Ukrainian soldiers scavenge an abandoned Russian T-90 tank in Kyrylivka near Kharkiv.
YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP via Getty Images
Russia has lost at least 100 of its T-90M tanks in the war in Ukraine.
Oryx, a military analysis website which relies on visual evidence for confirmation, recently reported the milestone.
Putin has praised the T-90M as the "world's best tank."
A top Russian tank touted by Russian President Vladimir Putin as the "world's best" has suffered at least 100 losses in the war in Ukraine, according to open-source information.
The losses were recorded by Oryx, an open-source intelligence site that relies on visual evidence to confirm and track war losses on both sides. More T-90Ms may have also been lost in combat but not recorded. Business Insider was unable to independently verify the information.
Losses, per the site's analysis, include destroyed, damaged, and captured vehicles.
The significant losses of the T-90M in combathighlight how the war has threatened heavy armor on both sides, even higher-end systems.
T-90M tanks take part in a rehearsal of the Victory Day parade in Moscow, Russia.
Drones and loitering munitions, as well as mines and anti-tank missiles, are perhaps the greater threat, as these have also destroyed top Western armor provided to Ukraine, such as the Challenger, Leopard, and Abrams tanks.
Just as Ukraine has been doing with some of its tanks in this threat environment, Russia has equipped some T-90Ms with protective cope cages to shield them against anti-tank weapons and drones. The latter has become a defining threat in this war and has limited how tanks and other vehicles operate on the battlefield.
The cages don't always work, though, as video footage of some T-90M losses have shown. Sometimes the explosive first-person-view drones make it through.
Across the board, Russia's tank losses have been staggering in this conflict. Per Oryx's analysis, Russia has lost over 3,000 tanks so far.
Russian troops drive a T-90M tank in the Victory Day parade marking the 76th anniversary of the victory in World War Two, in Moscow's Red Square.
REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
Putin has touted the T-90M as "the world's best tank," praising its weapons, targeting capability, and armor.
"As soon as it approaches positions, no chance is left for anyone or anything," he said in 2023.
The tank boasts a powerful engine, panoramic sight with rangefinder, thermal imagining, multi-layered armor, and ammunition placed outside the unit to prevent a catastrophic explosion.
One of the first reported losses of the advanced T-90M occurred just months into the war, when a Ukrainian journalist shared a photo of the charred vehicle in Kharkiv. At the time, the T-90M was considered among the most technologically advanced battle vehicles in Russia's arsenal.
Three essential fitness metrics can help you maximize your workouts for longevity.
Your VO2 max can help assess heart health, while muscle mass and balance are key to staying active.
This article is part of "Trends in Healthcare," a series about the innovations and industry leaders shaping patient care.
Exercise is one of the closest things we have to a miracle drug when it comes to living a longer, healthier life — and three essential fitness metrics can help you get the most bang for your buck.
Understanding key fitness measurements, from heart health to body composition, can help you streamline your workouts to stay youthful, said Caitlin Donato, a certified personal trainer and the director of fitness at the Pritikin Longevity Center in Miami.
"If you're going to take 30 minutes out of your day, then make the most of it," she told Business Insider. "Your time is valuable."
Pritikin offers a team of exercise physiologists who work alongside registered dietitians and doctors to create personalized plans for optimizing health.
Part of Donato's job involves guiding clients through an analysis of their fitness level and overall health, which includes a functional movement assessment and an exercise tolerance test.
She said that paying attention to your cardio fitness, muscle health, and stability can help you tailor your workouts to your lifestyle and achieve better performance and long-term health.
"It's not necessarily one size fits all," Donato said. "And if you have the ability to understand what you should be prioritizing over the person to your left or your right, that's where you can maximize your efforts, and that's where you see the most gains specific to what you need."
VO2 max is a key indicator of longevity
A healthy heart is one of the first lines of defense against chronic disease and other risks associated with aging. While a range of metrics can help you keep tabs on your heart, including blood pressure and cholesterol, one exercise-related test can help you see how well your heart is functioning overall.
VO2 max is a measure of how much oxygen your body can use during exercise. Research suggests that the higher your VO2 max, the better your endurance and odds of living longer. An increase in VO2 max can indicate you're getting fitter over time.
"It's effectively a marker of how efficient your body is, how you're metabolizing oxygen. And so we're able to see how that improves with these lifestyle changes, which is really, really neat," Donato said. "VO2 max is one of our best indicators of life expectancy."
Sports-medicine experts suggest mixing steady cardio work at a conversational pace and interval workouts with short bursts of high-intensity exercise to improve VO2 max.
Muscle mass is crucial for healthy aging
Your heart isn't the only muscle that can boost longevity. Building and maintaining muscle helps prevent frailty and promote better health as we age, Donato said.
Donato said that while muscle mass can start deteriorating in our 30s and 40s, "that's not a foregone conclusion." She added that resistance training could help.
"A strength routine is not necessarily about improving your one-rep max on a bench press, unless you want it to be," Donato said.
Good balance is linked to a longer, healthier life
Most people know to work on their cardio and strength in the gym but might be missing an underrated fitness measure for longevity: balance.
"When we talk about longevity, we look at balance," Donato said. "It's one of the things we want to make sure that we train for as we age, as our risk of falling and having injury sustained from falling increases."
One low-tech way to assess your balance at home is to stand on one leg for 10 seconds — a basic test that one study linked to a longer life.
To improve your balance and stability, practice simple exercises like a quick step to a knee raise. Core exercises like a Pallof press, plank, or farmer carry can also improve stability by strengthening the abs, hips, and glutes.
Donato said that incorporating exercises that mimic everyday movements — such as getting up from a chair, lifting a child, or carrying groceries — is essential to staying active and independent.
"It's geared toward improving the body mechanics and the movement patterns of the things we do every day, the things we care about doing," she said.
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From soul food in Alabama to Texas barbecue, these road trip food stops are worth a try.
Summer's arrival means road-trip season, and these spots are among the best in the country.
Road trips are often filled with long-haul drives and convenience-store snacks. However, instead of filling up on homemade sandwiches and candy, why not stop off at a local restaurant for a delicious meal to power you through your drive ahead?
Business Insider looked at highly rated restaurants in each state that mentioned road trips or were conveniently located near major highways. We also reviewed customer reviews and popular menu items at each restaurant. All the restaurants on this list had a passing health score and were marked open as of July 15, 2024, though menu item availability is subject to change depending on when you visit.
Here are popular food stops in every state you need to try on your next road trip.
ALABAMA: Mary's Southern Cooking in Mobile
Mary's Southern Cooking.
