• Mini fridges come in all shapes, styles, and sizes … kind of like college dorm rooms and roommates.
• If you're looking for the perfect mini fridge and you have enough space, the Danby 4.4 Cubic Foot Mini Fridge offers advanced features and enough space to hold all the perishables you could want for an affordable price.

Back to school is one of the most popular times to purchase a mini fridge, because many students want a refrigerator in their dorm rooms. But these small refrigerators also work well for offices, rec rooms, and garages.

Mini fridges aren't as energy efficient as standard-sized refrigerators, and some don't hold a consistent enough temperature to preserve food safely for long periods. However, for keeping beverages and quickly consumed items cold, it works just fine. Your student will greatly appreciate having the ability to keep sodas and snacks (and nothing else) cold for late night studying with a dorm room fridge.

The key is finding the right size and features that'll make the unit perfect for your student's dorm room while fitting into your budget. As a general rule, a larger mini fridge will cost more than a smaller mini fridge, and stainless steel or glass-door mini fridges tend to be pricier.

A mini fridge's capacity is listed in cubic feet. This gives you an idea of the size and number of items you can place inside, although shelves and freezer space take up some of this capacity. Some companies also list capacity for a mini fridge as the number of 12-ounce cans the unit can hold. 

Most dorm room fridges contain at least a small freezer compartment. However, it's not accessible through a separate door like it is with a full-size refrigerator. This causes the freezer to not be as efficient as what you'll find in a standard refrigerator. Many freezers in mini fridges are too small to even hold a large frozen pizza, for example.

Here are the best mini fridges you can buy:

• Best mini fridge overall: Danby 4.4 Cubic Foot Mini Fridge
• Best 2.6 cubic foot mini fridge: Insignia 2.6 Cubic Foot Mini Fridge
• Best 1.6 cubic foot mini fridge: Midea 1.6 Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator
• Best 3.3 cubic foot mini fridge: Frigidaire 3.3 Cubic Foot Mini Fridge
• Best mini freezer: EdgeStar 1.1 Cubic Foot Convertible Refrigerator/Freezer
• Best mini fridge for drinks: Danby 120-Can Beverage Center

Updated on 10/21/2019 by Caitlin Petreycik: Updated prices, links, and formatting.

SEE ALSO: The best college supplies and dorm room essentials

The best mini fridge overall

The Danby 4.4 Cubic Foot Mini Fridge is large enough to meet the needs of three or four students and it has excellent features for a nice price point, too.

You'll appreciate the flexibility of the Danby 4.4 Cubic Foot Mini Fridge. This versatile mini fridge is at the larger end of what you'll want in a dorm room refrigerator, but it has plenty of interior space at 4.4 cubic feet, as well as several nice features. If you're looking for more than a simple beverage refrigerator for the dorm room, this is a nice choice.

The Danby mini fridge measures 20.7 inches wide and 20.9 inches deep. At 32.7 inches in height, this unit may not fit well in a small dorm room. It does offer a tiny freezer unit of 0.5 cubic feet, which actually is an above-average size freezer in a dorm fridge. We really like the fact that you can reverse the direction of the door, which allows you to place the refrigerator in any location in the room. It has a beverage dispensing rack, too.

Consumer Search says the Darby 4.4 Cubic Foot Mini Fridge offers a good price point with decent energy consumption ratings. The Wirecutter likes how Danby's designers made the best use of the space inside the refrigerator with adjustable shelving.

One owner likes the way Danby backs up its products with customer service and a good warranty. A Best Buy customer says the Danby unit runs extremely quietly, which is great for a dorm room where studying is occurring (which should be all of them, of course). A couple of Best Buy customers say they experienced problems with the freezer maintaining a cold enough temperature, though.

Pros: Large capacity for a three- or four-person dorm room, good price point, plenty of advanced features for a dorm fridge, beverage dispensing racks built-in, good shelving system that's adjustable, quiet operation

Cons: Freezer system may struggle to hold a consistent temperature, might be too large for some dorm rooms

The best 2.6 cubic foot mini fridge

If size is at a premium in your dorm room, you'll love the tiny Insignia 2.6 Cubic Foot Mini Fridge. 

If your college student is going to be cooking for himself or herself, buying a dorm refrigerator that's too small is just going to encourage more pizza orders. The students won't have enough storage for the ingredients they need to cook. But if your student is on a cafeteria meal plan, a small fridge in the dorm room for some beverages and midnight snacks is a perfect option. They may still order a lot of pizza, but at least they won't be able to blame it on the fridge.

For a small refrigerator that'll fit well in a tiny dorm room, our favorite is the Insignia 2.6 Cubic Foot Mini Fridge. It's a short, almost cube-shaped model that offers measurements of just 27.6 inches in height, 19.1 inches in width, and 17.7 inches in depth, allowing you to put it in almost any area of your room.

It offers a can storage rack and adjustable shelving, which are features often not found in such a small refrigerator. It also has a thermostat control, which is a nice feature in such a low priced dorm room fridge. And the door hinges are reversible, allowing you to adjust the door to make it fit in exactly the spot you want, which is a key feature in a small dorm room.

A reviewer at the Insignia site (Insignia is a Best Buy private label) liked the fact that this mini refrigerator included a tiny freezer area, something that's not always found in such a small unit. Some customers at Best Buy said the Insignia unit ran noisy, which is disappointing for a unit aimed at students in a dorm room. Another Best Buy customer loved the size of this refrigerator for holding beverages, and several appreciated the bargain price they received for this Insignia unit. 

Pros: Small refrigerator fits great in a small dorm room, just the right size for storing snacks and beverages, reversible door hinges, thermostat control ensures stable temperature, small freezer included

Cons: Could be too noisy for some students' liking, too small for storing food for students who cook for themselves

The best 1.6 cubic foot mini fridge

TheMidea 1.6 Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator will keep a small amount of food and drinks cold.

If you want to have milk, drinks, and other perishables in your dorm room, you'll need a mini fridge. If our first two picks are still too big for your dorm, theMidea Compact Refrigerator will be just the right size, measuring 17.7 x 18.6 x 19.4 inches. 

The Midea fridge is smaller than the others in our guide, but if you really don't expect to have too much food in your dorm and saving space is key, this fridge will do the trick. It has one shelf that divides the fridge in two and more storage in the door that can hold a 1-liter soda bottle and then some. It also has a tiny freezer for ice cubes or other small frozen items.

Midea is known for its great mini fridges. The Wirecutter chose an identical but discontinued model as its top small mini fridge pick.

Pros: Compact size for small spaces, keeps items cold, reliable

Cons: Pricey

The best 3.3 cubic foot mini fridge

The Frigidaire 3.3 Cubic Foot Mini Fridge is just the right size to hold food and beverages, but it's small enough to fit almost anywhere inside the dorm room.

For a dorm room fridge, think of the mid-sized Frigidaire 3.3 Cubic Foot Mini Fridge as the porridge that's just right in "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" terms. A large mini fridge may not fit well in a dorm room that's usually cramped for space before you try to jam a mini refrigerator into the room. And a small mini fridge may not offer the capacity a student needs for ingredients to cook meals. But a mid-sized mini fridge can be just the right size for food capacity and for fitting in the dorm room.

One of the best things about the Frigidaire 3.3 Cubic Foot refrigerator is its small footprint versus some other mini fridge options. It measures 18.6 inches in width and 17.8 inches in depth. It does have a 32.8-inch height measurement, meaning it's a tall but thin dorm room fridge. With its reversible door hinge, you can place this unit almost anywhere in the dorm room.

At 3.3 cubic feet, the Frigidaire mini fridge has plenty of room for food and beverages for a single or two-person dorm room. The Frigidaire 3.3 Cubic Foot Mini Fridge offers both an area for cans and an area for taller bottles. It even includes a tiny freezer area. 

The Small Fridge Blog review calls the Frigidaire a great value, while also praising the reversible door that helps the unit squeeze into just the right space in a tight dorm room. One Best Buy customer loves how this refrigerator holds its temperature steadily. Several Best Buy reviewers also mentioned the great price point of this mid-sized dorm fridge.

A reviewer on the Frigidaire site was disappointed with customer service, but said the unit has a lot of capacity. Another Best Buy customer wished the shelves were adjustable in the Frigidaire 3.3 Cubic Foot Mini Fridge.

Pros: Great mix of size and price point, reversible door increases usefulness, tall mini fridge with small footprint, includes a small freezer area

Cons: Shelves are not adjustable to make the most of the capacity, some problems with customer service response, not enough space for more than two people 

The best mini fridge that doubles as a freezer

The EdgeStar 1.1 Cubic Foot Convertible Refrigerator/Freezer can switch back and forth between a small freezer and refrigerator, depending on your needs.

Most mini fridges aimed at students don't offer much in the freezer department. They're meant to keep food and beverages cold. But if your student is addicted to ice cream or, for whatever reason, just needs a lot of room for ice, the ability to have a big freezer is important.

The intriguing EdgeStar 1.1 Cubic Foot Convertible Refrigerator/Freezer converts back and forth between a freezer and a refrigerator, depending on what you need at the time. Compact Appliance loves the versatility of this convertible unit, as well as the fact that you can set the temperature to between 0 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Understand that you cannot use this device as a refrigerator and a freezer at the same time — It's one or the other.

It even has a sharp-looking stainless steel door design that'll give your dorm room a quick dose of style. The Best Refrigerator Central review calls this unit one of the best stainless steel mini fridges on the market. The door on the convertible refrigerator has reversible hinges and contains a lock to keep your items protected. It's also the perfect size for a cramped dorm room; it measures 18.5 inches in width, 17.8 inches in depth, and 19.3 inches in height.

An Amazon customer says the EdgeStar 1.1 cubic foot model held its temperature well, even at the coldest setting. However, a couple of Amazon customers say the combination freezer/refrigerator creates a lot of condensation.

Pros: Ingenious design of convertible refrigerator/freezer, offers far more freezer space than typical dorm room fridge, holds temperature well, extremely small footprint, stainless steel door looks great

Cons: Expensive for only 1.1 cubic feet of capacity, only works as either a refrigerator or a freezer — not both at the same time

The best mini fridge for drinks

The glass door on the Danby 120-Can Beverage Center lets you see what's inside from the comfort of your futon.

Let's be honest: When some kids go to college, they like to have a cold beverage from time to time. The university meal plan provides all the food, so all they need in their dorm room is a refrigerator dedicated to beverages. The Danby 120-Can Beverage Center is built with them in mind, thanks to the glass door that makes the contents of the refrigerator visible at all times.

As you can tell from the name, this mini fridge is larger than you might think, as it's able to hold 120 beverage cans. But it's not only for cans. You can fit bottles and even some food in this stylish refrigerator by adjusting the location of the shelves, which is a great feature.

The Danby 120-Can Beverage Center measures 33.70 inches high, 17.87 inches wide, and 19.75 inches deep. It weighs 68.90 pounds and has 3.3 cubic feet of space inside.

Perhaps the biggest drawback to this unit is the high price versus other dorm mini fridge options. You can pick smaller versions of this same refrigerator if you need to squeeze the device into a smaller price point. — Kyle Schurman and Malarie Gokey

Pros: Sharp looking design with a glass door, offers capacity for 120 12-ounce cans, holds consistent temperature, good size for a multiple-person dorm room, shelves and door hinges are adjustable

Cons: Price is higher than similar capacity dorm fridges, no freezer area

Check out our other great guides to college dorm room essentials

The best twin XL sheets you can buy 

For college students, the dorm room will be their home-away-from-home for the next four years. Make it a comfortable space with a pair of high-quality Twin XL sheets. These are our top picks: 

• Best flannel sheets: L.L.Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet
• Best budget sheets: AmazonBasics Microfiber Sheet Set
• Best jersey sheets: AmazonBasics Heather Jersey Sheet Set
• Best patterned sheets: Andres Sheet Set from Viv + Rae
• Best premium sheets: Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheets
• Best colorful sheets: Mellanni Bed Sheet Set

The best shower caddy you can buy 

Sharing a bathroom with strangers is hard. Most college dorms have communal showers on each floor that you have to walk to every time you want to wash your hair. Other dorms have bathrooms right in the unit, but if you're sharing one bathroom with four other students, you'll still need a shower caddy to carry all your products. These are the best ones you can buy: 

• Best overall: InterDesign Orbz Shower Tote Organizer
• Best plastic caddy: Sterilite Bath Caddy
• Best toiletry bag: L.L. Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag
• Best collapsible shower tote: Handy Laundry Dorm Shower Caddy
• Best mesh shower tote: Saltwater Canvas Mesh Dorm Shower Bag
• Best lockable caddy: Shlocker Shower Locker
• Best fun caddy: Shower Squid

• The FBI announced that the deaths of three of the American tourists who died while visiting the Dominican Republic earlier this year were not due to tainted alcohol, The Hill's Justine Coleman reported.
• The popular vacation destination came under scrutiny when reports over a spate of tourist deaths sparked fear about tainted alcohol or other mysterious conditions.
• Since the rush of reports, a closer look at death records in the country shows 2019 wasn't an outlier year for tourist deaths.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

The FBI announced that the deaths of three of at least nine American tourists who died earlier this year while visiting the Dominican Republic were not due to tainted alcohol, The Hill's Justine Coleman reported.

The development, which was based on toxicology tests performed on three deceased Americans, backs up what local authorities previously concluded about the deaths.

"Methanol poisoning from tainted alcohol was ruled out by the FBI in these cases during the toxicology screening, and it was not the finding in any other cases of US citizen deaths investigated by Dominican authorities,"a State Department spokesperson told The Hill.

