• JD Vance said it would take some time for grocery prices to drop.
• "Rome wasn't built in a day," he told CBS News in his first sit-down interview as vice president.
• Vance said that increased capital investment would be a key part of lowering costs.

Vice President JD Vance said the Trump administration's efforts to lower grocery prices would take some time.

"We have done a lot," Vance told CBS' "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan when asked about the executive actions signed by President Donald Trump. "There have been a number of executive orders that have caused, already, jobs to start coming back into our country, which is a core part of lowering prices."

"Prices are going to come down, but it's going to take a little bit of time, right?" he continued. "The president has been president for all of five days."

During the 2024 US presidential race, inflation was a top issue for voters, many of whom backed the GOP ticket because they believed it could improve the economy. Vance said increased capital investment would be one area that the administration would focus on as it looks to steer the economy with its conservative policies.

"We're going to work with Congress … the way that you lower prices is that you encourage more capital investment into our country," he said.

"Rome wasn't built in a day," he added.

Brennan asked Vance when consumers would actually notice a shift in prices, which prompted him to say that the administration's energy policies would also help.

"How does bacon get to the grocery store? It comes on trucks that are fueled by diesel fuel," he said. "If the diesel is way too expensive, the bacon is going to become more expensive."

"How do we grow the bacon? Our farmers need energy to produce it," he continued. "So if we lower energy prices, we are going to see lower prices for consumers, and that is what we're trying to fight for."

Last Monday, Trump signed an executive order instructing departments and agencies to "deliver emergency price relief, consistent with applicable law, to the American people." Pursuant to the order, Trump directed the government to find ways to lower housing costs and boost the housing supply, generate employment opportunities for Americans, and eliminate policies that he believes have driven up the costs of food and gas.

Trump also signed an executive order declaring a national energy emergency. The president's action came even as oil and gas production flourished under former President Joe Biden.

• The Mercedes-Benz GLC350e is the new plug-in hybrid version of the brand's GLC compact luxury SUV.
• I was impressed by the 350e's plug-in hybrid powertrain, luxurious cabin, and great tech content.
• The GLC350e is pricey and is only truly worth it if you take advantage of its EV range.

Mercedes-Benz unveiled a plug-in hybrid version of its top-selling GLC SUV this year, the GLC350e, giving the German automaker a competitor to Audi's Q5, Volvo XC60 and the Lexus RX.

I recently spent a week driving a 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC350e 4Matic in Polar White around the street of suburban Atlanta.

I was impressed by the hybrid's smoothness and efficiency.

Although impressive, the plug-in hybrid drivetrain comes with a hefty $10,000 price premium over the standard GLC, which delivers superior internal combustion-only fuel economy and similar acceleration compared with the PHEV.

The base rear-wheel-drive version starts at $49,250, while the range-topping, high-performance version starts at $86,050.

The GLC is handsomely styled.

The GLC's front and rear facia incorporate the latest look of Mercedes' C-Class sedans, evolving the overall shape that made the first-generation variant so popular with consumers.

The second-gen GLC is longer, lower, and boasts a slightly wider track than the vehicle it replaced.

The new GLC's 0.29 drag coefficient means it's also more aerodynamic than the outgoing model.

Under the hood is a four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a 23.3 kWh battery pack.

The 350e is powered by a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, inline four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a 134-horsepower electric drive motor to produce 313 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque in total system output.

Power gets to the pavement through a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes's 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.

The GLC PHEV is good for 25 MPG of fuel economy in combined driving when using just the internal combustion engine. Factor in the hybrid system, fuel economy increases to 64 MPGe, according to the EPA.

The GLC has 54 miles of all-electric range.

The GLC can charge from 10% to 80% in 20 minutes using a DC fast charger at a rate of 60 kW.

With a standard household level 2 AC plug, the 350e can charge from 10% to full in under three hours.

The GLC350e drives like a refined luxury SUV.

The overall driving experience was pleasant and civilized.

The steering was precise and well-weighted, and the front coil suspension and rear air suspension combined to deliver a soft and smooth ride.

With the ICE and electric drive systems operating in harmony, the 350e felt smooth and effortlessly powerful. While I did detect some hesitation when switching between various EV, hybrid, and ICE driving modes, the hybrid system was fairly seamless in operation.

Despite its 313 horsepower and 406 lb ft. of torque, the PHEV GLC wasn't any quicker than the standard GLC 300, which has 255 horsepower under its hood. Both can do 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, according to Mercedes-Benz.

That's because of the GLC350e's weight.

At 5,500, the PHEV battery and electric drive system add roughly 1,000 lbs of heft to the ICE GLC, which negatively affects the vehicle's performance and efficiency, especially when in ICE-only mode.

The GLC's cabin is stylish and high-tech.

The GLC shares much of its cabin design with the current C-Class sedan and the new CLE Coupe and Cabriolet.

That's a good thing because it looks terrific. The interior blends modern tech and design like the metal weave center console, massive LED displays, and LED ambient lighting with callbacks to classic Mercedes-Benz design with the vintage turbine design air vents and find wood trim.

The only real complaint I had, and one that I have with most modern Mercedes cabins, is the touch controls that look great but can be fussy and imprecise to use while driving.

In front of the driver is a stylish, leather-wrapped, heated flat-bottom steering wheel.

Also, in front of the driver is a highly configurable 12.3-inch high-definition digital instrument display.

The GLC's 16-way power, two-tone front seats were very comfortable.

The sienna brown and black seats were upholstered in a material called MB-Tex, which does a fair approximation of real leather.

The focal point of the GLC's center stack is a large 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen.

The screen is equipped with the third-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience infotainment system that's pretty well sorted at this point. It's responsive and easy to navigate, and the graphics look terrific. The system's overeager voice assistance is also far less intrusive than in past iterations.

The system's built-in navigation maps look spectacular, and the image quality of the GLC's surround-view cameras is equally impressive.

The rear cabin is as pleasant as the front seats.

Passengers riding the split rear bench seat are treated to the same upholstery and ambient lighting, and a solid 37.4 inches of legroom.

The SUV boasts a solid 24 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.

With the seats folded, the cargo capacity expands to around 56 cubic feet. There is a small underfloor storage hook for tools and an emergency tire inflation kit.

The biggest difference between the 350e and the internal combustion-only models is a slight hump in the rear cargo floor and the storage bag for its charging cables, both of which eat into capacity.

The GLC comes standard with a host of safety tech, including adaptive high beam assist, blind spot assist, and active parking assist.

However, you'll need to pay for the $1,950 Driver Assistance Package to get Mercedes' outstanding Distronic adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and other high-tech features.

My Verdict: GLC 350e is the ideal gateway for someone looking for the benefits of an EV without the range anxiety.

As a plug-in hybrid, the 350e is at its best if the consumer is committed to or able to keep its battery pack charged.

Without the benefit of juice from its battery, the 350e is effectively a GLC 300 with 1,000 lbs of extra weight, worse fuel economy, and a $10,000 price premium.

Keep the battery charged, and you have something special.

The 350e PHEV's 54-mile all-electric range means it'll be a de facto EV on most daily commutes, while the turbocharged engine guarantees range anxiety-free road trips.

At the same time, the SUV delivers the world-class tech and luxury experience expected of a vehicle carrying the vaunted three-pointed start.

It's the best of both worlds.

• Mel Gibson has said he wants to "fix" the problem of stars leaving Hollywood.
• "A lot of people have left, and I don't blame them," Gibson said in a recent interview.
• He was recently named one of President Donald Trump's "special envoys" to Hollywood.

Mel Gibson has said he wants to help solve the problem of people leaving Hollywood as part of his role as one of President Donald Trump's "special envoys."

Ahead of his inauguration, Trump named Gibson, Sylvester Stallone, and Jon Voight as ambassadors to Hollywood, tasking them with bringing business back to the film industry.

Discussing his new role with Fox News's Sean Hannity on Saturday, Gibson said he was "ready, willing, and able to be of service" to Trump before sharing his thoughts on the trend of Californians ditching the Golden State.

"A lot of people have left, and I don't blame them," Gibson said, adding that many had left for the reasons that Hannity said led him to move out of New York — which included crime, schools, high taxes, and regulations.

"It didn't suit them anymore," Gibson said. "Even people who were liberal, it didn't suit them anymore. But if everybody leaves, what's going to happen?"

The Oscar winner, known for his roles in "Lethal Weapon" and "Braveheart," said that despite the trend, he has chosen to stay in California. Gibson's home was recently destroyed in the Los Angeles wildfires.

The actor, 69, said that going forward California needed to "be competitive" with the rest of the world to keep people from packing their bags.

People "are going somewhere else because it's more cost-effective. There's just a lot of prohibitive regulations and things in the way that I think could be lifted," he said. "But I think it can be fixed."

As Business Insider previously reported, between 2021 and 2022, just over 817,000 people left California — the most of any state in that period.

Actors, executives, and producers are among those to have decided to leave the Golden State in recent years — including Gibson's fellow Hollywood ambassador Stallone.

The "Rocky" actor said in an episode of "The Family Stallone" filmed in 2023 but aired in 2024 that he and his family had "permanently" vacated California and were headed to Florida.

It's not hard to see why Florida is an appealing alternative to California for some. The state has no personal income tax, while corporate income tax is also relatively low.

In the interview with Fox News, Gibson said he would look to focus on tax incentives in his new role, as those offered by California Gov. Gavin Newsom may not be "enough."

"I know Newsom gave some tax incentives, but maybe not enough because it's still not working. There are other things that offset that," he said.

Expanding on the state of the film industry, Gibson said that on one occasion, it had been cheaper for him to fly a whole film crew to Europe, provide accommodation, and shoot for three days than it was to "shoot for one day just down the road."

"There's something wrong there," he said.

• Visiting Disney World is one of my core childhood memories.
• I took my daughter when she was 9 years old, expecting her to love it.
• I spent so much money, and it still felt like I wasn't doing anything right.

Visiting Disney World in Orlando was one of my most magical childhood memories, and I couldn't wait to share the experience with my 9-year-old daughter Ruby. So this past October, after countless hours spent scrolling Disney travel blogs riddled with pop-up ads and thousands of dollars invested in airfare, hotel, and park tickets, we entered the gates of the Magic Kingdom.