Michael B./Yelp
What to order: Fried chicken, turkey neck special
What customers say: "We were on a road trip and happened to come across this place since it has some good reviews. It's a small place serving food in a buffet style. The chicken was tasty and very tender… The pork chop was very flavorous and tender as well. The only drawback would be that the restaurant is so generous that we couldn't finish the whole box of food. Glad that we stopped by at this place for some southern dishes," wrote Yelp user Kyle C.
What to order: Spicy Thai chicken pizza, chicken ranch pizza
What customers say: "Very popular and busy location. Good pizza and they offer a ton of interesting options. We ordered a couple of large pizzas and used them for road trip snacks as we toured the peninsula. When you visit Anchorage, do yourself a favor and stop in to get a pizza or three," wrote Yelp user Jeremy N.
What to order: Philly cheese steak sandwich, Canyon Diablo burger
What customers say: "Absolutely amazing place if you are up for some good food and beer on your road trip!! The service is amazing as well," wrote Yelp user Mike L.
What customers say: "Very cute local restaurant in Little Rock. We were driving through on a long road trip, and the restaurant came out and delivered the food to the car (due to COVID). Everyone was very nice, and the food was delicious," wrote Yelp user Nicole W.
What customers say: "The garlic burger was incredible and the wings were top notch. The tater tots were a dream… this is roadside diner food at its best," wrote Yelp user ZumaJay Z.
COLORADO: Westbound & Down Brewery in Idaho Springs
Westbound & Down Brewery.
Mandy L./Yelp
What to order: Fried chicken, bison burger
What customers say: "If [you're] ever in Idaho Springs go to Westbound and Down. We ate there three times a week. On our last visit, we met the owner, a super friendly, pumped-up guy. We had already paid but asked if I got my military discount, made sure to give it to me, and then gave me a coin. Whenever I come back to Colorado this is an every time stop. Thanks for your outstanding service and food," wrote Yelp user Kyle L.
What customers say: "What a wonderful respite from our I-95 road trip. Well-made and fresh food, very friendly service, and clean facilities. A surprisingly peaceful environment for being right off the highway. My wife and I loved looking through the stacks of books and puzzles as we waited for our to-go order. See you again on our next trip," wrote Yelp user Paul S.
What customers say: "I am so thankful that we discovered this place! I am on a road trip with my husband and brother and we were just passing through the area and were looking for a bite to eat. Everything we ate was amazing. Among us, we ordered the lobster crab cake, the meatloaf sandwich, the chicken entrée (it had a weird name), and the blackberry cider. All of the meals were absolutely phenomenal… every last bite was eaten," wrote Yelp user Kaela M.
What customers say: "A gem of a find! Very convenient stop for a long drive. The food was authentic & staff was friendly. I just marked it on my map for the next road trip," wrote Yelp user Brittney F.
What to order: Conquistador sandwich, Godfather sandwich
What customers say: "These sandwiches were unbelievable. We found this joint on our road trip escaping from Hurricane Irma. It was just a pit stop on our way to ATL. We weren't expecting how good this place would be. Next time I'm in Savannah I'll definitely stop by again," wrote Yelp user David L.
IDAHO: Scooter's Chillin'-N-Grillin' in Twin Falls
Scooter's Chillin'-N-Grillin'.
Tommy J./Yelp
What to order: Bison burger, pulled pork tacos
What customers say: "This is our favorite stop in Twin Falls. Just traveling through on our road trip, but love the vibe in this place! They're known for their smoked brisket, it didn't disappoint. The brisket tacos were the best! Hubby had the brisket sandwich and garlic fries, and they were delicious. The staff is friendly, welcoming, and easy to talk to," wrote Yelp user Jolene W.
What customers say: "We stopped here for lunch on a recent road trip. It was great! On the return leg of our trip, we called ahead and picked up carry-out (walleye filets, side salad, green beans, and coconut pie). The food was great and better than getting fast food," wrote Yelp user Terri W.
What customers say: "We took a road trip with friends specifically to have lunch based on the Visit Indiana article. We all were not disappointed. The fish & chips were great – just like what we ate in York, England! The sticky toffee pudding is to die for – Wow!! We highly recommend a visit to Payne's," wrote Yelp user David C.
What to order: Undead Elvis burger, fried mac burger
What customers say: "Their burgers are awesome, and an order of fries is huge! As we are originally from Utah, seeing they had 'fry sauce' was an extra bonus. Their cereal shakes are also fun. We would definitely stop here again on our yearly road trips, just for fun," wrote Yelp user Joni C.
KANSAS: Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que in Kansas City
Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que.
Jay P./Yelp
What to order: Burnt ends, pulled pork
What customers say: "Oh my god. Saying this was the best barbecue I've ever had would be an understatement. I am the luckiest eater on the planet and one of my friends brought me here during a road trip because she wanted to eat it. I was hesitant. I have never liked barbecue sauce, in fact, I avoid all sauces and condiments like the PLAGUE. But this place had me slathering my sandwich with barbecue sauce and licking my fingers when I was done. I've been craving it ever since and I'm saddened that I don't live closer," wrote Yelp user Janie S.
Royals Hot Chicken in Louisville, Kentucky, is famous for its spicy chicken sandwiches.
Adityanarayan S./Yelp
What to order: Fried chicken sandwich, loaded potato wedges
What customers say: "We loved their hot chicken sandwich. It was crunchy and spicy, not too greasy, well priced, and if we weren't on a road trip, we would have gotten one of the many beers they had on tap. It's counter service which I like for lunch on a road trip," wrote Yelp user Dna B.
What customers say: "Holy moly! How did we get lucky enough to stumble into this place?! The food here is so good, we started planning future road trips through Louisiana. The food was all delicious, flavorful, and completely satisfying! I got the beans and sausage, greens, and mac and cheese. Once we started eating, we realized we must be at somebody's granny's house," wrote Yelp user Mary Beth C.
What customers say: "The absolute best lobster roll we have ever tried! We stopped here while doing a road trip through Maine and someone had recommended this place along the way. We didn't think it looked that special or any different from the other 1,000 places that advertise their lobster rolls, but boy were we mistaken," wrote Yelp user Jessica K.
What customers say: "This is one of those roadside eateries you pass by, never giving it a second thought… Being situated in front of a strip club doesn't exactly add to the ambiance. But trust me, and the TV shows it's been featured on… Chaps is where it's at! The food is beyond compare," wrote Yelp user Brook H.
