• The latest OPM email telling federal workers to outline their accomplishments has roiled Washington.
• For Veterans Affairs employees who spoke to BI, the directive is one more DOGE-related frustration.
• About 2,400 staffers from the agency have been fired in recent weeks.

When Elon Musk announced last Saturday that federal workers would have to respond to an email detailing their work accomplishments from the past week or risk termination, it was the latest move in the White House DOGE Office's push to upend US government.

Veterans Affairs secretary Doug Collins — a former Georgia congressman — said in a video last Thursday that health care for veterans would not suffer amid efficiency reforms, pushing back against what he said were "whoppers" about DOGE-related impacts on the department. Roughly 2,400 employees at the agency have been fired in recent weeks, including 1,400 on Monday.

Several staffers at the Department of Veterans Affairs told DOGE's efforts have created a high level of uncertainty and stress within a department tasked with providing critical services for the nation's veterans.

"So many people have no clue how this is impacting us," one VA social worker said. "We spend a lot of time managing our staff's emotions with each OPM email. I fear people will begin to resign and then our veterans are the ones who will suffer."

The social worker also said staffers are being "harassed" by the Office of Personnel Management.

"It has been nonstop since January 20," the social worker said of the OPM's directives.

A VA nurse — who was instructed by a facility leader to respond to the OPM email — said it "lacked any context, explanation, or proper official formatting, making it indistinguishable from a scam email." The nurse noted that before President Donald Trump took office last month, official communications typically came from VA email accounts, whereas now they're coming from OPM accounts.

"The idea that a billionaire oligarch can decide over social media that employees must submit to vague, coercive demands — or lose their jobs — is both disturbing and unacceptable," the nurse added.

Another VA employee told BI that the latest OPM email is a "direct assault" on public servants and chided government leaders for what he said was a lack of leadership in probing DOGE.

"Why are our elected officials allowing an unvetted agency such unchecked power, without any visible oversight or accountability?" the employee said. "The military recognizes the detrimental effects of prolonged high-stress operations. Federal workers have been living it for the past month."

Most of the VA workers spoke of how the OPM's actions are taking away from the focus on veterans.

Another VA nurse told BI that they feared important research trials would be in jeopardy after Trump issued a federal hiring freeze.

"I love taking care of veterans but now worry each day whether I'll still have a job," the nurse said. "My heart also breaks for all the worried veterans who are now coming in wondering if they can still get care at the VA, if there will be anyone left to take care of them."

The Department of Veterans Affairs has roughly 400,000 employees, with 170 VA medical centers and nearly 1,200 outpatient centers across the country.

In January, following Trump's hiring freeze executive order, the department said there would be exemptions for essential roles.

Earlier in February, the Department of Veterans Affairs fired over 1,000 employees — which included probationary workers — and said the move would allow it to redirect $98 million in savings towards health care services for veterans.

After the dismissals, 36 Senate Democrats — including Senate Veterans Affairs Committee ranking member Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut — pressed the department to rehire every fired probationary employee.

However, on Monday, the Department of Veterans Affairs dismissed 1,400 additional employees whom they said occupied "non-mission critical" probationary roles. This comes as probationary employees across multiple federal agencies have become targets for terminations in recent weeks.

"These and other recent personnel decisions are extraordinarily difficult, but VA is focused on allocating its resources to help as many Veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors as possible," Collins said in a statement on Monday.

"These moves will not hurt VA health care, benefits or beneficiaries. In fact, Veterans are going to notice a change for the better," the secretary added.

The department said on Monday that the bulk of its 40,000 probationary employees weren't included in the most recent job dismissals because they occupied critical roles.

Still, leading Senate Democrats have continued to push back against the cuts at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

In a letter helmed by Blumenthal and signed by 35 of his Senate colleagues last Wednesday, they disputed Collins' assertions that the cuts wouldn't "negatively impact" care for veterans.

"Openings for new clinics have been delayed because VA cannot hire the necessary staff to open their doors. Service lines at VA hospitals and clinics have been halted," the lawmakers said at the time. "The list of real-life negative impacts of this Administration's directives is expansive and growing every day."

Blumenthal — who said he now regrets voting to confirm Collins in what was an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote in January— railed against the latest series of cuts at the department.

"Make no mistake, these actions are destroying the trust veterans have in VA and will do long-term damage to VA's ability to recruit and retain talented doctors, nurses, and others wanting to pursue a career serving veterans," he said in a statement on Monday.

Business Insider reached out to the Department of Veterans Affairs and DOGE for comment.

• I went to Costa Rica for the first time, and it was gorgeous, but the trip was riddled with mishaps.
• Next time, I'll be better prepared for possible bathroom creatures and power outages.
• I've also learned a lot about dealing with sunburn, bug bites, and dehydration.

At the beginning of the year, I had the opportunity to go to Costa Rica for the first time.

I encountered stunning natural views, new-to-me foods, and beautiful wildlife. However, the trip also came with its fair share of obstacles.

Here are six mishaps from the trip that I think could happen to anyone — and how I learned to prepare for them.

The power went out multiple times.

My lodging experienced full power outages multiple times during my trip, often overnight.

After some research, I learned that this is pretty common in certain parts of the country. The chef who came to work in our kitchen even kept a headlamp with him.

We had plenty of candles on hand, but it would've been very helpful to have a portable battery bank (or three).

Beware of bathroom creatures.

In beautiful, tropical environments like Costa Rica, it's not uncommon for part of your accommodations to be partially or totally outdoors.

In our case, the bathroom for our accommodation was outdoors.

One time, on a 2 a.m. bathroom run, I encountered a scorpion. I was barefoot, which could've ended very poorly for me. Luckily, I spotted it before I got too close, and we just had a staring contest — no one was hurt in the process.

I never wanted to risk that again, so slip-on house shoes became my best friend anytime I needed to run outside.

There are a lot of bugs.

Costa Rica is fairly close to the equator, so the climate is hot, humid, and wet. Essentially, it's a paradise for bugs.

I quickly learned that essential oils, natural bug repellents, and even chemical sprays weren't enough to keep them away at times.

The best (and least sticky) solution I eventually found was keeping a tinned citronella candle nearby whenever I was sitting outside.

The sun can also be really intense.

Because of its location, the sun is also brighter in Costa Rica than where I'm from in the Midwest of the US.

Unfortunately, the sun-care products I found there were more expensive than what I'm used to. I should've stocked up before my trip instead of waiting to buy things once I landed.

Even with sunscreens, hats, and UV clothing, there's a chance you'll burn — I certainly did. I'd also prepare for that by packing some soothing aftercare products.

I know what I'm going to pack for every boat trip going forward.

Being stranded in the ocean was an experience — to say the least.

During a boating excursion, the engine stopped working. We were within eyeshot of the shore, but it quickly became obvious that we were going to be stuck for a while.

Although I didn't intentionally prepare for this, I was glad I had reef-safe sunscreen on me — within 15 minutes of baking under the sun , everyone in the boat needed to reapply.

Between the big bag of trail mix I had and the skipper's cooler of fresh pineapple, no one went too hungry.

We were far enough out that the water was fairly calm, but we also had plenty of Dramamine to help keep people's motion sickness in check.

All in all, it wasn't as scary or shocking as it could've been, but I'm always going to keep snacks and supplies on hand for future boating activities.

Dehydration is not to be taken lightly.

If you're not used to being in a humid climate, it can be hard to tell when you're starting to get dehydrated. My skin was damp with and without sweat, thanks to the tropical rainforest environment.

I was very grateful that a friend brought chewable electrolyte tablets and was willing to share. They helped me stay hydrated while we were stranded in the ocean, and they were super helpful during an hourslong hike to a waterfall.

I also took one before the flight back to America, and I really noticed a difference in my hydration levels on the dry airplane. I don't think I'll ever travel without them again.

• When his son was born, Christopher Mannino, 44, was a high school theater teacher in 2016.
• He had a short paternity leave and got panic attacks because he rarely saw his son.
• Day care costs were also expensive, so he decided to become a stay-at-home dad instead.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Christopher Mannino, author of the coming book "Making It Up: A Revolutionary Way to Bond With Kids Through Play." It has been edited for length and clarity.

After my son was born, I started having panic attacks at work.

I was a high school theater teacher in Maryland — my dream job. I taught six drama classes and ran a massive theater program, grateful I could focus solely on the subject I loved rather than teaching it only as an after-school extracurricular.

It was also difficult. I only got three days of paternity leave; I was told, quite bluntly, that if I took more, I might be switched to teaching a different subject when I returned. Knowing this, my wife and I deliberately planned her pregnancy so she would give birth over the summer, when I'd have more time at home.

Things got worse once the school year started. I was often the first person to come in and the last to leave. I also often worked weekends, directing show rehearsals or improv events.

During that time, I frequently felt stressed and guilty that I wasn't becoming the father I always wanted to be. I would pick my son up from day care and feel like I never saw him.

So when our son was 6 months old, I quit my job and became a stay-at-home dad to him and, later, his sister. After six years of staying at home, I'm grateful for our time together.

We weren't happy with our day care

As it is for many American parents, our childcare was very expensive. We put our son into day care when he was 2 months old, right when my wife's maternity leave was over.

After taxes, my mandatory union fee, healthcare reduction, and retirement savings, I spent most of each paycheck on day care.

We also had concerns about the quality of care our son was receiving. We started looking into other childcare options, including in-home services, but couldn't afford them. Others didn't have availability.

At one point in our search, we asked ourselves why we were doing this. My wife made a lot more than I did for fewer hours. After talking it out, I quit my job and stayed home full-time.

It was scary to suddenly move to one income, but then we remembered we didn't have to pay for childcare. Financially, everything evened out pretty well.

Leaving my comfort zone

Besides our initial fear of being on one income, which is less common these days, I also never met a stay-at-home dad before. I knew it was unusual, and being called "Mr. Mom" by family members solidified how strange it seemed to others.

I also had to adjust from working full-time. My high-energy job, which involved working with over 300 students a year, dwindled to spending all my hours with a baby. It was very jarring at first.

It took me about a year to feel confident. At first, I would take my son to storytime and playgrounds, where I would be the only dad among 15 moms. I'd feel uncomfortable approaching women I'd never met and asking to set up playdates.

Things started to change when I realized I could recreate the best parts of my job at home. I read a book called "The Ultimate Stay-at-Home Dad" and learned the trick was leaving my comfort zone and meeting as many people as possible. Over time, I felt more confident talking to new parents.

