• South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem keeps hurting her chances to become Donald Trump's running mate.
• Two of the former presidents key allies trashed Noem recently.
• They were responding to how Noem disclosed in her memoir that she killed her own doh.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has campaigned so badly to be former President Donald Trump's vice president that even some of the most controversial Trumpworld figures are turned off.

It turns out that telling the world you killed your dog, as Noem does in her forthcoming memoir, is not the best political strategy.

"I've always been a strong advocate of a woman as VP, because I think you have some strong women — although maybe Kristi Noem is maybe a little too based," former White House strategist Steve Bannon told Donald Trump Jr. on Trump's "Triggered" show.

"Shooting the puppy in the gravel," Bannon added, struggling not to laugh.

Yes, even Bannon, who has embraced the honey badger as an avatar for his ruthlessness, thinks Noem went too far. Trump Jr. echoed his thoughts.

"Not ideal," Trump Jr. said. "I read that and I'm like, 'Who put that in the book?' Your ghost writer must really not like you, if they are going to include that one. That was rough."

Noem has defended her decision to kill Cricket, a 14-month-old dog that she struggled to train to hunt pheasants. She wrote in the book, which was first reported by The Guardian, that she "hated that dog." A final struggle, which included Cricket mauling some chickens, proved to be it. Noem wrote that shortly after, she grabbed her gun, led the dog down a gravel pit, and then killed it.

"Whether running the ranch or in politics, I have never passed on my responsibilities to anyone else to handle," Noem wrote on X. "Even if it's hard and painful. I followed the law and was being a responsible parent, dog owner, and neighbor."

Democrats have had a field day. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz encouraged people to post photos of them not killing their dogs. One House GOP lawmaker said the anecdote and Noem's disclosure of it herself were enough to rule the South Dakotan out of contention to be Trump's running mate.

"The worst part of it is that it wasn't a hit job. She volunteered the information. So, when somebody tells you who they are, believe them," Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, a New York Republican, told Politico.

If Noem truly wants to be vice president, this has been one of the worst efforts to obtain the job.

Previously, she caused a minor scandal by bizarrely touting services she received from a Texas dentist. Noem was already facing more traditional scandal fare, such as a 2022 legislative report that found her daughter received special treatment when she applied for a real estate appraising license. Gov. Noem has repeatedly denied such treatment, but the report makes it transparent that it did happen.

It's a difficult balance trying to become vice president.

No one wants to appear over-eager for the job, which comes off as desperate at best. At worst, a potential vice president could lose all the leverage to shape the role in a way that would benefit him or her the most. Modern vice presidents want a partnership like President Joe Biden shared with Barack Obama. No one wants to relive historical complaints about the No. 2 role, such as future President Harry Truman, who, during his brief vice presidency, barely even saw FDR. The ultimate goal, after all, is to claim the presidency itself after eight years as an understudy.

In comparison to Noem, others on Trump's shortlist are behaving much more in line with tradition.

Sen. JD Vance, an Ohio Republican, will reportedly appear at a major fundraiser for Trump. Sen. Marco Rubio, a former 2016 GOP primary rival, is reportedly willing to move to settle a potential dispute over living in the same state as Trump. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, who briefly ran against Trump in the most recent primary, has defended the former president on cable TV. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, also a brief 2024 primary challenger, stoked speculation with his comments to the Wall Street Journal.

Noem is scheduled to appear at a big fundraiser with many other veepstakes contenders, but this appears to a the rare exception to how she's handling her chances. Her recent moves are reminiscent of fictional TV characters like George Costanza and Saul Goodman, who purposely tried to get fired from their jobs (only Saul was successful). But she actually needs this. As a term-limited governor, Noem will have to find some way to further her career, which also includes time in the state legislature and Congress.

It really is an honor just to be nominated, or in this case, to receive coverage about becoming a running mate. Biden tasked his team with ensuring all the finalists on his shortlist experienced it as a boost, as former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti told The New York Times. It worked. Rep. Karen Bass is now mayor of Los Angeles, former UN Ambassador Susan Rice has a top post in Biden's White House, and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has a book deal and boosted presidential speculation of her own. Some, such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren, already had a national profile. But at the very least, it certainly wasn't a drag on their careers.

Noem's actions have made her future a lot less promising. And as South Dakota's newspaper put it, "There may be no coming back from the immediate damage to Noem's political career."

That dog just won't hunt.

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• Since Tesla's layoffs announcement in mid-April, six known executives have left the company.
• Some of the execs have cited plans to spend more time with family, while others have stayed silent.
• Elon Musk vowed to cut 10% of Tesla's workforce last month and called for "hardcore" cuts Monday.

Elon Musk is down half a dozen executives.

Since Musk announced layoffs of more than 10% of its workforce in April, six executives have departed. While some cited resignations, others left as their teams were completely dissolved.

In his latest email to employees regarding further layoffs on Monday, Musk said "we need to be absolutely hard core about headcount and cost reduction," according to a report from The Information.

Musk threatened even more executive heads could roll if deep-enough cuts weren't made.

He said that he would ask for the resignation of any executive "who retains more than three people who don't obviously pass the excellent, necessary and trustworthy test," according to the report.

BI compiled a list of all the known executives that have left Tesla in the last month, in order from most to least recent.

Tesla did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment on the executive departures.

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If you're shopping for a new TV in 2024, you have lots of options to choose from. Stores are packed with bright 4K displays, cheap HDTVs, and razor-sharp 8K sets. But while picture quality and specific features vary depending on what kind of display you get, the best TVs all share one thing in common: a reliable viewing experience.

I've been reviewing home entertainment products for more than a decade, and after hands-on testing and extensive research, I've selected the seven best TVs you can buy right now. The Samsung S90C is my top pick thanks to its high contrast, wide viewing angles, bright colors, and highly competitive price. Shoppers who want to spend less should consider my budget pick, the Hisense U6K. Its Mini LED backlight helps it deliver better image quality than other TVs in its price range.  

Below, you'll find all of my best TV picks, including high-end, midrange, 8K, and even HD models, to ensure that all budgets and viewing needs are accounted for. 

Note: All of our recommendations are available in multiple screen sizes. You can select different sizes on each retailer's page. Features are typically carried over across sizes, but there may be slight performance differences.