I knew I had made a mistake within an hour of being at the park.

I kept waiting for the magic to happen, hoping that my child would delight in the roaming characters or that we'd collectively gasp at the site of Cinderella's castle. Instead, we weaved through seemingly endless lines only to zip through animatronic dioramas, feeling sick of $15 fried pizza sticks in the 90-degree heat.

It seemed that despite our extensive research and massive monetary investment, I was still doing it all wrong. I didn't purchase the $40 plastic Disney MagicBands and was fumbling to find our tickets at each entry point. I failed to properly reserve Tiana's Bayou Adventure on the Lightning Lane app. The fireworks show I'd hyped would require us to buy three $180 tickets for "Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party." And to top it all off, I took my claustrophobic child on Space Mountain, forgetting that it simulates the feeling of plummeting into a dark abyss.

I'd hoped that this day would be full of snapshots from the montage of my life as a parent, but instead, I left the "most magical place on earth" feeling like a misfit mom who had been ripped off.

I paid the price for Disney's sentimentality

We spent the next two days pressing our sweaty faces against plexiglass to look at Animal Kingdom's sleeping pygmy hippos and waiting in line to "embark on a culinary adventure across six continents" at Epcot's Food and Wine Festival.

From photo packages to enchanted princess meet-and-greets, there was an opportunity to upgrade our experience at every stop. Turns out, I'm not alone in paying top dollar for nostalgia's sake. Parents are going into debt to take their kids to Disney parks.

Disney parks continue to be the most visited theme parks in the world, but their rising prices are out of reach for many families.

By the time we staggered out of Epcot wearing $35 sparkly mouse ears, I had thrown all of my boundaries in the garbage alongside our Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar wrappers. I feel fortunate that I could take paid time off of work and go on a costly vacation, but the price of trying to fit in with a congregation of besotted Disney families in their customized t-shirts was greater than I'd anticipated.

The magic happened when I least expected it

On the last night of our trip, I called my mom from our hotel room to better understand her Disney parenting experience. "Isn't it great?" she asked wistfully when we got on the phone.

"I think it's changed quite a bit since I was a kid," I said, trying not to yuck her yum. "It feels really different than I thought it would, and we're all a little overwhelmed."

As I listened to her reminisce about my love for scoring character autographs as an 8-year-old and the way my dad would carry me across the park at the end of the night because my scrawny legs were too tired to walk, I realized that perhaps the magic looks different for everyone.

Watching my daughter chase lizards across the Wilderness Lodge lawn as a rainbow stretched across the sky and seeing my husband spin around in a fiberglass teacup are moments that I'll always treasure. Laughing deliriously over takeout on the hotel couch isn't a family memory featured on Disney blogs, and it doesn't require a VIP ticket, but it's where we found our spark.

The fantasy of parenting rarely matches reality. Disappointments like birthday tantrums and COVID-19 Christmas morning fevers happen, and I'm learning that this job requires the ability to humbly roll with the punches. I will forever cherish what Disney meant to me as a child, and I value the wisdom I have gained that our family doesn't need to spend a small fortune to experience true magic.

Katie Nave is a freelance writer living in Brooklyn, New York. Her work has been published in HuffPost, Newsweek, Elle, Business Insider, and Glamour, and she is the content lead of Bend Health, a company focused on the mental wellbeing of families.

• Rebecca Yarros explored Violet Sorrengail's second signet power in "Onyx Storm."
• Violet's second signet comes from her connection with Andarna and manifested in "Iron Flame."
• Warning: There are major spoilers for "Onyx Storm" ahead.

Rebecca Yarros' "Onyx Storm" was released on Tuesday, continuing the author's romantasy series about Violet Sorrengail, a dragon rider studying at Basgiath War College.

The third book in the "Empyrean" series was full of romance, magic, and plot twists, and the story is set to continue in two additional books.

In "Onyx Storm," Yarros answered lots of questions that "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" raised, such as how turning venin impacts Xaden and what type of dragon Andarna is. And to the relief of Yarros' fans, the third installment also revealed Violet's second signet power.

Heads-up: The rest of this article contains spoilers for the "Empyrean" series.

Violet Sorrengail has two signet powers

In the "Empyrean" universe, all riders have a signet power that manifests after they bond with a dragon. Every rider can do lesser magic, such as opening doors without touching them, but a signet power is unique to each rider, and some are more powerful than others.

Violet's signet manifested as lightning wielding in "Fourth Wing," a particularly powerful signet. Her lightning comes through her bond with her dragon Tairn, with Violet often describing his power as a flood that comes through their connection.

In "Iron Flame," Yarros introduces the idea of second signets, explaining that riders directly related to their dragons' previous riders can develop two signet powers. The text also suggests Violet could have a second signet since she is bonded to both Tairn and the younger dragon, Andarna. She is the only rider in known history to bond with two dragons.

Yarros confirmed Violet's second signet had already manifested in "Iron Flame" when speaking to Variety after its release in 2023. However, it's not until midway through "Onyx Storm" that Violet becomes aware of her additional power — dream-walking.

Violet is a dream-walker

Yarros finally reveals Violet is a dream-walker in Chapter 50 of "Onyx Storm."

Throughout "Onyx Storm," Violet has a recurring nightmare of confronting a venin Sage in a field. In Chapter 50, she realizes during the dream that her hand looks like Xaden's, not hers. After she wakes and speaks to Xaden about it, he realizes Violet was in his dream.

They first suspect Violet can enter Xaden's dreams because of the mental bond they share through their dragons. However, as they discuss it, Violet reflects on a different dream she had earlier in the book. In it, she fled a fire at Cliffsbane, the gryphon flier school, and couldn't hold onto a portrait of her family as her friend Cat dragged her away. Violet wonders aloud if she was experiencing her friend Maren's dream, as Maren and Cat are best friends.

The confession makes Xaden realize that Violet is a dream-walker, a powerful form of an inntinnsic, or mind reader, who can enter other people's dreams while they sleep. After Andarna confirms the signet, Violet realizes she must have developed her dream-walking ability when Andarna was in a deep sleep. Andarna grew from a juvenile to an adolescent while sleeping for weeks, and Violet's power was looking for a way to connect with Andarna while she was unconscious.

Xaden, who has kept his inntinnsic ability to read people's intentions secret from everyone but Violet, explains to her that her signet is particularly dangerous because riders have no defense against it.

"I can only read someone while they're awake, and I'm limited by their ability to shield," he told her in the book. "No one can shield while they're sleeping."

He adds to her that she could enter the dream of even the most powerful general in the Navarre army without his knowledge, telling her many would kill her because of her second signet.

Although her dreams in "Onyx Storm" reveal her second signet, Violet was clearly dream-walking unknowingly in "Iron Flame" as well. In the book, she repeatedly dreamed of confronting a venin Sage who told her she would turn for love. Violet didn't turn venin, but Xaden did to save Violet, indicating that the Sage was speaking to him in the dreams, not Violet.

Violet hasn't mastered dream-walking yet

By the end of " Onyx Storm, " Violet doesn't know how to use her new signet intentionally; she only accidentally enters other people's dreams.

In most of the dreams she inhabits throughout the book, Violet views the scene from the perspective of the person sleeping, though she can sometimes recognize she is dreaming and attempt to wake herself up.

However, in the final dream of "Onyx Storm," Violet realizes she is in Xaden's dream. She then appears as herself in the dream alongside him and confronts the Sage. The Sage hints that the venin have taken Violet's sister, which proves true when Violet wakes up. Violet is also able to end the dream by summoning a knife and stabbing herself with it.

The interaction indicates that the Sage can communicate in the dream world as Violet can, and it gives clues as to how she may operate more deliberately when dream-walking, such as using pain to wake herself and actively recognizing the dream as someone else's to become herself.

Xaden also tells Violet he believes she can "meddle" in people's dreams, as she stops him from channeling power from the ground in one of his nightmares. Violet hasn't fully explored that ability yet, and it may be difficult for her to learn to wield her dream-walking signet since she must be asleep to practice.

Andarna also says Violet has been "mostly drawn to" Xaden's dreams since she manifested, though maybe she will spend more time in other people's dreams in the fourth book.

Fans had other theories on what Violet's second signet could have been

There were multiple popular theories about Violet's signet before Yarros revealed it, including distance wielding and communicating with the dead.

As Yarros writes in "Iron Flame," distance wielders can "cross hundreds of miles in a single step," and there hasn't been one among the riders for multiple centuries when Violet enters Basgiath.

Readers suspected Violet may be a distance wielder because Andarna told her at the end of "Iron Flame" that she waited 650 years before hatching so she could bond with her specifically, and there seemed to be instances where Violet moved faster than the average rider.

However, it turns out Garrick Tavis, Xaden's best friend, actually has distance wielding as his second, secret signet, which he uses to help Violet and their friends throughout "Onyx Storm."

The idea that Violet could communicate with the dead came from her interactions with what she believes is a hallucination of her friend Liam Mairi, who died at the end of "Fourth Wing."

Liam appears to Violet when she is held hostage by General Varrish in "Iron Flame." He speaks to Violet throughout her imprisonment and even touches her shoulder at one point, though no one else can see him. When Violet calls him a hallucination, Liam makes an offhand comment about the possibility of Malek, the god of death, sending him to her.

Perhaps Liam was just a hallucination, or his appearance could be related to Violet's connection to the god Dunne that Yarros slowly revealed in "Onyx Storm."

The fourth book in the "Empyrean" series will likely explore how the gods affect Violet's fate, though neither Yarros nor her publisher, Red Tower, have shared a release date or anything about the next book's plot.

• Elon Musk is promoting far-right movements in Europe, boosting political parties like Germany's AfD.
• Founded in 2013, the AfD is known for its anti-immigration and anti-EU stances.
• Musk's support for AfD has helped the party gain global prominence.

Elon Musk is flexing his political power, both at home and abroad.

On Saturday, Musk spoke virtually at a campaign event for the Alternative for Germany party, or AfD, a far-right political group that is — among other things — fiercely anti-immigration.

In his live-streamed speech alongside AfD leader Alice Weidel, Musk told about 4,500 AfD supporters they should celebrate German culture.