What customers say: "We just stopped here on our road trip and had to write a review right away. The brisket burrito was smoky and delicious. The [Buffalo] fried chicken sandwich was delicately breaded, juicy, and moist. Pick-up was very organized and timely," wrote Yelp user Tess L.
What to order: Stuffed French toast, huevos rancheros
What customers say: "Hard to believe such a place exists in small-town Michigan after struggling to find healthy, fresh, and quality food choices on a road trip through rural Michigan. Friendly service, great coffee, diverse menu, fresh, healthy, and vegetarian friendly. Thumbs up, five stars, highly recommended," wrote Yelp user Camille M.
What to order: Enchilada burrito plate, shredded beef enchiladas
What customers say: "We stopped while road-tripping to Wisconsin Dells and were greatly surprised! Expecting a fast-food-type Mexican due to the location and was so happy to discover otherwise! The burritos were hot, fresh, and delicious, the al pastor was excellent, and the service was great! Will definitely be stopping again," wrote Yelp user Carrie F.
What customers say: "We were so happy to stumble upon this place on our road trip to NOLA thanks to my trusty Yelp! We stopped here on a Thursday for lunch with our toddler. The girl at the register welcomed us for our first time and told us what their most popular dishes were… Our food came fairly quickly and the portions were huge! I didn't expect 'chicken fries' to be a glorious sloppy mess of BBQ chicken, beans, sauce, sour cream, and jalapeños. It was AMAZING! It was the best road trip stop we made all day! Definitely going to stop here on our way to NOLA every year," wrote Yelp user Haley S.
What customers say: "The best BBQ I've had. Our road trips following the Florida Gators have taken us all over the south and beyond. Had the 'que in Memphis, Birmingham, Lexington, Nashville, Knoxville, Atlanta, and beyond. Pappys is the best," wrote Yelp user Craig J.
What customers say: "Super delicious great little spot to stop. I was on a road trip and needed to grab a bite and let my baby out of the car seat. We sat on the patio and had a lovely coffee and lunch. Will definitely stop in again next time I drive through Butte," wrote Yelp user Sara H.
What customers say: "We stopped at the Open Range Grill on our drive from Denver to Wisconsin, and were so happy that we did! This is a great, family-friendly spot with delicious, fresh food," wrote Yelp user Clare C.
What to order: Lamb chops, chicken shawarma sandwich
What customers say: "My friends and I were on a road trip to Wisconsin so we randomly stumbled upon this cute little place. It was by far some of the best Mediterranean food I have ever had. Come and try it out, you won't be disappointed," wrote Yelp user Emilee K.
What customers say: "Came here for brunch on our road trip! Really good diner food! The place is a little small though. We didn't have to wait long. We sat at the counter. The French onion soup was good. It was on the sweeter side, but that works for me. The scallop omelet was good! Definitely would recommend this place," wrote Yelp user Tina L.
What customers say: "We were on a road trip and stopped by this place and it was a great spot. The place was packed but they got us seated pretty fast. There's a lot to cover on the menu from burgers and steaks to seafood […] give this place a try you won't be disappointed," wrote Yelp user Trisha M.
NEW MEXICO: Chico's Tortas y Piñas Lokas in Santa Rosa
Chico's Tortas y Piñas Lokas.
Rok J./Yelp
What to order: Fish tacos, chicken enchiladas
What customers say: "We found this while on a road trip and were blown away by the quality of the food. Their take on a Cubano is worth the stop. Excellent shrimp taco and quesadillas too! The atmosphere is also great with excellent decor and many items for sale," wrote Yelp user Amanda T.
What to order: Grilled cheese sandwich, cured meats
What customers say: "The best grilled cheese (the classic) with fabulous tomato soup. Gourmet everything and a great trip of women running the place. Pretty close to the Thruway. Definitely worth the trip," wrote Yelp user Jim D.
NORTH CAROLINA: The Prime Smokehouse in Rocky Mount
The Prime Smokehouse.
Patty R./Yelp
What to order: Pulled pork, crab cakes
What customers say: "Stopped toward the end of a long road trip. Absolutely fabulous smokehouse. Had the brisket, ribs, and chicken, which came with a side of cornbread. Everything we had was fabulous and full of flavor," wrote Yelp user Kevin S.
NORTH DAKOTA: Fireflour Pizza + Coffee Bar in Bismarck
Fireflour Pizza + Coffee Bar.
Olivia K./Yelp
What to order: Spicy pizza, fennel sausage pizza
What customers say: "Stopped for a road trip lunch on our way through North Dakota. The staff was awesome, restaurant/bathroom was clean. The pizzaiola was skilled at her craft. The pizzas were thin, perfectly browned, with a beautiful crust. Topping to pizza ratio was perfection," wrote Yelp user Kiki C.
What customers say: "I visited Lucky's while on a road trip to see the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with my dad and my brother. I scoped out the place because I saw it on 'Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives' and it looked like my cup of tea… I love how local the food is, and the quality shows! I had the Canoewreck. Curried tofu, hashbrowns, lots of veggies, toast, and fruit. It was so delicious! The dudes were happy with what they ordered as well. I'm sad I don't live near Cleveland because I'd eat here every day," wrote Yelp user Amanda A.
What customers say: "Stopped here on a road trip to Phoenix, and the food was so good, we made a point of stopping again on the way back through. Our favorite was the ultimate in comfort food, the Mashed Potato Bowl. We also enjoyed the Mac + Greens bowl, and the CBD soda was refreshing. On our second visit, I went to pick up our order and noticed a fully stocked display case of sweet goodies, so ended up spending nearly as much again on those as for the original order. Worth it," wrote Yelp user Madeleine W.
What customers say: "My husband and I enjoy visiting Cottage Grove on our yearly road trip to Oregon. We stopped at Jack Sprats two years ago and had a great experience, so decided to stop in again. My husband ordered the fish and chips and I ordered the Cuban sandwich. It did take a while for our food to come out this time, but we figured they had to wait for the oil to heat up as we came early for lunch, just as they were converting the kitchen over from breakfast. The potato salad was a good choice. My iced tea was really delicious. The portions were, once again, extremely generous. We ended up splitting the fish and chips and took the Cuban home for another meal. The menu is varied, and there are some gluten-free options, including some yummy homemade cookies. This place is definitely worth a stop," wrote Yelp user Shelly S.
What to order: Mona Lisa sanwich, Van Gogh sandwich
What customers say: "My entire family loved it here. I ordered the Mona Lisa (turkey, artichokes, spinach, pesto, amazingness). I also ordered mac n cheese as my side. Holy good. Definitely not your average mac and cheese. They have a kid's menu. We ordered the grilled cheese and pickle for my daughter. Best pickle ever lives up to its name," wrote Yelp user Julia E.
