Tag: Business

When a conference in Miami coincided with Sarah LeMoine's 24th birthday, she arranged for a friend to join her and turned the work trip into a mini vacation.

And when LeMoine's job took her to Los Angeles from her home in Canada, LeMoine again added on a few days of personal travel. She spent the weekend exploring the city and creating content for her 57,000 TikTok followers.

"You don't need a man to fly you out for free vacations. You just need to work a corporate job that has travel perks," LeMoine explained in a recent TikTok. "I'm always going to make the most of business trips and traveling for work because it's free travel."

Approaching a work trip as an opportunity to stay at a fancy hotel or enjoy an especially nice meal on someone else's dime is not new to Gen Z. But, in an environment of increasingly relaxed work-life boundaries, supplementing a business trip with some vacation time has become one of the generation's favorite travel hacks.

Nearly two-thirds of Gen Z workers say they bundle business and personal travel, according to a Harris Poll survey conducted for the business travel platform Engine. Meanwhile, Gen Z business travelers are also more likely than other generations to extend a work trip, according to Hotels.com's Business Trip Report.

Compared to the sullen, briefcase-carrying road warriors of old — catching flights to windowless convention halls and drinking alone at the hotel bar — Zoomers are more likely to quietly bring along a plus-one and find ways to extract maximum enjoyment from a trip they'll be making anyway.

For LeMoine's experience-driven generation, a trip's a trip, whether it started out as a vacation or has the potential to become one.

"Younger generations are so experience-oriented and savvy about travel," says Christie Hudson, a travel expert for Hotels.com. They're "posting their upgraded flights, their cute outfits, and hotel room — and then going to the conference. It's definitely a different vibe."

Zoomers, and to a lesser extent millennials, are not only extra-excited at the prospect of a work trip — they're also more likely than older generations to reach into their own pockets to have a more luxurious experience.

Nearly nine in ten Zoomers and seven in ten millennials see work trips as a chance to upgrade their lifestyles, the Hotels.com report found. They're more than twice as likely to pay out of pocket to upgrade a flight compared to older colleagues and roughly two-thirds have personally paid to switch to a nicer hotel, compared to just half of those from older generations.

"If it was a pretty good price, like $300 to $500, I would definitely go for it," says LeMoine. She describes herself as budget-conscious and says she would draw the line at paying over $1,000 for an upgrade.

They're also more likely to extend their stay at a nice hotel and take advantage of their company's corporate rate.

Emily Nasser, 26, works for a company that hosts conferences and travels to luxury venues multiple times a year from her home in Toronto. She adores travel, but now almost exclusively vacations where she has to go anyway for work.

Last November, after attending a conference at the luxurious Ojai Valley Inn, Nasser invited a friend to join her for a few extra days to take advantage of the corporate rate. She says they paid $389 for a room that would have cost $800 without the discount.

"It was amazing," Nasser says. "And I wouldn't have been able to do that unless I was sent to that event for my job."

Another time, when a business trip to Orlando included a stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Nasser invited her boyfriend to tag along.

As regular business travellers will attest, a work trip is more likely to take you to Cleveland than the Caribbean. And while most of Nasser's work takes her to California or Florida, she's holding out hope for a more exotic location soon. "Europe is always my dream to go to," Nasser says.

Generally speaking, young professionals are more likely to be up for a long journey if it means reaching a bucket-list destination at the other end. While older professionals welcome a chance to go to London, according to the Hotels.com survey, Tokyo is a top pick among Zoomers.

And one thing business travellers of all ages have in common: it's a points economy.

For a generation of credit card users, business trips can be a lucrative way to build up points, and collect perks to stretch their money as far as it will go. More than half of Gen Z already rely on credit card points and rewards to pay for travel expenses, according to a study conducted by Qualtrics on behalf of Intuit Credit Karma. Almost half of Gen Z business travellers make work travel choices based on maximising rewards and 42% of millennials have cashed them in for cheap hotels or upgraded flights later down the line, according to Hotels.com.

Take a cursory scroll through social media and you'll think that business class is full of 20-somethings sipping champagne and doing their skincare mid-flight.

Gen Z has grown up watching influencers be treated to all-expenses-paid, business-class trips, giving hotel room tours of expensive suites and ordering room service. It makes sense that a new generation of business travellers want a taste of that for themselves, even if they need to pay for the upgrades out of pocket.

Yet, for a generation deep in the trenches of buy-now-pay-later and drowning in personal debt, keeping up with the Joneses can create problems if Zoomers are upgrading out of pocket for experiences they can't yet afford.

"Here's the real crux of Gen Z," says Grace McCarrick, a keynote speaker focused on soft skills education and bridging the gap between internet and professional culture. "So much of their understanding about the adult world is built on theory and observation rather than experience."

McCarrick notes, "the algorithm makes it feel normal, but in reality, most people are in coach—maybe Delta Comfort."

Still, tacking a vacation onto a trip that your employer has already paid for can be a sensible choice.

And, in the era of side hustles and influencer culture, business trips are also prime content opportunities — which could mean adding on the extra days will pay for itself.

For a generation encouraged to go through life as the "main character" and romanticise their day-to-day life, that's exactly what they are doing. Zoomers post 3 to 5 times more per day on social media than their older colleagues while on work trips, with 75% splurging on high-end dinners and entertainment just to get better content, according to Hotels.com.

"I try showing that I'm grateful, as opposed to, 'Look at me! I get to do this,'" says Nasser, who posts under the name 'THAT Corporate Girl' to over 100,000 followers on TikTok. "I definitely use it to my advantage to post because why wouldn't I if I'm in a beautiful spot in a new city."

While Nasser's company is supportive of her TikTok channel, not all will be. Prolific posting can create tension when it comes to filing the expense reports.

"If people are upgrading hotels or airfare, be smart about it," advises McCarrick. "If you know you're flying with other people and everyone's flying coach, don't be the youngest person on the team upgrading yourself. That looks crazy."

"An attitude of entitlement, "I deserve this", will always be tough for colleagues to swallow," she says.

At the same time, employers who discourage work-vacation bundling might find that potential employees take notice. For a professional cohort who are working to live, rather than living to work, a business trip that's all work and no play may lead younger employees to disengage and seek out more flexibility elsewhere.

"Younger workers do pay attention to how flexible employers are. They might be drawn to companies that encourage experiences and don't micromanage travel," says Hudson. "Younger employees care about time-off policies and work-life balance, and this all fits into that."

Nasser concurs. "I love showing that there are companies out there that do do this," she says. "And, if you're not happy at your company, well, maybe you should look at corporate events or a company that does allow you to travel." 

Eve Upton-Clark is a freelance writer covering culture and society.

• Wall Street says Nvidia's blowout quarter shows the AI boom is far from peaking.
• Nvidia posted $57 billion in revenue on Wednesday, topping analysts' $55 billion estimates.
• "Fears of an AI bubble are way overstated," one analyst said.

Nvidia's blockbuster earnings just blew a hole through Wall Street's AI bubble anxieties.