Once a week, I took my son on an adventure, branching away from playgrounds and libraries. We went to museums, to the zoo, to the beach. When the pandemic hit, we built a rocket ship in the living room. Our rocket was powered by song, and we came up with one that lists all the planets in order. We still sing it to this day.

Staying home for 2 kids

Our daughter was born in 2019 when our son was 3.

By the time he entered preschool, I was more experienced as a stay-at-home dad. We'd moved to Delaware, and I remember taking my daughter to Valley Forge, a historical park with Revolutionary War forts on display. I still remember when she put her hands on her head and said, "Dad, I'm done. No more George Washingblub."

Another time, we were grocery shopping, and I could tell she was about to have a tantrum. We played a game where she "froze" me in the freezer aisle. Some parents watched us, bemused at me standing in funny poses while she giggled.

Once my daughter started preschool in 2023, I became a part-time substitute teacher to have more flexibility in case either kid got sick or had a day off. I've since changed careers, becoming a full-time author and working on a book about my experiences as a stay-at-home dad.

I still fondly look back on my dream job as a theater teacher. I'm proud of the work I did, and I know that some of my former students now have careers in Hollywood and New York.

I also know I would've missed out on so much had I stuck to only seeing my kids on weekends. Dreams change, and this ended up being the better one.

• I spent two weeks backpacking through Europe for the first time in October 2022.
• I found that it wasn't the glamorous, romantic adventure it often looks like on Instagram.
• While backpacking, I was disappointed by overnight train rides and crowds of tourists in each city.

With a passion for fashion, traveling with just a backpack never appealed to me before 2022. There were always too many layers, accessories, and shoes I wanted to pack.

But since I began traveling more as a travel reporter for Business Insider four years ago, I've realized I needed to lighten my load to make it easier to hit the road for longer periods.

I prioritized the minimalist travel style in August 2022, when I spent a week backpacking for the first time through Eastern Canada. It turned out to be much easier — and more efficient — than I'd originally thought. 

So, when I planned a two-week train trip through four European countries two months later, I pushed myself to fit everything I needed into my backpack again.

I spent two weeks backpacking across Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland while exploring the cities of Berlin, Vienna, Venice, Rome, Milan, and Zurich. It was my first time visiting each country and backpacking in Europe. 

I slept in shared train cabins and budget Airbnbs, and initially, I felt like I was living the life of young adults on a gap year or post-college students on a big adventure.

But I quickly realized it wasn't as glamorous as I expected it to be.

On Instagram, I've often seen epic photos of an empty nature scene save for the backpackers with a caption about life being an adventure.

After backpacking Europe, I found that the travel style was full of hardships I rarely see posts about. 

First, I found that my biggest backpack couldn't squeeze in all the clothes I wanted to bring.

I picked my largest bag — a 32-liter backpack — for my trip to Europe.

I wasn't sure how well this bag would work for a two-week trip, so I practiced packing as lightly as possible to ensure I could fit everything. 

I started with my essential work gear — a laptop, cameras, lenses, and a notebook. Then, I packed chargers, toiletries, and snacks before realizing my work gear and other essentials were taking priority over clothes.

I hoped to bring two packing cubes full of clothing, but I could only fit one. This cut my proposed wardrobe in half.

I ended up packing two polos, one T-shirt, one long-sleeve T-shirt, three pairs of pants, a sweater, a blazer, a dress, and two light jackets.

Although I impressed myself by packing lighter than ever while still having everything I needed for the longest trip I'd ever taken, I couldn't help feeling disappointed in my limited outfit choices. 

Because I could only bring a few garments, I had to do laundry at nearly every accommodation.

I've never seen a backpacking social-media post about doing laundry, but I found myself washing my clothes at nearly every Airbnb I stayed in.

I stayed in each accommodation for just one or two nights, so to ensure my clothes would be dry before checking out, I had to prioritize doing laundry as soon as I checked in.

I brought my own laundry soap and used sinks and bathtubs to wash each garment before hanging them up to dry.

This was a bummer since I often arrived at each accommodation feeling exhausted from travel, and washing my clothes was the last thing I felt like doing. 

Coming home to tiny Airbnbs with wet clothes everywhere stressed me out after a day of exploring.

From a converted wine barrel outside Zurich to an Airstream trailer in Vienna, most of my Airbnbs were tiny homes with less than 100 square feet of space. So, the slightest bit of clutter made them look like a total mess. Having my clothes hanging to dry made the spaces feel even more chaotic.

Each time I returned to my accommodations, I was greeted with a disheveled space that made me feel stressed out. Since I'd worked hard to keep my apartment looking spotless at home, I wasn't used to living in a cluttered space. I found it hard to relax in these rooms after tiring days of exploring.

I thought a sleeper train would be a smart way to arrive in new cities and maximize my time, but these shared cabins felt cramped and uncomfortable.

I booked two overnight trains during my trip to free up daylight hours for exploring.

But I didn't anticipate how challenging it would be to get a good night's rest in a small, shared space.

To get from Vienna to Venice, I booked a bunk in a shared cabin on an overnight train run by the Nightjet rail line, which operates overnight routes between Austria, Italy, France, and the Netherlands.

Since I booked a shared room with up to five others, I expected to feel slightly cramped, but I still thought I'd have some space to move around the room.

However, the 74-square-foot cabin didn't feel like enough space for myself and the other travelers, especially with everyone's luggage. Our cabin only had four people in it, and I thought it would have been even more uncomfortable had it been fully booked with six people.

There was space for bags above the beds, but not enough for everyone. I couldn't do much more than sit in my bunk and quickly became disappointed by my choice to travel this way.

I was also surprised by the lack of privacy inside the shared bunk cabin on the train.

Before my trip, I imagined each bunk in the shared cabin on the sleeper train would have a curtain for privacy. However, the beds were completely exposed, so I had to go to the bathroom to change into my pajamas privately.

I also had to wake another traveler using the top bunk in the middle of the night to use the bathroom since the room's lock was only accessible from their bunk.

After this experience, I don't think I'll ever bunk with strangers on an overnight train again, especially since some Nightjet routes have private cabins.

"Offering our passengers a high level of travel comfort is an important concern for us," a representative for OBB Nightjet told BI. "We are constantly working on improvements to our product and also take into account the requirements of our customers."

My experience was even worse on the other overnight train I took, where I booked a regular seat and didn't sleep at all.

On my other overnight train from Berlin to Vienna, I had an even harder time sleeping. I sat in a seating carriage room with six seats facing each other, which is Nightjet's version of standard coach seating.

During my leg of the journey, three travelers were already there when I boarded, and two others arrived within the first few hours. Right away, I thought the room was cramped and lacked enough legroom for each traveler.

The seat appeared slightly wider than a typical train coach seat, with two cushions. It also reclined, though not fully. I reclined mine as much as possible, but I thought the gap between the seat back and the bottom of the seat made it tough to get comfortable.

When I tried to sleep, I found it impossible with the constant bumps on the ride and so many people around. I ended up staying up until the morning and regretted traveling overnight. 

"The quality of travel depends not only on the carriages but also on the route," OBB Nightjet wrote in a statement to BI. "We recommend the sleeper or couchette car for night travel. There is enough space to stretch out. Seated carriages are recommended for shorter journeys."

While some influencers might like this type of travel, I'll stick to daytime routes next time if I can't sleep flat on a bed in a private room. 

I often arrived in each country feeling exhausted from lack of sleep, which made it harder to enjoy my time in each place.

Because I had so much trouble sleeping on both overnight train rides, I often arrived in a new city feeling depleted instead of excited and ready to start exploring.

When I got to Vienna at 7 a.m. after a sleepless night in the seating carriage, I was so exhausted that I looked for any hotel that would take me in so early in the morning. I thought this made the overnight ride ultimately not worth the time saved since I didn't do anything when I arrived other than sleep.

When I got off the train in Venice, I had enough energy to explore since I got some sleep in the bunk, but I still felt fatigued, and it took away from how much I could enjoy that first day.

As a result, my first day in both cities felt disappointing, and my plan to save time and energy backfired. I couldn't help thinking I wasted two days that could have been spent feeling more appreciative of the city surrounding me had I gotten enough rest. 

In fact, a lot of my trip was more physically draining than I anticipated because my backpack made my body sore.

On travel days, I had to carry my backpack for long periods. I wore it on the go to catch my train. When I arrived in a new city, I had to keep it on my back until I could check into my accommodation. And then, I'd repeat the entire process when I checked out before catching a train to my next destination.

Each day, after wearing my backpack while walking for extended periods, my muscles felt incredibly sore.

In these moments, I was surprised to find myself questioning if a backpack really is more convenient than a carry-on suitcase. Sure, a carry-on suitcase is larger and often needs to be wheeled around, but after lugging around my backpack all day, I felt it would have been easier and better for my body. Plus, I'd be able to pack more.

Large crowds made having a backpack even harder. I thought traveling in October — the end of shoulder season — would help me avoid this, but I was wrong.

In most photos of backpackers I see on Instagram, it looks like they're completely alone in a dramatic scene, whether it's a scenic landscape or a major tourist attraction.

However, even though I visited during the shoulder season, this was not the case. From Rome to Zurich, I trudged through places that were overrun with tourists.

Throughout my trip, I stood on tippy toes to see popular historic sites above rows of heads obscuring my view. Even getting just one photo of myself at tourist hot spots, like the Colosseum in Rome, felt nearly impossible. And since I'm 5-foot-3, I found it hard to see over the heads and smartphones of the people around me. 

I also wasn't used to the weight and size of my backpack, which made it challenging to get around. In crowded spaces, I kept forgetting that the backpack made me about a third larger than I typically am. I bumped into people with my pack in busy streets and train stations before realizing I needed to reconsider how I was taking up space. 

Next time I plan a trip to Europe, I'll visit in the offseason for fewer crowds.

While it wasn't a picture-perfect adventure, backpacking through Europe made me realize that you can't plan out every second, and maybe that's a good thing.

While there were a handful of hardships, backpacking in Europe was also full of good surprises.

For example, I initially thought seeing so many new places in a short time would make them blend together in my mind, but each city felt genuinely unique and left me with distinct memories. And without my backpack, I probably wouldn't have been able to travel to as many places in one trip.

I'll never forget how alive Berlin felt with its lush pockets of greenery, dramatic murals, and street performers, or how Vienna's garden mazes and fairy tale architecture made me feel like royalty — even with a turtle shell on my back. 

Ultimately, I thought the good surprises outweighed the bad, so I would definitely backpack in Europe again. But next time, I'll avoid shared accommodations, overnight rides, and the busy season. 

