Jayden Lee, 27, considers health and fitness integral parts of his life.
• In 2024, he turned his garage into a private wellness hub, complete with a cold plunge and sauna.
• The project cost about $10,000, but the convenience has made it worthwhile.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jayden Lee, 27, a Century 21 Canada real estate agent who built a wellness hub in his townhouse garage in the Vancouver suburb of Chilliwack, British Columbia. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

As a teenager, I had cancer. Then, in 2020, I lost my mom, and in 2021, I lost one of my best friends. I've found that focusing on my health and wellness helps me feel mentally grounded, and it has become very important to me.

In 2022, I was in a rut, so I went to a health and wellness retreat that had saunas and cold plunges. Nothing had ever made me feel quite the way they did.

I wanted to experience that feeling every day, so when I returned from the trip, I decided to transform my garage into a health and wellness space.

My garage has a sauna, cold plunge, and red-light therapy machine. A lot of people think you need a big house or a yard to do something like this, but I live in a 1,400-square-foot townhouse. Before the transformation, my garage was just a storage area filled with junk.

Now, instead of inviting my friends over for a drink in the garage, we use the sauna and cold plunge. That's exactly what I wanted — a place where I could host, they felt at home, and we could spend time together doing something healthy and productive.

Transforming my garage was pretty easy

I wouldn't call my garage a "man cave" because I think both women and men would love to have a space like this.

The idea had been in my head for a couple of years, but I needed to save some money before I could make it happen. I finally started the project in September 2024.

The space was fairly easy to design. Within a week, I painted the walls, laid artificial grass on the garage floor, and strung patio lights across the ceiling.

I wanted the garage to feel like an outdoor space, and the grass and lights help create that atmosphere. I also often leave the garage door open, which makes it feel even more connected to the outdoors.

The sauna and cold plunge took a couple of months to arrive, so completing the space was a gradual process. I also added a red-light therapy setup and hung my bike on the wall as part of the display.

The sauna was the biggest expense, at about $4,000. The cold plunge cost roughly $3,000, and I spent another couple of thousand dollars on everything else. Altogether, I've invested about $10,000 in the project.

In the future, I'd love to turn the back room connected to the garage into a gym or another wellness space.

It's way more convenient to have everything at home

Before I had a cold plunge in my garage, I would drive about 10 minutes to a nearby lake and sit in the cold water most days. I also have friends who live within 15 minutes of me, so I could go to their houses to use theirs, but realistically, I wasn't going to do that every day.

Having the sauna and cold plunge in my garage has made life much easier. Now, I can just walk downstairs and use them whenever I want.

I usually do the cold plunge in the morning because getting into three-degree water first thing wakes me right up. At night, I alternate between 20 minutes in the sauna and two minutes in the cold plunge, repeating the cycle about three times. I always finish with the sauna because the warmth makes it easier to fall asleep afterward.

I can genuinely notice a difference between the days when I use the sauna and cold plunge and the days when I don't. I feel calmer and more energized overall.

I love the dopamine rush, but it has also taught me how to stay in control during stressful situations. When you enter cold water, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode. Learning to remain calm in that moment has helped me handle challenges in other parts of my life.

Many people want a dedicated wellness space at home

I'm really happy with the space, and I'm glad that so many other people like it too. I've posted several videos of my garage on social media, and they've done pretty well. One of them got more than a million views.

People clearly want a space like this — or they're at least intrigued by the idea. I often get tagged in photos and videos of people's garage transformations.

I have a lot of friends who are also into saunas and cold plunges, and some of them have their own setups at home. One of my friends is a home builder, and he recently included a sauna in one of his new builds as a selling feature.

I think that, especially since the pandemic, people have become more interested in feeling their best every day. Health and wellness have become increasingly popular, and more people are drinking less and choosing activities like running, using saunas, and taking cold plunges. Having those options at home and being able to use them every day can be a game changer.

• Sunny Chanel is a San Francisco-based freelance writer with a passion for finding good deals.
• She shares her strategy for credit card point accumulation: strategic purchases based on available bonuses.
• She writes that while her strategy has led her to spend more, she's confident that it's worth it.

I recently splurged and spent almost $1,000 on tours for an upcoming family trip to Italy. I wasn't originally planning to book any tours at all — we usually just wing it — but the amount of credit card points I saw I'd earn through bonus deals made doing so irresistible.

I'm someone who's always on the search for a deal. It's hard for me to resist the temptation of a discount, a fire sale, or a BOGO. Lately, my focus has shifted to accumulating as many credit card points as I can — even when it means spending more to earn more.

I treat credit card point accumulation like a game; it's a thrill to see my points rack up, especially when I'm earning far more than the typical 1:1 ratio. I do my best to pay my credit card balances off each month, and am acutely conscious of not letting debt snowball — otherwise, the points aren't worth it.

While it's been a significant commitment of both time and finances, and I've noticed my shopping behavior change significantly, it's an investment that I feel is paying off.

I've integrated my search for big bonuses into my routine

The first step for maximizing credit card points is to secure a lucrative sign-on bonus, such as the 100,000-point bonus I got from signing up for my Capital One Venture X credit card in December 2025.

However, that's just a one-time influx of points. I want those balances to grow, which I do by integrating my quest for big bonuses into my daily routine.

After drinking my morning coffee and checking my email, I click around online to see what special offers are available, which can change daily. The two platforms I religiously check are Capital One Offers and Rakuten.

I start with Capital One Offers

Capital One Offers, which I access via my Venture X card, has personalized daily points specials for shopping at specific retailers. I've found that most of the time, the companies with featured deals are ones I haven't heard of or don't really shop at.

A few months ago, I saw a 25x miles deal for SelectBlinds, a company I'd never heard of before. I had been wanting to get a set of blinds for our home office, but it was far from a priority. The bonus became an incentive to pull the trigger. After various discounts, the blinds came out to $320, and I ended up with a bonus of 8,000 points.

Another day recently, I spent about 30 minutes trying to find something that I might need from Columbia Sportswear, due to a one-day 46x miles deal. Although new joggers or a pair of hiking boots were tempting, I didn't end up buying anything since I realized I was only tempted by the points, not the actual products.

Next, I turn to Rakuten

After my daily check-in with Capital One Offers, I visit Rakuten, a cashback site. My account is linked to my American Express card, so my earned points are credited to my Amex.

Rakuten has offers for a few companies that I regularly buy from, like Walgreens, Petco, and Peet's. Based on when I get these fluctuating offers, I stock up on items I know we'll need, rather than waiting until there's an immediate need.

Previously, once we'd run out of coffee, I'd walk into my local Peet's and buy a bag of Ethiopian Fancy in person. Now I order multiple bags through Rakuten when there's a deal. Each purchase might not earn many points on its own, but they add up.

I'm making more extravagant purchases than I normally would

There are some more extravagant purchases that I wouldn't have made if it weren't for the bonus points, such as the aforementioned Italy tours. However, we're taking our art- and history-obsessed kid with us, so I figured we should get the most out of seeing places like the Vatican City and Venice.

I booked a variety of tours through the tour booking site Viator via the Capital One Offers platform, which had a bonus of up to 30x miles. After spending $922 on four tours, I earned 24,021 points.

That's enough points for two economy flights from San Francisco to London at 9,000 points each via Virgin Atlantic's frequent flyer program, Flying Club. With the roughly 6,000 points I'll have left, I'll be able to use them for one of my frequent flights to Los Angeles.

The cash value of all those flights would be over $1,000, but I'll get them for free from points, just from splurging a little and booking tours that will greatly enhance our trip.

I've learned some valuable lessons

I've gotten in the habit of keeping a spreadsheet of what I've spent, what the reward should be, and how long it will take to receive the reward. Points usually arrive in about 45 days but can take up to 90 days, so patience — and good documentation — is key. I started doing this after reading in message boards that bonus points occasionally don't get credited automatically, and that follow-up is sometimes needed.

And not all my choices have been good ones. I impulsively spent $150 on Lands' End items during a bonus points deal. When the clothes were delivered, I realized I'd ordered in such a hurry in the final hours of the promotion that I didn't confirm sizing with my husband for a rain jacket, and the items I bought for myself really weren't my style.

I ended up returning it all and, in the process, lost the extra points — not to mention time, effort, and postage to mail the items back. It made me realize that I need to be more sensible and not make impulse purchases just for the sake of growing my points stash.

I also always make sure to read the fine print of each offer. There are usually exceptions, such as the common "no gift cards" policy.

I've become very savvy at deciding how to use the points I've earned, in order to get the most value I can. For example, I can redeem 12,500 points to get a $100 Amazon gift card on the Capital One site. Or, I can choose to use those same points to cover a flight to Europe — a much higher cash value.

Most importantly, my points accumulation pursuit has led me to improve my life, finally put up those blinds, and take those trips.

Do you have a story to share about maximizing credit card points? Contact this editor, Jane Zhang, at janezhang@businessinsider.com.

• Throne Science, a startup cofounded by a WHOOP cofounder, just launched $10 million in Series A funding.
• It is part of the toilet tech boom, with brands like Vivoo and TOTO turning bathrooms into health trackers.
• AI-driven stool analysis can help gastroenterologists, but can't yet diagnose digestive disorders.

In over a decade as a health journalist, I've interviewed people about some deeply personal health experiences, but this was a first.

On a video call, Scott Hickle, CEO and cofounder of the startup Throne Science, held his phone up to the camera to show me a detailed diary of his bowel movements.

He pointed to a stretch of blue ("that's healthy"), then an erratic jumble of colors — yellow (hard), orange (loose), blue again.

These were the findings from the smart camera in his toilet in early January, when he returned from Christmas break to the stress and buzz of preparing Throne's launch.

"Our whole thing is, first of all, let's establish your baseline and then notice any significant deviations from that baseline," Hickle told me.

We're in a toilet tech boom, moving beyond heated seats and bidets to health tracking. In the last 18 months, industry giant TOTO launched Stool Scan in Japan, which uses LED technology to analyze stool consistency; wellness-tech startup Vivoo launched its Smart Toilet, which analyzes urine and hydration; and Throne shipped to customers and raised $10 million in a Series A funding round last week.

Brian Comiskey, senior director of innovation and trends at the Consumer Technology Association, said the category began taking off in 2023, driven by better sensors and AI, growing concern about digestive health, and the success of wearables. But this is the year it has come into its own.

The technology appeals to gastroenterologists because patients are notoriously bad at remembering their bowel movements. Consumers, meanwhile, are increasingly fascinated with gut health amid rising rates of colorectal cancer in younger people and widespread digestive disorders like IBS.

Still, while the technology is getting remarkably good at documenting what happens in the toilet, understanding why it happened — and what you should do about it — is another matter.

Where toilet tech currently excels

If you're interested in tracking your toilet trips, you have a growing number of options.

Throne, a startup cofounded by WHOOP cofounder John Capodilupo, who has ulcerative colitis, sells a camera that clips onto the toilet bowl. It analyzes stool consistency and urine color using AI trained with input from gastroenterologists, then maps trends in an app. Users can also confer with an "AI gut health coach." (The device uses proximity sensors to your phone to know that it's you. When you're on vacation or at the office, you can manually enter your toilet data into the app.)

TOTO's Neorest models in Japan have built-in sensors that measure stool shape, consistency, color, and volume and relay the findings to an app. The company aims to debut this model in the US in early 2027.

Kohler's Dekoda is a clip-on optical sensor that screens stool for signs of blood and urine for signs of dehydration. Vivoo's Smart Toilet focuses primarily on urine and hydration. Withings' U-Scan uses a toilet-mounted device to analyze urine.

Comiskey traces the category's evolution from more sophisticated bidets to early health-monitoring devices that relied on replaceable chemical cartridges. The latest technology increasingly uses optical sensors, computer vision, and AI instead, reducing the intervention required from users.

For gastroenterologists, the ability to automatically create a diary is compelling.

"You have your patient's perception of what's going on, but it's nice to have some objective data to qualify that with," Kyle Staller, a gastroenterologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, said.

Brennan Spiegel, a gastroenterologist and director of health services research at Cedars-Sinai, agreed. If a patient showed up with an electronic stool diary, "I would use it," he said, particularly when changing medication or assessing a response to treatment.

Can an AI gut-health coach actually tell you what to do?

Recording what happens in the toilet is one thing. Explaining it is harder.

Currently, these devices offer basic lifestyle suggestions, such as eating more fiber or drinking more water. Throne's AI coach asks users about food, stress, travel, and sleep, and suggests correlations with their bowel habits.

Hickle's pitch is that long-term tracking can establish an individual's baseline and eventually help people understand how their bodies respond to changes in diet and lifestyle. Its system can also look back over previous days for potential triggers, he said.

But this is where the science gets squishy.

Unless your smart toilet is synced with your smartwatch or ring, the AI will rely on your own selective recall of what's influencing your digestive tract, which might be incomplete or off base.

Even with objective data, it can be a guessing game. Stress, sleep, medications, travel, hormones, genetics, air quality, infections, and diet can all influence digestive health. Microbiome research is still evolving, and researchers don't yet know how to reliably translate sophisticated gut-health data into personalized recommendations.

Bowel habits also vary dramatically among healthy people. There is no clear definition of "perfect gut health," and a change in bowel frequency or consistency "could mean any number of things," Spiegel said — maybe it's an early sign of colon cancer, or simply that you haven't been eating enough fiber lately.

"There's really no clear way right now that I'm aware of that's been validated in the literature that these technologies can distinguish those two situations," Spiegel said.

Staller sees real utility for people with constipation or IBS. But for people without significant bowel problems, he worries constant tracking could encourage them to obsess over normal variation.

"There's a potential risk of someone who doesn't have any issues becoming very obsessed with the data and focusing on things that aren't necessarily important," he said.