Analysts said the chipmaker's third-quarter results prove the AI boom is nowhere near running out of steam.

On Wednesday, Nvidia posted $57 billion in revenue, topping Wall Street's $55 billion estimates. Its data center division generated revenue of $51 billion, surpassing the $49.31 billion analysts had projected. The company reported earnings of $1.30 per share compared to the $1.26 estimate. It also forecast $65 billion in revenue for the fourth quarter, exceeding analysts' expectations of $61.98 billion.

Nvidia's stock rose about 3% in after-hours trading following the results and climbed about 4.5% after hours as the analyst call wrapped.

"Fears of an AI bubble are way overstated," Dan Ives, managing director and senior equity research analyst at Wedbush Securities, wrote after the print. The tech bull called the results a "pop-the-champagne moment" for tech investors.

"This is another validation point for the AI revolution," Ives wrote. "We are in the top of the third inning of this AI game."

Other analysts echoed that view. Thomas Monteiro, a senior analyst at Investing.com, said Nvidia's report shows the AI revolution is "nowhere near its peak," with both demand and supply chain scaling continuing.

Despite concerns that ballooning capital expenditures — estimated at more than $400 billion across top cloud platforms — could lead to a slowdown, Monteiro said Nvidia's numbers show that tech companies remain committed to scaling their data centers.

Daniel Morgan, a senior portfolio manager at Synovus Trust, said investors remain wary of what he calls the "three C's" — capex sustainability, circular financing, and rising competition.

"While these issues were not put to rest, the recent print does give investors confidence that Nvidia is still executing at a high level," he wrote. Nvidia's results suggest those fears can at least be "punted" into the next quarter, he added.

EMARKETER tech analyst Jacob Bourne told Business Insider that while Nvidia "delivered another blockbuster quarter," investors are increasingly focused on whether physical constraints — including power availability, land, and grid access — may limit how quickly hyperscalers can turn GPU capacity into actual revenue.

'Blackwell sales are off the charts'

During the earnings call, Nvidia reiterated that it has "half a trillion" in Blackwell and Rubin chip revenue through 2026.

Things are "on track" and "the number will grow," Colette Kress, the chief financial officer, said.

"We'll probably be taking more orders," she said, noting that new customers — including Anthropic following its recent deal — would add demand. "There's definitely an opportunity for us to have more on top of the $500 billion that we announced," she added.

Huang drew attention at Nvidia's October GTC conference after revealing that the company has $500 billion worth of AI-chip orders booked for 2025 and 2026, including orders for its Blackwell and Rubin chips.

"Blackwell sales are off the charts, and cloud GPUs are sold out," Jensen Huang said in Nvidia's earnings release.

Jefferies' analysts said that Nvidia's Blackwell GB300 GPU sales, which accounted for two-thirds of Blackwell sales, were "very strong."

"Nvidia answered the bell with GB300 shipments driving healthy upside to estimates," they wrote. They said that Nvidia's results "should help steady the ship" for AI stocks into the end of the year.

"Commentary around cloud service providers being sold out across the board and full utilization for Blackwell, Hopper, and even Ampere should help put the useful life conversation to bed," the analysts added.

The AI bubble chatter

The Nvidia CEO kicked off his remarks on Wednesday by taking aim at the "AI bubble" chatter.

"There's been a lot of talk about an AI bubble," said Huang, who is a longtime AI bull. "From our vantage point, we see something very different. As a reminder, Nvidia is unlike any other accelerator. We excel at every phase of AI, from pre-training and post-training to inference."

Some tech leaders have been warning that AI may be in bubble territory.

Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates said in October that the market could be in the middle of an AI bubble.

"The value is extremely high, just like creating the internet ended up being, in net, very valuable," Gates said in an appearance on CNBC's "Squawk Box". "But you have a frenzy. And some of these companies will be glad they spent all this money. Some of them, you know, they'll commit to data centers whose electricity is too expensive."

"There are a ton of these investments that will be dead ends," he added.

Others, like Huang, have pushed back on the AI bubble narrative.

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt said in July that the AI frenzy may resemble a bubble, but that doesn't mean it is one in reality.

"I think it's unlikely, based on my experience, that this is a bubble," Schmidt said during an appearance at the RAISE Summit in Paris. "It's much more likely that you're seeing a whole new industrial structure."

• Jane Fonda, 87, says she isn't afraid of aging and feels "better now" that she's older.
• "I'm afraid of dying with a lot of regrets. I watched my dad die with a lot of regrets," Fonda said.
• Fonda previously said that she hopes to stay strong and healthy for the sake of her grandkids.

Jane Fonda, 87, says her biggest fear isn't aging.

During an appearance on Wednesday's episode of "The Look" podcast hosted by Michelle Obama, Fonda said she found joy and confidence in growing older. The episode also featured guests Bethann Hardison and Jenna Lyons.

"And what is more astonishing is that I'm better now. I wouldn't go back for anything. I feel more centered, more whole, more complete. I'm very happy. Single," Fonda said.

Fonda said she has never been afraid of aging or dying, but turning 60 made her reconsider how she wanted to spend her remaining years.

"This is the beginning of my final act. And I didn't know how to live it. So I thought, well, what am I most afraid of?" Fonda said. "I'm afraid of dying with a lot of regrets. I watched my dad die with a lot of regrets. That was an important realization for me, because if you don't want to die with regrets, then you have to live the last part of your life in such a way that there won't be any regrets."

The actor added that the mantra has guided her for the past three decades.

Living without regret also means caring for her body and staying healthy as she grows older.

Speaking to People in January, Fonda said her workout routine has stayed consistent over the years.

"I essentially do everything I used to do, just slower," Fonda said. "I used to be a runner, but now I love walking. I love being outdoors in the woods, especially up and down hills."

In April, she told The Hollywood Reporter that she wants to be strong and flexible even as she ages because of her family.

"Unless you want to end up in a wheelchair and be totally dependent on others, you have to stay strong, getting in and out of cars, carrying your own luggage, lifting up your grandkids, or looking over your shoulder when you're backing up a car. They all become challenging under any circumstance, but if you're flexible and strong, it gets easier," Fonda said.

• Elon Musk and Donald Trump are extending olive branches to each other.
• Musk was at Trump's CEO-studded White House dinner on Tuesday.
• He later thanked Trump on X for "all he has done for America and the world."

Elon Musk and Donald Trump were at war all summer, but that relationship appears to be warming up.

The Tesla and SpaceX CEO received an invitation to Trump's White House dinner on Tuesday with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The dinner had a guest list dominated by CEOs. Musk was joined by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff. This was Musk's first public appearance at the White House after he fell out with Trump in May.

Following the dinner, Musk posted pictures taken at the dinner on X, which showed himself, the crown prince, Huang, and Trump.

"I would like to thank President Trump for all he has done for America and the world," Musk's post said.

And during his speech at the US-Saudi Investment Forum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Trump made some lighthearted jokes at Musk's expense.

"You're so lucky I'm with you, Elon. I'll tell you. Has he ever thanked me properly?" Trump said.

