After OPEC+ decided to boost production, oil prices remained near their pre-conflict level on Sunday. Exports via the Strait of Hormuz have continued to improve after months of disruption.
As it slowly unwinds the production cuts it implemented in 2023, the oil-producing coalition said that it would increase its output target by 188,000 barrels a day starting in August.
This decision is a reflection of a lessening concern about an enduring global shortage. The oil exports out of the Persian Gulf are now on the rise after the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane that supplies energy to the world, was reopened following the U.S./Israel conflict against Iran.
The U.S. mediated Memorandum of Understanding between Washington and Tehran also calmed the markets, and reinforced expectations for a continued normalization in supply.
MICHAEL DELL CELEBRATES AMERICA’S 250th BIRTHDAY, WITH A GIFT THAT SEEDS THE AMERICAN DREAM IN MILLIONS FOR KIDS
Brent crude was trading at $72 per barrel on Friday. This is down from the highs of $120 during the conflict, and back roughly to the levels before Israel and the United States launched their strikes against Iran late in February.
The oil prices are also under pressure due to a weaker than expected crude demand from China, an increase in production by countries other than the Middle East as well as a coordinated release from the International Energy Agency of its strategic petroleum reserve.
This latest production increase is similar to those in July and June. Saudi Arabia, Russia and Kuwait are the seven main producers who manage OPEC+’s supply policy. Algeria, Kazakhstan, Oman, Kuwait, Algerian, Kuwait, Algeria and Kuwait have all restored production to nearly 800,000.
Even though production has increased, it is still below the levels before the war, due to disruptions in Gulf exports, which temporarily curtailed shipping from several of major producers including Saudi Arabia Kuwait and Iraq.
OPEC+ also faces internal issues after the United Arab Emirates left the alliance in the first half of this year. Iraq is pushing for a higher production quota. The group will be able to reverse the 2023 production cut if it approves a further increase during its meeting on August 2.
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The rest of this year, investors will be looking to see if recovering exports and stronger demand along with future OPEC+ decisions on production keep the crude market balanced.

We’re planning to launch a number of new initiatives in the next few weeks. I hope that readers will find them positive. This is not the same as when airlines devalue their frequent flyer programs or cut free food to make room for a “buy on board” selection and call it an enhancement.
In order to get some feedback, I would like to share a bit about my thoughts on the changes and the specifics of the first project you can look forward too.
OMAAT is a place where I try to bring about some positive (and genuine) changes.
It’s a blessing that OMAAT pays for my family bills. I am incredibly lucky to be able write full-time about this industry. In the past, I have written about blogging in general and the changes the internet has undergone over time.
It’s an extremely difficult macro-environment today, with the media switching more and more to video, how search engines present information, AI becoming more prevalent, etc. But I do not see it as an existential problem. The goal, in the big picture, is to maintain the blog’s core. Personal, I have been a long-time believer in written media, but that is a subject for another post.
In some respects, the blogosphere for miles and points (including OMAAT), has become more mundane. It’s a way to maintain the dopamine rush of the past. The deals on miles and points aren’t as good anymore. We’ve used every card out there, so it is the garbage that gets page views.
You can easily fall into the trap of posting only what Google says you should, instead of focusing on your readers and creating a community. In recent years, I’ve been a terrible communicator. This was mostly stalled by my mother’s illness, which she passed away last year. Then having two small children can drain your mental energy.
It’s funny, I had a lot of concepts in mind that I wanted to start, and I’ve been putting them off, hoping for the perfect moment to do so. My daily work is a bit of a habit, but I am a perfectionist with new projects, so I don’t launch many of them.
This mentality is changing now. There are a few initiatives that I hope to see “live” in the next weeks and months. They all revolve around one theme — what I believe readers will like, and building a community. Why? Because I believe we are capable of doing a great job, and unlike a 100 person VC blog that is faceless, there’s really no reason to not lean on that. This post is being made public so others will hold me responsible for it.
While I will share further details over the coming weeks, I would like to give you a sneak peek at the concept that you can expect. Please allow me to explain. While I’ve got the basic concept down pat, there is still room for improvement.
Please give me some feedback about my video series idea
It’s a fact that more and more media is relying on short-form video content rather than text. It’s not a secret that media content is increasingly moving to short form video rather than written text.
It’s most important that I love what I do and am authentic, as that is the only way my passion can be seen in everything I do. What kind of videos would I enjoy creating, without any consideration for monetization, I asked myself?
There are plenty of good podcasts for airlines, such as The Air Show, Airlines Confidential, and I don’t think that I am having a “midlife crisis” yet.
Although I receive many offers from people within the industry to conduct interviews, I rarely accept them. Why? Interviews are usually so scripted and don’t tell me much that I didn’t know already. If I wanted to hear a press release that was rehashed, I would watch CNBC during earnings season.
This brings me to my angle. It doesn’t matter if you don’t like it. I will have fun doing it. I believe that is important. The people are one of the things I love most about the airline business. There’s so much passion, there are many interesting and sometimes strange characters.
The series should not focus solely on current events, or even one thing specific at their airline, brand, etc., but rather, a larger picture of how the individuals got to where they are today, as well as their interests and insights.
Think of it more as a type of fireside conversation, in which I am able to ask questions. Although I am introverted, it is a joy to be able ask people interesting questions. It’s not my goal to “trap” people or grill them for hours, but to allow them to tell their stories or share other perspectives, regardless of whether or not I agree with them. Although I want to keep the conversation interesting, I will be respectful.
