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The Nov. 3 midterm elections are here, and the outcome will determine the makeup of Congress and the trajectory of President Donald Trump's remaining years in office.

So if you haven't already voted, still need to mail in a ballot, or don't even know where to start, the hours are counting down. For an overview of voting deadlines, drop box and polling locations, and registration information, visit Vote.org, USA.gov, or keep reading below.

SEE ALSO: Election Day 2026 trackers: Follow election results, lawsuits, and more online How to vote by mail

More than 51 million Americans have already voted in the 2026 midterm elections. The number of people voting by mail grew substantially in 2020, and eight states now host what are known as all-mail elections or offer universal mail-in voting.

Mail ballots are sent early, with most states requiring at least a week's lead time before Nov. 3. If you were issued an absentee or mail ballot and plan to send it by mail, your ballot must be postmarked by or on election day, not after. A late postmark can void your ballot. If you never received your ballot, contact your election office ASAP.

In some states, voters can also drop off their ballots at designated drop boxes (the websites of county registrars typically list drop box locations, such as the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder). Around 15 states require drop box options for voters, many located at places like libraries and parks:

• California 

• Colorado 

• Delaware 

• Georgia 

• Florida 

• Kentucky 

• New Jersey

• Nevada 

• Maryland

• Michigan 

• Oregon 

• Rhode Island 

• Utah 

• Virginia 

• Washington 

Another 11 states prohibit drop boxes, so make sure your ballot gets postmarked if you are registered in these states:

• Arkansas 

• Louisiana 

• Mississippi 

• Missouri

• North Carolina 

• Oklahoma 

• South Carolina 

• South Dakota 

• Tennessee 

• Texas 

• West Virginia 

To find more rules on drop box voting, absentee voting, and voting by mail, visit your state's registrar of voters or scroll down to the state-by-state database on Vote.org.

How to vote in person

Despite a growing number of voters skipping the polls in favor of mail, many voters still cast their ballot in person. Voters are assigned to an in-person polling location based on the address they used to register to vote, and most can start voting before Nov. 3.

Polling times vary by state, with some states offering in-person voting as early as one month before election day (this practice is usually referred to as early in-person voting). Voters with disabilities may need to go to a different polling location, depending on their accommodation needs.

What to bring to the polls

Voters do not need any special equipment or documents to cast their vote. You may need to bring a form of verification to the polls, however, depending on your state. Scroll down for more information.

Voters are also allowed to bring in personal notes, a voter's guide, and even sample ballots into the polling booth.

How to find a polling place near you

Voters can find out their nearest polling location by checking their registration or calling their local registrar of voters. They can also use an online polling locator such Vote.org or the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS).

Voting FAQ

Do I need an ID to vote?

That depends on your state. Voter ID laws vary across the country, so check with your state election officials to be sure. In some cases, you may still be able to vote without an ID by signing an identity form.

Can I track my ballot if I voted by mail?

Yes. Most states offer some form of ballot tracking for voters. Find specific information on ballot tracking via your state's registrar website or call 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).

Can my ballot be challenged?

Yes and no. Ballots can't be challenged without a real legal basis under the National Voter Registration Act. A voter purge, in which election workers "clean up" voter databases by deleting names, can't be conducted within 90 days of a federal election. If you were on the roll as of August, filled out your ballot correctly and on time, your vote should count.

Federal agents and law enforcement cannot legally seize voting machines, nullify ballots, or stop the count.

That being said, groups may still challenge swaths of ballots up until the election. If your registration is challenged at the polls, you can still cast a provisional ballot.

Are electronic voting machines safe?

Electronic voting apparatuses are overseen by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) and thousands of election officials to ensure their safety and reliability. While recent studies have uncovered security flaws, election security researchers say they have not yet led to any kind of election interference, as suggested by some critics and conspiracy theorists.

Instead, experts suggest the biggest threat to election integrity is the spread of misinformation, which is increasingly enabled by AI.

SEE ALSO: The truth about voting machine security in the 2024 election

Can the president intervene in the election?

The administration has been casting doubt on the legitimacy of the midterm results, including claims that thousands of noncitizens are casting votes in this year's election. The majority of noncitizen voters charged with crimes have been found to be lawful residents.

Despite threats from the Trump administration, the president cannot issue an executive order or harness emergency powers to take over or nationalize the election process. Previous executive orders attempting to change the electoral process have been struck down or blocked by courts, and additional safeguards prevent the current Congress from refusing to seat newly elected officials.

TL;DR: Live stream Manchester United vs. Roma in the Champions League for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The return of the Champions League could not have come at a worse time for Manchester United. Another defeat last weekend in the Premier League leaves Michael Carrick's side languishing near the bottom three. Things aren't much better in the Champions League after two defeats in three fixtures.

Now Manchester United host Roma for an all-important clash. The visitors are fresh from beating Udinese 5-2 at the weekend, and will come into this fixture with a lot of confidence. Could it be another long night at Old Trafford? A defeat here could be the final nail in the coffin for the coach.

If you want to watch Manchester United vs. Roma in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Manchester United vs. Roma?

Manchester United vs. Roma in the Champions League kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Nov. 3. This fixture takes place at Old Trafford.

How to watch Manchester United vs. Roma for free

Manchester United vs. Roma in the Champions League is available to live stream on Prime Video in the UK.

You don't need to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this fixture. Instead, you can watch Manchester United vs. Roma for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to watch the Champions League for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:

1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

2. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

3. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

5. Live stream Manchester United vs. Roma for free on Prime Video

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Manchester United vs. Roma on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Champions League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Prime Video?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Prime Video, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries, including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Stream Manchester United vs. Roma in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

With the midterms imminent, what do we think Donald Trump was laser-focused on in one of his final speeches? The economy? The cost of living crisis? No! As Jon Stewart recaps in the Daily Show clip above, the president instead decided to waffle extensively about the renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool — including a moment where Trump described it as "a massive piece of...er, pool."