• Jon Stewart's impassioned "Daily Show" monologue ended with an on-air injury.
• Stewart began by suggesting ways that DOGE could cut costs and save money.
• As he criticized government-funded pharmaceutical subsidies, Stewart smashed his mug and cut his hand.

Jon Stewart's fiery "Daily Show" monologue criticizing DOGE's cost-cutting measures briefly went off the rails, leaving the host with a bloody hand.

In his Monday night monologue, Stewart called out the recent actions of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is run by Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.

"Cutting money shouldn't be this hard," Stewart said. "I'm starting to think that we as a country don't understand where the real waste fraud and abuse in our system really is."

"Let me join DOGE. I'm gonna see if I can noodle some ideas here," Stwart said, putting a bunch of props, including a "word's most dad" mug, a calculator, and a notepad, on his desk.

"How about we just take $3 billion in subsidies we give to oil and gas companies that already turn billions in profits," Stewart sarcastically suggested. "How long did that take?"

The host didn't stop there. Instead, he continued to offer alternative ways to save money.

"Oh, wait! How about we just close down the carried interest loophole on hedge funds? That's $1.3 billion a year," Stewart continued. "How about we stop the $2 trillion dollars we've given to defense contractors to build a fighter jet that blows, when everybody knows the next war is going to be fought with drones and blockchains, whatever that is! Holy shit! I can't believe it! I just saved us billions of dollars in 11 seconds!"

Stewart said that pharmaceutical companies receive plenty of government funding, and in exchange, people pay "the highest drug prices in the Western hemisphere."

"But you know what's so horrible about our system now? And the corruption that lays within it?" Stewart asked. "We're so fucking numb to it, we actually tout tiny cracks in that exploitation as victory."

Stewart showed an old clip of former US President Joe Biden celebrating negotiations with Medicare to lower the cost of 10 drugs to illustrate his point.

"Ooh, can it be? The companies we subsidize with billions of dollars are allowing us the privilege of negotiating the price of 10 of their drugs," Stewart said sarcastically.

"And 10 is all of them, right? It would be embarrassing if it was a small drop in the bucket and that the American people didn't expect that we should negotiate for all their fucking drugs! Because we've already paid for 'em with our subsidies!" Stewart said, smashing his mug with his right hand around the 17:00 mark of the monologue.

Then, Stewart briefly glanced at his bleeding hand and hid it behind his desk to continue the segment.

"I'll be going to the hospital soon," he joked, before continuing with his rant about pharmaceutical companies. Later, near the end of the monologue, Stewart pulled his hand back up on the desk, and the crowd reacted to the sight of it completely covered in blood.

"It's fine!" he yelled with a laugh.

Whatever happened to his hand, Stewart has seemingly lived to tell the tale. Stewart poked fun at the mishap on X, writing: "We're back! New Daily Show tonight! It's a bloody good episode…emphasis on bloody…I'm an idiot…"

• A WalletHub analysis found Mississippi spends the highest share of its median household income on groceries among US states.
• West Virginia and Arkansas ranked second and third, while New Jersey came in at No. 50 on the list.
• The three states that spend the lowest percentage on groceries also have the highest earnings.

Retail food prices have increased across the US, but Mississippians are arguably feeling it the most at the grocery store.

WalletHub, a personal finance platform, recently released an analysis examining the share of median income residents of US states allocate to groceries, and those in Mississippi, West Virginia, and Arkansas are spending the highest percentages.

The company studied the prices of 26 common grocery items, including meat, dairy, fruits, and cleaning products, across all 50 states. It then combined the costs and compared them with the median household income in each state to identify where residents spend the highest proportion of their income on groceries.

Mississippi ranked No. 1 on the list for highest spending on groceries relative to income, with the cost of groceries reaching 2.64% of median monthly household income. West Virginia ranked No. 2 with 2.57%, and Arkansas ranked No. 3 with 2.49%.

You can hover over the map below to see the percentage of median monthly household income residents spend on groceries by state.

Despite Mississippi ranking highest on the list, the report said that "grocery prices in Mississippi are actually relatively low," with the state having the ninth lowest grocery prices in the US. WalletHub said in its findings that Mississippi is among the 10 least expensive states in 15 of the 26 products measured in the study, including items like margarine and dishwashing detergent.

However, a more significant factor is that Mississippi had the lowest median annual household income in the country, at $52,985 in 2022 dollars, per Census data spanning 2018 through 2022. That was well below the national median of $75,149.

"So even with relatively low grocery prices overall, Mississippians are spending a higher percentage of their income on groceries than people in any other state," WalletHub said.

WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo told Business Insider that the study compared the prices in each state to median annual income because it seemed to be a better indicator on a statewide basis than solely looking at grocery prices. Lupo said that the cost of grocery prices in New Jersey "won't mean anything to someone in West Virginia."

The report said that West Virginia is "around the middle or bottom of the country" for some of its grocery prices, although some products, like eggs and potatoes, tend to be more expensive. Still, West Virginia had the second-lowest median household income in the US, bringing in $55,217 annually.

Similarly, while Arkansas, which spends the third-highest percentage of its median income on groceries, is in the top 10 states with the cheapest groceries in the US, it has the third-lowest median household income, with $56,335 annually.

Meanwhile, New Jersey ranked No. 50 on the list, meaning its residents spend the lowest percentage of their income on groceries, with Maryland and Massachusetts placing right above it. All three states have the highest median annual household incomes in the country and spend between 1.5% and 1.54% of their median monthly household income on groceries.

Lupo suggested that those who want to see their spending go down should buy store-brand versions of products, buy in bulk, and look into reward programs for grocery stores they frequent. You should also budget carefully — and try to stick to it, Lupo said.

"That will keep you from splurging," Lupo said. "And most importantly, from making those impulse buys."

• On Monday morning, screens at HUD briefly displayed a fake video of Trump sucking Elon Musk's feet.
• Later that day, the monitors began displaying soundless videos of Trump signing executive orders instead.
• As of Tuesday morning, HUD monitors were still showing Trump signing executives orders.

It's a toe-tal switch-up over at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, where monitors are no longer showing fake videos of President Donald Trump sucking Elon Musk's feet.

Instead, TV screens throughout the agency on Tuesday displayed clips of Trump signing executive orders on a loop, a HUD worker said and union officials confirmed.

A worker at HUD said that the screens began showing videos of Trump's signings last night. The worker noticed the videos showing as they left the office for the night, and as of this morning, the clips were still playing. Business Insider viewed recordings showing the videos being played on at least two monitors; both appeared to be playing without sound or closed captions.

"It's making people uncomfortable," the worker said. "It's like state propaganda."

Two HUD workers said that the monitors are generally used to convey information, not broadcast videos. Both said the toe video was the first time they'd seen the monitors used to show video.

On Monday night, the press office for HUD Secretary Scott Turner released a statement on the day's excitement.

"The monitors at HUD are now showcasing the wins of the Trump administration, including action to lower the cost and expand the supply of affordable housing," the statement said. "We expect the media to cover these historic achievements with the same level of detail and immediacy as other frivolous stories."

The White House and Turner's office did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment on the executive order videos.

HUD spokesperson Kasey Lovett said in a statement Monday that the Trump-Musk video was "another waste of taxpayer dollars and resources."

The toe-sucking video hit the monitors inside the agency as bargaining unit employees at HUD officially returned to office on Monday morning. The agency is facing potential cuts amid the Musk and Trump push to efficiently slash the federal workforce, with the Associated Press reporting that half of the agency could be on the chopping block.

Federal workers this week have also been asked to account for what they've been doing on the clock. The Office of Personnel Management sent out a weekend email asking workers to reply with five bullet points on what they had worked on in the past week. However, some agencies later said that a response was voluntary or that they'd reply on behalf of their workers.

Are you a federal worker with a story or tip? Contact this reporter on Signal at julianakaplan.33 or via email at [email protected].

• Apple shareholders reject proposal to end diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
• Its board advised against the proposal, citing business strategy management concerns.
• Apple aligns with Costco, opposing the trend of scaling back diversity programs.

Shareholders at Apple have voted to reject a request to cease its diversity, equity, and inclusion moves.

In their proposal to cease DEI efforts, the National Center for Public Policy Research said the program "poses litigation, reputational, and financial risks to companies." During Apple's annual shareholder meeting on Tuesday, holders voted against the request. The company didn't immediately provide a breakdown of the vote.

Ahead of the meeting, Apple's board recommended that shareholders vote against the "unnecessary" request. The tech giant said the proposal "inappropriately attempts to restrict Apple's ability to manage its own ordinary business operations, people and teams, and business strategies."

Their decision stands in contrast to many major companies that have chosen to scale back their programs. The National Center for Public Policy Research cited some of them as examples that Apple shareholders should seek to follow, including Meta, Alphabet, and Microsoft.

Instead, Apple is joining companies like Costco in standing behind DEI efforts. Shareholders for the grocery giant overwhelmingly rejected an anti-DEI proposal last month.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January ending DEI programs in the federal government. As the shift becomes more widespread, many major companies are examining their own policies.

• I stayed at a resort in Sidemen, a more rural part of Eastern Bali, for under $50 a night.
• While in Sidemen, I enjoyed a private bike tour and incredible waterfall views.
• I'm happy I chose to skip more popular spots in Bali, which helped me avoid crowds of tourists.

Before I visited Bali, I was convinced by posts on Reddit and TikTok that it was little more than a crowded playground for influencers trying to get the perfect photo for Instagram.

Knowing that many of its popular areas, like Seminyak and Kuta, have struggled to deal with high levels of tourism (and the pollution and damage that can cause) in the past few years only added to the image I'd created in my mind.

I don't travel just to snap photos, and I enjoy getting to explore without crowds, so when I finally visited, I decided to head to a less popular and more rural region of Eastern Bali: Sidemen.

I'd heard about Sidemen from a friend who had visited Bali a few months prior. After seeing images of the area's lush green landscape and reading about its incredible waterfalls and laid-back feel, I was sold.

My resort in Sidemen felt like an excellent value

When I arrived in Sidemen, I was delighted to find the lush valley was filled with rice terraces, artisan silver workshops, and otherworldly landscapes.

I stayed at Cepik Villa Sidemen, a resort where I paid $45 per night for an air-conditioned bungalow with a king-sized bed and complimentary breakfast each morning.

It had a pool, a rooftop spa, a yoga pavilion, and a restaurant where I had the best nasi goreng (an Indonesian fried rice dish) of my entire trip.

The luxe-feeling hotel, which only has six rooms, was surrounded by rice terraces. It looked immaculately maintained, and I even saw staff walking the grounds multiple times a day to tend to the wide variety of tropical plants.

