The Education Department announced today that they will quadruple the auto-pay incentive to reduce a student loan borrower’s interest rate by 1 percent through 2028 if they enroll in auto-pay. We estimate this will cost at least $5 billion.
The following is a statement from Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget:
Student debt cancellation was a mistake when the last administration tried it, and it’s a mistake now.
Make no mistake: quadrupling the auto-pay incentive is debt cancellation by another name. And worse, it’s targeted at people already making repayments.
The auto-pay interest deductions don’t even reduce monthly payments or improve affordability — they just wipe out debt balances, especially for high earning professionals that are already doing quite well.
It’s not even clear this is legal, given how the courts have rolled on previous attempts to wipe out student debt. And even if it is, why do we keep adding to the federal deficit for no particular purpose?
The current quarter-point discount to auto-pay has been in effect since 1999. It is working just fine. Once we expand it, what’s to stop the next President (or this one) from implementing a 5% auto-pay discount, effectively making federal student loans interest-free for those making payments?
Congress just put in place a new Repayment Assistance Plan that includes the interest subsidy’s intent. We shouldn’t be expanding those further without offsets and by executive fiat.
If the administration really wants to make education affordable, they’d focus on working with Congress to close the $100 billion-plus Pell Grant shortfall that will leave low-income college students with significantly reduced Pell Grants.
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Amazon’s Prime Day sale officially kicks off in just a couple of days, and the early deals are already in full swing right now. It’s a great time to shop for pricey tech like TVs and laptops, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to get in on the savings. There are also thousands of deals that you can snag for just $50 or less, and our shopping expert have rounded up some top picks below.
You’ll find deals on everything, from speakers and mobile accessories to household essentials like power strips and smart lights. Just note that most of these deals don’t have a set expiration, so they could disappear at any moment. Don’t wait too long to get your order, in or you could miss out.
And be sure to check out our full roundup of all the top Prime Day deals already available for the absolute best bargains.
Best tech deals under $50
Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go: $23
This palm-sized Bluetooth speaker is designed to go just about anywhere. It’s got a rugged, waterproof design — and even floats — making it a great pick for pool parties and beach days. It also boasts a 20-hour battery life and has an integrated fabric loop for easy transport.
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JBL Vibe Beam 2: $40
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get some decent noise-canceling earbuds these days. These JBL buds feature 8mm drivers for rich, full sound and boast an impressive 40-hour battery life. They’re also IP54 water and dust resistant, which means you can use them for workouts.
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UGreen MagFlow Air power bank: $45
This ultraslim MagSafe power bank is just 8.6mm thick and weighs just 127 grams, but it still features a 5,000-mAh battery. It supports 15W wireless charging or 20W fast charging via USB-C cable. Use the promo code ULPB580 at checkout to save.
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More tech deals under $50:
JBL Go 4 speaker: $40 (save $10). This tiny speaker is perfect for all your summer adventures. Plus, you’ll get 90 days of free Amazon Music.
Anker Soundcore P30i earbuds: $25 (save $15). These Anker earbuds are under $30 and offer great ANC.
Anker Nano 45-watt USB-C charger: $30 (save $10). It never hurts to have a spare charger around, and this one is now 25% off. For Prime members only.
Beats Flex: $49 (save $21). These Beats sport buds have a wire connecting them, so you don’t have to worry about losing them during a workout.
Anker MagGo 622: $40 (save $8). The built-in stand makes this one of the best power banks of 2026.
JBL Tune 720BT: $50 (save $40). These over-ear JBL headphones boast an impressive 57-hour battery life.
Sony WH-CH520: $38 (save $32). If you find over-ear headphones a little bulky, these on-ear Sony cans are a great alternative.
Iniu Ultra Mini power bank: $30 (save $3). 45W fast charging that fits in the palm of your hand.
Logitech G305 Lightspeed gaming mouse: $31 (save $19). Take your gameplay to the next level with this wireless, 12,000-DPI mouse.
Logitech Brio 100 webcam: $25 (save $15). This full HD webcam has a built-in mic and is great for meetings, streaming and more.