There is "still more data than what we know what to do with," Staller added. "The hype is a little bit beyond the science at the moment."

There are settings where simply knowing something has changed could be useful. Hickle sees potential in assisted-living and memory-care facilities, where residents may not reliably communicate changes in bowel habits, urination, or hydration. Passive tracking could give caregivers an objective record and flag changes worth investigating.

Next up: Using toilets as diagnostic tools

For now, these smart toilets are wellness devices.

"We're not drawing any significant diagnostic outcomes on this. It's more of an awareness of your consistency and the trend line," TOTO's president of corporate strategy, Bill Strang, told Business Insider.

Using them to diagnose conditions such as colon cancer or digestive disorders would require FDA clearance, like any other medical test.

But that's where the category is heading, Comiskey said. There's already precedent in wearables, where features such as atrial fibrillation detection have moved from consumer health tracking toward regulated medical applications.

Hickle is clear that this is Throne's goal. His shorthand for the long-term vision is that Throne could become a "smoke detector for colon cancer." The company is developing multispectral imaging to look for microscopic blood and exploring sensors that could someday analyze gases and other biomarkers.

But detecting a signal and diagnosing its cause are very different things.

Spiegel said current technology could identify something visible, such as blood in a toilet. What it cannot do is determine whether that blood came from hemorrhoids, menstruation, inflammatory bowel disease, or cancer.

Toilet trackers could be mainstream in 6 years

If toilets eventually join watches, rings, and other sensors in constantly measuring our bodies, doctors will inherit another problem: what to do with all that information.

Cedars-Sinai has long allowed patients to connect wearable data to their electronic health records, Spiegel said. But putting Fitbit or Oura data into a medical chart doesn't tell a doctor how to interpret it.

Still, he thinks passive monitoring is part of medicine's future. He calls it "blended intelligence": pairing AI's findings with the judgment of human clinicians.

Toilets have an obvious edge over wearables: You have to use them. As a TOTO spokesperson put it, you may forget to put on a wearable, but you won't forget to go to the toilet — making it an "immediate and ongoing interface."

Comiskey expects adoption to be gradual. It may feel out-there now, but in six to 10 years, he expects mass adoption. New homes are already being built with smart toilets, he said, while clip-on devices will become smaller and easier to retrofit, with deeper AI integration and sensors capable of assessing both urine and stool.

"The best technologies often disappear," Comiskey said, paraphrasing computer scientist Mark Weiser. "They move seamlessly into everyday life."

• Some workers are creating "burnout funds" in case they have to step away from work.
• A burnout fund is a savings pot designed to fund a recovery period.
• These funds have arrived as the pace of work accelerates, job security slips, and costs keep rising.

People have long saved for life's biggest milestones: buying a home, getting married, and retirement. Some workers are also putting money aside for something they hope never happens: burnout.

Last week, Mary Kane handed in her resignation letter.

After six months of feeling exhausted, irritable, and increasingly burned out in her job as a senior marketing manager, the 54-year-old Minnesotan decided she'd had enough.

Unlike many workers in a similar position, she wasn't terrified about how she'd pay the bills once she quit. For years, she says, she saved about half of every paycheck, building what she now calls a burnout fund.

'Really intentional savings'

A burnout fund is a ring-fenced savings pot designed to fund a recovery period, rather than unexpected emergencies such as job loss or medical bills.

"A burnout fund is really intentional savings where you anticipate needing to take a break," Julie Beckham, Rockland Trust's financial education and development strategy officer, told Business Insider.

In that sense, she added, it's an old concept under a new name: "Being intentional in naming any savings account is a good practice."

Sabino Vargas, senior financial advisor at Vanguard, told Business Insider the goal with a burnout fund is to "build enough financial flexibility so you can have choices if a step back or career reset is needed."

The concept of the burnout fund is entering the conversation as a series of workplace and economic pressures are taking their toll on workers in different ways. AI is accelerating the pace of work, shaking people's sense of job security, and leaving many workers feeling perpetually in catch-up mode. Rising prices have many feeling financially strapped. On top of that, the US job market is looking increasingly rocky. The BLS reported Friday that the US lost 23,000 jobs in July, and revisions to previous reports meant 100,000 fewer jobs were added in the previous two months than originally thought.

Several surveys suggest that burnout is widespread. A National Alliance on Mental Illness-Ipsos Workplace Mental Health poll of 2,153 full-time employees at companies with more than 100 workers, conducted in January and February, found that 53% felt burned out because of their jobs. It's affecting employees at every level; a recent string of high-profile tech execs and founders cited health issues and burnout as reasons for stepping back from their jobs.

While the World Health Organization doesn't classify burnout as a medical condition, it recognizes it as an "occupational phenomenon" resulting from chronic workplace stress.

She burned out twice. Then came the burnout fund.

Tasmin Lofthouse, 33, first burned out in 2018. "I was completely flat, no get-up-and-go. I didn't want to do anything, see friends, or speak to them," the marketing professional, based in northwest England, told Business Insider.

Lofthouse knew she needed to leave her job, but with no savings, she couldn't afford to. Instead, she left for another job almost immediately after quitting.

She launched a marketing consultancy in 2020 and experienced another period of burnout two years later. This time, she decided she never wanted money to dictate whether she could step away from work. "It made me realize I needed to build some sort of avenue to allow me to step back when I'm burning out," she said.

Lofthouse started saving money in 2022 and opened a dedicated burnout fund in 2024. Since then, she has transferred part of her business profits into it every few months. Now she has around £48,000 ($65,000) set aside, enough to cover 12 months of business expenses while paying herself a reduced salary. She also maintains a separate emergency fund covering three months of living expenses.

"I'm lucky that I've been able to do that for myself," she said. "I think people are prone to burnout, especially in the world we operate in, and people need to see it as a foreseeable cost, rather than an unplanned emergency."

For some, a 'burnout fund' allows for a career change

Stacy North, 54, knew she was on the precipice of burnout when she first created her fund. After selling her home in 2022 and buying another, she had $80,000 in cash left over. Rather than putting it toward her new mortgage, she put the money into a savings account. "I did it because I was burning out," she told Business Insider.

North, who was working as a sales manager for a fruit shipping company in Maryland, left her job in January 2025 after realizing the burnout wasn't improving. Her savings gave her the breathing room to leave the workforce before launching a professional home-organizing business in early 2026.

She said she has since spent about $35,000 of the $80,0000 fund.

A solution and a symptom

Lofthouse and Kane both said they have enough saved to cover about 12 months of expenses. Luca Fontani, a 34-year-old who left his role as a fractional head of growth in the fashion industry after burning out, saved considerably more. He said he has more than $1 million in his fund, a sum he attributes to aggressive saving and successful investments.

There's no one-size-fits-all amount for a burnout fund, Jon Zetlmaier, a financial advisor and founder of Seattle-based Zetlmaier Wealth Management, told Business Insider.

The "unwritten rule" is to keep three to six months' worth of living expenses in an emergency fund, he said. If someone is planning a break or exit because of burnout, however, he said they should consider building additional savings, ideally in a high-yield FDIC-insured savings account or short-term Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS).

Beckham, Rockland Trust's financial education and development strategy officer, said the savings target also depends on how long someone expects to be away from work. "If your recovery is three months of unplugging and then trying to figure out your next move, it might be a six, nine, or 12 months of savings."

While burnout funds are creating a lifeline for some workers who need or want — and can afford — to take a break from their careers, they aren't solving all the underlying issues.

Vanguard said it has seen more Americans prioritize dedicated savings for career breaks and other planned life changes, but it also said many people still lack a financial plan for burnout-related expenses.

Beckham said that while planning ahead for all eventualities is sensible, the need for burnout funds is a symptom of a bigger societal problem.

"I feel kind of sad and anxious about the fact that folks are saving toward this financial goal," Beckham said.

"It's a reflection of the pace at which they're hustling to make ends meet and a reflection of the mental load that's affecting more than just their finances," she added.

• Waymo, Tesla, and Zoox continue to scale robotaxi operations across the US.
• Autonomous cars still have some problems handling scenarios such as emergency response situations.
• An AV safety expert said that the more robotaxis scale, the more edge cases they'll run into.

Every now and then, I entrust my life to an AI.

That AI — a Waymo robotaxi — has increasingly become a legitimate means of mobility for some here in San Francisco.

By now, I rarely worry if I'll get home safe, but I still pay attention.

Waymo and other robotaxi companies say their data prove their AIs are much safer than human drivers. In the hundreds of miles I've traveled with Waymo, I've never encountered a safety incident that required human intervention.

That's not to say robotaxis are perfectly safe. They're still running into issues most human drivers are accustomed to, like navigating construction zones.

And safety is only part of the equation for a seamless ride-hailing service. I've witnessed firsthand the smaller quirks that come with the driverless experience.

Soon, people outside the world's tech hubs will get a chance to see them, too.

The robotaxis are coming

The robotaxi industry in the past month has been busy scaling operations.

On Tuesday, Waymo opened its Dallas service to the public after initially limiting rides to waitlisted users. The company said nearly 150,000 people have tried Waymo since February.

Amazon-owned Zoox announced Wednesday that it plans to begin charging for rides in Las Vegas, signaling that the service is maturing as it goes commercial.

In Florida and Texas, Tesla added new service areas for its Robotaxi. In some regions, the company has started offering a limited number of unsupervised rides.

Robotaxi companies are also expanding beyond the US. Uber and UK-based Wayve said on Wednesday that they received regulatory approval to start offering supervised autonomous rides in London this summer. Waymo also plans to launch a commercial service in London by the end of the year.

Way more Waymos, way more problems?

The rapid pace of scaling can give the impression that robotaxi companies are confident that autonomy has largely been solved.

Phil Koopman, an AV safety expert and emeritus professor of electrical and computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, said the reality is more complicated, and the more these robotaxis scale, the more so-called edge cases they'll run into.

"When you have a hundred cars, you're at the threshold where stuff that used to be so rare you could ignore it, you can't ignore it anymore," Koopman told Business Insider.

Waymo, the leading robotaxi provider in the US, demonstrated that tension.

In May, the company suspended freeway rides after it said that it was trying to improve how the vehicles behaved around construction zones. Freeway rides are critical if Waymo wants to cash in on longer, more lucrative trips, such as airport routes.

Last week, Waymo gradually restored its freeway service following company-issued software updates, providing a stark example of how a robotaxi provider can disable a feature deployed for real-world passengers to resolve a newly discovered issue.

A Waymo spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

AVs also still trip up in the face of a major city's disorder and chaos.

Videos posted online show how Waymo vehicles can sometimes obstruct emergency-response scenes. Waymos were also immobilized amid heavy traffic in San Francisco on the Fourth of July.

The problems have been persistent enough for SF's pro-tech mayor, Daniel Lurie, to call for stricter statewide regulations last month.

Those calls have extended to the federal level, where regulators from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warned of the pitfalls autonomous vehicles still face in active emergency scenes.

NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison wrote in a July 8 letter to AV developers that the federal agency has documented a "clear pattern of driverless AVs interfering with law enforcement and other first responders."

"The question is, as they expand, can they fix [the problems] as fast as they find them?" Koopman said. "And with floods and construction zones and a bunch of other things, the answer is they haven't been able to fix them."

The small quirks of going driverless

Ensuring that a robotaxi doesn't obstruct an ambulance is a serious issue.

There can also be smaller, mostly inconsequential quirks in a robotaxi ride that may not always warrant a formal report to a regulatory body.

In a video posted on X by Tesla fan David Moss, a human safety monitor of a Tesla Robotaxi in San Francisco could be seen waiting for the car to merge back into traffic for about a minute before eventually taking control of the wheel.

Those interventions aren't captured under the same public reporting framework that applies to Waymo's driverless service through the California Public Utilities Commission, the state agency that regulates passenger transportation services.

A Tesla spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

In an op-ed published in The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, an attorney recounted an unsettling Waymo experience in which the robotaxi inexplicably made a turn in the wrong direction. The rider said he and his wife essentially ejected themselves from the ride after the Waymo "shuddered to a stop."

The attorney wrote how a Waymo rep told them there was nothing that could be done.

Koopman said riders should expect autonomous vehicles to sometimes do inexplicably "weird things."

"Anyone who expects this technology to be perfect or always do exactly the same thing, you're in for disappointment," he said, adding that the safety challenge is making sure those strange behaviors remain benign.

I've never experienced some of the serious cases that other riders have reported — being driven in the middle of a flood or creeping through an active crime scene.

On an evening last December, I hailed a Waymo to get back home from downtown San Francisco.

My ride was pleasantly uneventful, as I hope every robotaxi ride will be. Until the Waymo driver made a mistake.

The car drove past the right turn into my house and made a left up the road, taking me in a circle around the neighborhood before it got back on track and delivered me home.

It was harmless, but curious.

I have no idea why the Waymo did that. All I could do was let the AI take the wheel.

Have a tip? Contact this reporter via email at lloydlee@businessinsider.com or Signal at lloydlee.71. Use a personal email address, a nonwork WiFi network, and a nonwork device; here's our guide to sharing information securely.

• Business Insider asked four senior partners at McKinsey what they wished their associates would stop doing.
• Their answers included creating less AI slop and spending more time socializing with colleagues.
• Some junior consultants forget that the job can adapt to their lifestyle, one said.

There's no secret recipe to impressing your boss — or is there?

In late June, four senior McKinsey & Co partners sat down with Business Insider to discuss what it takes to reach the uppermost ranks of the consulting firm.

Three of them had recently been promoted from partner to senior partner, and the fourth had been made a distinguished partner, a new senior leadership role at McKinsey that recognizes deep, specialized expertise.

They now sit among the firm's most senior and best-paid leaders, a group that numbers more than 2,500 globally. Between them, they work across life sciences, corporate finance, financial services, and artificial intelligence.