The slow thawing of tensions between the two comes after several months of intense public feuding.

Timeline of the Musk-Trump feud

Musk and Trump have had a tumultuous relationship over the past year. The two became steadfast political allies when Musk backed Trump's 2024 presidential bid.

Musk then called himself the "first buddy" after Trump's win.

Musk later headed the White House's Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, a post he left in May.

The relationship soured in June, when Musk criticized Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill." The two men started feuding publicly, with Musk saying Trump would not have won the presidential election if not for his support. Trump, meanwhile, threatened to cut government contracts that Musk's companies held.

Musk then said he would form a new political party called the "America Party."

"Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom," Musk wrote in an X post in July.

The duo have been spotted in public together since their alliance imploded. They were seen shaking hands at political activist Charlie Kirk's memorial service in September.

And before Trump's visit to Asia in October, Trump said he had always had a good relationship with Musk.

"I like Elon, I've always liked him," he told reporters on Air Force One in October.

• Nvidia's Q3 earnings beat expectations, driven by strong data center and AI demand.
• New partnerships with OpenAI, Uber, and xAI underscore Nvidia's leadership in AI.
• Export restrictions on China and rising competition remain concerns for Nvidia's growth.

Nvidia's blockbuster earnings just brought relief to Wall Street.

On Wednesday, the chip giant reported $57 billion in revenue for the quarter and delivered another blowout performance from its data center division, which brought in $51 billion, surpassing the $49.3 billion analysts projected.

Nvidia also lifted its fourth-quarter guidance to expect $65 billion in sales. The optimistic outlook reinvigorated AI and semiconductor stocks after several rocky days. Nvidia stock jumped more than 3% in after-hours trading, while shares of other chipmakers, like Advanced Micro Devices, Broadcom, and Taiwan Semiconductor, also saw gains.

Here are the key takeaways from Nvidia's Q3 earnings, from fear of an AI bubble to the various new partnerships the chipmaker is engaging in.

1. The AI bubble

CEO Jensen Huang addressed concerns about the AI bubble head-on.

"There's been a lot of talk about an AI bubble," he said as he kicked off his earnings address. "From our vantage point, we see something very different."

"As a reminder, Nvidia is unlike any other accelerator," Huang added. "We excel at every phase of AI, from pre-training and post-training to inference."

Huang added that the transition from using CPUs to GPUs, AI's ability to generate revenue through ads, and the rise of agentic AI systems that could spark a new wave of applications are all reasons he still sees growth in the coming years.

As an AI optimist, Huang had also previously dismissed concerns that AI could displace a large number of jobs.

2. New partnerships

Nvidia gave its new partnerships a big shoutout.

Over the earnings call, Nvidia highlighted new deals with OpenAI, Anthropic, Uber, and xAI.

Earlier in September, Nvidia announced a joint letter of intent with OpenAI "for a landmark strategic partnership to deploy at least 10 gigawatts of Nvidia systems for OpenAI's next-generation AI infrastructure to train and run its next generation of models on the path to deploying superintelligence." The plan, per the press release, is for Nvidia to invest as much as $100 billion into data center infrastructure using Nvidia hardware to start coming online by the second half of 2026.

On Tuesday, Nvidia struck a "deep technology partnership" with Anthropic and pledged up to $10 billion in investment for the startup. Anthropic also announced on the same day that it would spend $30 billion on compute to scale its Claude AI model on Microsoft's Azure cloud platform, which would be "powered by Nvidia."

On Wednesday, ahead of the earnings call, Nvidia and xAI also announced that a massive data center in Saudi Arabia, which is loaded with hundreds of thousands of Nvidia chips, will have Elon Musk's AI startup as its first customer.

3. China remains a concern

Export restrictions on China continue to be a concern.

CFO Colette Kress said during Wednesday's earnings call that Nvidia is "disappointed" by the US export rules that continue to limit its ability to sell advanced AI chips to China, and added that large China orders didn't materialize this quarter because of "geopolitical issues" and rising competition in the market.

Kress also maintained Nvidia's outlook of assuming zero data-center or compute revenue from China in the fourth quarter, though the company plans to keep engaging with both US and Chinese regulators.

Despite the uncertainty, DA Davidson analyst Gill Luria said ahead of the earnings that his team doesn't see AI demand slowing next year and expects Nvidia to hold its lead even as rivals grow and trade tensions persist.

4. Key growth areas

Nvidia is bullish on robotics and AI infrastructure.

In its earnings report, Nvidia highlighted robotics as one of its key growth areas. Automotive sales in Q3 totaled $592 million, which is a 32% increase compared to the same quarter in 2024.

On Wednesday, Nvidia said in its latest 10-Q filing that expanding power infrastructure is a "complex, multi-year process" that comes with many hurdles, but the company remains positive that AI infrastructures, such as data centers, will drive growth.

"We believe Nvidia will be the superior choice for the three to $4 trillion in annual AI infrastructure built," said Kress during the earnings call. "We estimate by the end of the decade, demand for AI infrastructure continues to exceed our expectations."

"This past quarter, we announced AI factory and infrastructure projects amounting to an aggregate of 5 million GPUs," Kress added.

5. The hyperscalers

Nvidia says hyperscalers are driving a huge share of its growth.

Kress told investors during the earnings call that hyperscalers like Meta are expected to account for "roughly half" of Nvidia's "long-term opportunity" as they shift more workloads to accelerated computing and generative AI.

She added that Nvidia is helping Meta boost service quality, increasing the time users spend on Threads and Facebook.

Huang, however, pushed back on the idea that only the biggest tech giants are buying GPUs. He said that investing in Nvidia's GPUs "only improves their scale, speed, and cost for general from general-purpose computing," especially for companies with more limited resources that need to "keep driving the cost down."

• Aniqah Bhatnagar was chasing a promotion at work and was tired of dating.
• When she came across a singles trip to Bali, she decided to try something new and applied for a spot.
• She didn't find love on the weeklong dating trip, but she formed friendships she hopes will last.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Aniqah Bhatnagar, 29, a single living in Hong Kong. Her words have been edited for length and clarity.

I was 28 and fed up with the dating scene. Swiping had become a ritual of ghosting, small talk, and scheduling conflicts.

I work in business development for a US law firm in Hong Kong and was chasing a promotion, so it was easy to tell myself romance could wait. Then, one night, a casual scroll on Instagram inspired me to try something different.

I'd been following Nabila Ismail — the travel influencer behind Dose of Travel Club (DOTC), with over 193,000 followers — when she posted about a new Bali trip called Desi Love Island.

Something about it clicked. Maybe it was the hopeless romantic in me, or maybe just the part craving sun, chaos, and adventure. I wasn't alone; the post racked up more than 90,000 views and 1,300 likes. Before I knew it, I was filling out an application asking about my personality type, love language, and relationship goals.

My friends sent memes calling me "the main character." My parents were supportive but cautious. I told my dad before he passed away a few months later — and while I like to think he's watching over me, for that particular week, I kind of hoped he wasn't too closely.