Our top picks for the best TVs

Best overall: Samsung S90C 4K TV – See at Amazon 

Best OLED on a budget: LG B3 4K TV – See at Amazon

Best high-end display: Sony A95L 4K TV – See at Amazon

Best budget QLED: Hisense U6K 4K TV – See at Walmart

Best midrange model: Hisense U7K 4K TV – See at Amazon

Best 8K display: Samsung QN900C 8K TV – See at Amazon

Best HDTV: TCL S3 Series HDTV – See at Amazon

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Best overall

The Samsung S90C is our pick for the best TV you can buy right now. It delivers top-notch image quality with a few picture-performance perks you won't find on other sets in its price range. 

The S90C has a 4K QD-OLED panel. The "QD" before "OLED" means it uses a screen technology called quantum dots, which can deliver nearly unrivaled color performance. The S90C is the most affordable QD-OLED on the market, giving it an edge over similarly priced LG and Sony OLEDs that don't use quantum dots. For the money, the S90C is simply the best 4K TV we've tested. 

The display can achieve a peak brightness level of about 1,000 nits, which helps the S90C deliver vibrant high-dynamic-range (HDR) images. That's still not as bright as top QLED TVs, but the S90C's OLED panel gives it pixel-level contrast control, which results in deeper black levels and more precise highlights without any blooming.

The only notable feature the S90C is missing is Dolby Vision support. Without getting too into the weeds, Dolby Vision is regarded as the best HDR format, and it's supported on Sony and LG displays. However, the benefits of Dolby Vision are subtle, especially on TVs that get as bright as the S90C, so we don't consider this a dealbreaker. You can learn more about different high-dynamic-range formats in our full HDR guide.

Though not our favorite smart TV platform, the S90C's Tizen interface works well enough and gives you access to all the best streaming services. And Samsung is the only TV brand that supports the Xbox Game Pass app directly on its TVs, which lets members stream Xbox games without a console. The TV also supports a smooth 144Hz refresh rate with a computer, a feature missing on some similarly priced LG and Sony models.

Samsung does sell more expensive OLED TVs that get even brighter, like the S95C OLED and brand-new flagship S95D OLED, but it's hard to beat the S90C's overall value. There's also a new 2024 version of this TV, the S90D, rolling out to stores. However, the S90D costs considerably more than the S90C and is not expected to offer a big upgrade in performance.

Read our Samsung S90C 4K TV review.

Note: The 83-inch S90C doesn't use quantum dots, so it can't match the color performance of smaller models. 

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Best OLED on a budget

Though you can find plenty of affordable QLED and LED displays, cheap OLED TVs are hard to snag. Currently, LG's B3 is the closest thing to a budget OLED, with the 65-inch model often on sale for $1,300 or less.

Like the more expensive OLEDs we recommend, the B3 offers an infinite contrast ratio with perfect black levels and wide viewing angles. On the downside, the B3 has a lower peak brightness of about 600-700 nits. HDR content still looks good, especially with Dolby Vision support, but the brightest highlights you see won't pop with the same vibrancy that you'd get on Samsung's S90C, Sony's A95L, or LG's pricier C and G series TVs. The lower brightness also makes the B3 less suited for spaces with many windows that let in sunlight.

On the plus side, the B3 has a 120Hz panel and HDMI 2.1 ports, just like many of LG's step-up models. This means it can support high frame rate gaming on a PS5, Xbox Series console, or PC. It also supports VRR (variable refresh rate). And the TV's webOS platform gives you access to plenty of apps.

It's important to note that LG just released a 2024 version of this TV, called the B4, but its specifications suggest only minor improvements over the B3. And right now, the B4 costs even more than our top pick, the Samsung S90C, so we don't recommend it as a budget OLED. 

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Best high-end display

The Sony A95L OLED is the absolute best TV you can buy for high-end picture performance. Like many of Samsung's OLEDs, it uses quantum dots to offer industry-leading color and contrast. But on top of that, the A95L boasts some of the highest peak brightness levels we've seen on an OLED and benefits from Sony's unique picture processing to produce superior image accuracy and upscaling. 

The differences can be subtle, but the A95L edges out other premium TVs in this class, including the Samsung S95 series and the LG G series. And unlike Samsung OLEDs, it supports Dolby Vision. Though not a huge benefit for a TV in this class, Dolby Vision is a nice perk since it gives the TV scene-by-scene guidance for rendering color and contrast when watching Dolby Vision content on popular services like Netflix and Disney Plus. 

The A95L is also one of the brightest OLEDs we've ever tested. We measured a peak of 1,500 nits with the TV in its most accurate "Professional" mode. That's 50% brighter than its predecessor, the A95K, and about on par with LG's G4. However, Samsung's brand-new S95D can get even brighter at a peak of around 1,700 nits. 

But while the A95L's brightness can't quite match the S95D's, its overall image quality remains our favorite. The TV's proprietary picture processing does an excellent job upscaling lower-quality sources, so cable TV and HD streams show fewer flaws. And Sony's tech still leads the industry in delivering the most accurate picture for the best home theater experience. We also like how the A95L's glossy screen preserves black levels better than the S95D's matte screen in a bright room. But, the S95D is better at reducing reflections. 

The A95L's Google TV operating system works well, so you can stream all your favorite services with simple navigation. A handy voice remote is included with Google Assistant, and it has a convenient backlight that activates when you pick it up. Sony even includes a webcam for video calls and gesture controls. 

The TV also has some nice design perks, including a stand that can be set up in one of two orientations: low profile, so the bottom of the screen is nearly flush with your entertainment console, or high profile, so the TV is lifted a bit to make room for a soundbar in front. And since this year's model uses left and right feet rather than a pedestal design, the low-profile option no longer causes the display to lean back.

As far as high-end displays go, the A95L is a nearly flawless TV. Its only real drawbacks are its limited number of 120Hz HDMI ports (just two) and its lack of 144Hz PC support. But if you have the funds and want the most impressive picture quality that money can buy, the A95L is the best TV to get. 

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Best budget QLED

The Hisense U6K is the most affordable TV of its kind. It has quantum dots and local dimming with a Mini LED backlight. The former feature enables a wide range of bright colors, while the latter gives the TV deep black levels. Mini LEDs are especially rare on a TV in this price range, and they provide more precise control over the panel's contrast levels.   