It’s amazing how many airline workers I have met who I find fascinating. I don’t think the rest of the world knows them. Who knows? I haven’t approached anyone yet about this.
I’ll give you an example. Ben Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM would be a great person to speak with. He is known for his great work as the CEO of an airline group but not necessarily because he’s a nice person. His career has been amazing and inspirational. He is the biggest aviation fan in the world. I want to bring a more human side to these people, instead of focusing their identity on their airline or their quarterly earnings, short-term initiatives, etc.
The following are some of the people that I would be most interested in speaking to. I know I am aiming for the stars, but this is just to give you an idea of my goal and who I might want to talk to:
Mark Nasr is Air Canada’s Chief Operating Officer. He was a mile runner in his youth and has been in the industry for a long time. I would love to hear what he believes about how miles and points have changed, how the airlines keep their customers engaged and the future.
Patrick Quayle is United’s Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances. I would love to know how he decides to fly places such as Mongolia and Greenland. Also, tell me how loyalty programs are incorporated into route planning, and what it’s like to actually launch flights at a new airport.
What is Akbar Al Baker doing now? And what do you think of the changes in aviation over recent years, according to him?
Carsten Spohr is the CEO of Lufthansa Group. This may be his longest shot, but will he reveal a more human face, or show some passion? ?
Tiffany Funk is the head of Flying Blue. I have worked with Tiffany Funk for almost 15 years and would love to hear her take on loyalty now that she’s moved to “real” loyalty. Her perspective will be interesting to know.
James Asquith is the CEO of Global Airlines. Do I completely understand him or do I have a good understanding?
If Tim Dunn is willing, we could even make a video of the discussion. So, let’s give our hands a rest.
These are only a few examples and they’re by no means exhaustive. It’s probably better to reach out and talk with these people than simply list their names.
Here are a few thoughts on the general subject:
The intention is to have these conversations roughly every 2 weeks. However, they may not be at the exact same time (since people are from around the globe) or the same date.
The goal for me is to keep each episode to around 30 minutes. I do not want it to become a super-long thing that people will get bored with.
This will be broadcast primarily via YouTube. People can choose to either watch “live” or later.
My goal is to be authentic, unscripted and to act as if I was having my first conversation, with no agenda or notes.
After the interview, I will post a summary of the discussion, my opinions, etc. and invite others to join in.
What will it take to get someone to talk to me directly? Here’s my simple pitch. People in the aviation industry are very talkative. People in the airline industry love talking about planes and other people.
Second, honestly, I believe it would be an excellent opportunity for them. Google the names of most airline executives who make multi-billion dollars decisions and you’ll find them quoted by random media outlets, mainstream press, etc. rather than actual articles about them. Real, human discussions could also be of great value to them. A CNBC article that follows an airline’s earnings announcement is not the full story of a senior executive.
Please give me some feedback.
Anyone have a suggestion for a series name? OMAAT Chat is the only thing I can think of. OMAAT Live or OMAAT Chat are the only things I’ve come up with.
What would you like to see?
Does a frequency of once every 2 weeks sound right? Or is it too frequent or not enough often?
What would you like to see me include in the questions or format I use?
YouTube is the best medium to use for this. Does it make sense to stream this video on Facebook or is just linking to YouTube sufficient?
Send me an email to [email protected] if, as a member of the industry, you have a story you believe would fit.
Bottom Line
In the next few months we’ll be working on several exciting new projects, and I will soon share details. It’s been a long time since I started these projects, and now it’s finally the right moment to start. The first concept I want to discuss is to do a series of videos, where I will interview some of the most interesting people from the industry.
It will be interesting to see how people react to my persistence. My goal is to be different from the many other podcasts that discuss current events in industry. I would like to interview some of the most interesting industry people for 30 minutes (or less) so that we could get to know each other or they can impart their expertise in certain areas.
This would allow people to listen to the discussion live or later, as well as ask questions.

One fried chicken sandwich saves people’s pockets.
It’s hard to deny that the prices of once affordable treats, like fast food, have gone out of hand.
It’s no surprise, then, that a father of three went viral recently for his brilliant hack to keep a Chick Fil-A bill for a five-person family under the $45 mark. After all no one wants to pay that much money for some fried hen on a bun.
Jeff Johnson, podcaster and Instagram star with more than 200,000 views said: “I’ve got a hack to help everyone who asks why we spend so much at Chick-fil-A.”
He continued, “Instead, of everyone ordering their fried hen sandwich and meal, we did this… We ordered 30 nuggets for $17 ]…, and [everyone] ordered just the buttered buns, which are sandwiches, at 25 cents each.”
A family member is shown holding a buttered bun that has several chicken nuggets stuffed inside.
The meal can still be inexpensive even with the addition of drinks and side dishes.
Johnson could have easily spent upwards of $55 on each fried chicken sandwich and drink for his family.
He said, “Everyone is happy. Dad’s also happy…You can feed a five-person family for less than $45.”
The commenters are also thrilled with this tip.
The cost of Chick-fil-A has increased. Good advice dude. …” One wrote: I appreciate it.
Another person added, “That is a good idea …”.”
This video was also shared on X, formerly Twitter by @CrystalHope1979. It received nearly 3 million views and delighted even more commenters.
“Wow! “Wow! “It’s almost like 2018 all over again!” said a stunned commenter.
I’ve done this for many years. McDonald’s offers a 10-piece for about the same cost as a Happy Meal. “Kids split the 10-piece and we split my large fries with my combo,” another person wrote.
The change in the waffle fries recipe was something that customers were upset about, regardless of what they ate.