I applied in February and didn't hear back for weeks

DOTC hosts over 20 group trips a year, but the Desi Island retreat was its first to bring together South Asian singles. The company's offerings aren't all about dating. Next on the calendar, there's a women-only adventure in Morocco and a cultural deep dive in Japan.

When the acceptance email for the Bali trip landed in my inbox, I was excited. The eight-day retreat cost about 22,000 Hong Kong dollars, or $2,800, covering a shared villa, activities, and most meals.

While DOTC trips are designed for South Asians, I wasn't going in with rigid expectations. I'm not set on having a South Asian partner, but I do want someone who embraces the culture.

Landing in Bali felt surreal

Seventy South Asian singles from around the world — London, Singapore, New York, Melbourne — gathered in tropical villas with pools and matching welcome kits. The first night set the tone: a sunset cocktail party, curated playlists, and a host briefing that made it clear this wasn't a typical group trip.

My villa mates, Nikita and Ish, quickly became my confidantes, while Amrita, whom I'd met on the flight, turned into a close friend. Romantically, there were sparks with a couple of people, but the friendships formed faster. One guy — an engineer from Australia — turned out to be a better friend, and we're still in touch.

Each day had its own highlight: rafting, floating breakfasts, a glitzy club night, a boat trip to Nusa Lembongan, and quad-biking through Ubud's rice terraces. After the chaos, the villas became sanctuaries — we'd huddle over instant noodles, trading gossip about who was "coupled up."

Those noodle-fueled nights were my favorite part.

It wasn't all sunsets and smoothies. With seventy singles, emotions ran high; a misread text or rumored hookup could shift the group's energy. There were flirty moments, awkward ones, and a few heartbreaks. It felt like an accelerated version of modern dating.

I didn't find love in Bali

A big part of the reason was that many of us lived in different countries. I was already aware that long-distance relationships — especially in the early stages — can be tough. I found that the distance made it hard to take things further.

But the week made me more open-minded about dating and less fixated on outcomes. I realized that connection doesn't always have to be romantic.

A few of us have stayed in touch — one of the girls, Anjali, even came to visit me back home — and those friendships outlasted the flirtations. That, to me, feels like a win.

I'm proud that I said yes to something completely out of my comfort zone. I may not have met "the one," but I had an insanely fun week in a beautiful place and met some genuinely kind, fascinating people I hope to keep in my life for years to come.

Would I do it again? Probably not. But I'd recommend it to anyone curious. I wouldn't say no to a reunion.

Do you have a story about looking for love that you want to share? Get in touch with the editor: akarplus@businessinsider.com.

• The 74th annual Miss Universe pageant is taking place in Thailand.
• Contestants competed in the pageant's national costume contest on Wednesday.
• The best looks of the event featured sparkly details, dramatic backpieces, and feathered detailing.

The Miss Universe pageant is in full swing — despite drama attempting to overshadow the competition at every turn.

From contestants walking out after a director yelled at Miss Mexico to Miss Jamaica falling off the stage one day before the final competition, it seems like the pageant, which is taking place in Thailand, just can't escape hiccups this year.

Still, a new Miss Universe will be crowned early Friday in Thailand — or Thursday night if you're watching from the US, where pageant coverage will stream on Peacock starting at 7 p.m. ET.

Ahead of the final round of competition, the 2025 Miss Universe contestants celebrated their home countries in the national costume contest. They wore themed outfits adorned with sparkles, feathers, and daring sheer fabric that celebrated their countries.

Take a look at some of the wildest outfits contestants wore in the 2025 Miss Universe national costume contest.

Miss Argentina Aldana Masset shimmered in a costume that paid tribute to a famous Argentine folk musician.

According to Miss Universe, Masset's ensemble was an homage to the late Atahualpa Yupanqui, a legendary singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose songs reflected "the heart of Argentine culture."

The pageant queen wore a metallic gold bodysuit and matching knee-high boots, as well as a gold cape that sparkled onstage. She also sported a backpiece covered in fiery orange and red feathers, which matched her headdress.

It was a fitting costume for the 25-year-old model, who can play three instruments and became the lead singer for the band Agapornis in 2022.

Miss Bonaire Nicole Peiliker-Visser brought her island's treasures to the Miss Universe stage.

Peiliker-Visser's national costume was inspired by the diverse and colorful ecosystem of Bonaire National Marine Park. She wore a bold backpiece covered in orange, pink, and purple coral and a shimmering blue bodysuit with a net attached to one sleeve and a flowing cape attached to the other.

At the centerpiece of the bodysuit was an octopus, designed to embody "the strength, intelligence, and adaptability of Bonaire's women," according to Miss Universe.

The 42-year-old pageant queen, who is a mother of four, was inspired to pursue pageantry after her youngest daughter won Mini Miss Universe.

Miss Brazil Maria Gabriela Lacerda's national costume honored her Catholic faith and the patron saint of her home country.

Lacerda's costume is a tribute to Our Lady of Aparecida, also known as the Virgin Mary. The image of the saint — hands clasped in prayer and shoulders covered in a regal blue cape — is famous throughout Brazil.

The pageant queen sported a navy-blue dress decorated in metallic gold designs and a matching blue cape. She swapped Our Lady of Aparecida's crown for a gold headpiece.

Lacerda, 24, currently works for a nonprofit that supports the families of missing persons. She hopes to someday specialize in religious journalism.

Miss Bulgaria Gaby Guha was in full bloom as she took her first walk on the Miss Universe stage.

The pageant queen's costume was inspired by Bulgaria's nickname, the "Land of the Roses." The country is the world's largest producer of rose oil, and hosts an annual festival at its famous Rose Valley.

Guha sported a leotard covered in silver and pink sparkles that matched her towering headpiece. Petals in various shades of pink, flanked by white leaves, flowed from the top of the headpiece and across the shoulders of her voluminous cape.

A longtime model, the 26-year-old has worked with brands including Gap and Elie Saab.

Miss Cayman Islands Tahiti Moorea Seymour's costume was inspired by an Afro-Caribbean water spirit.

Seymour's dramatic ensemble is an homage to Yemaya, an orisha from the Yoruba religion, who is considered the mother of the ocean. According to Miss Universe, Seymour wanted her costume to be a "call to look after the coral reefs."

The pageant queen wore a long-sleeved, blue-and-gold bodysuit with matching boots. The centerpiece of her ensemble was the shimmering gold wings of her backpiece.

Seymour, 22, has a degree in politics and international relations and is pursuing a career in acting and modeling.

Miss Chile Inna Moll paid tribute to the mountains and glaciers of her country's famous Torres del Paine National Park.

Moll wrote that Torres del Paine represents the "greatness of our land and the indomitable spirit of Chile" in an Instagram post about her costume. The park's mountains were illustrated on a cape that Moll displayed as she walked in a shimmering silver ensemble.

Soaring above her silver headpiece were replicas of two white doves, which were designed to "symbolize environmental stewardship," according to Miss Universe.

Moll, 28, has been modeling since the age of 8 and now has a successful YouTube channel.