When asked what they wished their junior colleagues would stop doing, the group hesitated — then launched into an animated exchange about the pitfalls and missteps they see in the workplace.

Stop creating AI slop

Three of the partners' first responses was: Stop producing slop.

The AI slop issue is not unique to junior colleagues — many people use the technology poorly, said Alex Deverson, a London-based senior partner who works on life sciences. The result is a "lot of AI slop" — content that looks good on the surface, but doesn't hold up to scrutiny.

Anna Mattsson, a corporate finance specialist based in Switzerland, said that in her practice, some associates are not using AI at all.

"I sometimes feel, 'Am I the one having to remind them to actually do it?'" she told Business Insider.

That's happening less frequently, Mattsson added, but she saw a clear difference between consultants who used AI to get a head start and those who don't use it.

The variation in how people use AI is "crazy," said Holger Hürtgen, a Germany-based distinguished partner at QuantumBlack, McKinsey's AI arm. He said some junior colleagues "surprise him really positively" and teach him things about AI, whereas others' AI use "feels like it's coming from two years ago."

It happens at both ends of the spectrum — junior and senior, Hürtgen said. "It reads nicely, but it's really stupid," he said of some AI-generated work.

Scrutinizing AI-generated work requires more critical thinking than most people give it credit for, Devereson added, and younger, less experienced colleagues have less instinct for what's right and wrong.

McKinsey has aggressively incorporated AI into its workflows, first through a generative AI platform called Lilli, and increasingly through AI agents. The technology is becoming part of the "lifeblood" of how McKinsey works, Kate Smaje, McKinsey's Global Leader for technology and AI, told Business Insider in June.

Get out there and socialize

Hürtgen, who has worked at McKinsey for 20 years, said the social life at the firm has become quieter since his early days. Given the choice between joining a team dinner and getting to sleep earlier or exercising, he said some younger colleagues chose the latter.

"I think this firm is very much about micro communities, getting to know new people. And you get to know people during social events," he said.

That does not mean junior consultants need to party hard — though Hürtgen joked that he has partied more than many young people appear to today — but that they should at least have a nice dinner, he said.

"Enjoy the journey, not just the objective," he added.

Mattsson, the Switzerland-based senior partner, also said junior consultants should spend more time building relationships with their teams.

"Some of my best friends are the clients and the associates I worked with back in the day," she said.

Avoid this 'recipe for unhappiness'

Many young consultants join McKinsey hoping to climb the ranks to partner. Devereson cautioned against going in with an overly strategic outlook.

"I would encourage people to not think like that," Devereson said. Attempting to chart a path to partner is a "recipe for unhappiness," he said.

Devereson, who is based in London, said he was "never particularly strategic," focusing instead on what he was doing in the moment while remaining open to opportunities. He advised associates to follow what they enjoy, pointing to Mattsson as an example of that approach working.

Mattsson joined McKinsey six years ago after a career spent mostly at Deloitte and had hoped to be promoted last year. When that didn't happen, she was "majorly disappointed."

She then decided to focus specifically on what she enjoyed at work rather than trying to do everything, and approached this year's promotion round without any expectations.

The now-senior partner said that coming from outside, she hadn't quite understood the system at McKinsey: "It's a very different firm here than many other places."

Find a way to make the lifestyle work

Stop ruling yourself out of opportunities because you fear your career is incompatible with the lifestyle you want.

That's the advice Maria Albonico, a London-based senior partner focused on financial services, said she'd give to junior consultants.

She said she has seen younger colleagues leave or decide an opportunity is not for them because they imagine it won't work with having a family.

"I was surprised over and over by how much the circumstances adapt. If a place really wants you, if you are really a right fit for a place, the place will adapt to you," said Albonico.

Devereson said junior consultants can also speak up when the demands of the job become unworkable. "If you don't like the circumstances, change the circumstances," he said.

He recalled reviewing one project's workload, staffing, and meeting schedule and realizing the plan was structurally impossible. At first, he tried to compensate by working longer hours. Eventually, he told the partner, "I think the physics are off. I don't think this works."

Personal circumstances could also make an assignment impractical, he said. In his case, that means not serving clients in the Bay Area from London while caring for a three-month-old.

"People just believe that the hand they're dealt is the hand they have to live with," Devereson said. "Whereas, actually, we can do a lot to help each other if we know that we need help."

• Atlassian shares surged 35% Friday as AI drives revenue growth and expands software developer roles.
• AI is expanding tech roles, boosting demand for Atlassian's Jira and Confluence.
• Atlassian sees non-developers using its tools, showing AI's role in more people creating software.

One of the biggest fears about AI was that it would kill tech jobs and shrink the software industry.

The logic seemed straightforward. If AI made developers much more productive, tech companies would need fewer of them. That would mean fewer software subscriptions, known as "seats," because each worker typically has their own account.

Investors also worried that AI coding tools would enable companies to build more of their own software rather than buy it from established vendors.

The software giant Atlassian sat right in the way of these buzzsaws because it sells tools that help teams organize work, collaborate, and build software. That drove the stock down more than 50% in the first few months of 2026.

Now, the picture looks very different.

Atlassian shares jumped 35% on Friday after the company reported surging revenue, helped by growth in seats for its main Jira and Confluence products.

That suggests that AI is creating more roles for software developers, rather than killing tech jobs.

"There's going to be more developers in the world in five years' time than there are today," Atlassian CEO and cofounder Mike Cannon-Brookes said after the results. "Developer hiring will continue to grow."

"The cost of building technology is going down. The amount of technology we're going to build is going to go up," he added. "Those are the signals we see in our customers. The ability to grow that is huge."

This reminds me of something Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said a few years ago. He predicted AI would make writing software much easier, opening this skill to many more people.

"The programming language is human; everybody in the world is now a programmer," he said.

Atlassian is seeing this happen across its corporate customers. The company said seat growth wasn't just coming from software developers. Roughly two-thirds of Jira and Confluence users are now in roles such as human resources, finance, and legal.

"The number of people building technology that we don't necessarily call developers is also growing," Cannon-Brookes said.

In other words, AI may not be replacing developers. Instead, it appears to be expanding who gets to build software.

If that's right, the long-feared collapse in software jobs and subscriptions may never arrive. Instead, AI could create a much larger pool of people building technology, and an even bigger market for companies like Atlassian.

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

• Hank Green announced a new personal AI policy after backlash.
• Green apologized to fans last week and said he had become too reliant on LLMs.
• He said other content creators should also set an AI policy.

Hank Green, the popular content creator and YouTube star, announced a new AI policy for himself on Friday — and encouraged others to do the same.

In a video posted to the Vlogbrothers YouTube channel that he shares with his brother, author and creator John Green, Green addressed the apology he made last week about "relying too heavily on AI" for research.

"This all started because I said I needed to realign the way I use LLMs. I have thought a lot about that this week. I'd become too reliant on them for advice, for editing, and for sourcing," Green said in the video. "So I'm creating an AI policy for myself."

He outlined "The Hank Green AI Policy" as follows:

1. No portion of any script will be written, edited, or outlined by an LLM.
2. The thesis of a video will always originate with a human.
3. No image or music in a video will be generated by AI. If something is accidentally included, best efforts will be made to remove it.

Green also encouraged other content creators to make an AI policy for themselves.

"It doesn't even have to be public. Just have it. I wish I had had it," he said.

After criticism from some fans over his use of AI, Green apologized to his audience in a Reddit comment last week and said he would slow down or pause some of his projects. He said he'd pause the daily word games he produces, SMUSH and 4x3, and would post less on his Hankschannel YouTube page.

In his latest video, Green said he'd been "so enticed by LLMs" that he was using them to start and research many different projects, all at the same time."

"The more time I spent with it, the more every problem was starting to look like an LLM-shaped problem," he said. "And that's dumb."

Green also apologized to the employees at Complexly, a nonprofit founded by the Green brothers, who help produce some of their most popular YouTube shows, like SciShow and CrashCourse. He said Complexly already had an AI policy and defended the work it had produced.

"Whatever reputational hit or loss of trust I have brought upon myself here, that's mine to take and try to earn back," he said.

Green said he plans to slow down his content production and be more "choosy" about the opportunities he pursues.

"Making more things does not make me make better things," he said. "And people need to be able to absolutely trust that my takes are my takes — which they are."

Green and Complexly did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Business Insider.

Update: Our deal-hunting experts have scoured the internet for fresh Paramount Plus coupon and promo codes, but we haven't found any active, valid discounts at the time of writing. We'll keep searching for new codes and deals and update this page as we find them, so keep checking back for more. If you're still thinking of signing up for Paramount Plus today, you can keep scrolling to learn about savings on annual plans, or head back to checkout.

Paramount Plus might have started as a way to stream buzzy CBS shows on demand, but the app has evolved into one of the best streaming services on the market, thanks to its impressive selection of originals, sports programming, and (in the Premium tier) Showtime series. The streaming service is already one of the more budget-friendly apps on the market, but using one of the best Paramount Plus coupon and promo codes can help you save even more on a subscription.

Paramount Plus carries the full slate of popular CBS shows, from franchise favorites like "NCIS" and "Criminal Minds" to newer series such as "Boston Blue" and "Ghosts." Most notably, the service gets the new episodes of "Survivor" and "Marshals" the day after they air on linear TV (or live, depending on which tier you're subscribed to). But the service carries much more than CBS faves, including popular original series like "Dutton Ranch" and award-winning films such as "No Country for Old Men." The streamer also offers an ever-growing line-up of live sports, including UFC events and NFL on CBS games.

By upgrading to a Paramount Plus Premium plan, you gain access to a live stream of your local CBS station. This tier also unlocks Showtime titles, including popular ongoing series such as "Yellowjackets" and "Dexter: Resurrection," among others. For a deeper look into everything that Paramount Plus has to offer, you can check out our Paramount Plus guide and in-depth Paramount Plus review.

Even with the most recent price hike, Paramount Plus remains one of the most affordable streaming services available. The ad-supported plan is one of the most competitively priced apps, given the sheer volume of quality content for just $9 a month compared to competitors. That said, a promo code is a great way to help make a Paramount Plus subscription even cheaper at checkout. These codes are pretty rare, but we're always on the lookout for new ones. To help make saving easy, we've rounded up the best active discounts below.

Today's best Paramount Plus coupon codes

Previous Paramount Plus promo codes

Are there any other Paramount Plus sales running at the moment?

At this time, there are no active deals running at Paramount Plus. The most recent limited-time sale discounted the first two months of service on both Premium and Essential plans down to just $0.99 a month, before plans returned to their then-standard rates. The deal wrapped up on June 25, but we're always on the hunt for more discounts, which usually pop up every few months or so (especially around major shopping holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday).

Opting for an annual plan remains a great, evergreen way to save on the streaming service, especially if it's something you're planning to hold onto for a while. You can save money each year compared to what you'd pay after 12 months of a month-to-month subscription. An annual subscription is also a great way to temporarily avoid any upcoming price hikes. Check out the savings breakdown below:

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How to use Paramount Plus coupons and promo codes

Using a Paramount Plus coupon code is a simple process. Like other streaming services, Paramount Plus requires you to create an account to enroll in a plan. If you're on the sign-up page, choose a plan and create an account using your name, email, ZIP code, and a new password. From there, you'll be taken to a checkout page where you can apply a coupon code by clicking "Have a coupon code?" to paste in a promo code.

Can you stack Paramount Plus coupon codes?

Paramount Plus coupon codes cannot be stacked together. The system only allows for one promo to be applied at a time. However, we don't often see more than one active coupon code available at a time, so this shouldn't be a frequent problem

Paramount Plus coupons: frequently asked questions

Does Paramount Plus offer discounts for teachers, students, or the military?

Paramount Plus offers verified service members 50% off any plan for life. Students currently enrolled in an accredited institution can get 50% off any plan. Verified teachers, faculty, and staff members can get 50% off any plan.

If you fall into the education category, be sure to check our roundups for the best student discounts and the best teacher discounts you can score year-round.

Which Paramount Plus plans can I choose from?

Paramount Plus has two main tiers of service, which are available as either monthly or annual plans. The base tier, Paramount Plus Essential, costs $8.99 a month or $89.99 a year. Essential includes ad-supported access to most of the streamer's catalog (except for Showtime) and select live events.

Paramount Plus Premium, previously known as Paramount Plus with Showtime, offers a little extra. Premium costs $13.99 a month or $139.99 a year and includes ad-free access to the streamer's entire catalog (including Showtime programming). Users can also live stream their local CBS station, so you can watch CBS shows and sports live as they air.

Both plans are solid options, and deciding which one is right for you ultimately comes down to personal taste and budget. If you're only interested in UFC or catching a CBS show on demand with ads, Essential will do the trick. However, if you're tired of ads, want to watch CBS live, or are interested in a broader catalog of prestige programming, you'll probably want to upgrade to Premium.

Does Paramount Plus offer a free trial?

Paramount Plus doesn't have a free trial for new users. Previously, the streaming platform had a week-long trial period for first-time customers, but the offer was discontinued in early 2026.

Is Paramount Plus available outside the United States?

Yes, Paramount Plus is available in select countries outside the United States, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Austria, and more. You can explore a full list of countries with access to Paramount Plus on the streamer's global landing page. Libraries sometimes vary by location. For example, "Yellowstone" is available on several international versions of Paramount Plus, but it's not included in US subscriptions.

Where can I watch Paramount Plus?

The Paramount Plus app is available across a massive selection of devices, including iOS and Android mobile devices, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TVs and tablets, Samsung TV, Google TV, LG TV, and Chromecast, among others. Notably, it's also available on Apple Vision Pro, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox. You can find a full list of supported devices (along with supported models and operating systems) on the Paramount Plus website.