A highlight of my stay was a private tour of the area with a local guide

My favorite activity at Cepik Villa Sidemen was a private scooter tour of the area with a staff member at the hotel who was born and raised in Sidemen.

Early in the morning, I hopped on the back of his scooter, and we drove about five minutes to the local market, which was already bustling before 8 a.m. I bought and tried things I'd never heard of, like snakeskin fruit, a sweet-and-sour fruit with scaly skin.

After exploring the market, we hopped back on the scooter and wove through the beautiful surrounding scenery until we reached Gembleng Waterfall.

My guide dropped me at the base of it, where I walked up a steep series of steps to access a few small pools that the waterfall feeds into.

I didn't see a single other person hiking up the steps or lounging in the pools during my visit. Looking out over the valley with the sound of the waterfall behind me, I was struck by how beautiful the area was and how lucky I was to have the view all to myself.

After that, we stopped to taste locally brewed Arak (a strong Balinese liquor) and visited Pertenunan Pelangi, where I watched crafters go through the complex process of designing, dyeing, and weaving colorful fabrics.

Choosing the right spot to base your stay in can make all the difference

As it turns out, I'd underestimated Bali and how much it has to offer.

Much to my delight, Sidemen felt so much different from the crowded, influencer-filled Bali I'd expected — yet it still felt luxurious and beautiful.

Unlike some of the other places I visited in Indonesia, Sidemen offered me a unique opportunity to connect with the landscape and the people.

I don't think I could've had the same personalized, private experiences in a more crowded place.

Although I don't necessarily dislike "touristy" destinations, I think there's something to be said for straying from the most popular recommendations online and seeking out something a little different.

I'm sure there are many reasons Bali's trendiest destinations draw so many visitors — but I feel my choice to spend time in a lesser-known part of the province was a good one.

• My friend and I boarded a 10-hour economy flight between Denver and Munich.
• Like most long-haul flights, the journey was filled with highs and lows.
• We celebrated an empty middle seat and dined on OK plane food.

Long-haul economy flights are a roller coaster of highs and lows.

I hate cramped quarters but love plane food. I struggle to fall asleep but crave an excuse to binge movies for hours.

Jet lag is a nightmare, but the stomach drop from taking off and gaining a bird's-eye perspective on a destination are two of my favorite things.

My most recent long-haul flight was filled with similar highs and lows.

For the first time in years, I wasn't traveling solo. I had a friend by my side. Together, we were heading to Italy's Dolomites for a week of skiing — a high.

To get there, we had to embark on a 10-hour Lufthansa flight from Denver to Munich in economy — a low.

Here's how we spent every hour of the journey.

Hour 1: A TSA hiccup

Like any long-haul flight, the journey starts long before stepping on the plane.

Thankfully, dropping off ski bags was a breeze, and my friend and I were eager to zoom through TSA PreCheck and get to the Capital One Lounge.

Like any plan, something is bound to go wrong. I was supposed to have PreCheck, but it wasn't showing up on my boarding pass. After getting turned away at TSA, I waved farewell to my friend Emma and headed to general check-in.

It was no big deal. Then, the TSA agent's face filled with confusion when she scanned my passport and boarding pass. The name on the screen and my passport didn't match.

She sent me back to the Lufthansa desk, where they printed me a new boarding pass. Two lines later, I was in front of a new TSA agent. Again, the incorrect name popped up.

After flagging a supervisor, they let me through with no explanation.

My friend and I have no theories about what happened or how a completely wrong name could be attached to my profile. We ultimately shrugged it off, attributing it to Denver International Airport's many quirks.

The fiasco reminded me that I needed to get to the airport early. Many things are out of your control when you fly — from traffic to technology issues — and creating a buffer for things to go wrong is always key when traveling.

Hour 2: A quick lounge bite

Our planned lengthy break before boarding turned into a quick bite.

My friend wrapped up a last-minute work assignment, I sent off an email, and we toasted to making it through security.

As I sipped my spritz, I sat in disbelief that I had gone years without lounge access. Late last year, I finally caved and bought a travel credit card with lounge perks. It only took one trip to make the card worth the cost, and now, every time I fly out of Denver, I drink and dine for free.

Our time in the lounge flew by, and after about an hour, we both realized our flight had already started boarding.

Once again, stress set in. We scrambled to shove our laptops in our bags, use the bathroom quickly, and pack a few lounge snacks for the flight ahead.

Hour 3: A race to our gate

Emma and I rushed to the gate. I often travel alone, so I was thankful we had each other for reassurance.

"Boarding doesn't end for another 7 minutes," we reminded each other as we hopped on and off moving walkways and darted between passengers to get to gate A45.

We were some of the last passengers to board, and as we looked around, we noticed the back of the plane was practically empty. No one was seated in our middle seat, and the row in front of us was empty. There was plenty of overhead storage for our carry-ons and personal items.

My unpopular opinion that the back of the plane is the best place to sit was proven right again. Later, when I walked to the front of the cabin, I noticed a much more crowded area.

After settling in, Emma and I celebrated the legroom and extra space.

Then, we eyed the pros and cons of our Lufthansa A350-900 aircraft.

The seats felt a little bigger and comfier than my other long-haul flights. We had TV screens and larger tray tables. What we didn't have were outlets, so getting work done was going to be a challenge.

Still, as the plane pulled out of the gate, I felt the giddy excitement of starting an adventure.

Hour 4: Skeptical about a new travel pillow

I've been on the hunt for the best travel pillow. I tested an inflatable one on a recent 33-hour travel day and didn't love it.

I've tried traditional pillows and foot hammocks, and I'm convinced something better has to exist.

I packed a sleep mask that attaches to a plane's headrest for this flight.

Our journey had just started. Dinner hadn't been served, and we were less than an hour into the flight. But something about getting on a plane immediately makes me sleepy, or maybe that's just the lounge cocktails.

Thankfully, the eye mask was easy to set up. Emma and I laughed at how ridiculous I looked strapped in, but I wasn't too worried about that as long as it helped me sleep.

After getting it set up, I debated sleeping. There were still 5,000 miles left in the trip. If I slept now, would I regret it?

Instead, we watched the sunset. The striking sky and watercolor of pastels were gorgeous. It felt like a good omen for our trip, and I snapped images of the plane's wings.

"As if I don't already have enough plane pictures," I thought as I added about a dozen more to my camera roll.

Hour 5: Perplexing plane food

Suddenly, the plane cabin was enveloped in smells. Drink service started about an hour into the flight, and with eight hours left, food arrived.

Only the vegetarian meal was left when the flight attendants reached my seat.

I wasn't sure what I was smelling, and as I uncovered the aluminum lid, I was even more confused. The flight attendants didn't give me a description, and there wasn't a label on the tray. It looked like some sort of quinoa loaf.

I could pinpoint some ingredients. There was zucchini, I'm sure. The loaf was on a bed of rice, and there was a white sauce that I couldn't identify. My meal also included what looked like melted vanilla ice cream, but instead, it was a room-temperature mousse.

The meal was fine, but I was thankful I had dined at the airport lounge beforehand.

A Lufthansa representative told Business Insider that the airline is working on upgrading its food and beverage services.

Hour 6: Attempting to sleep

My desire to sleep had vanished, so I spent the next hour listening to a podcast and deleting old photos from my phone.

I knew I needed to attempt to sleep soon, so I headed to the bathroom for a quick break to stretch my legs.

I found an empty area, did a few calf raises, touched my toes, stretched my hamstrings, and returned to my seat.

By this point, most of the passengers were already sleeping. I strapped into my eye mask and hoped sleep would come easily.

Instead, I was restless. After about 20 minutes, I turned on a TV show.

Hour 7 - 10: Begging sleep to come

There were less than six hours left, so I turned off my TV show, strapped back into the eye mask, and willed myself to sleep.

I dozed off for a bit, but after about an hour, the pressure from the eye mask was too much. I ripped it off, grabbed my jacket, and used that as a pillow instead.

I continued tossing and turning. At hour nine, I mistakenly checked the flight's remaining time. Four hours remained, and sleep wasn't coming. I was antsy and ready to be off the flight.

In the past, flight attendants have shared tips and tricks for successful long-haul flights. I should've packed melatonin and had a healthy snack midair, and ultimately, I regretted not being more prepared to sleep for the journey.

Hour 11: Groggy with a grumbling stomach

I woke up dazed and more tired than I was 10 hours ago.

With less than two hours left, a new smell filled the plane's cabin. This time, I knew exactly what it was: coffee.

It was breakfast time, and I was hungry.

I was handed another cryptic tray, and I crossed my fingers that it would be better than the dinner.

Unfortunately, I thought breakfast was worse than dinner. There wasn't much flavor, and the textures felt off. The scrambled eggs were dry, and the hashbrowns were soft and greasy.

I longed for airport lounge food and regretted not packing more snacks for the flight.

Hour 12: Surviving and thriving

The pilot announced our landing, and my friend and I eagerly opened the plane windows to catch our first glimpses of Europe.

We were tired, hungry, and thrilled to be one step closer to our ski destination.

We landed in a dreary Munich and headed to our next gate, where a plane was waiting to take us to Venice.

Our ski trip was just hours away, and the dreaded long-haul flight was finally behind us.

I've taken plenty of long-haul flights, but each one teaches me something new

It's been a while since I've traveled with a friend on this long of a flight, and I forgot how much a travel partner can ease the stresses of flying.

Instead of panicking when my name was incorrect or when we were late for boarding, we reassured each other, soaked in sunsets, and celebrated the small wins of what is often the miserable experience of long-haul flying.

The flight also reminded me that long-haul flights require preparation. Next time, I'll pack the sleeping essentials, get to the airport early, and, of course, book my back-of-the-plane seat days in advance.

• Whitney Synder, who has worked at HuffPost his whole adult life, is the site's new top editor.
• Snyder's predecessor left in January amid layoffs.
• Snyder says the audience at his left-leaning site shrank after the election but is bouncing back.

HuffPost has been around for nearly 20 years. Whitney Snyder has been around for almost all of it: He joined right out of college in 2008, as an assistant to cofounder Arianna Huffington, and never left. Now he's running the place.

HuffPost has named Snyder, 39, the site's newest editor in chief. He fills the slot vacated by Danielle Belton, who left last month as part of a round of layoffs. Huffington originally conceived of the site as a place for her famous friends to publish blog posts. But it has gone through several owners and iterations since then, and the lefty, populist site is now one of the remaining pieces of the BuzzFeed publishing business.

I talked to Snyder about working for BuzzFeed founder Jonah Peretti, gauging his audience's interest in Trump, and how it ended up with office space at the Pentagon. Here's an edited excerpt of our conversation.