You can often find the 65-inch U6K on sale for just $550 or less, an incredible value. Sure, it has fewer dimming zones than step-up models like the U7K, but its performance is nearly unmatched by rivals in this class. Most budget TVs lack wide color support and often top out at about 300 nits, but the U6K offers an expanded color gamut and up to 600 nits of brightness. We generally recommend at least 800-1,000 nits for the best performance, but 600 is enough to start seeing the benefits of HDR. 

However, gamers should remember that the TV only has a 60Hz refresh rate rather than 120Hz. This means it can't support high frame rate gaming on a PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or PC. The display's viewing angles are also poor, but that's to be expected for pretty much any TV in this class.

The U6K is a bit of an outlier in the TV market right now, hitting an especially appealing sweet spot between entry-level pricing and performance. There are cheaper TVs, but the U6K offers a big jump in image quality over other budget options while maintaining a low price. Hisense does have a brand-new 2024 version of this set, called the U6N, but it's not expected to offer a big upgrade and currently costs much more than the U6K.  

Read our full Hisense U6K 4K TV review. 

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Best midrange model

Hisense's U7K is easily one of the best TVs for under $1,000. It offers a brighter picture and a higher refresh rate than the step-down U6K but still costs less than a lot of similar TVs from other brands. 

The U7K's QLED panel can deliver up to 1,000 nits of peak brightness, which is fantastic for a TV in this price range and nearly double what you get on the cheaper U6K. And the TV's Mini LED screen uses more dimming zones, so you get better contrast control. During our testing, we saw deep black levels and encountered no notable halos around bright objects.

When it comes to gaming, the TV has two HDMI 2.1 ports, so it can support high frame rates and variable refresh rate (VRR) with full 120Hz compatibility on a PS5 or Xbox Series X. Its refresh rate can even go up to 144Hz with a PC, which is especially rare for a set in this price range. You also get solid smart TV capabilities via the display's Google TV interface and Google Assistant remote, but navigation can be a little sluggish. 

Compared to more expensive QLED TVs, the U7K has some drawbacks. HDR highlights can't get quite as bright, and you might notice some minor brightness fluctuations and uniformity issues here and there. The TV's viewing angles are also mediocre, so color and contrast degrade if you sit off to the side.  

Still, it's hard to fault the U7K too much for these cons since it does so much right for such an amazing price. Buyers should note that there is a new 2024 version of this TV, called the U7N, to consider as well. It's listed as offering an even brighter picture, but it costs over $1,000, so we think the U7K remains the better option for the money. 

Read our full Hisense U7K 4K TV review.

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Best 8K display 

Samsung's QN900C is one of the company's top-of-the-line QLED TVs. It boasts an 8K panel, which can deliver four times the total number of pixels compared to a 4K TV. It also uses a Mini LED backlight with exceptional local dimming capabilities to produce some of the best contrast and black-level performance we've ever seen on an LCD-based display. 

The QN900C is also one of the brightest TVs you can buy. During our tests, it managed a peak of about 2,300 nits in Filmmaker Mode. This results in fantastic HDR images. And though it still can't compete with the infinite contrast ratio of an OLED, the QN900C's specular highlight performance has a bit more punch. Best of all, the TV can hit this high brightness while maintaining deep black levels with minimal blooming. Viewing angles are also superior to most rival QLED TVs, so colors and contrast degrade less when sitting off to the side. 

Of course, what really differentiates the QN900C from Samsung's other high-end TVs is its 8K screen, which offers a resolution of 7680 x 4320 versus the 3840 x 2160p resolution you'd get on a 4K TV. But while that is four times the resolution, the actual benefit of all those extra pixels is hard to see. Don't get us wrong, the QN900C is a razor-sharp display. But so are Samsung's top 4K TVs. The higher pixel density does give 8K sets a slight edge in clarity if you like to sit up close to a big display, but otherwise, we don't think 8K resolution is a big selling point.

This is reinforced by the fact that there really isn't any native 8K content to watch. Outside some YouTube videos, everything you'll find on major streaming services, discs, or cable will be in 4K, HD, or SD. The QN900C does an excellent job upscaling these lower resolutions to 8K, but again, the results aren't dramatically better than what you'll see on a much cheaper 4K model.     

But if you're set on getting an 8K TV, you can't go wrong with the QN900C. It's one of the best Samsung TVs you can buy, especially if you opt for a 75-inch model or larger. You're more likely to notice the subtle benefits an 8K panel can provide at that screen size, so we don't recommend considering an 8K TV smaller than that.

Samsung just launched a new 2024 edition of this set, the QN900D, which looks incredible in person as well. But the 75-inch QN900D sells for about $2,300 more than the QN900C is going for right now, and it doesn't deliver a big enough performance jump to justify that price increase. However, we do expect the QN900D to gradually drop in price as the year goes on. 

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Best HDTV

Buyers who just want a cheap HDTV in a smaller screen size should look no further than this affordable TCL display. 

The S3 Series is a basic 1080p smart TV that ranges in size from 32 to 43 inches. At such small screen sizes, you'd be hard-pressed to see the full benefits of a 4K display, so the TV's Full HD resolution suits it just fine. Its smaller form factor makes it a nice choice for cozier spaces like a bedroom.

When it comes to image quality, the S3 is nothing special. It doesn't use quantum dots or feature local dimming, so color, contrast, black-level performance, and brightness won't be anywhere near what you'd get with any of the more expensive TVs we recommend. It technically supports HDR10 playback, but the TV's specs aren't really capable of showing the benefits of that format, so we don't think HDR is all that useful on a TV in this class. However, the S3's basic picture performance gets the job done, especially if you just want something for casual viewing. 

For smart TV streaming, the S3 uses the Roku OS. Roku's interface is one of our favorites thanks to its simplicity and reliability. It's not the most modern-looking platform, but it offers easy access to all the most popular streaming services. 

Home theater fans and gamers should look elsewhere, but buyers who need a cheap HDTV should be satisfied with the S3. 

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Other TVs we tested

Though they didn't quite make the cut, we tested several other models for consideration in our guide to the best TVs. Here's a rundown of some other notable displays we reviewed, along with details on why they didn't make our selection of top picks. 

TCL Q7 QLED 4K TV – See at Amazon
TCL's Q7 is an excellent mid-tier 4K TV. It's similar to the Hisense U7K, our top midrange TV pick. However, the U7K has a slight edge thanks to its Mini LED backlight, which gives it better contrast control.

Read our TCL Q7 4K TV review.