Since 1985, the menu staple has had a loyal following. However, in recent years it faced a backlash after adding pea starch to the recipe to supposedly make them crispier.
Fans didn’t buy it.
People reported that after receiving complaints from customers who were frustrated, Georgia confirmed to People in March this year, that starch added was not used.
One X-user wrote: “Thanks Chick Fil-A for removing pea starch from your fries.”

The fireworks may have fizzled out, but July 4th sales are still shining bright. If you were too busy grilling to take advantage of yesterday’s deals, now would be a smart time to emulate Uncle Sam and say, “I want you!” to the myriad markdowns on offer today. We’re talking savings of up to TK% from retailers like REI, Kate Spade Outlet, QVC and Walmart, to name a few.
Trending July 4th deals:
iRobot Roomba 105 Combo Robot Vacuum & Mop ($169, was $320): 47% off
Hanes Men’s Zip-Up Hoodie ($13, was $28): 54% off
Hoka Clifton 10 ($125, was $155): Editor-approved
Bose QuietComfort Headphones ($179, was $359): 50% off
Kate Spade Lucy Wristlet ($29, was $139): Save $110
Whether you’re looking to stock up on summer wardrobe essentials, kitchen gear, tech finds or vacuums, you’re sure to find items on your wishlist for stellar prices. As shopping editors with years of holiday sales under our belts, we know how to spot the legit bargains among the dud discounts, and we’ve been comparing price histories across the web to “flag” the very best extended July 4th deals. Happy saving!
Best July 4th deals: Top picks
If you’ve been looking to grab a few more AirTags to keep track of your things, now’s the time to get them. This is a great discount on a four-pack of the latest AirTags, which have better precision tracking and a louder chime, making it easier to find your things when they are within close range.
This fan is unlike any you’ve seen before. It’s ultra-powerful and quiet, with a misting system offering steady or interval mist. You can also add ice for an even cooler mist. It’s one of the most versatile fans on the market because it can be used wirelessly, indoors or outdoors, and easily transforms from a pedestal to a tabletop fan. You can enjoy up to 24 hours of cordless runtime at speed one, six hours at speed three and two hours at maximum speed.
🔥 Great time to buy: At $70 off — this is within $5 of the lowest price in the past 90 days. Plus, we doubt this fan will be this discounted again until after summer.
“After having heard nothing but raves about these pillows for years, I finally bought a pair to see what all the hype was about,” says Ross. “Fair warning: They come vacuum-sealed, so when you first see them, you’ll think, There’s no way these will be comfortable. But give ’em a few hours, and they fluff up beautifully. I was impressed by how soft yet supportive they feel, and thanks to their breathable construction, I didn’t wake up with sweaty hair. Now I want to replace every pillow in my house with these!”
Psst: Our senior home writer also swears by them — check out her full Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows review for more.
🔥 Great time to buy: These pillows are rarely marked down by 50%, so this is one deal not to sleep on. We’ve only seen them $2 cheaper in the last 30 days.
Save $38 with coupon 🔥
Big enough for a laptop, books or even a change of shoes, this spacious and sturdy looker will be your everyday hero. The strap is long enough to fit over your shoulder and stay put, and the zip top means nothing falls out when you toss this baby in the backseat of your car.
🔥 Great time to buy: This designer tote is already 69% off, but add it to your cart and see another 20% drop off.
Been dyin’ to try a Dyson? Not all deals from this splurge-tastic brand get our attention, but this $290 markdown sure did. This highly rated model weighs just 5.8 pounds and runs for up to 40 minutes per charge. Got pets? The included hair-screw tool sucks up fur without getting tangled.
Senior Home Writer Kristin Granero tested this vac, saying it’s “among Dyson’s more compact and budget-conscious Dyson models … The vacuum maneuvers effortlessly over and around rugs and hardwood floors, and the hair screw tool worked miracles when it came to tight corners and detailing pet-loved couch interiors. … We suggest it for smaller spaces with hardwood floors or shallow carpets and quicker jobs.”
🔥 Great time to buy: This beats any Dyson deal we’re seeing at Amazon, so save nearly 50% while you can.
Related: The best Dyson vacuums for 2026, tested and reviewed
Take it from us: These are, hands down, the softest and comfiest leggings you’ll ever wear. They’re ideal for low-impact workouts or lounging around at home. This pocketed style rarely dips below triple digits, so this markdown is a big deal. Certain colors and sizes are selling out fast, so we suggest getting them while the getting’s good.
Need a sneaker to wear for your daily jog? How about a stroll around the neighborhood? These popular Hokas do double duty — they’re great for both running and walking, providing gentle, lightweight support. The American Podiatric Medical Association agrees; it has bestowed its coveted Seal of Acceptance on the Cliftons. We also named them the best walking shoes for women.
“They’re absolutely cloud-like,” raved Yahoo Deputy Editor Izabella Zaydenberg. “They were the only shoes that didn’t exacerbate my plantar fasciitis (especially when I walked for hours at Disneyland).”
This bestselling powder foundation contains color-correcting pigments to help even out unbalanced skin while leaving you looking natural, not like you’ve slathered on a ton of product. The formula self-adjusts to match your skin tone, so you don’t have to worry about it being too warm or too cool as long as you select your closest shade.
The product is actually, truly baked: The pigments are heated on terracotta tiles for 24 hours, giving them a unique consistency that offers the convenience of a powder with the coverage of a cream. They fill in pores and create a smooth finish but won’t settle into fine lines.