Business Insider: Your boss Jonah Perreti just put out a memo explaining that he wants to fight back against something he calls SNARF online — that's "Stakes, Novelty, Anger, Retention, Fear." But then he also said that he wants HuffPost to use "SNARF for good.'" I'm looking at your homepage. Can you show me examples where you're using SNARF for good?

Whitney Snyder: I think that what we do is totally consistent with that memo. We have tabloid roots. We want to be journalistically responsible, but tabloids try to appeal to people in a lot of different ways, and I don't think there's anything wrong with that.

I think what Jonah's memo gets to is that doing that at the scale of these platforms that are using machine learning, along with an endless supply of content to optimize to an unhealthy extent — that's where it becomes a problem. But we want people to come to us.

You've had a lot of experience covering Trump, and satisfying an audience that wanted to read a lot of Trump news during his first administration. What is surprising you now, a month into his second term?

When we were planning last fall for the year ahead, we thought about a scenario where Trump wins and it's total chaos and, in some ways, kind of a replay of his first term. And then we also thought there's a scenario where he wins, and people are thinking, "You know what? I just don't want to be a part of this. I can't be in this headspace every day."

Anecdotally, I hear from a lot of people in that group.

Same here. But what's interesting is I feel like we've already gone from one scenario to the other.

We definitely did see, after the election, a lot of people checked out. We did see a drop-off in our audience. We felt confident it would come back. But it came back more quickly than I expected. I think that is in parallel with what's happening in the country.

The thing is, I still think there are people that are in that other place. That are sort of like "You know what? I'm not ready to read about this stuff every day." But from the numbers we look at, that's already a smaller number of our readers than we would have expected.

One surprising thing the Trump administration did is give you guys office space at the Pentagon, alongside some right-wing/conservative outlets. How did that come about?

I would love to have been in the room when that list was drawn up because it was news to us when it came out. We have credentialed Pentagon reporters, and we cover the Pentagon, but we didn't ask to have that space. We had no plans to use that space. Our assumption is that the Pentagon leadership wanted to punish a number of the mainstream media outlets that really do have a long history of in-depth on-the-ground everyday Pentagon coverage.

Did you accept the slot?

Our attitude is that if they want us there, we're ready to deliver and we have a reporter who's been there several times already. We're gonna rotate in some other reporters as well. We aren't planning on having daily news broadcasts from the Pentagon, as NBC might have. But we're happy to be there if that's what's asked of us.

Given that you didn't ask for it, and that you don't have a full-time Pentagon correspondent, did you consider handing the space back to an outlet that does do that coverage?

Our assumption is that if we did that, then they would just take it away.

You've worked at HuffPost for a long time, under several different owners: It was independent, then it was owned by AOL, then by Verizon, now by BuzzFeed. I don't want to ask you to comment on different owners …

I am kind of happy to cover the different owners. I think that different eras have had their own strengths and weaknesses.

I really like being owned by BuzzFeed. Because when we were at Verizon, for instance, we were a rounding error on a rounding error. And I think that really showed in some of the sort of investment and care that was put into what we do.

For instance, our front page really, really languished from a product perspective. Not that it just didn't get better — it actually got worse in our time at Verizon. Because we were just an afterthought. Understandably. The great thing about being at BuzzFeed is that we're actually a strategically important part of the whole business.

• I love popular cities, but there are gems on the East Coast I like to visit to avoid big crowds.
• Ocracoke is more secluded but as beachy as more popular towns in Outer Banks, North Carolina.
• Instead of Miami, try exploring more laid-back beach towns in South Walton, Florida.

As a DC-area native who's been traveling up and down the coast all my life, I've experienced all the big hitters.

I've spent hours in line waiting to grab a beer in Asheville and get ice cream in Nags Head. I've pushed my way through Times Square and crowded Miami bars.

I still appreciate the allure of these ultra-popular cities and towns, but I'm over the chaos and crowds that come with them.

Luckily, I've found plenty of lesser-known-yet-equally-worthwhile spots dotting the East Coast that I think offer similar vibes as big-name places but with far fewer tourists.

Ditch the DC crowds for a Virginia town brimming with historic charm.

Washington, DC, is one of my favorite cities on the planet. However, with its many historic sites, museums, and events, it can be packed with visitors no matter what time of year you visit.

For a more peaceful destination with less traffic that also has a rich heritage and spectacular food, head an hour away to Middleburg in Virginia's wine country.

You'll find quiet, tree-lined streets lined with charming shops, galleries, and classy restaurants. At the circa-1728 Red Fox Inn & Tavern, you can eat and sleep where former presidents like John F. Kennedy once were.

I love strolling past historic buildings and visiting spots steeped in American Civil War history, like Mt. Defiance Historic Park.

When it's time for a bite, I suggest visiting King Street Oyster Bar for fresh seafood and The Bistro at Goodstone Inn for farm-to-table dining.

Swap Asheville's breweries and outdoor adventures for the ones you'll find a few hours north.

Asheville has gained well-deserved recognition over the last decade for its breweries, artsy vibes, and stunning scenery. It's absolutely worth visiting.

However, if you want the same Blue Ridge charm with more breathing room, I'd recommend heading to Roanoke, Virginia.

This gem has a thriving arts district, an emerging craft-beer scene, and its own showstopping mountain landscapes. You can peruse the exhibits at the Taubman Museum of Art, shop for funky antiques in Grandin Village, and grab brews at Big Lick Brewing.

Whether you're driving the Blue Ridge Parkway or hiking McAfee Knob, you'll find panoramic views similar to the ones people love in Asheville.

Instead of Nags Head, plan your Outer Banks getaway on a lesser-known island.

I've spent vacations on the Outer Banks for as long as I can remember, and I never grow tired of the pristine coastline and laid-back villages

Although I love the region's popular and family-friendly Nags Head, it can get especially crowded in the summer. If you're looking for a nearby spot that's more secluded, Ocracoke is not to be missed.

Ocracoke is primarily accessible by ferry, so it pairs the same coastal beauty with an off-the-grid vibe. Its beaches feel unspoiled and its seafood joints are rarely overcrowded.

It's great for beach bums, history buffs, and nature lovers alike.

I've biked coastal wooded paths, seen remnants of wrecked pirate ships, and learned about Blackbeard's ties to the island at the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum. I've also eaten my weight in raw oysters at Ocracoke Oyster Co., but that's another story.

Trade the beaches of Miami for a range of options in South Walton, Florida.

I've spent plenty of time in glitzy Miami. If you love its white-sand beaches and vibrant nightlife, but can't stand the gridlocked traffic, consider trying a trip to South Walton.

Tucked along the legendary Highway 30A, South Walton is home to several beach communities that each bring their own flair to the table.

In Seaside, you'll find pastel-colored cottages (made famous by "The Truman Show"), along with outdoor concerts, epic sunsets, and beachfront movie nights.

Alys Beach has white-washed Mediterranean buildings and trendy bars. Grayton Beach pairs its "Old Florida" aesthetic with upscale shops and art galleries.

It may not be Miami — nothing can be — but South Walton has many of the elements that attract tourists there with a more relaxed pace.

Skip Manhattan madness for art and farm-to-table dining in Hudson.

New York City is world-famous for its art, culture, and food (it has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other US city).

However, if you're ready to escape the crowds and traffic that come with all that, try Hudson. It has NYC coolness but with more fresh air and fewer people.

You get stellar farm-to-table restaurants (like feast & floret and Lil' Deb's Oasis), Brooklyn-esque art galleries, and high-end boutiques with one-of-a-kind designs. If you want to see a live performance, choose between options at the Hudson Opera House and Basilica Hudson.

If you love lounging in Central Park, spend some time at Promenade Hill Park or Greenport Conservation Area for views of the Catskill Mountains and Hudson River.

• My family moved from Philadelphia to Puerto Rico in 2017 because of my husband's job.
• We downsized our belongings and only took six suitcases with us.
• The weather in Puerto Rico is great, and everyone is so friendly.

I've always wanted to live in Puerto Rico, so when we were asked to relocate from Philadelphia to the island for my husband's job in 2017, I didn't need to be asked twice.

We already had family on the island, and I was excited to stop working my full-time nursing job and spend more time with my almost 3-year-old and 5-year-old. We downsized nearly all our belongings and arrived on the island with six suitcases, four backpacks, and two car seats.

Living near the beach was important to me, but we also needed to be within a reasonable distance of my husband's job. This meant settling over an hour away from our family. With them being set in their ways, they weren't willing to make the trip to visit us. Suddenly, I found myself alone with the kids most of the time, where I knew no one, wasn't yet fluent in the language, and didn't have a car — all while my Spanish-speaking husband was at work.

Still, it was the best decision ever.

Everyone is warm and friendly

To say we didn't face challenges at first would be untrue. However, we quickly discovered that Puerto Rico's culture is deeply family-oriented, with a warm and loving community that embraces children. You are always greeted with "Buenos dias" and a smile wherever you go. Kids are celebrated and not viewed as a disturbance at restaurants and events. Coming from Philadelphia, where people can be cold and don't make eye contact, it took a little getting used to people saying hello or telling us "Buen provecho" (enjoy your food) while dining out.

Eight months after moving to the island, I found out I was pregnant again. Instead of celebrating, my mind was racing, trying to figure out how I would receive care, where I would give birth, and how I would add another baby to our adventure that had only just begun. My worries faded once I brought him home and witnessed the kindness of neighbors and strangers offering to help. Every time we went out, he became the center of attention, and people went out of their way to ensure we felt comfortable and safe.

I love how men and even teenage boys are never hesitant around babies and children and are always quick to smile and say, "Qué lindo" (how cute). I also never felt uncomfortable breastfeeding my baby in public, which made my breastfeeding journey easy and enjoyable.

People have helped us when needed

I have traveled to many places, and Puerto Rico has the friendliest people I've ever met. We've been through several hurricanes and I'm always in awe of how everyone bands together to help each other, especially to ensure the kids are fed and safe. I have seen more random acts of kindness on the island than anywhere else. People are always willing to help, whether it's to assist in crossing the street with your child, carrying your grocery bags, or changing your flat tire.

The weather in Puerto Rico is gorgeous year-round, like an endless summer. There is natural beauty everywhere you turn, from beaches to mountains and rivers. We spend most of our time outside, which allows us to stay healthy. Exposure to clean air and sunshine helps us not get sick often. Having access to nature helps us save money as well. Puerto Rico can be expensive, but most days, all we need is gas money and a little extra cash to order food if we haven't packed a lunch.