Roku Plus Series QLED 4K TV – See at Best Buy
The Roku Plus Series is a budget-friendly QLED TV with solid performance across the board. But we think most people shopping for a TV in this class are better off with the Hisense U6K, our top QLED pick on a budget, which costs a bit less.

Read our Roku Plus Series 4K TV review.

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED – See at Amazon
The Omni QLED is Amazon's flagship smart TV model. It offers convenient hands-free Alexa control, but its picture quality is beaten by cheaper sets like the Hisense U6K. 

Read our Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED review.

Amazon Fire TV Omni – See at Amazon
Amazon's standard Omni series 4K TV delivers mediocre picture performance for the money. If the TV's Alexa integration is a selling point, we recommend getting the Omni QLED instead since it delivers much better image quality for nearly the same price.

Read our Amazon Fire TV Omni review. Check out our Fire TV buying guide. 

How we test TVs

We selected picks for our best TV guide based on a combination of hands-on testing and research informed by extensive expertise in the home entertainment product space. We evaluate displays across a series of testing factors, including image clarity, contrast, high dynamic range capabilities, peak brightness, color range, viewing angles, smart TV features, and overall value. 

We use an X-Rite iDisplay Plus colorimeter to measure a TV's brightness and test patterns from the Spears & UHD HDR Benchmark 4K Blu-ray disc to evaluate other objective display capabilities. 

We also rely on an assortment of clips from movies and TV shows to get a better feel for how a TV actually performs under regular use. Clips are selected to focus on sequences that help demonstrate a TV's black levels, highlight performance, color range, and clarity. We also watch a mix of native 4K resolution (Ultra HD), high definition (HD), and standard definition (SD) content to see how a TV handles various resolutions through streaming, cable, and Blu-ray players. Viewing is conducted in both bright and dark rooms. 

Smart TV features and navigation are also tested to determine how long it takes for apps to load and how reliable overall stability is. Voice search and digital assistant performance are taken into account as well, along with other extra perks like ambient modes, smart home control, and game streaming support.

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What to look for in a TV

If you buy a TV in 2024, chances are it will be branded as one of four primary display types: OLED, QD-OLED, QLED, or LED. Though performance varies depending on which specific model you buy, each technology has its own strengths and weaknesses that could make it better suited for different kinds of viewers. 

Below is a rundown of the pros and cons for each, along with info on different smart TV platforms and size recommendations. For a more detailed breakdown of TV panel technology, check out our QLED vs. OLED comparison.

What is an OLED TV?

An OLED (organic light-emitting diode) TV uses self-illuminating pixel technology to display its images without a backlight. 

Who it's best for: OLED TVs are best for people who want high-end picture performance in a space that doesn't let in a ton of ambient light. Though they still look good in most living rooms, some models can be too dim for areas filled with direct sunlight.

Pros:

• Infinite contrast ratio
• True black levels
• Wide viewing angles
• Expanded color gamut
• Overall performance is similar across different models

Cons:

• Peak brightness is typically dimmer than top QD-OLED or QLED TVs*
• Color volume can't match the best TVs with quantum dots
• Some risk of burn-in in extreme cases
• Limited sizes and budget tiers to choose from

*LG's G3 and G4 OLED TVs use Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology, enabling them to match top QD-OLED TVs' peak brightness.

What is a QD-OLED TV?

A QD-OLED TV is a type of OLED TV that adds a filter of quantum dots in its panel to enable better color and brightness performance

Who it's best for: QD-OLED TVs are great for people who want the absolute best picture quality. Since they're brighter than regular OLED models, QD-OLED TVs are suited for both home theaters and average living rooms alike, and they deliver a bit more HDR punch in highlights.  

Pros: 

• Infinite contrast ratio
• True black levels
• Wide viewing angles
• Expanded color gamut
• Brighter than a regular OLED
• Better color volume than a standard OLED

Cons:

• Peak brightness still can't match top QLED TVs
• Some risk of burn-in in extreme cases
• Limited sizes and budget tiers to choose from

What is a QLED TV?

A QLED is a TV that uses an LCD (liquid crystal display) panel with an LED (light emitting diode) or Mini LED backlight and a filter of quantum dots. QLED TVs may or may not include local dimming, which enables contrast control over specific LEDs on the screen. To get the best performance on a QLED TV, you should look for models with local dimming and a Mini LED backlight. 

Who it's best for: QLED TVs are good for people who favor high brightness to get the best performance in rooms that let in a lot of outside light. High-end models can also deliver excellent overall picture performance with vibrant HDR highlights, but we still prefer OLED technology for the best quality in a home theater.

Pros: 

• Top models have industry-leading brightness and color volume 
• Models with local dimming and Mini LEDs can provide great contrast 
• No risk of burn-in
• Lots of sizes and budget tiers to choose from

Cons:

• Even top Mini LED models can't match the contrast of an OLED
• Black levels are lacking on models without local dimming
• Viewing angles are typically mediocre
• Performance varies a lot across different models and budget tiers

What is an LED TV?

An LED TV uses LCD panel technology with an LED or Mini LED backlight. Backlights can either be direct or edge-lit. The main difference between an LED and a QLED TV is that LED TVs don't use quantum dots. Most TVs branded as LED are budget-focused models without local dimming or wide color support, but some exceptions exist.

Who it's best for: LED TVs are best suited for budget shoppers. Most of these displays only offer basic image quality and lack the color and contrast performance you'd get on a QLED or OLED. 

Pros: 

• No risk of burn-in
• Lots of sizes and affordable options

Cons:

• Typically lack wide color support
• Contrast is mediocre without local dimming
• Edge-lit backlights can lead to uneven black levels
• Viewing angles are usually mediocre

What size TV is best?

TVs come in various sizes, with some models offering options as small as 24 inches and others offering options as large as 100 inches or more. When deciding what size TV to get, you should consider a few factors, including the display's resolution, the size of the room it's in, how close you plan to sit, and how much money you're willing to spend. 

Typically, bigger screen sizes are pricier than comparable models in smaller sizes, and you'll need to have a big enough TV stand or wall to fit the TV you buy. Certain sizes are also better suited for certain resolutions.

For instance, HD resolution screens are still acceptable for smaller sizes, around 43 inches or under. In that range, it's difficult to see the benefits of a higher resolution from an average viewing distance. On sets 50 inches and larger, however, we recommend opting for a 4K set to get the best image quality, especially if you plan to sit close to your display. Meanwhile, the benefits of 8K resolution are best appreciated on extra-large TVs that are 75 inches or more.