RHODE ISLAND: Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant in Newport
Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant.
Chanel H./Yelp
What to order: Lobster roll, clam chowder
What customers say: "Came into town and we were in a bind to get a good meal on a very long road trip. We were not at all disappointed with the meal. The staff was excellent and the food was also great! And so clean! Absolutely a great meal," wrote Yelp user Caroline D.
What to order: Chicken salad sandwich, Reuben sandwich
What customers say: "If you're driving up or down I-26 and need a great lunch, look no further. Katie's is the alternative to all those fast-food interstate exit options. Just a quick drive (less than 5 minutes) from the exit you'll find this awesome local place serving up some great sandwiches by some friendly Southern ladies. Bookmark it for your next road trip, and you won't regret it," wrote Yelp user Andrew J.
What to order: Bacon cheeseburger, bacon chicken sandwich
What customers say: "One of the best burgers ever! So fresh and delicious. We were traveling from Badlands National Park to Sioux Falls and needed to stop for lunch. The restaurant is close to the highway and was an easy, quick stop. The staff were welcoming and friendly. We sat outside on the patio. I had the cheeseburger and my husband had the Big Al burger. Both were delicious. We shared a small fry and had plenty left over. Very reasonably priced with burgers around $9 and fries $3.," wrote Yelp user Mary A.
What customers say: "Best food in Nashville! We ordered ahead via the Yelp app as we were driving into Nashville on our road trip. We got to go right in and bypass the huge line outside to pick up our order! The East Nasty and Princess Biscuit sandwiches were to die for!! I recommend 100%!! Along with the Bonuts," wrote Yelp user Molly E.
What to order: Chopped brisket sandwich, pulled pork sandwich
What customers say: "We stopped here on the way to Santa Fe and it was delicious. The jalapeño corn was amazing–highly recommend," wrote Yelp user Kayli M.
What to order: Arugula salad, sausage fennel pizza
What customers say: "We were driving through town on a road trip and sick of diners and fast food. We found this place on Yelp, and I thought, If it's half as good as the reviews, I will be shocked. Started with the meatballs and garlic bread, followed with the Brooklyn Pepperoni pizza, and finished with the Nutella baked pizza with whip cream! The food quality was excellent in line with what you would expect at a high-quality metropolitan Italian restaurant," wrote Yelp user Judi M.
What customers say: "Was looking for some good BBQ while on a road trip through VT. Pro Pig did not disappoint. The Smoked Wings were some of the best I have ever had, even the pickled carrots served with them were great. The Chopped Whole Hog Sandwich was excellent. Others in my party were very pleased with the Brisket Sandwich and Sweet Tea Half Chicken. Next trip to Stowe, we will definitely be back," wrote Yelp user John D.
What customers say: "This diner was delightful. Such a pleasant surprise for me, my husband, and our kids, ages 8 and 10, while traveling from DC. I am not usually a diner fan but Angelle's is not your average diner. It was nice and clean and lives up to its many good reviews," wrote Yelp user Amy B.
What customers say: "My friend and I are on a road trip from MN to OR and picked Frank's on the name alone. We had no idea that there was so much history behind the restaurant! The staff, so thoughtful, the atmosphere kept us wanting to know more and the food was more than amazing," wrote Yelp user Kim E.
WISCONSIN: Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern in Monroe
Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern.
Krishna C./Yelp
What to order: Hot pastrami sandwich, cheese sandwich
What customers say: "This restaurant was the highlight of our Wisconsin road trip. I loved the place. It has such nostalgia to it. The food was freshly prepared. You could tell because it melted in our mouths! The desserts were amazing. Cheese as a topping was unique. I loved it," wrote Yelp user Krishna C.
What customers say: "Some friends and I were road-tripping through Wyoming to Colorado and needed a place to stop for dinner. This place was one of the top-rated places, and we all like Thai food, so we thought, 'What the heck.' We all wish we had this place back in Provo cause we would definitely stop again. The service was quick and helpful but also very personable. It was a great experience, and we didn't have to wait long for our food either! 10 out of 10 would recommend," wrote Yelp user Logan B.
Former President Donald Trump has selected Sen. JD Vance as his running mate, which could make Vance one of the youngest vice presidents in the nation's history.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Donald Trump has selected Sen. JD Vance as his 2024 running mate.
Trump's selection positions a vocal ally as the potential next vice president.
Vance, 39, would be one of the youngest vice presidents in history if elected.
Former President Donald on Monday announced that he has selected Sen. JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate, adding a vocal ally to a ticket aimed at appealing to Trump's base.
Trump's selection comes just days after he survived an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Vance almost immediately blamed Democrats for the shots fired at the former president.
"The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs. That rhetoric led directly to President Trump's attempted assassination," Vance wrote on X.
In selecting Vance, Trump assuresthat the Republican Party's 2024 ticket with have neither a woman nor a person of color on it. Some of Trump's advisors had wanted him to select a more diverse potential vice president to underline his efforts to expand the GOP's appeal to communities it has long struggled to win over.
Vance illustrates that Trump remains unencumbered by the concerns that would typically animate a non-incumbent when selecting a running mate. Unlike former Vice President Mike Pence, Vance does not help Trump appeal to a wing of the party that he's trying to win over. Trump also has more governing experience than Vance, who has served less than two years in the US Senate.
A generation ago, selecting an Ohioan would have been considered a potential move to win a key swing state. But Republicans have slowly remade Ohio to the point that Sen. Sherrod Brown, who is up for reelection this November, is the only Democratic statewide elected official. None of the other reported finalists on Trump's list represented a battleground state in the 2024 election.
Vance owes a great deal to Trump, but has not always supported the former president. A once self-described "Never Trump Republican," Vance previously said that he considered voting for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in 2016. His memoir "Hillbilly Elegy" was held up in the aftermath of Trump's shocking upset as a way for Americans to understand Trump's appeal. During his Senate GOP primary campaign, Vance apologized and said he was wrong about Trump. The former president's endorsement later catapulted Vance into the US Senate.
Before entering politics, Vance cut his teeth as a venture capitalist, working closely alongside Peter Thiel. Thiel, who spent over $15 million on a super PAC to get Vance elected to the Senate, has reportedly said he won't donate to any political candidates ahead of November.