Logitech Pop Icon bundle: $50 (save $20). Snag a wireless keyboard and mouse with a cool, stylish design.
Sony SRS-XB100: $43 (save $22). Thanks to the bass diffuser, this compact Sony speaker delivers some surprisingly powerful sound.
Razer BlackShark V2 X gaming headset: $40 (save $20). Hear every shot and step with this wired headset for PC, PlayStation and Switch.
Razer Basilisk V3 gaming mouse: $35 (save $35). This gaming mouse has 11 different programmable buttons.
Life360 Tile: $25 (save $3). You’ll never have to worry about losing track of your keys or backpack again.
Amazon Basics on-ear headphones: $21 (save $4). A budget-friendly pick for those who want an easy way to enjoy their tunes.
Belkin 2-in-1 charging station: $45 (save $15). Keep your nightstand organized with this wireless charger for your phone and earbuds.
Iniu 65W charger: $20 (save $7). It’s got three USB ports and can handle larger devices like laptops.
CMF Buds 2a: $29 (save $10). These ANC buds stand out from the crowd thanks to their unique, stylish design.
Sony IER-EX15C earbuds: $18 (save $12). Wired earbuds are making a comeback, and right now, you can snag a pair for less.
Best kitchen deals under $50
Chefman TurboFry air fryer: $45
This 3.5-quart air fryer is perfect for quick and easy weeknight dinners. It’s big enough to cook for up to four people, and also it has bake and dehydrate functions. Plus, the basket and crisper rack are both dishwasher-safe for an easy cleanup.
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Ninja Blast 18-ounce blender: $45
This single-serve blender is perfect for fast, easy and nutritious breakfasts that you can take on the go. It has enough power to handle ice or frozen ingredients, but the rechargeable base is still small enough that you can easily take it with you. Plus, it blends everything right in the same 18-ounce cup you drink out of, so there’s minimal cleanup.
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ThermoMaven G1 smart meat thermometer: $40
With Bluetooth connectivity, this wireless meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of grilling. It can withstand temperatures of up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit, and it has six different sensors for serious precision.
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More kitchen deals under $50:
AeroPress Original: $35 (save $5). This unique hand press brewer is one of our expert’s favorite ways to make coffee.
Bella 6-quart slow cooker bundle: $30 (save $20). Pick up a programmable slow cooker, and you’ll also get a tiny two-quart model as well.
Costway 6-in-1 milk steamer: $30 (save $30). Enjoy delicious lattes, cappuccinos and more right at home.
Whall touchscreen toaster: $50 (save $10). With six different bread types and shade settings you can really fine-tune your toast.
Bella 4-quart air fryer: $50 (save $40). It’s got a divider in the basket so you can cook two different dishes at once.
KitchenAid Ultra Power hand mixer: $45 (save $15). With five different speed settings, this is a must-have for home bakers.
Whall 5-in-1 immersion blender: $40 (save $20). You can use this versatile system for blending, chopping, whisking and more.
Chefman XL electric griddle: $40 (save $10). It’s got 200 square inches of cooking space so you can cook breakfast for a crowd.
Tramontina 10-inch frying pan: $26 (save $11). This nonstick aluminum pan is an absolute essential for any kitchen. This deal is for Prime members.
Chefman 1.8-liter electric kettle: $22 (save $6). With 1,500 watts of power, this kettle can boil water in just three minutes. For Prime members only.
Keurig brewer maintenance kit: $13 (save $9). A must-have for anyone who owns a Keurig coffee maker.
KitchenAid ribbed silicone oven mitts: $12 (save $23). They’re waterproof, slip-resistant and can handle temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soma 10-cup water pitcher: $41 (save $4). This 80-ounce pitcher has a built-in water filter.
Chefman Everything Maker: $50 (save $10). This 12-inch pizza oven is also perfect for quesadillas, omelets and more.
Takeya Deluxe cold brewer: $22 (save $3). Make delicious and refreshing cold brew without the hassle.
