Walmart is offering new Walmart+ memberships for $49 per year, or half off the usual $98 fee.
Walmart
Walmart is offering half off the price of a Walmart+ membership until July 18.
That timing front-runs Amazon's Prime Day, which happens on July 16 and 17.
Walmart has been stepping up its effort to woo customers over from the e-commerce giant.
Walmart's members-only sales event is in the rearview, and Amazon's Prime Day isn't for another week, but that doesn't mean the war between the two biggest retailers is on pause.
For a limited time until July 18, Walmart is offering new Walmart+ memberships for $49 per year, or half off the usual $98 fee.
If that date catches your eye, it's because the timing front-runs Amazon's Prime Day, which happens on July 16 and 17.
Offering a discounted membership in the days leading up to Prime Day is another way that Walmart has been stepping up its effort to woo customers over from the e-commerce giant.
Look no further than remarks from Walmart CFO John David Rainey, who said the company's delivery orders have overtaken in-store orders in recent months.
Meanwhile, Walmart continues to aggressively expand its Marketplace of third-party sellers, following a strategy that has enabled Amazon to offer the mind-boggling range of products available on its website.
"You would expect the in-store benefit," Rainey said last month, referring to a sales increase after a renovation."But we also see that there's an uplift in e-commerce sales in those areas where we've done a remodel."
The two-term Democratic governor told The Associated Press in an interview ahead of the launch of her new book, "True Gretch," that she would not join the 2024 race if Biden stepped down.
"It's a distraction more than anything," Whitmer told the AP in a story published Monday. "I don't like seeing my name in articles like that because I'm totally focused on governing and campaigning for the ticket."
Whitmer, the national cochair of Biden's reelection campaign, has repeatedly reiterated her support of the president.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Whitmer wrote last week that she is "all in" on Biden and VP Kamala Harris, adding: "Help me elect Democrats up and down the ticket."
"Joe Biden is our nominee," she wrote in a follow-up post. "He is in it to win it and I support him."
Whitmer was also part of a coalition of 24 Democratic governors who met with Biden on Wednesday to discuss the fallout from his debate performance and his path to victory, the Detroit Free Press reported.
Though Whitmer says she will not replace Biden on the ticket, she might have a decent chance if she did, according to an internal Democratic polling memo leaked to Puck News.
The polling memo, conducted by OpenLabs 72 hours after the debate, shows that Whitmer was polling just behind Pete Buttigieg among voters in swing states. Biden was ranked last among the five options, and Harris second-to-last, according to the leaked poll.
While some polls show Biden losing ground since the debate, a new Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll showed Biden still polling ahead of Trump in Michigan — a must-win for the incumbent this November — and narrowing Trump's lead in other key swing states.
As for Whitmer's presidential prospects, she has for years said she doesn't want to ever run for president.
For example, she told the Free Press in 2022, "The lure of Washington, DC has not been something that has ever drawn my interest or attention."
But lately, she's been changing her tune. In a speech to hundreds of fellow politicians at a Washington event in March, Whitmer said, "See you in 2029," hinting at a potential 2028 run, The Washington Post reported.
2014: They move in with a bunch of other roommates and keep their relationship a secret at the onset.
Tom Ackerley and Margot Robbie at a Rangers game in November 2014.
James Devaney/GC Images
Per Vogue, Robbie invited Ackerley, her childhood friend Sophia Kerr, and a few people she worked with on the set of "Suite Française" to the UK premiere of "The Wolf of Wall Street" in January 2014.
After an enjoyable night, Robbie suggested that they should all live together. So, they leased a home in London. Robbie and Ackerley began dating that year.
"We kept it a secret. Because we weren't really taking it seriously. 'Oh, whatever, we're just mates, we're just mates.' And then… everyone found out," Robbie told The Guardian in 2018.
The actor said that "shit hit the fan" when the secret came out.
"Our house turned into 'The Jerry Springer Show' for a moment there," she recalled. "But then the dust settled, and it was all good."
Robbie said that their friends were concerned that the relationship would "ruin our group."
"And then it didn't. It was fine," she said.
2014: Robbie and Ackerley cofound the production company LuckyChap Entertainment with producer Josey McNamara and Sophia Kerr, Robbie's friend.
Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley in November 2022.
Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures
Robbie told Porter magazine that she's "a great advocate of doing business with your partner."
Several of Robbie's films have been produced by LuckyChap, including "I, Tonya," "Birds of Prey," and "Barbie."
When asked about the backstory of the production company's name, Robbie told The Guardian in 2018: "We were just drunk. We were here when we came up with it. And nobody can remember why. I think we were talking about Charlie Chaplin…"
In the months that follow, Robbie and Ackerley continue to give fans glimpses into their relationship.
Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley at Madison Square Garden in February 2015.
James Devaney/GC Images
Ackerley's Instagram account featured photosof the couple and he gave Robbie a shout-out after she landed a Critics Choice Award for best actress in an action movie for her role as Harley Quinn in "Suicide Squad."
They also attended New York Rangers games at Madison Square Garden in November 2014 and February 2015.
Robbie is actually a big fan of ice hockey and was briefly part of a league when she moved from Australia to New York.
June 2016: Robbie gushes about Ackerley in an interview with Vogue and says that she was "always in love with him."
Tom Ackerley and Margot Robbie at LAX in January 2017.
Starzfly/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
Robbie called the British producer "the best-looking guy in London" and explained how their dynamic turned romantic.
"I was the ultimate single gal," Robbie told Vogue. "The idea of relationships made me want to vomit. And then this crept up on me."
"We were friends for so long," she continued. "I was always in love with him, but I thought, Oh, he would never love me back. Don't make it weird, Margot. Don't be stupid and tell him that you like him. And then it happened, and I was like, Of course we're together. This makes so much sense, the way nothing has ever made sense before."
December 20, 2016: Robbie confirms their engagement and wedding on Instagram.
Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley in April 2017.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for TIME
Rumors had swirled regarding the couple's relationship status — particularly when Robbie was seen arriving at the Gold Coast Airport while wearing a T-shirt that read, "Say 'I Do' Down Under."
The "Birds of Prey" star reacted to the speculation by posting a caption-less photo on Instagram that spoke for itself (Robbie's Instagram account has since been deleted).
The photo showed Robbie and Ackerley dressed in white attire and kissing, but the focus of the image was the pear-shaped engagement ring and thin gold wedding band on display on the fourth finger of her left hand.
The wedding reportedly took place at Coorabell, Byron Bay, Australia. Robbie later revealed to MTV News that she walked down the aisle to music from the 1993 film "True Romance."