In Washington, Vance quickly aligned himself with Republicans who wanted to refashion the more establishment-minded Senate GOP into a group more in line with Trump. Vance has been a vocal critic of Ukraine aid, which pitted him against Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. The Ohioian has also been deeply critical of the criminal prosecutions, becoming Trump's first potential vice presidential pick to travel to Manhattan to show his support during the former president's criminal trial. Vance has even gone so far as to question Pence's belief that Trump put his family in danger on January 6.
If Trump wins a second term, Vance would be sworn in as one of the youngest vice presidents in the nation's history. Given that the former president can only serve one more term in office, Vance will be well-positioned to carry on Trump's legacy.
A professor says parents need to teach their kids these life skills.
Hill Street Studios/Getty Images
Parents should prepare teens for college by teaching them budgeting, health, and safety skills.
Many freshmen struggle with independence and managing finances, health, and problem-solving.
Parents can model and teach these skills over the summer to help teens transition smoothly.
I spent nearly a decade in the college classroom, teaching composition to freshmen. Not only was it my job to teach students how to write a college-level essay, but I also found myself taking on another role. I involuntarily became a college student life coach of sorts.
The small number of students and the nature of my class yielded plenty of time for conversation. I found that many of my students shared common struggles. Mostly, they were ill-prepared to be a college student — yet their parents and teachers expected them to "act their age."
Though 18 year olds can be viewed as adults, they often walk into my classroom lacking the skills and tools they need to meet the expectations abruptly thrust upon them.
Parents, before you send your sort-of-adult-child to college this fall, use this summer to ensure they have what they need for their next phase of life.
Budgeting
One of the biggest college student woes is that parents and adult kids butt heads regarding money. Parents need to teach their kiddos proactively how to budget, whether the student is failing a class, overspending on food and clothes, or failing to secure a part-time job.
Have your student get a part-time job this summer and ensure they know how to manage their own bank account and spending (and saving). Be frank about how much money you can provide them once they start college, and stick to the budget, no matter what.
Tip: Don't use money as a threat, which only creates an unhealthy parent-child dynamic.
Physical health
Being a college student is stressful and disruptive. A student's physical health is critically important to their overall well-being.
Exercise — whatever kind the student likes — can help them sleep better, manage their weight, and keep stress in check. Balanced meals and snack choices can help prevent the "Freshman 15," which is a common weight gain among new college students. They must also regulate blood sugar so they can sleep and study well.
This summer, physical health needs to be modeled at home when the whole family grocery shops and prepares meals together. Parents can also help make exercise fun.
In other words, parents: Practice what you preach.
Problem-solving
When in high school, many of my college students were used to Mommy or Daddy stepping in on their behalf, managing any issues that would arise. Once in college, students are suddenly expected to navigate their needs independently.
If you haven't yet, instead of swooping in to save your child from making decisions and facing consequences — positive or negative — ask them how they feel about a situation, what they need, and what possible solutions they're considering.
Support them in their emotions and decisions, allowing them to live and learn the lessons. The game of trial and error is the best teacher.
Safety
The best tip here is safety comes first — always. If your child has been raised in a low-crime, family-friendly community, they may not be used to having to think about personal safety. They very well will experience college culture shock if you don't prepare them now.
Things to teach and model this summer include never leaving valuables in a car, always locking the vehicle, and always keeping their bag or purse on them. I'd also recommend teaching them not to be completely enveloped by their phone when walking around campus, including crossing streets and parking lots.
If you haven't already, also talk about sexual health, consent, and alcohol and drug usage. Again, the best way to teach these to kids is to give them opportunities to practice good judgment, as well as follow the rules yourself.
College can be an exciting time for freshmen. To ensure your almost-adult child is prepared, use this summer to teach, guide, and support. Be a proactive parent and set your child up for success.
Moving to Indiana wasn't going to stop me from shopping at Trader Joe's.
Michelle Mastro
Since moving to Indiana, I have to drive two hours to get to the closest Trader Joe's.
Some items are worth making the trek for, like the granola bites, cacio-e-pepe ravioli, and syrup.
I also pick up some non-food items each visit, including the pop-up sponges and dog treats.
When I lived in Southern California, I had tons of Trader Joe's locations to choose from. But now that I reside in Southern Indiana — where there are only four stores in the entire state — I drive two hours to and from the closest location.
Because I live so far away, I typically travel to Trader Joe's once a month, stocking up on lots of canned goods and cleaning products. I even bring a cooler to take home perishables.
Here are the 11 things I buy that make the long journey to Trader Joe's worth it.
Trader Joe's granola bites are great for road trips or hiking.
I can't get enough of Trader Joe's organic chocolate-chip granola bites.
Michelle Mastro
Unlike typical granola fragments, my husband and I love that Trader Joe's granola bites come in more solid pieces. The bites are wrapped in pouches and come with good portions of chocolate chips.
The only drawback is that I can't limit myself to just one pouch, so I like to buy a few boxes at a time.
Trader Joe’s Italian-style wedding soup is surprisingly good.
The Italian-style wedding soup has become a staple for us in the winter.
Michelle Mastro
Despite appearances — yes, the floating meatballs admittedly look a bit strange — this soup is delicious. We tend to crave it in the winter since it has pasta and broth, like chicken noodle soup.
I love the guilt-free feeling of using the pop-up sponges.
These sponges are both biodegradable and very effective at cleaning.
Michelle Mastro
These sponges are compostable since they're made from natural vegetable cellulose, which makes me feel a lot less climate anxiety while using them.
They are also very effective in getting all the grease and grime off my cast-iron skillets and hold up well despite being biodegradable.
I love Trader Joe's cacio-e-pepe ravioli.
Trader Joe's cacio-e-pepe ravioli is great for those who like their pasta with a bit of pepper.
Michelle Mastro
I can't be the only one who likes adding dried pepper to plain ravioli — but Trader Joe's cacio-e-pepe ravioli makes it so that I don't have to.
When paired with a side dish, the portion is large enough for two to enjoy. But by itself, it also works great as a larger lunch for one.
My dogs love Trader Joe's grain-free dog treats with peanut butter and banana.
Trader Joe's grain-free dog treats are great for training.
Michelle Mastro
My fur babies love both peanut butter and bananas, so I use these treats for dog training. Sometimes, I'll even give my big dogs two at the end of the day as a reward.
Trader Joe's buttermilk-pancake mix is easy to make.
My husband and I love eating these pancakes for breakfast.
Michelle Mastro
I like to make pancakes on weekends when my husband and I can have breakfast together. Trader Joe's buttermilk-pancake mix is easy to make — all I need to do is add water and an egg.
Trader Joe's organic Vermont maple syrup is my favorite store-brand syrup.
Trader Joe's maple syrup is just as good as the kind I get at farmer's markets.