"Just to be clear, that is not AI," says Stewart. "That was not artificial intelligence or, really, I think you would agree, any kind of intelligence. That was the President of the United States, on the day before the midterms, choosing to make a speech at the Reflecting Pool — to talk about the Reflecting Pool. No symbolism, no metaphors, just straight up pool maintenance.

"That was Donald Trump's 'I had it cleaned' speech, if you will."

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Where to check for Zelda Switch 2 stock: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda — 40th Anniversary Edition $519.99 at Nintendo Shop Now Amazon Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda — 40th Anniversary Edition $519.99 at Amazon Shop Now Walmart Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda — 40th Anniversary Edition $519.99 at Walmart Shop Now Target Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda — 40th Anniversary Edition $519.99 at Target Shop Now Best Buy Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda — 40th Anniversary Edition $519.99 at Best Buy Shop Now GameStop Nintendo Switch 2 — The Legend of Zelda — 40th Anniversary Edition $519.99 at GameStop Shop Now

If your current morning ritual involves violently hitting refresh on a dozen retail tabs, you already know the vibe: finding the Nintendo Switch 2: The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition is turning into an Olympic sport.

Between automated bot armies scooping digital drops, surprise order cancellations at Walmart, and inventory vanishing in seconds on Amazon, this custom black-and-gold console feels like a myth. But while digital storefronts look completely barren, stock is actively circulating behind the scenes.

Where to check for Zelda Switch 2 stock right now

Before getting into the restock details, bookmark these retailer pages to check for surprise drops:

• Nintendo Store — Out of stock right now, but you can add it to your wishlist to get pinged the second a restock hits.

• Amazon — Dropping tiny batches of consoles randomly throughout the day.

• Walmart — Out of stock, so make sure your in-stock email alerts are turned on.

• Target — Sold out online, but two drops are coming: in-store on Thursday, Nov. 5, and online on Friday, Nov. 6.

• Best Buy — Sold out online, but select stores are doing midnight openings on Nov. 5 with walk-in stock.

• GameStop — Online orders are off; you will have to walk into a store to find one.

Why is the console selling out so fast?

The feeding frenzy is being supercharged by Nintendo’s staggered release calendar. While the custom Zelda 40th Anniversary hardware dropped first on Oct. 29, the flagship game driving demand — The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2 — arrives this Thursday, Nov. 5.

The remake rebuilds the 1998 classic from the ground up with modernized controls, a fully orchestrated soundtrack, reworked dungeon puzzles, and expanded Hyrule environments. Since the $520 console doesn’t include the game, everyone is rushing to lock down a system before launch day.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2 $59.99 at Amazon
  Preorder at Amazon What comes with the Zelda 40th anniversary Switch 2?

The package includes the special-edition Switch 2 system sporting a custom black-and-gold finish, themed Joy-Con 2 controllers, and a matching dock decorated with the gold Triforce emblem. It retains the platform's signature flexibility, letting you switch between TV, Tabletop, and Handheld modes whenever you want.

Inside the themed chassis, you get 256GB of built-in storage (expandable with microSD Express cards), a vivid display in handheld mode, faster load times, and support for up to 4K resolution on compatible TVs when the console sits in the dock.

The magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers add mouse-style tracking in supported games, while the new GameChat hub lets you voice chat and share your screen directly as you play. It also plays your older Switch games and supports standard multiplayer options.

How can you improve your chances of finding stock?

Landing limited-edition Nintendo hardware takes a little prep work, but these battle-tested habits will give you a real edge over the bots:

• Save your checkout details everywhere — Log in to Target, Best Buy, Walmart, and the Nintendo Store to save your shipping address and default card. Stopping to type a card number or billing zip code during a live drop is how you lose an order.

• Hands off the refresh button in Best Buy's queue — When an online drop goes live, Best Buy puts shoppers into a randomized waiting line to filter out scrapers. Touching the reload button resets your spot and boots you straight to the back.

• Watch for Walmart+ early-access paywalls — Walmart frequently locks headline console drops behind paid Walmart+ subscriptions for the first 30 to 60 minutes. If you have a membership, keep that tab signed in; if not, wait for the general public window to unlock.

• Dodge third-party sellers — Double-check the seller before buying. Marketplace scalpers frequently list units for jacked-up prices; make sure it says "Sold and shipped by [Retailer]" at the standard price.

• Skip the web wars and head to physical stores — Online checkout bots grab website stock in under 15 seconds. Showing up in person is easily your most reliable path to securing one without paying scalper markups.

Will the Zelda Switch 2 be restocked on Black Friday?

Most likely, yes.

Stores like Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy often hold onto popular gaming hardware to use as headline deals during Black Friday and Cyber Monday week.

With that said, Black Friday restocks are usually the hardest ones to catch. You will be fighting website crashes, gift shoppers, and automated bots all at once. If you can grab a console during the Nov. 5 launch drops at Target or Best Buy, take it. Think of Black Friday as a backup plan, not your main bet.

Console hunting sucks right now, period. But between the surprise micro-drops and Thursday's physical store restocks, you still have real shots at retail price — just be ready to move the second that button turns yellow.

TL;DR: The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is free when you switch and bring your number on T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan. The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is $1,200 off when you switch and bring your number on T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 18 Pro Free when you switch and bring your number on T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max $1,200 off when you switch and bring your number on T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan. Shop Now

The iPhone Duo launched, and as you would expect, the whole world is talking about Apple's first-ever foldable. We know that the launch has not been without its issues, but the iPhone Duo is still dominating the tech conversation.

Now that we've all had some time to digest the news and reviews, the question is whether you should opt for the iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone Duo.

T-Mobile is helping you make up your mind. For a limited time, you can get your hands on the Apple iPhone 18 Pro for free with T-Mobile. To qualify for this wild deal, you simply need to switch to T-Mobile and bring your number to the Experience Beyond plan. Alternatively, you can save $1,200 on the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max by going through the same process.

T-Mobile has also dropped a fresh batch of trade-in deals. You can get the iPhone 18 Pro or Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max for free if you have an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan. You've got options.

Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The full savings are distributed as monthly credits over a 36-month payment plan. If you leave T-Mobile before the end of the three-year contract, you will be charged the remaining balance. You also need to pay local sales tax on the phone's full retail value upfront, plus a standard $35 device connection fee per line at checkout.

You're making a commitment to T-Mobile and getting a flagship phone for free in return.

Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Get the Apple iPhone 18 Pro for free this week with T-Mobile.

Sure, you might have your eyes on the class-leading Sony WH-1000xM6 headphones, but they'll cost you $450. It's not necessary to dish out that much money when you can get headphones for a fraction of the price (with much of the same functionality) or, better yet, noise-cancelling headphones that carry longer battery life and a stronger sonic punch than the AirPods Max.

All this to say, cheap headphones can be genuinely great headphones — if you know where to look. That's why we've tested a bunch of picks under $100 to find the best budget headphones available.

What are the best budget headphones?

If you're still an Apple loyalist when it comes to headphones, stick with us for a sec. You'll soon discover that these top picks from popular budget audio brands like JLab, Anker, and JBL are giving the market’s best a run for their money. We even have a bargain entry from Sony that’s well worth a look.

SEE ALSO: The best open earbuds that stay put, sound great, and keep you aware of the world around you

Don't believe it? You'll want to see for yourself by reading our reviews of the best headphones under $100 below.

What differentiates budget vs. higher-end headphones?

In case we weren't clear enough before, cheaper does not mean worse by any means (and vice versa) when it comes to headphones. Not always, at least.

Yet, the general trend still stands that the "higher-end" a pair of headphones is, the more likely you are to get better sound quality (aka undistorted bass), more playtime, and state-of-the-art features like adaptive ANC.

Budget headphones are known to leak sound more often than their pricier alternatives, and they'll likely have fewer extras, like spatial audio for immersive 3D sound and TalkThru technology (which amplifies your convo buddy's voice while reducing music volume instantly) featured in some of JBL’s flagship headphones.

Nonetheless, we made it our mission to find headphones — both on-ear and over-ear models — that aren't "higher-end" in price and borrow a lot of standout functionality from their more expensive counterparts.

To help you find the best pair of headphones possible, our experts test headphones year-round, from popular models to new releases to budget picks (you can learn more about our detailed testing standards below). The result of that vetting is this guide, which we keep updated regularly to give you the most accurate and current purchasing information possible.

How to choose the best headphones

We won't beat around the bush: There's no definitive "best" product here. Sure, elite audio brands put out high-quality products across the board, but even within each of those brands, you'll find different tiers of products. Some will deliver better value, and some will deliver better hardware and active noise cancellation.

All this to say, the best pair of earbuds or headphones largely comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use them. Some listeners swear by over-ear headphones, while others prefer the minimalism of earbuds — one is not necessarily better than the other. Athletes who like to use headphones at the gym will appreciate waterproof materials and the best open earbuds, while frequent fliers will prefer devices with long battery life, comfort, and portability. Finally, music lovers and audiophiles will want to invest in premium features like a custom equalizer, spatial audio, or best-in-class active noise cancellation.

To help you pick your pair, we tested all of the headphones in this guide (and a lot that didn't make the cut). Here, you'll find the top headphones of 2026 for noise cancellation, music, price, and wired connections.

What about wired headphones?

We focused primarily on the best wireless headphones for this guide. While wired headphones have their fans, wireless headphones are just more convenient for most of us, though some of us are also fans of Apple's EarPods. With the release of the new noise-cancelling wired earbuds from Bose, we will be keeping our testing pool open to more wired models and will update this guide accordingly, should any earn a spot.

Other headphones we've tested

Most recently, we tested the Marshall Monitor III, JBL Tour One M3 headphones, and the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC, and though they had their merits, they fell short of winning the best of the best spot on this guide.

We've also tested the Sonos Ace headphones and Dyson OnTrac headphones. And while we loved them both for sound quality and noise cancellation, they fare in the way of AirPods Max — left out of our recommendations for their high price points.

Recent updates to this guide

• August 2026: Following the release of the second generation Bose QuietComfort headphones, we've added them to our list as the best budget pick from Bose for headphones.

• March 2025: We've designated the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 earbuds as the most comfortable ANC earbuds and crowned the Sony XM6 earbuds as the new best noise-cancelling earbuds.

• December 2025: We replaced the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 earbuds, which are no longer available, with the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 sports earbuds.

• December 2025: We removed the Marshall Mode wired earbuds, as they're frequently out of stock.

• December 2025: We added the Sony WH-CH720N Noise-Canceling Headphones as the best headphones under $100.

• December 2025: We added the Sony XM5 headphones, originally released in 2022, as our new honorable mention pick.

• August 2026: We replaced the Sennheiser Momentum 4 with the Nothing Headphone (a) as our best battery life pick.

Latest headphones news

A few major headphone releases happened in September: Sony's mid-range WH-10000XM4C headphones, Sony's budget WH-CH730N headphones, and the Beats 360, the first pair of over-ear headphones from the brand in three years. From Bose, we've also recently seen new wired noise-cancelling earbuds, as well as two new pairs of open earbuds. We'll be comparing them against our current picks to see if they have a spot among our favorites.

Kindles are the darling device of BookTok, where you can scroll through thousands of videos on the best accessories and gadgets to maximize your reading experience. One thing about the BookTok girlies: They're right. While I've spent hours watching videos of people decking out their Kindles with accessories, I never really understood the extras until I tried them for myself.

Kindle accessories are add-ons like remote page turners, gooseneck stands, clear cases, PopSockets, and hand straps, which are all aimed at improving your reading comfort. These accessories are so popular that even Amazon launched two of its own new accessories in 2026.

You may roll your eyes at a gooseneck stand or page-turning remote — I once did — but you're missing out on a life of luxury. A life that includes a Kindle on a stand, a remote page turner in hand, and you all tucked into the covers.

And keep in mind that while Kindles are the buzziest e-readers, there's a whole lot of love for Kobo e-readers on BookTok and here at Mashable. Even though the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is our favorite e-reader, we still have a lot of love for the Kobo Clara Colour and Kobo Libra Colour.