Many companies use 65 inches as their flagship size to show off their best TV models, and we think this size offers a great balance between big-screen immersion and value without getting too big for most living rooms.

Check out our size-specific guides to see our top recommendations for each major class:

• Best 85-inch TVs
• Best 75-inch TVs
• Best 65-inch TVs
• Best 55-inch TVs
• Best 50-inch TVs

What smart TV interfaces does each brand use?

Pretty much any new TV you buy in 2024 will be a smart TV with built-in support for accessing various streaming services. However, different brands use different smart TV operating systems (OS). 

Here's a breakdown of popular smart TV platforms and the brands that use them:

• Android TV: Older models from Sony, TCL, and Hisense
• Fire TV: Amazon, Toshiba, Insignia, Pioneer, Hisense
• Google TV: Sony, TCL, Hisense
• Roku TV: Roku, TCL, Hisense
• SmartCast: Vizio
• Tizen: Samsung
• webOS: LG

There are slight differences in the selection of apps across each service, but every major smart TV platform offers access to all the most popular streaming services. They all deliver similar features, but the style of navigation, personalization options, and extra perks vary.

We generally like Roku's interface the best since it's the most straightforward and reliable. However, its design is a little outdated compared to other platforms that offer a more slick, content-focused style. 

Which smart TV OS is best for your needs depends on personal preference and whether you're already plugged into a smart home ecosystem. For instance, a Google TV or Fire TV will pair more seamlessly with existing Google or Amazon accounts and devices you might already own. 

If you don't like the interface built into your TV, we recommend checking out our guide to the best streaming devices. You can choose a stand-alone streaming device with whatever OS you prefer. Stand-alone streaming players also tend to offer snappier performance than built-in smart TV interfaces. Reliable Roku and Fire TV devices are frequently on sale for as little as $20. 

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TV FAQs

Should you buy a new 2024 TV or a 2023 model?

Several brands, including LG, Samsung, Sony, and Hisense, have launched their first crop of 2024 TVs, and additional models will continue to roll out through the spring and summer. 

That said, 2023 TV models will remain available throughout the year until stock runs out. Though there are exceptions, performance upgrades are often minor when comparing 2023 TVs to their 2024 counterparts, and 2024 options are currently selling for a lot more money. With that in mind, we think most 2023 TVs remain the best value

When is the best time to buy a TV?

If you're shopping for a new TV, the best time to purchase a display is during big deals events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Amazon Prime Day. TVs often drop to their lowest prices during these sales. You can also find big discounts in the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl and shopping events tied to holidays like the Fourth of July and Memorial Day.

However, TVs still get smaller discounts year-round, so finding a solid deal outside a big sales event is not rare. For current discounts, check out our ongoing guide to the best TV deals. 

What TV brands should you consider?

There are many TV brands to choose from, but some are better for certain needs than others. Sony, Samsung, and LG are the cream of the crop if you're looking for the latest display technologies and the best build quality. However, their midrange and entry-level TVs are slightly overpriced compared to similar options from competing brands. If you want a high-end OLED or QLED TV, the above brands should be your first choice, but you can often get more bang for your buck from other companies. 

For instance, Hisense, TCL, and Vizio all sell affordable mid-tier QLED TVs that offer similar, if not better, picture quality than comparable options from Sony, LG, and Samsung. You'll still get better build quality and fancier design perks from those more expensive brands, but these value-geared companies deliver advanced features like quantum dots and local dimming without breaking the bank.   

Roku and Amazon have also launched midrange and entry-level TVs to compete with Hisense, Vizio, and TCL. Their top models are solid buys if you can snag them on sale, but otherwise, you can find options with slightly better specs for about the same price from other companies. 

Buyers who just want a no-frills entry-level LED TV should also consider budget brands like Insignia and Toshiba. Both companies sell inexpensive 4K and HDTVs that use the Amazon Fire TV interface, and they tend to get heavily discounted during sales like Prime Day and Black Friday. Generally, we recommend paying a bit more to get a TV from one of the other brands we've already mentioned, but these displays are fine for casual viewing, especially if you want a smaller screen for a bedroom or dorm.  

Do TVs offer good sound quality?

Generally speaking, TVs offer mediocre sound quality. To keep TVs thin and affordable, manufacturers use small speaker drivers, often positioned in areas with poor performance. This leads to weak sound quality with muddy dialogue, flat dynamics, and a lack of bass. 

We recommend purchasing a soundbar or a full surround sound system to get the best sound quality with your TV. Check out our guides to the best soundbars, best budget soundbars, and the best Dolby Atmos soundbars to see our top recommendations.

And for more details on the latest advancements in immersive surround sound technology, check out our guide to all the ins and outs of Dolby Atmos.

Can I watch free local channels on my TV?

All of the best TVs include integrated digital tuners that can receive free over-the-air broadcasts when paired with an antenna and a coaxial cable. Reliable digital antennas can cost as little as $20. Check out our guide to the best indoor TV antennas to see our top recommendations. 

The exact number of channels you'll be able to pick up relies heavily on where you live, but so long as you're within a certain distance from local broadcast towers, you should be able to watch channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox. You can check the available channels in your community through the AntennaWeb tool. 

If you live in an area with poor antenna reception but still want an alternative to cable that provides access to popular channels, check out our guide to the best live TV streaming services.

Should I be worried about burn-in on my TV?

If you leave a static image on your TV for too long, some displays are susceptible to an issue called burn-in. When burn-in occurs, a faint outline of an image gets permanently stuck on your display. Thankfully, burn-in is rare on modern TVs, so most people don't need to worry about it. However, there are some considerations you should be aware of.    

First and foremost, OLED is the only current TV technology prone to burn-in. Though LCD-based TVs, like QLED and LED, are not 100% immune to burn-in, cases are so rare that they're not considered to be at risk like an OLED TV. But while OLED shoppers should be mindful of this risk, all OLED TVs have built-in features designed to prevent burn-in, including pixel-shift modes and pixel-refreshers. 

Websites like Rtings have done long-term burn-in tests with various OLED models. Though their results prove that burn-in can technically occur on even the best OLED TVs, their tests reveal that it's not really an issue for people with regular viewing habits. Burn-in only happens in extreme situations, like if you just watch the same cable channel with the same logo at the bottom of the screen all day long. 

