• Rivian is designing its own chip as part of the EV maker's AI and autonomous driving efforts.
• Two Rivian executives say there's alignment between the company's "adventurous" brand and AI.
• Automakers across the board are pursuing autonomous driving technology.

If there were a Venn diagram of a driver who wants an adventure-focused car with off-roading capability on one side and a driver who wants a software-centric, computer-first car that could drive itself on the other, would there be a lot of overlap between the two circles?

Rivian's betting yes.

On Thursday, Rivian hosted an "Autonomy & AI Day" at the company's research and development hub in Palo Alto, where hundreds witnessed the EV maker's grand leap into the future: a highly integrated AI assistant and fully autonomous driving capability, all powered by Rivian's very own silicon chip.

Wassym Bensaid, Rivian's Chief Software Officer, called the move a "profound platform shift which changes our product and everything we do at the company."

Bensaid is among the key executives leading the charge toward Rivian's "AI-defined vehicle," along with James Philbin, VP of Autonomy & AI, and Vidya Rajagopalan, Senior VP of Rivian's electrical hardware division.

During the event, I had the chance to talk to Bensaid and Philbin about the pivot and whether it makes sense for a company that, since its inception, has branded itself as an adventure-forward vehicle, or if this is just a response to consumer demand.

To them, it's a bit of both.

Autonomy, a 'key purchase driver'

Philbin, who was a director at Zoox and Waymo before joining Rivian in 2022, told me that pursuing autonomy has long been part of the company's trajectory rather than an overnight decision.

On the other side of the coin, Philbin sees a rising "tide" in consumer demand for some level of autonomy — especially as robotaxis become mainstream.

"We are starting to see that autonomy is a really important purchase decision with customers, and especially customers who come from vehicles with maybe high levels of autonomy," he said. "They don't go back."

Philbin said that having a high-level advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) was cited as one of the "top three purchase reasons" for Rivian customers. However, the demand will extend to all automakers, he said.

"I just see it becoming such a key purchase driver for vehicles going forward," Philbin said. "And I think every OEM will have to deliver these features to customers in some way."

Cars, the 'killer app' for AI

A year ago, Bensaid told me that the future of cars would be hands-free, and that using buttons or fiddling with the touchscreen would be "an anomaly."

"It's a bug, it's not a feature," he said at the time. "Ideally, you would want to interact with your car through voice. And the problem today is that most voice assistants are just broken."

Thursday's demonstration of the Rivian Assistant, an in-car AI assistant that can control certain vehicle functions, brought Bensaid's vision to life. I saw the Rivian Assistant pull up navigation directions and control the direction of the air vents through voice control.

Bensaid told me at the event that "cars and automotive are probably the killer app for AI."

"In your 30-minute or 45-minute commute every day, you want to get your time back, you want to really take control of your time," he said.

When I asked the software chief where the overlap was between Rivian's adventure brand and its AI push, Bensaid said the company "inspires many types of customers."

"I think at the core of the brand, Rivian wants people to explore the world," he said, and that there were different ways to do so, whether that's by going off-road or exploring the world through technology.

At the same time, Bensaid said, "At heart, we are a technology company, so technology is really a big part of the user experience, how we see ourselves, and how we present ourselves to the world."

Beyond Rivian

Bensaid's statement touches upon another key focus beyond the automaker's line-up of premium trucks and SUVs: software licensing.

Rivian's joint venture with the German automotive giant Volkswagen was a clear sign of its intent to license its software platform to other automakers in the future.

Part of the tech will include self-driving capabilities, which the entire automotive world — legacy and startup — is exploring, Steve Man, senior auto analyst for Bloomberg Intelligence, told me.

"We don't really know at the end of the day if there's going to be a huge mass adoption," Man said of autonomy. Still, the analyst adds that "it's a must" for car makers to pursue.