Robbie and Ackerley delay their honeymoon because of their work on the biopic "I, Tonya."
Margot Robbie in "I, Tonya."
Neon
Ackerley produced "I, Tonya," which starred Robbie as controversial figure skater Tonya Harding.
Robbie spoke about their decision to work instead of going on vacation during a 2017 interview with Extra.
"We did this film instead of our honeymoon," she said. "There were times we were sitting in a car parked in Atlanta freezing cold being like, 'We should be on a beach right now. We should be on a honeymoon. What are we doing?!' Following our dream."
After filming "I, Tonya," Robbie and Ackerley went to Tahiti for their honeymoon — where they ran into Ellen DeGeneres, her wife Portia de Rossi, and Barack Obama.
Robbie recalled their embarrassing encounter on the private island during an appearance on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" in January 2018.
The two couples and the former president of the US ended up together at a gym on the island, and the experience was particularly embarrassing for Ackerley because he chose to wear extremely short, baggy shorts with nothing underneath.
"The whole thing was so absurd," Robbie said, explaining that Ackerley spent the entire stretching class trying not to reveal himself to the other famous people in the small gym.
October 11, 2017: Robbie speaks about life as a newlywed in an interview with Us Weekly.
Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley at the 2018 Golden Globes.
Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for FIJI Water
"My husband and I were roommates before we were even dating, so I'm kind of living with my roommate and it's awesome," she told the publication at the premiere of the film "Goodbye Christopher Robin" in NYC.
Robbie added that the pair "feel very grown up now" with their new living arrangement.
January 2018: The couple ring in the new year together.
Tom Ackerley and Margot Robbie in a photo shared on Ackerley's Instagram in January 2018.
Tom Ackerley/Instagram
"Great way to bring in 2018!" Ackerley captioned a selfie of the pair on the slopes in their snow gear.
March 4, 2018: Robbie and Ackerley attend the Academy Awards with the "I, Tonya" crew.
From left: "I, Tonya" producer Bryan Unkeless, Tom Ackerley, Margot Robbie, and director Craig Gillespie.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
"I, Tonya" was nominated for three awards: best actress in a leading role (Robbie), best actress in a supporting role (Allison Janney), and best achievement in film editing.
Ackerley, who produced the movie, shared his enthusiasm for the Oscars by posting a photo of himself and Robbie with several crew members.
At the show, Janney won the award she was nominated for.
Robbie and Ackerley walked the red carpet of the Academy Awards together, in addition to attending the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party.
October 2018: Robbie and Ackerley adopt a dog named Belle.
Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley at a Chanel fashion show in May 2023.
Belle joined the couple's other dog, Boo Radley, who is named after the character from Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird."
November 30, 2018: Robbie says that marriage is "the most fun ever."
Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley at the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party in March 2018.
Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
"I always thought, 'Urrgghhhh, being married sounds really boring.' I thought I might bite the bullet in my late 30s and see how it goes," Robbie told Porter magazine.
Of course, her outlook changed once she met and wed Ackerley.
"Being married is actually the most fun ever, life got way more fun somehow," Robbie said. "I have a responsibility being someone's wife, I want to be better."
The actor also said that they have a three-week rule whenever they're apart from each other. It involves talking on the phone every day and flying to a country in-between their locations so they can spend time together.
Robbie also said that she wasn't looking to expand their family by having children yet, since two dogs are enough of a responsibility.
"If I'm looking into my future 30 years from now, I want to see a big Christmas dinner with tons of kids there," she said. "But definitely not at the moment. That's 100% certain."
July 2019: In a cover story for Vogue, Robbie opens up about why she and Ackerley work well as a couple.
Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley in August 2021.
Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage
Robbie described her husband as a "very loud and friendly person."
She also reiterated that she enjoys working with him professionally.
"We can talk about work all the time," she said. "And then work feels like fun. And fun stuff can involve work."
"We just get along," Robbie added. "I think it's crazy that not all couples get along."
January 5, 2020: Robbie and Ackerley attend the Golden Globes together.
Tom Ackerley and Margot Robbie at the 2020 Golden Globe Awards.
Todd Williamson/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank
That year, Robbie was nominated for best performance by an actress in a supporting role in a motion picture for her work as Kayla Pospisil in "Bombshell."
January 31, 2020: Robbie, a self-proclaimed "massive" fan of "Harry Potter," speaks about Ackerley's involvement as an extra in the film franchise.
Rupert Grint, Daniel Radcliffe, and Emma Watson in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban."
Warner Bros.
"My husband is in the 'Harry Potter' movies," Robbie said during an appearance on "The Graham Norton Show."
"He was an extra when he was a little kid — he was one of the Slytherin extras when Draco pushes some kids out of the way to see Buckbeak in the third book," she explained. "He pushes my husband out of the way."
"I was like, 'Had you told me sooner we would've been married very quickly,'" Robbie joked.
Summer 2023: Ackerley joins Robbie on the "Barbie" press tour.
Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley at the LA premiere of "Barbie" in July 2023.
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Greta Gerwig's "Barbie," which hit theaters on July 21, stars Robbie as Stereotypical Barbie. After a series of weird experiences in the perfect, pink-laden Barbieland, Robbie's character travels to the real world.
Ackerley has a producer credit on the film and accompanied Robbie to a press junket and photo call for "Barbie," which took place at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills on June 25.
He also showed up to a celebration party at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney, Australia on June 30; the world premiere of "Barbie" in LA on July 9; and the European premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square on July 12.
January 14, 2024: Robbie says that she's "lucky" to have a husband who's normal.
Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards.
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association
In the months that followed the release of "Barbie," Ackerley also joined Robbie during awards show season. He accompanied the actor at the Gotham Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, the Critics Choice Awards, the BAFTAs, and the SAG Awards.
"I am so lucky," Robbie said when asked about the benefits of having a "normie" husband during an interview with E! News at the Critics Choice Awards. "He likes being behind the camera. He's not fazed by any of this stuff."
"He's just the best, it's so fun," Robbie continued. "I love the word 'normie.' All my friends, everyone's like, 'That's cool what you do but it's more fun just to hang out and talk about other stuff.' And you're like, 'I know.'"
February 10, 2024: Robbie and Ackerley win big at the 2024 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards.
Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley at the 2024 AACTA Awards.
Chris Hyde/Getty Images for AFI
Robbie was honored with the trailblazer award for her achievements as an actor and producer at the awards show, which took place in Gold Coast, Australia.
In her acceptance speech, Robbie thanked her family and friends for their support and spoke about the whirlwind year her production company, LuckyChap Entertainment, had with the success of "Barbie" and "Saltburn."