The popular vacation destination came under scrutiny earlier this year when reports over a spate of tourist deaths sparked fear about tainted alcohol or other mysterious conditions. The FBI launched an investigation to determine the causes of American deaths on the island.

Read more: 17 seemingly suspicious cases of tourists getting sick, assaulted, and dying in the Dominican Republic since June 2018

Nathaniel Edward Holmes, 63, and his fiancée Cynthia Day, 49, were two of the three individuals who underwent a toxicology examination, months after they were found dead in their hotel room on May 30 at the Bahía Príncipe hotel in La Romana. Authorities said the couple died of respiratory failure and pulmonary edema, an abnormal buildup of fluid in the lungs.

State Department figures show 10 Americans died while visiting the Dominican Republican in the first half of 2019. A spokesperson told Insider's Kelly McLaughlin in June that they hadn't seen an "uptick" in deaths this year. Records show 13 deaths in 2018 and 17 deaths in 2017.

Read more: The Dominican Republic's tourism minister and hospitality execs lashed out at 'fake news' over 'erroneous' coverage of tourist deaths this summer

Since the tests could only confirm three individuals died of natural causes, FBI officials told BuzzFeed News that its larger investigation into the deaths is ongoing.

"In the interest of providing as thorough an investigation as possible in this challenging case, the FBI is testing for two additional toxins and will provide Dominican authorities with results when tests are complete,"FBI officials told BuzzFeed News.

Read more:

The king of Thailand abruptly stripped all royal titles from his 34-year-old consort, who is accused of plotting against the queen to take her place

Video appears to show US troops being pelted with stones and rotten fruit as they pull out of Syria

Meghan Markle says her friends warned her not to date Prince Harry because 'the British tabloids will destroy your life'

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Here's why flight attendants avoid drinking tap water on airplanes

• The outperformance of US stocks over their international counterparts that's been in place since the financial crisis is at an "inflection point," according to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. 
• The firm demonstrated that a rotation is already underway in Europe, and laid out more reasons why international stocks could deliver a huge payout to US investors for several years to come. 
• Click here for more BI Prime stories. 

In the 10 years since the financial crisis, non-US stocks have only beaten their US counterparts twice: in 2012 and 2017.

But the next 10 years are poised to look a lot different, according to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.

The firm's call is that US investors will enjoy benefits from international stocks that go beyond the standard advantages of having a diversified portfolio: a meaningful rotation is underway and could lift the returns from non-US stocks above the US' for the next decade. 

To compare how both trends have fared since the crisis, Morgan Stanley pit the S&P 500 against the MSCI All Country World Index ex-USA. The former has delivered an excess of 500 basis points over the latter, on average, over the past 10 years. 

But this is about to reverse, resembling the period between 1999 and 2009 when international stocks outperformed the US in all but two years. 

"We see the relative outperformance of the S&P 500 versus the MSCI ACW ex US as reaching an inflection point," said Lisa Shalett, the chief investment strategist at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, in a recent note to clients.

The inflection is already in its early stages relative to European stocks. Shalett reached this conclusion by comparing euro-denominated MSCI Europe Total Return Index with the dollar-based S&P 500 Total Return Index.

The chart below shows the European index has topped the S&P 500 for the better part of the last 12 months. 

This outperformance has taken place even as large investors trimmed their exposure to Europe. 

Hedge funds' net exposure to the region is close to an all-time low, and European equity funds have seen their longest period of outflows in history, Shalett said, citing data from Morgan Stanley Prime Brokerage. 

However, she views this light positioning among hedge funds as a bullish signal for when the funds come pouring in again. 

She further provided her rationale for why investors would consider rotating back into Europe.

Global stocks have long discounted a recession

Her broad assessment is that global stocks were discounting a recession long before fears of a US slowdown reached fever pitch this year due to the trade war and yield-curve inversion. 

Investors started getting jittery about global growth way back in early 2018, when all the major economies stopped growing in a synchronized fashion. The US soldiered on thanks to corporate tax cuts. But many other countries did not, as the first wave of US tariffs on China slammed those that relied on trade with the world's second-largest economy.

Another highlight of 2018 was the Federal Reserve's four rate hikes, which strengthened the dollar and hurt non-US stocks throughout the year. It wasn't until the fourth quarter of 2018 that US stocks buckled under the strain of Fed tightening.

Fast forward to late-2019, and non-US stocks have discounted much of the recession risks that US stocks are now just grappling with, according to Shalett. 

The implication is that if global growth rebounds from here — spurred by more dovish central banks — investors stand to benefit from the rebound in non-US stocks that had sold off on recession fears. 

"The pay-off from this type of positioning could be large as non-US markets are inherently more cyclical in their composition and thus more operationally leveraged to improvements in global growth," Shalett said. 

In order to profit from such a rotation, Shalett recommends looking for active, international fund managers who invest in value stocks and do not hedge the dollar. The currency component is important because any weakening in the dollar from here would increase the returns for US investors.  

She also advises that investors watch the policy news flow for progress on the trade front and Brexit. After all, these are among the big issues that have hurt non-US markets of late — and their resolutions could also lead to huge payouts. 

SEE ALSO: Nobel laureate Robert Shiller wrote the textbook on the 2 worst bubbles in recent history. Now he tells us his best advice for avoiding the next big one.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: 9 items to avoid buying at Costco

• The 2019-20 NBA season is here.
• After a wild summer of player movement, the MVP race feels wide open, as the circumstances have changed for many of the league's best players.
• We took a look at 16 players who can take home the MVP, based on their odds, projected seasons, and narratives.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The NBA season is upon us and it feels like, more than ever, this is something of a fresh start for the league.

After a wild summer of player movement and trades, there are many familiar faces in new places and fewer teams that stayed the same. Along with a seemingly wide-open title race, one of the more interesting races should be who takes home 2019-20 MVP.

We ranked 16 candidates to win MVP based on their odds, projected years, and, narrative, because let's face it — it plays a part in the MVP race every year.

Here are 16 stars who could take home the league's Most Valuable Players trophy.

16. Ben Simmons, F

Team: Philadelphia 76ers

2018-19 stats: 16.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 7.7 assists, 1.4 steals, 56.3% FG

Vegas odds: 50/1

How he could win MVP: The keys to the 76ers offense have essentially been handed over to Ben Simmons this year. The third-year point-forward figures to primarily handle the ball, and he'll have to do so effectively in a loaded Sixers lineup that's a little light on shooting. Simmons could improve their offense if the jumper he showed off over the summer is a real thing. If Joel Embiid misses time or rests more often this season, and if the Sixers compete for the No. 1 seed in the East, Simmons has a shot at MVP, so long as he makes the leap expected of a franchise star.

15. Russell Westbrook, G

Team: Houston Rockets

2018-19 stats: 22.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, 10.7 assists, 1.9 steals, 42.8% FG

Vegas odds: 12/1

How he could win MVP: Westbrook averaged a triple-double for a third straight year and finished 10th in MVP voting last year. This year, he figures to put up lesser stats alongside James Harden, making his MVP path a little more cloudy. But if Westbrook puts together the kind of all-around, efficient season many in the NBA world have wanted to see from him by moving off the ball, shooting a solid three-point percentage, and defending vigorously, he could end up surprising voters. Perhaps it's even Harden who sacrifices more for Westbrook. The 2016-17 MVP is too talented to leave off this list, though the odds are still stacked against him.

14. Donovan Mitchell, G

Team: Utah Jazz

2018-19 stats: 23.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, 43.2% FG, 36.2% 3FG

Vegas odds: 50/1

How he could win MVP: The additions of Mike Conley and Bojan Bogdanovic should make life easier on Donovan Mitchell this year. Mitchell should be able to focus more on scoring, spreading the floor, and acting as a secondary ball-handler. He's also coming off a strong showing with Team USA at the World Cup (despite the team's early exit from the tournament), which in years past has led to breakout seasons for young players. The Jazz will be competing for a top-four seed in the West, and if Mitchell is their best player, he'll receive some buzz.

13. Luka Doncic, G

Team: Dallas Mavericks

2018-19 stats: 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 42.7% FG, 32.7% 3FG

Vegas odds: 50/1

How he could win MVP: Luka Doncic is already a beloved player in the basketball world and will be looking to take a step forward after an impressive rookie campaign. If Doncic takes a leap and averages a LeBron James-esque 27-7-7 (not so far-fetched) while leading the Mavs to a playoff seed, he'll certainly receive some buzz. But how good can these Mavs be? It's tough to imagine them fighting for a top-five seed in the West, making Doncic a long-shot.

12. Paul George, F

Team: Los Angeles Clippers

2018-19 stats: 28.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 2.2 steals, 43.8% FG, 38.6% 3FG

Vegas odds: 12/1

How he could win MVP: Paul George will miss the beginning of the season while recovering from shoulder surgery. Depending on how much time he misses, it will be a knock against him in the eyes of some MVP voters. George also figures to play second fiddle to Kawhi Leonard, a role more natural for George, as it will allow him to space the floor, create for others, and defend harder. He finished third in MVP voting last year. It's tough to imagine George ending up back there, barring an injury to Leonard or some kind of role reversal on the Clippers.

11. Jimmy Butler, G/F

Team: Miami Heat

2018-19 stats: 18.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.9 steals, 46.2% FG, 34.7% 3FG

Vegas odds: 100/1

How he could win MVP: Jimmy Butler has the benefit of being the lone star player on a team that should contend for a playoff spot. It's unclear just how good the Heat will be, but the East is wide open after the top two seeds. If the Heat fight for a top-four seed and Butler averages something like 25-5-5 while playing his usual rugged defense, why can't he be in the race?

10. Kyrie Irving, G

Team: Brooklyn Nets

2018-19 stats: 23.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 1.5 steals, 48.7% FG, 40.1% 3FG

Vegas odds: 50/1

How he could win MVP: Like Jimmy Butler, Kyrie Irving is also the lone star on a good team, at least for a year, as Kevin Durant rehabs his torn Achilles. Irving had one of his best on-court seasons last year while simultaneously having his worst off-court season, tanking the Celtics chemistry with what he admitted was shoddy leadership. This year, he has the benefit of a redemption arc. If Irving can boost his numbers a bit and help the Nets fight for home-court advantage in the playoffs, he could truly be in the running for MVP.

9. James Harden, G

Team: Houston Rockets

2018-19 stats: 36.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 2.0 steals, 44.2% FG, 36.8% 3FG

Vegas odds: 9/2

How he could win MVP: Perhaps we're foolish for having James Harden this far down, but things aren't necessarily stacking up in his favor. He won't repeat his monster 2018-19 season, due to A) Russell Westbrook now being on the team; and B) The Rockets lightening his load this year. Harden, who has finished in the top three in MVP voting the last three years (winning it in 2017-18), may also be subject to some voter fatigue, especially after he and the Rockets publicly griped about him not winning the award last year. For Harden to take home a second MVP, he may have to produce big numbers with better efficiency while the Rockets nab the No. 1 seed. It just doesn't seem likely.

8. Damian Lillard, G

Team: Portland Trail Blazers

2018-19 stats: 25.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 44.4% FG, 36.9% 3FG

Vegas odds: 25/1

How he could win MVP: Over the last four seasons, only three players have averaged 25-4-6 or better on 36% three-point shooting — Stephen Curry, James Harden, and Damian Lillard. The Blazers star guard has some of the most solid counting stats in the league over the past four seasons, and he has the chance to garner votes as the clear-cut superstar on a perennial playoff team. If Lillard aims for the scoring title (certainly possible) and the Blazers win 50-plus games, he's got a shot at MVP.

7. Nikola Jokic, C

Team: Denver Nuggets

2018-19 stats: 20.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 51.1% FG, 30.7% 3FG 

Vegas odds: 10/1

How he could win MVP: Nikola Jokic could climb this list quickly if he and the Nuggets take the proverbial next step. Jokic will have to do a little more scoring, and the Nuggets will have to be a top-three team in the West, but Jokic certainly has the narrative case if he can lead a Western Conference contender without a superstar teammate. 

6. Kawhi Leonard, F

Team: Los Angeles Clippers

2018-19 stats: 26.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.8 steals, 49.6% FG, 37.1% 3FG

Vegas odds: 12/1

How he could win MVP:  Kawhi Leonard figures to be the go-to guy on the Clippers: he's their best scorer and their best lock-down defender. After he was mostly excluded from last year's MVP race due to "load management," Leonard has said he won't be resting as often this year. Leonard could top last year's numbers (the best of his career) and lead the Clippers to the No. 1 seed in the West, making him a true favorite for the award. The only drawbacks are if his numbers are impacted by sharing the ball with George and the Clippers' deep bench and if he decides to hold back a bit until the postseason begins.

5. Joel Embiid, C

Team: Philadelphia 76ers

2018-19 stats: 27.5 points, 13.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.9 blocks, 48.4% FG, 30.0% 3FG

Vegas odds: 25/1

How he could win MVP: Joel Embiid put up prime-Shaq numbers last year in the healthiest season of his career so far. He said he worked on his body and conditioning this summer to better handle the rigors of the season. With the Sixers positioned to fight for the top seed in the East and Embiid dominating both sides of the court, he has a clear path to MVP. The only concern is Embiid playing too few games because of injury or rest.