"It's good to be proud of German culture, German values, and not to lose that in some sort of multiculturalism that dilutes everything," he said.

Musk's support for AfD — which has come primarily in the form of posts on his social media platform, X, but also in newspaper op-eds and speeches — has helped what was once a fringe political party enter the mainstream, lifting it up in front of a global audience.

What is Germany's AfD?

Founded in 2013, the AfD is "quite extreme even by European far-right standards," Kai Arzheimer, a political science professor at Germany's University of Mainz, told Business Insider.

"It's a party that's been isolated in the European Parliament," he said. "Even other far-right parties don't want to cooperate with the AfD."

It wasn't always that way. Arzheimer said AfD was once "very much an upper-class party," popular among those in center-right politics. Within a few years, however, it had tacked to the right over issues like immigration and the role of Islam in Europe.

"We had this huge influx of refugees from the Middle East, mostly from Syria, and that accelerated this development of the party," Arzheimer said. "So from around about 2017, they were a national force in politics."

The Russian invasion of Ukraine, which stoked fears about energy security, helped the party increase its support, Arzheimer said.

"What sets them apart from many other radical right parties in Europe is that they are quite open about their relationship with right-wing extremist actors outside the party and even inside the party. So they are on a trajectory that has taken them to the very margins of the political spectrum. Nonetheless, they're quite popular," he said.

Those affiliations have caught the attention of Germany's domestic intelligence agency, which has put the group under surveillance for extremism.

The AfD is also nationalist, promoting an anti-European Union agenda.

"[The AfD] is characterized by an anti-EU, anti-globalization, and anti-migration platform topped by an uncritical stance with regard to some of the dark chapters of German history," Thomas Zittel, a politics professor at Goethe University Frankfurt, told Business Insider. "What is missing with this party is a constructive and promising economic agenda that would match the anti-regulatory stances that Musk probably wishes to see."

What Musk has said about AfD

"I'm very excited for the AfD. I think you're really the best hope for Germany," Musk told the crowd on Saturday.

The Tesla CEO, who owns a major electric vehicle factory near Berlin, first publicly backed the AfD in a short post on X in December that quickly bounced around the world and upended German politics. Germany is holding national elections in late February.

Then, in a December op-ed for Welt am Sonntag, a major German newspaper, Musk called the AfD the "last spark of hope for this country."

Welt am Sonntag and Business Insider are both owned by Axel Springer SE.

Musk has praised AfD's stances on "controlled immigration" and limited government regulation and reposted comments on X accusing Europe and the United States of overusing the label "far-right." He also called German Chancellor Olaf Scholz an "incompetent fool."

He has waded into far-right politics in other nations, too. Musk called for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to be removed from office and for the release of Tommy Robinson, a jailed British far-right agitator whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.

"He supports not just the AfD but also more obviously right-wing extremist actors. So for instance, Tommy Robinson in the UK, someone who's incarcerated," Arzheimer said. "Also, many other right-wing extremists became more and more noisy on Twitter, X, whatever you want to call it, and that is seen as something very problematic when we talk about Elon Musk."

Musk has posted on X the MAGA-adjacent phrase, "Make Europe Great Again," one of many comments that have caught the attention of European leaders.

"I think you want more self-determination for Germany and for other countries in Europe and less from Brussels," Musk said in his speech on Saturday, referencing the European Union headquarters. "There's too much bureaucracy from Brussels, too much control from a sort of global elite."

Representatives for Musk did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The impact of Musk's pro-AfD stance

As Musk's power and influence grows, so does his impact on democracy, Arzheimer said.

"He has this control over social media. He has a lot of money. He has a huge factory in Germany," Arzheimer said. "He has got many other commercial interests, so he's increasingly seen as a political danger to liberal democracy."

Though Musk cited his economic interests in Germany in his op-ed, Arzheimer said it's also possible that this is just his worldview.

"Maybe it's all instrumental. Maybe it's all a game to him. Maybe he's on a personal journey. I have no idea. But it's quite systematic," he said.

AfD has gained traction in Germany, and polls now indicate it could receive as much as 20% of the vote on February 23. The party, however, remains isolated. Mainstream German parties have so far refused to join it in any coalition.

Musk's endorsement may interest young people and business leaders, but it also could further isolate the party.

Musk, for example, caused a stir in Germany after his speech at Trump's inaugural celebration last week, Arzheimer said. While speaking to a crowd, Musk made what some interpreted as a fascist salute.

Musk denied a few days later that his gesture was anything but innocent, posting on X: "It was astonishing how insanely hard legacy media tried to cancel me for saying 'my heart goes out to you' and moving my hand from my heart to the audience."

In Germany, Arzheimer said a gesture like that could land someone in serious trouble, regardless of their intention.

"Of course, that gesture is actually illegal in Germany," he said. "It's not going to happen, but in theory, he could be persecuted for that because it's seen as a symbol of the Nazi rule, and those symbols are outlawed in Germany."

"He's pushing these ideas. He's bringing back all those extremists to Twitter," Arzheimer added. "I think many people were not surprised in Germany or, in the European context, of him acting like that at the inauguration party."

• Some states like Florida, California, and Hawaii are known for their beautiful beaches.
• Others have lesser-known — but equally breathtaking — beaches, including Michigan and New Hampshire.
• If you're already dreaming of warmer weather, these beautiful beaches may inspire your next trip.

Now that we've closed the door on 2024 and have started the year with some record-breaking winter weather, some of us may already be dreaming of summer.

Although it's still a few months before we can ditch our coats for sundresses, there's no reason we can't start planning our sunny getaways.

If you, like us, are thinking about which seaside spot to head to this summer, rest assured that there are plenty of popular and off-beat beaches to pick from in the US.

Surrounded by the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Great Lakes, more than half of states in the US lie on at least one of the country's gorgeous coasts.

With close to 100,000 miles of shoreline, not every noteworthy beach in the US gets the recognition it deserves.

While beaches in California and Florida attract tourists from across the world, many other states are home to shores with stunning views, offering ample opportunities for waterfront relaxation.

Here are some of the prettiest beaches in the US.

Sand Beach in Acadia National Park in Maine

Sand Beach in Maine doubles as the perfect day and night-time getaway, where visitors can swim seaside all day and then lay back, relax, and stargaze by nightfall.

The beach is also close to three of the park's most popular hiking trails: The Beehive, Great Head Trail, and Ocean Path.

Cannon Beach in Oregon

Famous for its expansive shoreline and the towering Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach in Oregon offers spectacular views and a serene atmosphere.

Visitors can explore tide pools brimming with marine life, stroll along sandy stretches, or hike the nearby Ecola State Park trails for panoramic vistas. If you visit the nearby town, check out the boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafés.

Kā'anapali Beach in Hawaii

Hawaii's "postcard perfect" Kā'anapali Beach is the "crème de la crème of beaches," according to Hawaii Magazine, which named it the state's No. 1 beach in 2022.

Thanks to its crystal clear waters, this Hawaiian haunt is perfect for underwater exploration, making it a snorkeling hot spot. It's home to a variety of sea creatures, including Hawaiian green sea turtles, colorful corals, and, in winter months, humpback whales.

Marconi Beach in Massachusetts

The beach, located on the shores of Cape Cod, has stunning natural surroundings, including a 50-foot ridge with stairs leading down to the shores.

It was named after Guglielmo Marconi, an Italian inventor who successfully communicated a message via wireless connection from President Theodore Roosevelt in the US to King Edward VII across the Atlantic in 1903.

Shackleford Banks in North Carolina

Shackleford Banks is well-known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque views. The island is also home to a herd of wild horses that roam freely along the beach, grazing on the grass on the shoreline.

It's an ideal spot for anyone hoping to escape the daily hustle for some seaside quiet.

Key Biscayne Beach in Florida

The drive to Key Biscayne is just as scenic an experience as spending time there.

The coast, which extends 4 miles across Barrier Island, is popular among tourists for its soft sand and crystal clear waters. It's shared by two main beach parks, Crandon Park to the north and Cape Florida Beach to the south.

In 2022, Travel + Leisure named Crandon Park one of Florida's best beaches in Key Biscayne.

Kiawah Island in South Carolina

In 2024, US News & World Report called Kiawah Island "the closest you'll come to paradise in South Carolina."

Kiawah, which overlooks the Atlantic, is a barrier island that's popular for its 10-mile coastline, wildlife, and golf resort. Visitors can spend the day at either its East or West beach, where they can birdwatch or, in summer, spot sea turtles.

Driftwood Beach in Georgia

Driftwood Beach in Georgia offers a one-of-a-kind landscape, with weathered trees scattered across the shore.

The beach, famously featured in "The Walking Dead" and "X-Men: First Class," was shaped by decades of erosion. It transformed from a lush maritime forest into a sand-lined shore with sun-bleached tree trunks and branches.

Hammonasset Beach State Park in Connecticut

Nestled along the shores of the Long Island Sound, Hammonasset Beach State Park features 2 miles of pristine beachfront.

From walking trails and a nature center to areas for fishing and camping, the park has something to offer every type of traveler.

The beach's incredible views, combined with well-maintained facilities, make it a favorite for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore Connecticut's coastline.

Cape May in New Jersey

On the southern tip of New Jersey sits Cape May, a seaside city and resort that's well known for its striking Victorian-era architecture.

Notable landmarks include the Emlen Physick Estate, a preserved Victorian house museum, and the iconic Cape May Lighthouse, which offers views of Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Sandbridge Beach in Virginia

The remote Sandbridge Beach in Virginia is one of the state's most gorgeous beaches.

Its peaceful surroundings and stillness make it the perfect place to visit when you wish to slow down. Other activities that you can indulge in include fishing, kayaking, and hiking in the nearby False Cape State Park.

Sandy Point State Park in Maryland

Sandy Point State Park is one of Maryland's best beaches because of the gorgeous views of the bay.

It is located on the northwestern shore of the Chesapeake Bay and is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and lounging. For those who prefer activities, the park also has plenty of hiking trails and fishing areas.

Laguna Beach in California

Lined by the Pacific coast on one side and acres of wild trails on the other, the 7-mile-long Laguna Beach is best for surfing, swimming, and, on sunny days, sunbathing.

