• Florida locals endorse Disney World’s new $17 billion development

    Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Disney Springs.
    Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Disney Springs.

    • The Central Florida tourism board will vote on a development plan with Disney next week.
    • Local small businesses urged board members to approve the deal in a public hearing.
    • The proposed development deal could allow Disney to expand its existing Florida properties.

    Local businesses are throwing their support behind Disney's $17 billion development deal, saying it could invigorate the local economy and boost sales.

    The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District's board of supervisors discussed the pending development deal in a 25-minute meeting on Wednesday at its Lake Buena Vista headquarters.

    The development agreement could usher in a new era of expansion for Disney, which reigns king in Central Florida with its four major theme parks and deep ties in the community. The deal also symbolizes a detente between Disney and Gov. Ron DeSantis, who essentially commandeered control of the tourism district after a legal battle with the company.

    During a public hearing, members of the Disney Springs food industry strongly urged board members to approve the agreement. Disney Springs is a shopping and entertainment complex with dozens of dining options.

    Disney Springs in Florida
    Disney Springs in Florida.

    George Miliotes, the owner and operator of Wine Bar George, said he and his wife's families have operated small businesses in the Central Florida region for decades.

    "The one thing we're sure of is that investment and reinvestment guarantee growth and excellence," he told board members. "So, when we see the billion-dollar number in front of the investment that's on the table, we get very excited."

    He added: "We know that we're securing the future if we make this investment."

    A representative for three Disney Springs restaurants — Splitsville Luxury Lanes, Chef Art Smith's Homecomin', and Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew — took the podium next.

    "I'm here because we support the agreement," she said. "It shows that the district and Disney are ready and willing to resume working together to do good things for the state of Florida."

    She said the plan could bring more jobs to Central Florida, improve economic development, and attract more tourists.

    "There's also a commitment to bringing infrastructure improvements in the district with contributions from both parties. This will benefit all of us that live and work in this district," she said.

    A final vote on the development agreement is scheduled for June 12.

    Mickey Mouse in a parade on Main Street at the Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World.
    Mickey Mouse in a parade on Main Street at the Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World.

    The development deal, viewed by Business Insider, would allow Disney to spend billions of dollars on Walt Disney World properties over the next 10 to 20 years.

    Disney officials haven't shared how the large investment would be used, but an industry insider told the Orlando Sentinel that a fifth theme park might be on the docket.

    The tourism board said the agreement would require Disney to create a local business hiring program for construction goods and services. The media conglomerate would also have to award a minimum of 50% of all construction work to local businesses.

    A statement from the tourism board said Disney also agreed to fund at least $10 million in "attainable housing."

    "With Walt Disney World's substantial investments, we anticipate economic growth, job creation, and support for local businesses, alongside environmental stewardship and workforce housing initiatives, benefiting Central Florida's community," the district administrator, Stephanie Kopelousos, said in a statement to BI.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • The best Apple Watch in 2024: Pick the right wearable for you

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    The Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) side-by-side.
    The best Apple Watch fits your budget and needs for health monitoring, fitness tracking, and general smartwatch functionality.

    Every Apple Watch is an extension of your iPhone that delivers notifications, takes or makes calls, sends messages, and shows you a variety of information depending on the widgets you choose. Each model, however, comes with (or without) various features, and their price tags reflect that fact. The best Apple Watch for you will fit your needs, whether it's health monitoring tools or an always-on display.

    Our pick as the best Apple Watch for the vast majority of people is the Apple Watch Series 9. It features an always-on display, a fast processor, enhanced screen brightness, and a handy new single-handed gesture that improves accessibility. The second-generation Apple Watch SE is a more affordable and basic version of the Series 9 that doesn't include an always-on display or an ECG sensor. It's still a fantastic smartwatch for the price that comes with everything most people would ever need. 

    Our top picks for the best Apple Watch

    Best overall: Apple Watch Series 9 – See at Amazon

    Best budget: Apple Watch SE (2022) – See at Amazon

    Best for fitness and outdoors: Apple Watch Ultra 2 – See at Amazon


    Best overall

    The Apple Watch Series 9 is our pick as the best wearable in Apple's lineup. No other wearable offers the same premium combination of smartwatch functionality, fitness and health tracking capability, and overall value as the Series 9.

    Although the Series 9 isn't a massive leap over the previous generation Series 8, it did introduce a few new features, like a faster processor, on-device Siri access, SmartStack functionality, and a brighter display. Other additions include updated hiking and cycling feedback, more mental health tools, and a new ultra-wideband chip that greatly improves location accuracy.

    The fitness app on an Apple Watch Series 9.
    The Series 9 boasts a fast, powerful processor, intuitive smartwatch functionality, and the useful new Double Tap Gesture.

    While those upgrades are useful, my favorite new feature is the double tap gesture, which allows you to interact with the watch by double-tapping your thumb and index finger. Doing this controls an app's primary button, so you can answer or hang up a phone call, start or stop a timer, or snap a photo while in the camera.

    The brighter screen is also a nice new touch, allowing for (even) better visibility in bright conditions, even if it wasn't much of a problem in the last few generations. The screen can also dim to one nit, which is especially useful in a movie theater or wherever darkness is key, like putting a baby in a crib (speaking from personal experience).

    Another feature I found highly useful was the new Smart Stack display, which is essentially a customizable group of widgets accessible on the watch's home screen. These can include a glance at the weather, whatever calendar events you might have for the day, or even a snippet of the news.

    Overall, the Series 9 is a powerful smartwatch. There are many differences when comparing the Series 9 vs. the Ultra 2, but the new Double Tap Gesture, brighter screen, Smart Stack display, and improved health and fitness tracking tools make the Series 9 noticeably more capable than the Series 8. These features make it the best Apple Watch you can buy. However, note that the blood-oxygen measuring feature on the Apple Watch Series 9 is currently disabled due to a patent dispute.  

    Read our full Apple Watch Series 9 review.


    Best budget

    The second-generation Apple Watch SE is surprisingly affordable for such a feature-packed smartwatch and is, by far, the best Apple Watch for those on a budget. It's nearly, if not just as capable as the Series 9 and Ultra 2 for tracking fitness, sleep, checking notifications, taking calls, and ensuring you're OK with health and safety features like Crash Detection, Fall Detection, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and more.

    The Apple Watch SE is notably missing an always-on display, which can be the biggest deciding factor whether you go for the SE or the Series 9 (or the Ultra 2). Compared to the Series 9, the SE doesn't feature an electrocardiogram sensor for ECG readings or skin-temperature sensors for advanced period tracking and additional sleep tracking measurements. 

    The Apple Watch SE 2nd-gen 2022 sitting on a blue deck.
    The second-gen SE is the best option for first-time wearers or casual users who won't be bothered by the lacking always-on display.

    For first-time buyers, the SE will make you wonder how you ever lived without one. It's incredibly convenient to get notifications, send texts, make calls, and customize the Apple Watch face with all the widgets and information you find useful — and it does all this without you needing to pull out your phone.