4. LeBron James, F

Team: Los Angeles Lakers

2018-19 stats: 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 51.0% FG, 33.9% 3FG

Vegas odds: 12/1

How he could win MVP: Make no mistake: even with Anthony Davis alongside him, LeBron James could easily get some buzz if he has a typical LeBron season. Last year was James' worst season in a decade, and he still averaged 27-8-8. James will cede some of the workload to Davis, but he will still have to be an elite playmaker for this Lakers team to work. If James can stay healthy, shoot efficiently, and defend with a bit more gusto while the Lakers win around 55 games, he will have a true case for MVP. He'll also own an emotional appeal over some voters who would love to see James prove he's still an elite force in the league.

3. Anthony Davis, F/C

Team: Los Angeles Lakers

2018-19 stats: 25.9 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.4 blocks, 51.7% FG, 33.1% 3FG

Vegas odds: 10/1

How he could win MVP: While LeBron James could steal some MVP buzz with a vintage season, this year will be all about Anthony Davis in Lakerland. After forcing his way out of New Orleans, all eyes will be on Davis to redeem what was an ugly ending with the Pelicans. He's one of the five most talented players in the league, and he has a case for the most talented. Davis averaged a career-high in assists last year, has added more to his offensive repertoire each year, and said his goal this season is to win Defensive Player of the Year. If Davis averages something like 28-12-4 with elite defense on a good Lakers team, he'll earn a lot of votes.

2. Stephen Curry, G

Team: Golden State Warriors

2018-19 stats: 27.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 47.2% FG, 43.7% 3FG

Vegas odds: 4/1

How he could win MVP: With Kevin Durant out of town and Klay Thompson likely out until February, it's Stephen Curry's show in San Francisco. Expect to see Curry as aggressive as he was in 2015-16 when he lit up the league for 30 points per game and broke the record for three-pointers made in a season. We've already gotten a glimpse of it, with Curry scoring 40 points in three quarters of a preseason game.

There is some concern the Warriors won't be good enough for Curry to win MVP — there are at least five teams that look better than them at the moment. That could change in the second half of the season if the Warriors are healthy and Curry is playing well. The NBA world will love to see Curry, now the oldest member of Golden State, have a throwback year.

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, F

Team: Milwaukee Bucks

2018-19 stats: 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.5 blocks, 57.8% FG

Vegas odds: 7/2

How he could win MVP: Giannis Antetokounmpo has the clearest path to winning MVP for a second straight year: the Bucks should walk into the No. 1 or 2 seed in the East, he's the lone superstar on a title contender, and there is obvious room for growth in his game. Antetokounmpo is the game's most unstoppable force going to the basket, but all eyes will be on whether he can hit three-pointers at a consistent clip. He showed a bit of that in the playoffs last year, hitting 32.7% of his attempts and occasionally making opponents who sagged off of him pay. That's all he needs. If he can do that a bit more this season — the Bucks insist he can — it will be a noticeable development. What would the Greek Freak look like if he's averaging something like 28-12-6 on 50% shooting, 33% from three, while playing elite defense on a No. 1 seed? The MVP favorite.

Now, check out where you should catch a game if you're traveling in the U.S...

The most iconic stadium in every state >

• Alibaba Group, the Chinese e-commerce conglomerate, opened a high-tech "hotel of the future" in Hangzhou, China, earlier this year. 
• The hotel allows guests to manage reservations and make payments entirely from a mobile app and enter rooms using facial-recognition technology rather than a traditional key card. 
• Robots created by Alibaba's AI Labs serve food, toiletries, and other sundries. Here's a closer look at what the experience is like. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Alibaba Group is vying to create the hotel of the future. 

Earlier this year, the e-commerce giant opened its FlyZoo Hotel, which it describes as a "290-room ultra-modern boutique, where technology meets hospitality." The hotel is the first of its kind in that it eschews traditional check-in and key card processes, instead allowing guests to manage reservations and make payments entirely from a mobile app, sign in using self-service kiosks, and enter their rooms using facial-recognition technology.

Additionally, the hotel is run almost entirely by robots that serve food and fetch toiletries and other sundries as needed. 

The hotel was developed by the company's online travel platform, Fliggy, in tandem with Alibaba's AI Labs and Alibaba Cloud technology with the goal "to leverage cutting-edge tech to help transform the hospitality industry, one that keeps the sector current with the digital era we're living in," according to the company. 

Read more: Alibaba cofounder Jack Ma — the richest person in China — is retiring with a net worth of $38 billion. Here's his incredible rags-to-riches story.

"As smart technology is reshaping industries, the FlyZoo Hotel represents Alibaba's endeavor to marry hospitality with technology, and ultimately inspire and empower the tourism industry to embrace innovation," Andy Wang, CEO of Alibaba Future Hotel, the group operating the hotel, said in a press statement. 

Here's a closer look at what it's like inside: 

SEE ALSO: We went to Alibaba's 24-hour shopping extravaganza that is like nothing in America, featuring a Mariah Carey performance and an online-shopping-themed Cirque du Soleil act. Here's what it reveals about the future of retail.

The FlyZoo Hotel is located in Hangzhou, China.

The design is sleek and contemporary, to appeal to modern international travelers.

FlyZoo has 290 rooms in total, as well as various amenities like a robot-operated restaurant and high-tech gym.

The hotel project was led by the company's online travel platform, Fliggy, in tandem with Alibaba's AI Labs and Alibaba Cloud.

Chinese users with the FlyZoo app are able to book rooms directly from their phone, where they can choose their floor and the direction the room faces.

The app also provides virtual tours of each of the rooms before users make their final selection.

Once a guest arrives at the hotel, they can check in on the mobile app and go directly to their room.

Users can access the app and check in on their phone using facial-recognition technology.

Travelers from outside of China who don't have access to the mobile app can check in with their passport at one of several kiosks located in the lobby.

Here, Tom Brennan — managing editor of Alizila, the news hub of Alibaba Group — demonstrates how to use the self-service kiosk.

Instead of traditional keycards, FlyZoo uses facial-recognition technology based on images taken during the check-in process.

By merely looking into a screen, visitors can access elevators and enter their room, without swiping a physical card.

This is what the interior of an average room looks like.

Each room includes a "Tmail Genie"— essentially Alibaba's version of Amazon Echo — which can help with tasks like adjusting the room temperature, closing the curtains, and turning the lights and television on and off.

Using voice commands, the device can answer general questions about the WiFi or the weather, as well as communicate requests for items like snacks with the "robot butler."

The robot butler was created by Alibaba's AI Lab and can make food and toiletry deliveries directly to rooms and at the hotel's restaurant.

Once a request is made, the robot makes its way to the room. Here, a robot is seen boarding an elevator.

Almost there.

Ah, there it is.

To unlock the items, the guest inputs a passcode sent via text.

It's an extremely high-tech way to stay hydrated.

Another Alibaba robot is seen on the prowl.

The robots also serve meals in the hotel restaurant.

The hotel includes amenities like a gym with "fun digital experiences" and interactive screens with guided workouts.

Brennan demonstrates what it's like to use one of the interactive digital fitness activities.

For check-out, guests can simply pack up and go by their designated time.

Though the hotel is almost entirely run by robots, there are a few employees on staff to assist as needed.

"Our use of intelligent facilities coupled with digital management and operational systems means that hotel employees can focus on providing guests with a level of service that goes the extra mile," Andy Wang, CEO of Alibaba Future Hotel, said in a press statement. 

Only time will tell if the FlyZoo Hotel model will truly become the hotel of the future.

• President Donald Trump's urging of Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden signaled he views the former vice president as his biggest threat in 2020. 
• But he made a huge miscalculation, and risked impeachment in the process. 
• It's true Biden is still at the top of a number of major national polls, but Sen. Elizabeth Warren is rapidly catching up to him and he's essentially frontrunner in name only.
• Polls have also consistently shown Trump would lose in a head-to-head matchup with top Democratic candidates other than Biden like Warren and Sen. Bernie Sanders.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When President Donald Trump urged his Ukrainian counterpart to investigate Joe Biden during a July 25 phone call, the former vice president had been comfortably sitting at the top of a large field of Democratic candidates for weeks. 

By pressuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to dig up dirt on Biden, Trump signaled he viewed the former vice president as his biggest threat in 2020. But he made a huge miscalculation, and risked impeachment in the process. 

Trump seemingly wanted to gain an edge as he seeks reelection, which is ironic given the consequences of him pressuring Zelensky now pose an existential threat to his presidency.

The Ukraine scandal, which was prompted by a whistleblower complaint from an intelligence official focusing on the July 25 call, has sparked an impeachment inquiry in the House into Trump.

Though Biden's frontrunner status was solid through the spring and much of the summer, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts has pulled past him in a number of state and national polls in the past few weeks. Meanwhile, Biden has stumbled in his response to the Ukraine scandal, offering lukewarm defenses of his son's work for a Ukrainian natural gas company.

Read more: These are the key players you need to know to make sense of the Trump impeachment inquiry

The president urged Zelensky to investigate Biden over a baseless allegation the former vice president urged Ukraine to fire a prosecutor in order to help his son, Hunter Biden, in relation to his work for a Ukrainian natural gas company, Burisma Holdings. The prosecutor, Viktor Shokin, was widely derided for not doing enough to root out corruption and there were no active probes into Burisma when he was ousted. 

There's no evidence of illegal activity on the part of either Biden, but his tentative and lackluster pushback to Trump's unfounded attacks has occurred in concert with his dwindling poll numbers and poor debate performances.

It's true Biden is still at the top of a number of major national polls, but Warren is rapidly catching up on him and he's essentially frontrunner in name only.

No definitive frontrunner has truly emerged, given the primary season isn't officially underway. There won't be a clear picture of a true frontrunner until from voters in early voting states like Iowa and New Hampshire have their say.

But Trump seems to have gone all-in on the notion Biden is the undisputed leader of the pack.

Trump underestimated Warren and Sanders

A number of Trump's top advisers have told him that he'd have an easier time defeating Warren than Biden, according to an Axios report from mid-October. But there's not much evidence to support this perception. 

Polls have consistently shown Trump would lose in a head-to-head matchup with top Democratic candidates other than Biden like Warren and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. 

A Fox News poll from early October, for example, found Biden and Warren would both defeat Trump by 10 points in a head-to-head matchup (50% to 40%) and Sanders by 9 points (49% to 40%). This represented the first time the top-tier Democratic candidates held a lead a hypothetical head-to-head with Trump outside the poll's margin of error.

Sanders and Warren also crushed Biden in third quarter fundraising. Sanders raised $25.3 million, Warren raised $24.6 million, and Biden $15.7 million.

In short, Trump may have succeeded in dragging Biden's campaign down with him as he gets caught up in the whirlwind of the impeachment inquiry, but it's hard to predict if that will last. And even if Biden isn't the Democratic nominee and Trump isn't impeached, there's a lot of evidence the president could still lose in November 2020 if one of the other top 2020 Democrats is on the ballot.

Nothing is guaranteed, and that's precisely why Trump made a risky gambit by fishing for dirt on a candidate with a documented record of failing in presidential elections. 

SEE ALSO: Trump's disastrous retreat from Syria raises new questions about his financial interests in Turkey

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: We asked a law professor about the likelihood of a Trump impeachment

• Good laundry detergent is effective at removing stains and odors from clothing with minimal effort on your part.
• Tide's Free & Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent is the best choice for most people because it's unscented, effective at cleaning, and not as hazardous to children as pods. 

Laundry day probably won't ever be the highlight of your week, but the alternative — an empty underwear drawer and re-wearing your socks from yesterday — is far less appealing. And happily for us, today's technology provides far easier methods for cleaning our clothes than our great-great-grandparents used. Instead of pounding our dirty unmentionables on a rock, or submerging them in a mixture of skin-burning lye, we have shelves full of laundry detergents to choose from. 

A good laundry detergent removes dirt, oil, and sweat from your clothing, leaves behind a fresh scent, doesn't fade or alter fabric color, doesn't break you out in an itchy rash, and doesn't empty your wallet. The problem is, store shelves are full of laundry detergents that meet all of these requirements, so how are you to choose the best product?

We've assembled this guide to the best laundry detergents that not only meet the basic requirements but also go the extra mile. So whatever type of laundry detergent you prefer — natural, unscented, sensitive formula — we have a pick for you.

Here are our top picks for the best laundry detergent:

• Best laundry detergent overall: Tide Free & Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent
• Best laundry detergent pods: Tide Pods 3 in 1 Turbo
• Best natural laundry liquid: Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent
• Best natural laundry powder: Charlie's Soap Laundry Powder
• Best laundry pods for sensitive skin: All Free & Clear Mighty Pacs
• Best laundry detergent for babies: Molly's Suds Laundry Powder
• Best laundry detergent for the laundromat: Lucky Fiji Power Sheets
• Best laundry detergent soap bar for handwashing: Zote White Laundry Bar Soap

Updated by Caitlin Petreycik on 10/21/19. Updated prices, links, and formatting.

SEE ALSO: The best rubber gloves for dishwashing and cleaning

Best laundry detergent overall

Tide's Free & Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent is unscented, cleans effectively, and doesn't cost a crazy price.

Tide Free & Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent is hypoallergenic, with no dyes or perfumes that might irritate sensitive skin, but it still pulls no punches when it comes to getting dirt, stains, and odors out of your laundry.

Just use the measuring cup inside the cap to pour the right amount of liquid detergent into your washing machine, and let the cleaning begin. Your clothes will come out smelling fresh but without any strong fragrance. That's a good thing for people with allergies or skin sensitivity.

Amazon customer TMam sums up the comments of many pleased buyers in a review, writing, "I have some pretty severe allergies, and at times, contact dermatitis. I had to avoid Tide for decades because it was one of the primary allergens that triggered this reaction in my skin. Thankfully, they developed this formula that works well for me. I can't promise you won't have a reaction, but I use this on towels, sheets, and undergarments, and so far, I have been issue-free."