A popular beach spot in California, the beach is full of beautiful coves, one of the reasons US News & World Report named it the state's best beach.

The beach has been impacted by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles; the National Weather Service has issued multiple red flag warnings — warning of a combination of conditions that raise the risk of fire — for Orange County's coastal zone, including Laguna Beach.

Biloxi Beach in Mississippi

This white-sand beach, situated by the 26-mile-long Mississippi Gulf Coast, offers a refreshing getaway during Mississippi's hot summers.

At Biloxi, water sports enthusiasts can paddleboard or canoe, while those who prefer relaxing can picnic by the shore. There are also plenty of restaurants where you could sample some delicious Southern-style seafood, or if you prefer, take a shrimping trip for a live catch of your own.

Ruby Beach at the Olympic National Park in Washington

Named after the red mineral almandite, which is found in the sand here, Ruby Beach is among the country's most famous yet unspoiled beaches.

Located in Kalaloch, a three-hour drive from Seattle, unlike traditional sand beaches, the shore at Ruby Beach is covered in stones and sea stacks. Those visiting should stay until sunset for stunning views of the Olympic Peninsula.

Rotary Beach in Alaska

Ketchikan's oceanfront is home to varied sea life and has an average temperature of 56 degrees, which means that kids — and adults — wishing to swim had to find an alternate source.

According to alaska.org, until the 1970s, the city did not have a swimming pool, so Rotary Beach became the go-to spot for kids — and adults — to learn and enjoy swimming. Visitors stopping by this pond can take a dip in the waters or picnic by the shore while enjoying views of Nichols Passage.

Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware

Cape Henlopen State Park, where the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean merge, is home to pine forests and more than 6 miles of coastline.

The park is also home to many marine animals, shorebirds, and scenic bike trails, with access to quiet and buzzy areas. History enthusiasts can enjoy a guided tour of nearby Fort Miles, an important World War II site.

Mohegan Bluffs in Rhode Island

Secluded and serene, Mohegan Bluffs in Rhode Island provides stunning views from 150-foot cliffs that line its shore.

Getting to the beach involves a bit of a hike, but it is worth the effort — as you will see — once you step onto the sandy shores and watch the gentle waves of the Atlantic glide back and forth. Nearby, the Southeast lighthouse is also worth visiting.

Park Point in Minnesota

Park Point, with beautiful views of Lake Superior, is Minnesota's No. 1 beach, according to TripAdvisor.

A popular summer destination, the beach offers more than just a space to relax or swim. It also includes access to volleyball courts, grill stations, and pavilions for picnics.

Weirs Beach in New Hampshire

A visit to New Hampshire's Lakes Region is incomplete without a trip to Weirs Beach by Lake Winnipesaukee.

One side of the beach features a boardwalk, where visitors can explore the entire beach on foot, while the sandy areas closer to the shore are perfect for those looking to unwind or dip in the water. Across the boardwalk, on Lakeside Avenue, there are a variety of game shops and food outlets, including a mini-golf station.

Kohler-Andrae State Park in Wisconsin

Kohler-Andrae State Park in Wisconsin has dunes, clear blue water, and over 2 miles of sandy beaches.

Set along the shores of Lake Michigan, this park offers abundant natural beauty and activities for visitors to enjoy. Spend the day hiking, swimming, or exploring nature trails, and as evening falls, try stargazing, camping, or attending wildlife presentations.

Gulf Shores in Alabama

Florida might be the go-to for a seaside vacation, but if you're looking to switch it up this year, Alabama's palm-lined and pristine Gulf Shores are a hidden gem worth exploring.

Named one of the top beach destinations in the US and the No. 1 spot in Alabama by US News & World Report last year, this beach offers something for everyone. It's conveniently located near a boardwalk and has plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. It is also ideal for activities like beach volleyball and bodyboarding.

Washington Park and Beach in Indiana

Washington Park and Beach in Indiana is home to 2 miles of sandy shoreline, a historic lighthouse, and a zoo.

With its soft sand, clean waters, and a space free from crowds, the beach offers a serene respite from everyday city life. It's close to restaurants and charming boutiques, and if you're up for more adventure, a short drive west will take you to the Indiana Dunes National Park, where you can explore even more natural beauty.

South Padre Island in Texas

Situated in southern Texas, close to the Mexico border, South Padre Island is "beloved by generations of spring breakers," Travel + Leisure reported in 2023.

The island has space for both, people who love dining at buzzy beach bars and restaurants and those who prefer to be left undisturbed in a quiet corner while on holiday.

Grand Haven State Park in Michigan

Last year, Thrillist described Grand Haven State Park in Michigan as "arguably the grandest Michigan beach town of all."

Just west of Grand Rapids, Grand Haven has a stretch of soft, sandy shoreline and a picturesque lighthouse pier. There's a dog-friendly section of the beach and the town features several quaint coffee shops, rooftop bars, and family-run restaurants.

Huntington Beach in Ohio

Visitors to Ohio's Huntington Beach can swim in the vast, beautiful Lake Erie.

Known for its clean shoreline and stunning lake views, this beach offers a peaceful retreat for visitors. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or picnicking with family and friends. The walking trails nearby are ideal for those who wish to explore the natural beauty of the area, while the picturesque sunsets over the water make for the perfect photo backdrops.

Presque Isle State Park in Pennsylvania

Presque Isle State Park in Pennsylvania is a natural escape on the shores of Lake Erie.

This 3,200-acre peninsula is home to a collection of beaches, offering plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. It's also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and biking along scenic trails. Birdwatchers will love the park's diverse wildlife, as it's a key stopover for migratory birds.

Grand Isle in Louisiana

A "perfect getaway for camping, picnicking, and surfing," Louisiana's Grand Isle offers beautiful views over the Gulf of Mexico, according to Travel + Leisure.

Alongside classic beach activities like swimming, this barrier island has also become a hot spot for surfing enthusiasts.

Jones Beach State Park in New York

With over 6 miles of white-sand beaches, Jones Beach State Park is the perfect spot for seaside strolls and swimming.

The park features a 2-mile boardwalk lined with snack stands and shops, where visitors can eat on the go while enjoying beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. Other outdoor activities like mini golf, fishing, and biking are also easily accessible.

Marble Beach State Recreation Area in Iowa

Marble Beach State Recreation Area in Iowa is a peaceful retreat on the shores of Big Spirit Lake.

The park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with a beach nearby, designated spots for fishing, and shaded campsites for overnight stays. Boaters can enjoy easy access to the lake, while nature lovers can explore scenic trails, including one that covers the whole park.

• President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are seemingly at odds again.
• Trump said UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer — who has been heavily criticized by Musk — was doing a "very good job."
• It comes after Musk criticized Trump's Stargate venture for AI infrastructure.

Days after Elon Musk criticized President Donald Trump's Stargate plan, the pair are seemingly at odds again — and this time, it's over British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

In an interview with the BBC on board Air Force One, Trump praised Starmer, who leads the UK's left-leaning Labour Party, saying he had done a "very good job thus far" and that they had a "very good relationship."

"I get along with him well. I like him a lot," Trump said, adding that they would be holding a call "over the next 24 hours."

Musk — a close Trump ally who is leading the Department of Government Efficiency — has frequently leveled heavy criticism at Starmer.

Earlier this month, Musk called for the prime minister to resign and face charges for "his complicity in the worst mass crime in the history of Britain," referring to a grooming scandal in the UK.

He also repeated criticism of Starmer's time in his position as the UK's top prosecutor, saying he did too little to combat the grooming gangs.

"Starmer was complicit in the RAPE OF BRITAIN when he was head of Crown Prosecution for 6 years," the Tesla CEO wrote on X.

Starmer has responded to such comments without explicitly naming Musk, saying certain people were "spreading lies and misinformation" about the scandal.

Following violent far-right protests in the UK in the summer, Musk also said the UK's police response seemed "onesided," and he called Starmer "two-tier Keir" — a suggestion that the country has a "two-tier policing" policy that treats far-right protesters more harshly than minority groups.

Musk has also accused Starmer of creating a financial crisis in the UK and said that "nobody trusts" him.

Trump told the BBC that while Starmer was "liberal, which is a bit different from me," he thought he was "a very good person."

"He's represented his country in terms of philosophy," he said. "I may not agree with his philosophy, but I have a very good relationship with him."

It comes days after Musk criticized Trump's $500 billion Stargate venture for AI infrastructure — a joint plan by OpenAI, SoftBank, Oracle, and MGX that the president announced earlier this week. Trump called the plan "the largest AI infrastructure project in history."

Musk soon took to X to respond to a post from OpenAI that said the venture would "begin deploying $100 billion immediately," saying it did not "actually have the money" it had pledged.

"They don't actually have the money," Musk wrote, adding that he had it "on good authority" that SoftBank had "well under $10B secured."

At a press conference on Thursday, Trump told reporters that he wasn't bothered by Musk's criticism of the project.

"He hates one of the people in the deal," Trump said, likely referring to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, with whom Musk has been locked in a long-running personal feud.

• As a server, there are a few things I wish more people did during a wine tasting.
• In order to ensure the best experience possible, it's important to respect reservation policies.
• My favorite guests always engage with their servers and ask about their expertise.

As a server with six years of experience at a bustling Oregon-based winery, I've developed a deep understanding of what makes an ideal guest.

From reservations to tipping etiquette, there are many unspoken rules of wine tasting that I feel more people should be aware of.

Here are five things I wish every guest at a wine tasting would do.

Tip the servers accordingly

Tipping is a meaningful way to show appreciation for the time, knowledge, and effort the staff puts into your experience.

However, I've noticed many guests don't realize that, just like restaurant staff, servers in wineries often rely on tips.

Even if you get a complimentary wine tasting, I still recommend tipping $5 to $15 per person. My favorite guests are the ones who come for a free glass and leave a $5 bill for the staff.

Respect the winery's reservation policy

Whether it's a casual tasting or a group event, sticking to a winery's reservation policy makes everyone's experience smoother.

When I serve guests, I find their experience feels more elevated when I can prepare their table with chilled water, food-and-wine menus, and tasting information — details that reservations allow us to organize in advance.

Most importantly, a quick call is always appreciated if you're running late or need to cancel. It allows us to adjust our priorities, accommodate walk-ins, or better serve other guests without disruption.