    At least, opting for the SE lets you get a better idea of the Apple Watch's baseline features starting at $249. From there, you can consider if features like always-on display and the latest health sensors are worth the upgrade. If not, then the second-gen SE is your best option.

    Read our full Apple Watch SE (2022) review.


    Best for fitness and outdoors

    The Apple Watch Ultra 2 doesn't represent a drastic improvement over its predecessor, but it did usher in a few new features designed specifically for the outdoor user. These include the brightest screen of any Apple Watch, which allows for improved visibility in bright light conditions, an upgraded altitude range, and new water sports features for scuba diving and freediving.

    The Ultra 2 also shares some new features that debuted on the Series 9, such as the new double tap gesture, the new S9 processor, and on-device Siri access. The double tap gesture, specifically, improves the wearable's accessibility. With this feature active, users can simply double-tap their thumb and index finger to interact with the watch, be it to start or stop an alarm or pick up or end a phone call, among others.

    Much of the rest of the Ultra 2 is rolled over from the original model, including its overall design, which features a corrosion-resistant titanium casing and a 49mm screen. 

    The home screen of an Apple Watch Ultra 2
    The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the best option for outdoor enthusiasts and those who want longer battery life.

    Battery life is a major highlight of the Ultra 2, as it can last upwards of three days on a single charge, which is roughly double what we've gotten out of the Series 9. The exact amount of battery life depends on how often the GPS is used, and whether the Always-On display is on, but the difference in the frequency of charging the Ultra 2 compared to the Series 9 is apparent.

    Arguably, the Ultra line's best feature, the unique Action Button, returns and functions the same on the Ultra 2 as on the previous model. It is still capable of starting and stopping workouts or being programmed to sync with various shortcuts.

    The sum of these parts may not be enough to sway the casual user into spending $800 on the watch, but it remains a highly worthwhile tool for avid outdoor enthusiasts and serious athletes. (Note that the blood-oxygen measuring feature on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is currently unavailable due to a patent dispute.)  

    Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 2 review.


    Avoid these Apple Watch models

    Though it's possible to find refurbished and inexpensive versions of the Apple Watch Series 3, we wouldn't recommend it, namely because the model is discontinued and no longer supports the latest versions of WatchOS. It should go without saying that we don't recommend the Series 1 or 2 either.

    If you can find Series 5 or 6 refurbished for between $100 and $150, they include an always-on display, a major advantage over the Series 4 and even the current SE. Plus, they'll have more life in terms of support and performance than the Series 4. 

    Still, buying an older refurbished Apple Watch could be more of a hassle than it's worth. Older models have shorter support windows than newer and current models, so you'd have to buy another Apple Watch sooner than you might want to if you want to keep up with security and watchOS updates.


    What to look for in an Apple Watch

    A side by side shot of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2
    The latest Apple Watch models offer a fresh slate of worthwhile features.

    There are many reasons to buy one of the best Apple Watches; understanding them can help you know what to look for. Each Apple Watch is also among the best fitness trackers you can buy and offers unique health monitoring tools that can positively impact your wellness.

    For health and fitness tracking, you'll want to review which model offers what sensors. The latest Apple Watch models include a heart rate monitor, the newest gyroscope, and a high-g accelerometer that powers Apple's Crash Detection feature.

    For day-to-day tasks, you'll more or less get the same experience thanks to each watch supporting the latest WatchOS software. But if you want an always-on display, which we think could make or break a decision, you should consider the Series 9 as your best Apple Watch. Likewise, if you want the biggest screen and the best battery life, there's the Ultra 2.

    After that, it's deciding whether you want the smaller or larger models of a specific Apple Watch series. It's mostly down to personal preference and your comfort levels, and it makes no difference to battery life. Larger screens make it easier to read and control with on-screen items, but smaller models are still large enough to offer a good experience.


    How we test Apple Watches

    The battery life screen on an Apple Watch Ultra 2.
    We test Apple Watches by using them personally and putting them through a variety of objective tests.

    We can assess the best Apple Watch in a relatively short time thanks to our extensive personal experience with the wearables, as we've reviewed them professionally through the generations.

    The best way to test these wearables is to wear and use them daily with an iPhone as if they were our own for at least a week, often longer. We focus on ease of use, performance, usefulness, features and sensors, battery life, and how their price relates to the overall experience.

    During testing, we assess all these aspects during various activities, like a workout, running errands, lounging, sleeping, and traveling (when possible). We actively test notifications, calls, messages, settings and options, and customization, and we note where an Apple Watch excels or lacks.

    We don't perform tests that could damage our review unit or ourselves (Crash Detection). At the same time, we don't take special care of our Apple Watch review units and subject them to typical wear and tear from normal usage.

    We also look at how the new models compare to older models and lay out the benefits of upgrading from various older models. Looking at the specific model changes and upgrades year-over-year helps us choose the overall best models.


    The best Apple Watch bands to buy

    A gallery of different Apple Watch bands on a purple background.
    Choose the right Apple Watch band for your needs.

    One of the Apple Watch's best features is its ability to use different watch straps and band types. This versatility allows you to swap on the best Apple Watch bands suited to a specific activity or event, such as a sports band for working out or a metal band for wearing to work.

    For more style inspiration, check out our other band guides:

    Be sure to pick up one of the best Apple Watch screen protectors, too.


    FAQs

    What is the difference between GPS and GPS + Cellular models?

    A GPS-only model is cheaper than cellular models and lets you carry out tasks like receiving text messages, answering phone calls, and receiving notifications when it's connected and close to your iPhone via Bluetooth or WiFi.

    A GPS + Cellular model offers increased connectivity with the addition of built-in cellular. That means you can receive text messages, answer calls, and stream music — even if you don't have your iPhone with you. You just need to add the watch to your current carrier plan. Most carriers charge $10 a month for a watch-compatible cellular plan.

    Does the Apple Watch use data?

    Only the GPS + Cellular models with a separate data plan use data from your carrier if you don't have your iPhone nearby. Otherwise, Apple Watches are simply extensions of your iPhone and don't use more data than you would on your iPhone if it's nearby.

    Do Apple Watches work with Android?

    The short answer is no. An Apple Watch will not pair seamlessly with an Android phone. Even if you get a GPS + Cellular model that doesn't rely on an iPhone connection, an iPhone is required for setup and app downloads.

    While the Apple Watch is one of the best smartwatches, Android users should instead consider purchasing one of the best Android smartwatches to use something that's 100% compatible with their phone.

    Is the Apple Watch waterproof?

    No Apple Watch is "waterproof," but models have varying degrees of water resistance, which means they can sustain splashes and submersion down to a certain depth. The SE and Series 9 can go down as far as 50 meters, or around 164 feet. The Ultra 2 supports depths of 100 meters, or 328 feet, and 40 meters (131 feet) for recreational dives.

    What is the best Apple Watch for kids?