I've owned an LG CX OLED TV for over two years. I stream various services, watch cable TV, and play video games (with plenty of static elements) regularly, and the TV shows no signs of burn-in. Unless you plan to stay tuned to the same cable news channel 24/7, we don't think burn-in should be a primary factor when deciding between an OLED TV or another display type.

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• The House passed a bill to crack down on antisemitism on college campuses.
• 70 House Democrats voted against it, including the longest-serving Jewish House Democrat.
• That's because the bill defines some criticisms of Israel as being antisemitic.

The House of Representatives passed a bill on Wednesday designed to crack down on antisemitism on college campuses.

The bill sailed through by a 320-91 bipartisan vote, with 70 House Democrats and 21 House Republicans voting against it.

Lawmakers who voted against the bill aren't necessarily supportive of antisemitism, or opposed to efforts to curb it. Rather, they had issues with the definition of antisemitism that the bill would mandate.

The Antisemitism Awareness Act, led by Republican Rep. Mike Lawler of New York and cosponsored by 61 other lawmakers across both parties, would require the Department of Education to use definitions of antisemitism proposed by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) when enforcing anti-discrimination laws.

That IHRA definition of antisemitism — alongside obvious instances of antisemitism — encompasses some criticisms commonly made against the State of Israel, including:

• Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.

• Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.

That's led to concerns on the part of more progressive lawmakers that free speech norms could be violated, and that anti-Zionism or opposition to Israel could be conflated with antisemitism.

On Wednesday, Rep. Jerry Nadler — the longest-serving Jewish House Democrat — spoke out against the bill on the House floor, arguing that the IHRA's definitions of antisemitism "may include protected speech in some contexts, particularly with respect to criticism of the State of Israel."

"Speech that is critical of Israel alone does not constitute unlawful discrimination," said Nadler, arguing that the Department of Education already has the ability to investigate discrimination under current law.

The vote took place on Wednesday as college campuses across the country have been swept by pro-Palestinian protests.

"Much of this activity, whether you agree with the sentiments expressed at these protests or not, constitutes legally protected speech," said Nadler. "Some participants shamefully have exhibited antisemitic conduct, and the Department of Education will rightfully investigate them."

In December, Nadler also led 92 House Democrats in voting "present" on a GOP-sponsored resolution that equated anti-Zionism with antisemitism. 13 House Democrats voted against the resolution outright.

In an effort to avoid this split, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries asked House Speaker Mike Johnson to take up a separate bill — the Counter Antisemitism Act — which would include establishing a National Coordinator to oversee an Interagency Task Force to Counter Antisemitism in the White House.

Republicans had their own issues with the bill. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia said that she would vote against the bill because it "could convict Christians of antisemitism" for believing that Jewish people played a role in the killing of Jesus Christ — a notion that the Catholic Church has refuted since the 1960s.

It's unclear when — or if — the bill will be taken up in the Senate, where the bill has 30 cosponsors, roughly half of whom are Democrats.

This story will be updated with a list of lawmakers who voted against the bill when it becomes available.

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• Fisker customers are worried about how a potential bankruptcy could impact service needs.
• Some Fisker owners probably wish they had leased over buying.
• There are several reasons to consider leasing an EV over buying. 

Fisker has said it could go out of business by the end of the year.

As it searches for a lifeline, owners of its vehicles are desperately asking what will happen if they miss out on future tech updates and service needs. 

Some Fisker owners who purchased their vehicles outright may now be wishing they had leased instead.

To be sure, the vast majority of EV owners don't have to worry about the maker of their vehicles imminently going out of business. But Fisker's issues do highlight some of the benefits of leasing over buying, particularly in the EV market, which features limited used-market pricing data and few insights into long-term battery degradation.

Leasing is often eschewed by financial advisors, but here's why it might make more sense for EV buyers today:

Batteries are improving 

Battery technology is only going to improve in terms of overall range, as well as charging speed and longevity.

The average range of an electric vehicle was less than 200 miles in 2010 — but is now closer to 350, according to the International Energy Agency.

Charging ports are also in flux as the industry switches to the North American Charging Standard, which was pioneered by Tesla. (That said, adapters can help you keep up with any charging port changes).

Used EV prices are a huge question mark

There's limited data on EV resale prices. 

Pre-owned EV prices have fallen in line with new EV prices. The Average used EV sold for about $23,787 in February 2024, down from more than $32,000 a year ago, according to data from Recurrent. Some models, like the Tesla Model Y, have fallen even more. Compared to gas-powered cars, EVs tend to lose their value much faster, according to an iSeeCars study that looked at 5-year depreciation.

Several newer EV models don't have enough used options on the market to accurately estimate their value.  

EV leasing is growing in popularity

Leasing an EV is no longer a niche concept. About 27% of all EVs were leased in the first months of 2024, more than double the previous year, according to data from Cox Automotive. Many leases can still qualify for the $7,500 tax credit, too. 

Leases can often cost less than a loan — but you don't get any equity. The average monthly loan was about $744 in March, according to Cox, while lease deals can be found as low as $500, according to data compiled by Electrek.

Of course, there are mileage limits and other limitations on a lease, but some EV makers are trying to rethink vehicle ownership. Polestar last year launched a "flexible lease" program with an early opt-out at five months with no termination fee, and Hyundai's "evolve+" subscription program comes with 1,000 miles a month and no long-term commitment. 

"At the end of the day, leasing is a great solution for customers that want to try it out, that might be afraid of some of the residual value pieces," GM CFO Paul Jacobson told investors in 2022. "Lease is going to be a very valuable tool across EVs."

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• The Supreme Court denied military chaplains' lawsuit claiming retaliation for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.
• They accused the Defense Department of denying religious exemptions and ruining their careers.
• In 2023, an appellate court deemed the case moot since the military's vaccine mandate was rescinded.

The US Supreme Court has decided not to hear a case involving 39 military chaplains who say they continue to face recrimination for refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine for religious reasons.

In an announcement Monday of the cases the court has selected to hear next year, the justices denied the chaplains' petition to review last year's dismissal of the case by the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

The appellate court ruled that the Defense Department's decision in January 2023 to rescind the vaccine mandate rendered the chaplains' case moot.

In their petition, the chaplains said they needed the court to consider the case to protect them and their First Amendment rights. They argued that many continue to have bad marks in their fitness reports that influence assignments and promotions.

"These chaplains' careers are dead men walking, direct consequences of filing [religious accommodation requests]," the petition stated.