Whoever coined the phrase “no pain, no gain” never suffered a plantar fasciitis flare-up. The only thing you gain from walking with PF-addled feet is a clear sense that you need cushy shoes for every activity. For light hiking in the summer, these $65 strappy sandals are the lowest-barrier-to-entry option in the lineup. They have FitFlop’s signature three-layer cushioning midsole to ease the aggravation of gravel or concrete.
Attention, “Roomba-or-nothing” folks: Having any sort of robovac is great, but you know what’s really handy? One that doubles as a mop so it can clean every type of floor in your house. This model boasts up to 70% more suction power than other iRobot vacuums, and it’s smart enough to avoid carpets and rugs when it’s in mopping mode.
“Really impressed with how well this combo vacuum and mop performs,” raved a reviewer. “The suction is powerful enough to pick up dirt, dust and pet hair, and the mopping feature adds an extra level of clean. It’s easy to set up and use, and it does a great job navigating around furniture. Great time-saver for keeping floors consistently clean.”
💰 Good deal: This price is just about as low as it’s been in the past year, aside from one quick dip back in April.
Want to get your grill on but lack the outdoor space (or the grill) to do so? We get it. That’s why we suggest trying an indoor/outdoor electric grill, a less pricey investment (especially now that it’s down to just $135) than a regular grill that can be used all kinds of ways — inside, on the porch, at a tailgate, at the beach … the possibilities are endless! It can reach up to 450°F and comes equipped with griddle plates perfect for whipping up a delicious Sunday pancake breakfast.
Our favorite part? At $74 off, it’s currently cheaper at QVC than at Amazon.
Need an extra layer for those cool summer nights? Don’t miss out on this soft fleece zip-up hoodie while it’s nearly 55% off. It comes in a range of colors, from classic black to forest green, and has over 60,000 five-star reviews. One shopper said: “I love this jacket. Super comfortable and warm. The jacket has stayed soft after washing several times. It has not faded and the zipper has not had any issues. The fabric on this is quality for the price point. Recommend!”
We all know sunscreen is vital for protecting our skin from harmful UV rays. Luckily, this lotion has broad-spectrum SPF 70 to offer a strong shield against the sun, so you can enjoy your favorite summer activities with a little more peace of mind.
How’s your mattress looking? Rather, how is it feeling? If your sleep surface has seen better days (and you’ve got the aches to prove it), it’s probably time for an upgrade, and this memory foam favorite is just that. More than 29,000 satisfied sleepers give it two thumbs up, saying it “provides the perfect amount of support” and that it’s “not too soft and not too firm.” A cooling gel layer helps keep things comfier on hot summer nights, and at 55% off, this is one markdown you won’t want to snooze on.
Patagonia jackets rarely go on sale for more than 30% off — but REI just broke that rule. This lightweight, warm, quick-drying zip-up is discounted by almost $80. Not too shabby.
This premium cooler is designed for easy summer adventures. It features superior ice retention and fridge-temperature dry storage, keeping everything exactly how you want it — cold, fresh and well-organized. Cold air flows into the dedicated Dry Zone, keeping food below 40°F while remaining dry and safely separated. It holds up to 48 cans, enough to keep all your favorite drinks and snacks chilled, and then some.
🔥 Great time to buy: This price matches the best we’re seeing on the web, and we doubt it’ll go lower anytime soon now that summer is here.
Best July 4th home deals
Portable air conditioners are fabulous for anyone who would rather not hoist a heavy appliance into a window (and they’ll make your exterior windows less of an eyesore). You’ll save nearly 50% with this impressive deal; thanks to an auto-defrost feature, this AC can keep tabs on its own evaporator to prevent frost buildup, and it’ll dehumidify the air while it keeps the room comfortably cool. Speaking of which, its adjustable wind direction function allows for cooling from many angles.
“Very good design, easy to install, works well,” said a concise customer.
If you haven’t switched to a cordless vacuum, it makes life much easier, and Shark is a top choice. This model illuminates hidden dust, ensuring no spot is missed and transforms to a handheld unit for lightweight cleaning across stairs, furniture and more. At over 40% off, this is an epic deal worth snapping up if you’re in the market for a new vacuum.
Pellet grills have a reputation for being high-maintenance, but this one makes things pretty easy. Granero says her brother has been using the Pro 34 for about four years, for tasks as easy as weeknight burgers to more intense hours-long smoking sessions for ribs and pork shoulder. “I’ve been lucky enough to taste many of these dishes and can confirm they were bursting with juicy, smoky flavor,” she says. According to her brother, the built-in meat probe and app make it easy to, for the most part, “set it and forget it.”
🔥 Great time to buy: This 32% discount puts the Traeger Pro 34 near its best Amazon price in the past year.
Cleaning your home might literally be a chore, but that doesn’t mean it has to feel like one. You just need to find the products that’ll do the dirty work for you, whether it’s a , an electric scrubber or a broom that doesn’t involve pulling wads of hair out of the bristles with your bare hands. Yes, such a thing exists: This dustpan is equipped with teeth that’ll dislodge those clumps for you, because post-cleaning cleanup is no one’s idea of a good time. What is fun, however, is the fact that this duo is on sale.
🔥 Great time to buy: This price matches the broom’s Amazon low over the past year.
Sitting on your porch or patio and enjoying a light breeze on a warm day? There’s nothing better. Wait, I take that back — rocking on your porch or patio is actually superior. This sleek set — marked down over 40% — will let you and a friend do just that, and it includes a small table to hold your margaritas, err, I mean, iced tea.