    If you want a way for your kid to stay connected without giving them a smartphone, an Apple Watch could be your answer. For kids, we recommend the second-generation Apple Watch SE in the 40mm, GPS + Cellular model. You can use Family Setup, which allows you to choose what apps and services your kids can access and who they can call or send messages to.

    Is the Series 8 outdated with the release of the Series 9? 

    No, not at all. Although Apple no longer sells the Series 8, that doesn't mean it's no longer supported. The Series 8 is compatible with the latest operating system, WatchOS 10, which debuted alongside the Series 9 and Ultra 2, so many of the software features debuted on the latest models will also be available on the Series 8 once it upgrades to WatchOS 10. 

    How often should I upgrade my Apple Watch? 

    The decision to upgrade to a newer Apple Watch depends on several factors. First, is there a new feature native to one of the newer models you'd like to use? For instance, the new Double Tap Gesture released on the Series 9 and Ultra 2 can only be used on those models. 

    You may also consider upgrading if your watch isn't compatible with the latest operating system. Regarding the new WatchOS 10, any Series 4 or newer model is compatible. 

    Another reason you may want to upgrade is if you'd like to move from the Series line to the Ultra line. In this scenario, even Series 9 users may consider upgrading to the Ultra 2 to take advantage of its unique features, like its longer battery life, the useful Action Button, and the bigger design.

    Best overall: Apple Watch Series 9
    The fitness app on an Apple Watch Series 9.
    The Apple Watch Series 9 boasts a fast, powerful processor, intuitive smartwatch functionality, and the useful new Double Tap Gesture.

    The Apple Watch Series 9 is our pick as the best wearable in Apple's lineup not because it's a huge upgrade over its predecessor, the Series 8, but because it delivers one of the finest smartwatch experiences. No other wearable offers the same premium combination of smartwatch functionality, fitness and health tracking capability, and overall value as the Series 9.

    Although the watch carries over much of what was already native to the Series 8, it did introduce a few new features. These include a fast new processor chip, on-device Siri access, SmartStack functionality, and a brighter display. Other additions include updated hiking and cycling feedback, more mental health tools, and a new ultra-wideband chip that greatly improves location accuracy.

    While those upgrades are useful, my favorite new feature is the Double Tap Gesture which allows you to interact with the watch by double-tapping your thumb and index finger. Doing this controls an app's primary button, so you can answer or hang up a phone call, start or stop a timer, or snap a photo while in the camera.

    The brighter screen is also a nice new touch, as this allows for better visibility in high-lighting conditions. The screen can also dim to one nit, which is especially useful in a movie theater.

    Another feature I found highly useful was the new Smart Stack display, which is essentially a customizable group of widgets accessible on the watch's home screen. These can include a glance at the weather, whatever calendar events you might have for the day, or even a snippet of the news.

    The Series 9 is available in the same sizing options as the Series 8, which means it's still compatible with all the best Apple Watch Series 9 bands, including the best designer Apple Watch bands and the best Apple Watch bands for working out.

    The sum of these parts makes the Series 9 a powerful smartwatch. The new Double Tap Gesture, brighter screen, Smart Stack display, and improved health and fitness tracking tools make it noticeably more capable than the Series 8 — and give it the title of the best Apple Watch you can buy.

    Read our full review of the Apple Watch Series 9.

    Best overall for less: Apple Watch Series 8
    A person wearing the Apple Watch Series 8.
    The Apple Watch Series 8 is nearly identical to the Series 9, and you may be able to find it for a lower price, whether new or refurbished.

    Although Apple discontinued the Series 8 in favor of the Series 9, it's still the same do-it-all wearable that nearly stands toe-to-toe with the new flagship. Slim bezels, check. Smooth performance, check. Always on display, check. All of Apple's latest health sensors, impressive battery life, and safety features like Crash Detection? Check, check, and check.

    Better yet, the Series 8 is now the best discounted Apple Watch, costing roughly $319 for the 41mm model and $379 for the 45mm model, which puts it between the SE and Ultra models in terms of price and capabilities.

    A display with an always-on option may sound minor but it's a quality-of-life feature that makes a big difference. It means you can glance at your watch to tell the time or check a notification without making a wrist gesture to wake the screen. It's handy whether you don't want to appear rude by checking your watch, or don't want to deal with inconsistent gesture recognition, which sometimes happens with the Apple Watch SE.

    It also features Crash Detection, designed to automatically contact emergency services in the event of a car crash. The Series 8 is also compatible with a variety of the best Apple Watch bands, like sports bands, metal bands, and designer options (and make sure you clean your bands often, too).

    Generally, there's a lot to love about the Apple Watch's latest operating system, watchOS 10, which is also compatible with the Series 8. The watch supports fast charging, which makes a meaningful difference if you need a quick top-off before you set off. All told, there's not a ton of difference between the Apple Watch Series 9 vs. the Series 8, so if you can find the Series 8 at a solid discount, it's worth every penny.

    Read our full review of the Apple Watch Series 8.

    Best for athletes and adventurers: Apple Watch Ultra 2
    The home screen of an Apple Watch Ultra 2
    The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the best option for outdoor enthusiasts and those who want longer battery life.

    The second-generation Apple Watch Ultra 2 doesn't represent a drastic improvement over its predecessor but it did usher in a few new features designed specifically for the outdoor user. These include the brightest screen of any Apple Watch which allows for improved visibility in bright light conditions, an upgraded altitude range, and new water sports features for scuba diving and freediving.

    The Ultra 2 also shares some of the new features debuting on the Series 9 such as the new Double Tap Gesture, the new S9 processor chip, and on-device Siri access. The Double Tap Gesture, specifically, is a great new feature that improves the wearable's accessibility. With this feature active, users can simply double-tap their thumb and index finger to interact with the watch, be it to start or stop an alarm or pick up or end a phone call, among others.

    Much of the rest of the Ultra 2 is rolled over from the original model, including its overall design which again features a corrosion-resistant titanium casing and a 49mm screen. Though it features a raised lip around the display to reduce the risk of cracks and scratches, we do recommend picking up one of the best Apple Watch screen protectors to further protect the watch.

    Battery life is a major highlight of the Ultra 2 as it's capable of lasting upwards of three days on a single charge, which is roughly double what we've gotten out of the Series 9. The exact amount of battery life depends on how often the GPS is used, and whether the Always-On display is on, but the difference in the frequency of charging the Ultra 2 compared to the Series 9 is apparent (be sure to calibrate your Apple Watch, as well).

    Arguably the Ultra line's best feature, the unique Action Button, returns and functions the same on the Ultra 2 as it did on the previous model. It still is capable of starting and stopping workouts or being programmed to sync with a variety of shortcuts.

    The sum of these parts may not be enough to sway the casual user into spending $800 on the watch, but it remains a highly valuable investment for avid outdoor enthusiasts and serious athletes.

    And if you already own an Ultra, or picked up the new Ultra 2, do take a look at our guide on the best Apple Watch Ultra 2 bands.