What's coming soon to Paramount Plus?

Like most streaming services, Paramount Plus constantly updates its library to bring you more content. This month, Paramount Plus users will get access to hit originals and specials, shows, popular movies, new live sporting events, and more. See their website for a full list of what's coming to Paramount Plus this month.

Some of the top new TV shows and season premieres on Paramount Plus in August include "Lioness" Season 3, "The Challenge: Cutthroat" Season 42, and "Average Joe" Season 2. New episodes of "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" Season 4 will continue to drop on Thursdays, and the new "Special Ops TRUE" docuseries is also now streaming, in addition to multiple films.

Which live sports events are available on Paramount Plus?

While the best way to watch the most live sports on Paramount Plus is through a Premium subscription, the Essential tier also includes select sports live streaming. Essential plans come with NFL on CBS games and UEFA Champions League matches. Paramount Plus also acquired UFC broadcast rights beginning in 2026, and fans can watch all events with either tier of service.

If you opt for a Premium plan, you'll unlock CBS live streaming. This will allow you to catch major sporting events broadcast on the network, including the Masters Tournament and certain March Madness games. CBS also carries select NWSL, WNBA, and college football games, among other events.

Check out more great streaming sales in our guide to the best streaming deals and our roundup of the best Peacock promo codes.

The best tennis players in the world are heading to Canada for one of the sport's oldest active tournaments, with the men's strand of the 2026 Canadian (or National Bank) Open taking place in Montreal and the women's in Toronto. Wherever you are (and whatever you call it), we'll explain how you can watch Canadian Open live streams this August, including how to unlock a free option.

Being ATP and WTA 1000 events, the Tennis Channel has the rights to show all the action in the US. Cord cutters can also watch on the network's very own streaming platform, or via an OTT cable alternative (more information and options below). Sportsnet will show it in Canada, and it's on Sky Sports for tennis fans in the UK. The Philippines has free coverage of the tournament on BlastTV. You can unlock any of these viewing methods from anywhere with a VPN.

Canadian Victoria Mboko brought some national pride to proceedings last year, with only the third win for a homegrown player in the Open era. She won't be back to defend her title, alas, after withdrawing due to injury. Félix Auger-Aliassime, another Canadian hopeful, was also forced to withdraw due to injury. That leaves things up to the likes of Leylah Fernandez to try to keep the crown in the Great White North.

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and two-time champ Jessica Pegula are among the female favorites, with 11th seed Naomi Osaka always being a solid outside bet, as is new DC Open champion, Alex Eala. With Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev eliminated in the Round of 64 and a few other top players skipping the tournament, the men's field is slightly more open. To watch every second of the action, keep reading this guide to watch the National Bank Open in 2026 — including advice on what to do if you're overseas when it's on.

How to watch Canadian Open for free

We can thank Alex Eala's rise to fame in the Philippines for today's free offering of the men's and women's Canadian Open. Blast TV is a streaming service in the Philippines with a mix of free and premium channels, and the Premier Sports and Premier Sports 2 channels are packed with matches from the tournament, with no payment required. Just create a free account and you're all set.

However, if you're outside the Philippines, you'll need to use a VPN to bypass geo-blockers. We have more details below if you're new to such workarounds.

How to watch Canadian Open from anywhere

Watching ATP and WTA tennis can be tricky when you're overseas. Try tapping into your usual streaming provider or free feeds from overseas, and you'll find coverage is blocked due to geographical restrictions. Thankfully, there's a straightforward way to get around this nuisance: by using a VPN (virtual private network). The technology works by making your laptop, smartphone, tablet, or other streaming device look as though it's in another location entirely. So you can choose a server located in your home country and watch your regular tennis stream.

NordVPN is the best VPN around. It provides lickity-split speeds, super-smooth usability across devices, market-leading security, and an impressive reputation for unblocking a range of streaming services. You can read more in our NordVPN review and, if it sounds like the right product for you, subscribe safely in the knowledge that there's a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Where to watch Canadian Open in the US

The Tennis Channel is the place to watch ATP Masters and WTA 1000 events like these in the US. The Tennis Channel is carried on several cable plans, or, if you want to watch online, you can subscribe directly on its website for $12 a month or $110 a year. Alternatively, it's well serviced by a variety of OTT streaming services.

YouTube TV is another option you can try, and it is a little more reasonably priced than Fubo (although it carries 100+ fewer channels than Fubo's pricier plans). To get the Tennis Channel, you'll need its standard plan for $83 a month — with $15 off for each of your first five months — together with the $11 a month Sports Plus Add-on that also includes the likes of NFL RedZone, Fox Soccer Plus, Fight Network, and Players TV. YouTube TV offers a free trial for new users.

Fubo includes the Tennis Channel on its Sports + News plan for $65 a month. Plus, it's one of 200+ channels featured in its comprehensive Pro and Elite plans, which are pitched as full cable-replacement services. New users can try before they buy thanks to Fubo's free trial.

Where to watch Canadian Open in Canada

Canada's home tennis Open will be shown on Sportsnet domestically (and TVA for French-language coverage) — so you can watch all the action if you already get access through cable. If not, you have the option to sign up for the online Sportsnet Plus streaming service to stream tennis alongside NHL, NBA, MLB, UFC, UK soccer, and loads more, with plans starting at $30 a month.

Where to watch Canadian Open in the UK

Sky Sports is the rights holder for these tournaments in the UK. It means subscribers can also watch the men's and women's tennis online on their mobiles, thanks to the Sky Go app. If you don't want to sign up for a full-blown Sky TV package, then you can opt for a more flexible Now Sports Membership, which starts from as little as £15 a day or currently £30 a month.

Where does the Canadian Open take place?

The Canadian Open takes place in two cities, with the men's and women's tournaments shared between venues in Montreal and Toronto and alternating between them each year. 2026 sees the men head to the IGA Stadium in Montreal, while it's the women's turn to play at Sobeys Stadium in Toronto.

Who are some of the most notable contestants playing the Canadian Open?

As one of the most prestigious ATP/WTA 1000 ranking tournaments, most of the biggest names in tennis are participating in the 2026 Canadian Open. Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka, and Alexandra Eala are some of the top contestants in the women's tournament. Some of the top men's players still in the mix are Ben Shelton, Casper Ruud, and Jiri Lehecka.

The most notable absentees will be reigning women's champion Victoria Mboko, who withdrew earlier due to injury, and Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, who pulled out at the last minute. Carlos Alcaraz is still recovering from a long-term injury.

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

Flip phones are so back, and just like the early 2000's, cases are all the rage. Not only is it important for decorative purposes, but a case is the best way to prolong a phone's lifetime and prevent dings, scratches, and shattering. With that in mind, I've gathered all of the best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 cases below to help you find the right choice for your new foldable.

Unlike the new Samsung Fold smartphones, the Flip 8 has no shortage of cases to choose from, thanks to its accessory-like form factor. From artist collaboration exclusives from Samsung to affordable clear cases from Spigen, you really can choose from a variety of options, finishes, and materials. All of the brands and options below are highlights from brands we've personally tested and loved.

The best Galaxy Z Flip 8 Ultra Cases

The Galaxy Z Flip 8 doesn't have a built-in magnet, so the best cases will include one for use with MagSafe accessories. All of the highlights below cover that, but not all include hinge protection, so keep a close eye on what you need before adding to cart.

• Browse more cases at Amazon | Dbrand | Samsung

What is the best Galaxy Z Flip 8 case?

Smartphone owners prone to drops should consider a more protective case for their new Z Flip 8, such as a premium brand like OtterBox or a budget-friendly option like Spigen. Alternatively, fans of unique designs may prefer Casetify or Samsung's exclusive art cases, featuring Esther Bunny, Pingu, and Kakao Friends.

Do Galaxy Z Flip 7 cases fit the Galaxy Z Flip 8?

Due to its smaller size and thinner overall build, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is a completely different shape from its predecessor, the Flip 7. Cases designed for earlier generations won't fit the latest phone.

What screen protector should I get?

A screen protector is always a great idea, especially with external screens and lenses at risk on foldable phones. For the Galaxy Z Flip 8, I recommend checking out Spigen's screen protectors and camera lens shields for the job.

Haven't ordered your device yet? Check out the best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 deals in our guide. See more recommendations in our Fold 8 and Fold 8 ultra case guides.

Follow us on Instagram and WhatsApp for the latest deals, reviews, and buying guides.

Update: We're constantly searching for Peacock promo codes and deals, but at this time, there aren't any active discounts. We'll keep and eye out for coupon codes and update this page as we find them, so keep checking back. If you'd still like to sign up for Peacock today, you can explore evergreen savings with Peacock's annual plans and bundles below or head back to checkout.

Since its launch in 2020, Peacock has gradually climbed the ranks of the best streaming services. The streamer carries a massive collection of programming, featuring everything from classic movies and network TV shows to original streaming exclusives. The app has also built out an impressive selection of live sports programming and reality TV series, so there's something for every type of viewer on the NBCUniversal app. There are multiple tiers of service available, including a budget-minded plan, but one of the best ways to unlock extra savings is by using one of the best Peacock promo codes.

While NBC hits like "Law & Order: SVU" and "The Office" might be the initial selling point for Peacock, the streaming service's catalog reaches far beyond that. Reality TV fans can binge Bravo hits like "Vanderpump Rules" and the "Real Housewives" franchise, as well as Peacock reality originals such as "The Traitors" and "Love Island USA." There's an enticing selection of films, from horror flicks like "Obsession" to classics such as "Good Will Hunting."

Peacock also carries an impressive slate of original TV series, including hits like "M.I.A.," "Ponies," and "The Burbs." The streaming service even offers select live sports events, including multiple NFL, NBA, and WNBA games each season. Some of the games are streaming exclusives, meaning even cable subscribers might need to sign up for Peacock if they want to watch every game of the season.

You can learn more about the service in our Peacock TV guide, where we break down everything you need to know about subscription tiers, prices, content, and bundling opportunities. While the streaming service is still fairly affordable, thanks in no small part to its newer budget-friendly Select plan, deals and coupon codes remain some of the best ways to cut costs. That said, these discounts are hard to come by, so we've rounded up the best ongoing Peacock savings opportunities below.

Today's best Peacock coupons and promo codes

Previous Peacock promo codes

Are there any other Peacock sales running at the moment?

Peacock isn't offering any limited-time deals right now, and sales from the streaming service have become pretty rare over the past year (the streamer even sat out Black Friday and Cyber Monday in 2025). However, there are still plenty of ways to save on a subscription, including annual plans and bundles.

Peacock annual plans always offer savings year over year compared to the total amount you'd pay over 12 months with a monthly subscription. The Peacock and Apple TV bundles offer savings each month when compared to the price of subscribing to multiple services separately. Check out the savings below:

• Follow us on Instagram and WhatsApp for more deals and buying guides

How to use Peacock promo codes

You must create an account to take advantage of the Peacock promo code. From the Peacock landing page, you can click "Pick Your Plan" and then hit "Choose" on the option you want. From there, you'll be taken to a checkout page where you can create an account by entering your name, email, password, ZIP code, and birthday. On this page, you can apply the promo code by clicking "Have a promo code?," pasting the code into the text box, and clicking "Apply."

Can you stack Peacock promo codes?

Peacock promo codes cannot be stacked together. Only one code may be applied per account at a time. In the past, we've found that there's usually only one Peacock promo code active at a time, if at all, so this issue shouldn't come up much.

Peacock promo code frequently asked questions

Does Peacock offer discounts for teachers, students, or the military?

Peacock offers multiple special discounts for select occupations. The streamer has a student discount, allowing eligible students to pay $5.99 monthly for the first 12 months of their Peacock Premium subscription instead of the original $10.99. Eligible teachers and military members can also receive a discounted Peacock Premium subscription for $6.99 monthly for the first 12 months. Even if you're not a student, Peacock also offers a young adult discount of $5.99 a month for the first 12 months of Peacock Premium for those who are ages 18-24.

All of these discounts are subject to required verification. Those who are still eligible after the first 12 months might be able to renew (with further verification) at the then-standard discount rate.

Be sure to check out our roundups of the best student discounts and the best teacher discounts for more savings.

What is the difference between Peacock Premium and Peacock Premium Plus?

Peacock Premium and Peacock Premium Plus are the two main tiers of the streaming service. There's also Peacock Select, which we'll dig into further down the page.

Peacock Premium costs $10.99 a month or $109.99 a year. It gives you access to the streaming service's full catalog (including movies, NBC shows, Peacock originals, and Bravo programming), but it's supported by ads. Premium also offers access to select live sports and events, including full coverage of the Olympics.

Peacock Premium Plus costs $16.99 a month or $169.99 a year. Like Premium, it gives subscribers access to Peacock's full catalog of content, although you'll be able to watch on-demand programming ad-free. Premium also unlocks 24/7 live streams of your local NBC station and gives you the ability to download certain programming so that you can watch it later offline.

Does Peacock offer a free trial?

No, Peacock doesn't have a free trial. The streaming service initially offered users a weeklong free trial, but this option was later removed. There is also no longer a free tier of Peacock, so you'll need to pay for plan to access any programming.

Do Instacart Plus and Walmart Plus members get Peacock?

Multiple grocery delivery services offer Peacock subscriptions at no extra cost. Instacart Plus added Peacock as a perk in 2023, and members can access Peacock Premium to get the streaming service's full library of ad-supported content. Walmart Plus members also have access to Peacock. A Walmart Plus membership grants access to either Paramount Plus Essential or Peacock Premium. Members can choose between the two ad-supported services every 90 days, so customers can switch back and forth or just use one service continuously.

Where can I watch Peacock?