Sales of Tesla's Full Self-Driving Supervised reflect that uncertainty. CEO Elon Musk has presented FSD as the key driver of the company's valuation even though the adoption rate of FSD remains at around 12%, Vaibhav Taneja, Tesla's Chief Financial Officer, said in October.

The automotive industry still remains bullish on autonomy and AI.

Nissan partnered with UK-based Wayve, which develops software for advanced driver assistance systems. General Motors teased plans for an eyes-off driving system for 2028. And Mercedes unveiled a hands-off, eyes-off ADAS a few years ago.

A recent Bloomberg Intelligence report said that nearly half of C-suite auto executives surveyed said they expect AI to lift sales and profits by 9% over the next two to three years.

"From a business perspective, you don't know if it is going to take off, but you need to invest some money now so that you're not behind," Man said, "and you have the opportunity to roll it out if it is something that people want."

• Business Insider editors share their top holiday gift wish list picks for 2025.
• Editors' choices include kitchen gadgets, stylish bags, and wellness-focused footwear.
• Gift ideas range from Vitamix blenders to Salomon running shoes and Beats headphones.

The editor-selected companies were not involved in the sourcing or writing of this story. The views contained within represent the editor's personal views.

The holidays are creeping up faster than our unread Slack messages, which means one thing: wish list season is officially on.

I went around the Business Insider newsroom, asking editors about the gifts we're hoping to unwrap — everything from a kitchen thermometer, a tea set, to beaded bags — as targeted ads quite literally manifested in our lives.

Whether you're shopping for someone else or, let's be honest, adding things to your own cart "for later," here are the 11 things our editors are crossing their fingers Santa — and various family group chats — come through with this year.

JW Pei's Livia Beaded Floral Hobo Bag.

I've had my eye on JW Pei all year, and when the Livia Beaded Floral Hobo Bag popped up on my Instagram stories, I knew the targeted ads had finally gotten me. I'm a sucker for anything beaded, and I think the rich browns will pair well with outfits all winter long, so it was an immediate send to the family group chat. Plus, it's on sale for $165, which seems like a total steal for that level of detail.

Mykenna Maniece, Associate Editor, lifestyle & entertainment freelance

Tea set from Calamitywear.

There's nothing I love more than a modern spin on vintage, and the porcelain goods from Calamityware fit the bill perfectly. The designs from this Pittsburgh family business are at first glance old-fashioned but, on closer inspection, a deliciously wry commentary on the, shall we say, cacashow of the current moment.

This tea set on the theme of "Things Could Be Worse," festooned with monsters, invading aliens, and pirates, is a literally useful reminder to keep calm and carry on. Plus, it's on sale at $140 right now.

Tracy Connor, standards editor

Hulken original rolling tote bag.

Initially, I was going to ask for a Timex watch since, as a mom of three young kids, I can't have nice watches (yet!). Then, on a recent trip with just my husband, I saw another mom of three rolling the new Hulken rolling tote bag, and I knew immediately I needed to have it.

My family travels a lot by car, and I'm always in charge of packing. This rolling bag works as a catch-all during road trips, since you can easily fit things like blankets, stuffed animals, or even clothes in cubing packs. It has four 360 wheels, which makes it easy to drag around, and it folds flat to put away. The larger size retails for $125 and comes in 10 different colors.

Conz Preti, Deputy Editor, health & parenting

Tipped Puffer Faux Fur Throw Blanket.

My closest friends and family know one truth about me: I am always cold; incessantly. And in the winter months, I finally have the perfect excuse to cozy up. If there's anything I want under the tree, it's something to help me do just that. Anthropologie already keeps me coming back because of their home decor, and their spot-on choices don't stop at furniture, candles, or dishware. This throw, a tipped puffer faux fur throw in ivory, is exactly what I want as part of my New York winter survival kit; it's what I need to endure these frigid winters. Plus it's currently on sale for $76.80

Joi-Marie McKenzie, editor in chief, Life

Beats Solo 4 wireless headphones.