    Read our full review of the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

    Best budget: Apple Watch SE
    A person wearing the Apple Watch SE 2nd-gen 2022.
    The Apple Watch SE is the best option for first-timers trying out the Apple Watch or casual users who won't be bothered by the lacking always-on display.

    The Apple Watch SE is surprisingly affordable for such a feature-packed smartwatch and is, by far, the best Apple Watch for folks on a budget. It's just as capable as the Series 8 and Ultra for tracking fitness, sleep, checking notifications, taking calls, and making sure you're OK with health and safety features like Crash Detection, Fall Detection, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and more.

    It compromises slightly on design with thicker borders around the display but we never found that it looked dated during testing. It's available in both 40mm and 44mm options.

    If you're considering the Apple Watch SE, you're most likely looking at the Series 8, too. The most significant difference between the Apple Watch SE vs. the Apple Watch Series 8 is whether you're willing to pay more for a bigger display with an always-on option, plus electrocardiogram and skin-temperature sensors. Those looking for Apple's latest and greatest in health sensors should upgrade to the Series 8.

    If those tools don't interest you, the SE is the best budget Apple Watch that's an ideal and affordable option.

    For first-time buyers, the Apple Watch SE will make you wonder how you ever lived without one. It's incredibly convenient to get notifications, send texts, make calls, and customize the Apple Watch face with all the widgets and information you find useful — and it does all this without you needing to pull out your phone.

    If anything, opting for the SE lets you get a better idea of the Apple Watch's baseline features starting at $249. From there, you can consider if features like always-on display and the latest health sensors are worth the upgrade. If not, then the SE is the best Apple Watch to buy.

    Read our full review of the Apple Watch SE 2022.

    Avoid these Apple Watch models
    An Apple Watch on a person's wrist.
    Don't buy the Apple Watch Series 3 or older, even if you can get them for a very low price.

    Even though it's possible to find refurbished versions of the Apple Watch Series 3 for around $100, we wouldn't recommend it, namely because the Series 3 is discontinued and no longer supports the latest versions of WatchOS. It should go without saying that we don't recommend the Series 1 or 2 either.

    The Series 4 still has some life in terms of support and performance, but it'll likely lose support soon — perhaps as early as September 2023 when Apple announces new Apple Watch models.

    If you can find Series 5 or 6 for between $150 and $200 refurbished, they both include an always-on display, which is a major advantage over the Series 4, and even the current SE. Plus, they'll have more life in terms of support and performance than the Series 4.

    You can even find the first generation Apple Watch SE for $200 new from Walmart. Even if you're spending $100 more than you would on a refurbished Series 3, it poses significantly better value with its newer processor and sleeker display.

    What to look for in an Apple Watch
    A hand displaying the back of the Apple Watch Series 8.
    Certain Apple Watch models have health sensors that could make the decision for you, and the always-on display is a pretty big factor to consider.

    There are many reasons to buy one of the best Apple Watches, and understanding them can help you hone in on what to look for. Apple Watches are excellent for fitness and health tracking, as well as streamlining routine tasks and giving you access to your phone while it's in your pocket.

    For health and fitness tracking, you'll want to review which model offers what sensors. All the best Apple Watch models include a heart rate monitor, as well as the latest gyroscope and high-g accelerometer that power Apple's Crash Detection feature.

    The Series 8 and Ultra have expanded capabilities, including temperature sensors for ovulation tracking. Ultimately, you may decide that features like these are the deciding factor, and want to look into the best fitness trackers instead.

    For day-to-day tasks, you'll more or less get the same experience thanks to each watch supporting the latest WatchOS software. But if you want an always-on display, which we think could make or break a decision, you should consider the Series 8 as the best Apple Watch for you. Likewise, if you want the biggest screen and the best battery life, there's the Ultra.

    After that, it's deciding whether you want the smaller or larger models of a specific Apple Watch series. It's mostly down to personal preference and your comfort levels, and it makes no difference to battery life. Larger screens do make it easier to read and control with on-screen items, but smaller models are still large enough to offer a good experience.

    How we test Apple Watches
    An Apple Watch taking an ECG reading.
    The Insider Reviews team tests all Apple Watches.

    We can assess the best Apple Watch in a relatively short amount of time thanks to our extensive personal experience with the wearable, as well as reviewing them professionally through the generations.

    The best way to test Apple Watches is to wear and use them daily with an iPhone as if they were our own for at least a week, often longer. We focus on ease of use, performance, usefulness, features and sensors, battery life, and how their price relates to the overall experience.

    During testing, we assess all these aspects during various activities, like a workout, running errands, lounging, sleeping, and traveling (when possible). We actively test notifications, calls, messages, settings and options, and customization, and we note where an Apple Watch excels or lacks.

    We don't perform tests that could damage our review unit, or ourselves (Crash Detection). At the same time, we don't take special care of our Apple Watch review units, and we subject them to typical wear and tear from normal usage.

    We also look at how the new models compare to older models and lay out the benefits of upgrading from various older models. Looking at the specific model changes and upgrades year-over-year helps us choose the best Apple Watch.

    The best Apple Watch bands to buy
    A gallery of different Apple Watch bands on a purple background.

    One of the Apple Watch's best features is its ability to use different watch straps and band types. This allows you to swap the band to something best suited to a specific activity or event, such as a sports band for working out or a metal band for wearing to work.

    The bands are easy to swap out, too. With a simple press of two buttons on the underside of the Apple Watch, the current strap slides out, allowing a different band to slot in.

    For style inspiration, check out our guides to the best Apple Watch bands:

    Be sure to pick up one of the best Apple Watch screen protectors, too.

    FAQs
    The battery life screen on an Apple Watch Series 9.

    What is the difference between GPS and GPS + Cellular models?

    An Apple Watch GPS-only model lets you carry out tasks like receiving text messages, answering phone calls, and receiving notifications when it's connected and close to your iPhone via Bluetooth or WiFi. GPS-only models are cheaper than cellular models.

    A GPS + Cellular Apple Watch offers increased connectivity with the addition of built-in cellular. That means you can receive text messages, answer calls, and stream music — even if you don't have your iPhone with you. You just need to add the Apple Watch to your current carrier plan. Most carriers charge $10 a month for an Apple Watch cellular plan.

    Does the Apple Watch use data?

    Only the GPS + Cellular Apple Watch models with a separate data plan use data from your carrier if you don't have your iPhone nearby. Otherwise, Apple Watches are simply extensions of your iPhone and don't use more data than you would on your iPhone if it's nearby.

    Do Apple Watches work with Android?

    The short answer is no. An Apple Watch will not pair seamlessly with an Android phone. Even if you get a GPS + Cellular model that doesn't rely on an iPhone connection, an iPhone is required for setup. You also need an iPhone to download apps onto it.

    While the Apple Watch is one of the best smartwatches, Android users should instead consider purchasing one of the best Android smartwatches to use something that's 100% compatible with their phone.