Ninja Fit blender: $49 (save $21). This single-serve blender also comes with two to-go cups.
Taylor mechanical food scale: $26 (save $16). The large five-inch dial makes this scale easy to read.
Kamenstein spice rack: $38 (save $9). Keep your cabinets organized with this 16-jar revolving spice rack.
KitchenAid shears: $8 (save $1). No kitchen is complete without a pair of these stainless steel scissors.
Best home deals under $50
Arlo 2K Video Doorbell (2nd Gen): $43
This is the overall best video doorbell of 2026. It makes it easy to keep an eye on who’s coming and going. The doorbell features detailed 2K video, plus night vision and a wide 180-degree field of view. It’s also wireless, which makes it easy to set up.
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Amazon Echo Spot: $45
This device has a touchscreen and displays a variety of custom-designed clock faces so you can select your favorite. It’s obviously Alexa-enabled, which means you can use your voice to set alarms, access the weather, play music tracks and much more. This Echo Spot is also equipped with privacy controls, including a mic-off button, the ability to view and delete your voice recordings and more. Plus, it comes in three colors.
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Linkind Matter smart plugs (4-pack): $28
These simple 15A outlet adapters let you turn any regular appliance into a smart device you can power on and off from anywhere with your phone or hands-free with voice control. They work with Google Home, Amazon Alexa and more. These plugs allow you to set custom timers and schedules for some serious convenience. Each smart plug has a single outlet with a maximum 1,800W output.
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More home deals under $50:
Blink wired floodlight camera: $30 (save $70). A 70% savings is about as good as it gets during a sale like Prime Day, and you don’t even have to wait for the main event.
Govee A16 smart lights (4-pack): $33 (save $26). These 800-lumen smart bulbs feature over 30 preset scene modes.
Kasa outdoor smart plug: $19 (save $6). This weather-resistant smart plug lets you control your patio lights and more from anywhere.
Amazon Echo Glow: $20 (save $10). With millions of different color possibilities, this smart night light is the ultimate nightstand companion.
Tapo smart power strip: $42 (save $8). Control up to six different appliances from anywhere.
TP-Link Wi-Fi extender: $13 (save $17). This simple plug-in can add up to 1,200 square feet of coverage.
Aroeve MK01 air purifier: $40 (save $10). Breathe easier with this compact purifier designed for bedrooms and offices.
Tapo TP-Link L530E smart lights (4-pack): $25 (save $5). With over 16 million possible colors, these smart lights can change the feel of a room instantly.
Philips Hue BR30 smart bulb: $44 (save $16). This color-changing bulb boasts up to 1,200 lumens of brightness.
Dreo 4-liter humidifier: $45 (save $5). Say goodbye to waking up with a cough or dry throat.
Orbit H20 sprinklers (2-pack): $37 (save $8). These features six different spray patterns so you can easily adjust what parts of your yard are getting watered.
Kenmore PM1005 air purifier: $50 (save $30). This tiny air filter can still cover up to 850 square feet.
Meross smart garage opener: $45 (save $5). Open, close and monitor your garage door from anywhere.
AmericanFlat hanging mirror: $42 (save $8). This full-length mirror hangs on the back of your door, so no screws are needed.
Black + Decker Dustbuster: $50 (save $10). This handheld vacuum makes it easy to clean those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.
Petmaker waterproof blanker: $24 (save $4). Keep your furniture scratch- and stain-free with this reversible pet blanket. Clip the on-page coupon to get the discount.
Best outdoor deals under $50
Thermacell Patio Max: $44
Mosquitoes can ruin your BBQ or beach day as easily as a thunderstorm, so grab this electric repeller while it’s 20% off. It’s DEET-free, has a 20-foot range and a 12-hour battery life.
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LifeStraw Go water bottle: $41
This 24-ounce water bottle is a must have for any of your more serious adventures. It has a built-in microfilter that helps protect against 99.9% of bacteria, parasites, sand, dirt and more. Plus, the double-wall insulation keeps your water cold for hours.