I've been debating purchasing over-the-ear headphones for the entire year. I love my AirPods, but everyone I know swears by their bulkier, over-the-ear option. I've finally decided to bite the bullet and add a pair to my Christmas wish list, especially after moving into a new apartment that faces loud subway tracks. I'd love to drown out that sound with noise reduction.

My preference would be Apple's headphones, but the price is unimaginably high. The Beats Solo 4 headphones are a great alternative at half the price (currently $149), and since Apple owns Beats, I'll be getting similar technology and features.

Frank Olito, Editor, health & parenting

Salomon XT-6 shoes.

I recently decided I want to start running (OK, let's be honest, lightly jogging) again, and I'm much more likely to do so if I have some shoes I'm excited about putting on. I've been eyeing the Salomon XT-6 sneakers for a while, and since I love a practical gift, they're going to the top of my list. They're made of lightweight materials that won't weigh me down as I'm getting back out there (or, you know, getting coffee), and they also just look good — I love the sleek, all-black look with the strip of color right up the middle. They currently retail for $180, and I'm just as likely to throw them on with my running shorts as with a pair of jeans.

Rosemary Donahue, Editor, health & parenting

Vitamix 5200 blender.

Is spending $500 on a blender ridiculous? Yes. Could it still be worth it? Maybe. The time has come to replace the blender my wife and I got as a wedding gift more than six years ago. Sure, my smoothies would probably taste fine with a standard blender. But sometimes in life you need to treat yourself, which is why I'm hoping for a Vitamix 5200 blender.

Beyond some of the cool features the Vitamix has — its blades move so fast they heat up so you can make soup directly in it — I'm also in it for the long game. The 5200 edition is on sale for $450 and comes with a seven-year warranty; many people report using their Vitamixes well past a decade. By that time, I might have run through several blenders, which actually makes this a bargain. (At least, that's what I keep telling myself.)

Dan DeFrancesco, Deputy Executive Editor

Kuru Footwear Loft moccasins.

As a health editor, I roll my eyes at most "wellness gift" recommendations — the best thing you can do for your health is eat real food, sleep well, and move regularly. But I make an exception for foot care. Increasingly, evidence suggests that taking care of your feet has cascading benefits on your body and overall health.

Good shoes like Kuru's Loft Indoor/Outdoor Moccasins can reduce back pain and improve posture, which in turn supports your metabolism, breathing, and natural energy levels. These slippers retail for $149 and are podiatrist-recommended — they have great arch support, firmly cup the heel, and cushion the impact of your foot as you take a step. I'm also eight months pregnant, so these are top of my list!

Mia de Graaf, Deputy Executive Editor, health

Thermapen One.

I just wrapped up a six-week advanced culinary boot camp at A Culture Factory that has me going all in on my home-cook era. My wish list this year features a KitchenAid pasta attachment, soufflé dishes, more cooking classes, and a Thermapen One. I've been intimidated by cooking meats beyond chicken breast or thin-sliced pork chops for years, but I'm ready to conquer my fear of undercooking and overcooking steaks and bigger cuts. The Thermapen One has thousands of rave reviews and instant temperature-reading capabilities. Plus, it comes in lots of cute colors, and it's currently on sale for $75.

Paige DiFiore-Wohr, Deputy Editor, lifestyle & entertainment freelance

Lake Kimono Pajamas.

When it's cold out, my family likes to have the fireplace going more often than not. I want to be comfy, but not frumpy, while I'm playing games, watching movies, and curling up with a good book fireside. This year, I'm asking Santa (and my husband) for the DreamModal Kimono Pajama by Lake, which retails for $148. The set features a tailored fit for an elevated take on loungewear and comes in several sophisticated prints, so I won't mind if the neighbors or delivery drivers happen to catch me in them.

Jennifer Beck Goldblatt, Senior Editor, health & parenting

Cambo storage containers.