We've been fortunate to build a great community and have friends we can count on to meet up to play or get dinner. We get to experience activities in many parts of the island. My kids get to experience their culture and are constantly immersed in Spanish. My children's teachers are some of the most loving people I have ever met, which helps them feel safe and secure.

Although my children don't have many of the modern conveniences that kids do on the mainland, I feel like they have a fuller life. We've learned to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life, such as working electricity, spending quality time, and watching the sunset at the beach.

Living in Puerto Rico has made me realize how much more enjoyable and easier it is to raise children on the island.

• Business Insider spoke with coffee experts to find out how to improve your joe at home.  
• Buying fresh, whole beans makes a big difference in the overall quality of your final brew.
• They also said water quality is important for making good coffee.

Ordering coffee from your favorite café can be a treat, but it's not the most budget-friendly option.

Making a cup at home is often the cheaper alternative, so Business Insider spoke with coffee experts about their best tricks for at-home brewing. 

Start by cleaning your coffee maker regularly

Josh Zad, founder and creative director of popular café chain Alfred, told BI that one way to improve your cup of coffee is to clean your coffee maker regularly

"Make sure to get into the nooks and crannies of each part, especially where the coffee drains through the filter," he said. "The taste and aroma of old coffee really muddles the flavor of freshly brewed coffee."

The best way to clean those hard-to-reach stains is by tossing in a dash of baking soda, a splash of vinegar, and some water. Then, let it sit overnight.

Zad said it should scrub right off the following day.

Consider trying out a new brewing method, like a French press or moka pot

If you're ready to venture further into the world of craft coffee, there are so many fun ways to brew at home, Selina Viguera, café leader of Blue Bottle Coffee's Abbot Kinney location, told BI.

Moka pot, French press, AeroPress, Chemex, and a variety of pour-overs are just the beginning.

If you don't know where to start, Viguera said there are plenty of online resources, and most coffee-roasting companies have tutorials on their sites.

For a fun and unique coffee experience, invest in a pour-over carafe

If you're looking for a specific brewing recommendation, multiple experts agreed that pour-over — which involves slowly pouring hot water over coffee grounds — is their favorite. 

With proper technique, Viguera said it can produce a really delicious cup of coffee.

Once you understand some of the variables for brewing coffee (grind size, water temperature, agitation), you can create different cups from the same bag of coffee, she added. 

Switch to buying whole coffee beans instead of pre-ground

"To make better coffee, buy better coffee," Viguera told BI. 

Alex Azoury, the founder and CEO of Home Grounds, said whole-bean coffee is usually fresher and has a more vibrant flavor than pre-ground varieties.

Brew fresh coffee within its first 2 weeks after roasting

"Coffee is a natural product (it's the seed of a fruit), and while it will never spoil, it will lose a lot of flavor if it sits around too long," Zad told BI. 

Viguera said coffee flavor peaks within the first two weeks after roasting, so it's important to make sure the coffee you're buying was recently roasted.

Proper storage is also important to maintain your coffee's freshness. Zad suggested keeping it away from heat, light, moisture, and the freezer. 

Invest in a good coffee grinder that suits your bean preferences

Once you've purchased quality beans, it's also important to invest in a good grinder.

"It's a good idea to get a grinder that will grind coffee in the amount and coarseness you want," Azoury told BI. "A good grinder will give you both grind and amount options to suit your taste."

Make sure to adjust your grinder to the right size

Viguera told BI that grinding coffee too finely causes over-extraction — too coarse, and it can be under-extracted. Over-extracted coffee can taste dry and bitter, and under-extracted coffee can taste watery or sour.

To avoid this, she said it's important to "dial in" your coffee. Baristas use this term to describe the act of adjusting your grind setting to find the right coarseness/fineness to brew a balanced cup.

Coffee has a sweet spot — a perfect grind setting — that produces a balance of bitterness, acidity, and sweetness. That sweet spot can vary with the origin of the coffee, roast level, and age.

Only grind the beans you're planning to brew right away

You should only grind the amount of coffee you're going to make.

"If you've pre-ground all your coffee but aren't going to brew it all right away, then you've drastically sped up how quickly the rest of the coffee will lose its delicious complexity," Zad told BI. 

A cup of coffee can taste different depending on the quality of your water

Another important factor to consider when making coffee at home is your water, which Viguera said makes up about 98% of your brewed cup of coffee.

"As the main solvent for extracting the flavor and aroma from your ground coffee, your water needs a certain level of hardness/minerality and alkalinity for a quality extraction," she told BI. "Depending on where you live, your tap water may be too hard/soft to bring out the best in your cup."

Light and dark roasts require different brewing temperatures

Water temperature is another key variable when brewing coffee.

"You want to use water heated to 198 degrees Fahrenheit to 202 degrees Fahrenheit to make a properly extracted cup of coffee," Viguera said.

The expert said lighter roasts can generally withstand more heat (closer to 202 degrees), and darker roasts should be brewed lower (closer to 198 degrees).

Try preheating your mug before pouring the coffee

If you're pouring hot coffee into a cold mug, it's just making the coffee colder the second it hits the ceramic.

Zad said a preheated mug can increase the length of time you can enjoy hot coffee in the morning.

Switch things up by making cold brew at home

Another way to mix up your coffee routine is by making your own cold brew at home.

To do so, Zad said to simply grind your beans coarsely and add water. Next, pop it in the fridge overnight to extract all the rich sweetness from the coffee.

Add spices to make your own flavored coffee

Zad told BI that many flavored coffees are full of artificial ingredients that don't complement the natural flavor of the beans.

Instead, he suggested adding the actual ingredients behind the flavors you like to your coffee.

"Try adding spices to your coffee grounds when you make your cold brew," he said. "Throw in cinnamon sticks, crushed roasted hazelnuts, cardamom pods, anise, cacao shells, or even savory elements like caraway to steep overnight in your cold brew, and you'll have natural spicy goodness in the morning."

Use a scale to achieve the right coffee-to-water ratio

Knowing your brew ratio — coffee to water — and using a scale can help you brew consistently good cups.

"For reference, the industry standard is 1:18 (one part coffee to 18 parts water), which typically produces a cup that is light in body but a greater clarity of flavor," Viguera told BI. "If you prefer a bolder, fuller-bodied cup, try a 1:14 ratio."

This story was previously published in September 2022 and most recently updated on February 25, 2025.

Read More:

• 10 ways to recreate your favorite Starbucks drinks at home
• What 6 baristas actually order when they go to a coffee shop
• A former Starbucks barista shares 9 of the most annoying drink orders
• 7 coffee hacks that can save you time and money

• The 2025 Academy Awards will air on Sunday, March 2, on ABC.
• The ceremony alone costs $57.7 million, WalletHub estimated.
• A star's Oscars look costs $1.5 million on average — in 2014, Cate Blanchett's cost $18.1 million.

2024 was a big year for film.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande starred as Elphaba and Glinda in Jon M. Chu's "Wicked" and famously held space for the lyrics of "Defying Gravity." Timothée Chalamet embarked on one of the most chaotic press tours for his turn as Bob Dylan in "A Complete Unknown." And the cast of "Emilia Pérez" has been marred in a number of controversies since the film premiered.

These movies account for three of the 10 best picture nominees at the 97th Academy Awards, set to take place on Sunday, March 2, at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles.

This year's awards season is set against the backdrop of the devastating wildfires that tore through the greater Los Angeles area. In January, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang wrote to members, per Deadline, "We will reflect on the recent events while highlighting the strength, creativity, and optimism that defines Los Angeles and our industry."

From red-carpet looks to the costs of the statues, WalletHub's annual Oscars report found that honoring the biggest achievements in film comes with a high price tag.

Here's a breakdown of everything it costs to celebrate the movies in true Hollywood fashion, according to the personal-finance company's report.

The 2025 Academy Awards ceremony will cost an estimated $57.7 million.

WalletHub's 2025 report estimated that it will take $57.7 million to put on the Academy Awards.

This is just a fraction of the money spent by the actual nominees, though. "Wicked" — which is nominated in 10 categories this year, including best picture — had a budget of $150 million, higher than all the other best picture nominees except "Dune: Part Two."

The 50,000-square-foot red carpet alone costs $24,700.

That's not the only high figure associated with the red carpet: Its installation takes 600 hours and a 500-person crew, WalletHub reported.

Celebrities will begin gracing the red carpet several hours before the ceremony's 7 p.m. ET start time.

Each gold-plated Oscar award costs $400.

The estimated cost of each 24-karat gold-plated statue awarded to winners is about $400.

The Academy gives out awards in 24 categories, and a winner is not allowed to sell their statue without first offering to sell it to the Academy for $1, according to its policy.

Couples must reportedly pay $83,000 for tickets to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

Each year, the highly anticipated, ultra-glamorous event hosted by Vanity Fair is attended by Hollywood's biggest stars, often after they've had a change of wardrobe.

The Oscar goodie bags contain gifts like skincare, luxury getaways, and snacks, and are worth $170,000.

WalletHub estimates that the value of each goodie bag given to Oscar nominees is $170,000.

But, the "Everybody Wins" bags aren't actually gifted by the Academy, they're the work of LA-based marketing agency Distinctive Assets, PRNewswire reported.

Some of this year's gifts include the full line of Miage skincare products, a four-night stay in the Maldives, a five-star hotel stay in Barcelona, and more than $1 million of "personalized disaster recovery services from Bright Harbor."

"While our gifts may be famous for being fun and fabulous, they also serve as a means to elevate small businesses, minority-owned brands, female entrepreneurs and companies that give back. This year, on the heels of the historically tragic LA fires, we have found even more ways that our celebrity swag can do good in our community," Distinctive Assets founder Lash Fary said, per PRNewswire.

He added, "Whether they pamper themselves or share these bountiful gifts as a care package for a friend who may have recently lost their home, we give these gifts not based on the recipients' needs but out of a desire to brighten someone's day and to acknowledge a job well done."

It costs $10 million to complete the look of an A-list actress for the Oscars.

While A-listers wear multi-million-dollar looks, the cost of dressing a first-timer at the Oscars is $266,000, WalletHub reported.

Because the cost of a look varies based on a person's stardom, the average cost of a look at the Oscars is about $1.5 million.

In 2014, Cate Blanchett made Oscars history when she wore an $18.1 million look; but her $100,000 Armani Privé gown was the least expensive element of her outfit — her jewelry alone was estimated to cost $18 million, per The Hollywood Reporter.

The only person to wear even more expensive jewelry was Lady Gaga in 2019, whose 128-carat yellow diamond Tiffany & Co. necklace cost more than $30 million.