So if you own a Kindle or use another e-reader, this guide is for you: It features the essential accessories, including stands, remotes, grips, and cases. Plus, all the recently launched remotes from Kobo and Boox.

Remote page turner Amazon's new Kindle Click connects to Kindle e-readers to turn the page and adjust brightness. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Click $34.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Kobo Kobo Remote $29.99 at Kobo
  Shop Now at Kobo Opens in a new window Credit: Boox Boox Tappy Remote $29.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: DuRoBo DuRoBo Moodi Remote $35.99 at DuRoBo
  Shop Now at DuRoBo

Remote page turners rose in popularity on BookTok, so much so that Amazon finally launched its own, the Kindle Click, which is compatible with 2024 Kindles or newer.

At the end of the night, when you want to be cozy in bed, tucked under the blanket to stay warm, the remote allows you to do just that. Combined with the gooseneck stand? Nighttime reading is about to be the coziest it's ever been.

And while the page turner is great for getting cozy, it's also ideal for when you're using a Kindle while on the treadmill.

Amazon now makes the Kindle Click, joining the likes of Kobo, Boox, and Durobo. While the Boox Tappy and Durobo Moodi aren't my favorite, the Kobo remote is perfectly designed.

Page turn cover Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Page Turn Cover $79.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

While we expected a Kindle remote to join Amazon's latest batch of Kindles, the more surprising accessory is the new Page Turn Cover. It works seamlessly with Kindles, attaching via magnetic Pogo pins. Once connected, you can use the buttons on the case to turn the page.

It works like a charm, but there's a big catch. The Page Turn Cover only works with the Paperwhite Signature Edition and Colorsoft Signature Edition e-readers, meaning to use the case, you need to have one of those e-readers. Not to mention, the case costs $79.99.

That being said, I love the Page Turn Cover and think it's a worthy investment.

It's expensive but the Kindle Page Turn Cover is worth it. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Gooseneck stand Opens in a new window Credit: Magipea Magipea Gooseneck Stand $29.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

While the remote page turner helps you click through your book, to go truly hands-free, you need to prop up your e-reader, too. Enter the gooseneck stand. After seeing this viral video, I, and the rest of the internet, was influenced to get a clip-in stand for an e-reader.

And let me tell you, it is a luxury to have this stand. While a Kindle is still lightweight, when you're on a reading marathon, your arm inevitably gets tired from holding up the device. But having a gooseneck stand positions the Kindle within reading distance without any arm fatigue.

To test out a gooseneck stand, I tried the Magipea Gooseneck Stand, which is compatible with either a Kindle or Kobo e-reader (I use it with both). I find the bendy arm of this stand to be a little too stiff, but overall, it still works well.

Clear case Opens in a new window Credit: CoBak CoBak Clear MagSafe Case $15.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

There are plenty of Kindle cases in the sea, but the most popular option among BookTok is a simple, clear case. Sure, that seems boring, but the exciting part is decorating it. Add-ons like charms also bring personal flair, and some people even buy inserts or stickers to swap out over time.

And if you're interested in using a PopSockets grip with your Kindle, I recommend getting a case that's MagSafe compliant so you can take it on and off. PopSockets has its own Kindle case that also happens to be MagSafe.

MagSafe PopSockets Opens in a new window Credit: PopSockets PopSockets MagSafe PopGrip $30 at PopSockets
  Shop Now at PopSockets

PopSockets are already the best ergonomic grip for your phone, so why wouldn't they be the best grip for another handheld device? When I'm not using my Kindle with the gooseneck stand, I like using it with a PopSockets grip for an ergonomic hold.

With a traditional PopSockets grip, you attach it to a device with adhesive, but that means once it's on, it's on. But using a MagSafe PopSockets grip allows you to attach and reattach the grip, depending on whether you want your Kindle to lie flat.

I personally use the PopSockets MagSafe Kick-Out Stand with my Kindle since that's what I use on my phone, and I like that I can prop it up to stand vertically. However, PopSockets launched a line of bookish MagSafe grips to go with its line of Kindle cases.

My PopSockets Kick-Out Grip works as a stand on-the-go. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Strapsicle Straps Opens in a new window Credit: Strapsicle Strapsicle Straps $19.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

If PopSockets grips aren't really your thing, then Strapsicle makes a nice alternative. Strapsicle's straps attach to the corners of your e-reader, creating a cross pattern. Your hand then slips through the straps, delivering an easy hold on your e-reader. While I personally prefer the feel of a PopSockets grip, the Strapsicle lets your hand lie flat, so it doesn't cramp up from being in a hold. The Strapsicle works best when it has a snug fit, so using it with a case can be a little tight.

Just slide your hand in between the straps for an easy hold. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Page Kindle Cases Opens in a new window Credit: Page. Page Kindle Case $40 at Page.
  Shop Now at Page.

Before I went deep into the world of Kindle accessories, I really just wanted a good case. After several well-placed Instagram ads, I landed on a case from Page. Not only do they have a ton of really cute designs, but they also make cases for a variety of e-readers, including the full Kindle and Kobo lineups.

The case automatically wakes and sleeps your e-reader, and it includes a hand strap for a nice grip while reading. Plus, I like this case because it guards the poorly placed power button on the e-reader. This way, when I'm reading on the treadmill, the button doesn't accidentally get pressed.

You could also always go for an official Amazon case for a simple cover with good protection. Any protective case is a good choice, especially one with reinforced corners to protect against drops.

Dating over 40 doesn’t mean you need an app with “senior” in the name or a profile that reads like a marriage application. Maybe you’re dating after divorce, fitting first dates around a custody schedule, or ready to meet someone new after time on your own. You might want a long-term relationship, a casual connection, or a reason to put on something other than your work-from-home pants. You don’t have to be looking for the same thing as everyone else, but it helps to know which apps suit what you want.

SEE ALSO: 'I get so upset and frustrated': What dating is like on a GLP-1 What are the best dating apps for people over 40?