Peacock's streaming app is available on iOS and Android mobile devices, Roku, LG Smart TV, Samsung Smart TV, Google TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Xfinity, and more. Peacock is also available on gaming consoles like PlayStation (4 and 5) and Xbox (One, Series X, and Series S). For a full list of supported devices (along with required generations and operating systems), see Peacock's website.

Is Peacock available outside the United States?

Peacock is available to watch within the United States and certain US territories, such as Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the US Virgin Islands. However, there are no international versions of Peacock, unlike some of its main competitors. If you're hoping to use the service while traveling in other regions, it will be worth trying one of the best VPNs.

Which live sports events are available on Peacock?

If you're a sports fan, Peacock has you covered. Subscribers get access to Sunday Night Football during the NFL season, NBA games, WNBA games, soccer matches from the Premier League, golf tournaments, cycling races (including the Tour de France), and more. NBC had the broadcast rights to Super Bowl LX and the 2026 NBA All-Star game.

Peacock is also the main US streaming hub for the Olympics. NBC and other NBCUniversal networks offer loads of broadcasts from the most notable events, but if you're hoping to watch everything that the Olympics has to offer, including live coverage at off-hours and less mainstream sports, then Peacock is the best option. Peacock most recently carried the 2026 Winter Olympics, and NBCUniversal holds the US broadcast rights to the Olympics through the 2036 Summer Games. You can learn more about sports coverage on Peacock's website.

What's new on Peacock?

Peacock subscribers recently gained access to new TV episodes, including the season finales of "Saturday Night Live," "Saturday Night Live UK," and several of the network's procedural dramas. New movies have also joined the platform, including "You, Me & Tuscany" and "Obsession," along with older movies that are new to Peacock, such as "The Help," "Fantastic Mr. Fox," "School of Rock," and "The Big Short."

The streamer is also constantly dropping new original series. Recent additions to Peacock include "The Burbs," "The Miniature Wife," and the just-released "The Five Star Weekend." The latest season of "Love Island USA" also premiered on the streaming service in early June. Learn more about what's new on Peacock on their website.

What is Peacock Select?

Peacock Select is the streaming service's newest and cheapest tier, which was initially rolled out in 2025. At $7.99 a month or $79.99 a year, Select is the cheapest of Peacock's subscription plans. Select plans grant subscribers access to TV favorites from NBC, Bravo, and more. However, Select is missing quite a few programming categories, including movies, Peacock originals, and live sports/events.

Since it's so pared-down, we mainly recommend this tier for those who don't mind advertisements and are simply looking for a budget-friendly way to get caught up on-demand with broadcast favorites. Otherwise, it's worth shelling out a bit extra each month for Premium or Premium Plus.

Check out more streaming discounts in our guides to the best streaming deals and bundles and the latest Paramount Plus coupons.

A new semester is upon us, and a college student's most important piece of gear will likely be their backpack. Beyond being a protective way to carry a laptop, it has to keep the rest of your school belongings organized and feel natural to daily campus life.

Our team has tested the best backpacks for college students on their ability to hold a day's worth essentials neatly and comfortably. Naturally, we also looked for the best-looking, ergonomic designs. Our favorites look sleek and polished, even when filled to their brim.

If you're looking for something to take on study abroad trips, I also love the popular Dagne Dover Dakota for its luggage sleeve, luxe look, and neat removable compartments. Below are more of our favorite backpacks that contain all the features for a smooth return back to school.

The top college backpacks:

How we tested college backpacks

Laptop protection: A padded laptop compartment is of utmost importance for college backpacks. We checked our MacBooks for dents or scratches after dropping our backpacks from a standing height. The most protective laptop backpacks suspended our laptop off the bottom of the bag, thereby absorbing the bulk of the shock.

Comfort and ergonomic design: The most comfortable backpacks were those with wide shoulder straps and padded, ventilated back panels to relieve sweat stains. Our tall testers ensured the adjustable straps were long enough so the backpack rested comfortably in the center of their torsos. Backpacks with with sternum straps (such as our top pick, the North Face Recon) worked especially well to correct slumped posture during long walks with heavy loads.

Storage features: An average size of 26 liters was the most-agreed-upon size for campus life. Even when your main learning tool is your laptop, you need little pockets for the odds and ends. We looked for backpacks with separate compartments to prevent tangled charging cords. Some nice-to-have features included a key leash and mesh sleeves that let us easily see what's inside.

Hardware and fabric quality: We checked that backpacks had smooth, quiet zippers that glide over bulky contents. For any water-resistant backpacks we tested, such as the Cotopaxi Allpa, we did a simple pour test to examine whether they effectively sealed out moisture.

Sleek design: Our team's style preferences range from minimalistic modern to gorpy, but we all agreed that the less bulk, the better. We tested backpacks that maintain a slim silhouette, even when they're full to the brim. Learn more about how the Reviews team tests bags and accessories at BI.

Best overall: The North Face Recon Backpack

The North Face Recon Backpack stands out as the perfect combination of our top three criteria: it's durable enough to last years, highly functional with tons of storage, and felt comfortable to wear for hours.

It has a posture-correcting design. We tested its suspension system (including a sternum strap, back clips, and removable waist belt) which helped balance the weight of a full backpack evenly. This in turn alleviates chronic back pain students get from carrying heavy loads over time. We also liked that the rear is padded with a ventilated cushion, and its wide shoulder straps for easier lifting.

The pockets are intuitively placed. Its medium-size main compartment has a laptop sleeve, a front mesh pocket filled with practical separations for all of your charging cords, smaller devices, and writing utensils. Plus, it has two water bottle pockets on its sides.

Safety features are a nice bonus. The chest buckle has a whistle, and the backpack has a reflective outer layer that stays illuminated in low light. Plus, the sleeves are plush enough to protect your tech from breaking on impact. 

Overall, the Recon makes a great confidence-boosting gift for students heading off to a new school. In terms of style, its minimal design and vast array of colorways create a versatile choice for those commuting to class.

Most comfortable: Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L

Patagonia is one of our favorite B-corp retail companies and we appreciate it's eco-conscious approach to outdoor gear. We highly favored the Refugio during our testing because it has a small outer pocket that's in the perfect spot for quickly grabbing something like a sweater or snacks.

The shoulder straps are supremely comfortable. The lightweight padding feels plush on the shoulders and its sternum strap relieves extra pressure from your spine.

It stays dry in the rain. The Refugio has a recycled nylon exterior is coated with a water repellent finish that wicks moisture. 

It comes with a removable laptop sleeve. If you need to lighten your load, you can slide out the sleeve so it effectively functions as a daypack.

Best carry-all: JanSport Main Campus FX

JanSport's Main Campus FX is an oversized version of a classic design, so it's great for students when they're in school and even after they graduate. Not only is it built perfectly for carrying books and laptops, but it's also versatile, making it easy to use for everything from classes to road trips to the gym.

It's a classic design. The Main Campus FX carries a 15-inch laptop with a heavy load of books and random accessories like headphones, a water bottle, beauty products, and assorted writing utensils. The padded straps make carrying its weight a bit breezier.

It's spacious and has neat organizational features. The dedicated laptop pocket is nicely padded, and there are two other full-size compartments, making room for anything and everything. It also has a keychain in the front pocket to keep your dorm or apartment keys handy.

Best anti-theft: Troubadour Pioneer 3.0

Your most valuable learning tool is your laptop, and if you're on a busy campus, you may be wondering how secure it would be if you were to accidentally leave your backpack behind somewhere. In any case, Troubadour's Pioneer 3.0 waterproof backpack has the design features to give you peace of mind.

You can lock it shut and slip a tracking device in its secret pocket. "The tech section is engineered with protective cushioning to safeguard my laptop from damage, and the lockable main compartment (where I stash my wallet) even features an AirTag pocket just in case I misplace my bag," writes freelance reporter Rebecca Strong.

It's comfortable to carry, even when it's chock-full. "The ergonomic design includes sculpted and padded shoulder straps and a breathable back panel. Did I mention that it looks sleek as heck, and maintains its shape no matter how little or how much I'm storing inside it?" continues Rebecca.

Everything is easy to access. "The shoulder strap pocket allows me to quickly grab my phone or keys, and the dual elasticated 1-litre bottle holders make it simple to hydrate in a cinch," she writes.

Most stylish: Dagne Dover The Dakota

Dagne Dover makes some of our favorite bags we've ever tested. If you like a sophisticated, minimalist design with ample space and clever compartments, its Dakota Neoprene Backpack will be your saving grace.

It comes in three sizes. All of which are water-resistant, shock-absorbent, and complete with sleek straps. Inside there are pockets galore, so no space is wasted. The laptop compartment in the large version fits a 16-inch laptop, which is bigger than the average college device. The main compartment holds up to 20 liters and has a mesh tablet pocket, five medium-sized pockets, and a convenient detachable pouch. Its two exterior pockets can carry your water bottle and a stash of snacks.

It has a trendy, minimalistic design. Despite its simple exterior, we can confidently say this luxury backpack fits everything you'd ever need: a laptop, tablet, textbooks, water bottle, notebook, snacks, and a spare pair of shoes. On the outside, it looks chic and simple, but inside, it gives you all the power to be your most organized self — which is also why we love to wear it as a work backpack. It even has a nearly-invisible slip pocket by the handle where you can keep small items, like a snack or headphones. 

One of our favorite features we discovered while testing is the luggage handle sleeve, which you can slide over the handle of your carry-on as you wheel it around.

Read more in our full Dagne Dover Dakota backpack review. You can also see how it compares to a Quince dupe in our Dagne Dover versus Quince backpack review.

Best weatherproof: Cotopaxi Allpa 26L Daypack

If your campus routine involves a lot of time outdoors, this durable Cotopaxi backpack will be your greatest asset. Perhaps your curriculum involves field work, or you simply have long walks between buildings. Either way, the Allpa Daypack can handle more than a light drizzle.

It performed the best out of all our pour tests. I wore a Cotopaxi Allpa on a backpacking trip to Europe during the rainy fall season, and absolutely no water seeped through. This smaller version is made of the same recycled ripstop nylon, which comes in four bright signature Cotopaxi colors and is super easy to wipe clean. The matte material does retain some scuff marks, but I can tell by how tough and thick it feels that it's not likely to tear.

You can store a lot on the outside of the bag, not just the inside. It can hold your 32-ounce Nalgene for starters, but when it's emptied it can fit a lot more. I used it to store my glasses and sunglasses case, some hand sanitizer, a bulky hair clip, and a few other odds and ends. The stretchy top keeps them contained but at close reach on the outside of the bag. There's also a daisy chains on the front, so you can clip on carabiners to haul more gear.

It has all the key features we look for in a great student backpack. There's a protective 16-inch laptop compartment, an airy, padded back panel to maximize comfort, hidden pockets for safekeeping valuables, and of course, a key leash. The gorpcore aesthetic may not be for everyone, but this is a well-priced, well-made backpack for students of the outdoors.

Best for travel: BÉIS The Travel Backpack

It has a sturdy canvas exterior and a spacios interior. "I'm constantly amazed by just how much I can stuff in here — an entire outfit change, a meal, and so much more," says style contributor Rebecca Strong. The laptop backpack has a padded compartment that fits a MacBook up to 15 inches in length.

The storage features makes everything easy to reach amid any travel chaos. "This BÉIS backpack has two side slip pockets for water bottles and other knick-knacks I need at the ready, an interior and exterior zip pocket, and a padded tech pocket," she continues. "I love that it has a two-way full-zip around closure, and the padded straps have been much appreciated while I'm hustling around on a stressful work day."

It's weak point are the straps. "Honestly, my only issue with this backpack is that sometimes the adjustable straps don't stay at the adjusted length and slide around a bit," adds Rebecca. "But I'm willing to put up with this small annoyance since this backpack is so comfortable, durable, and versatile."

Best small: Lululemon Everywhere Backpack

It perfect for carrying just the basics. If you're going from campus to your dorm and back, you may not need a huge, hulking backpack. This water-resistant, modestly sized 22-liter Lululemon can handle the small stuff, like a 13-inch MacBook and a small lunch bag. However, we didn't like that it lacked any protective padding.

There are zippered pockets inside. Besides the Everywhere Backpack's front exterior pocket, you can keep any small gadgets, like your charger, headphones, and wireless mouse, all stored in its zippered compartments. You can also carry a 24-ounce water bottle and umbrella on its side pockets.

The water-resistant fabric has a nice sheen. When I did a pour test, the backpack wasn't totally waterproof, but it does wick moisture effectively. You'd be safe carrying this in the rain as long as you're not spending extended amounts of time in a downpour. The fabric maintains its luxe sheen even after it's dried.

Best minimalist: Vera Bradley Campus Backpack

For the college student with a maturing style and an appreciation for a spacious bag, this Vera Bradley backpack is both a great stylistic and functional choice.

It has a luggage handle and smooth-pull zippers. Inside is a padded 15-inch laptop compartment along with two side pockets for a water bottle. It has a sizable 25-liter main compartment containing two mesh slip pockets and outer pockets to store smaller items.

It comes in dozens of colorways. This is one of the best college backpacks that combines utility with a minimalistic look7676 in several stylish shades. The small brand tag is monochromatic and located on the side, so it blends in with the rest of the backpack. Once you open its pockets, you get a pop of the brand's signature paisley pattern.

Best organizational features: The Brevitē Backpack

Our jet-setting colleague and friend of the Insider Reviews team flagged Brevitē's backpacks as one of her most consistently used items when she travels.

Its backpacks are also great for school, since they have neat compartments to keep everything organized — your laptop is separate from your books, your phone is separate from your coin purse, and so on. We also like that the design is very minimal, so it's well-suited to a wide range of personal tastes.

It's intuitive to use. In the front pocket, there's a key leash and small compartments for writing utensils and your phone. Then, there are two ways to access the main compartment, via the top or side zipper. We like that the side pocket can stretch to fit a large stainless steel water bottle.