Michelle Mastro
I'm picky about maple syrup and tend to get mine from farmer's markets. But Trader Joe's organic Vermont maple syrup rivals the bottles I can get locally.
Trader Joe's dark-chocolate-covered almonds have the best almond-to-chocolate ratio.
I love indulging in Trader Joe's dark-chocolate-covered almonds.
Michelle Mastro
I love Trader Joe's dark-chocolate-covered almonds because the chocolate layer is decadently thick. The pop of almond flavor also complements the chocolate rather than being overpowering.
I buy Simpler Times lager whenever we have a house project.
I like to treat my husband with a can of Simpler Times lager for doing yard work.
Michelle Mastro
Like my dogs, my husband is receptive to bribery. Knowing there are cans of Simpler Times lager in the fridge, he's happy to do the bulk of the yard work on a weekend.
The oven-toasted old-fashioned organic oats make the best oatmeal-raisin cookies.
Trader Joe's oven-toasted old-fashioned organic oats taste so good I often forget they're also healthy.
Michelle Mastro
Even if you're not a fan of oatmeal-raisin cookies, these oats are delicious because of how crunchy and crispy they are from the toasting process. They're so rich and sweet that it's easy to forget they're healthy.
Trader Joe's baked cheese crunchies are my favorite guilt-free snack.
Trader Joe's baked cheese crunchies are great for when I want something crunchy but not greasy.
Michelle Mastro
Because these cheese-flavored corn snacks are baked, they aren't greasy. However, they still have all the cheesy flavor you'd expect, making them the perfect snack to pull out from the pantry.
An Australian P-8A anti-submarine warfare aircraft targeted and dropped training torpedoes on a US nuclear submarine.
The exercise occurred off the coast of Hawaii during RIMPAC 2024.
The crew dropped sonobuoys to track the vessel before targeting it with Mark 54 exercise torpedoes.
The crew of a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft shared their experiences tracking a US Navy nuclear submarine and dropping training torpedoes on it off the coast of Hawaii last Wednesday.
The drill, part of the large multinational Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), was a rare opportunity to test the plane's patrol and reconnaissance capabilities against a live target, the aircraft's crew said, per a release on the training.
The P-8A Poseidon, which succeeded the older P-3 Orion, usually serves in a surveillance and deterrence role. Since it first entered service in 2013, it's become widely considered one of the most sophisticated maritime patrol aircraft available, featuring various technical capabilities for detecting and tracking subs and ships. The anti-submarine warfare plane also possesses the ability to engage hostile vessels
The Australian P-8A was joined by a US Navy P-8A and an MQ-9A unmanned aerial vehicle, which recorded the exercise, according to a news release from US Third Fleet.
Air Force aviators from No. 11 Squadron, CPL Brendan King and CPL Zachary Sellman, fit a Mk54 Lightweight Exercise Torpedo to a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.
Australian Defence Force photo by Royal Australian Air Force Imagery Specialist Corporal Adam Abela
The submarine targetedwas the US Navy Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Topeka (SSN 754). The nuclear submarine is the fourth improved Los Angeles-class vessel, featuring a more durable hull that allows the warship to dive deeper than other unmodified vessels of its class.
To find the sub, the Poseidon began with range surveillance, "essentially flying a grid search pattern at low altitude to hunt down the exact location of the submarine," the release said. In the exercise, the P-8s were given the broad coordinates for the submarine's location, but the crew had to independently "establish organic tracking and attack criteria," 3rd Fleet said.
The P-8 turned to its sonobuoys to map the sub's movements. These are acoustic sensors used to find submarines. A float with a radio transmitter remains on the surface while a hydrophone is submerged for detection.
Flying Officer Adam Fraser, a Pilot from No. 11 Squadron during an anti-submarine warfare training mission with a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon as part of Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024, Hawaiian Islands.
Australian Defence Force photo by Royal Australian Air Force Imagery Specialist Corporal Adam Abela
"We dropped sonobuoys to determine the track of the submarine," No. 11 Squadron Commander and Tactical Coordinator, Squadron Leader Tristan Hull, explained.
Hull added that "once we were able to establish position, course, and speed of the submarine we were able to derive a solution that met our attack criteria and appropriate weapon placement to ensure maximum success."
After locating the Topeka, the Australian sub-hunter dropped four Mark 54 exercise torpedoes. Hull described it as a detailed process involving the sonobuoys being placed correctly in the area, the acoustics operator accurately interpreting the information to locate the sub, and then the P-8A pilot flying over the target in time.
It was the first time an Australian P-8A dropped this variant of the Mark 54 Lightweight Exercise Torpedo, the news release noted.
The larger RIMPAC exercise, during which this training occurred, is the world's largest international maritime exercise focused on the Indo-Pacific region. This year's exercise, the 29th iteration, included participants from across the region and beyond.
No. 11 Squadron Tactical Co-ordinator (TACCO), Flying Officer Eric Morant during an anti-submarine warfare training mission with a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon as part of Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024, Hawaiian Islands.
Australian Defence Force photo by Royal Australian Air Force Imagery Specialist Corporal Adam Abela
Tracking, detecting, and engaging submarines in exercises such as this one helps train aircraft crewa to better understand how to identify the various acoustic elements of a sub and how they differ from the feedback and noise of the surrounding ocean.
Maritime patrol aircraft crews routinely track submarines outside of structured exercises. Doing so can provide valuable intelligence about the undersea capabilities of potential foes. Recently, an anti-submarine warfare plane belonging to a NATO ally followed a Russian submarine in the Baltic Sea, and before that, a US plane kept tabs on another Russian sub before it docked off the coast of Cuba.
Trump shortly after a gunman tried to shoot him at a rally on Saturday.
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
A viral photo of Trump after a shooting attempt quickly spawned merchandise across TikTok, Facebook, and Etsy.
Online retailers quickly began creating and selling shirts and other merch bearing the image.
Chinese sellers also hopped on the merch production just hours after the shooting.
Just hours after the shooting on Saturday that left former President Donald Trump wounded, online sellers are already using a photo of the bloodied US presidential candidate to generate a slew of merchandise.
Sellers on TikTok shop, Facebook Marketplace, and Etsy have immediately jumped on the picture of Trump raising his fist shortly after being shot, with shirts bearing slogans like "Grazed but not Dazed," "You Missed," "Shooting Makes Me Stronger," and "Never Surrender."
One TikTok retailer has already sold over 2,700 shirts with the word "Bulletproof" on them, and a shirt sporting the photo and "Trump 2024" is currently Amazon's best seller for Men's Novelty T-Shirts.