Pros: Fragrance and dye-free, easy-pour bottle, very effective in any temperature of water

Cons: Some complaints that the liquid runs down the side of the bottle after using the measuring cap

Best laundry detergent pods

Tide Pods 3 in 1 Turbo leave your clothes super-clean and smelling fresh, plus they help remove stains without fading fabric. 

Toss one of these pods into your washing machine, turn on the water, pile your dirty laundry on top, and let the spin cycle work its magic. Tide Pods 3 in 1 Turbo combine detergent, stain remover, and color protectant in one small pod. Pods make laundry day a snap. No need to measure, pour, or deal with a soapy, slippery bottle.

The formula is safe for HE washers, and won't leave soap residue or require extra rinse cycles. There are several pleasant fragrances to choose from, but they are all fairly strong, so keep that in mind.

Amazon customers who wrote reviews on the Tide Pods 3 in 1 Turbo mostly praise its effective cleaning action, ease of use, and reasonable price. A few complained that they had pods fail to dissolve in the wash, however, and some other customers said the fragrance irritated their skin.

Another key thing to note is that any household with young children or elderly people with dementia shouldn't buy pods due to the poison hazard. We only recommend pods to households with grown adults who are not likely to pop a pod in their mouths. These things are toxic, and many people have died or become seriously ill from ingesting these pods.

Take care, use common sense, and keep pods away from those who might mistake them for food or a toy, and you'll be fine.

Pros: Powerful formula really gets clothes clean and stain-free, childproof container

Cons: Fragrance is quite strong, so not suitable for those with sensitive skin, dangerous if ingested, not for homes with kids

Best natural laundry liquid

Some natural laundry detergents don't really get your clothes very clean, but Puracy's Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent gets your laundry clean and fresh.

No phosphates, sulfates, petrochemicals, animal by-products, chlorine, perfumes, gluten, tree nut-based ingredients, dyes, or allergens are in Puracy's Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent.

Instead, the company uses plant-derived enzymes to remove sweat, oil, dirt, and other grunge from your laundry, leaving behind fresh, clean fabric that won't irritate sensitive skin — even the delicate skin of newborns.  

You don't need to use a lot of this highly concentrated formula — Just two pumps are enough for the average load, making this an economical as well as effective detergent. It's safe for HE machines, and works equally well in cold or hot water and on all washable fabrics.

Amazon shopper Kat sums up the sentiments of many, saying, "I have all boys — stains come with the territory. For regular everyday stains, I don't even bother pretreating and they come right out with this detergent."

Pros: No potentially irritating or environmentally unfriendly ingredients

Cons: Some customers complain that the pump leaks

Best natural laundry detergent powder

If you prefer powder detergent and you want a natural formula that won't irritate your skin, the environment, or your bank account, get Charlie's Soap Laundry Powder.

The biodegradable formula is easy on the environment and safe for septic tanks. Charlie's Soap Laundry Powder is also hypoallergenic, with no brighteners, perfumes, dyes, or phosphates.

But that doesn't mean it's weak on cleaning. This laundry powder quickly and easily washes away all manner of odors and dirt, leaving behind clean, fresh fabric with no detergent residue.

You only need a tablespoon of the powder for most loads, so you'll get 100 loads of laundry out of the 2.6-pound bag. That's pennies per load, making Charlie's Soap Laundry Powder as gentle on your wallet as it is on your clothing.

Pros: No fragrance or other irritating ingredients, very economical, safe for HE machines and all types of washable fabrics

Cons: Some complained it didn't work well on cloth diapers

Best laundry detergent pods for sensitive skin

All Free & Clear Mighty Pacs are as easy on your skin as they are tough on laundry grime.

Laundry detergent pods are undeniably easy to use — Just toss one into your machine, followed by your laundry. No need to measure or pour. But too many laundry pods are filled with strong fragrances and other sensitive skin no-no's. That's where All Free & Clear Mighty Pacs are different.

These hypoallergenic laundry pods are 100% free of fragrance and dyes, but they are still mighty effective at cleaning even your stinkiest gym clothes.

Just note that any household with young children or elderly people with dementia shouldn't buy pods due to the poison hazard. We only recommend pods to households with grown adults who are not likely to pop a pod in their mouths. These things are toxic, and many people have died or become seriously ill from ingesting these pods.

Take care, use common sense, and keep pods away from those who might mistake them for food or a toy, and you'll be fine.

Pros: Hypoallergenic, safe for HE washer and all types of washable fabrics, safe for septic systems

Cons: Some felt the pods didn't clean as well as they expected, others said the pods did not fully dissolve in the wash, dangerous if ingested, not for homes with kids

Best laundry detergent for babies

If you want the purest, most natural ingredients in your laundry detergent, but don't feel like making your own, Molly's Suds Laundry Powder is the next best thing.

Forget about a lengthy list of ingredients you can't even pronounce, much less understand — Molly's Suds Laundry Powder has only five ingredients, and every one of them is natural: sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium sulfate, unrefined sea salt, and peppermint oil.

The result is a laundry powder that doesn't create suds in the wash, but does get your clothes, sheets, towels, and reusable diapers clean, fresh, and oh-so-faintly scented with peppermint. It's great for the delicate skin of newborns, as well.

You can use this laundry powder in your HE machine, on all types of washable fabrics, and in hot or cold water. Pour the scoop of detergent directly into your washing machine drum, not into the dispenser, for the best results.

Amazon shoppers really like Molly's Suds Laundry Powder. It has nearly 1,200 reviews and an average of 4.5 stars. Many praise the hypoallergenic, natural formula, saying it doesn't cause flare-ups on even the most sensitive skin, or skin suffering from eczema or other allergic conditions. Others like the way it only takes a little bit of the detergent to clean an entire load of clothes.

Pros: Limited, natural ingredients for a hypoallergenic formula safe for even the most sensitive skin

Cons: A few buyers felt the detergent didn't get clothes entirely clean

Best laundry detergent for travel or laundromat

If you schlep your laundry to the laundromat, or need to wash clothes on a lengthy vacation, you'll want the convenience and minimal weight of Lucky Fiji Power Sheets. 

Forget about lugging that heavy jug of liquid or powder laundry detergent to the laundromat, or filling your vacation toiletry kit with laundry essentials. Instead, tuck a few sheets of Lucky Fiji Power Sheets into a Ziploc bag, toss the bag into your hamper of dirty clothing or your carry-on bag for easy transport, and enjoy being able to get laundry done while on the go.

Each laundry sheet is soaked with plant-based cleaning enzymes, and dissolves completely in water. No harmful chemicals, such as brighteners, parabens, sulfates, or irritating surfactants are included. The sheets contain a pleasant smelling, natural detergent that gets your clothes clean without leaving residue.

Best of all, there's nothing to pour, measure, or fill. Simply drop one sheet into the washing machine or your sink, and then launder your garments as usual.

Diggy, one of many pleased Amazon buyers, summed up the Lucky Fiji Power Sheets by saying, "My family absolutely loves this detergent. The fragrance is fresh and light. The fact that they are sheets instead of a liquid decreases the weight and makes them perfect to take on trips. When doing a super-size load, tearing a second sheet in half to throw in with a full sheet is easy. Cleans our clothes thoroughly. Highly recommend."

Pros: Lightweight and very easy to pack, safe for sensitive skin, good for handwashing as well as travel

Cons: A few people complained about the detergent's scent, somewhat expensive

Best laundry detergent soap bar for handwashing

If you like to hand wash or pre-treat clothes, Zote's White Laundry Soap Bar will remove most stains, oils, and odors from fabric with scrubbing.

Lots of clothing requires handwashing, and there's no better laundry detergent for handwashing than Zote's White Laundry Soap Bar.

Made by Mexican company Fábrica de Jabón la Corona, Zote is popular among Latin Americans and those who may not have immediate access to a washing machine. It's excellent at taking stains, oils, and odors out of fabric without damaging delicate items.

Zote is ideal for handwashing laundry or pre-treating nasty stains before you throw everything in the wash. The ingredient list is fairly decent. The soap contains sodium tallowate (beef tallow), sodium cocoate (coconut oil), citronella oil for a lemony scent, and optical brighteners.

I use it to handwash a lot of my clothing, and it works surprisingly well. A bar of Zote soap lasts quite a long time, too, so you'll spend less on laundry detergent in the long run. — Malarie Gokey

Pros: Lasts a long time, great for handwashing, pre-treats stains, gets oil out

Cons: Not for the washing machine unless you alter it

Check out our other buying guides for cleaning supplies

The best bathroom cleaning products you can buy

Your bathroom always needs a good cleaning, and having the right tools on hand is essential if you want it to be squeaky clean. We've tested tons of cleaners to find the best bathroom cleaning products you can buy.

Whether you need disinfecting wipes, a new scrub brush for the tub, an excellent shower cleaning spray, or an effective mop, we've got you covered. Our bathroom cleaning product recommendations include:

• Best wipes: Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
• Best toilet cleaner: Clorox ToiletWand Disposable Toilet Cleaning System
• Best tub cleaner: The Bucko Soap Scum & Grime Cleaner
• Best scrub brush: OXO Good Grips All-Purpose Scrub Brush
• Best mold remover: Mold Armor Instant Mold & Mildew Stain Remover
• Best shower cleaner: Method Daily Shower Spray
• Best squeegee: OXO Good Grips All-Purpose Squeegee
• Best all-purpose cleaner: Puracy Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner
• Best cleaning cloths: Zwipes Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
• Best mops: Swiffer SteamBoost Steam Mop and Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop

The best dish soap you can buy

A top-quality dish soap has a pleasant scent if it has a scent at all, cleans the most stubborn pots and pans, and is eco- and hand-friendly. Puracy Natural Liquid Dish Soap is our top pick because it's effective on grease, safe for the environment, and gentle on your hands. These are the best dish soaps you can buy: 

• The best dish soap overall: Puracy Natural Liquid Dish Soap
• The best dish soap on a budget: Seventh Generation Liquid Dish Soap
• The best multi-purpose dish soap: Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner
• The best dish soap for your hands: J.R. Watkins Liquid Dish Soap

The best dish racks you can buy

A top-quality dish drying rack has a large capacity without taking up too much space, is designed for easy water run-off and efficient drying, and is easy to clean. The Premium Racks Professional Dish Rack is our top pick because it is customizable and can hold all of your odds and ends. Here's a full list of our favorites: 

• The best dish rack overall: Premium Racks Professional Dish Rack
• The best roll-up dish rack: Surpahs Over the Sink Roll-Up Dish Rack
• The best foldable dish drying rack: OXO Good Grips Convertible Foldaway Dish Rack 
• The best dish rack for small households: Chef'n CleanGenuity Garden Dish Rack
• The best high-end dish rack: Simplehuman Kitchen Steel Frame Dish Rack

• The US Army is preparing to move to the next stage of development for its Robotic Combat Vehicle - Light (RCV-L).
• Four defense teams led by HDT Global, Oshkosh Defense, QinetiQ NA, and Textron Systems have made it through the white paper submission and oral review process and been selected to respond to the request for prototype proposals expected next month, the National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC) announced recently.
• The Army is expected to award contracts for the RCV-L next spring.

Four defense teams have been selected to move forward to the next phase of development for the US Army's light robotic combat vehicle.

HDT Global, Oshkosh, QinetiQ North America, and Textron Systems have moved past the white paper submission and oral review phases and have been invited to compete to develop prototypes for the Robotic Combat Vehicle - Light (RCV-L), one of three RCV variants that the Army is interested in procuring, the National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC) announced Friday.

The solicitation process for the RCV-L project, one of four priorities for the Next-Generation Combat Vehicle program, the second highest Army Futures Command priority, is being carried out in two stages.

The first stage involved a request for white papers (RWP), which was issued in mid-June, and an oral review. The second stage will be a request for prototype proposals (RPP). Only four defense teams out of a larger group of initial participants have been selected to participate in the second stage.

The RPP is expected to be issued around Thanksgiving. The Army will issue contracts next spring for the delivery of four non-developmental RCV-L surrogates for evaluation, test, and manned-unmanned teaming experimentation, a Federal Business Opportunities notice from May explained.

Before the solicitation process began, defense firms attended an industry event at Texas A&M System's RELLIS Campus, where they conducted robotic combat vehicle technology demonstrations aimed at informing the requirements for the RCV program, Defense News reported.

To participate, the university revealed, the various firms had to present all-terrain vehicles capable of speeds between 15 and 75 mph able to carry payloads of at least 1,000 pounds out to a distance of at least 500 meters in any and all weather conditions.

The Army has characterized the RCV-L as an expendable platform designed primarily for reconnaissance that can be transported via CH-47 or C-130 and ready for combat within 15 minutes of disembarking.

The RCV-L is expected to travel at speeds of at least 25 mph in order to keep pace with its unit and associated vehicles and carry a payload of at least 1,200 pounds. The Multi-Mission Payloads (MMP) the vehicle will carry include lethality packages consisting of cannons and missiles for combat operations.

The RCV-L is also expected to have silent drive and 360-degree sensing capabilities.

At the Association of the United States Army conference in Washington, DC last week, Textron Systems, subsidiary Howe & Howe, and partner FLIR Systems unveiled the Ripsaw M5, a modular, scalable RCV platform able to serve as an RCV-L and RCV-M (Medium) pitch.