Miss Democratic Republic of the Congo Dorcas Dienda wore a costume covered in various symbols to tell the story of her native country.

Called the "Wings and Spirit of DR Congo," Dienda's costume "celebrates the Congolese woman: proud, radiant, and indomitable," according to a caption on her Instagram post.

Dienda's metallic golden wings were a tribute to "light, renewal, and the eternal rise of the Congolese spirit." The leopard head that she held as she walked across the stage was an homage to "bravery and leadership," while Dienda's flowing gold cape was inspired by the Congo River.

The 30-year-old pageant queen works as an art merchant and runs her own wine and spirits business.

Miss Côte d'Ivoire Olivia Yacé's fierce red-and-orange costume paid tribute to the Akan people, a matrilineal culture in West Africa.

Yacé's ensemble featured hand-beading and the traditional Akan cloth. Its red, yellow, and black pattern covered her miniskirt, boots, and dramatic gold wings.

Her top was decorated with a gold sculpted head of an elephant, the official animal of Côte d'Ivoire.

Yacé, 27, previously represented Côte d'Ivoire at the Miss World 2021 competition, where she won the title of Miss World Africa.

Miss Cuba Lina Luaces brought her island's vibrant spirit to the Miss Universe stage.

Luaces' red, white, and blue outfit evoked the colors of Cuba's flag. Its famous star and stripes were featured on her bodysuit, which was adorned with crystals, pearls, and sequins.

Her dramatic feathered headdress and backpiece were fit for a showgirl. Luaces also carried Cuban dominoes as a tribute to the popular pastime in her country.

Luaces, 23, is a professional model who has worked with brands including Victoria's Secret.

Miss Curaçao Camille Thomas channeled her nation's bright and colorful spirit in a dress that was full of symbolism.

The pageant queen explained the hidden meanings throughout her costume in an Instagram post. The blue and yellow colors of the dress — decorated with bright-pink Bougainvillea flowers — paid homage to the Caribbean's sea and sun. Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao and a UNESCO World Heritage site, was illustrated at the bottom of her skirt.

Attached to the Curaçao flag that Thomas carried across the stage were dolls representing Africa, Asia, and Europe, a tribute to their contributions to the island.

Thomas, 26, graduated from a military academy in North Carolina before returning to Curaçao to co-own a restaurant and help run her family's farm.

Miss Dominican Republic Jennifer Ventura brought her country's national flower to life on the Miss Universe stage.

Ventura's national costume was inspired by the Bayahibe Rose, a cactus with pink flowers that only grows in the Dominican Republic.

The pageant queen wore a shimmering bodysuit covered in pink, blue, and purple sparkles. But it was her backpiece — a bright-pink flower in bloom — that stole the show alongside her feathered pink-and-blue headdress.

According to Miss Universe, the pink hue of the flower symbolizes "tenderness, hope, and beauty, qualities that embody this nation's vibrant spirit."

Ventura, 27, is a civil engineer and the CEO of her own construction company.

Miss Egypt Sabrina Maged's costume was inspired by Nephthys, the Egyptian goddess of the night and protection.

Maged wore a shimmering gold dress fit for a queen — or a goddess — as she walked across the Miss Universe stage. Her ensemble was decorated with Nephthys' vibrant purple, blue, and gold wings.

According to Miss Egypt's Instagram, Nephthys is "the embodiment of a woman who can transform grief, struggle, and darkness into purpose — true values of a Miss Universe."

Maged, 23, has modeled throughout Asia and the Arab world.

Miss Estonia Brigitta Schaback's national costume was inspired by a famous 1912 Estonian play.

"Libahunt" tells the story of a young woman who is accused of being a werewolf because she is different — yet she refuses to conform to society's expectations, according to Miss Universe.

Schaback channeled the famous protagonist with her ensemble, which featured a fur-lined dress, boots, and a large wolf's head that she wore as a hat. She accessorized the costume with a sword, proudly carrying it across the stage.

The 28-year-old pageant queen was a professional model in New York City before she returned to Estonia to study computer science.

Miss Greece Mary Chatzipavlou's national costume is a tribute to the famous ancient Greek sculpture of the goddess Nike.

Known as the "Winged Victory of Samothrace," the Greek masterpiece is currently on display at the Louvre Museum in Paris. Chatzipavlou's cape, emblazoned with the words "Take Our History Back," appeared to reference her country's long-standing efforts to have the sculpture returned to Greece.

Chatzipavlou, 31, works as a model and economist. She recently appeared on Greece's version of "Big Brother."

Miss Guadeloupe Ophély Mézino's national costume was inspired by the pink conch pearl.

According to a post from Mézino's Instagram page, the pink pearl of lambi — as it's called in French-speaking Caribbean countries — is Guadeloupe's cultural symbol.

Mézino walked across the Miss Universe stage in a sheer bodysuit covered in pearls, which also adorned her shoulders and ran down her legs. She accessorized the ensemble with a sculptured bright-pink backpiece, designed to resemble the top of a conch shell.

Mézino, 26, is a model and actor who has appeared in the Netflix series "Lupin."

Miss Guinea Tiguidanké Bérété paid homage to a mining project in her home country with her sparkly costume.

Bérété, 24, honored "Simandou 2040," a massive mining initiative in Guinea, with her ensemble, which consisted of a sparkly jumpsuit and a silver headpiece designed to resemble a mountain. The entire outfit was covered in silver sparkles, and green detailing on the bodice gave the look an earthy feel.

Bérété studies fashion in Milan and champions new support for women with postpartum depression.

Miss Guyana Chandini Baljor took inspiration from a folk story with her fiery costume.

Baljor, a 23-year-old studying medicine and surgery alongside public health, drew inspiration from the Guyanese legend of "The Old Higue," which tells the story of a woman who turns to flame each night.

She wore a ball gown with a skirt designed to resemble flames, with flame motifs also adorning one of her shoulders. A coordinating headpiece made it look like fire was bursting out of her head.

Miss Haiti Melissa Sapini transformed into her country's national bird for the costume contest.

The 22-year-old's costume was modeled after the Hispaniolan trogon, Haiti's national bird. A massive backpiece covered in blue, red, green, and white feathers was the star of her look, forming wings and a tail. Her headpiece tied the outfit together, as it looked like a bird's head, complete with a beak.

Sapini is a broadcast journalist and model based in the US. She appeared in a Super Bowl campaign for Dunkin'.

Miss India Manika Vishwakarma was dripping in gold for the costume contest.

Vishwakarma, 22, paid homage to Buddha's moment of enlightenment, which took place under a Bodhi tree, with her costume.

Her gold ball gown was adorned with intricate beading and featured sweeping sleeves and a train. Her round backpiece was likewise adorned with beading, as was her pointed headpiece.

Vishwakarma balances her time between being a student and a model.

Miss Iraq Hanin Al Qoreishy celebrated the goddess Ishtar in an all-gold outfit.

The 29-year-old's look honored Ishtar, a Mesopotamian goddess of war, love, and fertility who is often associated with lions and the sun.