TikTok shop selling shirts of former President Donald Trump after getting shot during a rally.
TikTok Shop
Chinese retailers were among the first to pounce on the e-commerce opportunity.
Li Jinwei, A 25-year-old seller on Alibaba's Taobao platform, told the South China Morning Post that her factory was able to immediately produce an average of one t-shirt a minute.
"We put the T-shirts on Taobao as soon as we saw the news about the shooting, though we hadn't even printed them, and within three hours we saw more than 2,000 orders from both China and the US," Jinwei said.
Zhong Jiachi, owner of Paxinico, a clothing merchant on Douyin, sold roughly 40 shirts within 24 hours, Reuters reported. Jiachi told the publication that the sales "exceeded" her expectations.
"I didn't expect that Trump would have so many fans," she said.
Facebook Marketplace retailers are selling former President Donald Trump merch with a photo of him raising his fist after being shot.
Facebook Marketplace
This isn't the first time Trump's more somber situations have been spun into convincing merch. When the former President was arrested last year, his mugshot spawned thousands of shirts, mugs, and posters that accumulated to over $9.4 million for his campaign.
Millie Bobby Brown in season four of "Stranger Things."
Netflix
"Stranger Things" season five will be the hit Netflix series' last.
The Duffer brothers have teased information about the final season since season four was released in 2022.
In July, Netflix confirmed that the season was halfway done with filming.
Since premiering in 2016, "Stranger Things" has gone on to become one of Netflix's most popular series of all time.
The supernatural drama, set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, in the 1980s, is now headed into its fifth and final season. Its stellar young cast, long one of the show's biggest strengths, are now adults. Leading actor Millie Bobby Brown's breakout role as Eleven has led to her becoming a star in her own right, producing films like "Enola Holmes" and pursuing other projects outside the "Stranger Things" umbrella.
Netflix announced in February 2022 that the show's fifth season would be its last, bringing a conclusion to the story of Eleven, Hawkins, and the Upside Down. And while there are plenty of "Stranger Things" spinoff projects in the pipeline (and other shows to catch up on in the meantime), it's hard not to be excited about what's sure to be an epic ending.
Here's everything we know about season five of the series, including what the Duffers have said about the show's conclusion.
"Stranger Things" season five kicked off production in January 2024.
The cast of "Stranger Things" season five with Matt and Ross Duffer.
Atsushi Nishijima/Netflix
On January 8, 2024, the official "Stranger Things" account posted on X that the show had entered production.
"THIS IS A CODE RED," the post read. "STRANGER THINGS 5 production has officially begun!!!"
The post featured a photo of the Duffers and the show's cast lounging together next to a red, neon "5" sign.
By July 2024, season five was halfway done filming.
Neflix released a teaser filled with behind-the-scenes footage from the "Stranger Things" season five set.
Stranger Things/Netflix/YouTube
Netflix released a behind-the-scenes featurette from the set of "Stranger Things" season five in July, marking the halfway point of filming for the final season.
The video is full of creepy tendrils, shots of Hawkins High School, and plenty of nostalgic callbacks to the show's early seasons.
"I started when I was 10," Millie Bobby Brown says in one clip. "Now I'm turning 20 years old. It feels very weird."
The teaser also features appearances from members of the primary cast including Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin, Sadie Sink, Gaten Matarazzo, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Noah Schnapp, Jamie Campbell Bower, and Winona Ryder. Season five newcomer Linda Hamilton of "Terminator" fame also briefly gets the spotlight.
There are some fun glimpses in the trailer of Dustin wearing a Hellfire Club shirt (RIP Eddie) and the original four — Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will — attending school together. There's also a brief shot of Hawke and Ryder sharing a scene, and one glimpse of Mike's younger sister Holly looking shocked by something off-screen.
The trailer, however, did not contain a release date.
Production on the final season was meant to start sooner. It was put on hold until the end of the writers' strike.
Several writers on strike shared their experiences struggling financially while working on shows that were nominated for or won awards.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images
In a May 6, 2023 tweet from the writers' room Twitter account, the Duffer brothers announced that production was on pause until the writers' strike had ended and the Writers Guild of America and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers had reached a "fair deal."
"Duffers here. Writing does not stop when filming begins," the tweet began. "While we're excited to start production with our amazing cast and crew, it is not possible during this strike. We hope a fair deal is reached soon so we can all get back to work. Until then — over and out. #wgastrong."
The issues at hand for writers include stagnating wages, practices like "mini rooms," and the threat that AI could replace writers, Insider previously reported.
Work on the scripts for season five started back in August 2022.
The stars of "Stranger Things" season four.
Netflix
The Duffer brothers told Collider in July 2022 that after some time off that month following the release of season four, part two, they were planning on starting up the writers' room for season five of the series during the first week of August.
Before the strike, the time between the "Stranger Things" season five release date and season four's premiere wasn't expected to be as long as the wait between seasons four and three.
Nancy (Natalia Dyer) and Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) in "Stranger Things."
Netflix
The Duffer Brothers told Variety in May 2022 that the time between seasons "should be quite a bit shorter this time," given that their COVID-induced filming hiatus gave them time to outline season five. At the time, the Duffers said they "can't imagine there will be another six-month forced hiatus." Well. Oops.
Ahead of the dual writers' and actors' strikes, star Finn Wolfhard told GQ that he'd be 22 when the final season debuted on Netflix, suggesting that "Stranger Things" season five would be released in early 2025. Because of the production delay, many are speculating that the release might be pushed to late 2025 or even 2026. (Netflix hasn't addressed release date rumors.)
For context, there was a nearly three-year wait between seasons three and four. Season three premiered on July 4, 2019, and the first part of the fourth season was released on May 27, 2022.
Season five will be shorter — except for its finale. Probably.
Eleven works to regain her powers in "Stranger Things" season four, part one.
"I don't know if it's gonna be going 100 miles per hour at the start of five, but it's gonna be moving pretty fast," Matt Duffer said. "Characters are already gonna be in action, they're already gonna have a goal and drive, and I think that's gonna carve out at least a couple hours and make this season feel really different.
Ross Duffer said, however, that they're likely to have another "two-and-a-half-hour episode" for the series finale, in order to avoid a television phenomenon in which the series' final episode falls after the climax, and serves as a "wind down."
Still, the brothers said that during the writing process, things could turn out differently length-wise.
Season five will likely feature a time jump.
Max (Sadie Sink) and Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin) in "Stranger Things."
"We hope that you stay with us as we finish this tale of a powerful girl named Eleven and her brave friends, of a broken police chief and a ferocious mom, of a small town called Hawkins and an alternate dimension known only as the Upside Down," the brothers said in a letter.