Hinge is my top pick among the best dating apps for over 40, particularly if you want a relationship and appreciate a profile that gives you something to talk about. Match is worth comparing if you prefer more detailed profiles, while Tinder is an option for exploring something casual. But the best choice also depends on who’s using it near you, what you can do for free, and whether the experience makes you want to meet someone or throw your phone into the sea.

There’s reason to be hopeful without pretending the apps are magic. In a 2026 SSRS survey, half of U.S. adults who had ever used a dating site or app said they’d been in a committed relationship with someone they met through one. The goal, of course, is to spend less time evaluating profiles and more time figuring out whether you enjoy someone’s company.

“I wouldn’t let more than a few days go by before transitioning to an in-person meeting or at least a video call,” Suzannah Weiss, sex/couples therapist and resident sexologist for Erojoy, tells Mashable.

I’ve spent years testing dating apps for Mashable, including their free versions and paid upgrades. For this guide, I’m focusing on the differences that matter: profile features that let you show off your personality, useful preferences, messaging access, and privacy controls.

NASA expects its Swift space telescope to re-enter Earth's atmosphere early Wednesday, ending over two decades of Swift's monitoring of sudden, powerful events in space.

The U.S. Space Force's prediction puts the re-entry at about 3:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Most of the spacecraft should burn up as it falls through the atmosphere, though some pieces may reach the ground, according to NASA. 

Though the agency doesn't offer a live orbital tracker of the spacecraft, you can monitor Swift's final days — or hours — through the agency's blog, as well as some third-party websites and apps. 

Swift, whose official name is the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory,  will meet its demise after NASA and commercial contractor Katalyst Space tried to save it with a robotic spacecraft designed to boost it into a higher orbit. That $30 million rescue attempt failed, which means scientists have lost a quick-response telescope to study brief cosmic events. NASA says other missions will help fill some of the gap, but its absence will leave researchers with fewer ways to follow up on new discoveries. 

"While deeply disappointed at the outcome, I'm nonetheless incredibly appreciative of the heroic efforts undertaken by the collective Katalyst and Swift teams," Brad Cenko, the mission's principal investigator, told Mashable in August. "I sincerely do view this effort as a success, even if we were not able to reach our ultimate goal."

SEE ALSO: This Martian meteorite just got dubbed a 'Rosetta Stone.' Here's why.

To follow Swift's descent, you can read NASA's posts at https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/swift. NASA and the Space Force will continue updating the re-entry predictions, as the timing and location could shift.

But if you want a live look at its whereabouts, several websites provide global mapping and visualization tools for satellites like Swift, using its unique catalog designation, NORAD ID 28485. The data directly comes from the Space Force, which tracks satellites. 

Visual trackers, such as Orbital Radar, N2YO, and KeepTrack, take this mathematical information from Space-Track.org, the public portal operated by the U.S. military, and plug it into their own map engines.

NASA launched Swift in 2004 to study gamma-ray bursts: flashes of high-energy light produced by some of the universe's most powerful explosions. Swift could spot a burst and quickly turn toward it to observe the fading light. It also helped scientists study objects like black holes and stars that flare in X-rays. 

Want more science and tech news delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Mashable's Light Speed newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Earth's upper atmosphere creates drag on satellites in low orbit, slowing them and pulling them down. Recent solar activity increased that effect on Swift. NASA hired Katalyst to build a spacecraft that could approach the observatory, grab it, and raise its orbit. But ongoing control problems with the servicing spacecraft, LINK, ended the plan before it could attempt the capture and boost maneuvers.

Swift briefly returned to science observations after the unsuccessful rescue mission. It homed in on hundreds of targets, including the remains of stellar explosions, active black holes in distant galaxies, and comets in our solar system. On Oct. 20, Swift reached an altitude of 171 miles and could no longer counter the drag. The spacecraft entered a protective mode, and its operations team sent a command to end the mission.

NASA says surviving fragments could fall anywhere between 20.6 degrees south and 20.6 degrees north latitude. That band stretches around the world near the equator. The chance of someone on Earth being harmed by debris is "unlikely," with a chance of about 1 in 2,100, according to the agency.

TL;DR: New users can get one year of Rosetta Stone Sapphire for just $127.20, including 25 languages, pronunciation feedback, conversation practice, and personalized activities.

Opens in a new window Credit: Rosetta Stone Rosetta Stone Sapphire (1-Year Subscription) $127.23
$159 Save $31.77   Get Deal

Ordering dinner in another language is a useful skill. Keeping the conversation going after the waiter goes off-script? Even better. Rosetta Stone Sapphire’s 1-year subscription is $127.20 (reg. $159) for a limited time, giving new users access to 25 languages and tools built around everyday speaking confidence.

Drawing on more than 30 years of language-learning expertise, Sapphire uses Rosetta Stone’s Dynamic Immersion method. Rather than relying on direct translation or memorization drills, it teaches through imagery, context, listening, reading, and speaking. Bite-sized lessons build vocabulary and grammar while giving you opportunities to use what you learn.

Pronunciation gets its own attention through TruAccent speech recognition, which provides real-time feedback. Meanwhile, guided Chat Missions let you practice scenarios involving travel, social situations, and everyday interactions. Think of it as a rehearsal before you need the words in person.

The experience also leaves room for your interests. Sapphire Studio lets you create personalized learning activities on topics that matter to you, while more than 500 flashcard sets cover subjects such as business, hobbies, sports, art, and travel. Your next study session doesn’t have to revolve around someone else’s itinerary.

You can switch among available languages, including Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Mandarin, German, and Italian. Progress saves and syncs across supported desktop, mobile, and tablet devices, so you can pick up where you left off when your schedule allows.

For learners who want structured lessons alongside speaking practice, Sapphire brings both into one platform.

Get the Rosetta Stone Sapphire one-year subscription for just $127.20 (reg. $159) through Nov. 8.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Poster Collection is on sale for $41.47 at Amazon, down from its $49.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Poster Collection $41.47 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $8.52   Get Deal at Amazon

It’s still tough to get well-priced stock for Pokémon’s 30th Celebration expansion, even if Delta Reign is coming out this week.