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Coleman Chiller backpack cooler: $35
This portable backpack cooler makes it easy to keep snacks, drinks and more cold on your hikes or beach days. It can hold up to 28 cans, and the insulation keeps things cold for up to 12 hours. Plus, it’s leakproof and has some extra pockets to hold your wallet, phone and other essentials.
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More outdoor deals under $50:
Lepro LED lantern: $34 (save $12). Our experts named this the best flashlight for camping in 2026.
Coleman sleep pad: $46 (save $24). This inflatable camping mattress has a built-in pillow and compression straps for easy transport.
EDX camping chair: $42 (save $18). This oversized folding chair has a padded back for serious comfort and can support up to 500 pounds.
Black Diamond Spot 400 headlamp: $48 (save $12). Take on the trails at any time with this battery-powered headlamp. Just claim the on-page coupon to get the deal.
Coleman Marine cooler: $40 (save $15). With an 80-can capacity, this hard-sided cooler is a must-have for your next cookout.
Proven insect repellent lotion (3-pack): $32 (save $6). This odorless lotion protects against mosquitoes, ticks, flies and more.
Intex air mattress: $46 (save $14). The built-in electric pump makes this queen-sized mattress easy to inflate.
Stanley Classic food jar: $23 (save $10). Keep your meals hot and fresh with this 18-ounce insulated thermos.
Coleman camping chair: $35 (save $24). Take on tailgates and more with this collapsible Coleman chair.
Igloo Classic Playmate cooler: $23 (save $11). This cute seven-quart cooler has a classic design and can fit up to nine cans at a time.
Advanced Elements solar shower: $20 (save $7). Getting off the grid doesn’t mean you have to give up every creature comfort.
Coleman Tripod campfire grill: $34 (save $11). Prime members can snag this convenient campfire cooking system for 25% off.
More deals under $50
Lego Icons Bonsai Tree: $40
Add some Zen to your shelf with this tranquil bonsai tree building kit. It’s an 878-piece set made of sustainable plant-based plastic, and it has interchangeable leaves and cherry blossoms so you can match your mood or season. The kit includes a base, a planter and the tree, and it stands at around 7 inches tall when completed.
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Crocs Baya Clogs: $25
Are Crocs the most stylish shoes on the market? Debatable. Are they seriously comfortable? Undeniably. They’re perfect for lake days or lounging around on the back patio, and right now you can grab yourself a pair in stylish cobblestone tan for 50% off. Most sizes are on sale right now, and there are tons of other colors that you can pick up for just $5 more.
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Gooloo GE1500 portable jump starter: $39
With a peak current of 1,500 amps, this portable jump starter has enough juice to handle gas engines of up to 6 liters and diesel engines of up to 4 liters. Plus, it’s got some other helpful safety features, like a 400-lumen LED flashlight and USB ports so you can charge your phone.
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More deals under $50:
Leatherman Wingman Multitool: $50 (save $20). This tool comes with pliers, scissors and more so you can take on any job.
Catan board game: $40 (save $15). Trade, build, settle and compete against your friends in this fan-favorite tabletop strategy game.
Tempur-Pedic sleep mask: $25 (save $4). Don’t let a little ambient light get in the way of a good night’s sleep.
Asus Rog Sheath gaming mouse pad: $20 (save $10). This large, 34-inch mousepad ensures smooth, fluid performance.
Renpho massage gun: $39 (save $40). It comes with six different head attachments to help you target different muscle groups.
Schwinn Thrasher bike helmet: $26 (save $7). Stay safe and comfortable on your rides with this lightweight helmet.
Victorinox Tinker Swiss army knife: $31 (save $5). It’s got 12 different tools and a classic, eye-catching design.
Gaiam yoga blocks (2-pack): $14 (save $3). These dense foam blocks are great for working on your stretches and stability.
Apex adjustable kettlebell: $48 (save $12). It can support up to 50 pounds, making it great for tons of different home workouts.
Theraband resistance band set: $12 (save $2). There are dozens of different exercises you can do with just these three bands.