It contains two secret pockets. Inside the main compartment and in the rear, there are two small zippered pockets that you'd miss if you don't look closely. They're perfect for storing your wallet or AirPods, so you can discreetly pull them out when you need them.

Best sporty: The North Face Borealis Backpack

The North Face is known for making durable and high-quality gear and the Borealis Backpack, one of the brand's most classic styles, is no different.

It's great for hauling all sorts of gear. The 28-liter size fits just about everything you need for class and then some. It has the standard features: a nicely padded laptop pocket, a spacious main compartment, side pockets for water bottles, a small fleece-lined outer pocket, and a bigger outer pocket with pockets and places for pens. It's built with a chest and hip belt, making it useful for hikes too.

It's easy to open and close. There's also a small but thoughtful feature to appreciate: U-pull zippers that make unzipping any of its pockets 10 times easier. The Borealis Backpack may not have a bunch of hidden compartments in the niftiest spaces, but it does what it needs to with quality materials made to last a long while. And for the same price, the Women's Borealis is specifically designed to fit a slighter build.

Best for taller students: Herschel Little America Backpack

The Herschel Little America backpack is a classic carryall with a deceiving name. With its spacious 25 liters and nicely padded laptop compartment, the pack is made to help you carry everything you need for school while sporting a timeless style.

You can expand or collapse the bag easily. The main compartment is like a huge pit where you can fit a lot of things: books, snacks, tech, and more. It also has two small side pockets on the inside. Little America is easily expandable and easily collapsible. The single outer pocket is perfect for storing quick things you may need throughout your day.

It has extra long adjustable straps. The backside is thoroughly padded for comfortable carrying. Though, personally, we think this backpack works best on taller people since it's 19.25 inches long. For this reason, the bag is a bit overwhelming on a shorter back.

Best expandable: Fjällräven Kånken Laptop 15"

You can customize its width to fit in small spaces. The compact rectangular design of the Kanken can be expanded, making it especially versatile. The sleek look makes this a functional piece as well as a nice addition to almost any outfit. It has three pockets: a laptop pocket, main compartment, and outer pouch. The laptop pocket is well padded and the zipper is tucked away in the back. The straps are nice and soft, though oriented differently than the typical backpack, and it has two side pouches that can be used to store a water bottle and possibly even an umbrella.

It's a popular eco-friendly brand. I see this backpack all the time on my college campus. The sleek look makes this a functional piece as well as a nice addition to almost any outfit.

FAQs on college backpacks

What size college backpack do I need?

When it comes to storage capacity, you don't need anything larger than 20-30 liters. This gives you enough space for your laptop, a couple textbooks, and the daily essentials.

Do I need a dedicated laptop compartment?

Yes. No matter how stylish the backpack, your laptop is at risk if it's not protected with enough cushioning to break its fall. See our guide to the best laptop backpacks for more of our favorite tech-friendly picks.

How do I choose the right fit for my body?

Know your measurements so you can compare them to the size of the backpack. The key figure is your torso length, not your height. You should also measure your hips, shoulder width, and chest width. Look for backpacks with adjustable rear panels if you need a more custom fit.

• The Treasury announced new steps to take over millions of defaulted student-loan accounts.
• They include new partnerships with vendors to facilitate collections and a centralized rehabilitation hub.
• Former officials and lawmakers have said the Treasury may not be equipped to manage student loans.

The transfer of student-loan accounts to the Treasury Department is moving forward.

On Friday, the Treasury released new plans to take over management of the federal defaulted student-loan portfolio.

The plans, first reported by Business Insider, include creating a new "Default Resolution Hub" intended to serve as a centralized location for borrowers to plan their steps to return to good standing. The Treasury is also seeking to partner with vendors who will facilitate collections on defaulted loans and advise borrowers on their options to leave default, according to a Treasury official.

"Transforming the way defaulted loans are serviced is the foundation for a federal student loan program that is more efficient and delivers better outcomes for both borrowers and taxpayers," Treasury Sec. Scott Bessent said in a statement.

The Treasury official said the agency is also working to streamline the process by which defaulted borrowers securely share tax information.

The consequences of defaulting include wage garnishment and the seizure of federal benefits, like Social Security. Those involuntary collection efforts have been paused since January, and the Trump administration has not specified when the pause will be lifted.

This follows the Education Department's March announcement that it would transfer management of the student-loan portfolio to the Treasury, beginning with the accounts of the 10 million borrowers in default. The transfer is set to occur in phases and is part of the Trump administration's broader goal of dismantling the Education Department and transferring its responsibilities to other agencies.

Former administration officials previously told Business Insider that it's unclear if the Treasury is equipped to handle the $1.7 trillion student-loan portfolio, citing the complexity of student-loan repayment. The Obama administration also conducted a pilot program in 2015 during which the Treasury took over a portion of defaulted student-loan accounts, and it was ultimately unsuccessful, collecting at lower rates than private agencies.

Mason Champion, the Treasury's assistant secretary, wrote in a May letter to lawmakers that the Treasury reached an agreement with the Education Department to send seven Education employees to Treasury, and two Treasury employees to Education, which Champion said will "support the implementation of the partnership, with an initial focus on the transition of operational responsibility for the defaulted portfolio to Treasury."

Lawmakers have also weighed in. Over 60 Democratic lawmakers called in a June letter for a stop to the transfer of student-loan accounts to the Treasury, citing record-high default rates. A month later, Republican lawmakers introduced a bill to codify the plan.

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

• In October, Starbucks will stop covering GLP-1 drugs prescribed for weight loss for benefits-eligible employees.
• The move comes as GLP-1 drugs consume a growing share of employers' healthcare spending.
• While some employers retreat from coverage, Bank of America is spending heavily to keep the benefit.

Starbucks is pulling back coverage for weight-loss drugs, a reversal that comes as employers' spending on popular GLP-1 medicines soars.

Starting in October, the Seattle-based coffee chain's health plans will no longer cover GLP-1 medications prescribed for weight loss for benefits-eligible employees, though the drugs may still be covered for other conditions. Starbucks offers health benefits to full- and part-time employees who work at least 20 hours a week.

A spokesperson for Starbucks confirmed the decision, which hasn't previously been reported, and declined to comment further.

Starbucks' move reflects a broader recalibration of a benefit that has rapidly reshaped corporate health plans. Originally developed for diabetes, GLP-1 drugs have become highly sought-after treatments for obesity, which is associated with a range of chronic health conditions. Soaring costs, however, are prompting some employers to limit eligibility.

GLP-1 drugs accounted for 11.4% of corporate employers' total annual claims last year, up from 6.9% in 2023, according to a 2026 survey by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, a nonprofit. Further, 36% of corporate employers covered the drugs for both diabetes and weight loss in 2026, while 60% covered them only for diabetes, the findings show.

The pullback comes as employers confront faster-rising health costs more broadly. Average health-benefit costs per employee rose 6% last year and are projected to rise 6.7% this year, according to Mercer. The growing use of costly GLP-1 medications is one of the main drivers of the increase, the benefits-consulting firm said.

Other large employers have stopped covering GLP-1s for weight loss, too, including Allina Health and, reportedly, PwC.

Allina Health, a Minnesota-based health system, ended coverage for GLP-1 medications prescribed for weight loss for employees and their covered dependents in January 2025. The company said at the time that continuing the benefit would have significantly increased medical premiums. A spokesperson for Allina Health was not immediately available for comment.

Not all employers are shying away from covering GLP-1 drugs for obesity. Earlier this week, Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan said the bank spends more than $250 million a year on GLP-1 coverage for employees, or roughly 13% of its more than $2 billion annual healthcare budget. He said the bank views the expenditure as an investment in employee health.

• Meta executive Andrew Bosworth was asked at a Q&A if AI gains could be used to take more time off.
• Bosworth replied that it should instead be used to build "cooler stuff" for Meta users.
• Meta declined to comment. The company provides four weeks off a year, plus public holidays.

Should tech workers supercharged by AI be able to take more time off? Meta's chief technology officer, Andrew Bosworth, said he doesn't think so.

That's what Bosworth told employees at a Q&A in early July, according to three people on the call.

A Meta employee asked Bosworth if AI productivity gains could be channeled into more vacation time — specifically, the revival of "Meta Days," a since-canceled holiday program that allowed staff to take a few extra days off.

In response, Bosworth said that while working at Meta isn't easy, that time should be used to build more products for its users — since Meta staff are "doing the most exciting stuff on the planet."

"I hope that what we do with our extra time is do even more and cooler stuff for the users who use our products every day," Bosworth said. "We got billions of people using our products every day. I get an extra hour. You know what I do with it? I put it into that."

He told the employee who asked the question that while he was not trying to give them a hard time, "stop asking about Meta Days. It's very dumb."

"Go to your parents and ask them: Hey, like every time I get a chance to talk to my boss, ask me if I can have more days off. Ask your parents what they think of that as a career strategy," Bosworth said.

Bosworth added that he was sorry for coming down "too hard" on the employee without meaning to, and he felt the question was "tongue-in-cheek."

Meta declined to provide a statement on Bosworth's comments.

The company provides four working weeks off a year, plus public holidays, according to a person familiar with the matter. It replaced Meta Days with two extra "choice days," allowing staff to use those whenever they wish.

Bosworth's comments come at a time of broader debate about the impact of AI on productivity and working conditions in tech. AI has encouraged some workplaces — such as Amazon's — to embrace a more intense work environment where fewer employees can get more done.

Similarly, some predict that the productivity will be channeled into more work. In 2023, Morgan Stanley predicted that generative AI would boost income and help millions of workers take on second and third jobs.

Others have said that AI will give people more free time to spend with their families. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos said he expects AI to make it easier for households to transition back to a single earner.

Have a tip? Contact Charles via email at crollet@businessinsider.com or on Signal and WhatsApp at 628-282-2811. Use a personal email address, a nonwork WiFi network, and a nonwork device; here's our guide to sharing information securely.

• Ina Garten has a quick Bolognese pasta that she says is perfect for busy weeknights.
• The dish includes orecchiette pasta, ground sirloin, fresh basil, and dry red wine.
• Garten's Bolognese only takes 30 minutes and is packed with so much flavor.

Ina Garten has always been my go-to for pasta. I've tried so many of her recipes that I've even ranked them.

One of my all-time favorites is her weeknight Bolognese, which can easily be adapted with whatever's in your fridge or pantry.

The rich and comforting dish was exactly what I needed after a long workday. Better yet? It only took 30 minutes.

Garten's weeknight Bolognese includes orecchiette, ground sirloin, and dry red wine.

To make Garten's weeknight Bolognese for 4-5 people, you'll need:

• 1 pound of dried pasta, such as orecchiette or small shells
• 1 pound of lean ground sirloin
• 1 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 ¼ cups of dry red wine, divided
• ¼ cup of heavy cream
• ¼ cup of chopped fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
• 4 cloves of minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

When it comes to the canned tomatoes, Garten strongly recommends using the San Marzano variety. The "Barefoot Contessa" star is not a fan of plain canned tomatoes. But Garten does allow for other adjustments — this recipe is meant to be pantry-friendly!

You can substitute the sirloin for any ground meat or chopped mushrooms. Garten says it's also fine to "use any dried pasta that you like" for this dish, and that it's OK to skip the cream and basil if you don't have any on hand.

Before I started making the Bolognese sauce, I needed to do a little prep.

I minced my garlic and chopped my basil.

Then I began cooking the ground sirloin.

I heated 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and added my meat.

I used a wooden spoon to crumble the meat, stirring it occasionally. Garten's recipe recommends cooking the meat for five to seven minutes, until it's no longer pink.

After the meat had fully browned, I added my seasonings.

I threw in my minced garlic, along with the dried oregano and red pepper flakes.

It was time for some wine!

I let the meat cook for one minute, then I poured a cup of red wine into the skillet. Garten's recipe specifies using a dry red wine, so I went with a pinot noir.

After pouring the wine, I used my wooden spoon to stir everything together.

Then I added my San Marzano tomatoes and tomato paste.

I couldn't find crushed San Marzano tomatoes at my local supermarket, so I had to get peeled ones instead. I ran the tomatoes through a food processor before I threw them into the pan, but you could easily use your hands to crush them up.

After adding the tomato paste, I seasoned everything with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

I gave everything a good stir, then brought my sauce to a boil.

Once it began to bubble, I lowered the heat and allowed the pan to simmer for 10 minutes while I got a separate pot of water going for my pasta. (Don't forget to add salt!)

As the noodles cooked, I put the finishing touches on my sauce.

I added fresh basil leaves, along with nutmeg and heavy cream.

The sauce smelled delicious and had turned into a comforting, deep-red color.

And after 10 minutes, my pasta was al dente and ready to go.

I transferred the pasta shells to my sauce using a slotted spoon.

Per Garten's instructions, I made sure to save the pasta water.

I added another ¼ cup of the red wine and a few spoonfuls of my pasta water to the pan.

Dinner was almost served!

Garten's pasta looked glorious — and it tasted great too.

The "Barefoot Contessa" star has a knack for giving classic recipes a new twist, and her weeknight Bolognese is no exception.

The pasta shells are the perfect vehicle for her sauce, delivering its rich and delicious flavor with every bite. The nutmeg in the Bolognese nicely balances the kick from the red pepper flakes, and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese I added on top melted beautifully into the warm sauce.

My family, who helped me test the recipe, only had rave reviews.

"It's a very meaty, very hearty pasta," my dad said. "Perfect."

"I really enjoy how the pasta holds onto the sauce," my sister added. "With every spoonful, you get a good amount of meat and a good amount of pasta."

I'll definitely be adding Garten's weeknight Bolognese (along with her five-cheese penne pasta) to my comfort-food repertoire.