In case you haven’t shopped for outdoor furniture in a while, it can cost just as much, if not more, than indoor pieces! One deck chair alone can go for more than this entire set, which has hundreds of perfect ratings to back it up.
For just $15 — less than the price of a dinner — you can earn huge savings at Sam’s Club for 365 days. That’s a whopping $45 off the usual price tag. Even if you only shop at Sam’s Club once per month, the perks of the membership are worth way more than $15.
Think of it this way: You’ll get lower prices on everything from household staples (laundry detergent, toilet paper, milk) to big-ticket items (TVs, vacuums) just by spending a little over $1 per month. Pretty sweet, huh? Our prediction: You’ll become a regular at the Club and a true super-saver, whether you shop online, on the app or in person.
It might be sunny outside, but a stylish sofa will set the scene in your living room or den, and this attractive lounger works with any aesthetic — it also converts to a twin-sized bed for overnight guests. The plush velvet adds comfort, while the tufted cushions and tapered legs give it a vintage look. Choose from eight colors, including black, green, gold and tan — it’s on sale in each hue, so save nearly 70% while you can.
This Dreame is truly a dream; it earned the title of “best self-emptying” on our list of the top robot vacuums. It features both a vacuum and a mop, with a massive 3.2-liter dust bin capacity. We were also impressed with its battery life and low noise levels during cleaning.
“It has the largest dust bag we’ve seen by far — plus its water tanks are equally as sizable,” said Senior Home Editor Jessica Dodell-Feder, who reviewed the vac/mop. “Dreame claims up to 100 days of hands-free dirt collection, and based on my testing, I believe it… Where it stands out is its low noise level and extremely efficient battery — but most of us are buying a vacuum for its suction. If you have mostly hard floors and also want robotic mopping, this could be a smart choice, especially if you nab it on sale.”
Save $350 with code
Looking for an airy bedding upgrade for what’s sure to be a hot summer? Check out this snuggly muslin coverlet from Silk & Snow, now 20% off. Made in Portugal from 100% natural cotton, it has a soft, textured feel with ample breathability. It’s both warm and lightweight, ideal for anyone who needs a blanket to sleep but would rather not sweat buckets in the process.
Not familiar with percale? Senior Home Writer Lisa Schweitzer says it “refers to the way the cotton fibers are woven in a one-under-one-over pattern, which produces a crisp, cool feel and a very breathable fabric.” In other words, topping your comforter with one of these light layers can help prevent night sweats if you happen to sleep hot. This 100% long-staple cotton cover comes in a smattering of pretty hues and prints, and it’s one of the brand’s top-rated offerings. It’s also a stellar 52% off right now!
“Great duvet cover!” swooned a satisfied slumberer. “It’s light, soft and is perfect for hot sleepers.”
Best July 4th tech deals
Get a massive 50% off these Bose headphones, marking a 90-day low. They aren’t cheap even with this discount, but like many Bose pairs, they’re exceptionally comfortable and, yes, superb at reducing noise across frequencies. They also feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise canceling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control. Plus, they provide up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge.
🔥 Great time to buy: This 90-day low deal won’t last long.
If I (Chris) were buying AirPods for the first time, the Pro 3 would be the no-brainer pick. They’re a meaningful upgrade over the Pro 2, even before you factor in that those are sold out pretty much everywhere. You’re getting up to twice the noise reduction, longer battery life (up to eight hours with ANC) and bonus features like heart-rate monitoring and live language translation, all for $27 less than you’ll pay at the Apple Store.
Want to know more? Check out Senior Tech Writer Rick Broida’sAirPods Pro 3 review.
You never know when you might need a charge, so it pays to be prepared for power outages and potential emergencies. If a storm hits, your phone is your lifeline — you can receive weather updates, stay in touch with family and even order food delivery in case a tree falls across your driveway (and yes, that has happened. Just warn the delivery driver ahead of time; it kind of scared them.) This power bank makes it easy to charge your phone up from next to nothing.
Don’t like the feel of AirPods Pro or other earbuds that wedge into your ear canals? These are more traditional hard-plastic ‘buds, the kind that hang gently just outside. (If you remember Apple’s early-day EarPods, you get the idea.)
Some users find that a lot more comfortable, while also enjoying the benefit of added awareness: There’s no noise-cancelling to interfere with sounds you might actually need to hear.
Best July 4th style deals
The tankini is making a comeback, and it’s more stylish than ever. Once viewed as the practical middle ground of swimwear, today’s tankinis are creating a sartorial splash. This high-neck tankini is a timeless swimwear essential that gets a major style upgrade with its clean lines and luxurious, sculpting fabrics that will make you look and feel great.
Take it from us: These are hands down the softest, comfiest leggings you’ll ever wear. They’re ideal for low-impact workouts or just hanging out at home. At nearly 40% off, you can save around $30 right now, but colors and sizes are selling out fast!
With a relaxed fit, flattering V-neck and ultra-soft fabric that resists creasing, this ruffled-cap-sleeve dress is your passport to effortless vacation style. Shoppers say you can pull it out of your suitcase, give it a quick shake and be ready to take off. It comes in 28 colors and sizes small to XXL (prices vary).
Behold, a comfy maxi dress you can wear anywhere! Not only does it have a breezy design to keep you cool and comfy on sweltering days, it also looks absurdly cute with a denim jacket. Oh yeah, and don’t forget about its breezy double side slits, cap sleeves and pockets (yes, it has pockets!) Grab it now while it’s over 40% off!