Otterbox 2-in-1 crossbody strap: $46 (save $9). This adjustable strap keeps your phone safe and easily accessible.
Simple Modern Voyager tumbler: $17 (save $3). This 16-ounce tumbler can keep your drinks hot or cold for hours.
Lapgear Home Office Pro: $40 (save $10). This laptop rest is a must-have for anyone who likes to work from the couch.
Gaiam Restore foam roller: $22 (save $2). Foam rollers are one of the easiest ways to help soother sore muscles.
Magnatiles Classic: $35 (save $15). Get creative with this 32-piece set of colorful magnetic building tiles.
HyperChiller HC2RG beverage cooler: $19 (save $6). Make refreshing iced coffee at home without sacrificing flavor.
CAP weighted vest: $32 (save $8). This 20-pound vest can take any workout to the next level.
Belkin Switch 2 travel case: $25 (save $5). Keep your Switch scratch-free with this hard shell case.
When is this year’s Prime Day sale?
While Prime Day typically takes place in July, Amazon is kicking things off a little early in 2026. This year’s sale will start on June 23 and will run through June 26. However, tons of early deals are already available, so you don’t have to wait until then to start saving big.
What will be on sale for Prime Day?
The real answer is just about everything. We saw over 100,000 deals during last year’s sale, which covered everything from the latest Apple earbuds to everyday essentials like coffee pods. Some of the absolute best deals will be on top tech and big-ticket items, like TVs and laptops, plus tons of smaller appliances like air fryers, Bluetooth speaker and much more, will also be on sale.
Do I need a Prime membership to shop the sale?
A Prime membership is certainly not required to take advantage of these deals, and thousands of offers will be available to everyone. However, we do expect to see some special offers and steeper discounts that are exclusive to Prime members. The membership also comes with a ton of other perks, so if you’ve been thinking about signing up, now’s a great time to do so.

The Big Mac can take a nap.
As customers become increasingly wary of “shrinkflation” and price hikes at big burger chains, smaller fast-food purveyors are cashing in.
Industry data shows that regional chains and cult favorites like In-N-Out Burger, Whataburger, and Culver’s are driving growth in the hamburger category, putting their larger competitors to shame.
Put that on your bun and bite it.
In 2025, California-based In-N-Out’s domestic sales grew by around 10%.
Meanwhile, according to Technomic’s market research, Wisconsin-based Culver’s and Texas-born Whataburger now rank as the fifth- and sixth-largest U.S. burger chains by sales.
Though larger chains like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King outrank these smaller brands in terms of marketing budgets and sheer number of locations, regional competitors are coming for their ketchup thanks to uncompromising quality, fierce brand loyalty, and customer customization.
Whatagburger, which operates in 17 states and generates more than $4 billion in annual sales, is growing at six times its pre-COVID rate with plans to open 60 additional locations this year.
“There is a craveability that I think has created this loyalty over so many decades,” Whataburger CEO Debbie Stroud told WSJ earlier this month.
“Our customers understand that they can add grilled jalapeños or swap out grilled onions for our freshly cut tomatoes,” she added.
Julie Fussner, chief executive of Culver’s, which operates 1,066 locations across 26 states, calls out customer service as the key differentiator between her beloved regional chain and behemoth national brands.
“It’s the breadth of the menu and the quality of our food,” she told WSJ.
While regional chains are booming, Technomic found that fast-food burger chains en masse are experiencing the slowest growth among the top ten restaurant categories, except for pizza and sandwiches.
Fast-food chains have been grappling with prolonged sales weakness in major markets like the US, as rising living costs and softer job conditions curb consumers’ willingness to eat out.
Though trying economic times typically correlate with an uptick in fast-food purchases, cost-conscious customers are not buying.
And while growth is slow going, prices have been adding up.
According to the Consumer Price Index Report, which tracks fast-food prices, prices have risen by around 38% from the 2020 pandemic through 2025, outpacing inflation over the same period by around 56%.
In 2024, a report found that McDonald’s had hiked its menu prices by more than 100% over the last decade — more than three times the rate of US inflation.
