• After a slump earlier this year, global funding for wealth management-tech rebounded in the third quarter, according to data from CB Insights.
• Global wealth-tech funding nearly doubled to $761 million from $422.7 million in the prior quarter.  
• Robinhood's $323 million Series E in July was the largest wealth-tech deal for the quarter, and pegged the stock-trading app's valuation at $7.6 billion, by the company's measure.
•  The rise in funding reflects the "globalization" of digital brokerage platforms, Lindsay Davis, a senior analyst at CB Insights, told Business Insider.
• Visit BI Prime for more stories.

After a slump earlier this year,  funding for wealth management-tech rebounded in the third quarter, according to data from CB Insights.

Global wealth-tech funding nearly doubled to $761 million across 39 transactions, up from $422.7 million across 38 deals in the second quarter. That category included investments in investment and wealth management platforms as well as analytics tools. 

Lindsay Davis, a senior analyst at CB Insights, told us the rise in funding reflects the globalization of digital stock trading. 

"You're starting to see these things emerge on a global scale," Davis said in an interview, pointing to emerging wealth-tech across some Asian countries. 

Robinhood's $323 million Series E round in July, led by DST Global and at least three other investors including Sequoia, marked the quarter's largest wealth-tech deal, according to CB Insights.

That funding pegged the stock-trading app's valuation at $7.6 billion, by the company's own measure.

The next four largest wealth-tech investments, by CB Insights' count, were fall smaller than Robinhood's round. 

Here's a look at the third quarter's five largest wealth-tech deals, which CB Insights provided Business Insider.

The jump in venture investment comes as US wealth management and stock-trading has become more crowded and competitive, with legacy players vying for younger consumers' dollars — and catering to their expectations for low- or no-commission accounts. 

Towards the end of the third quarter, the largest discount brokerages, including Fidelity, Charles Schwab, and TD Ameritrade, slashed online trading commissions for US stocks and ETFs for US customers. 

And the market for advisers' wealth planning tech has become similarly competitive, with industry giants like Envestnet and Fidelity in recent years buying up providers MoneyGuide and eMoney Advisor.

Robinhood

Company: Zero-commission stock-trading app Robinhood, founded in 2013.

Funding: In July, the company raised $323 million in a Series E round. 

Investors: The firm DST Global led the round. Investors including Ribbit Capital, NEA, Sequoia, and Thrive Capital participated in the funding the company said pegged its valuation at $7.6 billion.

Source: CB Insights, the company 

Moneyfarm

Company: Moneyfarm, launched in Italy in 2012, is a European robo-adviser. Only US citizens who are also UK residents can invest with Moneyfarm.

Funding: In September, the company raised £36 million, or some $44 million, in a Series C funding round. 

Investors: Poste Italiane, an Italian postal and financial services firm, led the round, with a contribution from Allianz Asset Management. Allianz Group has been Moneyfarm's lead minority investor since May.

Source: CB Insights, the company 

Fumi Technology

Company: Fumi Technology is a three-year-old Chinese fintech company that operates Webull, a zero-commission US stock trading app. 

Funding: In July, Fumi Technology said it raised 250 million yuan, or $36.27 million.

Investors: The round was led by Chinese wealth management firm Noah Wealth's venture capital arm, Gopher Asset.

Source: CB Insights, the company 

DeCurret

Company: DeCurret, a Japanese digital currency exchange, was founded in January 2018. 

Funding: The company said in July it raised 3.4 billion yen, or some $31 million. At the time, DeCurret had already raised 8.63 billion yen, or just over $79 million, to build out a new digital currency settlement platform. 

Investors: DeCurret said Internet Initiative Japan was the lead investor, along with 11 others, including Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance and Sumimoto Life Insurance. 

Source: CB Insights, the company 

Raisin

Company: Raisin, a Berlin-based savings fintech, was founded in 2012 and launched in 2013. 

Funding: Raisin raised 25 million euros — or $28 million — to expand into new European markets and fund a US launch scheduled for 2020. At that point, Raisin said it had raised 195 million euros.  

Investor: Goldman Sachs. 

Source: CB Insights, the company 

• The trade war is taking a massive toll on the global economy.
• The bank expects an "extended truce," and sees the drag on growth waning next year, "assuming that tariffs stay at current levels through 2020."
• Below are four charts showing the damage of the trade war on both sides.
• View Business Insider's homepage for more stories. 