The brothers "feel good" about the "Stranger Things" ending, which they've already planned out.
Winona Ryder and Brett Gelman in season four of "Stranger Things."
"We do feel good about the ending," Matt Duffer said. "I was like, okay, I think this ending is not… I'm not super insecure. I'm insecure about a lot of things, but I feel like this ending feels good."
Ross Duffer told the publication that the final 20 minutes of the series were "locked in."
The Duffer brothers aren't trying to engineer another "Running Up That Hill" moment in season five.
Sadie Sink in "Stranger Things" season four, part one.
"The fact that she's in a coma, I can't really get into the details, but it is important that she is," Matt Duffer said. "That is gonna have a major effect on five. So it's not a, oh well, you know, a cheat. It's incredibly relevant to five."
Season five will explain more about the Upside Down.
Vecna is the villain of "Stranger Things 4."
Netflix
Russ Duffer told Netflix Geeked that lingering questions about the Upside Down, such as why it's frozen in time to the point where Will was taken in season one, will be answered in season five.
"The answers to what the Upside Down actually is, is really gonna be the core of what season five is, and the mysteries of season five," Ross said. "And those answers are really gonna lead us to the conclusion of this story."
The fifth season will mostly take place in Hawkins, where it all started.
Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, and Finn Wolfhard in "Stranger Things" season four.
Netflix
The Duffer brothers told Collider that the fifth season will take place mostly in Hawkins, Indiana, as well as the Upside Down. That's a direct contrast to season four, which saw the cast scattered between Indiana, California, and Russia.
"This is about everyone finally coming back. Coming back together, coming back to Hawkins," Matt Duffer said. "Hopper is back in Hawkins. The original group [is] back together — the original group of boys plus Eleven. The OG group. There's something interesting to re-explore some of the season one dynamics again, except on this grander scale."
The end of the story was apparently emotional enough to make Netflix executives cry.
Mike (Finn Wolfhard) and Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) in "Stranger Things."
Netflix
Ross Duffer told The Wrap that when he and Matt pitched season five to Netflix, it led to some tears being shed in the room.
"I mean, it was hard. It's the end of the story," he told the publication. "I saw executives crying who I've never seen cry before and it was wild. And it's not just to do with the story, just the fact that it's like, 'Oh my God, this thing that has defined so many of our lives, these Netflix people who has been with us from the beginning, seven years now,' and it's hard to imagine the journey coming to an end."
Eddie's death will have ramifications in season five.
Joseph Quinn as Eddie Munson in "Stranger Things."
Netflix
On the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast, Matt Duffer said that all the deaths on the show have ramifications on the series.
Will Byers is going to be a "big focus" of season five.
Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) turns to the window to cry silently about his feelings in season four of "Stranger Things."
Courtesy of Netflix
Matt Duffer told Collider that Will, played by Noah Schnapp, is going to play a large part in season five.
"Will's going to be a big part and focus, is really all I can say of season five, in his journey. We're starting to see his coming of age, really," Matt told the publication. "Which has been challenging for a number of reasons, some of which are supernatural. But you're starting to see him come into his own."
An Amazon delivery worker pushes a cart full of boxes across an intersection.
Reuters
Amazon's Prime Day generates a mountain of packages for delivery workers to deliver.
Amazon Flex delivery workers say they're preparing for it by taking early-morning shifts.
The Flex model, which relies on independent contractors, has become key to Amazon's fast delivery.
As Amazon's Prime Day approaches, one delivery driver in Texas has a strategy for handling the coming avalanche of packages.
The driver told Business Insider that they're trying to beat delivering during one of the hottest times of the year by claiming shifts that involve dropping off packages as early as 4 a.m. They're also taking plenty of ice-cold water with them in a hydroflask.
Another Amazon Flex driver, located in Alabama, said she's also trying to grab early-morning shifts — though closer to 6:45 a.m. — since she thinks they tend to contain fewer packages than later in the day.
"It is that crazy, like Black Friday," she said. The Flex drivers BI spoke with asked not to be named in this article, citing fear of having their accounts deactivated by Amazon.
Prime Day has become a second holiday shopping season. This year, Amazon is promising new deals on its website every five minutes on July 16 and 17, while rival retailers like Walmart and Target are hosting their own sales events.
And, just like the holidays, all that extra buying requires more people to get purchases to you, the customer.
Amazon relies on different kinds of workers to get you your orders. Amazon's delivery service partners, for instance, use Amazon-owned vans.
Flex workers, meanwhile, are independent contractors who are paid per shift (or "block," as the workers call them) and use their own cars to work. On some deliveries, such as grocery orders from Whole Foods, they can earn tips.
But like all independent contractors, Flex drivers can decide what kind of work they'd like to do. And for some, picking up dozens of packages and delivering them around busy cities or sprawling suburbs isn't worth the money.
Earlier this month, on a Reddit page for Flex drivers, a poster claiming to be a new driver for the program asked whether working during Prime Day meant better pay or more shifts to choose from.
Some commenters pointed to a surge in new Flex drivers who joined the platform just before this year's Prime Day. In the past, lots of new drivers have meant that shifts with surge pricing — those for which Amazon pays drivers more — are rarer, the commenters said.
"Too many new drivers that drive down rates," one wrote.
Another commenter offered practical advice for the new driver. "Bring TP just in case you have to pp and there's no bathroom/service," the commenter wrote, appearing to use an abbreviation for "toilet paper."
The Flex model has played a key role in expanding Amazon's delivery abilities, particularly when it comes to fast options like same-day delivery, said Dhruv Grewal, a professor of marketing at Babson College.
"This model gives them the ability to both increase speed and reduce the cost of both owning the merchandise, owning the infrastructure of warehousing and owning the distribution infrastructure of their own fleets or trucks," Grewal told BI.
But one Flex driver in Washington state told BI that she's not planning to make any deliveries for Amazon this week. Instead, she figures that she can make more money by delivering restaurant food for DoorDash in Seattle, where a pay law that took effect earlier this year established a minimum pay for delivery workers equivalent to the city's $19.97-an-hour floor.
"People are going to choose what is most profitable for them," the worker said.
Amazon did not immediately respond to a request for comment for this story from BI. A company spokesperson told BI last week that Prime Day "gives individuals the opportunity to set their own schedule and be their own boss, while earning competitive pay."
Do you work for Amazon Flex, Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh, or another part of Amazon's retail business and have a story idea to share? Reach out to this reporter at abitter@businessinsider.com