A 30-second advertisement that premieres during the Oscars costs close to $2 million.

Last year, an average of 21 million people tuned in to watch the show, WalletHub reported. That was a 6% increase from 2023, so it's no surprise that running an ad during the live event's commercial breaks is expensive.

It costs $1.95 million to buy 30-seconds of ad time during the Oscars, WalletHub reported, which is 72% less than the $7 million it cost to run an ad during the Super Bowl.

ABC makes at least $127 million in ad revenue on Oscar Sunday.

WalletHub estimated that ABC, the TV network that hosts the awards, makes $127 million in ad revenue on the day of the Oscars.

Upwards of $20 million of that revenue comes from the pre-show red-carpet coverage.

Hollywood spends upwards of $100 million on awards-season lobbying.

Turns out, winning an Oscar requires much more work than just releasing a movie.

In 2023, The New York Times reported on the competitive nature of Oscars campaigns, in which professional strategists seek to shape public opinion on films, actors, and opponents.

WalletHub estimates that more than $100 million is spent on lobbying each year — that's more than the budgets of best picture nominees "Anora," "The Brutalist," "A Complete Unknown," and "I'm Still Here" combined.

It costs $20,000 to stream one film for voters to judge.

The Academy has gone digital. Rather than paying millions of dollars to send physical copies of the year's nominated pictures to voters, the group has turned to streaming, which costs $20,000 per film, WalletHub reported.

• Katie Zicarelli Gesell is a 34-year-old grief therapist who lives in Phoenix
• Her late wife unexpectedly died in 2018 after less than a year of marriage.
• When Katie was sick, her new spouse brought her the blanket of her late wife for comfort.

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

I met Melissa, my first wife, when she contacted me online about my blog on long-distance relationships. When we met for the first time in 2015 our connection was instant. Conversation flowed and it felt like we had known each other forever. We started dating, and by 2017, we were married.

We decided on November 11 as our wedding date because we'd always text "I love you" when the clock read 11:11. It was a beautiful wedding at an outdoor nature center in Michigan. I was in my final year of grad school, and we were excited to spend time together without the added pressure of school. I loved Melissa so much, but it was shorter-lived than I would have hoped for.

She died shortly after

Only 10 months after we married, on September 3rd, 2018, Melissa suddenly died of cardiac arrest at only 27 years old. It was completely unexpected. Time just seemed frozen.

I lived in this complete fog, unable to fully understand what had happened. Even now, I don't have many memories from the first three months after she died. I'd show up to work and stare at my computer screen, unable to function.

Melissa and I had a mutual friend, Emily, who checked up on me after Melissa's death. She was always there and became a huge source of support for me through my grief.

I remember when we were in college, Emily and I had unsaid feelings for one another. Those feelings returned when we started spending more time together after Melissa's death. We started dating in June 2019 and were married in October 2022.

My new wife never tried to erase my memories with my late wife

Throughout our relationship, Emily has never tried to erase my memories or love for Melissa.

In January 2025, I was really sick in bed with nausea. Emily came into the room and told me she had something for me. I thought it would be our cat. But then I saw it was Melissa's Mexican-style blanket. "I brought this for you because this always gives you comfort when you're not feeling good," Emily told me as she covered me with it, tucking me in. It was no different than if she would have brought me any other comfort object. Such a sweet, simple gesture.

Melissa loved that blanket. After she died, I slept with it every night, eventually putting it away so the cats wouldn't chew at it. I often get it out and wrap myself in it through the autumn when I'm reminded of Melissa's birthday, her death, and our wedding anniversary.

I also often wear Melissa's ring. In fact, I wore the ring when Emily and I had engagement and wedding photos taken. I now use "Zicarelli" as my middle name — previously my last name when married to Melissa.

Emily has never been threatened by the comfort I find in that blanket, ring, my name change, or any memories of Melissa.

I love her more for that

When I wrote about Emily's lack of jealousy of my late spouse on Threads, I was surprised by the positive responses. In the past, I've been told it was disrespectful to my current partner to remember my past partner with such fondness — that I needed to move on. But not one person on Threads had a negative comment to say. It was really refreshing.

Nora McInerny, an author and widow I love, once said, "Love is not a competition, and a dead person is not much of a competitor." That's the way it should be in a new relationship with someone who has lost a spouse or partner. Emily often jokes, asking what she has to be jealous of — she knows I can't leave her for my dead wife.

I believe that if you are going to be with someone who has been widowed, then you've got to know you are signing up to love someone who will always also love someone else. You must embrace that part of them, just as you'd embrace any other part of who they are.

Emily has let me love and remember Melissa without letting it threaten my love for her. And I love her all the more for it.

• I booked a $720 round-trip economy ticket from Seattle to Manchester, England, with British Airways.
• On my way back to the US, I received a surprise upgrade to business class.
• I enjoyed the business-class experience but probably wouldn't pay full price for it.

As a Brit in Seattle who often travels between the US and England, I love a comfortable plane ride. So, when I was upgraded to business class on a British Airways flight this past summer, I was absolutely delighted.

I paid about $720 for a round-trip economy ticket from Seattle to Manchester, England, and on the way back to the US, I had a layover in London.

When I scanned my boarding pass to get on the plane, the gate agent printed a new ticket and said I was upgraded to British Airways' Club World, the airline's long-haul business-class cabin.

British Airways, which has seen a decrease in popularity in recent years, is spending $9 billion over the next two years to upgrade its planes, customer perks, and other aspects of its business model. So, I was excited to see what the experience would be like.

Here's what my 10-hour flight in British Airways' business class was like.

British Airway's Club World cabin was a little different from other business-class models I've seen.

When I entered the cabin, my first impression was that it felt a little dated. Parts of my seat looked worn, which made me feel like the cabin could have used a cosmetic update.

Some seats in the cabin also faced opposite directions. This seating arrangement would probably be great for couples traveling together, as it makes socializing easy. But staring at a stranger for hours isn't ideal for people traveling alone.

Luckily, my window seat didn't face another passenger. It also had high walls and a screen, so I had ample privacy during the flight.

My seat was comfy but lacked storage space.

Aside from an under-seat drawer and the fold-out tray in front of me, I didn't see much storage space for my belongings. I found it difficult to empty my purse, as there didn't seem to be a good spot for in-flight essentials, such as water or a phone charger.

My seat also had all the classic airplane nooks and crannies, including a USB port and headphone jack. When I went to charge my phone, however, the USB port wasn't working. 

Turning my seat into a bed was easy.

When I boarded, everything I needed to enjoy a restful sleep — pillows, a comforter, and sheets — was in a bag under the seat. 

About halfway through the flight, I decided to take a nap. To turn my seat into a lie-flat bed, all I had to do was press a labeled button on the wall. My chair lowered until it aligned with the fold-down footrest on the back of the seat in front of me.

The bed was very cozy, and I ended up falling asleep for a few hours.

I ordered delicious food from a British-inspired menu.

Business-class passengers were also served lunch inspired by British cuisine.

For a starter, I chose the poached-prawn salad with crushed avocado and horseradish ketchup, which was light and flavorful.

Next, I opted for mushroom-and-kale-stuffed British chicken, served with spring greens and creamed potatoes. The chicken was tender, the stuffing was well-seasoned, and the herb jus was perfectly salty and hearty.

For dessert, I chose the chocolate, walnut, and orange cake — it was one of the most incredible things I've eaten on an airplane. 

Next, I enjoyed afternoon tea and some snacks.

About an hour before the plane landed, the flight attendants served afternoon tea — something I welcomed as a Brit.

The meal came with mini sandwiches, cakes, and a warm scone with jelly and clotted cream.

The amenities kit was a highlight of the flight.

I also received a beautiful amenities kit filled with products from The White Company, an English home, clothing, and accessories brand.

Along with the usual eye mask, ear plugs, toothbrush set, and socks, the leather bag contained a few miniature skincare products: a moisturizer, lip balm, and pulse-point oil.

When I researched the products online, I saw the bag alone cost $55.

I'd fly British Airways' business class again, but only if it was a good deal.

Overall, I enjoyed my experience flying with British Airways in the Club World cabin. As someone who has flown both economy and business class with the airline, I'd happily pay for an upgrade if I could get a discount.

After looking on the British Airways website and playing around with various dates and flight routes, I saw that a business-class seat booked during the same week of my flight cost about £9,000, or $11,680. I had a good experience but wouldn't book a flight that cost that much.

Still, I thoroughly enjoyed my business-class experience. The upgrade was a great way to travel back to Seattle in style.

• I tried chicken tenders at Sonic, KFC, & Smashburger to see which fast-food chain has the best ones.
• Smashburger's chicken tenders were large, generously breaded, and all-around excellent.
• However, I thought KFC's tenders were a disappointment in every way — including the price.

There are many fast-food chains out there, but it can be hard to know which place has the best flavor and value when it comes to chicken tenders.

So, I recently ordered chicken tenders from multiple chains — Kentucky Fried Chicken, Sonic, and Smashburger — to see which I preferred.

I ate them all plain (no dipping sauces), so nothing could influence the true flavor or texture. Here's how it went.

I started my fast-food tour at Smashburger.

Smashburger is a newer kid on the fast-food block. The first location opened in Denver in 2007, and there are now over 200 shops across the US and Canada.

I paid $8.68 for an order of chicken tenders, which came with three pieces.

Smashburger's chicken tenders were almost like mini fried chicken breasts.

Even though the order only came with three, the tenders were impressively big — easily twice as large as the other chains.

The breading was thick and crispy, and the flavor profile was savory and lightly salty. Still, the tenders were begging for a dipping sauce, or even to be popped into a wrap or sandwich.

Despite that, I was entirely happy with Smashburger's tenders.

KFC was next on the list.

Contrary to its name, the first KFC franchise location opened in Salt Lake City in the 1950s. However, founder Harland "Colonel" Sanders laid the groundwork for the chain in Kentucky a few decades earlier.

My order of three chicken tenders cost me $8.90, making them the most expensive, but they also came with a biscuit.

KFC's chicken tenders let me down.

For a fast-food chain named for its chicken, I was a little disappointed by its tenders.

To start, they were easily half the size of the ones from Smashburger, and they appeared to be unevenly breaded.

They tasted salty but otherwise unremarkable. Sauce would definitely help, but the texture was a bit of a dealbreaker for me — I found the tenders a little tough and chewy.

I even took bites of each one to make sure I didn't just get a proverbial bad apple.

Sonic had the cheapest tenders.

Sonic is an Oklahoma-based fast-food chain that's known for its drive-in and drive-thru options. Customers don't actually go inside to order or eat.