    Is the Apple Watch waterproof?

    No Apple Watch is "waterproof" but they are water resistant, which means they can sustain splashes and submersion down to a certain depth. The SE and Series 9 can go down as far as 50 meters, or around 164 feet. The Ultra 2 supports depths of 100 meters, or 328 feet, as well as 40 meters (131 feet) for recreational dives.

    What is the best Apple Watch for kids?

    If you want a way for your kid to stay connected without giving them a smartphone, an Apple Watch could be your answer. For kids, the best Apple Watch we recommend is the 40mm SE GPS + Cellular model. You can use Family Setup, which allows you to choose what apps and services your kids can access, and who they can call or send messages to.

    Is the Series 8 outdated with the release of the Series 9? 

    No, not at all. Although Apple doesn't sell the Series 8 anymore, that doesn't mean it's no longer supported. This is especially true considering the fact the Series 8 is compatible with the new operating system, WatchOS 10, which debuted alongside the Series 9 and Ultra 2. This means that many of the new software features that debuted on the new models will also be available on the Series 8 once it upgrades to WatchOS 10. 

    How often should I upgrade my Apple Watch? 

    This depends on a few different factors. First, is there a new feature native to one of the later Apple Watch models that you'd like to use? For instance, the new Double Tap Gesture that was released on the Series 9 and Ultra 2 is only able to be used on those models. 

    You may also consider upgrading if your watch isn't compatible with the latest operating system. Regarding the new WatchOS 10, any Apple Watch that is a Series 4 or newer is compatible. 

    Another reason you may want to get a new Apple Watch is if you'd like to upgrade from the Series line to the Ultra line. In this scenario, even users of the Series 7 may consider upgrading to the Ultra to take advantage of its unique features like its longer battery life, the useful Action Button, and the bigger design.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • These 38 GOP senators just voted against protecting contraception. Here’s why.

    Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell
    Almost every Republican senator voted against a Democratic-led bill to protect the right to contraception on Wednesday.

    • All but 2 GOP senators voted to block a Democratic bill to protect access to contraception.
    • Republicans say they're not actually against contraception but have other issues with the bill.
    • The vote was widely seen as a "show vote" that had little chance of becoming law anyway.

    The Senate failed on Wednesday to advance a bill designed to protect access to contraceptives nationwide.

    Just two Republican senators — Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska — voted with Democrats to advance the bill. Nine Republicans did not show up to vote.

    The vote was teed up by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer as part of an effort to highlight the different between the Democratic and Republican parties over reproductive rights ahead of an election where abortion is expected to play a major role.

    Republicans derided the effort as a "show vote," arguing that no one is seriously interested in banning contraceptives such as condoms, Plan-B, or IUDs.

    "Do people really think that even a significant minority of the Republican conference is against access to contraception?" said Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina. "I don't even want to get into what I don't like about the bill."

    It's true that the effort is largely for show — Schumer and Democrats knew that the GOP-controlled House would not take up the legislation. To that point, the bill's "findings" section argues that access for contraception is "especially critical for historically marginalized groups" including "Black, indigenous, and other people of color," "immigrants," and "LGBTQ+ people."

    While not necessarily untrue, it's not the sort of thing one would put in legislation designed to attract the support of conservative Republicans.

    "It's a bill that has a lot of other garbage in it, and this is a messaging exercise," said Tillis.

    But still — if Republicans aren't against contraception, why won't they just vote for the bill?

    If you ask them, it mainly comes down to religious freedom.

    'The number one issue with it'

    The Democratic bill is designed to guarantee the right to access contraception, which was first established for married couples by the Supreme Court in its 1965 Griswold v. Connecticut ruling.

    Some experts have since worried that right could now be at risk in the wake of the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. In his concurring opinion in that case, Justice Clarence Thomas argued that Griswold should be revisited.

    But the bill includes a line stating that it "applies notwithstanding any other provision of Federal law, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993."

    That law essentially protects individuals' right to religious freedoms. Republicans argue waiving that law amounts to a "poison pill" in the bill that would force religious institutions to provide contraceptives.

    "They've said basically, contraception is gonna be allowed everywhere, regardless of your faith, your background, your institution," said Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma. "That's the number one issue with it."

    Like other Republicans, Lankford is also opposed to certain forms of medical care for transgender youth. The bill includes "sterilization" under its definition of contraception, which the Oklahoma Republican argued would interfere with state-level bans on gender-affirmed care for people under 18.

    "This would remove that right from all those states to say they're protecting minors," said Lankford.

    22 GOP senators, led by Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, signed a statement on Tuesday, declaring that there's "no threat to access to contraception" and that the bill "infringes on the parental rights and religious liberties of some Americans."

    Democrats have also attempted to pass similar legislation at the state level, but have been blocked by Republicans. Last month, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin of Virginia vetoed a bill to protect access to contraception, arguing that it violated principles of religious freedom.

    The Republicans who voted to block the bill

    Here are the 38 GOP senators who voted to block the Right to Contraception Act:

    • John Barrasso of Wyoming
    • Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee
    • John Boozman of Arkansas
    • Ted Budd of Indiana
    • Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia
    • Bill Cassidy of Louisiana
    • John Cornyn of Texas
    • Tom Cotton of Arkansas
    • Kevin Cramer of North Dakota
    • Mike Crapo of Idaho
    • Ted Cruz of Texas
    • Steve Daines of Montana
    • Joni Ernst of Iowa
    • Deb Fischer of Nebraska
    • Chuck Grassley of Iowa
    • Josh Hawley of Missouri
    • John Hoeven of North Dakota
    • Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi
    • Ron Johnson of Wisconsin
    • James Lankford of Oklahoma
    • Mike Lee of Utah
    • Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming
    • Roger Marshall of Kansas
    • Mitch McConnell of Kentucky
    • Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma
    • Rand Paul of Kentucky
    • Pete Ricketts of Nebraska
    • Jim Risch of Idaho
    • Mike Rounds of South Dakota
    • Marco Rubio of Florida
    • Eric Schmitt of Missouri
    • Rick Scott of Florida
    • Tim Scott of South Carolina
    • John Thune of South Dakota
    • Thoms Tillis of North Carolina
    • Tommy Tuberville of Alabama
    • Roger Wicker of Mississippi
    • Todd Young of Indiana

    The following 9 GOP senators did not vote:

    • Mike Braun of Indiana
    • Katie Britt of Alabama
    • Lindsey Graham of South Carolina
    • Bill Hagerty of Tennessee
    • John Kennedy of Louisiana
    • Jerry Moran of Kansas
    • Mitt Romney of Utah
    • Dan Sullivan of Alaska
    • JD Vance of Ohio
    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Buy these ASX dividend stocks with 5% to 6% yields

    A woman relaxes on a yellow couch with a book and cuppa, and looks pensively away as she contemplates the joy of earning passive income.

    Do you have room for some more ASX dividend stocks in your income portfolio?