Robbie also won the award for best lead actress for her performance in "Barbie" and gave her husband a shout-out in her speech.
"Of course, there is no 'Barbie' movie without its Kenergy, so I would like to thank the biggest Ken of them all — and I know Ryan [Gosling] wouldn't mind me saying this — Tom Ackerley, who, aside from producing this film and running two successful companies with me, also happens to be my husband and he's very good at that as well," she said.
When "Barbie" won the award for best international film, Ackerley praised Margot's work on the movie.
"Mainly, I want to thank the two most important people in bringing this to life: yes, Greta Gerwig, and my brilliant, sensational, groundbreaking wife, Margot," Ackerley said. "Together, you both entertained the world. You also both changed the world. So thank you."
July 7, 2024: Multiple sources confirm to People magazine that Robbie and Ackerley are expecting their first child together.
Tom Ackerley and Margot Robbie at the Oscars on March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
People magazine's confirmation came shortly after The Daily Mail published photos of the couple vacationing in Lake Como, Italy. Robbie's baby bump was visible as she wore a white crop top and black blazer.
Grace Cheng is a Gen Z travel blogger who has visited Japan 11 times and says tourists shouldn't just stick around Tokyo if they wanted to immerse themselves in the culture.
Courtesy of Grace Cheng
Grace Cheng, a 22-year-old travel blogger based in NYC, has visited Japan 11 times.
She said travelers going to Japan for the first time consistently make a few mistakes.
Travelers focus on Tokyo, Cheng added, but don't leave enough time for other cities.
Out of the 34 countries travel blogger Grace Cheng has visited, none has left such a lasting impression than Japan. From visiting historical temples during cherry blossom season to the diverse and delicious food scene, Japan stole her heart.
"It's so different than what you see here in the States, and it's so different from any other country," she said.
Cheng, who is 22 and based in NYC, has noticed the country becoming a "hot spot" for tourists.
The International Trade Administration shows that the number of US travelers flying to Japan was already over 900,000 from January to May, a 17.4% increase from the same time period in2023.One factor driving the surge in tourists from the US is the strongest dollar-to-yen exchange ratein recent history. As of July 8, $1 buys 160.74 yen.
Cheng first visited Japan in 2017, and she's gone 11 times since then. Here, she shares three of the biggest mistakes to avoid when planning a trip to Japan to better your chances of immersing yourself in the culture and exploring off the beaten path.
Mistake 1: They overfill their itineraries
There is so much to explore in Japan, from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo's famous Shibuya crossing (one of the busiest in the world) to the serene tranquility of the gardens and shrines in Kyoto.
But as excited as tourists can be to get a taste of everything, Cheng advises them to make sure their itineraries aren't jam-packed every day.
Cheng advises leaving enough space in the itinerary so that it doesn't feel like you're rushing from place to place.
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
"The ideal time I would give Japan is probably sevento 10 days," Cheng says, adding that it is a sufficient time to explore a fewregions without feeling rushed.
A shorter trip, especially for first-time visitors, could mean that "every day is just back-to-back attractions or moving," which ultimately results in high stress.
"You don't really get to experience Japan for what it's worth because you're just always on the go," she added.
If you are truly pressed for time and only have a few days to spare in Japan, Cheng recommends prioritizing Tokyo, given it is a "major destination everyone has to go to" at least once in their life if they can.
Mistake 2: They don't set foot outside Tokyo
The issue with just visiting Tokyo, according to Cheng, is it doesn't fully represent how broad and versatile Japan or Japanese culture is.
If visitors want to get a real feel for the country's history, cuisine, and local charms, they should venture south and north of Tokyo.
"Tokyo is not Japan," Cheng said. "And you need to explore the other cities to actually have a sense of what Japan is like."
Sapporo, Japan, is known for a delicious soup curry dish, Cheng said.
MIXA/Getty Images
Outside Tokyo, one of her favorite cities is Sapporo, in the Hokkaido prefecture in the north of Japan. Cheng said she found cheaper prices and more friendly locals there.
"They just go out of their way, and you can definitely tell if someone is from Tokyo or the north," she said.
The food scene is also completely different depending on where you visit — Sapporo, for example, is renowned for soup curry, she said.
Osaka is a city near Kyoto so well-known for food that it's sometimes referred to as "Japan's kitchen." There, Cheng said she ate amazing tonkatsu, or fried pork cutlet, made to "perfection" with a side of all-you-can-eat shredded cabbage.
Mistake 3: They never turn off Google Maps
Being told toknowingly lose your way in a foreign country might sound scary, but Cheng insists it's one of the best strategies for discovering a new place.
"The best way to experience the streets and just get to know the country itself is just to get lost," Cheng said. "Don't use your phone. Don't use Google Maps."
Japan is one of the safest countries Cheng has visited.
Rasmus Jurkatam/Getty Images
She said some of her best interactions with locals and restaurants have come from walks around Japanese cities when she's avoided using her phone.
"If you go to Google and you search 'best restaurants in Tokyo,' for example, you're going to come up with all these restaurants that cater toward tourists," she said. "You're not going to actually experience the local dishes or a local atmosphere," and leave with a false "impression" of Japan.
"The best restaurants that I've found have come from stumbling upon them just walking the streets," she said.
A sign for extreme heat in Death Valley, California.
Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images
Global temperatures continue to increase, with 2023 recording the warmest numbers on record.
In 2021, Oregon, Utah, and Washington broke heat records.
The hottest temperature recorded in US history was 134 degrees Fahrenheit in California in 1913.
2023 was the hottest year on record, and 2024 is shaping up to be a scorcher too, with temperature records being shattered from Nevada to North Carolina. However, many of the highest recorded temperatures in each state happened decades ago.
According to the official climate government website, Earth's temperature has risen by an average of 0.11 degrees Fahrenheit per decade, and 2023 was the warmest year since global records began in 1850.
But global temperature rise doesn't mean it just gets hotter everywhere at the same rate. In fact, according to data released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), some states in the US reached their all-time toastiest temperatures hundreds of years ago.
Here's a list of every state and its hottest day on record, from the high 90s to above 130 degrees Fahrenheit, according to NOAA.
ALABAMA: 112 degrees Fahrenheit
Montgomery, Alabama. Centreville is located about an hour outside the capital.
Julie Bennett/Stringer/Getty Images
Date: September 6, 1925
Location: Centreville
ALASKA: 100 degrees Fahrenheit
View from Alaska Highway ALCAN.