Qoreishy incorporated both kinds of imagery into her yellow and gold costume, which featured a sparkly bodysuit with a backpiece made of feathers and glittering adornments. She also carried a mask with a gem-encrusted lion on it.

Qoreishy, a legal assistant, dedicates much of her time to supporting children in Iraq. The cause is near to her heart, as she had to flee her home country as a child after experiencing violence.

Miss Korea Soo-yeon Lee blended history and "KPop Demon Hunters" for her one-of-a-kind costume.

Lee, 30, took inspiration from a Hanbok, the traditional attire of Korea, and the illustrations on Netflix's beloved "KPop Demon Hunters" for her costume.

The dress had the silhouette of a Hanbok, but it featured a miniskirt instead of the traditional floor-length look. Florals adorned the skirt, which showed off her knee-high, black-and-gold boots. Lee carried a sword to complete her ensemble.

Lee is an actor herself, making her "KPop Demon Hunters" look even more appropriate.

Miss Kyrgyzstan Mary Kuvakova honored the golden eagle with her winged costume.

Kyrgyzstan is renowned for its specialty eagle hunters, known as "burkutchu," who partner with golden eagles on their hunting expeditions. Kuvakova, a 19-year-old marketing specialist and model, became an eagle during the costume contest in their honor.

The base of her look was a sparkly black dress paired with a gold bodysuit, which accentuated the massive wings she wore on her back. The wings were covered in gold and brown feathers.

Miss Latvia Meldra Rosenberg celebrated the Baltic Sea in an aquamarine look.

Rosenberg, 23, wore a teal dress adorned with sparkly beading in the shape of ocean waves on the bodice. Her back and headpieces were also designed to look like waves, as were her arm cuffs and a prop she carried.

Rosenberg has been a model since she was 11, and she also works as a hairdresser and stylist.

Miss Malta Julia Cluett was a sea of blue as she walked the Miss Universe stage.

The 27-year-old paid homage to the Blue Rock Thrush, Malta's national bird, with her costume.

Her bodysuit had floral detailing, and a massive train flowed out behind her in tiers of ombré blue feathers. A coordinating backpiece sat on her shoulders, and she also wore feathered arm cuffs.

Cluette is a successful runway model, but she also studied psychology and education.

Miss Philippines Ahtisa Manalo embodied her country's fiestas with her colorful gown.

Manalo, a 28-year-old who has been competing in pageants since she was 10, celebrated the rich fiesta culture of the Philippines with her costume.

The short-sleeve bodice featured floral detailing, while her tiered skirt was covered in glittery fabric in pink, green, and yellow.

A colorful crown completed her festive ensemble.

Miss Netherlands Nathalie Yasmin brought a Vincent van Gogh painting to life for the costume contest.

Yasmin, 28, turned herself into van Gogh's "Almond Blossom" painting by wearing three-dimensional flowers.

A blue, high-low dress served as the base of the look, showing off her sparkly tights, while the flowers sat atop the dress and curved around her head.

Yasmin works as a senior associate at Audit and Assurance Group.

Miss New Zealand Abby Sturgin's crystal-adorned costume celebrated a beloved lake in her country.

The 28-year-old embodied Lake Tekapo, known for its turquoise waters, in a gem-encrusted dress made from recycled plastic. Peplums flowed out from each side of the skirt, floating next to Sturgin as she walked.

She also wore a pink, floral headpiece and carried a coordinating scepter.

Sturgin, who works as a police officer, loves spending time on the New Zealand coast, making her costume all the more fitting.

Miss Nicaragua Itza Castillo put a creative spin on her country's national bird with her costume.

The 30-year-old model paid tribute to the turquoise-browed motmot in her sparkly, colorful outfit.

Her bodysuit featured daring cutouts on the sides and gem detailing at the center. The bodice flowed into her oversize backpiece, which was designed to resemble wings.

The wings were made of pastel, sparkly shades of blue, purple, and green, and they matched the feathered headpiece that sat on Castillo's head.

Miss Nigeria Onyinyechi Basil drew inspiration from a tree in the southern region of her country for her costume.

Basil, 25, celebrated the sacred palm tree of Igboland, the area in southern Nigeria where the Igbo people live.

She transformed herself into a moving palm tree, wearing a dress with textured fabric that flowed out from her arms, a cape, and a headpiece. Layers of beaded necklaces accented the look.

Basil works as a biochemist and advocates for access to healthcare for mothers in Nigeria.

Miss Panama Mirna Caballini Bouche celebrated two ancient passions of her country.

The 22-year-old incorporated Panama's pre-Columbian history into her costume, honoring the traditions of goldsmithing and pottery. Her bodysuit was trimmed in gold detailing, and it was complemented by intricate beading forming animals.

Bouche carried a large gold scepter, and a backpiece covered in red feathers accented the look.

In addition to her pageant work, Bouche wielded her fashion and marketing degrees to launch her own fashion line, Pálquea by Mirna Caballini.

Miss Paraguay Yanina Magali Anahí Gómez Ojeda was covered in crystals to represent the glowing fireflies in her country.

She wore bedazzled pieces over a bikini set, strappy heels, a crown with a glowing center, and a backpiece decorated with white petals.

On Instagram, she said she wanted the outfit to represent the "delicate yet resilient" bugs, which are being affected by habitat loss and light pollution. The costume also serves as a call to protect Paraguay's forests and wildlife.

Ojeda, 28, is a lawyer, notary, and dance teacher who speaks multiple languages.

Miss Peru Karla Bacigalupo chose an icy look that pays homage to her homeland's highest point.

The 33-year-old screenwriter was inspired by Mount Huascarán, which stands 22,205 feet tall. A hobbyist climber herself, Bacigalupo previously scaled part of the mountain.

Her costume included sheer pants with crystal detailing, a mesh crop top featuring more sparkles, and a crown that looked like it was made from icicles.

She also wore white gloves and carried large fans decorated with a snowflake print.

Miss Puerto Rico Zashely Alicea Rivera looked like a sparkling hummingbird.

Rivera, a 26-year-old ballet dancer, wore a crystal-encrusted bodysuit, a green-and-blue tutu, tights decorated with multicolored gemstones, and gloves with sparkling wings.

She also donned pointe shoes and a helmet-esque headpiece that resembled a hummingbird's face.

The costume showed her love for ballet — she danced across the stage — and the grace of hummingbirds, which are found widely across Puerto Rico.

Miss Saint Lucia Shianne Smith was a vision in red and roses.

She wore a sheer catsuit adorned with silver and red gems, a tall metallic crown featuring attached roses, and a backpiece crafted from stems of the flowers.

She also wore knee-high leather boots, a rose-embellished train, and carried two rose bouquets. The outfit was inspired by her island's La Rose Festival.

Smith, 21, is studying neuroscience and volunteers as a mental-health advocate.

Miss Serbia Jelena Egorova wore a gown that looked more like an art piece.

The strapless ball gown featured sequined imagery of nature, clocks, a train, and the city of Belgrade.