    If you do, then it could be worth checking out the three stocks in this article.

    That’s because analysts think they are in the buy zone and destined to provide investors with some very attractive dividend yields in the near term. Here’s what you can expect from them:

    Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP)

    Centuria Industrial could be an ASX dividend stock to buy. It is Australia’s largest domestic pure play industrial property investment company.

    At the last count, it had a portfolio of 88 high-quality, fit-for-purpose industrial assets worth a collective $3.8 billion. The company notes that these assets are based in key in-fill locations and close to key infrastructure.

    Analysts at UBS are positive on the company and believe that some good yields are coming in the near term. The broker is forecasting dividends per share of 16 cents in both FY 2024 and in FY 2025. Based on the current Centuria Industrial share price of $3.17, this represents dividend yields of 5% for income investors in both years.

    UBS has a buy rating and $3.71 price target on its shares.

    Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE)

    Another ASX dividend stock that could offer a great yield is Eagers Automotive.

    It is the leading automotive retail group in Australia and New Zealand, with a long history stretching back over 110 years.

    With its shares down heavily this year due to concerns over excess inventory and soft demand, Bell Potter believes investors should be snapping them up on the cheap.

    Especially with the broker forecasting some above-average dividend yields from Eagers Automotive.

    It is expecting fully franked dividends of 64.5 cents per share in FY 2024 and then 73 cents per share in FY 2025. Based on its current share price of $10.11, this represents dividend yields of 6.4% and 7.2%, respectively.

    Bell Potter also sees significant value in its shares at current levels. The broker has a buy rating and $13.35 price target on its shares.

    IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH)

    A final ASX dividend stock for income investors to consider buying is IPH.

    It is an international intellectual property (IP) services group with a network of member firms working throughout 10 IP jurisdictions. IPH has clients in more than 25 countries. This includes Fortune Global 500 companies and other multinationals, public sector research organisations, SMEs, and professional services firms.

    Goldman sees it as a great option for income investors and is forecasting fully franked dividends of 34 cents per share in FY 2024 and 37 cents per share in FY 2025. Based on the current IPH share price of $6.39, this represents yields of 5.3% and 5.8%, respectively.

    Goldman has a buy rating and $8.70 price target on IPH’s shares.

    The post Buy these ASX dividend stocks with 5% to 6% yields appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Eagers Automotive Ltd right now?

    Before you buy Eagers Automotive Ltd shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Eagers Automotive Ltd wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 5 May 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Eagers Automotive Ltd and IPH. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

    Smiling man with phone in wheelchair watching stocks and trends on computer

    On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was on form again and pushed higher. The benchmark index rose 0.4% to 7,769 points.

    Will the market be able to build on this on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:

    ASX 200 expected to climb again

    The Australian share market looks set for another good session on Thursday after a strong night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 51 points or 0.65% higher this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones was up 0.25%, the S&P 500 rose 1.2% and the Nasdaq jumped 2%. The S&P 500 hit a record high overnight.

    Oil prices rebound

    ASX 200 energy shares including Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a good session after oil prices rebounded overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 1.2% to US$74.15 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 1.2% to US$78.47 a barrel. Traders appear to believe that oil has been oversold this week.

    Mineral Resources’ $1.3b asset sale

    The Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) share price will be one to watch today. That’s because the mining and mining services company has just announced a major asset sale. The company has entered into a binding agreement with Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners for the sale of a 49% interest in the Onslow Iron project’s dedicated haul road. Management expects the sale to generate total proceeds of $1.3 billion. Mineral Resources will retain a 51% interest in the asset and have exclusive rights to use, operate and maintain the road.

    Gold price rises

    It could be a good day for ASX 200 gold miners such as Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) today after the gold price pushed higher overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 1.1% to US$2,373.3 an ounce. The precious metal rose after bond yields retreated.

    Miners set to rise

    Mining giants BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) look set to rebound on Thursday after a tough few days. BHP shares rose overnight on both the London Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange, which bodes well for today’s session. This was driven by a rebound in commodity prices. For example, the copper price rose 2% to US$4.63 a pound.

    The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Bhp Group right now?

    Before you buy Bhp Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Bhp Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 5 May 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • If the US doesn’t win the electronic warfare fight, the joint force will ‘lose’ and ‘lose very quickly,’ Air Force commander says

    U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to "Wild Bill" Platoon, 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment and 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment conduct electronic warfare training during Combined Resolve XV, Feb. 23, 2021 at the Hohenfels Training Area.
    U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to "Wild Bill" Platoon, 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment and 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment conduct electronic warfare training during Combined Resolve XV, Feb. 23, 2021 at the Hohenfels Training Area.

    • Electronic warfare like what the world is seeing in Ukraine could be decisive in future wars.
    • US military leaders have been closely watching how electronic warfare is shaping the war in Ukraine.
    • The US needs to dominate the electromagnetic spectrum, or it will lose quickly, an Air Force officer said.

    Future wars could be decided by electronic warfare like Russia and Ukraine are using right now to interrupt communications, defeat unmanned platforms, and even degrade precision weaponry.

    For the US, if it doesn't dominate that invisible domain and win the fight in the electromagnetic spectrum, it will "lose" and do so "very quickly," an Air Force wing commander said.

    At the C4ISRNET Conference on Wednesday, US Army Brig. Gen. Ed Barker, the Program Executive Officer for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors, and US Air Force Col. Josh Koslov, commander of the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing, discussed the challenges facing the US in the electronic warfare space and the efforts to find solutions to these problems.

    "Electronic warfare is a fire," not unlike certain other weapons systems like artillery, Koslov said, "and the ability to integrate those fires in support the joint force's commander's scheme of maneuvers is more important now than ever."

    EW system Ukraine
    A man holds a portable electronic warfare system at an event in Ukraine earlier this year.

    Both Barker and Koslov noted that dominating the electromagnetic spectrum in a fight against near-peer adversaries like China and Russia would be a close one in a war and that the US must maintain the edge.

    "The spectrum is a bad place to be second, and if we lose in the spectrum, or are unable to effect the spectrum, the joint force will lose, and we're going to lose very quickly," Koslov said.

    The US has acknowledged the growing importance of electronic warfare in its warfighting strategies, recognizing not only the need to figure out how to defend against the enemy's use of it but also how to fight with it.

    Electronic warfare is a broad term for fighting involving elements of the electromagnetic spectrum. Increased US interest in it more recently has been driven by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where electronic warfare tactics, such as GPS spoofing and signal jamming, have shaped the fighting.

    US Army electronic warfare
    A soldier with the US Army's 1st Infantry Division trains on electronic-warfare equipment on September 6, 2019.

    The US has been watching the war closely to determine key takeaways, and it's been, as a defense expert previously told Business Insider, an "intelligence bonanza" for American forces.

    One thing the US has observed in Ukraine is the degradation of some of its more advanced, precision-guided weapons systems by Russian jamming.