Benz Travel Photography/Shutterstock
Date: June 27, 1915
Location: Fort Yukon
ARIZONA: 128 degrees Fahrenheit
Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
Pamela Au/Shutterstock
Date: June 29, 1994
Location: Lake Havasu City
ARKANSAS: 120 degrees Fahrenheit
Ozark National Forest.
Robert Harding Video/Shutterstock
Date: August 10, 1936
Location: Ozark
CALIFORNIA: 134 degrees Fahrenheit
Furnace Creek Visitor Center, which is in Death Valley.
Noah Sauve/Shutterstock
Date: July 10, 1913
Location: Furnace Creek (formerly Greenland Ranch)
COLORADO: 115 degrees Fahrenheit
John Martin Dam in Colorado in 1977.
UPI/Bettmann Archive/Contributor/Getty Images
Date: July 10, 2019
Location: John Martin Dam
CONNECTICUT: 106 degrees Fahrenheit
Danbury, Connecticut.
Rosemarie Mosteller/Shutterstock
Date: July 15, 1995
Location: Danbury
Torrington, Connecticut, also reached 106 degrees Fahrenheit on August 23, 1916.
DELAWARE: 110 degrees Fahrenheit
Dock near Millsboro, Delaware.
Khairil Azhar Junos/Shutterstock
Date: July 21, 1930
Location: Millsboro
FLORIDA: 109 degrees Fahrenheit
Tallahassee, Florida. Monticello is less than an hour away from the capital city.
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Date: June 29, 1931
Location: Monticello
GEORGIA: 112 degrees Fahrenheit
Meriwether County Courthouse in Greenville, Georgia.
JNix/Shutterstock
Date: August 20, 1983
Location: Greenville
Louisville, Georgia, also reached 112 degrees Fahrenheit on July 24, 1952.
HAWAII: 100 degrees Fahrenheit
Coffee farm in Pahala, Hawaii.
Chris Allan/Shutterstock
Date: April 27, 1931
Location: Pahala
IDAHO: 118 degrees Fahrenheit
Dworshak Dam near Orofino, Idaho.
Don & Melinda Crawford/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Date: July 28, 1934
Location: Orofino
ILLINOIS: 117 degrees Fahrenheit
East St. Louis, Illinois.
Wspin/Shutterstock
Date: July 14, 1954
Location: East St. Louis
INDIANA: 116 degrees Fahrenheit
Indianapolis, Indiana. Collegeville is an hour and a half away from the capital.
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Date: July 14, 1936
Location: Collegeville
IOWA: 118 degrees Fahrenheit
Des Moines, Iowa. Keokuk is located three hours outside the capital.
Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock
Date: July 20, 1934
Location: Keokuk
KANSAS: 121 degrees Fahrenheit
Topeka, Kansas. Alton is located about three hours outside the capital.
Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock
Date: July 24, 1936
Location: Alton
Fredonia, Kansas, also reached 121 degrees Fahrenheit on July 18, 1936.
KENTUCKY: 114 degrees Fahrenheit
Frankfort, Kentucky. Greensburg is located about two hours outside the capital.
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Date: July 28, 1930
Location: Greensburg
LOUISIANA: 114 degrees Fahrenheit
Shreveport, Louisiana. Plain Dealings is located about one hour outside the city.
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Date: August 10, 1936
Location: Plain Dealing
MAINE: 105 degrees Fahrenheit
Augusta, Maine. North Bridgton is located about an hour away from the capital.
Panas Wiwatpanachat/Shutterstock
Date: July 10, 1911
Location: North Bridgton
North Bridgton, Maine, also reached 105 degrees Fahrenheit on July 4, 1911.
MARYLAND: 109 degrees Fahrenheit
Cumberland, Maryland.
Kosoff/Shutterstock
Dates: July 10, 1936
Location: Cumberland
Frederick, Maryland, also reached 109 degrees Fahrenheit on July 10, 1936. Cumberland, Maryland, reached 109 degrees Fahrenheit on August 7, 1918, and August 6, 1918. Keedysville, Maryland, reached 109 degrees Fahrenheit on August 6, 1918. Boettcherville, Maryland, reached 109 degrees Fahrenheit on July 3, 1898.
MASSACHUSETTS: 107 degrees Fahrenheit
New Bedford, Massachusetts.
Wangkun Jia/Shutterstock
Date: August 2, 1975
Location: New Bedford
Chester, Massachusetts, also reached 107 degrees Fahrenheit on August 2, 1975.
MICHIGAN: 112 degrees Fahrenheit
The Oscoda County Government Center in Mio, Michigan.
Roberto Galan/Shutterstock
Date: July 13, 1936
Location: Mio
Stanwood, Michigan, also reached 112 degrees Fahrenheit on July 13, 1936.
MINNESOTA: 115 degrees Fahrenheit
Saint Paul, Minnesota. Beardsley is located about three and a half hours outside the capital.
Paul Brady Photography/Shutterstock
Date: July 29, 1917
Location: Beardsley
MISSISSIPPI: 115 degrees Fahrenheit
Holly Springs, Mississippi.
David7/Shutterstock
Date: July 29, 1930
Location: Holly Springs
MISSOURI: 118 degrees Fahrenheit
Jefferson City, Missouri. Union is located about an hour and a half outside the capital.
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Date: July 14, 1954
Location: Union
Warsaw, Missouri, also hit 118 degrees Fahrenheit on July 14, 1954.
MONTANA: 117 degrees Fahrenheit
Medicine Lake, Montana.
Silent O/Shutterstock
Date: July 5, 1937
Location: Medicine Lake
Glendive, Montana, also reached 117 degrees Fahrenheit on July 20, 1893.
NEBRASKA: 118 degrees Fahrenheit
Lincoln, Nebraska.
Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock
Date: July 24, 1936
Location: Minden
Hartington, Nebraska, also reached 118 degrees Fahrenheit on July 17, 1936. Geneva, Nebraska, reached 118 degrees Fahrenheit on July 15, 1934.
NEVADA: 125 degrees Fahrenheit
Laughlin, Nevada.
Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock
Date: June 29, 1994
Location: Laughlin
NEW HAMPSHIRE: 106 degrees Fahrenheit
Nashua, New Hampshire.
Wangkun Jia/Shutterstock
Date: July 4, 1911
Location: Nashua
NEW JERSEY: 110 degrees Fahrenheit
Sayreville, New Jersey.
ungvar/Shutterstock
Date: July 10, 1936
Location: Runyon (near Sayreville)
NEW MEXICO: 122 degrees Fahrenheit
Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in New Mexico.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Date: June 27, 1994
Location: Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (near Loving)
NEW YORK: 108 degrees Fahrenheit
Troy, New York.