The trade war is taking a massive toll — earlier this week, the World Trade Organization warned that global trade was stalling because of it. 

Goldman Sachs economists said that the trade war is hitting China the hardest — mainly due to the drop in net trade.

The bank expects an "extended truce," and sees the drag on growth waning next year, "assuming that tariffs stay at current levels through 2020."

Still, the impact has been clear. Below are four charts showing the extent of the damage.

US financial conditions have tightened.

Through Goldman's own index on financial conditions, the data shows that conditions worsened through the trade war, with the divergence starting to widen around March 2018. Right now it looks like it's only getting larger. 

People in China are getting worried.

Baidu, the Chinese internet and AI company, which also functions as a search engine, is a good measure for uncertainty, according to Goldman. As shown, at certain points there has been major spikes at crucial points on the trade war. 

China's been worse off in terms of the hit on GDP, but only just.

While the US benefitted in terms of net trade, both sides suffered in terms of real income, financial conditions, and trade policy uncertainty. Ultimately it's knocked off roughly 0.5% of US GDP and 0.7% off China's — China's GDP slowed to its lowest level since the '90s earlier this year.

The trade war will keep dragging into the new decade.

For both sides, the trade war is going to be a substantial drag on GDP into 2020. China won't recover till the second half of next year, and the US, nearer to 2021. 

• United has launched a special new "Star Wars"-themed Boeing 737-800 plane.
• The plane was launched to celebrate the upcoming release of "The Rise of Skywalker."
• Decked out in dueling Resistance and First Order livery, the plane is currently flying across the US, Canada, Central America, and the Caribbean.
• Passengers can book a flight by looking up the aircraft's tail number, N36272.
• United also has a whole webpage dedicated to the plane and its "Star Wars" promotions.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Luke Skywalker may have claimed the Millennium Falcon was a "piece of junk" when he first saw it (despite the fact it could, you know, make point-five past lightspeed) — but he probably wouldn't be saying that about United Airlines' shiny new Boeing 737-800.

To celebrate the December release of "The Rise of Skywalker" in cinemas (billed as the last film in the nine-film Skywalker saga, of course), the airline has launched a special "Star Wars"-themed plane— and though it can't travel at lightspeed, it does look pretty spiffy, or at least nothing at all like the heavily-modified ship of a certain scruffy-looking nerf herder (sorry, Han Solo).

The plane made its first flight earlier this month, from Houston to Orlando. Although there were plenty of evil First Order stormtroopers on hand, thankfully no-one was taken away for questioning by Kylo Ren.

Here's what the plane is like inside.

The Force — er, flight — is strong with the Boeing 737-800's galactic-themed livery, which revels in the power of the Dark Side on one side...

... And the virtuous Light Side on the other.

The exterior of the plane is full of cool details ...

... Though they might be tough to see in the sky without macrobinoculars.

The battle between good and evil also plays out inside the plane, where one side of the aisle has seat rests bearing the symbol of the brave Resistance ...

... And the other the wicked First Order.

Even the amenity kits passengers get are "Star Wars"-themed. Passengers can also hear the film series' iconic soundtrack when they board, and receive a commemorative pin.

Source: People

Cool as the plane is, one must be cautious. You never know when evil stormtroopers might be waiting on board ...

... Or at the gate ...

... Or simply patrolling airport terminals on the lookout for the Resistance.

Play it cool and you should be able to sneak past them.

You might even be able to find the droids you're looking for.

Perhaps as a way to scare off the First Order, the plane also stands out on flight-tracking screens.

Instead of a galaxy far, far away, the plane is currently flying across the US, Canada, Central America, and the Caribbean. You can try and book it by looking up its tail number, N36272.

Unlike what many jokingly said of a certain Millennium Falcon, a hunk of junk United's new plane is not.

Perhaps the only downside is there isn't a whole fleet of the one-of-a-kind plane ...

... But at least it can still fuel our imagination, just like "Star Wars."