I moved house in the spring, and have become obsessed with the idea of running my home kitchen in the most efficient and waste-free way possible. In my mind, a New York deli is the blueprint for achieving both. Full disclosure, I've never been to New York, much less a deli there — but I envision a life where vegetable peel and chicken carcasses are transformed into moreish stocks for huge vats of soup, and there are always at least three perfectly seasoned salad toppings in my fridge, alongside as many types of dip.

This Christmas, I would like a home kitchen-friendly (read: compact) set of Cambro storage containers, which retail for less than $5 each. A label printer would be a bonus, allowing me to note when the contents expire. However, scribbling on some masking tape with a Sharpie feels more authentic. I truly believe this is all that stands between me and domestic bliss.

Kashmira Gander, senior editor, health, business contributors

• Renee and Kelley Hayes pivoted from their Texas home to RV life.
• Kelley's dream retirement was the full-time RV lifestyle, but he achieved it a few years earlier due to a job relocation.
• They enjoy being able to explore the country, visit friends and family, and save on some home costs.

Empty nesters Renee and Kelley Hayes, 58, downsized from an over 2,000 square-foot home in Texas to a roughly 45-foot RV.

"We may be living tiny, but we've got the world's largest suitcase," Kelley said.

Kelley dreamed of living in an RV and traveling the country full-time during retirement. However, he and his wife got to embrace this goal a few years earlier than intended.

They loved raising a family in their Texas home with a three-car garage and a pool, but they're happy exploring the US as retired empty nesters in their RV. They get to see what different states offer, such as the Grand Canyon in Arizona and the hot air balloon festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

"We camped right on the grounds where the balloons took off, so every morning the balloons would fly over, right over the RV itself, and at night they would have the glow," Kelley said.

Renee and Kelley purchased an RV for roughly $82,000 in August 2018, while their kids attended college. They were looking for something to do as new empty nesters. A few months later, Kelley, who worked for General Motors before his retirement in 2022, was transferred to an office in Georgia, which meant leaving Texas and figuring out their next home.

The family spent the 2018 holidays on the road and then visited Twin Lakes RV Park, a campground in Georgia, right after Christmas.

Kelley looked at some houses in January, but nothing caught his eye. Plus, Renee said, housing prices were expected to drop in Georgia, which could have meant selling their next home would be tougher. "We knew we were only going to be there three years, so we thought instead of taking that risk, we can just live in our RV," she said.

Renee went back to Texas to downsize and work on selling their home, while Kelley stayed in Georgia for work, residing in the Twin Lakes RV Park. They listed the home for $399,000 in January 2019, and it sold in March. Renee rejoined Kelley at the campground.

They traveled during COVID when Kelley's job at the GM regional office went remote, and then Kelley retired at 55 in 2022. He said he still did some contract work until last year. Since Kelley retired, they have split their time between traveling and caring for Renee's family farmhouse in Michigan, enjoying alternating between being fairly stationary in the summer and traveling for the other half of the year.

Kelley and Renee still make some money. They earn from social media content, and Kelley said he does "odds and end jobs up there in the summertime, working for farmers" or Renee's father.

They use Harvest Hosts, a membership for overnight stays at wineries, golf courses, and other places. They stay at campgrounds, parks, and park in friends' or family members' driveways, among other places.

"We do it to see things and have adventures, but also to spend time with friends and family," Renee said.

What RV life is like and how to plan it

There are a lot of logistics that can come with living on the road, such as whether you sell your home, what kind of RV to live in, and how to maintain it. Renee suggested people downsize before jumping into RV life and start early because it can take a while to go through all the items accumulated over the years.

Renee and Kelley still have lots of space to live in their model. Kelley said the back is basically a multipurpose room. "It's our mud room, it's our garage where we house our bikes, our kayaks, our tools, it's our secondary bedroom for when the kids come to stay," he said, adding they also eat there, and it opens up to a patio.

Renee said fuel can be expensive, potentially adding up to hundreds in just a month. "The slower you go and the longer you stop and are stationary, that helps keep your costs down on fuel," she said.