Real Window Creative/Shutterstock
Date: July 22, 1926
Location: Troy
NORTH CAROLINA: 110 degrees Fahrenheit
Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Basil Hasapis/Shutterstock
Date: August 21, 1983
Location: Fayetteville
NORTH DAKOTA: 121 degrees Fahrenheit
Bismarck, North Dakota.
Andrew Burton/Getty Images
Date: July 6, 1936
Location: Steele
OHIO: 113 degrees Fahrenheit
Gallipolis, Ohio.
Rosemarie Mosteller/Shutterstock
Date: July 21, 1934
Location: Gallipolis
OKLAHOMA: 120 degrees Fahrenheit
Altus, Oklahoma.
AMFPhotography/Shutterstock
Date: August 12, 1936
Location: Altus
Altus, Oklahoma, first hit the record on July 19, 1936. Poteau, Oklahoma, also reached 120 degrees Fahrenheit on August 10, 1936. Alva, Oklahoma, reached 120 degrees Fahrenheit on July 18, 1936.
OREGON: 119 degrees Fahrenheit
Pelton Dam, Oregon.
Victoria Ditkovsky/Shutterstock
Date: June 29, 2021
Location: Pelton Dam
Moody Farms Agrimet, Oregon, also reached 120 degrees Fahrenheit on June 29, 2021. Pendleton, Oregon, reached 120 degrees Fahrenheit on August 10, 1898.
PENNSYLVANIA: 111 degrees Fahrenheit
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.
Bastiaan Slabbers/NurPhoto/Getty Images
Date: July 10, 1936
Location: Phoenixville
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, also hit 111 degrees Fahrenheit on July 9, 1936.
RHODE ISLAND: 104 degrees Fahrenheit
Providence, Rhode Island.
Mihai_Andritoiu/Shutterstock
Date: August 2, 1975
Location: Providence
SOUTH CAROLINA: 113 degrees Fahrenheit
Columbia, South Carolina.
Mihai_Andritoiu/Shutterstock
Date: June 29, 2012
Location: Columbia
SOUTH DAKOTA: 120 degrees Fahrenheit
Fort Pierre National Grasslands in South Dakota.
aitcheyedigital/Getty Images
Date: July 15, 2006
Location: Fort Pierre
Gann Valley, South Dakota, also hit 120 degrees Fahrenheit on July 5, 1936.
TENNESSEE: 113 degrees Fahrenheit
Perryville, Tennessee in 1940.
U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
Date: August 9, 1930
Location: Perryville
Perryville, Tennessee, also hit 113 degrees Fahrenheit on July 29, 1930.
TEXAS: 120 degrees Fahrenheit
Monahans, Texas.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
Date: June 28, 1994
Location: Monahans
Seymour, Texas, also hit 120 degrees Fahrenheit on August 12, 1936.
UTAH: 117 degrees Fahrenheit
St George, Utah.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Date: July 10, 2021
Location: St. George
St. George, Utah, also hit 117 degrees Fahrenheit on July 5, 1985.
VERMONT: 107 degrees Fahrenheit
Windham County, Vermont.
Mike Hardiman/Shutterstock
Date: July 7, 1912
Location: Vernon
VIRGINIA: 110 degrees Fahrenheit
Glasgow, Virginia.
Jon Bilous/Shutterstock
Date: July 15, 1954
Location: Balcony Falls
Columbia, Virginia, also hit 110 degrees Fahrenheit on July 7, 1900, and July 5, 1900.
WASHINGTON: 118 degrees Fahrenheit
Hanford, Washington.
BEST-BACKGROUNDS/Shutterstock
Date: June 29, 2021
Location: Hanford
WEST VIRGINIA: 112 degrees Fahrenheit
West Virginia state flag.
Ianm35/Getty Images
Date: July 10, 1936
Location: Martinsburg
Moorefield, West Virginia, also hit 112 degrees Fahrenheit on August 4, 1930.
WISCONSIN: 114 degrees Fahrenheit
Witches Gulch in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.
Jacob Boomsma/Getty Images
Date: July 13, 1936
Location: Wisconsin Dells
WYOMING: 115 degrees Fahrenheit
Diversion Dam.
Bob Pool/Shutterstock
Date: July 15, 1988
Location: Diversion Dam
Basin, Wyoming, also hit 115 degrees Fahrenheit on August 8, 1983.
Sara Kiley Watson contributed to an earlier version of this article.
The British diver Tom Daley is preparing to compete at his fifth Olympics.
Daley described the "20-20-20" post-workout nutrition rule he follows to support his training.
This story is part of "Road to Paris," a series chronicling athletes' and spectators' experiences at the Olympic Games.
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With four Olympics and a gold medal under his belt, Tom Daley was set on retiring. Then, less than a year before the 2024 Paris Games, the British diver changed his mind; his 5-year-old son had said he wanted to see his father compete.
Thanks to that push from his son, Daley — one of his country's most celebrated and popular athletes — will become the first British diver to compete at five Olympic Games.
While juggling childcare, the 30-year-old is training hard and eating well to defend his title in the 10-meter synchronized diving event, in which he won gold in Tokyo in 2021.
He told Business Insider the nutrition principles he follows and how he deals with pressure ahead of the Olympics.
Post-workout protein and carbs
Speaking with BI as part of his partnership with the travel app Trainline, Daley said the way he fuels himself depends on his training, whether he's diving or weightlifting.
No matter the workout, though, he follows what he calls the 20-20-20 rule: consuming 20 grams of carbohydrates and 20 grams of protein within 20 minutes of finishing a session.
"It's the best way of being able to restore you and get you ready to recover for the next training session," Daley said.
Nutrition experts recommend eating protein and carbohydrates after a workout. Carbs help replenish glycogen stores, while protein helps repair and rebuild muscle fibers. How much a person needs varies, though.
A large body of research has found it's unnecessary to eat protein within the hour following a workout to achieve muscle gains. Dietitians previously told BI that overall protein intake is more important and spreading it out over the course of the day, including after a workout, is effective for muscle growth and recovery.
He prioritizes prepping meals and snacks
Daley said that to hit his 20-20-20 target, he eats convenient snacks, like protein bars or shakes, and whole foods, such as Greek yogurt and an apple. Sometimes he grabs boiled eggs or a tuna sandwich.
Daley said he's a fan of simple recipes that don't take too long to prepare and that his husband — the screenwriter, producer, and director Dustin Lance Black — and their two children will also enjoy.