As of Nov. 3, the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Poster Collection has dropped to just $41.47 at Amazon, shaving $8.52 off its $49.99 list price with a 17% discount.

While that might not sound like the biggest saving, it's an improvement on the $51.95 deal we covered on Oct. 27. It's also $9.51 below the previous $50.98 Amazon record low we spotted on Oct. 19. Either way, it’s the lowest price we've seen on the site so far (confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel).

Better still, the new offer is sold and shipped directly by Amazon, rather than one of its marketplace sellers — with free delivery set for as soon as Nov. 23. 

SEE ALSO: Preorders for the Pokémon TCG Delta Reign Elite Trainer Box are cut on Amazon — save vs. Walmart

The Pokemon TCG 30th Celebration Poster Collection contains three booster packs of trading cards from the anniversary expansion, alongside foil promotional cards featuring Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres.

You'll also receive a double-sided poster measuring almost 27 by 39 inches, displaying artwork from more than 160 cards in the set.

SAVE $81.99: As of Nov. 3, the flagship Sony WH-1000XM6 noise-canceling headphones are down to $378 at Amazon. That is an $81.99 discount on our Mashable Choice winner.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony XM6 $378 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $81.99   Get Deal at Amazon

If you’ve been eyeing a pair of noise-canceling cans but couldn’t stomach modern flagship pricing, Amazon just gave you a break. The flagship Sony WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones are down to $378, shaving 18% off their standard $459.99 list price. That is an $81.99 price cut on the pair we named the "best sound-first headphones" in our 2026 guide.

The biggest win with these headphones is the return of folding hinges: the earcups finally collapse inward to tuck into a much sturdier case featuring a magnetic latch instead of the old, fragile zipper. Inside the earcups, a carbon-fiber dome driver runs on Sony’s new QN3 processor, which clocks seven times faster than the previous generation.

SEE ALSO: 14 headphones deals that are already Black Friday-worthy

Sony backed that horsepower with 12 total mics for adaptive noise canceling and six dedicated mics for cleaner phone calls. Plus, you can finally plug in to charge via USB-C and keep listening to your playlist without the music cutting out.

In his review, Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth called the sound "impressive," with vocal tracks that sound "particularly great." He also pointed out that the active noise canceling "works like magic," carving out a dead-silent bubble whether you're trying to focus in an open office or crammed onto a subway train.

SEE ALSO: Sony is giving away custom team-edition XM6 headphones for free — how to claim

Even if the 30-hour battery life didn't see a massive jump from the XM5, the travel-ready folding design, richer vocal tuning, and class-leading noise cancellation make these an easy recommendation.

Snag the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones at Amazon before the deal disappears.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection Day (Espeon) and Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection Night (Umbreon) are available to preorder now on Walmart.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokemon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection Day (Espeon) $486.99 at Walmart
  Shop Now at Walmart Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection Night (Umbreon) $499.99 at Walmart
  Shop Now at Walmart

This week is going to be absolutely huge for Pokémon TCG collectors. We've had a wave of announcements in recent weeks, so it's hardly been quiet lately, but the Day and Night Ultra-Premium Collections and the Delta Reign Expansion are set to release on Nov. 6. Now that's big news.

With the launch day fast approaching, preorder offers are getting competitive. Amazon listings went live weeks ago but have since vanished. That has left Walmart offering the best rate on the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection Day (Espeon) and Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection Night (Umbreon).

Both high-end boxes are currently available to preorder at Walmart for close to market price.

TCGplayer's market price for the Day Box is currently $471.52, compared to Walmart's $486.99. The market price for the Night Box is $466.37, compared with Walmart's $499.99.

Both Ultra-Premium Collections come packed with 29 30th Celebration booster packs, one Classic Collection booster pack, custom metal coins, deck boxes, card sleeves, and damage-counter dice. Of course, a lot of the hype comes from the exclusive promo cards.

The Day collection includes the exclusive Espeon ex promo card with a Daytime Pikachu ex promo card and an Espeon playmat. The Night box includes the exclusive Umbreon ex promo card with a Futuristic-rarity Pikachu ex promo card and an Umbreon playmat.

It's not easy finding real value for money in the trading card market, so scoring preorders for around market value is pretty special. And that goes double for a collection like this.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Display Box is on sale for $209.95 at Amazon, down from its $222.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Box $209.95 at Amazon
$222.99 Save $13.04   Get Deal at Amazon

All eyes may be on the Pokémon TCG's upcoming Delta Reign expansion ahead of its Nov. 6 launch, but Amazon has unexpectedly trimmed the cost of Chaos Rising’s biggest box, giving trading card collectors a chance to catch up on chase cards from this collection. 

As of Nov. 3, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Display Box is going for just $209.95 at Amazon, a $13.04 saving compared to the usual $222.99 price. With this 6% discount, you’ll be effectively only paying around $5.83 for each of its 36 booster packs. 

To get this deal, you'll have to choose third-party seller DJ's Daily Deals from the other buying options, rather than the $212.48 offer Amazon shows by default. Thankfully, shipping still won’t cost you anything, with delivery estimated for Nov. 10.

SEE ALSO: Preorders for the Pokémon TCG Delta Reign Elite Trainer Box are cut on Amazon — save vs. Walmart

TCGplayer is actually undercutting the estimated $181.84 market price — with listings now going for as little as $180 (shipping still included). 

For anyone yet to delve into Chaos Rising, the expansion features over 120 collectible cards, more than 25 Trainer cards, and over 35 Pokémon and Trainer cards boasting special illustrations.

Its standout pulls (which you can buy individually at TCGplayer) include the MHR Mega Greninja ex ($113+), SIR Mega Greninja ex ($112), and SIR Cinccino ex ($35+), alongside other Mega Evolution Pokémon such as Mega Floette ex ($20+) and Mega Dragalge ex ($22+).