Read more:

United Airlines is unveiling a 'Star Wars'-themed plane that will make any passenger feel like a Jedi

'The Mandalorian' episode 2 reveals how different the Disney Plus show is from the 'Star Wars' movies

Watch the final trailer for 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,' which teases the return of Palpatine and more Luke Skywalker

Here's what it was like on board Qantas' first nonstop, 19-hour flight from London to Sydney

I flew on Qantas' 'Project Sunrise,' a nonstop flight from New York to Sydney, Australia, that took almost 20 hours and covered nearly 10,000 miles — here's what it was like

• Melody Wilding is an executive coach who helps people navigate their careers confidently and find lasting work-life balance.
• Put simply, being introverted means you're someone who is more sensitive to stimulation. 
• You can bring your whole self to work, quiet qualities and all — there are ways to leverage your sensitivity to your advantage and thrive in the workplace.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Which sounds like a dream job to you? 

1. Spending your day brainstorming and chatting with coworkers in an open-plan office?
2. A day with no meetings and plenty of time to dive into a creative project by yourself? 

If you picked option two, you might be an introvert.

SEE ALSO: 6 ways introverts can instantly become more likable without saying much

Who is an introvert, actually?

Put simply, being introverted means you're someone who is more sensitive to stimulation. Many introverts cherish deep thinking and reflection. Most of all, introverts often need periods of rest and recharging in order to do their best work. 

It's easy to imagine that introverts might see their qualities as a liability in their careers. especially when our culture glorifies hustle and charisma. (Don't tell that to Warren Buffett, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Marissa Mayer, and Michael Jordan, who are among history's most successful introverts alongside Abraham Lincoln and Eleanor Roosevelt.)

The rise of the introverts

But take heart, dear introverts, because your time to shine is here.

Growing recognition for the introvert movement, sparked by leaders like Susan Cain, means that different working styles are being embraced now more than ever. You can bring your whole self to work, quiet qualities and all.

Here's how to leverage sensitivity to your advantage and thrive in the workplace: 

1. Play to your strengths

Your emotional intelligence, empathy, and communication-savvy are skills that make you a loyal, valued team player (even if group work isn't your favorite). Plus, your curiosity perfectly positions you to lead, so look for opportunities to exercise this creativity. Be the one to ask thoughtful questions that inspire people to think differently. You'll soon be regarded as an innovator.  

Believe it or not, introverts can be great salespeople precisely because they tend to be so skilled at building rapport, listening, and empathizing with customer needs. But be mindful when choosing a career requiring lots of travel, excess noise, or distraction — it may not be the best fit for you.

2. Focus on energy management, not time management

Work is infinite, but your energy isn't. The secret to high performance as an introvert, then, is to optimize around your natural ebbs and flows. 

For one week, keep track of your workday activities. Rate how much each energizes you. Look for patterns in the times of day you feel most alert. Limit or eliminate tasks that drain you. Do more of what sustains you. 

If you notice you're more focused in the mornings, for example, start the day with writing or creative work that requires concentration before you even open your email. 

I suggest to introverted clients that they leave a 15-minute buffer in between all appointments in order to give them wiggle room to decompress and replenish if needed. One of my clients created "office hours" to limit people dropping by during the day. It helped limit the number of interruptions to her work, and gave her employees the confidence to know when to pop by to talk to her. 

Don't forget to make self-care part of your daily to-do list. For introverts, recharging is an important part of thriving in your job. Build in plenty of time for self-reflection about what you want in your career over the long term. 

3. Create the right conditions for success

Introverts are more sensitive to the environment around them. Curate a workspace that feels comfortable and calming to you. Small changes like natural lighting and using noise-canceling headphones can make a big difference in your mood and well-being. 

4. Speak up

Introverts have a bad habit of living in their own heads. That rich inner life is a wonderful thing, but unfortunately people can't read your mind, which is why it's critical you communicate your preferences to others. Whether that's requesting extra time to digest feedback or asking to write up a report instead of presenting it, speak up about what you need and want.

Prepare for stimulating situations introverts often don't fare well when they are caught off-guard or put on the spot. Have go-to practices such as stretching or deep breathing to use to center yourself before heading into overwhelming situations. 

To the extent possible, try to prepare in advance for meetings, which can be an introvert's worst nightmare. Ask for the agenda ahead of time so you get a chance to gather your thoughts and questions. 

Be social in a way that fits your style. It's a myth that introverts are antisocial or shy. They simply prefer to build relationships differently. Satisfy your fundamental human need to belong by connecting with others one on one. Invite a coworker to lunch or focus on meeting one new person at a conference. When it comes to networking, focus on the quality of relationships over quantity.  