"I do like to prep salads for the week every Monday," Daley said. "So I go to the store, and I have mason jars that I fill up with a salad for each day when I'm training, just to make it super easy to stick to that routine and stay consistent."
He likes to cook enough for the family to have leftovers to eat the next day, and he meal preps to support his training and schedule.
"If you're able to just spend a couple of hours preparing what you might need for the rest of the week so you don't have to do it every day, it's those little things that, in the long run, will make it easier to stick to what you need to do," Daley said.
Daley juggles training and childcare
Daley said that when he decided he'd compete in Paris, "there was a big ramp up from nothing to training again."
As a dad of two young boys, Daley, like many parents, is constantly juggling tasks. While in his younger years he trained twice a day, he now does one 3 1/2-hour session six days a week to fit in childcare and school drop-offs.
At the Paris Games, Daley is set to compete in only the synchronized diving event, whereas previously he competed in the synchronized and individual events. He said that maintaining a consistent training routine helps him stay motivated, determined, and committed.
Daley said he was in the "home stretch" of preparations and had learned to train smarter, not harder, to avoid injury now that he's older.
"If you need to make a training session a little bit easier because you're not feeling it today, that's totally fine," he said.
Perspective helps Daley deal with pressure
Looking back at his first Olympics, in 2008, Daley said he felt he didn't really know what he was doing and so simply enjoyed the experience.
He said that in 2016 and 2021, competing felt more "intense," and he felt anxious about making mistakes.
"I spent lots of my youth really figuring out how to be able to deal with the pressure of a competition when you only get one shot every four years," Daley said. "I was almost torturing myself through the whole experience rather than being able to enjoy the moment that I had worked so hard for."
The roller coaster that was Tokyo 2020 — the events were postponed for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic — helped Daley realize there's only so much he can control.
"I think the way that I was able to then perform at my best was to realize that I'm more than just a diver," he said. "I'm a dad, I'm a husband, I'm a son, a brother, a friend.
"I like to knit, I like to crochet, I like to try and do as much as I can in the LGBTQ+ activism space, all of those things. When you realize that you're more than just what you do, I think it allows you to be content with whatever happens in the competition."
Business Insider asked stylists and designers which purse trends are in and out this season.
Nontraditional shapes and beaded bags are taking center stage right now.
But the experts said to stay away from impractical transparent purses and micro bags.
The handbag market is a nearly $60 billion industry, so it's no wonder there are so many different trends and styles available right now.
To help you parse through what's actually in and out this summer, Business Insider asked designers and stylists to share the best and worst purse trends.
Here's what the experts said.
Denim accents are essential this season.
Denim and denim-style fabrics come in bag form.
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
According to fashion designer David Tlale, denim is exploding regarding purse trends.
The versatile material can be incorporated into a wide range of stylish bags, including medallion envelope clutches and deconstructed handbags.
Woven bags scream summer.
Woven bags can be made from a number of materials.
Sitthinon/Shutterstock
Woven textures, especially those made from natural materials like straw and raffia, are ideal for vacation and beyond.
Melony Huber, designer, founder, and design director of ethical lifestyle collection La Peony, told BI, "Textures are always a good idea when it comes to styling, as they add depth and a level of chic to any wardrobe."
Bucket bags are making a major comeback.
Small bucket bags are great for easy summer days.
Studio Nut/Shutterstock
From mini and oversized, Tlale said bucket bags are making a comeback in a big way this season.
Huber added that bucket bags strike the perfect balance between casual and fun, making them ideal for summer activities and outings.
Incorporate a pop of color into your summer purse collection.
Bright, neon colors really catch your eye.
Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images
According to Huber, people are adding pops of color to their summer purse looks to make a statement.
"Something that makes a statement and catches your eye is a great add to any summer outfit, especially if the rest of your outfit features neutrals," the designer told BI.
Beaded bags can offer a touch of sophistication to any outfit.
Pearls and other beads are trending right now.
Rorygez Fresh/Shutterstock
Bags that are either fully beaded or embellished with beaded accents are also trending this summer, according to celebrity wardrobe stylist Pilar Scratch.
"Beaded bags offer a vintage, artisanal vibe and bring a touch of sophistication to summer ensembles," she told BI.
Nontraditional shapes can make a big statement.
Asymmetrical and funky bags can add interest to an outfit.
Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images
Try a nontraditional shape to make your purse stand out from the crowd this summer, according to Abby Young, lead stylist and CEO of Abby Young Styling.
"Crescent shapes and asymmetrical angles are just some of the ways that purses are standing out this season," she said.
On the other hand, see-through bags are no longer trending.
Clear bags had their time in the spotlight.
andersphoto/Shutterstock
According to Scratch, clear or semitransparent bags — often crafted from plastic and decked out with vibrant trims — are officially out.
The trend was fun for a moment. But the plastic materials the purses are often made of aren't great for the environment, and it's not always practical for people to see all your possessions.
The stylist recommended substituting it with a sustainable canvas or organic-cotton tote.
Fanny packs had their day in the sun.
Even leather fanny packs can come off as overly casual.
Lia Kos/Shutterstock
Fanny packs may be perfect for festivals and traveling, but they've had their time in the spotlight for everyday wear. According to Young, they're just too casual.
"Instead, opt for a crossbody purse with a thin- to medium-width strap for similar functionality," she told BI.
Swap heavy embellishments for more minimalist styles.
Big embellishments can get clunky and overbearing.
andersphoto/Shutterstock
Bags decorated with an abundance of studs, sequins, and other heavy adornments are giving way to minimalist trends.
Instead, Scratch recommended opting for sleek, structured bags with simple lines and understated hardware.
Massive logos are being replaced by the quiet-luxury aesthetic.
You don't need to make the brand obvious.
andersphoto/Shutterstock
Quiet luxury is in, according to Huber, and it's all about having the "it" bag without flaunting it. That means no big logos or recognizable icons.
"If your bag is chic and trending, people will notice without you having to scream it," the designer told BI.
Micro purses lack the room for essentials.
You can't fit much in a micro purse.
Creative Lab/Shutterstock
"As practicality takes precedence this summer, micro bags lack sufficient room for everyday essentials," Scratch told BI.
Instead, consider a medium-sized crossbody bag that offers generous space without being overly bulky.
Microsoft reportedly told employees that all China-based staff will be required to use Apple devices for work.
Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Image
Microsoft mandated China staff to use iPhones for work starting in September, Bloomberg reported.
The move is reportedly due to security changes and Google Play's unavailability in China.
Microsoft employees without an Apple device will be issued a free iPhone 15, the report said.