A five-piece order of chicken tenders cost me $6.83, making it the cheapest of the bunch.

Sonic's chicken tenders are well-priced and good enough for a repeat purchase.

Sonic's tenders were much smaller than those from Smashburger — but there were five of them, so I still felt like I was getting my money's worth.

The texture of the chicken was — true to its name — tender. The breading, however, was on the thinner side, and there wasn't much flavor beyond a mild saltiness.

I think tenders really are meant to be enjoyed with sauce, and the uniform narrowness of these makes them especially good for dipping or putting in a wrap.

Overall, there was a clear winner for me.

Without a doubt, Smashburger had my favorite chicken tenders. They were massive, and I liked the generous amount of breading.

I'm sure I'll get them again — though next time, I'll probably try ordering the chain's spicy tenders for more flavor.

On the other side of the scale, I won't be going back to KFC for tenders. They were the most expensive, and I got the least amount of chicken. Even with a biscuit, the value just wasn't there for me.

Sonic may not have been my top choice, but I still think its chicken tenders are a good deal. They were cheap, and they're a great size and shape for dipping.

• A Chinese navy flotilla conducted a live-fire exercise off the Australian coast on Friday.
• A Virgin Australia pilot informed air traffic control after hearing a radio broadcast.
• The warning triggered 49 flights to divert as a hazard alert commenced.

Dozens of flights were forced to divert after a pilot warned air traffic control about a Chinese navy live-firing exercise off the Australian coast.

Authorities were unaware of the exercise until a pilot raised the alarm on Friday.

Rob Sharp, the CEO of Airservices Australia, the government agency responsible for air safety, gave evidence to a Senate hearing in Canberra on Monday. "It was, in fact, a Virgin Australia aircraft that advised one of our air traffic controllers that a foreign warship was broadcasting that they were conducting live firing 300 nautical miles off our coast," he said.

Task Group 107 of the People's Liberation Army Navy was operating off the New South Wales coast in the Tasman Sea, between Australia and New Zealand. It consisted of a frigate, a cruiser, and a replenishment vessel.

The Virgin Australia pilot heard one of the vessels broadcasting on the international guard frequency on Friday morning, said Peter Curran, Airservices Australia's deputy CEO.

He told the hearing that the government agency then commenced a hazard alert to warn all flights in the area.

It then advised the Department of Defence's Headquarters Joint Operations Command. "Bearing in mind at that stage, we didn't know if it was a hoax or real," Curran said.

Twenty minutes after the Virgin pilot's warning, an Emirates aircraft also made contact with the Chinese flotilla. It heard the radio broadcast advising that live firing was taking place between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. local time.

Some 49 aircraft were diverted over the course of Friday, Curran said.

That included some that were already in the air when the hazard alert was issued, but were flights later in the day that adjusted their route to avoid the airspace.

Flight plans continued to divert throughout the weekend as a matter of precaution, he added.

The incident sparked diplomatic tensions over the weekend.

A spokesperson for Australia's defence minister, Richard Marles, told Guardian Australia: "The Australian Government has raised its concern with the lack of notice on the live fire activity from the Chinese Government, including through appropriate channels in Canberra and Beijing."

Wu Qian, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, said in a statement that the drill would not impact aviation safety.

He added that it took place in international waters and safety notices were issued in advance.

"Australia has unjustly criticized China and deliberately exaggerated the issue," Wu said.

Reuters reported that New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the live-fire exercise complied with international law, adding: "The issue for us is … we'd appreciate a little bit more advance notice, particularly on what is a busy air route."

Australia's Department of Defence said it was continuing to monitor Task Group 107 as it re-entered Australia's exclusive economic zone early on Tuesday.

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

Good morning! Fyre Festival is back, and it's officially got a date and location. The sequel to the infamous festival will occur from May 30 to June 2 in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Additional details are scant, but I'm sure that's definitely not a red flag.

In today's big story, the debate continues over how best to respond to DOGE's "What did you do last week?" email. (Got an opinion? We want to hear from you.)

What's on deck

Markets: Jamie Dimon's sorry about cursing, but he still wants you back in the office.

Tech: AI could spell trouble for some software engineers, but it's far from a death knell for the entire profession.

Business: For these companies, layoffs are never an option.

But first, singing for my supper.

If this was forwarded to you, sign up here.

The big story

Dealing with DOGE

From "Should they stay or should they go?" to "Should they send or just no-show?"

A few weeks after considering buyout offers, federal workers faced another dilemma: Responding to Elon Musk's "What did you do last week?" email.

The message, which asked federal workers to reply with five accomplishments from the previous week, left Washington in chaos.

Agencies differed on their recommendations to employees before the deadline, which was yesterday at 11:59 p.m. The deadline may have passed — but conflicting guidance persists.

The Social Security Administration initially told workers it was "an opportunity to highlight the important work you do." Although it later clarified that responses were voluntary.

The Department of Defense was less welcoming. The Pentagon publicly told its employees to "pause any response" to the email, adding that it "is responsible for reviewing the performance of its personnel."

Of course, it wouldn't be a DOGE mandate without getting the lawyers involved.

All of that begs the question: What would YOU do?

Business Insider's Katie Notopoulos, who wrote about how people might choose to respond to the email, wants to hear from you. She created a nifty form for you to share how you might respond.

Interest in DOGE, for better or worse, doesn't seem to be waning.

President Donald Trump's political operation is actually selling DOGE membership cards. For only a $47 donation, you can be the proud owner of a black metal card that says "Trump DOGE member." There are also t-shirts for $40 or $28.

Jamie Dimon is hopeful DOGE will be successful. "More effective government — more efficient government — isn't bad. It's actually a good thing," the JPMorgan CEO said in a recent interview.

Meanwhile, Rep. Rich McCormick said he's worried DOGE might be moving too quickly after getting an earful from his constituents at a recent town hall. The Georgia Republican said he's "not against anything he's doing," but added that he's "concerned that maybe we're moving a little bit too fast."

And then sometimes things are just getting plain weird. Some Department of Housing and Urban Development employees had a brutal start to their day on Monday. TVs in the office were showing an AI-generated video of President Trump sucking Musk's toes underneath a text that read, "LONG LIVE THE REAL KING."

News brief

• Starbucks is laying off 1,100 corporate staff this week.
• Sam Bankman-Fried's long-dormant X account is alive again — and posting about DOGE and leadership advice.
• Joann plans to go out of business and close all remaining fabric and craft stores.
• Microsoft stock slips after analysts say it canceled two AI data center leases, suggesting possible 'oversupply position.'
• The agency that regulates vehicle safety — and Elon Musk's Tesla — is another target of DOGE layoffs.
• Advertisers hit back at Rumble lawsuit in a new filing, calling it an attempt to 'weaponize' antitrust laws.
• Grok briefly censored criticism of Musk and Trump. It was blamed on a new hire who hadn't 'fully absorbed' the startup's culture.

3 things in markets

1. YOLO traders can now literally bet the farm. The CME Group debuted a suite of agricultural "micro" contracts one-tenth the size of corn, wheat, and soybean futures. The move is part of CME's larger plan to pull retail investors into a market largely dominated by institutional players. On top of offering more opportunities to a wider part of the market, these bite-size options can also help smaller farmers.

2. The markets are about to feel the burn of Trump's policies, Steve Cohen says. The billionaire Point72 founder warned that slowing immigration, tariffs, and cuts to government spending could slow economic growth and create a "significant correction." For investors, the best may be behind them.

3. Jamie Dimon is sorry … but not about criticizing WFH. The JPMorgan CEO apologized for cursing during a fiery rant he made against remote work at an internal town hall meeting that was leaked. But he didn't back down from his main point about the importance of in-office attendance: "I'm not against work from home. I'm against where it doesn't work."

3 things in tech

1. The AI coding apocalypse. Generative AI is beginning to shake up the engineering profession and entry-level coders could pay the price. The recent changes have software engineers worried they're coding themselves into obsolescence. But industry experts say that's unlikely to happen anytime soon. Plus, there's more to the job than just writing code — and AI has yet to catch up.

2. Donald Trump doesn't want anyone regulating Big Tech but himself. Last week, the president seemed to issue conflicting messages. On the one hand, he criticized European regulators for being too harsh on US tech companies. On the other hand, the Trump administration said it would regulate American tech companies because they have "too much power." BI's Peter Kafka breaks down what it all means.

3. Elon Musk isn't the only one who hates OpenAI's for-profit plan. Sam Altman is trying to transform OpenAI from a non-profit into a more conventional business, but the process is complicated thanks to its complex corporate structure. Musk, an OpenAI cofounder who split from Altman, has vocally opposed OpenAI's plan. He's not alone, with a growing chorus of entrepreneurs, companies, and charities saying it could be a grave mistake for the AI leader.

3 things in business

1. POV: Your company has never conducted layoffs. Companies laying off their employees — even outside a recession — have become commonplace in the professional world. But some purposefully refrain from making cuts. Not only is the no-layoff approach good for employees, but the CEOs of these companies said they think it's good for business, too.

2. MrBeast's secrets to success. The YouTuber knows the negativity he receives — from viewers and former employees — is part of the job. But in a recent interview on "The Diary of a CEO" podcast, MrBeast said it's helped him cultivate a stronger sense of self. He shared some key traits to his success, like his propensity for risk and what he looks for when hiring.

3. AT&T and Verizon's rivalry takes a modern twist. While AT&T navigates a rocky return to office, Verizon is seemingly looking to capitalize on its rivals' employees who aren't as keen on the mandate. In a recruiting email obtained by BI, Verizon's talent team encouraged AT&T workers to check out the company's hybrid and remote job opportunities. The outreach highlights how RTO mandates have become a sticking point for workers recently.

In other news

• Coffee is about to get way more expensive — and mediocre.
• Video: Satellite images show reality of Saudi Arabia's $2 trillion megacity.
• Palantir CEO Alex Karp reveals what he would do if he weren't running the company.
• Shopify acquihired six startups for their AI talent last year as it competes in a 'white-hot' market.
• Four charts show how Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway piled up cash, dumped stocks, and made a record tax payment in 2024.
• Hedge funds are trimming their Magnificent 7 holdings — here's what they're buying instead.
• Starbucks is removing these 13 menu items from its menu next week
• Apple braces for DEI showdown at annual shareholder meeting.

What's happening today

• Apple shareholders vote on whether to abolish DEI program.

The Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York. Grace Lett, editor, in Chicago. Ella Hopkins, associate editor, in London. Hallam Bullock, senior editor, in London. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York. Elizabeth Casolo, fellow, in Chicago.