Read more: Textron, Howe & Howe and FLIR roll out a small robot tank that can deploy drones in bid to build the Army's new robotic combat vehicle

At the conference, QinetiQ announced its partnership with Pratt & Miller, and HDT showed off its Hunter WOLF (Wheeled Offload Logistics Follower) unmanned ground vehicle. QinetiQ, Defense News reported, has plans to offer the Army a variation of its Expeditionary Modular Autonomous Vehicle (EMAV).

It is unclear at this time what Oshkosh Defense intends to bring to the table.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Customs and border officials at JFK airport check 1,000 bags an hour for narcotics and illicit food. Here's where the contraband goes.

• Researcher Marc Teyssier is exploring a tech platform that mimics the look and texture of human skin to control devices that we often touch to control, like smartphones and laptops. 
• The project and devices, called "Skin-on Interfaces," can sense touch and gestures, like pokes and pinches, and translate that signal into something our tech can understand. 
• The idea is to bring more natural and human-like interaction between us and the devices we handle every day.
• The skin case is only a research project at this stage, so those looking to add the unique case to their collection are out of luck.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

It's almost Halloween, so this phone case that's seemingly made of skin is just in time to incite genuine horror.

Unfortunately for serial-killer-costume hopefuls, this case isn't a product. It is, however, a serious research project concept called "Skin-On Interfaces" that's exploring different ways to interact with the technology that we often touch to control, like smartphones and laptops. 

"Skin-On Interfaces are sensitive skin-like input methods than can be added to existing devices to increase their capabilities," researcher Marc Teyssier writes on the project's website.

"When we interact with others, we use skin as interfaces. However the objects of mediated communication — such as the smartphone — still has a cold interface that doesn't allow natural interaction and input. In this project, I wanted to make available the perfect human interface that is the skin for existing devices," Teyssier said about the project's conception. 

Check out what a phone case that mimics human skin and sensory touch can do:

This Skin-On Interface project is less about protecting our phones with fleshy silicone-based cases than it is about introducing a new way to interact with our phones.

The idea here is to bring human-like interaction, like pinching, pokes, tickles, and strokes to our smartphones and other devices ...

... and translating those sensations into controls for our devices, like adjusting the volume on this smartphone by pinching and twisting ...

You can even send an expressive message, like an emoji, with different gestures. Tickling the "skin" can send a laughing emoji, for example.

In this example, you can pinch the skin to express anger to an avatar on a laptop.

The "skin" can register your touches and gestures with built-in sensors. There's a grid built into the skin and the electronics translate the signals picked up by the grid into something a device can understand.

That's just a few ideas for a case that mimics skin and translates human interaction to our devices, including laptops. Check out Teyssier's video:

Youtube Embed:
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• Wall Street overwhelmingly thinksPeloton is undervalued at current levels. 18 analysts initiated coverage Monday with price targets higher than where Peloton currently trades. 
• Shares initially gained 3%, then fell more than 7% at intraday lows.
• Analysts think the company has a solid runway for growth and profitability in the future. 
• Watch Peloton trade live on Markets Insider.

Wall Street thinks Peloton's stock is undervalued after shares have traded consistently below the $29 IPO price since the company went public in September. 

On its first day of trading in September, the company closed 11% below its initial price of $29 per share, erasing more than $900 million in investor capital. Since, the company has struggled to recover lost ground and is trading around $24 per share, roughly 17% below its IPO price. 

Wall Street thinks that's a discount. Of the 18 analysts who initiated coverage on shares of the bicycling exercise company Monday, 17 have rated shares a "buy" and one has given shares a "hold" rating. So far, there are no sell ratings. Price targets range from $24 to $37, showing that nearly all analysts currently covering Peloton think that the stock is undervalued where it is currently trading at roughly $24 per share. 

Shares of Peloton traded down more than 7% at intraday lows.

The bullish sentiment from the Street is focused on Peloton's ability to become profitable in the near term, something more investors are paying attention to after a number of IPO flops from unprofitable unicorns such as Uber and Lyft. In addition, analysts say Peloton's mix of hardware and software plus its customer loyalty pave the way for huge future growth.

Here's a roundup of what some analysts who initiated coverage of Peloton are saying about the company:

1. Bank of America Merrill Lynch: "Impressive high retention rate and low churn."

Rating: Buy

Price target: $29

"With the stock down 19% from the IPO price (vs flat for S&P) and now trading below our group of high-quality peer multiples despite higher expected growth, we initiate with a Buy rating," wrote Bank of America Merrill Lynch analyst Justin Post in a Monday note. 

"Peloton's net promoter scores (avg. of 86) compare well to strong consumer brands like Netflix and Apple. In our view, an investment in Peloton is also an investment in the management team as, like Netflix, we expect many competitive challenges, and we think high quality & execution will maintain a strong market position."

"Based on a 80mn gym member TAM in current markets, we believe Peloton can capture over 10mn subscribers long-term." 

"Peloton has an impressive high retention rate and low churn, with average Net Monthly Connected Fitness Churn below 1% a month at 0.65% in FY19. Peloton's annualized churn rate works out to be a little less than 7%, significantly lower than its peers such as Planet Fitness, which has an annualized churn rate of 18% to 30%."

2. UBS: "Healthy level of conservatism with regards to Peloton's path to profitability."

Rating: Buy

Price target: $30

"While we think investor expectations bake in solid rev growth, we believe there is a healthy level of conservatism with regards to Peloton's path to profitability," wrote a team of UBS analysts led by Eric Sheridan in a Monday note. 

"We estimate Peloton can achieve ~4.6% penetration of our FY24E total addressable household estimate and grow total revs at ~44% FY'19-24E CAGR." 

"We see several large revenue opportunities that could potentially lead to higher than expected growth over the long term:

1) int'l expansion into adjacent markets outside of their current four markets (US,Canada, UK & Germany);

2) new product, software or category launches;

3) greater focus on Peloton Digital as a key growth driver and subscriber acquisition channel."

3. JPMorgan: "Peloton retains control over the entire member journey."

Rating: Overweight

Price target: $32

"Peloton is the largest interactive fitness platform in the world, with 1.4M+ members across the US, UK, & Canada. We believe Peloton is well positioned to disrupt the fitness industry through its at-home connected fitness subscription platform, with significant runway for growth as the company's current SAM is only 4% penetrated," wrote a team of analysts led by Doug Anmuth in a Monday note. 

"We believe Peloton has a compelling financial profile, including multiple growth levers that should support 35%+ top-line growth through FY24 (i.e. expanded product portfolio & international market launches), and strong unit economics that give us confidence in Peloton's ability to achieve significant profitability over time (i.e. $5 nCAC/sub and 60% Subscription Contribution Margin)."

"Peloton retains control over the entire member journey, which allows the company to deliver on its members-first mission and ensure a positive member experience."

4. Cowen: "Arguably the hottest brand in home fitness"

Rating: Outperform

Price target: $34

"Peloton is arguably the hottest brand in home fitness, with its popular hardware (led by the bike), live-streamed classes, and passionate community; PTON boasts >500K subscriptions and >1.4MM members. As a first mover in the space, the company currently faces few true comps that combine its premium hardware, software, content, logistics and community," wrote a team of analysts led by John Blackledge at Cowen on Monday. 

"Consumers largely think of Peloton as a bike/spin company due to the popularity and dominance of its eponymous bike, but LT opportunity from treadmills could actually be larger due to broader popularity of treadmills vs. stationary bikes, both in the US & International." 

"We view Peloton's path to profitability over time as driven largely by scale, with leverage across content creation fixed costs and efficiencies across Sales & Marketing and G&A; of note, Peloton's passionate following lends itself to strong word of mouth & earned ("free") media."

5. Goldman Sachs: "Attractive risk reward."

Rating: Buy 

Price target: $37

"While Peloton is still early-stage as a platform and as an investment with all of the risks that implies, we believe that the large and emerging addressable market opportunity, growing competitive moats, and, in our view, conservative investor expectations create an attractive risk reward," wrote a team of Goldman analysts led by Heath Terry in a Monday note. 

"While the cost of a $2,245 bike or a $4,295 treadmill is of course a limiting factor, much like a $1,000 phone was once thought to be, the ability to finance the cost of a bike down to $58/month over 39 months and spread it over multiple household members we think should minimize much of that."

"While we expect Peloton will reach adj. EBITDA and cash profitability in FY23 and FY24, respectively, we believe Peloton can reach 20%+ adj. EBITDA margins in the long-term, driven by growing mix of subscription gross profit and leverage on other operating expenses as the company scales."

• To connect a Google Home to your TV, you'll need a Google Chromecast device, or a TV with Chromecast built in.
• Connecting a Chromecast to your Google Home allows you to stream audio and video on your TV with just the sound of your voice.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The Google Home is a great device for linking up all of the smart devices in your home to one system. One such smart device you can connect to is a Chromecast, or Chromecast-capable TV.

The ability to do so is enormously convenient, as Chromecast devices allow you to stream dozens of video and audio apps, such as YouTube, Netflix, or Spotify, directly from your mobile device or tablet to your TV.

Linking a Chromecast to your Google Home allows you to start streaming with just the sound of your voice.

In order to perform any of these actions, you'll need a TV with a Chromecast either built in, or plugged into one of the HDMI ports, and of course, a Google Home device.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Google Home (From $99.99 at Best Buy) 

Google Chromcast 4k (From $69.99 at Best Buy)

How to connect a Google Home to your TV using Chromecast

Connecting to a Chromecast that's already set up

To do this, you'll need to have a mobile device or tablet with the Google Home app downloaded.

1. Make sure the mobile device or tablet you're using is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Google Home and your Chromecast, and make sure the TV is on and set to the right input for the Chromecast.

2. Open the Google Home app on your mobile device.

3. On the app's home screen, tap the device you want to link — in this case, your TV.

4. Open Settings (the gear-shaped button in the upper right hand corner), then tap "Add to a home." Select what home you'll be adding to.

5. Tap "Next," then choose the room your TV is in. Your TV should now appear on your home screen, under the name of the room you assigned it to.

Your Google Home now recognizes your TV.

Connecting to a new Chromecast

1. Make sure the mobile device or tablet you're using is connected to the same Wi-Fi as your Google Home, and make sure your Chromecast is connected to the TV.

2. Open the Google Home app.

3. Tap "Add," then "Set up device," and finally "Set up new devices in your home." 

4. Select which home you want to add the Chromecast to, then tap "Next."

5. The app will take a moment to look for devices. After that, you should be asked what sort of device you want to set up — in this case, you'll want to select the TV option. Tap it, then tap "Next."

6. Both the TV and your mobile device should now show a code. Make sure that the code you see on the TV is the same as the one on your mobile device. If it is, tap "Yes."

7. You'll be asked if you want to send data from your TV to Google. You can pick yes or no.

8. Tap the name of the room that your TV is in, then tap "Next."

9. Tap the Wi-Fi network you want to connect your TV to, then tap "Next."

10. Tap "Continue." 

11. Choose what sort of video services you want to have — that's things like YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu — and then tap "Next."

12. Tap "Next" twice to finish setup.

13. If you'd like to, you can also now name your TV. Select the device from the Google Home App and tap the Settings button — the gear-shaped icon.

14. Tap "Name," then enter your desired name.

If you get a message that reads "Error when linking device," you should factory reset your Chromecast and try again.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• Yes, your Google Home can make phone calls — here's everything you need to know

• How to reset any Google Home device to its factory settings, if it's malfunctioning or you're planning to sell it

• How to use Google Chromecast on your iPhone, for streaming video, audio, and images to your TV or another display

• How to use Google Chromecast from your iPad to stream media to a TV or display

SEE ALSO: The 6 best tech gadgets with Google's impressive Chromecast technology built into them

Join the conversation about this story »

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• Patrice Banks was was making a six-figure salary as an engineer at DuPont when she left the corporate world to launch Girls Auto Clinic. 
• Now in its third year, business is straining the capacity of the original garage in Philadelphia, and Banks has her sights on an expansion.
• Banks spoke with Business Insider about what she's learned, and what other entrepreneurs should think about when challenging an industry's business model.
• Visit BI Prime for more stories.

More than half of all drivers in the US are women, but fewer than 10% of auto mechanics are female.

Those figures don't sit well with Patrice Banks, and they're a big part of why she left her six-figure salary as an engineer at DuPont to launch Girls Auto Clinic.

Back when she was growing up, a car represented much more than a way to get around: it was her escape from a chaotic household in a working-class town.

She became the first in her family to go to college, but even as she excelled academically and professionally, she was at a loss when the check engine light came on. By age 31 she was running a materials science lab at DuPont, and yet she still didn't know how to pop open the hood of her car.

Like a majority of other women, she dreaded the experience of unfair treatment at the auto-service shop because of her gender, so she enrolled in night classes to become a certified mechanic. 

From there she began teaching workshops for other women to demystify car maintenance and empower them with the knowledge to confidently discuss repairs with service technicians. (Researchers at Northwestern in 2013 found that repair shops do in fact give higher price quotes to women than men.)

Out of those workshops Banks launched the Girls Auto Clinic business and published a glove box guide for her growing audience that she calls "she-canics." 

Now in its third year, the business is straining the capacity of the original three-bay garage in Philadelphia, meaning Banks has her sights on an expansion.

She recently spoke with Business Insider about what she's learned from her first two years of operation, and what other entrepreneurs should think about when challenging an industry's business model.

SEE ALSO: More women are starting their own businesses — but the reason why obscures a troubling truth about our workforce

Cash is king, and cash burn is a “rite of passage”

"When you run a small business cash is king," Banks says.