Some of the most egregiously inflated items included $18 for a Big Mac meal in Connecticut, $7.29 for an Egg McMuffin, and $5.69 for a side of hash browns.
Meanwhile, higher prices have not correlated with higher marks.
The share of US customers who said McDonald’s offers good value fell from 55% to roughly 40% between 2020 and 2024, and has largely stayed there since, according to surveys from UBS Evidence Labs shared with Reuters last month.
In response, McDonald’s has launched upgraded burgers and vowed to improve its food quality, create more inviting restaurant spaces, and resurrect play spaces.
Top-tier competitors are following suit. This year, Burger King made its first major changes to the classic Whopper in nearly a decade, upgrading the bun, mayonnaise and packaging after customer feedback.
While larger chains continue to try to rebound by offering upgrades and introducing discounted menu items, brands like Whataburger have kept sales steady with an unwavering commitment to quality and the customer experience.
According to survey data, while Culver’s and Whataburger do not rank high among customers for price point or speed, they get consistently high marks for food quality and overall satisfaction.
Essentially, in a market where fast food is increasingly expensive, customers are willing to pay more for a product that feels high-value.
Part of maintaining that high value is a dedication to consistency over growth.
Indeed, a majority of regional chains are privately owned with founding families still involved in operations.
In-N-Out, California’s favorite burger chain, was founded in 1948 by Harry and Ester Snyder in Baldwin Park as California’s first drive-thru hamburger stand. The company remains owned and operated by the Snyders’ granddaughter, Lynsi, and does not franchise its restaurants.
Though the company now operates restaurants across California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oregon, Colorado, Idaho, Washington, and Tennessee, it has only added four states to its coverage area in the last ten years.
Moreover, the brand chose to slow its growth in 2010 to maintain food quality and service.
“An overemphasis on growth would compromise our performance,” explained In-N-Out Chief Operating Officer Denny Warnick.
To that end, or, pickle spear, In-N-Out burgers are still made with fresh, never-frozen beef patties produced by In-N-Out’s own butchers, while fries are hand-diced from whole potatoes inside each restaurant.

A former hospital executive siphoned at least $14 million from a health system and used company money to bankroll a lavish lifestyle that included a $109,000 Beverly Hills baptism celebration for his son, according to a bombshell lawsuit.
Michael Sarian, the ousted founder and former CEO of Healthcare Systems of America, was accused of diverting millions of dollars from hospitals in Florida and other states into personal accounts, family trusts and other unauthorized uses while the facilities struggled to pay bills and maintain operations.
The lawsuit, which was first reported by the Miami Herald, alleges Sarian treated company accounts as his personal piggy bank, funneling millions out of the health system between September 2024 and January 2026.
Among the most eye-popping allegations is a claim that more than $109,000 was wired from a Healthcare Systems of America corporate account to the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills for Sarian’s son’s baptism celebration.
The filing includes a social-media post allegedly showing the event, as well as banking records identifying a baptism as the purpose of the transfer.
The suit also alleges Sarian forged — or directed someone else to forge — an employee’s signature to divert another $120,000.
Sarian has denied wrongdoing.
He and his wife, Evelina, have argued that the baptism payment was an authorized repayment of money he previously advanced to help cover hospital payroll and have characterized the allegations as part of an effort to seize control of the company.
The legal fight is the latest twist in a bitter legal battle for control of a hospital network that operates Palmetto General Hospital, Coral Gables Hospital, Hialeah Hospital, North Shore Medical Center and Florida Medical Center.
According to the complaint, Sarian’s transfers contributed to severe financial strain across the system, impairing its ability to meet payroll, pay vendors, compensate physicians and satisfy other operating obligations.
The lawsuit cited by the Herald alleges that within a day of Healthcare Systems of America receiving more than $16 million intended to support hospital operations and acquisitions, $1.28 million was transferred into Sarian’s personal accounts.
Plaintiffs claim Sarian has failed to provide a full accounting of the transfers.
Sarian disputes the allegations and has accused Faisal Gill — a former family attorney who now controls the Florida hospital system — of orchestrating a corporate takeover.