Microsoft is reportedly requiring all China-based staff to use only iPhones for work, effective September.
Bloomberg reported Monday, citing an internal memo, that the tech giant informed hundreds of employees that they must soon verify their identities through the Microsoft Authenticator password manager and Identity Pass app, which is available on Apple devices.
The change is happening as the company seeks to boost its internal security under Microsoft's global Secure Future Initiative (SFI), announced last November.
So why aren't Androids acceptable in the workplace? It boils down to apps.
Microsoft has reportedly decided to block employees from using Android devices to access its corporate platforms because Google's mobile services, including its Google Play app store, are unavailable in China. That leaves Apple's app ecosystem as the only place for Microsoft employees in China to download and use the Microsoft Authenticator and Identity Pass apps, according to the report.
But the company isn't leaving Android fans within the company completely out to dry: They can continue using their Android devices for personal use, and the company will provide them with a free iPhone 15, Bloomberg reported.
Microsoft's efforts to tighten its security practices follow cyber attacks from Russian and Chinese hackers. The company found itself in hot water for recent security failures, with a US Cyber Safety Review Board report in March detailing a "cascade" of "avoidable errors" at the company.
The review board revealed that hackers were able to access the Microsoft Exchange Online mailboxes of individuals across 22 organizations and download roughly 60,000 emails from the State Department alone.
A Microsoft spokesperson previously told Business Insider that "recent events have demonstrated a need to adopt a new culture of engineering security in our own networks."
The expected overhaul manifested in May when Microsoft announced that it would be expanding the scope of SFI to include recommendations from the CSRB. Actions included protecting accounts with phishing-resistant multifactor authentication.
Microsoft's executive vice president, Charlie Bell, wrote, "We are making security our top priority at Microsoft, above all else—over all other features."
A Microsoft spokesperson did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment on the reported iPhone mandate.
My friend and I took a trip to Hilton Head Island.
Julie Peck
My friend and I booked a last-minute vacation to Hilton Head Island, a beach town in South Carolina.
The area was abundant with natural beauty and reminded me of a nature preserve.
Hilton Head Island's beaches were clean and beautiful, and I loved the food scene.
Last July, when my best friend and I suddenly found some free time and a yearning for sun and sand, we laid out our options for a trip.
As a resident of South Carolina, I considered plenty of places to visit, from Myrtle Beach to Charleston. But in the end, we ultimately settled on Hilton Head Island.
The beautiful South Carolina town has several white-sand beaches and world-class golf courses. The area, which Condé Nast Traveler named the best island in the US in 2023, is also known for nature and a small-town vibe.
I'd been to Hilton Head Island decades earlier but was eager to see how it had changed over the years. Here's what my experience on the island was like.
The entire area reminded me of a nature preserve.
Our home had great views of one of many lagoons on Hilton Head Island.
Julie Peck
We rented a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with pool access and a lagoon view through Whimstay — a vacation-rental website for last-minute trips.
Our house had plenty of space for my friend and me to relax — but the real beauty of the home was the gorgeous lagoon in the backyard. I could have easily spent the rest of our getaway staring out at that water without visiting the beach.
It was so peaceful to be surrounded by beautiful greenery and trees.
I loved hearing the sound of frogs and other animals at night.
One night, a frog perched on my window.
Julie Peck
We soon learned the lagoon in our backyard was bristling with wildlife, including all kinds of birds, different-sized turtles, and a wide variety of frogs.
When nighttime came, the frogs surrounding our house piped up with quite the chorus. It almost seemed like we were camping — but without the hassle of sleeping outside.
When it got dark, I cracked open the sliding-glass doors connecting the main bedroom to the spacious back deck so I could do some stargazing — Hilton Head Island, known for its low light pollution, was the perfect place for this activity.
Sea Pines Beach was beautiful, clean, and easy to get to.
I read a book and relaxed on the beach.
Julie Peck
One Saturday during our trip, my friend and I left our car at a shopping center and boarded a trolley to Sea Pines Beach Club, where we reserved chairs from Shore Beach Services.
Our first day at the beach was fairly quiet — I assume this was because it was changeover day for most of the rental properties.
Still, it was a diverse crowd, with families, singles, couples, and people of all ages splayed across the sand. We had plenty of room to spread out but didn't really venture from our chairs.
The next day brought more folks out to the beach. But even with more people around, the beach didn't feel too crowded — there was a completely relaxed vibe.
The wide array of food was unmatched, too.
I enjoyed dishes like moules-frites.
Julie Peck
Everything we ate on the island was enjoyable, from the delicious first-night, too-tired-to-go-out pizza from Giuseppi's to the pre-beach pastries and fresh-squeezed juice we grabbed at the Harbour Town Bakery and Café.
However, my meal at Chez Georges Bistro and Bar blew my taste buds away. Known for its "French cuisine with a Lowcountry accent," this family-owned and -operated restaurant has a traditional French-bistro menu without any kind of intimidating vibe.
When we walked in, we were greeted as if we were regulars. The menu was packed with classically French cuisine, from escargot and bouillabaisse to cassoulet.
I was thrilled to see moules frites (mussels with fries) on the menu. I opted for the classic Provençal preparation, with white-wine-butter sauce, tomatoes, capers, olives, and herbs de Provence. The dish did not disappoint, and I used the fries to mop up every last drop of sauce.
We also ordered steak frites, and my friend tried the boeuf Bourguignon (short ribs), which were fall-off-the-bone tender.
Hilton Head was a great spot for a last-minute vacation, and I'd recommend it to anyone.
Hilton Head Island had beautiful beaches and nature.
Julie Peck
When I first experienced Hilton Head Island decades ago, I perceived it as kind of stuffy. Later, I dismissed it as just a place for golfers and bachelor parties.
But on my most recent, last-minute vacation, Hilton Head Island proved to be the perfect low-key vacation retreat for everyone — beachgoers, nature enthusiasts, and food lovers alike.
From the beaches to the delicious restaurant scene, I had a great time. I'd recommend this island to anyone in need of a beach getaway.
Parents are going into debt and adjusting their work schedules to make sure their kids have care this summer.
iStock; Rebecca Zisser/BI
Summer camps and care cost parents thousands, pushing many into debt or altered work schedules.
Parents are facing rising childcare costs, exacerbated by post-pandemic economic pressures.
Despite financial strain, parents view summer activities as essential for their children's wellbeing.
Between taekwondo, time at the local community center, and other types of camp and summer programs, Paige Connell and her husband will end up spending over $6,000 for her two oldest kids to stay busy this summer.