Small independent businesses like her garage already have fewer options than larger firms do when it comes to operating expenses, especially when starting out. "You have to be able to get these mistakes made and learn from them quickly because you're going to burn through a ton of cash in your first couple of years," she adds. "It's kind of like a rite of passage of being an entrepreneur: losing all your money, and then losing it again. But it has helped us so much to learn and create a playbook."

Go above and beyond to get it right before replicating

Even before Banks opened the doors of her business, she says investors were interested in how the concept would scale. However, she felt she had a lot left to learn about the business. "I'm really trying to do this right," she says. "We're really challenging the business model of auto repair and how it works for women and it's not something that you can easily duplicate."

A nationwide shortage of certified auto technicians makes it even harder to shape a team that is majority women. "I can't take the dealership model or the franchise chain model like a Midas or even Pep Boys and apply it to Girls Auto Clinic because we're doing something completely different," Banks says.

Banks is wary of seeing the hiccups of the first two years compounded across multiple business locations, so she identified a theme for year three: operational excellence.

"I don't want to duplicate until I reach that operational excellence," she says.

Hire slow, fire fast, and get a business coach

When it comes to a single piece of advice she wished she had received at the beginning, Banks wastes no time in answering: "Hire slow. Fire fast."

"Get a business coach," she adds quickly. "These difficult decisions are always around people, so having a business coach or a mentor that can really help you get through those hard times."

"Have that person in the support role for you, because having the wrong person can really screw you over and cost you a lot of money, in small business or big business," she says.

And a mentor can help you process costs that aren't always financial. 

"Especially as you start to make changes and you start to head to where you need to go, not everybody can come. That's sad, and you need to mourn than that," she says. "It's got to be about what's our big goal."

Embrace the hard parts

Bootstrapping your own company means wearing a lot of hats: COO, CFO, CEO. That can lead to feelings of burnout and disillusionment with your dream.

Banks says taking the time out to reflect on that is important.

"It's what keeps you going when things get tough. And things get tough," she says. "It's not like I don't have my days of wanting to quit and thinking I'm not going to make it."

But after a bit of time to feel that emotion, she gives herself a pep talk: "Alright Patrice, time to get real again. Let's do this. You've been doing this your whole life. This is what we do."

"It's important to allow for those down moments and to feel them and to go through them," she says.

Reward loyalty from the customers and community you serve

The garage was born out of Banks' weekend workshops, and they remain a huge draw for women around the country who want to learn about car repair.

"Our workshops still sell out every month," she says. "Women wait forever — they wait months sometimes to get into one. We just had a group of seven or eight women from Ohio come. They drove to Philly just to come to our workshops."

Even with their rising popularity, the workshops remain free of charge.

"I always believed that was my giving back portion, or my cost of getting a customer," Banks says. "It's what helps us show that trustworthiness, that we're here for women and we want to help women."

And Banks says she wouldn't have it any other way.

"When I get something or learn something, I want to give it away," she says, "so staying true to that is probably what made us most successful in business."

Stay true to the mission and core values

"The first page of our playbook is our mission, our core values," Banks says, before quoting business consultant and author Simon Sinek: "People don't buy what you do. They buy why you do it."

"I had a mission to create this business because I saw an opportunity to solve a problem in women's lives and in my life and an opportunity to empower women," she continues. "In everything I do with my business, I try to make sure that it's aligned to how we empower women."

She and her business have been presented with a range of business opportunities and partnerships that tend to follow the considerable amount of media attention Banks has received over the years. But she says her mind is set according to page 1 of her playbook.

"It's never about how much money I can make," she says. "It's never about how big we can get, or how much publicity we can get."

"How does this tie back to our core values? How does this tie back to what we're doing?" she says. "If I don't think it fits in with that, I'm not going to do it."

• Current and former WeWork employees said they were upset with the payouts that former CEO Adam Neumann will receive in SoftBank's rescue deal. Neumann will resign from WeWork's board but still earn a consulting fee. 
• One New York employee said "people are pissed," particularly about the valuation SoftBank is giving WeWork in a tender offer to buy insider shares, "which is an FU to most employees." 
• Employees told us they haven't received any communications from the top about the SoftBank rescue, and are anxious to learn more about the status of job cuts. 
• For more WeWork stories, click here.

WeWork employees learned SoftBank would be taking over the coworking company from a Wall Street Journal report on Tuesday morning. 

By late morning, insiders told us that they had yet to receive any communications about the deal from WeWork leadership. Nine current and former employees told Business Insider they were frustrated with SoftBank's approach — particularly with how former WeWork CEO Adam Neumann will fare in the deal. Because employees have signed strict nondisclosure agreements, Business Insider is not publishing their names.

According to the WSJ report, Neumann could get nearly $1 billion from selling his own shares as part of a SoftBank tender offer available to workers and other investors that gives WeWork an overall $8 billion valuation, a far cry from the $47 billion valuation given by a January investment by SoftBank.

Neumann will also keep a stake in WeWork, though he will resign as non-executive chairman of the company's board, according to the WSJ. The report also said that he will stay on as a board observer, and get a personal $500 million credit line from SoftBank in place of one he currently has with JPMorgan, UBS, and Credit Suisse. Neumann will also get a $185 million consulting fee from SoftBank. 

Employees contrasted Neumann's consulting fee with their own anxiety about what will happen to their jobs and equity options. 

"Everyone is trying to understand the $1.7 billion payout to Neumann. People are pissed," said one current New York employee, who called SoftBank's $3 billion stock buyback "an FU to most employees."

By comparison, SoftBank had purchased $1 billion in insider shares in January at a $20 billion valuation. 

WeWork's board opted for the SoftBank rescue over a financing package from JPMorgan. Intense public scrutiny of the coworking company's wide losses, Neumann's leadership, and his various financial involvements with WeWork had contributing to derailing the offering. 

To be sure, the SoftBank deal could also help WeWork stave off an even grimmer fate. The coworking giant was in danger of running out of cash in the coming weeks, according to media reports, after failing to raise money in an IPO and related debt deal. 

One source with knowledge of the deal said "Adam brokered and backed the tender offer so employees could sell into it. They will be taken care of." That source declined to offer further details. 

That's not reassuring former staff.

"WeWork might be financially bankrupt; Adam is morally bankrupt. There's no excuse for it," said one former employee speaking about Neumann's exit package. "I want to see him put your money where your mouth is – if you say you care, give that money back. Don't give the shares back, give your shares to SoftBank and give them the capital they need to survive."

See more:Leaked video reveals Adam Neumann told staff earlier this year that his family had 100% control of WeWork and that even in 300 years his descendants would be in control 

'Expectations are low'

Employees at companies that WeWork had purchased are in some cases waiting to hear both about WeWork's future and that of their own companies. WeWork is looking to sell or shutter non-core businesses to help stem its huge losses.

An employee at one of those companies said she's still waiting on news about details of any deal and what will happen to her WeWork equity. 

"Expectations are low," she said. "It's super disappointing as an employee who has high hopes for the business and our equity to see the valuation go so low." 

Still, one former executive highlighted a silver lining: the SoftBank deal will allow WeWork to start moving forward after a tumultuous 10 weeks since the company's filing to go public set off chaos that derailed its IPO and left the company with a rapidly dwindling cash pile. 

"Whatever little my equity's worth, at least it'll be worth something," he said, noting that may not be true for employees who joined after 2015, depending on WeWork's new valuation. "We're going to be adults about it now ... It's like a sigh of relief, now that I don't have to hear about it any more." 

Other former employees highlighted their disappointment with Neumann's exit package.

"I am literally sick to my stomach that he is getting $1.7 billion," said one former mid-level executive.

Another, who has six figures tied up in options, called Neumann a pariah.

"There is no karma," he said. "Nice guys finish last. That money should go to employees, as should his $700 million."

Staff also noted their frustration at the lack of clarity on what the future holds for them. They've been waiting on news about layoffs, which Business Insider reported at the start of the month could comprise up to a quarter of the company's 12,500-person workforce.

Now, WeWork has delayed the layoffs because the company lacked funding to pay severance, according to a Wall Street Journal report on Monday. 

At the last all-company meeting a few weeks ago, another very recent hire had asked about the number of layoffs, one employee said. That question did not receive a specific response. That employee has become a company hero, with memes praising him being posted even today in a company Slack channel, according to a picture reviewed by Business Insider. 

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: The Navy has its own Area 51 and it's right in the middle of the Bahamas

• In the past hundred years, the T-shirt has evolved from an unseen undergarment into one of the most popular and prominent articles of clothing a man wears.
• The Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Tee is our top pick because the shirt is comfortable, flattering, and made to last.

In the course of any given day, I go through an average of three T-shirts. Which might seem (and might be) excessive, but it will make sense if I lay things out for you. In the morning, after my son wakes me up with loving taps on my forehead sometime in the six o'clock hour, I slip on the T-shirt I was wearing right before bed the night prior and head downstairs for coffee and playtime and such. I'll sometimes change into a different T-shirt when I get dressed for work, but as I work from home, usually I just put on real pants and step into my office.

Midday, I go for a run, during which I wear a shirt specifically designed for athletics and which we're not featuring here. Most of my running shirts are great performance-wise but are about as stylish as neon Crocs. After exercising and showering, I put on another T-shirt which, depending on the shape of the rest of the day, may serve through to the next morning, or which may be replaced yet again.

So I own and wear a lot of T-shirts. If you're looking to add a few fine T-shirts to your wardrobe, you've come to the right guy. Today, I've selected six of the best men's T-shirts that are perfect for guys who treat this noble garment not as a layer, but as the grace note to the ensemble. Oh, and I also threw in one that is ideal for layering. And one that's best suited to lazy days spent at home. And one that looks good enough to wear out to a coffee shop or bar but that's also ready for an impromptu hike or pickup ball game.

One note before we start our odyssey: Except where a brand's product name is specified otherwise, I'll be using the term "T-shirt." Not tee, not t shirt, but just T-shirt. After all, these garments are named for their T-shape, and they are shirts.

Here are the best T-shirts you can buy:

• Best overall: Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Tee
• Best for comfort: Everlane Cotton Crew
• Best V-Neck T-shirt: Mott & Bow V-Neck Driggs
• Best Undershirt: Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Crew Neck Undershirt
• Best for sports: Columbia Thistletown Park Crew

Updated on 10/21/2019 by Amir Ismael: Added one new pick and updated formatting and prices.

The best men's T-shirt overall

You can feel the quality of the Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Tee the first time you wear it, and you'll enjoy the shirt for years to come.

As the name suggests, the Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Tee is made from 100% pima cotton. Pima is American cotton prized for its long fibers that allow for a tight, durable weave and that yield an amazing softness despite that durability.

Also as the name suggests, the hem of this shirt has a curved arc along the front and back that adds a bit of stylish accent, hides your stomach when you lift your hands, and helps keep the T-shirt in place should you ever tuck it in. 

The Pima Curved Hem Tee comes in a dozen different colors, all of which are muted yet masculine. And it arrives pre-shrunk, so you should choose a size that will fit you well right out of the box. Oh and one more note: Not only is this Buck Mason shirt made with American cotton, but it's made in America, too.

A writer with Time Magazine was effusive in his praise for Buck Mason T-shirts, saying they have a "perfect fit" and held up well even after repeated washings.

Pros: Comfortable from day one, well-made and durable, available in many colors

Cons: I haven't found one yet, folks...

The best men's T-shirt for casual comfort

The Everlane Cotton Crew is comfortable the first time you put it on, but even softer and comfier the hundredth time.

To be honest, there's nothing all that interesting about the appearance of the Everlane Cotton Crew T-shirt. Sure, it comes in 14 different solid colors and in a few two-color striped patterns as well, but the shirt's cut, length, collar, and really all of its design elements are rather basic and certainly just what you'd expect from any good slim-fit T-shirt.

It's how the Everlane Cotton Crew feels that sets this shirt apart. Made from a durable mid-weight cotton that softens over time, the more you wear and wash an Everlane T-shirt, the more comfortable it will get. As a go-to hang around the house or walk the dog shirt, there are few better options out there. And given how well these T-shirts hold up over time, the $20 price tag is more than fair.

One Everlane customer called his Cotton Crew a "great everyday shirt" that was comfortable and clearly of "great quality." Another said he "loved the fit... and the feel" of the T-shirt, a garment he had grown to "treasure."

A quick note to keep in mind for sizing: Some customers felt the shirt ran a bit too long.

Pros: Fabric softens over time, available in solid and stripes, good price point

Cons: Shirts run a bit long

The best men's V-neck T-shirt

The Mott & Bow V-Neck Driggs will fit most men to a T, if you'll pardon the pun, thanks to the "not too slim, nor too loose" cut.

Finding a T-shirt that fits your body well, that both looks good and feels comfortable, can be a harrowing journey. Many T-shirts are too tight for one body type; some are too baggy for others. Few manage to suit myriad men's torsos with a fit that's flattering and comfortable, but into that narrow space marches the (still relatively) new line of T-shirts from Mott & Bow.

The V-Neck Driggs T-shirt has a cut the company describes as "not too slim, nor too loose," and while I take issue with the company's grammar ("neither too slim, nor too loose" or "not too slim, or too loose" for the record. Also, that comma is superfluous), I'm a fan of its wares.

The Mott & Bow V-Neck Driggs shirt is woven in Peru using cotton jersey fibers that give the garment a soft, flexible feel. It's a great shirt to wear on days when you want to stay comfortable while active, such as when you're traveling, touring a city, or spending a long evening with friends. And while $32 per shirt starts to edge out of my usual comfort zone for spending money on a T-shirt, these are worth it. They weather well.

Several writers and editors from Business Insider also tested out Mott & Bow T-shirts and found them "comfortable with a cool and lightweight feel" and durable in construction.