According to court documents, the chaplains filed the lawsuit "when it became obvious" that the Defense Department was denying religious accommodation requests. They claimed that since the mandate was dropped, the Defense Department has made false claims that all adverse actions have been removed from the personnel files of those who had asked for a religious exemption.

With the Supreme Court's decision not to hear the case, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling stands, an affirmation of the lower court's finding that renders the case, Israel Alvarado et. al. v. Austin, moot.

At least 50 service members previously sued the Defense Department over its vaccine mandate, alleging that the services and the Pentagon had violated their right to religious freedom for "categorically denying" their request for religious exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine.

In one case involving several Navy SEALs, a district court judge quashed the Navy's ability to punish the sailors for refusing the vaccine order, a ruling which was upheld by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals but later rejected by the US Supreme Court.

The Defense Department was later ordered to pay $1.8 million in legal fees as settlement for two lawsuits over the mandate.

The Defense Department began requiring service members to get the COVID-19 vaccine in August 2021. More than 2 million troops and nearly 350,000 Defense Department civilian employees received the vaccines, two of which used emerging technology — messenger RNA — to teach a recipient's immune system to replicate the spike protein found on the COVID-19 virus and destroy it.

More than 17,000 service members refused to take the vaccine, with some citing concerns over the new technology and others saying they objected on religious grounds, noting that the widely available vaccines from Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson were tested using cell lines derived from fetal tissue obtained from abortions decades ago.

Roughly 8,400 troops were discharged, including 3,717 Marines, 2,041 Navy sailors, 1,841 Army soldiers, and 834 Air Force and Space Force members, and more than 1,000 service members received religious exemptions before the mandate was dropped.

A total of 690 service members, dependents and civilian Defense Department employees died from COVID-19 between the start of the pandemic in early 2020 and Dec. 8, 2022, the date the DoD stopped publishing updates of its COVID-related deaths.

Nearly 1.2 million Americans have died and more than 7 million deaths have occurred worldwide as a result of the virus, first detected in China in late 2019.

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• The US Army has unveiled photos of its new Bradley infantry fighting vehicle.
• In a statement, the Army called it "the most modern and survivable version" of the vehicle yet.
• Bradleys have been an important tool for Ukrainian forces, who have repeatedly praised the vehicle.

The US Army has released photos of the newest and most advanced version of its Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, combat-proven armor that Ukraine has been using against Russia.

In a Tuesday statement, the Army's Program Executive Office Ground Combat Systems posted images of the new next-generation M2A4E1 Bradley variant revealed in Maine last week, calling it "the most modern and survivable version" of the armored vehicle.

The new Bradley IFV, the office explained in a social media post, is the result "of integrating an Iron Fist Active Protection System, improved High Definition Forward Looking Infrared Gunner's Sight, and an Environmental Control Unit to prevent heat stress for dismounts."

The Iron Fist APS is a significant defensive upgrade for the Bradley, and one that the Army had long been looking into for its vehicles. Manufactured by Israel's Elbit Systems, the Iron Fist provides hard-kill protection against anti-armor weapons like rockets or missiles by firing an interceptor munition to engage the inbound threat from a distance.

Iron Fist "increases survivability" for armored vehicles against anti-tank threats and is effective against "all types of anti-armor threats," according to a fact sheet published by Elbit. Maj. Gen. Glenn Dean, who leads the PEOGCS, told Breaking Defense in late-March that the Army had finally signed a deal to acquire the Iron Fist after previously suggesting it couldn't afford the highly advanced systems.

"The Army received funding to procure the M2A4E1 for every Bradley donated to Ukraine," the PEOGCS said this week. It's not immediately clear how much money that will amount to.

According to the latest Pentagon data, the US has sent more than 200 M2A2 Bradleys to Ukraine as part of the more than $50 billion in security assistance Washington has committed to Kyiv since Russia's full-scale war began in February 2022. That aid also includes other American-made armored systems, like Strykers vehicles and Abrams tanks.

The Bradleys first arrived on the battlefield in Ukraine almost exactly a year ago, giving Kyiv a significant armor boost ahead of its much-anticipated — though ultimately lackluster — summer counteroffensive.

Ukrainian soldiers have since praised the Bradley for its survivability and firepower in combat, commending it for being a powerful upgrade over similar Soviet systems.

The vehicles have been captured on video raking Russian troops positions and destroying advanced tanks, but they are not untouchable, as many have fallen victim to Russian artillery and defensive measures, including mines.

The Bradley, initially built as a response to Soviet infantry fighting vehicles, entered service in the 1980s and was deployed to the Gulf War the following decade before being sent to Iraq in the 2000s. They are highly maneuverable and can transport as many as six fully equipped troops to and from the battlefield.

Bradleys are armed with Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided missiles (the US has sent Ukraine more than 9,000 TOW missiles), which can hit enemy armor; a 25mm M242 Bushmaster chain gun; and a 7.62mm M240C machine gun. It has an operational range of around 300 miles and can drive at speeds of over 40 miles per hour.

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• The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady once again on Wednesday.
• Powell said inflation data is not yet where it needs to be to consider cutting rates.
• He said it'll take better inflation data or "unexpected" labor market weakness before that happens.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will not say when the nation's central bank will cut interest rates, but he did say what it will take for that to happen.

On Wednesday, the Federal Open Market Committee announced that interest rates will remain unchanged, continuing the pause that began in September following 11 consecutive rate hikes. However, the announcement confirmed that rate cuts won't be happening any time soon, with the FOMC's statement saying that "there has been a lack of further progress toward the Committee's 2 percent inflation objective."

The Consumer Price Index, which measures inflation, rose 3.5% year-over-year in March, a slight increase from the 3.2% year-over-year reading in February. Given that inflation is not coming down at the rate the Fed is hoping for, Powell said during his Wednesday press conference that the central bank needs to wait for more economic data before cutting rates enters the discussion.

'We've said that we don't think it would be appropriate to dial back our restrictive policy stance until we gain greater confidence that inflation is moving down sustainably toward 2%," Powell said.

"If we did have a path where inflation proves more persistent than expected, and where the labor market remains strong but inflation is moving sideways, and we're not gaining greater confidence, that would be a case in which it could be appropriate to hold off on rate cuts," he continued.

But he said the economy could take one of two paths that would give the Fed enough confidence to cut rates: further data to prove that inflation is moving toward the Fed's 2% target and an "unexpected weakening in the labor market."