Be mindful of the winery's closing time

Paying attention to the winery's posted closing time is a small but significant courtesy.

Take it from me: There's nothing more awkward than vacuuming around customers as a casual way of saying, "We closed 30 minutes ago, and I'm ready to go home."

Some wineries have strict rules about when they can serve alcohol, and staying late often means the staff has to delay their cleanup and end-of-day tasks. Wrapping up your visit on time shows respect for the team's schedule and ensures a smooth experience for everyone.

I recommend asking about a winery's hours before arriving or planning an earlier visit if you plan to stay for a while.

Engage with the servers and ask questions

Although some servers may work at a winery for a side job with a view and a generous wine discount, others are soon-to-be sommeliers.

In my opinion, the best guests ask their servers about their background in the wine industry. Many staff members I've met have unique insights from formal wine education, hands-on vineyard work, or years of tasting and studying wines.

I especially recommend taking the time to get to know your servers if you visit frequently. They're often the staff who will guide your future tastings and provide personalized recommendations.

Showing interest in your server's knowledge and history creates a personal connection and makes the interaction more meaningful. After all, it's not just about the wine — it's about the shared passion for the experience.

Keep the table tidy during and after the tasting

It never goes unnoticed when guests make a point to bring their glassware back up to the bar. It's a thoughtful gesture that shows a customer respects the space and the staff's efforts.

If you've used napkins, snack plates, or other items during your visit, neatly gathering them before you leave can help staff maintain a clean, inviting environment for the next guests.

Small actions like these create a positive atmosphere and are always appreciated, especially during peak business hours.

• I'm a psychologist who drives all over Arizona to do psychological assessments.
• The long drives exhausted me until I got a Tesla Cybertruck, which has self-driving features.
• People keep flipping me off because of Elon Musk, but they don't understand how this truck helps me.

I'm a psychologist who drives long distances to see patients in towns throughout Arizona. When I arrive and step out of my Tesla Cybertruck, I don't have the fatigue that typically comes with driving for hours.

On the days I travel, I often have a full schedule of Social Security disability psychological assessments to conduct. It's mentally exhausting work that demands focus and compassion.

I credit my Cybertruck, affectionately named Brick House, for helping me arrive for the day without feeling drained.

But the general public thinks my truck is a political statement and not something that helps me.

I first turned to Tesla because I needed a car with self-driving features

My road to driving a Cybertruck began in 2012 when I was a doctoral student commuting weekly from Phoenix to Tucson for an advanced practicum clinical training.

Those drives up and down the I-10 were brutal. Sometimes, I'd have to pull over to take a quick nap to finish the drive safely, but I would still arrive home exhausted. During those drives, I often thought about my favorite childhood cartoon, "The Jetsons," and how their cars drove themselves. That was the future I dreamt of. I wanted my car to drive me.

In early 2013, I heard about Tesla and its promise of Full Self-Driving. I immediately vowed not to buy another car until I had a Tesla. In 2021, I could finally lease a Tesla Model 3 Long Range with Full Self-Driving, which I affectionately named Ma'Lady.

Over the next three years, Ma'Lady and I drove more than 35,000 miles, crisscrossing Arizona and conducting psychological examinations in rural towns. Ma'Lady became more than a car; it was a lifeline that kept me safe on Arizona's backroads and highways. Interestingly, I never experienced any backlash when driving the Model 3.

The Cybertruck then became the right vehicle for me

In 2024, a few months after my Model 3 lease ended, I knew I wanted to purchase my next car. Since the vehicle is technically for my business, it needed to be big enough for a specific tax code. The Cybertruck was the only one that fit the bill.

My long-awaited Cybertruck reservation eventually came through. But I then hesitated to upgrade to a Cybertruck due to all the controversy surrounding Tesla, the Cybertruck specifically, and Elon Musk.

I already bought a different vehicle with driver assist, but it didn't compare to Tesla's Full Self-Driving. The exhaustion I felt after driving for hours in the other vehicle, seeing patients, and writing reports was extreme.

A health scare landed me in the ER and reminded me how crucial it is to minimize stress. Tesla's Full Self-Driving significantly reduces the stress of driving all over Arizona.

I left the hospital, went to my credit union, picked up my check for the Cybertruck, drove directly to FedEx, and overnighted the check to Tesla. Two days later, I was picking up my Cybertruck.

Unfortunately, the Cybertruck draws a lot of attention

The reactions I get when driving the Cybertruck have been surprising. It's fun to see kids wave and snap pictures of my quirky-looking stainless steel ride. Most are not shy about it. Some ask if it's OK; others will walk up, pose, and take pictures or videos. Their innocent responses are truly heartwarming.

What's heartbreaking, though, is how many adults respond. I've been flipped off, mean-mugged, and given many thumbs down. I've also experienced others aggressively merging in front of me and being shouted at in traffic.

A close friend even refused to ride in my Cybertruck, sharing his disdain for Tesla's CEO.

With the added controversies since the 2025 presidential inauguration and Musk's actions, I'm concerned that people will become more aggressive with their actions toward my Cybertruck and become physical versus just mean-mugging and flipping me off.

It's like driving a Cybertruck makes me a target for adults' opinions about Musk. To be clear, I bought the truck before he became a polarizing political figure. I cannot ignore Musk's behavior, and yet, I cannot take back the money I've already spent on buying the Cybertruck.

Tesla's Cybertruck keeps me safe

My Cybertruck isn't just a luxury or trying to look cool. Driving my Cybertruck is about functionality and safety. Arizona's two-lane highways, with fatigued drivers and narrow roads, can be dangerous.

Tesla's Cybertruck technology keeps me centered, monitors for hazards, and reduces the mental toll of long drives.

I'm not financially able to sell or trade in the truck to avoid all the troubles. It's simply not feasible. When it's time for me to purchase another vehicle, I'm sure other auto manufacturers will have a version of Full Self-Driving, and I'll be able to point my dollars toward a more affirming brand.

But right now, I'm just leaning into the positives of my Cybertruck.

• My family loves the ferry system in Washington, thanks to its affordable pricing and stunning views.
• Recently, we took a budget-friendly ferry ride from Olympic National Park to Whidbey Island.
• Wildlife sightings during the $21 car-ferry ride were better than ones on our whale-watching tour.

Washington is one of my family's favorite travel destinations.

We've visited the state several times, and we keep returning to explore more of its beauty. On each visit, we include a ferry journey to see scenic barrier islands in Puget Sound.

Here's why we love these ferry-based expeditions — and why a recent one to Whidbey Island really blew us away.

Over the years, my family has enjoyed stunning vistas from Washington's ferries.

When my son was younger, we used rides on Washington's ferries as sightseeing excursions.

On a clear day, the ferry between Seattle and Bainbridge Island offers unmatched views of the city's skyline.

Its price tag — about $10 per adult, kids are free — also makes it much more affordable than seeing the city on a land-based tour.

On a recent visit to Olympic National Park, we took a ferry to an island with great views and access to outdoor adventures.

Now that my son is a tween, he loves more active adventures.

While planning a recent hiking trip through Washington's Olympic Peninsula, we decided nearby Whidbey Island would be the perfect place to extend our stay and enjoy even more sightseeing and other outdoor activities.

To get there from Olympic National Park, we would take a ferry that allowed us to take our rental car with us.

The ferry ride from Olympic National Park to Whidbey Island only cost us $21.

To get from the park to Whidbey Island, we took the ferry from Port Townsend to Coupeville.

I booked the ferry passage online for my three-person family and our rental car and was pleasantly surprised to see that our one-way trip was only $21.

Driving onto the ferry was a smooth, well-organized process that only took a few minutes.

Once parked on the ferry, we weren't confined to our car.

Once our car was all set, we headed up to the ship's deck area.

The ferry's great indoor and outdoor sightseeing options allowed us to view birds, seals, and other wildlife. We also enjoyed watching Washington's rugged landscape pass us by.

The ship also had a small snack shop, where my son purchased chips and a sports drink.

We had a great time once we docked, too.

After about 30 minutes, we docked at Whidbey Island, which also proved to be a great spot for sightseeing and wildlife viewing.

First, we explored downtown Coupeville's cute boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.

From the town pier, we spotted even more seals swimming close to shore. At one point, we passed a printed guide showcasing whales in the region next to a bell to ring if any were spotted.

After eating some fresh seafood, we drove about 30 minutes to Deception Pass State Park.

While on the island, we continued to immerse ourselves in nature.

The island's picturesque state park also offered ample wildlife viewing opportunities.

At Deception Pass State Park, our one-day parking pass was only $10. My family had lots of time to explore, birdwatch, hike, paddle, and soak up the scenery.

Lastly, we did a pricey whale-watching tour that paled in comparison to our affordable ferry ride.

Wildlife sightings on land or a ferry are never guaranteed, so I'd also booked us a $300 whale-watching tour.

Our tour was on the "mainland," so we drove up the bridge on the north end of Whidbey Island to get to the boat. It took us to San Juan Islands, an archipelago known for its orca-watching opportunities.

Unfortunately, we only saw one orca during our four-hour excursion.

It was beautiful, but the whale's distance from us, combined with the numerous other tour boats in the area all vying for a prime viewing position, made the experience feel crowded and sort of artificial.

After this tour, I realized we preferred the more natural and spontaneous feeling of encountering wildlife during our ferry ride.

We actually saw more animals from the ferry than we did on the tour. Even if we hadn't, we would've still gotten to enjoy beautiful scenery as we sailed through Washington.

Spotting animals in the wild can be unpredictable, so I'd rather take my chances on a laid-back, inexpensive ferry instead of pricey excursions where tourists compete for the best views.

• Business Insider spoke to three professional stylists about shoes that will be in and out in 2025.
• It looks like ballet flats and Tabi shoes are still going to be in style.
• Unless you're wearing platforms, Crocs aren't in for 2025.

Before clicking "purchase" on those shoes in your cart, get yourself up to date on the latest trends.

Business Insider asked three professional stylists which shoes are in and out right now. Here's what they said.

Get comfortable in Uggs.

Stylist Kim Appelt told BI that prioritizing comfort is back in style, making it a great time to invest in a pair of Uggs.