    In March, Daniel Patt, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, wrote in a statement to Congress that the 155mm GPS-guided Excalibur artillery shell "had a 70% efficiency rate hitting targets when first used in Ukraine" but that "after six weeks, efficiency declined to only 6% as the Russians adapted their electronic warfare systems to counter it." Russian efforts have also impacted the GMLRS launched by the HIMARS and JDAMs.

    Volunteers and Ukrainian military personnel attend a presentation of radio-electronic warfare (WB) and radio-electronic intelligence (PER) systems of the Ukrainian company Kvertus in Lviv region on May 28, 2024, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
    Volunteers and Ukrainian military personnel attend a presentation of radio-electronic warfare (WB) and radio-electronic intelligence (PER) systems of the Ukrainian company Kvertus in Lviv region on May 28, 2024, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

    Patt explained that "the peak efficiency of a new weapon system is only about 2 weeks before countermeasures emerge." That information could prove vital for a future great-power fight against an adversary like China or Russia.

    At the C4ISRNET conference, Barker called the electromagnetic spectrum another "terrain" of battle.

    "We have to treat the EMS as terrain," he said. "You have to be able to hold terrain, you have to be able to maneuver inside of it, and you also have to be able to affect the enemy."

    Barker mentioned a recent electronic warfare tabletop exercise, which looked at over 70 different capabilities spread across the joint force and how they fit into the various battlefield strategies and potential fighting scenarios.

    Vehicles with tall poles attached to them.
    A Russian R-330Zh Zhitel electronic-warfare jamming station during an exercise in July 2018.

    He said the exercise helped them to identify "gaps we need to focus on," such as understanding more about what both allies and adversaries look like in the spectrum, as well as needing a "layered approach" to fighting electronic warfare. It's a complex problem, and he said there's no "silver bullet."

    At the conference, both Barker and Koslov highlighted the importance of having systems communicate with one another about key data and noted that when the US acquires new technology from industry partners, prioritizing electronic warfare defenses and capabilities is vital.

    Barker said "we're realizing that we have to build, essentially, an EW arsenal across the landscape to be able to go at these different kinds of threats."

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Biden spoke so low during a key White House meeting that some attendees struggled to understand his words, report says

    Joe Biden
    President Joe Biden.

    • Biden spoke so softly during a January meeting that some couldn't hear him, per The Wall Street Journal.
    • The White House meeting involved negotiations for additional funding for Ukraine.
    • Biden has sought to address concerns about his age by touting his administration's accomplishments.

    President Joe Biden during key January negotiations for a Ukraine funding deal spoke so low that some attendees had difficulty hearing him speak, according to The Wall Street Journal.

    The report comes as voter concerns about Biden's age remain a major issue impacting his reelection bid, with Democrats largely defending his performance while Republicans have continued to question the president's acuity.

    The Journal reported that Biden took roughly ten minutes to slowly greet congressional leaders before the January White House meeting began, and once it started, the president then reiterated the need to support Ukraine — despite the general consensus in the room already being that additional funding was needed.

    In the meeting, which was attended by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York and Office of Management and Budget director Shalanda Young, Biden read from notes and often deferred to staffers when he was asked questions, according to The Journal.

    Biden during the meeting also closed his eyes for such a duration that some wondered if he had shut out the meeting, per the report.

    "You couldn't be there and not feel uncomfortable," one attendee told The Journal. "I'll just say that." 

    It's a damning portrait for Biden — a leading negotiator throughout his decades-long career in Washington — as the 81-year-old president's fitness for office has been an issue that former President Donald Trump has sought to wield against him.

    When pressed on the issue, Biden has vigorously defended his age and his administration's accomplishments. And Democratic allies like Jeffries have also strongly vouched for Biden, telling the Journal that the president was "incredibly strong, forceful and decisive" in the January White House meeting.

    While Republicans have sought to focus on Biden's age, the 77-year-old Trump has had his share of public slip-ups. In recent months, he has mixed up ex-GOP presidential rival Nikki Haley with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. And Trump on several occasions has appeared to confuse Biden with former President Barack Obama, including an incident at a March rally in Richmond, Virginia.

    The White House strongly pushed back against the characterization of Biden as a poor performer, which spokesman Andrew Bates in a statement to the Journal said were "false and politically motivated claims." 

    "President Biden inherited an economy in free fall, fraying alliances, and a spiking violent crime rate, and he turned each around with his experience and judgment, delivering the strongest economic growth in the world, making NATO bigger than ever, and forcing violent crime to a near 50-year low," Bates added in a Wednesday statement.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • I visited a car-free neighborhood in Arizona and was surprised that it felt 15 degrees cooler than the surrounding blocks

    Culdesac Tempe. Left: The author stands in a courtyard with trees and picnic tables. Behind her is a white building with boutique storefronts. Right: An alleyway lined with white buildings with red trimmings
    Business Insider's reporter visited Tempe, Arizona's Culdesac neighborhood.

    • Culdesac is a car-free neighborhood outside of Phoenix, Arizona, the hottest city in the US.
    • Culdesac was built to combat the summer temperatures reaching above 110 degrees Fahrenheit. 
    • The block was paved without asphalt, designed to maximize shade, and painted white to reflect heat.

    Arizona summers are hot — sometimes dangerously so. Phoenix is the hottest city in the US, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit. In 2022, nearly 400 people in Maricopa County — which includes Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, and other surrounding cities — died from heat-related conditions, according to Maricopa County Public Health.

    The Arizona heat can also cause severe burns from contact with outdoor surfaces that can be as scorching as 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Enter Culdesac, a car-free community in Tempe that is combatting the area's heat problem with a neighborhood built to cool.

    The neighborhood, where cars are banned and residents get around with public transit and electric bikes, opened in 2023. A company representative told Business Insider that the 17-acre block houses 200 people, but the company is aiming for 1,000 residents.

    I recently got a tour of Culdesac, where I anticipated open street paths, shops, and amenities residents could walk to.

    And I found all of that. But I didn't expect to feel cooler on the block than on the surrounding streets.

    During my tour, I learned that Culdesac feels about 15 degrees colder than the city's temperature, thanks to initiatives by the housing startup during the building process.

    Culdesac is a car-free neighborhood that feels cooler than the surrounding streets.
    Culdesac, Tempe: A red, brick courtyard with a map in the middle and jumbo Connect Four and shaded tables on the left
    The plaza in Culdesac in Tempe.

    When I arrived at Culdesac on an April afternoon, the temperature was about 90 degrees in Tempe, Arizona. But it didn't feel that way.

    CEO, cofounder, and Culdesac resident Ryan Johnson — who hasn't owned a car in 14 years — told BI that Culdesac feels cooler than the rest of Tempe for four reasons: pavement materials, building layout, landscaping, and color.

    This is in part because there's no asphalt anywhere on the block.
    Culdesac Tempe: a red brick road lined with white buildings
    A pathway in Culdesac's plaza.