Introverts aren't the rare freaks of nature they were once made out to be. In fact, studies show introverts make up over half of people in the US today. You're in good company, too: Many of the world's most successful people — from J.K. Rowling to David Letterman — also love solitude. 

It's time to let your sensitivity shine and use your quiet strengths as the superpowers they are.

• shopDisney and the Disney Store have named their top toys for 2019, all available online.
• There's something for every type of kid, from the LEGO lover to the one who can't get enough of "Frozen."
• There are affordable gifts like $19.95 Simba plush all the way up to the $329.99 Disneyland LEGO train set.
• Check out all of our 2019 holiday gift ideas here.

For the second year, Disney has released its list of the top holiday toys for 2019. From a LEGO Disney train, to Elsa and Anna's Arendelle castle, to figures from the upcoming "Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker," there's something for every kid and every age. 

If you're looking for gift ideas, scroll through to find toys from "Star Wars," Marvel, "Frozen," and "Toy Story" ad more. They're all available at shopDisney and in Disney stores, so you can easily get something for every kid on your list. And for those who love to watch classic and new Disney shows and films, a Disney Plus subscription ($6.99/month or $69.99/year) is a great gift. Read all about Disney's new streaming service here.

Here are Disney's top holiday toys for 2019:

For the Minnie Mouse fan

Minnie Mouse Flower Cart Play Set, $49.95

Help raise a future gardener with the Minnie Mouse Flower Cart Play Set. Included in this colorful cart are flower pots, seed packets, tools, and cash for when they pretend to sell you some of their bounty.

For the Woody fan

Woody Interactive Talking Action Figure, $32.95

Just like in the "Toy Story" movies, this Woody talks. Pull his string, and he'll say film phrases like ''Trash? You're not going in the trash,'' ''Operation pull-toy,'' and ''Hang on, little guy.'' This Woody can also detect when another "Toy Story" interactive figure is nearby and will say unique lines related to that character.

For the Disney character fan

Disney Animators' Collection Mini Doll Gift Set, $99.95

The Disney Animators doll series is an adorable take on classic Disney characters. These beloved icons are reimagined into sweet toddler forms, and in this set, they're all mini. The doll set includes 14 5-inch figures including Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Tinker Bell, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Aladdin, Pocahontas, Rapunzel, Moana, Merida, Tiana, and Charlotte as well as various accessories. 

For the dog lover

Fifi Pet Bath Play Set, $24.95

Kids can practice animal care with the Fifi Pet Bath Play Set. Fifi, Minnie Mouse's canine companion, comes with a tub, towel, accessories, and a working faucet and sprayer. Fifi even changes color when immersed in hot water, magic!

For the 'Lion King' fan

Simba Plush, The Lion King, $19.95

You can't go wrong with a stuffed animal, especially if it's as cute as this Simba from "The Lion King."

For the Marvel fan

Thanos Talking Action Figure, $32.99

Avengers fans — who aren't too scared of the power of Thanos — will be delighted with this talking action figure of the Marvel baddie. Armed with 15 different phrases, this figure also features a light-up gauntlet.

For the Cinderella fan

Cinderella and Carriage Deluxe Gift Play Set, $79.95

No pumpkins here, this Cinderella doll comes with a grand carriage pulled by a handsome white horse. The light-up carriage can hold two dolls, so if Prince Charming comes a-calling, he can grab a ride too.

For the aspiring chef

Mickey Mouse Kitchen Play Set, $99.95

Before letting your kid loose in an actual kitchen, let them get some practice with the Mickey Mouse Kitchen Play Set. While donning an apron and oven mitt, they can use their light-up stove to "cook" up a color-changing pizza, some tea, and spaghetti and meatballs.

For the 'Cars' fan

Lightning McQueen Remote Control Vehicle, $19.95

"Cars" fans can take their own Lightning McQueen for a spin with his remote control toy car. For added fun, they can use the "steering wheel" handset to control the sports car.

For the 'Toy Story 4' fan

Toy Story 4 Mega Figure Play Set, $49.95

For kids who would like to play "Toy Story 4" at home with stars like Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and Forky, there's this 19-figure play set. Even Mr. Pricklepants is included!