Connell created a spreadsheet to keep track of the varying costs, times, and weeks for these programs. It shows that the family paid $360 per week for one of the children and $345 for the other for recreation department programs. One of her children is attending taekwondo, which costs $300. One child will partake in a music camp for several days, which costs over $500.
Camp is not the only summer expensefor Connell's family. They also took a week-long family vacation at a beach house.
The 34-year-old mom of four said most of these summer camps were already paid up front earlier this year. Connell, who also has two younger kids who attend daycare, said of the older children's camps, "that's kind of our childcare for the summer" given she and her husband work full time.
"It is something that we budget for, so we try to plan accordingly for how we're going to pay for it, and obviously in combination with paying for our other childcare throughout the year," she said.
Summer fun may be priceless for kids, but it's increasingly costly for their parents. Some go into debt to pay off a summer; others adjust their work hours, scramble to find care, or have to deal with their children feeling left behind by peers headed to pricey summer programs.
It's a function of a system parents say isn't cohesive with the needs of working caretakers, like how school ends before many professionals' workday or how daycares sometimes have sporadic schedules. And, like other facets of the economy, it's something where costs are only growing.
For parents, "it's such a hard dichotomy because obviously summer's exciting, kids are out of school, they're excited for the opportunity to spend more time with them," Courtney Alev, Credit Karma's consumer financial advocate, told BI. "But this need to continue to find additional childcare — and often more expensive — can just add a lot of stress to parents."
Why summer camps are so expensive, and what it means for families
Tom Rosenberg, president and CEO of the American Camp Association, is well aware of camps' costs and demands.
"The price of camp has gone up as the costs of operating a camp have gone up, but the camp operators in general are not able to raise their prices sufficiently to cover the increase in their costs," Rosenberg said. Camp directors, like childcare providers, have struggled to staff up and boosted wages to try to lure in young adults in a competitive market.
"Kids need more today, so we need more staff to manage to take care of the children," Rosenberg said, comparing needs to pre-pandemic times. "Camp experiences are unique opportunities for them to learn and grow undistracted by social media and technology and with a measure of independence from their parents and family."
Camps are also coming up against an expensive — yet quiet — headwind that's eating away at wallets: Skyrocketing insurance costs.
"Both on the property and casualty side of things, insurance costs for youth programs like this are through the roof, frankly, if they can get coverage," Rosenberg said. "There's food and transportation, the cost of capital to expand their facility to be able to take additional campers in or to just operate their program; everything has gone up."
Rosenberg said the challenge "is to be able to serve more kids in an affordable way given the inflationary environment that we are currently in."
For Alex Mnatsakanov, summer is worth going into debt.
The 45-year-old single dad, who shares custody of his daughter, describes her as creative and extroverted. Summer is a chance for the pre-teen who dreams of being on Broadway to hit the stage at theater camp and star in at least three different shows.
"It's great seeing her be confident on stage — and she is very confident on stage — but it's also, I feel like, has been tremendous for her mental health as an outlet to support her through things that have gone on in her life," he said.
And so, he and his co-parent are shelling out around $3,000 total this year for two different daycamps that add up to six weeks of activities — but that's only about half of the summer. He said those costs usually end up on a credit card. But that investment is worth it to not see his kid languish bored all summer.
"The experience, the outlet for all of that creativity, for all that interaction with peers is worth it for me to potentially grow my debt," he said.
Mnatsakanov with his daughter, who will attend theater camp this summer.
Courtesy of Alex Mnatsakanov
Indeed, an Intuit Credit Karma survey of 2,006 American adults in June found that 29% of parentssaid they can't save money during the summer because of childcare costs, and over a thirdsaid theyneed to adjust their work hours because care is so expensive.
Meanwhile, 23% of parents, among those who reported they'd be paying for summer programs, expected to pay over $1,000 a month per child during the summer. Broadly, 61% of parents with kids under 18 years old said it "feels even more expensive to raise kids in the summer months." And 28%, among those who noted enrolling their kids in programs, said they planned on taking on debt to help cover the costs of summer programs.
"That — even if it's necessary for certain families — is really concerning given that credit card interest rates and debt, they're at really high levels right now," Alev said. "And so going into that debt now is likely going to end up costing you a lot more over time."
Connell, the parent with two of her children attending various camps this summer, noted that she understands how expensive it is to operate and staff camps and that the people working there "deserve to be paid well."
"I think, unfortunately, the costs are very prohibitive to parents," Connell said, adding that government subsidies and funding for camps and care "would go a long way" for workers at these places and families.
It's not just a summer problem. "I think the cost of childcare is a major infrastructure failure in our country. I think it is disproportionately impacting women who are leaving the workforce because they can't afford childcare," she said.
And other small expenses — like sending a lunch or giving kids spending money for camp excursions — add up. Dana Bowling, a mom of an 11-year-old and a 9-year-old, said she pays for a hot lunch daily for her kids' day camp, and then also for a frozen treat — she knew if she didn't pay for that one, she'd hear from her kids every day saying that everyone else got one. On top of all of that, some parents are forking over thousands for services that help their kids pack and prepare for camp.
Bowling wants to give her kids what she sees as the important cultural experience of going to camp. Bowling, who lives in LA, sends her children to a Jewish summer camp, which has long been held as an important cultural touchstone in the American Jewish community.
"I think it's a big deal, and it's kind of necessary for kids to experience those things. So it's a non-negotiable, but because of that, it's so expensive," she said. She estimates that, just for day camp, they're spending around $150 to $200 per kid a day; sleepaway camp is running them around $6,000 per kid for three weeks. To make costs manageable, she uses a payment plan to pay throughout the year for camp.
"It's kind of like highway robbery because they can charge whatever they want, and we'll have to do it," Bowling said.
While camps and other summer activities can be costly, there are some options for assistance out there.
"We do offer financial aid at all of our locations, and no family is ever turned away because of an inability to pay," Lisa Garcia, senior executive of youth programs, afterschool and day camps at the YMCA of Greater New York, said. "At the Y, we really want to make sure summer camp is accessible for all."
Garcia, who said she was a camp counselor back in the day, sees the benefits of attending camp. "It's where campers can be silly and be who they are and explore who they want to be, fine-tune their skills, develop those skills that they already have," Garcia said.
Some parents agree thatsummer experiences are worth the cost.
"I do feel like the experiences for her are worth it. I'm a strong believer in less about material things and more about experiences where you do create memories that last a lifetime — not to sound super cliché," Mnatsakanov said of his daughter. He added: "I want her to five, six years down the road when she's a teenager and doesn't want to do camps — because she's too cool for school — have these memories from her tweens."