The labor market has continued to be strong, dampening any urgency the Fed might have to cut rates. The US added 303,000 US jobs in March, with Julia Pollak, the chief economist at ZipRecruiter, previously calling that data "the Fed's holy grail: strong job market with non-inflationary growth."

However, with inflation still above target, rate cuts are not yet in the picture. Powell did note, however, that it's "unlikely" there will be any interest-rate hikes, strongly indicating that rates will remain steady until the Fed gets the data it needs to begin considering relief for prospective borrowers.

The Fed's decision to hold rates steady prompted some pushback from Democratic lawmakers who are worried that continued high rates will hurt Americans. Rep. Brendan Boyle, the top Democrat on the House Budget Committee, said in a statement that "the longer the Fed maintains these elevated interest rates, the greater the risk of harming that economic progress."

"The Fed must remember its dual mandate and avoid keeping these rates too high for too long," Boyle said.

Powell said he's "acutely aware that high inflation imposes significant hardship as it erodes purchasing power, especially for those least able to meet the higher costs of essentials like food, housing, and transportation."

And he won't risk easing up on the Fed's restrictive policy too early.

"We believe it is restrictive, and we believe over time it will be sufficiently restrictive," Powell said. "That will be a question that the data will have to answer."

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• Harvey Weinstein had his first court appearance since New York's highest court overturned his conviction.
• Prosecutors want to have a retrial in September.
• Weinstein's separate 16-year sentence in Los Angeles is also being appealed.

Harvey Weinstein appeared in court Wednesday for the first time since last week's explosive ruling overturning his New York rape conviction.

At the hearing Wednesday afternoon, trial judge Curtis Farber set a new trial date for "after Labor Day" of this year. Prosecutors said they would be ready for a retrial as soon as September.

New York state's highest court overturned the former film mogul's 2020 conviction. In a 4-3 decision, it ruled the trial judge, New York Supreme Court Justice James Burke, made an error by allowing testimony from other women who alleged Weinstein sexually abused them, even though he wasn't charged with the conduct. Burke has since left his post, leaving the case in Farber's hands.

While prosecutors sought to show jurors that Weinstein had repeatedly abused women, the New York Court of Appeals said such testimony was "highly prejudicial" and served to "diminish defendant's character before the jury."

"The remedy for these egregious errors is a new trial," the judges wrote.

At the 2020 trial, jurors found Weinstein guilty of raping one woman and a first-degree criminal sex act with another woman. The Manhattan district attorney's office has said it wants to bring him to trial again, which would require those two women to take the witness stand and submit to cross-examination from his lawyers a second time.

Weinstein, sitting in a wheelchair, was brought into the chilly courtroom — two floors down from where former President Donald Trump is sitting trial in the Manhattan criminal courthouse — where he was photographed next to his lawyers.

One of his attorneys, Arthur Aidala, objected to allowing press photographers, saying there were "a million pictures" of Weinstein from his two criminal trials and life as a celebrated film producer.

Burke said the objection was "noted." Earlier, he clicked on the angular Tiffany-style lamp on his bench, offering more illumination for the photographers.

Manhattan district attorney prosecutor Nicole Blumberg said they would be ready to take the case to trial again as soon as September. After conferring with the attorneys, Burke said the trial would begin "Sometime after Labor Day, the exact date to be determined," after additional court hearings.

Jessica Mann, one of Weinstein's accusers, was in the courtroom for the hearing. Blumberg said Mann was "committed to seeing justice served again."

"We have every belief the defendant will be convicted again after the trial," Blumberg said.

Weinstein "has very, very serious health issues" — including reported diabetes and cardiac problems — but was under good care in Manhattan's Bellevue hospital, Aidala told the judge.

"He's sharp as a tack, he's smart as he ever was, he's read hundreds of hundreds of books," Aidala said.

Weinstein has been serving his now-overturned 23-year-sentence in New York's Mohawk Correctional Facility, but he still won't walk free.

Burke said Weinstein would be remanded in the care of the New York City Department of Corrections "on consent" of his legal team.

And in Los Angeles, Weinstein was found guilty of rape in a separate trial and sentenced to 16 additional years in prison.

His legal team is also appealing that conviction. Jennifer Bonjean, the attorney representing him in that appeal, observed the Manhattan courtroom proceedings in the front row.

Aidala said the Los Angeles conviction was also in question, since jurors were informed about the New York conviction — which has now been overturned.

As he was being wheeled out of court at the end of the hearing, Weinstein low-fived members of his legal team from his wheelchair.

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• USS Boxer, an amphibious assault ship, is undergoing repairs, causing disruptions to Marine Corps operations.
• The ship's issues began in 2022 and have continued, delaying deployment.
• Naval Surface Force has stated that the USS Boxer may deploy this summer.

USS Boxer, a namphibious assault ship, is undergoing repairs, and a top general says that the hang-ups are affecting Marine Corps operations and depriving the force of key capabilities.

"When you lose your big-deck, you lose most of your aviation assets and you lose your crisis response force," Marine Corps commandant Gen. Eric M. Smith told members of the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday.

Smith also said that Marines cannot train the same with the USS Boxer, a large flattop that resembles a medium-sized aircraft carrier, currently out of action.

Amphibious assault ships, or LHDs, typically have flight and hangar decks that helicopters and aircraft like the Harrier jump jet or newer F-35Bs can operate from.

USS Boxer has experienced ongoing technical issues since 2022, when two of the ship's forced draft fans repeatedly failed. The following year, there were two additional incidents. The ship's main gearbox was spun without proper lubrication. The details of the other incident remain unclear.

Some of the ship's engineers were found to have been negligent in past command investigations into some of the Boxer's problems.

More recently, the ship's rudder is in need of repairs and its roller bearing system is under evaluation after failing.

"We are evaluating the different procedures that will be done to repair her. It's about a four- to six-week repair," Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, the Chief of Naval Operations, told the House committee. "We're still investigating the cause of the bearing, but it was either potentially installed improperly or the bearing itself had some type of defect."

The warship has been pierside in San Diego since early April, and its deployment has been delayed since January. Naval Surface Force told USNI News in a recent statement that the Boxer may be deployed "as soon as this summer."

USS Boxer received seven Navy-wide awards in March, including the Battle Effectiveness Award and Maritime Warfare Excellence Award for its "sustained superior performance."

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