For 'The Little Mermaid' fan

Ariel Tabletop Vanity Play Set, $49.95

Kids who love Ariel, and also love dress up, will love this Ariel Tabletop Vanity Play Set. Once you open the clamshell vanity, Sebastian pops up and conducts a joyful tune. The set comes with makeup jar with a foam applicator in lid, perfume bottle, tiara, pair of shell earrings, comb, curling iron, hair bands, and a dinglehopper (of course).

For the train aficionado

Disney Train and Station Playset by LEGO, $329.99

Inspired by the iconic Disneyland Railroad, this 2,925 piece LEGO set is the ultimate gift for the LEGO/Disney/train aficionado. Along with the train, track, and station, the set comes with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Chip, Dale, and Goofy. You can also control the train with a smartphone or tablet.

For the 'Frozen' fan

Frozen 2 Arendelle Castle, $139.95

One of the Disney favorites that will appear on many a Christmas list will be, without a doubt, "Frozen" related gifts. Your "Frozen" fan will be thrilled with the regal and royal Arendelle Castle Play Set. The castle even lights up and plays music. Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven figures are included, too, so they can start playing right away.

For the Elsa and Anna fan

Frozen 2 Anna and Elsa Doll Set, $34.95

Of course, there would be more than one "Frozen" item on Disney's list. They won't want to let these adorable Anna and Elsa dolls go.

For the 'Star Wars' fan

"Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker" Deluxe Figure Play Set – First Order, $26.99

"Star Wars" fans, especially if they enjoy the "dark side," will be kept busy with this 10-piece set. Led by Kylo Ren, the set also comes with First Order Treadspeeder Driver, a First Order Jet Trooper, a Sith Trooper, and six Knights of Ren.

Looking for more gift ideas? We've got you covered.

• Our master list of every gift guide you'll ever need
• Creative gift ideas under $25
• Thoughtful gift ideas under $50
• Clever gift ideas under $100
• Cool stocking stuffers on Amazon
• Affordable tech gifts under $25
• Thoughtful gifts for her, all under $50
• Cool gifts for him on Amazon

Now tell us what you think!

• David Kostin, Goldman Sachs' chief US equity strategist, says investors are getting more optimistic about the US economy and are shifting money into cyclical stocks as a result.
• But he says that rotation has been uneven, and thinks there are some discounted stocks that could register big gains if that economic improvement materializes.
• Kostin is looking at stocks that will have better earnings acceleration and have the potential for larger price gains than the broader market. 
• Click here for more BI Prime stories.

When the stock market turns slowly, sharp-eyed investors can find opportunities.

David Kostin, the chief US equity strategist at Goldman Sachs, says he sees signs traders are getting more optimistic about the domestic economy. That's led to gains for cyclical stocks like banks and tech hardware companies and a shift away from more defensive equities.

To him, these conditions have created a distinct set of investment possibilities.

"The relative performance of Cyclicals vs. Defensives suggests the equity market is anticipating an acceleration in US economic growth during the coming months," he said. "Although the equity market has started to price an acceleration in US economic growth, we believe the recent rotation has room to run."

He names four factors that can contribute to that acceleration: (1) The recent batch of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, (2) the fact that US-China tariffs shouldn't get any worse, (3) growth in inventories for US companies, and (4) the removal of some one-time obstacles like the GM workers' strike. 

But as that shift occurs, many cyclical stocks are being left behind, and Kostin says some of them will catch up if those signs of economic improvement continue. That would lead to powerful performance in the months ahead.

The key to that combination, he says, is finding companies that will do more business as the economy improves, but whose stocks trade at depressed valuations compared to their recent histories.

For that reason, Kostin is zeroing in on sectors more exposed to the economic cycle. He's leaving out energy companies because doubts there will be much improvement in energy prices, and also omitting chipmakers, which have recently rallied.

Investors who want broad exposure to the theme of an improving economy can get it through ETFs including the SPDR S&P Bank ETF and the SPDR Industrial Select Sector ETF.

The result of Kostin's evaluation is a group of companies that actually have slightly slower earnings growth than the broad Russell 1000 index  — but which will have a much bigger relative improvement in 2020 than their peers.

The stocks below are ranked in increasing order based on the difference between their historic next-12-month price-to-earnings ratio and their current P/E ratios. The larger the number, the more the stock could rally.