Gill has denied those accusations, saying the litigation is intended to recover money that rightfully belongs to the hospitals and ensure resources are directed toward patient care.
The dispute follows an earlier court fight in which new management accused Sarian of attempting to regain control of hospital bank accounts after he was removed as chief executive.
The hospitals at the center of the battle were acquired in 2024 out of the bankruptcy of Steward Health Care, the once-sprawling hospital chain whose collapse triggered one of the largest healthcare restructurings in recent years.
The Post has sought comment from Sarian and Gill.

Over the last year, Lauren Sánchez Bezos has become a key player in determining which organizations and causes get donations from Jeff Bezos’ $10 billion climate change fund.
According to Fortune, Sánchez Bezos has served as the vice chair of the Bezos Earth Fund since its early days in 2020, when she was the girlfriend of the Amazon multi-billionaire.
The fund, the largest contribution any individual has ever made to the environment, according to Northeastern University, is obligated to deploy all $10 billion by the end of the decade. So far, it has cut checks toward 335 grants, totaling $2.4 billion, according to the fund’s website.
Since Sánchez Bezos married her now-husband last year in a star-studded affair in Venice, she has become a more public-facing leader of the fund, often announcing new donations.
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In September 2025, she touted that the fund had disbursed $37.5 million in grants to protect 835,000 square miles of water surrounding a dozen nations in the Pacific Ocean. The initial amount was part of the fund’s $100 million commitment to what she called “one of the boldest ocean conservation efforts ever attempted.”
“The Pacific isn’t just a beautiful backdrop, it’s a lifeline,” Sánchez Bezos said in a statement at the time. “Pacific Island nations and territories are setting the pace. We’re here to match that ambition and help turn it into protection at scale.”
In October, she announced $30 million in awards to 15 teams who won the fund’s “AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge.” Each team received $2 million to jump-start their use of artificial intelligence to solve problems such as biodiversity loss and food insecurity.
“AI can be a powerful ally to help make the world a better place,” said Sánchez Bezos. “These innovators, using AI, are showing us new possibilities by reimagining how we grow food, protect wildlife, and power our planet to make a true impact.”
Other than environmental causes, Sánchez Bezos said in December that she and her husband committed $102.5 million to organizations fighting homelessness across the United States. That money comes from the Bezos Day One Families Fund, which has so far donated more than $850 million to outfits in all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and Guam.
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The Day One Families Fund is a portion of the total $2 billion Bezos and his wife plan to donate to nonprofits that help homeless families obtain stable housing. There is also an initiative to build and operate tuition-free pre-schools in areas of the country that lack education options.
The couple also gave a $5 million grant, along with the Bezos Courage & Civility Award, to David Flink, the founder of the Neurodiversity Alliance.
The New York-based non-profit provides mentors to students with learning disabilities. Sánchez Bezos has said she unknowingly grew up with dyslexia and struggled in school for years, later being diagnosed with the condition when she was in college.
Despite the Bezoses’ charity, they have not donated nearly as much of their net worth as others who have similar levels of wealth. Most notably, the couple lags significantly behind MacKenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Bezos.
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According to Forbes, Scott has donated $26.4 billion over a period of seven years, representing a staggering 46% of her estimated $35.4 billion net worth. In 2025 alone, she was the most charitable person on Earth with $7.2 billion in donations.
Over his entire life, Bezos has given away $4.6 billion, which is less than 2% of his $266 billion net worth, per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Bezos has also not signed the Giving Pledge, an initiative launched in 2010 by Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates that urges billionaires to give the majority of their wealth away in their lifetimes.
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Scott has signed the pledge, but Bezos has not. He told CNN in 2022 that he intends to donate most of his money but said it was difficult to do that efficiently.
“It’s not easy. Building Amazon was not easy. It took a lot of hard work, a bunch of very smart teammates, hard-working teammates, and I’m finding — and I think Lauren is finding the same thing — that charity, philanthropy, is very similar,” he said in the CNN interview.