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Booster Display Box is available to preorder for $249.99 at Amazon, down from the $269.99 price we first spotted in October.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Booster Display Box $249.99 at Amazon
$269.99 Save $20   Preorder at Amazon

The Pokémon TCG Delta Reign expansion is only a few days away from release, and after several weeks of fluctuating preorder deals, collectors can once again grab 36 packs for less than $7 each before the new Mega Evolution set drops.

As of Nov. 3, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Booster Display Box is available to preorder for just $249.99 at Amazon. That's exactly $20 less than the $269.99 price we covered when preorders first went live on Oct. 8, and one of the lowest-ever deals for the box (confirmed via price tracker camelcamelcamel). It works out to $6.94 for each of its 36 booster packs.

Sold and fulfilled by third-party seller House of Cards and Games, free delivery is included, although your box isn't expected to arrive until Nov. 16. That's 10 days after Delta Reign launches on Nov. 6.

SEE ALSO: The Pokémon TCG Delta Reign Elite Trainer Box is now under market price at Walmart — save over $20 vs. Amazon

Although this Amazon price is a new low for the Delta Reign display Booster Box, we need to let you know you can spend even less with Walmart and TCGplayer.

Compared with the box’s estimated $227.76 market price, Walmart is selling its own for $229.29. Meanwhile, the dedicated trading card marketplace TCGplayer has listings for slightly less, with the lowest at $227.98 — only 22 cents above market price. 

Delta Reign introduces over 140 cards, with Mega Rayquaza ex leading the expansion alongside Mega Golurk ex, Mega Malamar ex, and Mega Golisopod ex. Each booster contains 10 random Pokémon cards, giving you 360 to open across the complete Display Box, excluding Energy and code cards.

SAVE $100: Starting Nov. 2 through Dec. 6, Monarc's Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale knocks $100 off both the Monarc Marker and the Monarc Tracer, while tossing in a free spare battery (a $250 value).

Opens in a new window Credit: Monarc Monarc Marker All-Terrain eBike $1,899 at Monarc
$1,999 Save $100   Get Deal at Monarc Opens in a new window Credit: Monarc Monarc Tracer Urban Commuter eBike $1,799 at Monarc
$1,899 Save $100   Get Deal at Monarc

Electric bikes have made the daily commute a whole lot more fun, but range anxiety is still the big elephant in the room. There is nothing quite as humbling as watching your battery gauge blink red halfway up a steep hill, leaving you to pedal a 75-pound machine home on pure leg power.

Premium newcomer Monarc cuts straight through that stress by packaging its bikes with two swappable 720Wh batteries and backing every frame with a generous five-year warranty. For the holiday shopping season, Monarc is running an early Black Friday sale through Dec. 6 that takes $100 off both models and tosses in a second battery pack for free, giving you a swappable backup to double your distance.

SEE ALSO: Volkswagen's new e-bikes pack cameras, radar, and smart glasses — here's everything you need to know

For riders who like their routes a little unpaved, the Monarc Marker is built for off-road wanderlust. It pairs a burly 1,638W peak Bafang hub motor with 85 Nm of torque, giving you enough punch to power through sandy paths and steep climbs without losing momentum.

Massive 26 x 4-inch all-terrain fat tires take the edge off chunky rocks and rutted fire roads, while four-piston hydraulic disc brakes provide smooth, instant stopping power when you need to slow down in a pinch. With up to 120 miles of total range across both battery packs, it is built just as much for long weekend trails as it is for weekday grocery runs.

If your daily ride is all about cruising past gridlocked cars and navigating city potholes, the Monarc Tracer is dialed for pavement. It shares the exact same 1,638W motor muscle as the Marker, but tunes the ride for city comfort with an upright seating position, an 80mm reverse-arch suspension fork, and fast-rolling 27.5-inch Kenda tires. Dual batteries push your total distance to 130 miles, and you can switch the pedal-assist sensor between a natural-torque mode that matches your leg effort and a breezy cadence mode when you just want the motor to do the work.

Both bikes skip cheap components for dependable hardware: a 3.5-inch color touchscreen, Shimano Cues 9-speed gearing, integrated turn signals, and a 5A fast charger that refills a dead pack in three hours. You get integrated brake lights and turn signals right on the rear rack, plus the option to add safety gear like blind-spot radar and tire-pressure sensors.

Monarc also keeps the checkout process flexible. If you already own one of their bikes, you can order a bike without batteries to knock $500 off, or save $250 by sticking to a single-pack setup. But if you want to breeze past traffic without stressing over a dead battery, grabbing the full holiday bundle is the easy call.

You have until Dec. 6 to grab the Marker or Tracer, pocket the $100 discount, and get the extra battery tossed in for free.

We've only just recovered from a huge weekend of eating. Halloween obviously means a whole lot of sweets and chocolates, but it also means BOGO offers, limited-edition drops, steep discounts, and genuinely free giveaways from a number of restaurant chains.

Didn't make the most of those offers? Don't fret, because National Sandwich Day takes place on Nov. 3.

We've scanned the market for all of the deals that make events like this so special. We're seeing limited-time offers from the likes of Subway, 7-Eleven, Capriotti’s, Potbelly, and more of your favorite spots this week.

Check out some of our favorites below:

National Sandwich Day 2026 food deals7-Eleven

7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members can grab a $1 fountain drink or Big Gulp with the purchase of any sandwich on Nov. 3.

Big Buns

Enter promo code SAMMIEDAY at checkout online or mention it in-store on Nov. 3 to unlock a BOGO 50% off deal across all chicken sandwich builds.

Capriotti’s

CapAddicts Rewards members score BOGO 50% off on all sub sizes for National Sandwich Day on Nov. 3 (redeemable in-store, online, or via the Capriotti's mobile app).

Farmer Boys

Loyalty club members can pick up a Bacon Turkey Melt for $5.99 on Nov. 3 and Nov. 4 when ordering in-restaurant or through the official Farmer Boys app (excludes combo upgrades and third-party delivery).

Firehouse Subs

Spend $15 or more on Nov. 3 via the Firehouse Subs app or website to score a free medium sub added to your order.