This classic tee is made from heavyweight cotton jersey, offering a great mix of comfort, style and durability. Plus, it’s currently 32% off, so now’s the time to stock up on a couple for the season ahead. It also comes in several colors, from khaki green to gray, white and navy.
It has over 90,000 five-star ratings; said one happy customer: “Overall, it’s a reliable, long-lasting T-shirt that delivers great value for the price and is perfect if you want something durable and simple.”
This lovely little number has three credit card slots, and it’s big enough to hold your phone and maybe a lip balm too. You’ll get a range of solid options like black, oyster and a variety of pastels for just $29. The small strap makes it easy to grab and go, especially if you’re the type who doesn’t want to lug a big bag around town.
“Very cute!” shared a fan. “I love that this is so thin, I can throw it in a purse or jacket pocket or just around my wrist!”
Looking for a stylish new lounge set for summer? Imagine how chic you’ll look at the airport or running errands in this lightweight set with ribbed details, available in many colors. The relaxed fit keeps you comfortable without sacrificing style, and you can mix and match the set all year long for added versatility.
A comfy pair of brand-name sneakers usually costs at least twice as much as these Cloudfoams. And our own Commerce Editor Saundra Latham is a big fan: “I notched 12,000 steps in these the other day, right out of the box, without any pain or rubbing,” she says in her Adidas Cloudfoams review.
If a simple, goes-with-anything kick is what you’re after, you’re in luck. A variety of colors and sizes are marked down up to nearly 50% right now, but sizes are selling out fast, so this is a run/don’t walk kind of deal.
Our readers can’t get enough of these, raving about how comfy they are for everything from puttering around the house to vacation (where those pockets will come in handy). Soft and durable with a wide elastic waistband and a drawstring, one smitten shopper called them “unicorn shorts.” Made with a cotton-poly blend, they come in black, light gray, charcoal and navy in sizes small-XXL. Now that they’re down to $9 with a coupon, we may grab them in every color.
Save $13 with coupon
Best July 4th kitchen deals
Get over 60% off this bestselling knife set that has everything you need to feel like a pro chef in the kitchen. The anti-rust coating protects the knives from oxidation, and the set includes six knives, each with a blade protector for safety, as well as a pair of scissors. Over 30,000 shoppers have purchased this collection in the past month.
🔥 Great time to buy: This is the lowest price we’ve spotted all year.
Jonesing for some new cookware? Snagging this set means maximized savings: It includes 12-inch, 10-inch and 8-inch fry pans, plus lids for each — all for a rare 25% off. They made it onto Senior Home Editor Lisa Schweitzer’s list of the best nonstick pans after she put a slew of brands to the test.
“The pans in this brand boast an unusual laser-etched hexagonal surface that combines the best of stainless and nonstick pans so you can sear fish and meat and ensure eggs and pancakes release easily,” she says. “It’s oven-safe up to 500°F and can be used on gas, electric and induction cooktops. Of note: According to the brand, metal spatulas, whisks, spoons and other metal utensils (not sharp ones) are all fine to use, which is the opposite of the instructions for all the other pans I tested.”
💰 Good deal: This endlessly useful set hasn’t dipped any lower since last summer.
Enjoying a warm breakfast on a busy morning has never been so easy, thanks to this contraption that’ll make a bacon, egg and cheese (or two) without you having to wait at the drive-through. Just fill each tray with your bread, eggs, cheese and any toppings you’d like, and it’ll cook everything so that it’s nice and melty by the time you’ve gotten dressed. It doesn’t go on sale often, so add it to your cart while it’s down to its best price in recent memory.
Senior Deals Writer Chris McGraw received his first Yeti Tumbler as a 30th birthday gift over half a decade ago. “I’ve used it almost every day since to keep my coffee warm during the first few hours of my day,” he says. This 20-ounce version is the perfect size; it fits nicely in a cupholder and is easy to hold. The MagSlider lid pops off easily when it’s time to throw it in the dishwasher, and it’s even easier to put back on again once it is sparkling clean.
Been meaning to reduce the amount of plastic in your kitchen? Look no further. The locking lids on these food-storage heroes create an air-tight seal, while the glass containers themselves can safely go into the microwave, freezer, oven and dishwasher. The set includes 12 glass containers with matching snap-locking lids that stack easily, and at less than $3 apiece, you’re getting a stellar bargain. (Just note that the lids are made of plastic.)
If you’d rather not stand over a stove or wait for your oven to preheat this summer, this versatile vessel from Drew Barrymore’s stylish kitchen line can take the place of most appliances (and cookware, for that matter) — and it’ll get to work in a jiffy. Just think of all the comfort dishes you’ll be able to whip up in it, from flavorful braises to soul-warming soups and stews. We love the color options it comes in, as well as the reasonable price.
If you’ve had one of these enameled cast-iron beauties on your wishlist for a while, now would be a good time to pounce. Senior Home Writer Lisa Schweitzer adores her Le Creuset Dutch oven, saying, “I have done just about every cooking task in this pot — boiling, braising, searing and sautéing. I’m not much of a bread baker, so I’ve never used it for that, but Le Creuset has many fans who believe it’s the best Dutch oven for sourdough bread baking.”
🔥 Great time to buy: This price just about matches the lowest we’re seeing anywhere on the web, and if you purchase from Le Creuset directly, you’ll even get a complimentary cleaning and care set, which comes with orders of $250-plus (enter code JULYGIFT at checkout).