Over the past few years, different iterations of the famously comfy shoes, such as Tasman slippers and mini platform boots, have become more popular.

This year, the stylist predicts the classic, tall brown boot will be trending.

Ballet flats are still on-trend.

Ballet flats are versatile and comfortable, and they're not going out of style anytime soon.

"Ballet flats are like God's gift to Earth," Ceila "CQ" Quarles, a designer at CQ Studios who's styled musicians and rappers, told BI. "It's a shoe that you can fit in your purse. You can't go wrong with it — it's like being barefoot."

Their ease of wear nicely fits into the current comfortability trends, and they're suitable for both street and office wear.

Booties are a reliable staple.

Sandra Okerulu, a celebrity stylist, said booties will never go out of style.

The short boots that end near the ankles can be worn for multiple occasions, making them a practical choice for your closet. They're also more inclusive for calves of all sizes than taller boots, which is a plus.

The stylist specifically recommends looking into pairs from Donald Pliner.

It's not too late to get into Tabi shoes.

Whether you love or hate them, Tabis have been in the spotlight for over a year — and CQ said the split-toe shoes popularized by brands like Maison Margiela are still going strong.

"I myself own a pair that I run into the ground," she said. "I'm planning on getting at least two more for 2025."

They come in multiple styles, including flats, heels, and boots, and CQ told BI it's not too late to hop on the trend.

Cowboy boots keep trending.

With big-name celebrities like Beyoncé leaning into country aesthetics, it's no surprise that cowboy boots have made a comeback. So far, it seems like the trend is sticking around this year.

"We just tapped into it because we know that it's trendy," Okerulu said. "It's fashionable, it's cute."

If you want something on trend that doesn't scream country, Appelt suggests looking into Isabel Marant's cowboy-style boots.

Loafers are set to be huge this year.

Both Okerulu and CQ agreed that loafers are going to be well-favored this year, largely due to trending dark-academia and preppy aesthetics.

Okerulu specifically highlighted Franco Sarto loafers, saying the brand does interesting things with textures, colors, and designs.

Go out on the town in mules.

Okerulu said mules are going to be the perfect going-out shoe in 2025.

"Mules with a chunky heel, a slim heel, whatever you desire — those never go out of trend," she told BI.

Popular brands like Sam Edelman, Nine West, and Schutz have stylish selections of mules available if you need to refresh your collection.

Add a few inches to any look with platforms.

CQ sees platforms — on everything from sneakers to boots — as a universally popular look for 2025.

She told BI that adding platforms to any outfit makes it "immediately hotter."

The stylist has also noticed more people sporting the elevated shoes with evening wear and in casual, everyday settings.

On the other hand, it may be time to say goodbye to Crocs.

Although Crocs certainly made a comeback in recent years, Okerulu said you may want to hold off on buying another pair.

The stylist said she thinks the rubber shoes should only be used for practical purposes, like if you have a job where you're on your feet for a long time and need a comfortable shoe.

However, CQ said, platform Crocs are an exception as they still fit into this year's high-sole trends.

You may want to put those extra-chunky Prada Loafers away for now.

Even though loafers will be trending in 2025, Appelt said it's time to say goodbye to one style in particular: Prada's chunky loafer.

"I just feel like they had their day," she told BI.

The shoe's recognizable design and prominent logo go against the trends toward quiet luxury. People just don't want to be as obvious with their high-end clothing.

Shark boots are done.

Shark boots, known for their oversized silhouette that falls down to the heel of the shoe, probably aren't a practical addition to your 2025 wardrobe.

Okerulu said they're more of a "one-time thing" due to their uncomfortable fit and over-the-top flair. They're just not versatile enough to stick around.

Minimalist styles, like booties, seem to be taking their place this year.

• I saved a college fund for my daughter but decided not to give it to her.
• Instead, I'm having her apply for student loans so that she can learn financial independence.
• I hope this financial responsibility will help her become a better adult.

College was one of the biggest challenges when parenting my daughter.

High school was easy because we were a small, tight-knit family that followed a schedule.

My wife and I would do school drop-off every morning and then go to work. In the evenings, we would all meet back at home and talk about the highs and lows of our days. Weekends were rather adventurous. We would go out to explore new places, or our daughter would spend time with her friends. Everything was rather predictable.

Unpredictability set in just when my daughter was about to go to college. There were so many decisions to be made, and we were not all in agreement with them. My daughter wanted one thing; my wife and I wanted another, and it was a constant cycle of trying to figure things out.

Paying for college was our biggest hurdle to face as a family.

We saved for my daughter's college but then had second thoughts

One thing we were prepared for was the financial aspect of higher education. We knew the transition would be expensive, so we had set aside a college fund years ago to ensure we would all be comfortable.

However, I started reflecting on my life and the hardships that I had to go through as I grew up. For me, going to school was a privilege because I came from a middle-class family where my parents tried their best to give us everything we needed.

As one of six siblings, things were never easy. My parents provided my education by constantly applying for loans. This gave me a burning desire to work harder and reach my goals because there was no fallback plan.

Along the way, I learned significant money lessons that I've carried into adulthood — lessons I wish my children would equally learn.

Of course, the goal is always to provide a better life for your children so they don't have to know the difficult life experiences you went through but sometimes we have to make decisions they will be grateful for later.

Therefore, despite having a college fund, I encouraged my daughter to apply for student loans.

I hope she can learn financial responsibility

Apart from emphasizing savings and keeping piggy banks when she was younger, I never had real-life opportunities to teach my daughter about money management. Her journey to college was the best place to start. After all, she would be independent in a couple of years.

By encouraging her to apply for student loans, I was hoping to teach her to make important financial decisions in the long run and understand debt management.

As education is important, paying back the student loans will be equally important to her because the loans provide long-term educational value. Learning how to budget and manage debt repayments is a critical life skill for anyone.

To ensure our daughter was on board with the idea, my wife and I had an open discussion with her regarding this huge financial step. We also set realistic expectations on the loan repayment terms and exchanged ideas on how to manage finances post-graduation.

We agreed that she will look for jobs during semester breaks and will be able to save a little of what she will earn in a "loan payment" account that she will eventually have.

She was surprised and had to process it for a couple of days. But after many discussions, she understood and now does the loan applications herself — now that she's in her second year of college.

Owning a personal bank account and a loan repayment account will help her split the money she gets into two and make do with what she can.

Now, she'll be better prepared for adulthood

Considering that we can afford to pay for college, this may seem like an extreme measure, but it's one that we feel is needed. My biggest fear is raising kids who will not be financially independent when the time comes.

By taking these little steps, we hope our daughter will understand the importance of managing her finances properly, even if we won't be there to guide her. Life is unpredictable, and you don't want your kids to feel incapable of handling the challenges that may come their way.

What she doesn't know is that her college fund will remain untouched for her to receive in the future and that we will be a safety net if things get tough. But we didn't offer that upfront because we wanted to help her find her way and give her a start in this cold world.

• Some cruise lines are sailing to places the US State Department has advised against visiting.
• The US has destinations like Haiti, Honduras, and Sinaloa, Mexico, at a "Level 4: Do not travel."
• Industry group CLIA said cruise lines work with security experts and governments to assess their routes.

The warm, palm-tree-dotted beaches of Royal Caribbean's private Haitian resort, Labadee, accommodate thousands of eager cruisers every year.

But a six-hour drive away, near Toussaint Louverture International Airport, the situation couldn't look more different.

The Federal Aviation Administration has halted US airlines from flying into Haiti's primary airport, which the State Department calls a "focal point for armed activity." Amid continuing civil unrest, the US advises against travel to the Caribbean country, warning of robberies, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings, including of American citizens.

Royal Caribbean paused voyages to Labadee for seven months in 2024. But some of its larger ships have since returned — despite the country remaining at the State Department's most severe "Level 4: Do not travel" advisory.

Royal Caribbean has maintained Labadee's safety, telling CruiseHive in late 2024 that the property has private security and minimal crime. (The cruise line did not provide Business Insider with a comment about Labadee.)

Like Royal Caribbean, popular vacation-at-sea companies like Carnival, Norwegian, and Princess also continue sailing to destinations where the US has a Level 4 or Level 3 travel advisory, such as Honduras, Trinidad and Tobago, and several Mexican states.

To understand why, you have to read the notices' fine print.

The State Department advises reconsidering travel to Honduras due to heightened levels of violent crimes and gang operations. However, it notes there are more resources and improved policing in tourist areas like Roatan — home of Carnival Corp's Mahogany Bay Cruise Center port.

As such, cruise lines like Celebrity, Princess, MSC, and Oceania all have Roatan itineraries scheduled for 2025.

Similarly, the US government recommends avoiding travel to the Mexican states of Colima and Sinaloa. But the advisory says federal employees can travel to specific tourist areas in Mazatlan, Sinaloa and Manzanillo, Colima — where cruise lines like Norwegian and Princess would sail to in 2025. (Royal Caribbean and Carnival currently don't offer Manzanillo itineraries.)

A spokesperson for the trade group Cruise Lines International Association told BI that its companies "prioritize safety and security in all of their operations and closely monitor all planned routes, including working closely with global security experts and government authorities."

If needed, itineraries are adjusted to comparable ports, they said.

Of course, not all travel advisories are created equally.

The US has the Bahamas at Level 2 — "exercise increased caution" — due to crime on two of its most popular islands, Grand Bahama and New Providence (home to Nassau).

Yet, the Caribbean country continues to be a popular vacation destination — potentially even more so by the end of the year.

Several cruise giants have been expanding their private port portfolio throughout the two Bahamian islands. Carnival is currently building a $600 million resort, Celebration Key, on Grand Bahama, while Royal Caribbean's coming Royal Beach Club Paradise Island would be a short drive from New Providence.

Both are expected to debut in 2025.

• Morgan Freeman stands to have made around 30 times his money on Tesla stock.
• Elon Musk shared a clip on X of the actor saying in 2016 that he owned Tesla shares.
• If Freeman owned $10,000 of Tesla stock and didn't sell, his stake would be worth over $300,000 now.

Morgan Freeman has potentially scored a roughly 3,000% return on Tesla stock, meaning a $10,000 investment then would be worth north of $300,000 today.