Pros: Cut fits many body types, preshrunk, soft and flexible feel

Cons: Slightly overpriced

The best men's T-shirt to wear as an undershirt

The Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Crew Neck Undershirt is so comfortable you'll look for excuses to dress up just so you can layer it under your button-down.

I wear several articles of Mack Weldon clothing with regularity, and I've sung the praises of the brand before, but for far too long I overlooked the brand's most humble of apparel, the undershirt.

First, some clarity: The name 18-Hour Jersey Crew Neck Undershirt doesn't refer to the fact that the shirt remains comfortable even after 18 hours of wear or anything like that, even though it does. Instead, it refers to the fact that these shirts are constructed from fabric that is allowed to rest for at least 18 hours after it is woven to allow it to settle and contract fully, thus creating a garment with a consistent, comfortable fit.

Said fabric is a blend of cotton, modal (spun cellulose; think Rayon), and spandex that creates a shirt with enough stretch to say in place on your torso and arms but with enough softness not to feel clingy or unpleasant. The shirt's long cut makes it perfect for tucking in under clothes, while the shoulder seams are rotated forward of the actual shoulder line, thus reducing the ride up of the sleeves.

A writer from Menswear Review said of the Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey undershirt that the "overall fit is amazing" and that the fabric blend has "great shape retention [and] doesn't stretch out during the day."

Pros: Consistent fit, long cut for tucking in, soft and flexible fabric blend

Cons: Shoulder seams visible through some outerwear, pricey

The best men's T-shirt for casual wear and sports

At a glance, the Columbia Thistletown Park Crew is just any casual T-shirt, but after an hour of activity, you'll appreciate that it's actually built for performance.

As I said above, I have a number of great athletic T-shirts that aren't so great when it comes to fashion. And a few of those shirts are indeed from Columbia Sportswear. But I also own a number of Columbia garments that I'm more than happy to wear while running errands, grabbing a beer with a buddy, or just hanging out somewhere with the family. But while I appreciate the fact that the Columbia Thistletown Park Crew looks like any casual T-shirt out there, the reason I love this shirt is that it's secretly ready for action.

Made from a blend of 67% polyester and 33% cotton heather jersey, the shirt is comfortable and highly breathable. Its weave features Columbia's proprietary Omni-Wick design that helps pull sweat off your body (to wick it, e.g.) and move the moisture away from you for ideal evaporative cooling. And as a guy who runs hot temperature-wise and sweats rather easily, that's a serious plus. The shirt also has a built-in UPF 15 sun protection.

One Columbia customer hits two major selling points on the head when he calls it "very comfortable and well crafted," while another attests that the Thistletown Park Crew dries quickly and is easy to maintain.

Note that some gents report the shirt running small, so if you're on the cusp of a size, consider ordering the next larger one than you would with other garments.

Pros: Casual styling, sweat-wicking material, rapid drying

Cons: Sizes run a bit small

Check out our other men's style guides

The best men's undershirts you can buy

If you've been looking for the best undershirt for managing your sweaty pits, then the search is over. We've done the research and smoked out the best undershirts for men that you can buy today. 

Here are the best undershirts you can buy:

• Best undershirt overall: Thompson Tee
• Best multipack of undershirts: David Archy
• Best stretch performance undershirt: Psycho Bunny
• Best undershirt for casual wear: J. Crew

The best men's shorts you can buy

Finding the perfect pair of men's shorts can be challenging, so we've sorted through a bunch of options to find the best places to shop for men's shorts and selected our favorite pairs from each brand.

Here are the best places to buy men's shorts:

• Best overall: J. Crew shorts
• Best linen shorts: Club Monaco shorts
• Best lightweight cotton shorts: Brooks Brothers shorts
• Best hybrid shorts and swim trunks: REI shorts
  
• Best athletic lounge shorts: Olivers Apparel shorts

The best men's workout shirts you can buy

Ask any routine gym goer about their preferred workout attire, and they'll likely spend a few minutes talking about moisture-wicking fabric, innovative cooling technology, or sweat-activated fabrics. While these may sound like industry buzzwords, the application behind these concepts are staples — and, frankly, must-haves — in the world of workout apparel.

Though just as there's variety in the available options, there's also variety in a wearer's desired application or workout style. Perhaps a runner wants a more lightweight option or a fitness fanatic desires something that looks good every day, no matter the activity. Regardless of intent, there's a suitable workout shirt designed specifically for everyone. A great workout shirt doesn't just get the job done, but it does so without sacrificing performance, comfort, or style.

Here are the best men's workout shirts you can buy:

• Best overall: Rhone Reign
• Best for runners: Nike Dri-Fit Miler
• Best cooling technology: Arctic Cool Crew Neck
• Best for everyday wear: Reebok Supersonic 2.0
• Best for cold weather: Under Armour HeatGear

The best men's underwear you can buy

If there's one article of clothing that you ought to care about, it's your underwear. Our top pick is the Tommy John collection because you can choose from many different styles of underwear and all of them are seriously comfortable.

You might also like Bonobos for unparalleled fit, Rhone for an active lifestyle, MeUndies for the most exciting prints, and Gap for affordability.

The best suits you can buy

For your go-to workhorse suit, you simply can't beat a single-breasted, two-button classic style charcoal gray suit. The Brooks Brothers 1818 charcoal suit combines historic American-made quality with iconic English flair, and it's easily the most versatile suit you'll ever wear.

Here are our top picks for the best suits:

• Best overall: Brooks Brothers 1818 charcoal suit
• Best linen suit: J Crew cotton-linen suit
• Best wool suit: Indochino windowpane suit
• Best retro suit: Charles Tyrwhitt double-breasted suit
• Best tuxedo: Indochino Hampton tuxedo

• Swimming pools get abandoned because of natural disasters, poor management, and other reasons.
• Years later, images of the pools are often bleak and eerie.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

We usually think of swimming pools as places for fun, relaxation, and exercise.

But what happens when those pools are abandoned and left to nature?

A number of factors can lead to a pool's abandonment, from mismanagement to natural disasters to political unrest. But no matter the cause, the resulting images are often eerie and bleak.

Here are 10 photos that show what swimming pools look like once they're abandoned for good.

SEE ALSO: Inside the eerily quiet streets of Kazakhstan's 20-year-old capital city, where futuristic skyscrapers tower over the grasslands of a former prison camp

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This used to be a gleaming upscale resort on the Adriatic island of Krk, Croatia. But today it sits abandoned because of ownership and management issues.

Source: Associated Press

Hosts of the Olympic Games are notorious for abandoning their venues after the festivities have ended. Here's what the Olympic swimming pool in Athens — hosts of the 2004 Olympics — looks like today.

Source: Getty

Nearby, the outdoor pool in the Olympic Village isn't doing much better. Hosting the Games cost Athens an estimated 9 billion euros.

Source: Getty

Here's an old swimming pool at an abandoned resort in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. The city was once a bustling vacation spot, but it's reputation has suffered in the wake of recent terrorist incidents.

Source: Getty

This former bungalow resort in Myrsini, Greece, is now a shelter for hundreds of refugees from Syria and Iraq.

Source: Associated Press

This algae-ridden pool once belonged to the Jean-Bedel Bokossa, the late ruler of the Central African Republic. Bokossa was overthrown in 1979 — the crumbling palace is now occupied by rebel soldiers.

Source: Reuters

This backyard pool in Staten Island, New York, was abandoned in the wake of Hurricane Sandy in 2013. After the storm ravaged the New York area, the state bought 400 homes and bulldozed them to make room for green space.

Source: Associated Press

Nature has started to take over this pool, another one abandoned in Staten Island after Hurricane Sandy.

Source: Reuters

This abandoned swimming pool in New Orleans is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Scientists regularly introduce 'mosquito fish' into waters like these to control the insect's population.

Source: Associated Press

This abandoned hotel in the Catskill Mountains of New York has seen better days. The hotel's been closed since 1986.

Source: Getty

• Google's Night Sight feature for the Pixel set the bar for low-light photography in 2018, but Apple launched its own alternative with the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro.
• Here's a look at how Night Sight on Google's new Pixel 4 compares to night mode on the iPhone 11 Pro.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. 

Google earned praise for how well its Pixel phones can shoot photos in the dark thanks to Night Sight, a smartphone camera feature it launched in 2018. But with the iPhone 11, Apple was quick to follow suit with its own night mode, which kicks in automatically when snapping photos in low-light situations.

Both Google's Pixel phones and the new iPhone are capable of taking clear, crisp photos in the dark. But there are some key differences to take into account.

During my testing, I found that the Pixel 4 generally outperformed the iPhone 11 Pro, especially when shooting outdoors at night.  That's not to say the iPhone's night mode isn't impressive — in some cases, it did manage to excel over Google's Pixel 4.

Google announced the Pixel 4 on October 15, which starts at $800 and starts shipping on October 24. Some of the key differences that distinguish it from the Pixel 3 include motion detection powered by Google's radar technology, an improved camera that now features a dual-lens setup.

Read more: Google just laid out its vision for the future of the smartphone with the Pixel 4 — here's how it compares to the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro

Apple's new iPhones also received a major camera upgrade: the Pro models both come with three rear-facing cameras, while the 11 has two. That includes a new ultra-wide-angle lens for capturing broader scenes, which the Pixel 4 lacks. 

Here's a look at how Google's new Pixel 4 stacks up against the iPhone 11 Pro when it comes to taking photos in the dark.

SEE ALSO: If you have a Google Pixel 2 or older, it's officially time to upgrade

Pixel 4: Outdoor street from rooftop

In most cases, the Pixel 4 outshone the iPhone when it came to camera performance in low-light circumstances — especially outside. In this photo, which was taken from my rooftop at night, the lighting in the Pixel 4's photo was slightly better than that of the iPhone. 

iPhone 11 Pro: Outdoor street from rooftop

And here's the iPhone 11 Pro's image. It's still crisp and bright enough, but not quite as bright as the Pixel's.

Pixel 4: Night sky

Google touted the Pixel 4's ability to take photos of the night sky, and based on my limited testing it appears to be working. I snapped this photo of the sky outside of my apartment in Queens. It's not easy to see the stars in New York City, but you'll notice that some are still visible.

iPhone 11 Pro: Night sky

And here's the same photo taken with the iPhone 11 Pro, where the stars are barely discernible at all.

Pixel 4: Outdoor night portrait

Both the Pixel 4 and the iPhone 11 Pro were generally able to take clear, defined portraits outside in dim conditions. But the Pixel 4's photo was just a bit more luminous and contained sharper details. 

iPhone 11 Pro: Outdoor night portrait

And now look at the same portrait taken with the iPhone. It's still very easy to see the subject, and the lighting is impressive. But you lose a lot of the detail compared to the Pixel 4. The night sky behind the subject is also slightly darker in the iPhone's image compared to the Pixel's.

Pixel 4: Dark indoor cat portrait

There were a couple of instances in which the iPhone 11 Pro's night mode surpassed the Pixel 4's Night Sight. The photo of my cat below, which was taken with the Pixel 4, is acceptable considering how dark it was in my living room.

iPhone 11 Pro: Dark indoor cat portrait

But the iPhone 11 Pro's image is noticeably brighter. It's a little fuzzier than the Pixel's photo, but not enough to detract from the photo. Overall, this image does a better job at portraying the subject.

Pixel 4: Dark indoor still life

And while this image of desk plants taken in a dark conference room with the Pixel 4 looks light and crisp...

iPhone 11 Pro: Dark indoor still life

...the iPhone 11 Pro's version is just as bright, and the colors look bolder.

Overall, both the iPhone's night mode and the Pixel's Night Sight represent a big step forward for smartphone photography.

Features like these add a lot of convenience, making it possible to capture quality photos with your phone in circumstances in which it would have been very challenging to do so previously.

It's  difficult to determine a clear winner based on this brief test, especially considering they performed differently as the circumstances varied. But if one takeaway is clear, it's that the Pixel 4's camera drastically outperforms the iPhone when it comes to taking photos of the night sky.  

We rounded up the nine best sales and deals happening online today, with savings on sportswear and apparel at Adidas, Halloween costumes at Target, full-price and sale styles at J.Crew, Apple AirPods, and more.

Deals in this story are subject to change throughout the day. The prices listed reflect the deal at the time of publication. For even more deals and savings across the web, check out Business Insider Coupons.

The best sales and deals happening today at a glance:

• Save 20% on fall styles at Adidas
• Save 40% on Halloween costumes at Target
• Save 30% on PC products and accessories on Amazon
• Save an extra 50% on sale styles at J.Crew
• Save $30 on the latest Apple AirPods

SEE ALSO: The best mattresses you can buy

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1. Save 20% on fall styles at Adidas

Shop the Adidas sale now. 

Adidas is currently having a big fall sale on some of its most popular sportswear styles. Now through October 24, you can save 20% on select fall styles by using the promo code "FALLSALE" at checkout. With selections for men, women, and kids, the sale includes everything from tracksuits and hoodies to sneakers and accessories.

2. Save 40% on Halloween costumes at Target

Shop the Target sale now. 

Halloween is nine days away and if you're still looking for a costume, you'll want to shop at Target. Today only, you can save 40% on Halloween costumes for everyone from babies and toddlers to teens and adults. Even if you have a costume lined up, this is a great chance to grab a second one for the extra parties and festivities. 

3. Save 30% on PC products and accessories on Amazon

Shop the Amazon sale now. 