Related:The 3 best Dutch ovens for 2026, tested and reviewed
Best July 4th beauty deals
Pricey this may be (though not as much, thanks to our exclusive code YAHOO15, which slashes 15% off the full cost), our Senior Beauty Editor Jennifer Romolini argues that this serum is worth the splurge. “This multiple-award-winning serum contains retinaldehyde (also known as retinal, with an a), the strongest retinoid you can buy over the counter,” she explains. “It’s meant to work faster at bringing visible results like wrinkle smoothing and tone evening, and while it’s potent, the way this retinoid is encapsulated protects the skin from retinol’s (with an o) more harsh and irritating effects.”
She calls it “a longtime favorite of both beauty editors and dermatologists for delivering prescription-level skin-firming without chapping or drying things out. Best of all, the product comes in a range of six strengths, from .01% for beginners or those with sensitive skin all the way up to .24% for hardcore retinoid users.”
Save $13 with code
Hydrogen peroxide is the star ingredient in this whitening kit, which includes pre-filled treatment trays for easy brightening. This kit rarely goes on sale, but right now you can get it for $70 for 10 treatments, down from $84 — $7 per treatment, a significant discount compared to in-office whitening. It’s quick, easy to use, and is our pick for the best overall teeth whitening treatment of 2026. The same 10-piece set on the Opalescence website currently costs $84, so this time-limited deal is well worth snapping up.
Here’s a real throwback — this scent debuted in 1998, and I have many fond memories of Cucumber Melon swirling around me in my elementary and middle school days. As this world-weary fan noted, it’s “one good thing on the planet that makes me feel better.”
Cucumber Melon products are popular with Bath & Body Works fans and often are only available online or during limited restocks, so you might want to grab some while they are both in stock at the retailer’s Semi-Annual Saleand dramatically discounted.
Crest Whitestrips rarely drop in price unless there’s a big sales event, so even a slight savings is worth it — and $10 off is certainly something to smile at. Pearly whites, here you come.
“They actually work, y’all!” exclaimed one shopper. “I can hardly believe my own eyes! I’m sold! I just saved $250 for professional teeth bleaching.”
Best sales at major retailers
Adidas: Use code SAVE to get an extra 30% off full price and sale styles.
Amazon: Snag savings on everything from clothing to electronics ahead of July 4th.
Anthropologie: Save an extra 50% on sale items during the Summer Sale.
Best Buy: Take hundreds off of laptops, TVs, home appliances and more.
Brooklinen: Score bedding, bath linens and more for up to 75% off.
Coach Outlet: Save up to 70% on sale styles.
Cozy Earth: Get up to 55% off Oprah-approved bedding, loungewear and more.
CVS: Save on household essentials, beauty must-haves and more with Extra Big Deals.
DSW: Get an extra 10% off clearance items with code FANTASTIC or 30% off regular-price styles (only in the DSW app!) with code HEATWAVE.
Everlane: Take up to 70% off sale styles, plus get an extra 15% off.
Loft: Take 50% off your purchase during the July 4th Event.
Macy’s: Get up to 60% off July 4th deals.
Michael Kors Outlet: Get an extra 20% off sale items plus an additional 15% off in cart when using the code EXTRA15 at the Fourth of July sale.
Nordstrom: Score designer duds for up to 60% off.
Nordstrom Rack: Take up to 75% off new arrivals.
Old Navy: Get 40-70% off select styles during the 4th of July Sale.
QVC: Get up to 50% off clearance during the July 4th Spectacular. First-time QVC buyers can get $20 off their order of $40-plus with code WELCOME20.
REI: Save big on brands like Patagonia, The North Face, Hoka and more.
Skechers: Select styles are buy one, get one 50% off; plus, get an extra 15% off sale styles with code SALE15.
Spanx: Score up to 65% off sale items.
Sur La Table: Save big on brands like Le Creuset, All-Clad and KitchenAid.
Target: Score up to 45% off floor care, clothing, shoes and more.
The Home Depot: Save on patio furniture, grills, appliances, power tools and more during 4th of July savings.
Ulta: Big names in skin care, fragrances, makeup and hair care are up to 50% off.
Wayfair: Save up to 70% on everything from furniture to kitchenware during the Fourth of July Clearance event.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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July 4th sales 2026: The best 4th of July sales | Amazon 4th of July sales | Walmart 4th of July sales | 4th of July sales on travel gear | July 4th luxury handbag deals | July 4th swimsuit sales | 4th of July beauty sales | Lululemon 4th of July sale | Home and kitchen July 4th deals | 4th of July HexClad sale | REI 4th of July deals

This week, Bending Spoons went public with a bang on Nasdaq, where it briefly reached a valuation of over $25 billion.
Although Bending Spoons’ stock price has slightly declined since then, the market capitalization is still twice as high as its private valuation, $11 billion. This confirms investor interest in its portfolio of digital brands, including Meetup, Eventbrite and WeTransfer.
Bending Spoons shares many similarities with private equity except that they hold onto brands after purchase. The company’s goal is to make them financially successful, often by using tech and AI but sometimes through price increases and layoffs.
Matteo Danieli, chief product officer and co-founder of Evernote told TechCrunch that some scrutiny is due to users’ genuine love for the products. He said, however, that customer retention was “remarkably stable” despite the many changes.
Bending Spoons’ user base has increased significantly over the past 13 years, but especially in recent years. According to the filing, as of March 2026 its portfolio had served more than 500 million active monthly users, and over 9 million paying monthly customers.
It also contradicts the narrative that Bending Spoons buys dead companies. Joe Hyrkin, an entrepreneur who sold digital publishing platform Issuu in 2024 to Italians, has been fighting this myth since.