The movie star revealed he was a Tesla shareholder during a CNBC interview in 2016, a clip of which Elon Musk shared on X this week. The electric-vehicle company's CEO shared the same clip in April last year, writing "Morgan Freeman is awesome."

"I own Tesla," Freeman told his interviewer. "I'm a huge fan of Elon Musk's and I think he's got the most incredibly forward-thinking ideas about where we can go technologically.

"He's, you know, what he's done, nobody else has ever done," Freeman continued. "He's landed a rocket ship so it's reusable — you know what a feat that is?

"Now we're taking off and we're going to Mars, delivering stuff to people who are going to be settling there, just like they settled the Old West, and bringing those ships back and landing them and reloading them," Freeman added, referring to Musk's vision for his space-exploration company, SpaceX.

The Hollywood legend, known for his roles in "The Shawshank Redemption" and "Million Dollar Baby," didn't disclose how much stock he owned or how much he paid for it.

"Mr. Freeman has a policy of not publicly discussing his personal investments," the actor's publicist replied to an email from Business Insider seeking more details about the holding.

Tesla stock was trading around $13.50 on a split-adjusted basis the day the interview aired. It was trading around $415 on Friday, representing a nearly 31-fold increase in a little over eight years.

Musk's automaker has massively grown over that period. Its market capitalization has ballooned from around $30 billion to $1.3 trillion, making it one of the most valuable companies in the world. Its revenues have surged from $7 billion in 2016 to $97 billion in 2023, and it swung from an operating loss of over $600 million to a nearly $9 billion operating profit.

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

Welcome back to our Sunday edition, where we round up some of our top stories and take you inside our newsroom. Middle-management jobs don't typically come with mega paychecks, but this IT worker credits them with helping him build wealth and retire early. The secret? Staying at this level gave him time outside of work to pursue side hustles.

On the agenda today:

• After a weekend of chaos, TikTok is back. What now?
• Trump brings DOGE inside the White House.
• Why companies like JPMorgan and Costco are doubling down on DEI.
• The startups that are most likely to become tech's next unicorns, according to an AI model.

But first: Back from the Alps.

If this was forwarded to you, sign up here. Download Business Insider's app here.

A week in Davos

I've spent the last week or so traveling, visiting our crackerjack team in London before heading to Switzerland for the World Economic Forum. I've been to Davos before, but this was my first time with Business Insider. And I got to see the tremendous smarts, hustle, and spirit of this newsroom in full swing.

I was on the ground there with our international editor, Spriha Srivastava; the writer of this daily newsletter, Dan DeFrancesco; and ace tech reporter Hugh Langley. Together, we easily met more than 100 people, maybe twice that.

Yes, there was plenty of pitching of wares, but mostly these were meaningful conversations about AI, Trump, DOGE, social media, trade, EVs, crypto, the workplace, and you-name-it other hot topics.

Plus, protests. Plus, parties and celebrity sightings. Plus fabulous clothes.

The fashion seemed to reach a new level this year, including for the corporate types, as stunning outfits studded the Promenade. Dan wrote here about what a person's footwear said about their status.

Every day we were constantly updating daily diaries on all of it. That included blurbs about AI agents in the boardroom, how DOGE could prove a good business opportunity for tech, consulting firms' expectations for a strong year, Uber wanting to "out Amazon" Amazon, and why the best place to do business might actually be on the slopes.

As we scurried about, our colleagues in Singapore, London, and New York helped us research and polish stories while also doing some writing of their own. They listened in to WEF panels virtually, further deepening our coverage of arguably the business world's most important event of the year.

All in, BI wrote about 25 stories about Davos. Other highlights: Spriha's report on the audience reaction as Trump spoke (virtually); Hugh and Spriha's story about workplaces populated with AI agents; Hugh's piece quoting an AI pioneer worried about these agents; and Dan's daily video updates about all that was going on. Here, I wrote about a moving and provocative talk about how to raise and educate people so they can navigate our evolving world, from the President of Singapore.

What's key now is that we synthesize all we absorbed and use these takeaways and valued connections to help you, our readers, in our coverage. As always, please let me know what you think at [email protected].

Inside TikTok's wild weekend

The Friday before Trump took office again, a Supreme Court opinion cleared the path for a long-awaited TikTok ban, sending shockwaves through the community of creators and partners. The next day, TikTok officially "went dark" — for about 14 hours. The app was then resurrected on Sunday, January 19, around 12:30 pm ET.

Even though TikTok is back, many remain rattled. BI's Sydney Bradley and Dan Whateley spoke to employees, creators, and partners about the intense 72 hours — and what comes next.

Three days of whiplash.

Also read:

• Big Tech's TikTok choice: Trump? Or the law? Peter Kafka explains.

DOGE in the house

When President Trump introduced DOGE in November, he initially said it would operate separately from the government. But the DOGE signed into existence on Monday looks almost nothing like that.

The new DOGE is officially part of the White House, operating within the government and not beyond it. Experts said the move reduces some legal challenges but creates issues in other areas.

A different breed of DOGE.

Also read:

• DOGE takes aim at the penny.

Doubling down on DEI

Upon his return to the Oval Office, President Trump signed a slew of executive orders, including an end to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the federal workplace. Many companies have made similar moves to roll back on DEI programs, with Target being the latest.

However, efforts to save these initiatives aren't forsaken. JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon recently defended the bank's DEI work and told investors targeting the company to "bring them on." Costco shareholders also overwhelmingly rejected an anti-DEI proposal on Thursday.

The latest on the battle over DEI.

The next tech unicorns

Venture capitalists investing in tech tend to base their decisions on gut feelings, founder background, and personal relationships. The San Francisco-based firm TRAC wants to change that.

The firm developed a proprietary AI model, known as "Moneyball for VC," to predict which early-stage startups are likely to become unicorns by analyzing over 30 data sources.

Check out its predictions.

This week's quote:

"Everybody's trying to figure it out, and we're trying to do it with limited time and on the fly."

— A veteran and four-year federal employee on President Trump's RTO mandate for federal workers.

More of this week's top reads:

• Meet the future leaders of Goldman Sachs' investment bank.
• The trade-secrets fight between 2 of alternative data's biggest names is getting nasty.
• Nondisclosure agreements are now rampant in the workplace, covering nearly half of employees.
• Exclusive: Rivian CEO shrugs off Trump's rollback of EV incentives.
• 5 charts that explain Trump's presidency so far.
• The S&P 500 closes at a record high as Trump pushes for cheaper oil and lower interest rates.
• Instagram made a change that might reveal your embarrassing habits — or not.
• The SEC launches a crypto task force on Trump's 2nd day in office.
• How Palm Beach is becoming the life of the party under Trump.
• 24 hours of Elon Musk and Sam Altman's public exchanges since Trump announced Stargate.

• Trump's administration is looking to slash the federal workforce. Here's where most people are employed and what they make.

  ---

  The BI Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York. Grace Lett, editor, in Chicago. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York. Lisa Ryan, executive editor, in New York. Elizabeth Casolo, fellow, in Chicago.

• Diageo has denied reports that it is considering selling Guinness or its stake in Moët Hennessy.
• Bloomberg had reported that the company was reviewing its portfolio.
• Diageo said in a statement on Sunday that it had "no intention to sell either."

Drinks giant Diageo has denied reports that it is considering selling Guinness or its stake in Moët Hennessy.

In a statement on Sunday, the company responded to "recent media speculation" and said that it had "no intention to sell either."

Bloomberg reported on Friday that Diageo was reviewing its portfolio and weighing up spinning off or selling Guinness. The report said Diageo's stake in Moët Hennessy was also being reviewed.

"We will next update the market with Interim results on 4 February 2025 and we look forward to hosting our Guinness investor and analyst day on 19/20 May 2025," Diageo said in its statement.

The company's share price surged by around 4% on Friday following the reports that it was considering a sale.

Diageo is a global leader in alcoholic beverages. Its portfolio also includes brands such as Johnnie Walker, Captain Morgan, and Don Julio.

Guinness has enjoyed increasing popularity in recent years and has captured younger generations of drinkers. Celebrities have also boosted its profile, with stars like Kim Kardashian posting photos with the beverage. Singer Olivia Rodrigo also wore a "Guinness is good 4 U" T-shirt while performing in Dublin last year.

Trends like "splitting the G," a game in which drinkers aim to take a big sip so that the drink comes to halfway down the "G" on the glass, have also helped boost its popularity.

Guinness saw a spike in demand in the run-up to the holiday period — leading to Diageo rationing supplies.

Last year, the company sold its majority stake in Guinness Nigeria to the Singapore-headquartered company Tolaram.

• The Aluminaire House was designed in 1931 as a vision for affordable housing in the US.
• Since then, it has been moved from NYC to the suburbs, then abandoned, restored, and moved back into the city.
• In 2017, it was shipped to Palm Springs, where it has been rebuilt again and is open to visitors.

The typical American will move 11 times in their life, the US Census Bureau says, but there is no similar estimate for the typical American house.

A leading candidate for most-moved home might be the Aluminaire House, which was designed in the 1930s as a vision of affordable housing in the Depression-era US.

Its boxy design, made up of interchangeable aluminum and steel parts, foreshadowed the rise of pre-fabricated homes and ADUs, which have been tapped in the present day to solve the country's modern housing affordability crisis.

The 1,200-square-foot cube was built on six columns and contains five separate rooms that can be arranged as different living spaces.

Over the past century, the Aluminaire House has been taken apart, rebuilt, restored, and moved multiple times as architecture enthusiasts preserve its place in American history.

"The Aluminaire House," a book published in November by Jon Michael Schwarting and Frances Campani, details the long, winding journey of the iconic structure through a New York City showroom, a grassy hill in Huntington, New York, a playground in Sunnyside, Queens, the inside of a tractor-trailer, and, finally, a permanent site in Palm Springs, California.

Take a look at the house's cross-country odyssey:

Designed in 1931 by architects A. Lawrence Kocher and Albert Frey, the Aluminaire House was imagined as a vision of affordable housing for the US.

It was not an obvious duo. Kocher was the respected editor of the Architectural Record, a monthly magazine. Frey was a young, unproven architect from Switzerland.

The pair was inspired to create a house that used "standardized parts" and could be mass-produced.