SEE ALSO: The chief strategist at a $1.2 trillion investing titan explains why pain for firms like Uber, Peloton, and WeWork is good news for the stock market — and helping fend off another tech bubble

12. Middleby

Ticker: MIDD

Industry: Machinery

Market cap: $6.6 billion

Discount to 5-year P/E ratio: 21%

Source: Goldman Sachs

11. Zions Bancorporation

Ticker: ZION

Industry: Banks

Market cap: $8.4 billion

Discount to 5-year P/E ratio: 21%

Source: Goldman Sachs

10. Signature Bank

Ticker: SBNY

Industry: Banks

Market cap: $6.7 billion

Discount to 5-year P/E ratio: 22%

Source: Goldman Sachs

9. American Airlines Group

Ticker: AAL

Industry: Airlines

Market cap: $12.6 billion

Discount to 5-year P/E ratio: 22%

Source: Goldman Sachs

8. TCF Financial

Ticker: TCF

Industry: Banks

Market cap: $6.4 billion

Discount to 5-year P/E ratio: 22%

Source: Goldman Sachs

7. Lincoln National

Ticker: LNC

Industry: Insurance

Market cap: $11.4 billion

Discount to 5-year P/E ratio: 26%

Source: Goldman Sachs

6. East West Bancorp

Ticker: EWBC

Industry: Banks

Market cap: $6.5 billion

Discount to 5-year P/E ratio: 30%

Source: Goldman Sachs

5. Evercore Partners

Ticker: EVR

Industry: Capital markets

Market cap: $3 billion

Discount to 5-year P/E ratio: 35%

Source: Goldman Sachs

4. CommScope Holding

Ticker: COMM

Industry: Communications equipment

Market cap: $2.8 billion

Discount to 5-year P/E ratio: 38%

Source: Goldman Sachs

3. CBS

Ticker: CBS

Industry: Media

Market cap: $13.3 billion

Discount to 5-year P/E ratio: 39%

Source: Goldman Sachs

2. Tapestry

Ticker: TPR

Industry: Textiles apparel and luxury goods

Market cap: $7.3 billion

Discount to 5-year P/E ratio: 39%

Source: Goldman Sachs

1. Acuity Brands

Ticker: AYI

Industry: Electrical equipment

Market cap: $5.1 billion

Discount to 5-year P/E ratio: 39%

Source: Goldman Sachs

• Silicon Valley has long dominated the market for tech talent in the United States. 
• But according to Bloomberg's 2019 Brain Concentration Index, there are plenty of smaller cities across the country giving the tech hub a run for its money. 
• Cities on the index are ranked out 100 based on factors, such as what percentage of their populations work in science, technology, engineer or math jobs.
• Here are the top 12 tech hubs in the US, according to Bloomberg.
• Visit the Business Insider homepage for more stories.

Silicon Valley might have some competition for tech talent from... Ann Arbor, Michigan? 

The Bay Area and its surrounding cities have long served as a tech hub that companies like Apple, Facebook, and Google parent Alphabet call home. But according to a new report from Bloomberg, there are smaller cities all over the country creating robust ecosystems of tech talent for companies to capitalize on. 

Bloomberg released its 2019 Brain Concentration Index on Monday, a report that shows which cities have a high density of science, technology, engineering, and math professionals. 

Each city is scored out of 100 based on three criteria: how many people have jobs in STEM, science and engineering degrees, and advanced degrees.

All three metrics are expressed as a percentage of the population of the city. The data goes up to 2018 and was pulled from the US Census report. 

Many of the top cities on the lists are known as college towns or have a high concentration of universities in the surrounding area. And, of course, San Francisco makes an appearance.

Here are the top 12 tech hubs across America, according to Bloomberg's 2019 Brain Concentration Index. The list is ranked in increasing order of each city's score out of 100. 