However, they don't have to pay for Texas' property taxes, which tend to be high. They also don't have to pay for other home expenses like homeowners' association fees and house upkeep.

Although they are saving on home costs, they still have expenses that can add up. They said they pay for medical, two phones, internet, insurance, groceries, entertainment, and subscriptions to RV and travel-related apps. Tire replacements can also be costly. The couple noted they spent hundreds of dollars between September and November to stay at multiple RV parks.

The couple, who post about their travels on social media, sometimes stay for free in exchange for promotional content.

Because living in an RV can require a lot of maintenance, Renee recommends taking some courses to learn how to repair things on your own. "If you're not mechanical or if you're not handy, this could become very expensive," Renee said. "Luckily, Kelley's handy and he's able to pretty much repair or replace things as we go."

She also suggested renting an RV before buying if you have never been in one before, to see what it's like. Kelley said there are RV shows that people can go to so they can figure out what they want to travel in, because finding the perfect way to travel for someone can take time, just like finding a home.

Ultimately, the couple thinks people interested should just take the leap and do it. The couple said they are happy to help answer people's questions.

"There are so many people when you get to a campground that will help you," Kelley said.

The couple plan to continue this lifestyle for as long as they're able to, even if it means downsizing further. Renee said she doesn't drive the truck with the 45-foot RV attached, but would be able to if they had a smaller vehicle.

"Our priority right now is to see and do stuff rather than to accumulate stuff," Renee said.

• EV sales rose globally by 21%, but declined 1% in North America this year, new data shows.
• The US sales slump follows policy changes, tariffs, and the end of the $7,500 EV tax credit.
• China leads with 11.6 million EVs sold.

The most valuable EV company in the world is based in the US, but Americans are buying fewer battery-powered vehicles.

EV sales in North America fell 1% this year compared to 2024, according to data from supply chain data firm Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. The dip comes as the US has faced a combination of policy changes, tariffs, and supply chain upheavals this year.

There were 1.7 million EVs sold in North America between January and November — far behind the 11.6 million sold in China and below the 3.8 million sold in Europe.

US automaker execs have been sounding the alarm bells on sales. In September, Ford CEO Jim Farley predicted that the EV market share in the US would nearly halve to around 5% in the near term.

Benchmark Mineral Intelligence cited the $7,500 EV tax credit ending in September as a reason for "subdued" sales in the US, along with the Trump administration relaxing rules for automakers designed to encourage the transition to EVs and hybrids.

Elon Musk's Tesla has had a rocky year in almost all of its biggest markets, but it weathered the October drop-off better than its rivals, according to separate data from Cox Automotive. The world's most valuable car company, however, is facing a race against time to avoid a second consecutive year of declining sales.

Other US EV makers have been hit by slowing demand, with GM and Rivian both announcing layoffs in recent months.

China's overall EV sales were up 19%. While BYD, the country's biggest EV maker, hit a rough patch in its home market amid rising competition from local startups, it set a record for EV exports in October.

Globally, EV sales were up 21% compared to last year, the Benchmark Mineral Intelligence data showed.

"Overall, EV demand remains resilient, supported by expanding model ranges and sustained policy incentives worldwide," said Charles Lester, data manager for Rho Motion, the Benchmark subsidiary behind the report.

• Tesla has introduced a wave of incentives to shift as many EVs as it can before the end of the year.
• The incentives include free paint jobs and financing deals.
• Elon Musk's automaker is racing to avoid another decline in annual sales after a difficult year.

Tesla is piling on incentives for buyers as it aims to end a rocky year on a high.

Elon Musk's automaker has introduced a smorgasbord of discounts and deals in the US, with Tesla facing a race against time to avoid a second consecutive year of declining sales.

Tesla is offering 0% APR financing for up to 72 months on select Model Y Standard purchases and is also advertising the option to lease a Model Y without a down payment on its website.