The two architects wanted to challenge conventional ideas about how a house should look. The house was designed to be built out of aluminum panels.

A model of the house debuted at a 1931 exhibition hosted by the Architectural League of New York City. It was the star of the show.

The model of the three-story house was relatively small, only 22 and a half feet wide.

Newspapers called it "the magic house of today," and were awe-struck at the "changeable rooms with moveable partitions." The New York Times was impressed that the house could be "rapidly constructed."

One writer predicted that people would soon be able to "order more rooms by telephone" when their place was feeling too cramped.

New York architect Wallace Harrison loved the Aluminaire House so much that he paid $1,000 and shipped it to a plot of land he had recently purchased in Huntington, New York.

Harrison was involved with many iconic New York City projects, including Rockefeller Center, the United Nations Headquarters, and the Metropolitan Opera.

News reports from the time say he wanted the Aluminaire House built as quickly as possible because his wife wanted more space after having a baby.

At some point, Harrison lost interest in his prized possession. The Aluminaire House, once a shining star of the architectural world, fell into disrepair throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Harrison moved the house once during the time he owned it, in the 1940s, to further down the hill it was already sitting on. It's not known when he abandoned it altogether, though he would sometimes let friends stay there.

A plastic surgeon bought Harrison's regular house in 1984 and was granted a demolition permit for the Aluminaire House.

Even though it had fallen into disrepair, multiple groups of architects and enthusiasts still visited the home for its significance.

Professor Jon Michael Schwarting helped win a state grant to repair the historic home. Over 11 years, he and his architecture students returned the home to its former glory.

Students at the Islip campus of the New York Institute of Technology would take a class with Schwarting and work each semester on the restoration of the Aluminaire House. Another professor, Frances Campani, oversaw the work on the house.

When NYIT closed its Islip campus in 2005, a new site was needed. A former playground in Sunnyside Gardens, Queens, was chosen.

However, a group of residents opposed the Aluminaire House and said it was an eyesore.

Midcentury-modern enthusiasts suggested moving the home to Palm Springs, where Frey already had a dedicated fan base. The home was packed up and driven cross-country.

The Aluminaire House was packed up in 2012, but didn't make the trip to California until 2017.

Now, the house has a permanent home — as an exhibit near the Palm Springs Art Museum.

The project was completed in February 2024 and is now open to the public. Schwarting and Campani — the long-time stewards of the home — attended its ribbon cutting.

• My dad is 85 and still lives alone.
• He's started to have some cognitive changes and memory loss.
• My sisters and I are navigating how to help without taking away too much of his independence.

My dad has begun to change. It started small — trouble remembering a name, misplaced keys. These little slips could be easily overlooked or explained away. Then it began to get worse — forgetting to pay a bill, leaving the back door open all night.

Physically healthy, fiercely independent, and still living alone at 85, my dad is part of a growing trend of older Americans remaining in their homes, often living alone. According to the most recent Census data, 24% of men and 43% of women over the age of 75 live alone.

But what happens to these people who may still be physically capable of independent living when cognitive issues arise? For most, that hinges on the severity of the mental changes.

We don't want to take over too much

In my dad's case, the mental slips he experiences aren't severe enough to warrant a dementia or Alzheimer's diagnosis. But his symptoms do line up with mild cognitive impairment, which the National Institute on Aging characterizes by memory or thinking problems such as losing items, forgetting appointments, and having trouble remembering words or names.

Though my dad's cognitive issues are clinically "mild," they still feel scary and concerning for my sisters and me. We know he is still capable of taking care of himself, but we still worry that his forgetfulness could put him in danger or lead to problems such as losing power because he forgot to pay the bill.

And while our first instinct is to step in and take over things, my sisters and I also know that asserting too much control over our dad's life would threaten his independence and potentially cause more harm than good. So we've learned to strike a balance between letting him live his life while also being involved enough to ensure that he's safe and secure, both physically and financially.

Here's what we're doing to help

One of the most helpful things we've done is accompanying our dad to his doctor's appointments. He lives with hearing loss, so we frame the offer of taking him as a way to ensure he hears and understands everything his doctors say. He appreciates having us serve as interpreters, and being in the room allows my sisters and me to raise concerns with his physicians that our dad might not bring up himself.

To ensure all of our dad's bills get paid in a timely manner, my sister set up automatic drafts at his bank. That may sound like a no-brainer for most of us, but for a man accustomed to sorting through mail and writing checks for everything, this small change felt pretty revolutionary, and he appreciated the time and trouble it saved.

But the biggest change we've made is increasing communication with our dad. Checking in with him multiple times each week not only allows us to feel closer to our father, it also helps us stay abreast of any issues he may be having.

Our communication also includes candid discussions with him about his cognitive difficulties. My dad is aware that he's becoming more forgetful, so talking with him about it and working through solutions together allows us to feel like we're being proactive while also allowing our father to maintain a sense of control over his own life.

We maintain a delicate balance, and while that may shift as our dad continues to age, for now, these small changes have worked for our family. Do I still worry about my dad? Of course. But I also feel better knowing that my sisters and I are actively responding to his cognitive difficulties in a way that allows him to continue to be the healthy, independent man he's always been.

• Some people are embracing "low-buy year" to curb their consumerism and slash their debt.
• After an era of doom spending, many are tired of being strapped for cash.
• They say capsule closets, Vinted sales, and "Project Pan" promote mindful consumption.

Some people are getting serious about curbing their consumerism and needless spending by committing to a "low-buy year."

While "doom-spending" was a tactic some used to make them feel better about the economy and geopolitical issues in post-pandemic 2023, it looks like that era is over.

Now, what's hot are capsule closets and "Project Pan" — just two of the methods heralded as ways to save rather than spend during a low or no-buy year and help people develop a more mindful approach to consumption.

Elysia Berman, who documented her journey out of $48,000 worth of debt on social media, told Business Insider that the trend may be related to people tiring of the "pressure to keep up."

"I think people are feeling a bit burned out," says the New Yorker.

There's a cost-of-living crisis, and while spending mindlessly was fun for a while, people are sick of being broke and owing thousands to credit-card providers and buy-now-pay-later apps.

"They're tired of being sold to and taken advantage of," Berman added. "People don't want to be defined by their possessions anymore."

The reality of micro-trends

Debt and personal finance have become huge on social media, particularly TikTok, in the past couple of years. There, you can find raw and candid conversations about salaries, savings, debt, and ways forward.

Ellen Robinson, who lives in London, noticed that the number of beauty products and clothes she'd been purchasing had been steadily creeping up in the past few years due to services like TikTok shop.

Rather than actually wanting the items she was adding to her cart, she was getting a rush from what that stuff represented.

"I was sort of buying into things because I wanted the lifestyle that thing portrayed in my head rather than the thing itself," Robinson told BI.

Black Friday in November was a turning point for her because all the discounts felt "really in your face." She's also grown skeptical about the latest fashion micro-trends that disappear from social media feeds as quickly as they emerge.

"I feel like everybody's now become more aware of how fast the trend cycles are moving," she said. "Every couple of weeks, we're like, it's now the fisherman trend, it's now the cute cat trend, or whatever, and I think people are just exhausted by it."

Although she's always been interested in sustainability, Robinson has stepped up her efforts and plans to purchase just 12 items in 2025. "Rather than not buying anything at all, I'm being a little bit more considered and buying myself one piece a month that fits into my wardrobe in a variety of different ways."

The 'one in, one out' rule

Mia McGrath told BI that her low-buy year is about "becoming conscious about what I consume."

The Londoner works in fashion, which means she's under added pressure to look on-trend. However, she's unsubscribed from the brands she likes and no longer receives tempting messages about their latest offers.

McGrath also follows the "one in, one out" rule and will only buy something new after getting rid of something else. She recently purchased a cashmere sweater, but only after she sold five items on Vinted.

To help others stick to their rules, McGrath recommends finding non-material things to consume, such as audiobooks or experiences with friends. "Maybe it's traveling more or something that's intangible that still means a lot to you — and reconnecting with that side of you that didn't always see shopping as your only form of fun."

Marika Thurlow, who is UK-based, is sharing her weekly purchases on TikTok to keep her accountable.

Rather than immediately make purchases, she now screenshots them and then comes back to them a week or so later.

More often than not, the urge to buy has disappeared. "It's funny how your brain works. You just forget about things," Thurlow told BI.

Rewiring the dopamine hit

Rashi Grover, who lives in Ontario, Canada, became wise to the realities of the dopamine hit from buying new makeup or clothing because it wouldn't last.

"We click add to cart, and then for a few days, we're excited about our order," she said. "Then, as soon as it arrives, we play with it for maybe 30 minutes, and then that's it, done."

Growing up watching content on platforms like YouTube, Grover said she and many of her peers thought it was normal to aspire to have huge collections of makeup and clothes like the influencers they looked up to.

Now a little older and saving for a house, Grover realized she needed to stop. The fast-fashion hauls that were so popular during the pandemic now feel so wasteful, she said.

"I bought so much junk off Shein. A couple of months ago, I was going through my closet, and I was just so ashamed of myself."

Instead of being tempted by makeup, Grover has been participating in "Project Pan," which forbids buying more beauty products before finishing those you have already.

"It's learning and distinguishing between a want and a need," she said. "Do I really need this, or should I just be satisfied with what I have?"

Future you will thank you

Getting into debt is easy. Everything is "stacked against us" in this regard, according to Amos Nadler, the founder of Prof of Wall Street, who holds a doctorate in behavioral finance and neuroeconomics.

"It's a battle to stay on the straight and narrow," he told BI, especially with relentless marketing and something called "present bias."

Our brains have evolved to heavily discount the importance of things the further away they are. That's why it's much more appealing to buy something right now rather than abstain for several months to get yourself out of debt.

Yet it's possible to develop an appetite for saving rather than spending, Nadler said. Rules such as a "low-buy year" are a good place to start.

When Berman spoke with BI, she had just learned she had been laid off. But she was thankful she had started taking her finances seriously and has paid off more than $35,000. A year ago, "it would've been a totally different story."

"These little financial lessons, they compound over time," said Berman, who recommends a low-buy year to everyone — not just those in debt. "Future you will be grateful to past you for reining it in."