The dress glimmered as she walked, and more of its details were revealed every time the 28-year-old turned around.

Egorova is a mentor and public speaker who speaks Serbian, English, Russian, and French.

Miss Spain Andrea Valero paid tribute to an endangered species.

The 28-year-old arrived onstage wearing a bedazzled bralette with cap sleeves, high-waisted shorts, a crystal chain, and over-the-knee boots decorated with the same sequins.

For accessories, she wore feather wings and a sequined, feather headpiece. The outfit was inspired by the Canarian houbara bird, which is endangered but contributes greatly to Spain's biodiversity.

Valero runs her own travel agency and is an advocate for women's empowerment.

Miss Sri Lanka Lihasha Lindsay White stood inside a traditional brass teapot.

She wore a brown, asymmetrical gown in the color of tea and a thick gold necklace as she stood inside the teapot.

The latter is a symbol of her nation's warmth and hospitality, as well as its tea industry, which is one of the largest in the world.

White, 27, has a degree in international business management and works as the operations manager of her family's company.

Miss Switzerland Naima Acosta stood out in a rich, red gown.

Her long-sleeved, mermaid-style gown had gold embroidery, beaded fringe, and a sheer panel down its bodice. She also wore a headpiece and feathered clocks attached to her back.

The 20-year-old's outfit was inspired by Switzerland's watch industry and the Zytglogge clock tower in Bern.

Acosta grew up between Switzerland and Mexico. She's now pursuing a degree in hotel management.

Miss Tanzania Naisae Yona was the queen bee of the costume event.

Onstage, it was announced that her costume was meant to represent the industrious nature of bees and the resilience of Tanzanian women.

She wore a black strapless minidress with a wide, layered skirt resembling a honeycomb, large orange wings, and a headpiece featuring bug eyes and antennae.

Yona, 28, is a mother and an entrepreneur who has founded numerous businesses.

Miss Thailand Veena Praveenar Singh dressed as a golden guardian.

She wore armor, gold boots, and a mask to resemble a yaksha, or a guardian giant that protects temples in Thailand.

On Instagram, Singh, 29, said the costume felt more like a piece of Thailand's culture and legacy than an outfit.

She previously studied at Thammasat University, supported by a full scholarship.

Miss Trinidad and Tobago Latifah Morris wore a vibrant ensemble inspired by her grandmothers.

She wore a beaded bodysuit, matching leg pieces, and a backpiece decorated with feathers and traditional masks.

On Instagram, Morris said the Carnival-esque outfit was inspired by her African maternal grandmother and her East-Indian paternal grandmother. It was meant to blend both cultures.

Morris is the 32-year-old founder of the BBL Movement, which stands for Building A Better Life. It helps young people develop healthy lives and promising futures.

Miss Turks and Caicos Bereniece Dickenson was a vision in black and yellow.

Dickenson, 22, wore a golden set decorated with sparkles, pearls, and crystals. It matched her feather-inspired backpiece, her knee-high boots, and the pelican puppets she carried above her head.

On Instagram, she said the ensemble honored the bird's strength and grace, which both represent the people of her island.

She's deeply inspired by her mother, who raised Dickenson on her own.

Miss Universe Latina Yamilex Hernández took inspiration from the monarch butterfly.

She wore a headpiece shaped like a butterfly, and her bodysuit featured sequins in a pattern similar to that on the insect's wings. Though monarch butterflies are orange, her costume was blue.

There were also wings attached to her sleeves, which featured the flags of the numerous countries from which members of the Latino community in the US are from.

Hernández, 29, studied communications and film in school.

Miss USA Audrey Eckert embodied the spirit of a bald eagle.

Eckert, 23, dressed as America's national bird. She wore a sheer bodysuit crafted from crystals, fuzzy brown boots, large feathered wings, and arm pieces that came together to create an eagle's face.

Its beadwork was inspired by Indigenous artistry, and the overall look was meant to showcase heritage and hope, according to the Miss USA Instagram page.

Eckert works as a social media and marketing coordinator for a human rights fashion brand called Sapahn, which is based in Thailand.

Miss Venezuela Stephany Abasali brought the ocean to the Miss Universe stage.

She hit the stage in a see-through catsuit, which was decorated with strategically placed crystals in white, pink, and purple. She also wore platform sandals, a netted cape, a shell backpiece, and a coral crown.

Turtle statues rolled along the stage next to her. Her outfit honored Venezuela's archipelago and endangered species.

Abasali, 25, has been traveling since childhood. So far, she's lived in Venezuela, the United States, and Australia.

• Luigi Mangione has successfully asked a judge to OK an extensive wardrobe for an upcoming hearing.
• The request for five pairs of socks signals the hearing in NY v. Mangione could last five days.
• The request also suggests an end to Mangione's recent sox scandal.

A judge on Wednesday okayed an extensive wardrobe — including five pairs of socks — for Luigi Mangione to wear at an upcoming state court hearing in New York City.

The development offers a first glimpse at what's next, not just sartorially but legally, for Mangione, accused of the assassination murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

The public court schedule only says that Mangione is scheduled to be in court on Monday, December 1. The request for five pairs of socks signals that Mangione's defense team could be bracing for a possible Monday-through-Friday hearing lasting the entirety of the first week of December — including December 4, the one-year anniversary of Thompson's shooting on a Manhattan sidewalk.

It suggests the hearing could involve lengthy testimony by multiple witnesses extending into Friday, December 5.

The newly-approved clothing request also includes two suits, three shirts, three sweaters, three pairs of pants, and one pair of shoes without laces.

The upcoming hearing concerns extensive evidentiary challenges involving Mangione's arrest and is set to be the first time Mangione is in court for more than a brief, one-day appearance.

Mangione is fighting prosecutions in three jurisdictions. In Manhattan, he faces murder charges in federal and state court. In Blair County, Pennsylvania, he faces forgery and firearm-possession charges relating to his arrest there following a five-day manhunt.

He is in federal custody, and so the wardrobe request required approval from a federal judge, even though it concerned a state court appearance.

The success of Mangione's wardrobe request also heralds at least a temporary detente in one of the stranger and more heated public disputes between the defense, led by Karen Friedman Agnifilo, and lead prosecutor Joel Seidemann.

Earlier this year, the two sides sparred in court filings over two heart-shaped notes that were nearly smuggled to Mangione inside a pair of argyle socks. The socks were part of the civilian clothes he'd been allowed to wear in lieu of his federal prison uniform for a February court appearance.

The attempted smuggling was an abuse of the "special treatment" Mangione was receiving, Seidemann wrote to New York Supreme Court Justice Gregory Carro, the judge in the state-level case.

Even after the notes were intercepted, "The defendant was permitted to wear the argyle socks, which he first changed into and later changed out of because he felt that 'they did not look good,'" the prosecutor added.

Photographs showing Mangione's brown loafers and shackled, sockless ankles under the defense table were widely circulated.

In her response, Friedman Agnifilo suggested "most respectfully" to the judge that prosecutors should focus on Mangione's "constitutional rights" instead of "whether or not he chose to wear socks."