There are certain accessories that every computer or smartphone owner absolutely needs. While stocking up on them can be very expensive, Amazon is having a big sale. Right now, you can save 30% on select PC products and accessories as a Deal of the Day. The sale includes curved gaming monitors, flash drives, SD cards, laptops, headphones, and much more. 

4. Save an extra 50% on sale styles at J.Crew

Shop the J.Crew sale now. 

Whether you're looking for specific pieces to add your wardrobe or you simply can't pass up good deals, J.Crew is a great place to shop. Today only, you can save an extra 50% on sale styles by using the promo code "TAKENOTE" at checkout. The promo code will also save you 40% on select full-price styles. From comfortable fall layers to heavily-discounted past season styles, this sale has something for everyone. 

5. Save $30 on the latest Apple AirPods

Apple AirPods with Wireless Charging Case, $169 (Originally $199) [You save $30]

AirPods are easily one of the best products from Apple. The brand recently introduced a new version with wireless charging — and they're on sale today. Originally priced at $199, you can get them for $169 on Amazon. If you've been on the fence about getting AirPods or you're ready to upgrade to the new model, this is the perfect time to buy.

7. Get $750 worth of travel points when you sign up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred

Learn more about the Chase Sapphire Preferred from our partner The Points Guy.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a great option if you're new to earning points and miles, as it has a reasonable $95 annual fee. You'll earn 2 points per dollar on all travel and dining purchases and 1 point on everything else, and the card includes some valuable benefits like trip delay coverage and primary car rental insurance.

You can earn 60,000 Chase points with the Chase Sapphire Preferred when you spend $4,000 in the first three months from account opening. That's worth at least $750 toward travel. Read our review to learn more about the card's benefits.

Business Insider may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network if you apply for a credit card, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

8. Save 15% on mattress and bedding at Allswell

Shop the Allswell sale now. 

Mattress and bedding brand Allswell was founded with the firm belief that a good night of sleep shouldn't be expensive to attain — and its affordable prices are a direct reflection of that.  While their prices are generally lower than other bedding companies, we teamed up with the brand to create an exclusive offer for Business Insider readers. You can save 15% sitewide by using the exclusive promo code "INSIDER15" at checkout. 

9. Save 15% on all orders at Framebridge as a new customer

Shop the Framebridge sale now.

In addition to offering customizable framing options for your prints and original paintings, Framebridge will turn your favorite digital images and smartphone pictures into beautifully framed artwork that's suitable for display. Simply pick a frame, upload your image, and Framebridge will ship it to you ready to be hung and shown off. Right now, new customers can save 15% sitewide by using the exclusive promo code "INSIDER15" at checkout. 

9. Save $200 on Sennheiser PXC-550 Bluetooth Headphones at Daily Steals

Sennheiser PXC-550 Bluetooth Headphones, $199.99 (Originally $399.99) [You save $200]

As one of the lightest pairs of headphones in the industry, the Sennheiser PXC-550 headphones are perfect for wearing during long listening sessions and while traveling. They feature Bluetooth connectivity, a touch-sensitive trackpad, and adaptive noise canceling. Right now, they're $190 off on deal site Daily Steals, but you can save an extra $10 by using the Business Insider-exclusive promo code "BISPXC" at checkout. 

• Model, author, and TV host Chrissy Teigen aired her frustrations with the conspiracies surrounding her, her husband John Legend, and the late Jeffrey Epstein on Twitter.
• Teigen says it's "not great" that she has to read daily accusations that she and Legend are pedophiles who were affiliated with Epstein before his death in prison.
• She also said she sees Photoshopped pictures and miscaptioned photos of her and Legend that purport the two to be on "Epstein Island," referring to the deceased sex offender's property in the US Virgin Islands where some of his accusers say they were assaulted.
• Teigen also blamed at least some of the conspiracies on "Q s---f----," most likely referring to "QAnon" believers, a popular far-right conspiracy theory that alleges many of the world's richest and most powerful people are part of a global pedophilia network. 
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

One of Twitter's most vocal celebrities is airing her frustration at the online rumor mill, and the harmful conspiracy theories it perpetuates – in this case, concerning her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Model, actress, and TV host Chrissy Teigen tweeted Tuesday that it's "not great" that she has "to read on social media many times a day" that she and her husband John Legend "are pedophiles" associated with the late financier and convicted sex offender.

Teigen says she sees Photoshopped and miscaptioned photos of her and Legend on "Epstein Island," referring to the property that Epstein owned in the US Virgin Islands, where some of his accusers say they were sexually assaulted by the financier and his associates. 

"I just have to deal with it because 'people are crazy these days,'" Teigen wrote in her tweet. In a reply, she added "if I take legal action, it gets worse because then, to them, it's true and I'm trying to 'silence' them. It's on posts about everything."

Epstein, his alleged and admitted crimes, and his high social standing and expansive network of powerful people across industries has created an online, conspiracy-driven rumor mill to rival even the most widely followed conspiracies. 

The nature of Epstein's death by suicide in prison has led to a widespread and pervasive online belief that he was murdered, which contradicts all official information pertaining to his death. 

Read more: Ex-model says Jean-Luc Brunel, model agent and Jeffrey Epstein's friend, spiked her drink and raped her

But even before Epstein's death, online conspiracists were fascinated by him. The fact that Epstein managed to embed himself in social circles ranging from two US presidents to A-list celebrities to the world's richest businesspeople has left plenty of online onlookers convinced that there is a broader network of high-profile pedophiles working together to conceal their crimes. 

According to Teigen, some of the people she has encountered online pushing that narrative about her include "Q s---f----," which likely refers to "QAnon" believers. "QAnon" is the broad collective term for a popular far-right conspiracy that involves Epstein, but purports that mostly Democratic and liberal-leaning people are members of a global pedophilia network. 

Teigen is a very prominent liberal-leaning online personality, which makes her a good target for those attempting to make connections between left-of-center celebrities and Epstein's alleged pedophilic network. 

There isn't actually any known evidence linking Teigen or Legend with Epstein, and the overwhelming number of people trying to purport that there is has apparently taken a toll on Teigen.

"I had a real life before this," Teigen wrote. "It's not just weirdos in random towns. these people are all over. I hate what some people have become and what social has done for this kind of reach. [...] the fact I have to learn to let people get away with s--- like this is insane to me."

Join the conversation about this story »

• 2019 has seen the most prolonged and widespread flooding in US history. 
• Davenport, Iowa was just one of many places hit by record-setting waters, with downtown businesses expecting to lose $30 million in revenue and wages over the next year.
• As the largest community along the Mississippi River without permanent flood control, Davenport has always prided itself on open access to the water.
• Now, the city must deal with the consequences of that decision and reevaluate its once-cherished relationship with the river.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

DAVENPORT, IOWA — During a year of historic flooding across the Midwest and the South, Davenport, Iowa was unprepared for the waters that hit several blocks of its downtown. 

The community is now grappling with what went wrong — and what comes next — for its future with the Mississippi River.

A newly revitalized downtown

Davenport's identity for nearly 200 years has been intimately tied to its 9-mile waterfront.

"If you move here, you live in a community that has this great, great love for the river and this desire to be able to interact with it in a really meaningful way," said downtown business owner Kelli Grubbs to Business Insider Today.

The choice to not put up permanent flood barriers has been deliberate.

"A lot of cities have flood walls and if you're in their main part of their community, you can't even see the river," said Davenport Mayor Frank Klipsch. "We've had a policy and basically a lifestyle where we embrace the Mississippi River."

Over the last 20 years, Davenport has invested roughly $500 million in revitalizing its downtown along the water.

Dan Bush, who owns multiple businesses in the area, said, "It hasn't been an overnight success. It's been this kind of slow trickle to one thing opens, another thing opens, another thing opens, and then it kinda exploded."

The city of 100,000 people deals with rising water levels every year and has relied on temporary structures, called HESCO barriers, to protect itself from flood damage for over a decade. When the Mississippi began to swell this spring, the barriers went up just like before.

"They were the same ones, the same process, the same ones that have held all these times," said Mayor Klipsch.

On April 30th, the barriers failed.

The day of the flood

"I saw the Mississippi River coming up Pershing Avenue," said real estate investor Pete Stopulos. "I said, 'Oh my God, the wall broke.'"

Lopiez Pizza was getting ready to open its doors for the first time.

"We had our scheduled meeting with the health inspector," said owner Andrew Lopez. "And right when she came in, all the water started coming up through the drains and everything."

As the river poured into the streets of downtown, volunteers and emergency crews scrambled to help.

"All of us who sort of converged in the downtown area just immediately started looking for where we could grab sandbags to start to try and seal up the buildings and things," recalled Grubbs.

The last time Davenport faced anything like this was in 1993.

"I was a kid and I actually remember canoeing down Second Street," said Bush.

The Great Flood of 1993 destroyed towns across nine states and set record-high crests in nearly 100 locations. This year, Davenport became one of the few places to have ever broken its 1993 record.

"Really, we all lived with water for about a week," Grubbs said. "Even if it wasn't coming in through the door anymore, it was coming up through cracks. We were taking turns manning pumps 24/7 to get the water out."

While no lives in Davenport were taken, much else was lost. "There have been a lot of people who put a lot out," said Bush. "Really put their lives behind reviving our downtown. People who were taking out bank loans, people who were using their homes as collateral."

"It was overwhelming," Lopez added. "We invested a lot of time and money into everything, and we thought that we were just gonna have an empty shell of a business."

What went wrong

Soon after the floodwaters receded, tensions began to sink in. Thirty-six business and property owners wrote a letter to city officials demanding full transparency about what went wrong.

"We realize that we can't just rely on them to do the right thing, which is unfortunate," said Stopulos. "Is the city going to protect us moving forward?"

At the city's request, the US Army Corps of Engineers looked into the cause of the breach. They found that record rainfall and pressure from a swollen Mississippi had led the HESCO barriers to lose friction and slide out of place.

"In the past, the heights of the flood, it would have been perfectly fine. Well, this was a record," Mayor Klipsch said. "It's much easier in the aftermath to look back at what could have or should have been done."

Many residents questioned why the city hadn't taken more precaution, given that historic floods had been forecasted over a month before the breach happened.

"I would like to just know who they reached out to, what kind of expertise they got before preparing for this flood, knowing that it was coming," said Bush.

The US Army Corps of Engineers said the city did not request its assistance in planning for the barriers. And HESCO declared that the flood was not caused by a structural fault of the barriers themselves.

"I don't think publicly anybody's taken accountability," said Stopulos. "But is it necessary? I don't know. I don't know if that gets us to where we need to be in the future."

The future is now what most residents are concerned about.

"Flood's over, enough complaining about the flood. Let's just get back out there and start hustling," said Lopez.

Bush said, "Part of me really wants to focus on what happened, and the other part of me wants to move on and just say okay, how can we prevent this from happening again?"

"We're going to see more flood activity like this," Grubbs said. "So with that in mind, how do we respond as a city?"

What's next

Over the summer, the mayor launched a Flood Task Force to open the dialogue between city officials, business owners, experts, and residents about developing a long-term flood plan.

"Immediately somebody said, 'Build a wall, build a flood wall,'" Mayor Klipsch said. "Well, we realized that it's a lot more complicated."

To build one now would come with a price tag of at least $175 million.

"The local taxpayer would be very, very challenged to do this on our own," he added.

Businesses in Davenport already expect to lose $30 million in revenue and wages over the next year, and flood insurance won't do much to alleviate those costs. "Flood insurance does not cover lost rent," said Stopulos.

Bush said, "I think people think that flood insurance will cover everything, and what we learned the hard way is that it doesn't."

As weather patterns grow more and more extreme, many worry about the next time this happens. "What we experienced which was a record flood could potentially become the norm here, and that's the really scary thing," said Bush.

What any city chooses to do will flow downstream, leading some to argue for a whole-basin approach to flood planning. "It's an interrelated system, the whole Mississippi River corridor," explained Mayor Klipsch.

"We do need a system in place to protect all of our riverfront," Stopulos agreed. "And it needs to be one that keeps other communities in mind to the south of us. We can't just push our problems down river."

But others say the priority is to act fast. "We're at a point where we need to protect Davenport. We need to do it now," said Bush. "We can't be responsible if the cities below us don't protect us just as we don't fault the ones above us for not taking in some of the water."

The Flood Task Force is still working on a plan to submit to the City Council.

Building back

Lopiez Pizza along the waterfront finally opened for business two months after the breach.

"When the doors opened, it was like just a flood of people. It was like an insanely different kind of flood," said Lopez.

But the memory of the actual flood hasn't quite evaporated. "Every time it rains, even just a drop, I'm looking out the window hoping that nothing's gonna back up again," he said.

The local Chamber of Commerce recently raised over $400,000 for businesses recovering from the flood — and now, all but a few have reopened.

"People are rebuilding," Stopulos said. "They didn't have to rebuild here. They can pick up and move uptown, or behind a flood wall in another community. But they realize that there's something about being down here in downtown Davenport that makes it worthwhile."

But with the river still in its backyard — flowing within reach — the threat of future flooding looms. And the need for Davenport and hundreds of other communities to protect themselves from the Mighty Mississippi feels ever more urgent.

SEE ALSO: Flooding in Mississippi is devastating farmers in the worst disaster since 1927. See what it looks like on the ground.

SEE ALSO: How 3 Native American tribes are fighting to protect sacred land from logging, oil pipelines, and a billion-dollar telescope

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• J.K. Rowling's magical imagination has made a huge impact on "Harry Potter" fans around the world.
•  The Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London lets visitors discover the filmmaking magic.
• Among the most recognized "Harry Potter" attractions is Universal Studios' Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

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