12. Fort Collins, CO

Score: 95.5

STEM job holders: 4.6% 

Science and engineering degree holders: 13.4% 

Advanced degree holders: 12.8% 

Source: Bloomberg Brain Concentration Index

11. Seattle, WA

Score: 95.57

STEM job holders: 6.2% 

Science and engineering degree holders: 13.5% 

Advanced degree holders: 11.8% 

Source: Bloomberg Brain Concentration Index

10. Madison, WI

Score: 95.83

STEM job holders: 5.7% 

Science and engineering degree holders: 12.8% 

Advanced degree holders: 12.5% 

Source: Bloomberg Brain Concentration Index

9. Charlottesville, VA

Score: 96.4

STEM job holders: 4.1% 

Science and engineering degree holders: 14.2% 

Advanced degree holders: 16.2% 

Source: Bloomberg Brain Concentration Index

8. Durham, NC

Score: 96.97

STEM job holders: 5% 

Science and engineering degree holders: 14% 

Advanced degree holders: 16.1% 

Source: Bloomberg Brain Concentration Index

7. Boston, MA

Score: 97.43

STEM job holders: 5.5% 

Science and engineering degree holders: 14.9% 

Advanced degree holders: 15.9% 

Source: Bloomberg Brain Concentration Index

6. Ithaca, NY

Score: 98.1

STEM job holders: 5.6% 

Science and engineering degree holders: 15.1% 

Advanced degree holders: 18% 

Source: Bloomberg Brain Concentration Index

5. San Francisco, CA

Score: 98.37

STEM job holders: 6.6% 

Science and engineering degree holders: 17.6% 

Advanced degree holders: 15.3% 

Source: Bloomberg Brain Concentration Index

4. Washington, D.C.

Score: 98.67

STEM job holders: 6.4% 

Science and engineering degree holders: 15.8% 

Advanced degree holders: 17.4% 

Source: Bloomberg Brain Concentration Index

3. Ann Arbor, MI

Score: 98.97

STEM job holders: 6.6% 

Science and engineering degree holders: 15.5% 

Advanced degree holders: 18.3% 

Source: Bloomberg Brain Concentration Index

2. San Jose, CA

Score: 99.63

STEM job holders: 10.2% 

Science and engineering degree holders: 21.1% 

Advanced degree holders: 17.3% 

Source: Bloomberg Brain Concentration Index

1. Boulder, CO

Score: 99.80

STEM job holders: 8.1% 

Science and engineering degree holders: 19.5% 

Advanced degree holders: 18.5% 

Source: Bloomberg Brain Concentration Index

• According to Wharton psychologist Adam Grant and spouse Allison Sweet Grant, parents say having caring children is a priority, but their children say parents value happiness and achievement over caring.
• Children learn from what adults pay attention to, and too often parents focus more on success. But paying attention to kindness can lead to success down the road, and result in more caring kids.
• Parents should praise kindness before success, and give their children opportunities to practice it. They should also own up to times when they were unkind and use it as a lesson.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.  

There's no shortage of advice for raising successful children. But in trying to play the right role for our kids to help ensure their success, are we creating unintended, undesirable consequences?

In the December 2019 issue of The Atlantic, Wharton celebrity psychologist Adam Grant (and his spouse, Allison Sweet Grant) illuminate the side effect of our focus on success. According to the duo, when parents are surveyed, over 90% of them say that having a child grow up to be caring is a top priority. Yet, as a Harvard report shows, when you ask the children of those parents, 81% say their parents value achievement and happiness over caring.

The words aren't matching the pictures. As the Grants point out, "Kids learn what's important to adults not by listening to what we say, but by noticing what gets our attention." 

We want our kids to be successful and caring, but focus too much on the first and create a dearth of the second. Research supports the impact. A University of Michigan study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Review showed that college students showed a dramatic drop in exhibiting kindness and empathy over a 30-year period (from 1979 to 2009).

The truth is that success and kindness aren't mutually exclusive pursuits. In fact, focusing on the latter generates the former. The Grants say that "quite a bit of evidence suggests that children who help others end up achieving more than those who don't," and that includes in the workplace. A study by the Center for Creative Leadership shows that empathy is a critical driver of performance and overall effectiveness for a leader.

So you can have your cake and eat it, too. You can enable your child's success by over-investing in teaching kindness. Do so by teaching it as a core value. Here's the best of the Grant's advice for doing this along with my own counsel as a parent who, along with my wife, holds kindness as the No. 1 most important value.

SEE ALSO: The most successful kids have parents who do these 9 things, according to science

1. Praise kindness first, success second

Remember, your children noticing what you notice is more powerful than them hearing what you say. So keep count. I do. Meaning, I keep a little mental counter and try to compliment my daughter for her kindness three times for every time I'd compliment her about an achievement. My wife and I also ask our daughter about kindness shown during her day, not just about how she did on a test or some other standard success metric.