Hyrkin, after the IPO on LinkedIn wrote: “The term ‘old internet brands’ was the wrong one.” They acquire products that have real customer behaviors, then integrate these into a central system of product engineering, data, revenue, AI and operating discipline. This appears to work: Bending Spoons has reported $1.31billion in revenue by 2025, but the market capitalization shows investors expect even more.
What was the origin of Bending Spoons?
It’s a little known fact that Bending Spoons started as Evertale. Evertale was a Copenhagen-based company that took part in Disrupt SF 2011, Startup Alley, and received seed funding to develop its photo-sharing application, Wink.
Evertale was unable to succeed and its investors left. However, the founders of Evertale and some employees continued working on internal apps. Luca Ferrari, co-founder and CEO of Evertale, told 20VC’s venture podcast that the team had made their first acquisition soon after.
Bending Spoons, which has a policy to not build its products, made an exception in 2020 when it donated Immuni, Italy’s official COVID-19 Contact-Tracing App. It has honed a formula for identifying popular products that it believes it can enhance inside out and then buying them from owners who are at their limit in some way.
For years, Bending Spoons was bootstrapped. It raised equity funding several times including 2022,2024, and 2025. It also attracted VIPs like Eric Schmidt, Mike Krieger and Xavier Niel, as well as stars Andre Agassi and Bradley Cooper.
What happens once you have purchased Bending Spoons?
Bending Spoons, after the acquisition, is not a passive company. They are actively involved in the product’s user experience, features and underlying technology, as well monetization strategies, pricing and the team structure, which includes headcount.
This focus on revenue and efficiency overlaps with the private equity strategy, but Bending Spoons says it has a major difference. It claims to “hold forever” and never sell an acquired company. It’s building a portfolio of live businesses, not preside over a technology graveyard.
Which companies have Bending Spoons purchased?
Bending Spoons has acquired several companies from 2014 to 2021 including Remini AI Photo Enhancer, but its recent acquisitions are more notable.
It acquired Filmic in 2022 and terminated the staff of all its video and photo editing apps.
Bending Spoons acquired Evernote in a similar deal announced in 2022, and completed in early 2023. The note-taking application had reached an estimated $1 billion in valuation, but then ran into trouble. After the purchase, there were layoffs and cuts in Evernote’s “free” offering.
In the first six months of 2024’s second half, Mosaic Group acquired Meetup and Hopin bought StreamYard.
It acquired the publishing platformIssuu in July 2024 and the file-transfer serviceWeTransfer where, later, it cut its staff and introduced stricter limitations to the free plan. WeTransfer cofounder Nalden criticised Bending Spoons in December 2025 and announced that he would be building a new file transfer service.
Bending Spoons, in November 2024 announced that it was spending $233,000,000 on a take-private transaction to purchase video platform Brightcove. In early 2025 the acquisitions continued with software makers Harvest and route planner Komoot.
Bending Spoons announced that it would also acquire Vimeo for $1.38 billion in cash, followed by a deal to buy AOL, from Yahoo, at an unspecified price. Disclosure: AOL, Yahoo and Yahoo retained a small stake in TechCrunch.
Bending Spoons, in December 2025 announced that it was acquiring yet another popular brand, Eventbrite, for just $500 million. This is a huge difference from its $1.76 billion value when the company went public.
After the Vimeo acquisition closed, massive layoffs affected the majority of employees including the video team. This year, AOL and Tractive have also been acquired.
What is next for Bending Spoons
Over the years, four of Bending Spoons cofounders have remained in charge: Matteo Danieli (left), Luca Ferrari (right), Francesco Patarnello and Luca Querella. They became billionaires (at least in paper) and retained control over the company with more than 80% voting power.
Some of the decisions they make will impact workers. The company claims that it has added 1,830 “full-time equivalent” team members as a result of the AOL, Eventbrite and Vimeo acquisitions, but many have already been “parting ways”, and this will continue. We expect that only a handful of people will remain once the changes to the three companies are completed in 2026.
The reduction in headcount is unlikely to affect the number “Spooners”, the name Bending Spoons gives its core team who have been through the highly-selective hiring process. They are currently 620, and the number isn’t growing fast. In 2025 it hired only 286 people out of 800,000 applications.
Productivity has increased, even though core headcount is not much higher. The company stated that, “partly due to progress made in AI, the revenue per full-time equal Spooner has increased from $1.12 in 2023, to $2.57 in 2025 and $0.97 in Q1 of 2026.” The company hopes that it will also benefit from the SaaS model.
Bending Spoons noted that “as businesses struggle with adapting, our ability of expanding the earnings from an acquired business could improve.” A more uncertain environment could also provide us with opportunities to purchase businesses at a better valuation.
Bending Spoons is selective about its purchases, despite what they see as an advantageous moment. They keep a broad net, despite the favorable time. According to its own report, the company identified over 2,500 potential acquisitions in 2025. It conducted detailed analyses on approximately 200 and made six purchases. The playbook says that more will follow.
Ferrari, on behalf of Bending Spoons’ team, wrote: “We have identified over 1,000 digital businesses in both the private and the public sector that we believe could make attractive acquisition targets for the future. These companies are estimated to generate nearly $400 billion dollars in revenue by 2025.”
It’s still the same playbook, but mentioning take-privates reminds us that from “paying $10,000 for our first purchase” the company is now “pursuing acquisitions worth billions.”
The next phase could be more intense. Ferrari said that as AI allows us to do more work with less people, our model of acquisition and transformation should also improve.
The story, which was first published in October of 2025, is periodically updated with the latest information.