Buyers can also trade in a gas car to receive 2,000 miles of free supercharging, and Tesla is offering complimentary upgrades, including premium paint jobs, tow hitches, and 19-inch "Nova" wheels valued at up to $1,500 on select inventory vehicles.

Tesla often offers more incentives toward the end of the year. But this time, the company is racing to avoid another year of declining sales, following Tesla's first-ever year-over-year fall in sales in 2024.

Repeating that pattern would provide more evidence that Tesla's momentum is stalling after years of rapid growth.

In October last year, Musk predicted Tesla sales would grow 20-30% in 2025. Tesla needs to sell 555,000 EVs in the final three months of the year — more than it's ever sold in a quarter — just to match its sales figures from last year.

That's a tall order, with Tesla facing difficulties in all its main markets. The Cybertruck maker's sales have cratered in Europe amid backlash over Musk's politics. In China, Tesla has been squeezed by a wave of competition from local rivals.

Tesla also faces major headwinds in the US after the Trump administration scrapped the $7,500 tax credit for new EVs in September. Tesla's US sales fell 35% between September and October after the tax credit disappeared, according to data from Cox Automotive.

It comes as Musk has increasingly shifted Tesla's focus toward AI and robotics. The billionaire has described the steering wheel-less Cybercab and Tesla's Optimus robot as the future of the company, with both set to enter production next year.

• Tesla has launched a $350 pickleball paddle "optimized for high-performance play."
• The paddle, a partnership with Selkirk, is the EV brand's latest foray into lifestyle products.
• Pickleball is surging in popularity and requires equipment that's generally found for under $100.

From Elon Musk — the guy who brought the world a branded flamethrower — it somehow tracks that Tesla is now making pickleball paddles.

The EV company launched its latest lifestyle product on Friday: a $350 pickleball paddle created in partnership with Selkirk, a sports equipment company.

The paddle, made of carbon fiber with a foam core, was "optimized for high-performance play," according to the product page.

"This wasn't simply a branding exercise. It was a true engineering collaboration," Selkirk's co-owner and director of research and development, Tom Barnes, said in a statement about the release. "Tesla's design group and our R&D team spent more than a year trading data, refining geometry, and stress-testing prototypes."

A Selkirk spokesperson told Business Insider that the paddle's creation was first conceptualized after a conversation at the 2023 USA Pickleball National Championships between Barnes and members of Tesla's engineering team.

After Barnes delivered a custom batch of Tesla-themed paddles to the EV-maker's staff, Selkirk leaders visited the Tesla factory in Fremont, California. While there, they connected with Javier Verdura, Tesla's global director of product design, who is an avid pickleball player, and began the design process.

Prototypes were sent to Tesla for aerodynamics testing before the design was finalized.

The limited-run batch of the paddle sold out on Tesla's website in under three hours after its launch, a Selkirk spokesperson told Business Insider. Plans for a restock remain unclear.

Silicon Valley's new status symbol

While the pickleball paddle is Tesla's first foray into traditional, non-electrified sports equipment, the automaker does offer a line of apparel and home products, like drinkware ($30+), backpacks ($185+), and salt and pepper shakers ($65).

Musk's other business ventures have also leaned into collectible merchandise, such as the Boring Company's flamethrower, which went viral in 2018.

Tesla's lifestyle products are not listed as a separate line item in their financial reports, and there is no publicly available evidence to suggest that they have a significant impact on the company's finances. Tesla stock closed up more than 2% on Friday, but sank slightly in after-hours trading.

Pickleball, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has experienced explosive growth in popularity in recent years. The 2024 Pickleball Single Sport Report, released by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, found that participation has increased by 45.8% since 2023 — representing 311% growth over the past three years.

In that time, pickleball has transformed from a suburban hobby for the 55+ crowd into a popular activity and networking opportunity among Silicon Valley professionals.