    The ground at Culdesac contributes to its cooler temperatures. Unlike most urban areas, the neighborhood was built without asphalt, a paving material that soaks up the sun's heat.

    While developing the block, Culdesac used alternative materials like pavers and decomposed granite to combat high temperatures and absorb rainwater that would otherwise heat up, the Culdesac representative told BI. He added that the temperature measures 30 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the asphalt on surrounding streets.

    The neighborhood's layout was designed to maximize shade.
    Culdesac Tempe: An alleyway lined with white buildings with red trimmings
    Shaded space between buildings.

    According to Culdesac's website, the neighborhood can feel 10-15 degrees cooler than the temperature because there's so much shade.

    The residential buildings are positioned close together to add as much sun coverage as possible to the block.

    And in the plaza, where the pathways are wider, there's a shaded canopy sculpture created by artist Matthew Salenger.

    Culdesac thoughtfully landscaped the block to provide even more sun coverage.
    Culdesac Tempe: A shop with brown doors behind an outdoor table, trees, and shrubbery
    Landscaping outside of a shop in Culdesac.

    More than 50% of Culdesac is open space full of plants that add shade. The community carefully selected trees that provide sun coverage, opting for palo verde — ideal for shade, according to Desert Sun — over palm trees, which dot many streets in the county without blocking much of the sun.

    The trees shade the plaza and courtyards between residential buildings.

    The buildings' bright colors reflect sunlight.
    Culdesac Tempe: A white apartment complex with red trimmings, a courtyard in the middle, and a staircase on the right
    Bright, white residential buildings in Culdesac.

    Culdesac selected white paint for its buildings because, unlike darker colors, the sun's rays bounce off white surfaces, resulting in the buildings absorbing less heat.

    Reflecting the heat also makes the buildings more energy efficient because less air conditioning is required to cool them.

    To me, Culdesac made the hot county feel livable.
    The author stands in a courtyard with trees and picnic tables. Behind her is a white building with boutique storefronts
    The author in Culdesac's plaza.

    I love Arizona. It's where I was born, and although I don't remember living there, visiting the beautiful state with its mountains, canyons, and desert landscapes over the years has made me wonder about moving there someday.

    The idea of scorching summers has always given me pause, though. But maybe I could live just outside the hottest city in America if I moved to a neighborhood like Culdesac.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Considering investing in AFIC shares? Here’s what you’re buying

    A large transparent piggy bank contains many little pink piggy banks, indicating diversity in a share portfolio

    The listed investment company (LIC) Australian Foundation Investment Co Ltd (ASX: AFI) is invested in a wide array of different companies and sectors. I think it’s important to know what you’re invested in with AFIC shares or any other diversified options, so we’ll examine that below.

    AFIC is one of the oldest investment companies in Australia. It has been operating since 1928 and delivers its investment strategy for investors at a very low annual management cost of 0.14% (and no performance fees), allowing investors to enjoy the benefits of the returns.

    The LIC’s website states it aims to invest in between 60 to 80 companies across a range of sectors. Those investments are “selected for their ability to perform through economic cycles and generate returns over the long-term.”

    AFIC shares its biggest 25 investments each month, so let’s examine the portfolio as of 31 May 2024.

    Top holdings

    The biggest positions are important because they have the largest impact on the performance of AFIC shares and its net tangible asset (NTA) value.

    Excluding cash, the largest 25 holdings comprised 79.6% of the portfolio on 31 May 2024. There were ten positions that had a weighting of at least 2.5%, which I’ll list below and their allocation of the portfolio:

    • Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares (9.6% of the portfolio)
    • BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares (8.6%)
    • CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares (7.5%)
    • Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) shares (4.8%)
    • National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares (4.6%)
    • Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) shares (4.5%)
    • Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares (4%)
    • Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) shares (3.6%)
    • Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) shares (3.6%)
    • Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares (2.5%)

    Some of its other top 25 holdings are smaller but more growth-focused, such as CAR Group Limited (ASX: CAR), Resmed CDI (ASX: RMD), Reece Ltd (ASX: REH) and Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO).

    I’ll also point out that the LIC has a relatively small, but growing, part of the portfolio allocated to international shares. The company reveals its holdings each year in its annual result, with the latest being the 2023 annual report.

    Sector allocation

    To get an overall picture of how AFIC shares are positioned, let’s look at the industry weightings.

    As of 31 May 2024, AFIC had the following investments by sector:

    • Banks (20.3%)
    • Materials (15%)
    • Healthcare (13%)
    • Industrials (11.2%)
    • Other financials (9%)
    • Consumer discretionary (8.2%)
    • Communication services (6.5%)
    • Real estate (5%)
    • Consumer staples (3.9%)
    • Energy (3.7%)
    • Information Technology (2.7%)
    • Cash (1.5%)

    While banks and resources may have a large allocation (around 35% between them), it’s lower than how the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) is positioned. In the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) portfolio, which tracks the ASX 300, banks and resources make up more than 50% of the portfolio.

    AFIC share price snapshot

    The AFIC share price has dropped around 3% since the start of 2024, as shown on the chart below.

    The post Considering investing in AFIC shares? Here’s what you’re buying appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited right now?

    Before you buy Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 5 May 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Goodman Group, Macquarie Group, ResMed, Transurban Group, Wesfarmers, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, ResMed, Wesfarmers, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL, Car Group, and Goodman Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 13 pro-Palestine protesters arrested after occupying the office of Stanford’s president

    Pro-Palestinian students gather on the campus of Wayne State University
    Pro-Palestinian students gather on the campus of Wayne State University to protest Vice President Kamala Harris and the Biden administration's support for Israel during her visit to Detroit.

    • 13 protesters were arrested after barricading themselves in the office of Stanford's president.
    • Participating pro-Palestinian students are suspended, and seniors won't graduate, Stanford said.
    • A public safety officer was injured by protesters, according to the university.

    Thirteen pro-Palestine protesters were arrested at Stanford University Wednesday after they barricaded themselves inside the school president's office building.

    Protesters occupied Building 10 — where the offices of Stanford's president and provost are located — to demand the university divest from companies supporting Israel's war in Gaza, according to The New York Times.

    Stanford President Richard Saller and Provost Jenny Martinez said in a statement that a public safety officer was injured by protesters. Damage was done inside the building, and graffiti outside conveyed "vile and hateful sentiments."

    The statement said that arrested students will be immediately suspended, and seniors will not be allowed to graduate.

    The Stanford Daily reported that one of its journalists covering the protest was among those arrested.

    Saller and Martinez also said Wednesday that an encampment at Stanford protesting Israel's war had been removed.

    "The situation on campus has now crossed the line from peaceful protest to actions that threaten the safety of our community," they wrote. While the university values "peaceful and reasoned debate," it condemns "any actions like those that were taken today."

    Roughly 3,000 protesters have been arrested on US college campuses, according to the Times. The 13 arrests at Stanford are dwarfed by the upwards of 200 arrests that previously occurred at Columbia University and UCLA.

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