The best screen protectors remain an afterthought, going unnoticed until they save your device from irreversible damage. I always advise investing in one because, even though smartphone screens get stronger with every generation, glass can still be damaged by a scrape on asphalt or a harrowing journey in the recliner. With its release still fresh, I've gathered the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra screen protectors to trust for your new foldable.

One caveat: while a screen protector is always a worthwhile investment, don't bother getting a Z Fold 8 Ultra internal display shield. The device comes with one pre-installed, straight from the Samsung factory, meaning only the external screen needs additional protection before going into your purse or pocket.

The best Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra screen protectors

• Browse more screen protectors at Amazon | Zagg | Dbrand
• See also: Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra cases

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra internal screen protectors explained

If you're worried about the internal screen of your new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, you're not alone. There are plenty of screen protectors on the market designed for the inside screen, but as a previous-generation Fold owner and follower of the Samsung Galaxy foldable line, I'm here to tell you not to fall for it.

In short, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra already comes with a screen protector installed on its inside screen. This way, the brand simplifies phone protection for users since finding and buying a crease-friendly option would be a real hassle. Removing the stock screen protector is dangerous for your screen, even if you're planning to replace it with another third-party option. In the event that your inside screen gets dinged, Samsung offers a screen protector replacement at no charge for your phone's first year.

What is the best Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra screen protector?

The best balance of affordability and protection comes from Spigen's GlasTR EZ FIT Pro Screen Protector 2-pack, for sure. For most Fold owners, it offers strong enough protection against daily risks, and, often on sale for $20, it's a very budget-friendly choice.

If you're especially prone to screen damage, Zagg's Glass Elite Screen Protector offers the most shielding you can find in exchange for a higher price point.

Do Galaxy Z Fold 7 screen protectors fit the Z Fold 8 Ultra?

Some Galaxy Z Fold 7 screen protectors can fit the Z Fold 8 Ultra, and vice versa. The phones are similar enough in size for a few options to make the cut — but I recommend double-checking your product's exact specs to be sure.

Haven't ordered your device yet? Check out the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra deals in our guide. Don't forget the case — see my guide to the best Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra cases for top picks.

Follow us on Instagram and WhatsApp for the latest deals, reviews, and buying guides.

• Investors weren't terribly dismayed by the grim July jobs report on Friday.
• That's because the "bad news is good news" paradigm for markets remains in effect.
• While the weak data bodes poorly for the economy, it's reduced the odds the Fed will hike rates.

It was a terrible month for the US labor market in July — but for investors, that's not necessarily bad news.

US stocks jumped on Friday even as data showed the US lost 23,000 payrolls in July, a huge miss from expectations of 85,000 jobs added.

The bad news wasn't confined to July, either. Job gains in the prior two months were also revised downward, with the US adding 20,000 (instead of the initial 57,000) jobs in June and 63,000 (instead of 129,000) jobs in May.

The unemployment rate ticked slightly lower as labor force participation declined.

It was one of the worst months for the labor market in recent memory — but in markets, the news has set off a chain reaction that has led investors to spin the weak results as a potential positive.

Here's where US indexes stood at the 4 p.m. ET closing bell:

• S&P 500: 7,757.64, up 0.62%
• Dow Jones Industrial Average: 54,036.93, up 0.28% (+151.83 points)
• Nasdaq 100: 29,722.30, up 1.19%

Here's the tension investors are navigating after the latest jobs data:

The good news: a weaker job market means the Fed won't be in a rush to raise interet rates, something investors have feared this year as a potential fresh headwind for stocks.

Investors immediately trimmed their rate expectations after digesting the latest jobs report. Markets were pricing in a 75% probability that the Fed would raise rates through the end of the year, according to the CME FedWatch tool, down from 85% on Thursday. The 10-year Treasury yield sank 5 basis points on Friday morning as bond investors recalibrated rate views.

The bad news: a weaker job market could also the US is closer to a recession.

The latest data is also coming at a precarious time for the US economy, with markets still assessing the full impact of the Iran war and President Donald Trump's tariffs on inflation.

"Friday's jobs report was not just much weaker-than-expected, it showed that the economy shed jobs during July, which puts the Federal Reserve in a conundrum, since inflation is still elevated and sticky," Brent Wilsey, the chief investment officer at Wilsey Asset Management, wrote in a note on Friday.

For now, investors appear to be leaning toward the idea that the weak jobs data is a positive — but there's no telling if future economic prints will scramble the outlook. Markets are awaiting next week's July inflation report and updated estimates for GDP at the end of the month.

"Today's report buys markets some breathing room, but only temporarily. With policymakers offering little in the way of forward guidance, next week's inflation figures now loom even larger and could quickly put rate hike fears back on the table," Seema Shah, the chief global strategist at Principal Asset Management, said in a Friday note.

The Nasdaq 100 briefly rose as much as than 1%. Here were some of the notable moves:

Here were the biggest moves in the tech sector:

• Atlassian: +34%
• Cloudflare: +14%
• SanDisk: +3%
• AMD: +2%
• iShares Semiconductor ETF: +2%
• Micron: +2%

The weekend has finally arrived, and there are several new TV shows and movies to keep you entertained while you stay cool indoors. We've rounded up the latest releases to highlight the six best new movies and TV shows streaming the weekend of August 7, 2026.

This week, two new teen drama series have arrived on the scene: "The Shards" on Hulu and "Sterling Point" on Prime Video. There are also new seasons of "The Challenge" and "Ted Lasso" for those looking for slightly lighter programming. We've also found an intriguing new science fiction thriller film and a can't-miss concert tour.

6: The Challenge

The latest season of "The Challenge," the hit reality series, has arrived. In "The Challenge: Cutthroat," 24 contestants take to Thailand to duke it out for the ultimate prize. This year's challenge features a mix of franchise veterans and newbies, so longtime fans will find lots to love. The first two episodes are now streaming on Paramount Plus.

5: Hit Me Hard and Soft

Billie Eilish's "Hit Me Hard and Soft" tour took the world by storm, and the concert film was no different. Fans can now stream the movie at home with "Billie Eilish — Hit Me Hard And Soft: The Tour (Live)." The film, co-directed by Eilish and James Cameron, gives fans a close-up look and behind-the-scenes peek at the iconic concert and everything that went into it. The film is now streaming on Paramount Plus.

4: The Shards

Ryan Murphy's latest series takes on author Bret Easton Ellis' autofiction novel of the same name. "The Shards" follows teens in 1980s Los Angeles who attend an elite prep school and find themselves sucked into dangerous, deadly waters after a new student arrives. Igby Rigney, Kaia Gerber, and Hayes Warner helm the series. The first two episodes are now streaming on Hulu and the Disney Plus and Hulu bundle.

3: The Last House

Greta Lee and Wagner Moura lead "The Last House," a mysterious and spooky sci-fi thriller about a family that becomes stuck in their house. They find themselves unable to break out, with seemingly supernatural forces keeping them and the rest of the world sealed within the confines of their homes. The film is now streaming on Netflix.

2: Sterling Point

Prime Video continues its teen drama hot streak with "Sterling Point." The series, from "My Old Ass" director Megan Park, follows Annie Jacobson (Ella Rubin), who inherits a Canadian island after her grandfather's death. She travels there and discovers mysteries about her late mother, along with some friendships and romance. All eight episodes are now streaming on Prime Video.

1: Ted Lasso

After a lengthy hiatus, "Ted Lasso" returns for a fourth season of the feel-good football comedy series. In the latest season, Ted (Jason Sudeikis) and the rest of the Richmond crew take on coaching a women's football team. Hannah Waddingham, Brendan Hunt, Jeremy Swift, Juno Temple, and Brett Goldstein are among the returning cast members. The season premiere is now streaming on Apple TV.

Also streaming

Each week, our streaming recommendations highlight the best new TV shows, seasons, and new-to-streaming movies. However, there are a handful of must-see ongoing TV shows dropping new episodes each week, and you can find our top picks below:

• "The House of the Dragon" (season finale Sunday on HBO Max)
• "Silo" (new episodes Fridays on Apple TV)
• "Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro" (new episodes Mondays on ABC via a live TV service like YouTube TV or Fubo and next-day on Disney Plus and Hulu)
• "Lucky" (new episodes Wednesdays on Apple TV)

If you're interested in learning more about these streaming apps, check out our guides to the best streaming services and best live TV streaming services. For additional recommendations, you can explore our roundup of the best streaming deals and bundles.

• Heather Emerson was dissatisfied with her appearance at the age of 41.
• She had a facelift, traveling to Turkey because the surgery was less expensive than in the US.
• The businesswoman had the operation in her early 40s because she felt it was the optimal time.

This story is based on an interview with Heather Emerson, 42, of Austin, the founder of an international staffing agency. It has been edited for length and clarity.

How did I feel about the way I looked? It depended on the day. There were definitely times when I felt very pretty.

On other occasions, I would look in the mirror, pull up the skin on my face and neck, and see how I might look after a facelift. I thought my features looked heavy, and the negative thoughts were taking up a lot of brain space.

My husband, Faiez, and I were planning our annual goals in January 2025. I said I wanted surgery toward the end of the year, when I expected the business to slow down.

Faiez wasn't exactly in favor of it, but he was tired of hearing me talk about possibly going ahead.

It was a case of either accepting it or making it into an action item and doing something about it. I'd actually booked the surgery several years ago after finding a reputable doctor in the US who charged $15,000.

However, I got COVID a few weeks before the surgery was scheduled. The surgeon didn't want to go ahead. Six months later, when I tried to rebook it, his prices had tripled to $45,000. I suppose it was increased demand.

I chose a deep-plane facelift

However, in 2025, I looked abroad, where the costs were cheaper. I chose Turkey above Mexico and Brazil because the techniques seemed more state-of-the-art.

I did my research and booked a $15,000 surgery with Dr. Soner Karaali, based in Istanbul. The procedure consisted of a deep-plane facelift, neck lift, upper and lower blepharoplasty, micro fat transfer to my temples and upper eyelids, and a lip lift.

Obviously, I discussed it with Dr. Karaali, but I felt my early 40s were my sweet spot for having it done. You haven't hit menopause, so your hormones haven't changed.

You're going to heal more quickly and build collagen, too. I know people who wait until their 50s and 60s and hear, time and time again, how they wish they'd done it earlier.

December came around, and Faiez and I booked first-class flights to Turkey. The agency was doing very well, and we had entered a new level of wealth.

By then, I'd decided to have lower-teeth veneers — I'd already had my upper teeth done — performed by a cosmetic dentist in Istanbul as well.

I had the $3,000 treatment during our first week in Turkey — where we stayed at a five-star hotel for $6,000 — before checking into the hospital where Dr. Karaali practiced.

I was in extraordinary pain

He marked up my face, and I didn't feel nervous at all. I had done so much research that I felt safe and secure. If you trust your surgeon, you're only excited.

The procedure took seven hours. I was in extraordinary pain when I woke up around 8 p.m. Some women can get up and walk immediately after the surgery, but I wasn't so lucky. Tramadol wasn't strong enough, and I ended up asking for morphine. I got it at 1 a.m., after five hours of screaming.

I spent two nights in the hospital before returning to the hotel. At 10 days post-op, the doctor removed the bigger staples and stitches.

I felt comfortable enough to fly home, but didn't see the benefits for at least eight weeks. It was only when the swelling and bruising had fully dispersed that I began to see the difference.

I paid around $30,000 all-in for the trip, including the veneers, facelift, flights, and accommodation, and felt it was worth the expense.

I'm still aging gracefully

I looked like myself, but fresher. Eight months on, I don't want to change or tweak anything. I notice little things like an unevenness in my lip and a small scar on my left eye. Some of the skin on my neck isn't completely taut.

Still, I don't believe in chasing perfection. I've told my story on Instagram and been very open. It's very important that we talk about cosmetic surgery freely and without shame.

There's this big push for "age gracefully," but I feel like I'm aging gracefully. It's only that my journey is different from the standard definition.

Women are scrutinized when they don't look young or attractive enough. We're scrutinized when we focus too much on our image. Why can't there be space for everybody's choices?

Anyone who's felt back pain creep in halfway through a workout knows how quickly the wrong sports bra can derail everything. For those with a larger bust, support isn't a nice-to-have — it's what determines whether you power through or call it quits early. The challenge is finding a bra that keeps everything secure without cutting in, chafing, or feeling overly restrictive.

That's why choosing the right sports bra depends as much on how you move as it does on fit. One of our top picks for larger busts is the lululemon Energy Bra, which pairs high support with a surprisingly comfortable feel thanks to its breathable, sweat-wicking fabric and adjustable, cross-back straps.

The options below reflect a range of activity levels and support needs — all based on real testing and insights from fitness professionals — so you can find one that actually works with your body and your routine.

For more articles about finding the right fit with a larger chest, see our piece on the best swimsuits for large busts and the best bralettes for large busts. 

Best overall: lululemon Energy Bra

The Lululemon Energy Bra is a solid, high-support option for shoppers who prefer cup-and-band sizing to the usual S/M/L sports bra fit.

"I got the bra in my usual size, 32DD, and could immediately feel the support and compression. Since most of a bra's support comes from the band, the precise sizing makes a huge difference — especially for high-impact workouts.

What I really love, though, is that this bra doesn't have the extra fabric or fussiness that so many high-impact bras for larger busts tend to have. Personally, I don't want underwire or velcro adjusters — though those features absolutely work for some people. I just want a comfortable bra with strong compression, reliable support through an entire workout, and a great fit. This is that bra.

The strappy back might look like a fun design detail, but it actually helps distribute the weight of the bust more evenly, so I've never had an issue with the straps digging into my shoulders. That said, some reviewers note that the back design can make it tricky to put on, so I'd skip it if you have limited shoulder mobility.