Habit Burger

Through Nov. 4, each Habit Burger location is giving away 50 free Gotta Habit Meals daily during a surprise one-hour window. App members get a two-hour early heads-up notification, while everyone else can track the daily drop time via Habit Burger’s official Instagram.

Jersey Mike’s

Skip the midday desk trek: Jersey Mike’s is offering free delivery on all orders of $5 or more placed through the mobile app or official website on Nov. 3.

Jimmy John’s

Rewards members can claim a digital BOGO Free sandwich on Nov. 3 by entering promo code SANDWICH at checkout in the Jimmy John’s app or website (single-use only; cannot be stacked with other discounts).

Makers Union

Makers Union is slashing prices across the entire board on Nov. 3 with a BOGO 50% off promo on all burgers, sandwiches, and handhelds.

McAlister’s Deli

Rewards members can snag a $5 regular sandwich (select exclusions apply) through Nov. 3 when ordering directly through McAlister's digital channels (limit one per member; not valid on catering or third-party delivery).

Penn Station East Coast Subs

Buy any regular sub, sandwich, wrap, or bowl on Nov. 3 and use coupon code NS26 online or in-app to get a free small sub.

Pepsi x DoorDash

Order via DoorDash on Nov. 3 or Nov. 4, build a cart of $25 or more that includes a Pepsi-Cola beverage, and you'll trigger an instant $15 discount at checkout.

Potbelly

Buy any Big or Original sandwich or wrap on Nov. 3 through the Potbelly app or website and use promo code BOGO to get a free Original-size sandwich or wrap.

Quiznos

New loyalty members who sign up for Quiznos Rewards around National Sandwich Day unlock $5 off their first mobile app order.

Schlotzsky’s

Schlotzsky’s Rewards members can purchase $5 medium sandwiches through Nov. 3, valid on up to 10 discounted sandwiches per transaction.

Smoothie King

If you want something lighter than a footlong, Smoothie King is serving up a $9.99 meal bundle that pairs any protein-packed Chicken Flatbread (Chipotle, Ranch, or Pesto) with a 20-oz. Fruit Classic smoothie.

Subway

Sub Club members can claim a free Footlong sandwich with the purchase of another Footlong through Nov. 8 when placing an order in the app or online.

The AI industry has spent this midterm cycle pouring record sums into super PACs. Tech executives contributed hundreds of millions to elect friendly, deregulation-minded candidates, even as some of those execs publicly call for federal industry standards on AI.

With the public souring on data centers, the massive donations felt like an exercise in terrible timing for the candidates who took the money — and extra clumsy on the donors' part, since Silicon Valley picked a side that most polls say is doomed to fail. And, if the polls are right, a newly empowered Congress could hand the industry the kind of oversight it never intended. Careful what you (publicly) wish for.

AI's PR problem persists

While tech billionaires wrote unlimited checks, many voters in most legislative districts were just trying to survive.

Those dollars had no clear messaging behind them. For example, Silicon Valley's multimillion-dollar midterm blitz imploded when elite tech PACs ran blanket campaigns, assuming struggling Rust Belt towns and rural farming communities cared about "open-source model parameters" rather than their own economic survival.

The AI industry also spent millions trying to normalize itself through advertising, but the public doesn’t seem to be buying it.

SEE ALSO: Election Day 2026 livestream coverage: How to see the results from any device

There's a bizarre dichotomy in public perception right now. The average person is perfectly happy to ask ChatGPT or Claude how to balance their checkbook, diagnose a weird ache in their knee, and, as I wrote about, ask AI who they should vote for.

But zoom out to the bigger picture, and that same person may view the industry with immense anxiety. Half of U.S. adults say the increased use of AI in daily life makes them feel more concerned than excited, according to a 2025 survey.

Or, as my aunt succinctly warned, "It's going to kill us all."

You simply can't buy public trust with ads and super PAC money when your product's underlying infrastructure is driving up local electricity rates, straining regional power grids, and is perceived by some as a humanity eliminator.

According to recent consumer polling, over half of surveyed voters actively oppose data center construction in their areas because of the burden on local resources. The industry spent big on candidates, but it completely lost the narrative.

Big tech needs to focus on problem-solving, not skirting rules

There is a better path. Silicon Valley Congressman Ro Khanna told me in an interview that one of his hopes is to act as a bridge between the tech elite and the very real concerns of working-class districts. That's the mindset Silicon Valley needs to adopt, and it's really the only way to fix their current dilemma moving forward.

Which raises the question: Where do we go from here? Experts and pundits are already buzzing with wild theories about how AI will be deployed on a massive scale in the 2028 presidential election. Further, over the next two years, deepfakes could break our information ecosystem, and generative tools could vanquish millions of white-collar and creative jobs.

What's certain is that before pouring more record-breaking capital into future elections, AI billionaires must resolve their in-house liabilities, the existential fears about their technology, and the real-world resource strain from their data centers.

For two years, tech executives have asked Washington for guardrails, preferably light ones written by friends. But you can't lobby for rules while bankrolling the people who'd rather not write any. If voters elect a less tech-friendly Congress, the industry may get the rules it asked for, just not the ones it wanted. 

This article represents the opinions of its writer.

John Casey is a columnist at Raw Story, the Advocate, Daily Beast, and Outsports. He's also the author of Love: The Heroic Stories of Marriage Equality.

The $1,999 iPhone Duo is a hot commodity, but is it worth it? We hit the streets of San Francisco to find out how everyday people feel about Apple's new foldable phone.

Read more about the iPhone Duo: Apple iPhone Duo review: This changes everything
Apple breaks silence on iPhone Duo cracking reports

Timecode chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:22 Design
2:12 Durability and screen
3:37 Cameras
4:16 Price
5:34 Final thoughts

Video credits
Host: Patrick Holland and Abrar Al-Heeti
Scripted by: Patrick Holland, Abrar Al-Heeti and Celso Bulgatti
Producer: Celso Bulgatti
Camera: Celso Bulgatti
Video editor: Celso Bulgatti
Thumbnail designer: Tharon Green