Entry-level equipment for the sport doesn't require a significant investment, with a basic paddle and ball running less than $50. However, since pickleball has gained traction among tech personalities like Bill Gates and celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, higher-end products have crept into the market.

Some Selkirk models run upward of $150, while others, like the Aero Blade 1.19, cost $299 and up. The Aero Blade features a carbon fiber frame with a foam core, similar to that of the Tesla version.

The debut of the Tesla pickleball paddle elicited split reactions on social media, with some fans of the brand celebrating its release as a clever gift opportunity ahead of the holiday season. Others were quick to criticize the price point and Selkirk's strategy to partner with Tesla, rather than a well-known pickleball player or influencer.

"Selkirks out here like 'We are going to let every signed pro walk, and then collab with the worlds biggest brands that have nothing to do with pickleball,'" Jimmy Miller, a pickleball player and host of the '"King of the Court" podcast, wrote in a post on X.

"Bold strategy. Curious if it pays off," he added. "Tesla fans will probably sell that paddle out. Who is next? Apple? Maybe they can do a Nvidia collab that comes with shares!"

• Over 18,000 unionized Amtrak workers are set to receive a $900 holiday bonus.
• The Department of Transportation said Amtrak's executives gave up part of their bonuses.
• The Trump administration has been critical of bonuses previously paid out to Amtrak leadership.

Amtrak is redistributing the wealth this holiday season at the urging of the Trump administration.

Amtrak is giving $900 holiday bonuses to its over 18,000 unionized workers, the Department of Transportation said this week.

The bonuses are the result of a deal between the DOT and Amtrak management and its board of directors, the agency said, adding that Amtrak's executive leadership agreed to give up half of their own bonus package to make it happen.

"Christmas is coming a little early this year for 18,000 @Amtrak frontline workers, thanks to leadership who gave back their holiday bonuses," Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in an Instagram post on Friday. 

President Donald Trump's administration has been critical of the existing bonus structures for Amtrak leadership, with the DOT saying they resulted in "exorbitant payouts for senior staff." As part of the agreement, Amtrak's board has agreed to get rid of long-term incentive bonuses for its senior executives, DOT said.

"We applaud Amtrak and its executive leadership team for doing the right thing," Steven G. Bradbury, the deputy secretary of Transportation and a representative for Duffy to Amtrak's board, said in a statement.

Amtrak did not respond to a request for comment.

The Wall Street Journal reported that around 246 Amtrak managers gave up part of their bonuses that totaled $16.2 million. The DOT did not provide additional comment or confirm those figures when reached by Business Insider.

In its announcement, the DOT touted Amtrak's record-breaking year. The national passenger rail service had a record 34.5 million customer trips in the fiscal year that ended in September, posting a record adjusted ticket revenue of $2.7 billion.

The bonuses were reminiscent of some received by other transportation workers this holiday season. The Federal Aviation Administration said it was giving $10,000 bonuses to the nearly 800 air traffic controllers who had perfect attendance during the government shutdown.

Have a tip? Contact this reporter via email at kvlamis@businessinsider.com or Signal at @kelseyv.21. Use a personal email address, a nonwork WiFi network, and a nonwork device; here's our guide to sharing information securely.

For more than four decades, Hooters has been one of America's most recognizable restaurant chains, famous for its wings, "delightfully tacky" atmosphere, and all-female waitstaff. By the mid-2000s, the chain had its own airline, casino, and calendar, and it operated hundreds of locations around the world.

But what most people don't realize is that, from almost the beginning, Hooters wasn't one company — it was two. And in 2025, the larger of the two filed for bankruptcy after years of declining sales.

Now, the original founders are stepping in to revive the brand and return it to its roots. Their goal is to restore the menu, uniforms, and atmosphere that defined Hooters from the start. We visited the flagship Hooters in Clearwater, Florida, and spoke with people who've been with the brand since the beginning, including the founders and the original Hooters Girl, Lynne Austin.

So can the founders save the brand, and can Hooters make a comeback?