All in all, this is a great sports bra for large busts, and it's been my go-to for Peloton rides, runs, and plenty of jumping jacks." — Samantha Crozier, style editor, Business Insider Reviews.

Best budget: Calia Women's Go All Out Zip Front Bra

In our Calia sports bra review, Insider Reviews executive editor Sally Kaplan says this sports bra "opened up a whole new world of athletic possibilities" for her.

"The Calia Sports Bra gave me all the support I needed, had adjustable straps to fit my short torso, and was easy to put on and take off," she says. 

A few standout features, according to Kaplan, include the molded cups that lift and shape the bust, the zip front for getting it on and off quickly and easily, and the thick straps that never dig into her shoulders.

"If I could afford to just buy 10 of these and throw out every other bra, I would," she adds.

The only downside? It comes in just two colors. Still, it's available in a wide range of sizes — from 32C  to 42E.

Best for airflow: lululemon Run Times Bra High Support

While a supportive bra is important for any type of exercise, it's especially crucial for high-impact workouts like running and plyometrics (think: burpees, box jumps, and other explosive movements). But it should also be soft and breathable enough to support you through slower activities like yoga and long walks. That's why the Run Times Bra from lululemon scores our best overall pick.

The best sports bras for large busts typically come in traditional bra sizing (band and cup), like this pick, rather than the traditional XS-XXL sizing, says Courtney Virden, a certified personal trainer, pelvic floor trainer, and founder of iCORE Method.

Despite being wireless, it still provides plenty of support thanks to the wide, cushioned straps and an adjustable band with three rows of hook-and-eye closures. It also features formed cups for separation and perforated panelling that improves airflow.

"As a mom who nursed two babies, my breasts need more support than before, whether I am working out or not," she explains. "This bra is great for running and high-impact sports. It limits bounce and has nice wide straps when I don't want a crisscross back. The fabric is soft, and the cut is comfortable enough to wear throughout the day."

This bra is also a favorite of Kellie Kopach. educator and fitness instructor at Lifetime Fitness. "The best feature is its breathability," she says. "Sometimes, the compression is so intense with heavy-duty sports bras that they don't breathe. That's not the case with the Run Times bra."

Best for high-impact activites: SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra

It's easy to see why this sports bra has amassed nearly 30,000 five-star reviews — the thoughtful design includes a number of features to support any bust size up to a size 50I. Those features include extra-wide straps that are adjustable and convertible, wire-free seamed cups with removable padding for separation and coverage, and two-way stretch fabric for ultimate bounce control.

I love a front-closing bra for the sake of convenience, and this one contains a zipper guard to prevent chafing — as well as a helpful little hidden hook-and-eye closure at the top of the zipper for added security. I also appreciate that in addition to adjustable straps, it also features an adjustable rib band for a perfect fit.

Years ago, a professional bra fitter informed me that the band is actually responsible for providing the majority of a bra's support, so finding a sports bra that fits like a firm hug around your ribcage is super important.

Best low-impact: Bravissimo Impact Free Sports Bra

If you're just using a sports bra for activities like yoga or hiking, you probably don't want the extreme compression and support that a running bra might have.

This bra from Bravissimo offers support without restriction. It's great for low-impact activities since it doesn't have any wires or excessive straps.

It's also made of 100% cotton, which means that it won't hold onto odors as much as polyester, Nylon, or other synthetic fibers. Many of the higher-impact sports bras need to be made out of synthetic fibers to help with stretch and compression, but sticking with organic fibers is ideal if you can help it.

The higher neckline on this bra is also a great feature for keeping your breasts in place — especially for activities like yoga that involve inversions.

Best adjustable: Under Armour Women's Infinity 2.0 High Sports Bra

Something that sets this sports bra apart is the fact that the adjustable straps can be loosened or tightened in the front rather than the back. This makes it way easier to achieve a perfect fit every time without any awkward reaching around. Another perk is that the straps are convertible, so you can wear them under traditional tanks and tees as well as racerback styles. 

"It's seamless, looks great under any workout top, and delivers strategic support," says Kopach, who names this bra one of her top picks.

Another advantage is that the Infinity 2.0 High Sports Bra is available in different sizing options (XS-XL) for larger cups, which is particularly helpful if you have a small band size but a large cup size or vice versa. (When will more bra makers realize that bust size doesn't necessarily get proportionally larger?) That said, it is worth noting that this one only fits up to a 38DDD cup.

In her Under Armour Infinity Sports Bra review, executive editor Sally Kaplan notes that she felt secure in this bra while spinning at SoulCycle, which does entail quite a bit of bouncing. The newer 2.0 version of this bra boasts molded cups for even more shaping. "The padding isn't too thick, and the straps are wide enough to hold my DDs without digging in," Kaplan says.

A breathable front mesh panel and a smooth, sweat-wicking band both add to the comfort of this sports bra. It also features odor-fighting tech for those particularly sweaty workouts.

Best underwire: Wacoal Simone Sport Underwire Bra

An underwire sports bra like the Simone Sport Underwire Bra may be your best bet, particularly for high-impact activities like HIIT and aerobics. The wire can reduce the bounce factor, minimizing distractions and maximizing comfort so you can just focus on your workout rather than what your bust is doing.

As someone with a DD cup size, Wacoal has long been one of my go-to brands for bras because they're high quality and durable — and this sports bra is no exception. I love that the underwire is cushioned to prevent any chafing or poking — and the high center gore and full-coverage cups help me to feel as secure as possible during a workout. A mesh back and moisture-wicking fabric keep me cool and dry, and the adjustable band and straps ensure a customized fit.

This bra is super size-inclusive — it's available in sizes 32C-42I. Another perk? The G to I cup sizes come with hidden slings for even more support.

Most stylish: Booty By Brabants Croco Skin Curvy Top

I love supporting this brand not only because it's woman-owned and size-inclusive, but also because every piece I've ever purchased has lasted for years. This particular bra is better suited to low-impact activities, but it still offers light to moderate compression – and it's made with breathable, moisture-wicking fabric so you don't have to stress about sweating in it. If, like me, you're prone to neck and shoulder aches, a racerback design like this is ideal because it helps distribute the weight more evenly across your back and shoulders.

I always get tons of compliments when I wear this bra, thanks to the unique crocodile-textured material and flattering deep V-neckline. It also comes in a whopping 33 different color options — all of which the Booty By Brabants croco leggings come in as well so you can wear a matching set.

FAQs

How do I choose the right sports bra?

Start with your activity level and your cup size. Low—impact workouts like yoga or walking usually work fine with lighter support, while running or HIIT often needs high—impact support. Fit matters just as much as style — it should feel snug but not constricting, and the band should sit firmly without riding up.

Should I size up or down in a sports bra?

Sports bras often run smaller than regular bras, so many people size up if they're between sizes. The band should feel snug (most support comes from the band), but you shouldn't be gasping for breath. When in doubt, try both your usual size and one up.

What features matter most?

Support features like wide straps, adjustable closures, and a firm band make a huge difference. Moisture-wicking fabric and breathable mesh panels help keep you cool, and removable padding lets you customize coverage and shape.

How do I know if my sports bra fits properly?

A good fit means minimal bounce during movement, a level band that doesn't ride up, and straps that don't dig in. You should be able to slide one finger under the band comfortably — too tight and it'll pinch, too loose and you'll get exc

Are sports bras with underwire a good idea?

Some brands make underwire sports bras that provide structured support, especially for larger cup sizes. They can feel more secure, but they need proper fit — if the underwire pokes or sits on breast tissue, they're not right for you.

How often should I replace a sports bra?

Like any performance gear, sports bras lose elasticity over time. If your bra feels less supportive, stretches out quickly, or gets stretched after washing, it's probably time to replace it — typically every 6—12 months with frequent use.

• The US had a decline in jobs last month, including for two major consumer-facing industries.
• Leisure and hospitality and retail had two straight months of job losses.
• Lack of consumer demand due to rising prices could be taking a toll.

For years, the bounce back in restaurants, hotels, and other in-person services was one of the big engines of the job market.

Those days may be over.

The US unexpectedly lost 23,000 jobs in July. Two major consumer-facing industries were among the areas contributing to the first monthly loss since February: Leisure and hospitality and retail together experienced a job loss of 59,400. That follows a loss of 43,000 for leisure and hospitality in June and a decline of 3,700 in retail.

While some job-market observers think that could be related to the World Cup, others think rising prices are a major factor. People are still spending, but some may be deciding to forgo going out to eat with friends, attending happy hour, or buying things for fun.

Leisure and hospitality, which includes businesses like restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues, is no longer benefiting from a hot job market as it was in 2021 and 2022, and after finally returning to pre-pandemic levels late last year, it's lost its strength.

Employment in food services and drinking places, and in arts, entertainment, and recreation, contributed to the leisure and hospitality sector's two straight months of decline. Accommodation employment ticked back up after a decline in June.

One culprit could be inflation weighing on Americans' wallets. ZipRecruiter economist Nicole Bachaud said consumers are responding to price volatility by cutting discretionary spending, including dining out, which results in employers slowing their hiring.

Food inflation, especially at restaurants, has outpaced overall inflation, making eating out potentially less attractive. Some are turning to hosting gatherings at home.

"The price of going out in LA has become very, very, very high for a one-and-a-half-hour dinner," Ariel Kashfian said. "You get more bang for your buck having people over at your house."

Cory Stahle, senior economist at Indeed Hiring Lab, said while the World Cup likely affected hiring in leisure and hospitality, Indeed's data didn't show much difference between hosting and non-hosting cities, which makes the drop in the spending-focused industries more concerning.

He said it "could maybe be a sign of some of the pressures that households are facing with higher prices from gas and just general inflation right now." He noted weakness in these consumer-facing sectors "is something that potentially is foreboding for the economy."

On the other side of the consumer balance sheet, wage growth in July was anemic. Average hourly earnings barely budged over the month, and year-over-year wage growth cooled to its lowest level since 2021. July's inflation figures will be released next week and will reveal if those more slowly growing wages have kept up with rising prices. Inflation outpaced wage growth for the three months between April and June, per Friday's revised numbers.

Not everyone is pulling back on their spending, but pressure is mounting on those in lower-income brackets.

"While headline consumer spending is positive year over year, when we look at the majority of the consumer base in the US, middle- and low-income households, that's where we're seeing a lot of affordability challenges," Bachaud said.

• 3 NYC homeowners are suing Mamdani over the rollout of the pied-á-terre tax.
• Second homes worth millions of dollars could be subject to the levy.
• The homeowners allege that their residences were tagged in a property records release.

Three New York City homeowners are suing the Mamdani administration over the rollout of the pied-á-terre tax on multi-million dollar second homes.

Per a Department of Finance requirement, the Mamdani administration sent letters to all addresses that could potentially be a pied-á-terre based on property value and internal records in late July. Residents have until September 18 — an extended deadline — to appeal and prove their residence in the potentially taxed home. The levy would begin showing up on tax bills in 2027.

As part of a standard release of property and tax records, the DOF released a list of properties and their valuations across the city, including those that could be subject to the tax. A spokesperson for the department previously told Business Insider that it is a preliminary estimation, not an exhaustive list.

Plaintiffs Rachel O'Brien and Carmine Morano live in Staten Island, and a third plaintiff, Simon Hedley, lives in Manhattan. All alleged in the 23-page suit that their primary properties were included in the property roll, and are seeking to have the DOF take it offline as part of "emergency relief" for "petitioners and others similarly situated who received these notices."

The complaint argues that publishing the property roll "caused mass confusion" and "facilitated, invited, and amplified unwanted scrutiny of homeowners' personal information."

Randy Mastro, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said in a statement sent to Business Insider that City Hall mailed "notice letters demanding that New Yorkers prove they live in their own homes, and gave them only a few weeks at the height of the summer season to do it. Thousands of people who owe nothing have been confused, exposed, and put to real expense so this administration could make a political point."

In response to the suit, Deputy Press Secretary Matt Rauschenbach told Business Insider that, "The pied-a-terre surcharge will help deliver the city New Yorkers deserve: cleaner parks, safer streets, and critical public investments that make our city a more affordable place," and the DOF has been working "around the clock" to answer resident questions ahead of the appeal deadline. Rauschenbach added that "The Law Department is prepared to vigorously defend the city against this suit."

Some New Yorkers expressed privacy concerns over the letters and property list

In the days since the pied-á-terre letters were distributed, dozens of New Yorkers have taken to social media to express confusion about the letters and property list, and privacy concerns that their names, addresses, and city-estimated property values were posted publicly.

City Hall said it has hired two dozen additional staffers to handle appeals and residents' questions.

Owners can provide documentation that the property is their primary residence or challenge the DOF's valuation, per a new webpage aimed at pied-à-terre owners.

When asked about the pied-á-terre tax rollout at a press conference on August 5, Mamdani said, "the point of this is to make sure that only properties, secondary homes of non-resident New Yorkers that are worth more than $5 million, are the ones that are being subject to this tax."

New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul wrote on X on August 6 that "Hardworking New Yorkers pay their fair share. If you've been gaming the system to avoid paying yours, that ends now."

Passed in May, the policy places a progressive tax on non-primary homes valued by the DOF at least $5 million and condos and co-ops valued at least $1 million. The surcharge begins at 0.8% and increases to 1.3% for properties valued at $25 million or more. Lawmakers hope to raise $500 million annually, some of which will go toward implementing Mamdani's affordability agenda.

Several celebrities and billionaires are expected to be affected, including Jeff Bezos, President Donald Trump, Jay-Z and Beyoncé, and Ken Griffin. By Business Insider's math, the Citadel CEO and Miami resident could owe between $1.3 million and $1.4 million for his Central Park South pied-à- terre.