The February wardrobe malfunction cost Mangione his right to wear civilian clothes; he was back to wearing prison garb at his next state court hearing, in September.

This latest approval suggests Mangione's sox scandal has subsided.

On Tuesday, Seidemann joined with Judge Carro in consenting to Mangione's request to wear his specified wardrobe of civilian clothes at his December hearing — socks included. The request was approved on Wednesday by Mangione's federal judge, US District Court Judge Margaret Garnett.

The December hearing will be comprised of at least two separate proceedings, as granted in September by Carro.

In the first, the defense will challenge and the prosecution will defend how police in Altoona, Pennsylvania, elicited statements from Mangione during his arrest in a local McDonald's.

Mangione's lawyers argue that he was not read his Miranda warnings until 17 minutes after they began asking about his identification, his possessions, and what he was doing in the fast food restaurant.

In the second proceeding, both sides will fight over the admissibility of the evidence seized by Altoona police.

According to prosecutors, Mangione's possessions as he sat in the restaurant included a black backpack containing a 9 mm "ghost gun" with a metal barrel and a 3D printed trigger and pistol grip. Prosecutors say this was the weapon used to murder Thompson.

The 50-year-old father of two from Minnesota was repeatedly shot in the back from close range outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel where he'd been scheduled to address a UnitedHealthcare investor conference.

Mangione's backpack also contained what Altoona police vouchered as a "manifesto," a red spiral notebook with handwritten pages. In it, according to prosecutors, Mangione described his misspelled intent to "wack the CEO at the annual parasitic bean-counter convention."

Carro approved a third, Mosley hearing, at which the judge may assess the reliability of witness identifications.

• Yann LeCun, Meta's chief AI scientist, is leaving the company.
• LeCun said in a social media post that he is creating a new AI startup.
• The departure comes amid a period of instability within Meta's AI organization.

Yann LeCun, Meta's chief AI scientist and one of the most influential figures in the field, is leaving the company to start a new AI venture, a Meta spokesperson confirmed to Business Insider.

LeCun announced the move on Facebook, sharing that he is building a startup centered on his long-standing interest in world-model research. Meta will partner with LeCun on his new venture, a Meta spokesperson told Business Insider, but didn't reveal any details about the nature of the partnership.

LeCun's departure comes during a period of instability inside Meta's AI organization. Over the past few months, Meta has hired dozens of top researchers and engineers from rivals and reorganized its AI efforts under the new Superintelligence Labs division, led by former Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang. Tensions emerged within the newly formed team between the highly compensated new hires and the existing researchers, some of whom have threatened to quit, Business Insider previously reported.

In August, the company made the biggest reorganization of its artificial intelligence operations to date, creating four distinct teams that focus on research, training, products, and infrastructure.

This shift followed the company's pivot toward out-competing OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Anthropic on large-scale AI models. At the same time, researchers have cycled in and out of key roles, and Meta's Llama 4 release drew muted reactions internally and externally. Earlier this week, Souminth Chintala, the creator of Meta's open source AI framework PyTorch, left the company after 11 years to join Mira Murati's Thinking Machines Lab.

LeCun's departure isn't entirely surprising. He's been a vocal critic of relying too heavily on large language models, arguing instead for his JEPA approach — a method that trains AI to understand and predict the physical world from images and sensory data, rather than generating text. Meta, meanwhile, has increasingly focused on scaling LLMs and pushing commercially driven model development.

Have a tip? Contact Pranav Dixit via email at pranavdixit@protonmail.com or Signal at 1-408-905-9124. Use a personal email address, a nonwork WiFi network, and a nonwork device; here's our guide to sharing information securely.

• Google's Gemini 3 AI impresses with advanced multimodal and coding capabilities.
• Gemini 3 enables users to create interactive websites, simulations, and video games easily.
• Strong reviews for Gemini 3 have boosted Google's market value close to Microsoft's.

Business Insider's amazing Google reporter Hugh Langley has been playing (er… working) with Google's new Gemini 3 AI service this week.

This is the latest big AI model release, competing with OpenAI's GPT-5, xAI's Grok 4, and the latest offerings from Anthropic.

Gemini 3 is getting good reviews so far. So good that Google shares hit a record on Wednesday, putting the company's market value very close to Microsoft.

Here are Hugh's initial thoughts, after trying Gemini 3 out for a day or so:

"I think where Gemini 3 is most impressive—and where it's already grabbing attention—is its ability to create new things from whole cloth, thanks to improved multimodal and coding capabilities."

Gemini 3 is particularly good at designing interactive simulations. That could be interesting for visual learning, building websites and apps, or just having fun, Hugh told me.

He played with this new model in a Google sandbox called AI Studio. It's like a real sandbox, but for developers. And it's digital, giving access to Google's AI offerings via the internet. There's no real sand.

Hugh started with something basic: an interactive website about elephants.

"I asked Gemini to include lots of fun widgets and trivia about the animal, but little else. I wanted to see how much Gemini would fill in the gaps."

While the overall website design was a little sparse, it delivered. Hugh liked this little widget that generated a fun elephant fact every time he pressed a button.

"It also included a mini game where I had to feed the elephant by giving it peanuts," Hugh said. "Once I filled the bar, a pop-up message informed me the elephant was now happy, so that's nice."

Being able to visualize complex ideas is an area where AI could be particularly useful. Hugh asked Gemini 3 to create an interactive website to explain photosynthesis.

"Gemini generated some sliders to adjust the levels of sunlight, water and carbon dioxide that were floating around as different colored particles," he said. "If I got the balance correct, it told me I had successfully created energy!"

Hugh hadn't generated energy. In fact, that Gemini 3 model run probably sucked up quite a bit of power. Still, pretty impressive.

Other Gemini 3 users are creating interesting new things. Hugh liked this idea to have Gemini build a Lego creator, through a simple prompt such as "Create a 3D Lego builder. Let me select different shapes of brick."

Here's an example. Hugh was able to replicate his own version.

Then, there are all the video games that users are getting Gemini 3 to create. Jeff Dean, one of Google's top AI researchers, posted several clips of these games.

Hugh gave this a shot, too. This required a bit more back-and-forth with Gemini to get right.

He wanted to make "Super Dario Land," a game where the player has to get Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei into the correct warp pipe. If they succeed, the player is rewarded with AGI (the theoretical moment when machines outperform humans on most tasks).

Hugh asked Gemini to style it like one of Nintendo's old Game Boy games.

"At first, Dario couldn't jump high enough, so I asked Gemini to fix that," Hugh told me. "With one extra prompt, the physics were solved!"

The game was very quickly playable as Gemini did the work of mapping the controls to Hugh's computer keyboard without any direction from him.

"The game itself might not be a hit, but I'm leaving the door open for a sequel. Dario, call me!" Hugh said.

If anyone wants to play Hugh's game, send him an email at hlangley@businessinsider.com. It's fun!

Sign up for BI's Tech Memo newsletter here. Reach out to me via email at abarr@businessinsider.com.