Your attention to kindness and success can work in tandem as well. When you're praising your child for an achievement, note how it was achieved. If it was done so with kindness in tow, double up on the praise.

2. Give them opportunities to practice the choice of kindness

As the Grants indicate, kindness is a choice, not a chore. My wife and I give our daughter opportunities to choose kindness. We encourage her to show kindness each day and to engage in volunteer activities designed to show it. We pay attention to who she spends her time with, trying our best to encourage more time spent with kids who are imbued with a kind spirit.

It's sometimes the simplest things that ingrain kindness as a value and have a multiplying effect. For example, we mentioned once to our daughter she should give her restaurant "doggie bag" of food to a homeless person we passed on the street on the way to the car. One time — and now our daughter has taken it up as a habit, on her own.

3. Harp on the cost of the opposite

I'm not afraid to admit my wife and I are tough when we spot unkind behavior. We won't let our daughter get away with it without noting the impact the unkindness is having on someone else. This includes very gently talking about how she feels when someone is unkind to her. It's a teachable moment: "I know it stinks to feel this way, and I hate that for you. Now you'd never want anyone else to feel this way, right?"

To be fair, this should include harping on yourself when you display a lack of kindness, present or past. Sharing stories of when you regret not being kind, or when others weren't kind to you and the impact it had, are powerful ways to show you're in it together with your child.

When you're consistent about the importance of showing kindness and just as persistent in pointing out the impact for the absence thereof, you help form habits. And remember, these kindness habits lead to success. So if you want your child to be entrepreneurial or professionally successful, focus on kindness and you'll get success right along with it. 

• Casper established itself as one of the best mattress brands thanks to its excellent customer service, 100-night risk-free trial, and 10-year warranty.
• The company recently updated its flagship all-foam Casper mattress and introduced the Casper Hybrid mattress, which has four foam layers along with inner springs.
• Though I preferred the Casper Hybrid because it was more comfortable for my body type and sleeping style, I think most people will prefer the Casper flagship mattress because of its superior edge support, motion transfer isolation, and lower price.
• You can buy the flagship Casper mattress for $536 (Twin) to $1,076 (King and Cal King), and the Casper Hybrid mattress for $716 (Twin) to $1,256 (King and Cal King). If you use the code INSIDER, you'll get $100 off.
• For more buying advice, check out our guide to the best mattresses and our reviews of the Hybrid and flagship Casper mattresses.

A good mattress will last you for decades, and you'll spend a third of your daily life on it. When considering such an important purchase, you should be able to spend significant time sleeping on the mattress. Fortunately, Casper allows you to test drive all of its mattresses for 100 nights risk-free, and the company now has samples all over the country — at Target and in their own brick-and-mortar stores — for you to see and feel in person.

Recently, Casper updated its flagship mattress and introduced the Casper Hybrid mattress. The updated flagship Casper features a new zoned support foam layer that focuses on providing pressure relief and support that is firmer under the hips and softer under the shoulders.

The new Hybrid also has the zoned support layer along with the other three foam layers found in the updated Casper. What sets the Casper Hybrid apart is its individual coil springs designed to provide added lift and increased airflow.

Casper recently sent me both mattresses to test. Each has weaknesses and advantages. Below, we compare the updated all-foam Casper mattress to the Casper Hybrid mattress in a few key categories: price, style, return policy, warranty, set-up process, comfort, edge support, and motion transfer.

Keep scrolling to see how the flagship Casper mattress and Hybrid mattress compare:

Prices and specs compared

Winner: No matter what size you choose, the Casper mattress is less expensive than the Casper Hybrid.

The Casper Hybrid and the flagship all-foam Casper share several features, but there are a few differences. The biggest one is that the Hybrid has coiled springs, while the regular Casper mattress is all foam.

Since you are adding individually-wrapped pocket coils, the Casper Hybrid mattress is more expensive than the updated Casper mattress. If you are purchasing the Twin-sized mattress the difference in price is only $155, but if you want a Cal King or King, you can expect to pay an extra $400 for the hybrid experience.

You should look at costs when buying a bed, but don't make price the most important factor. Keep in mind that you will spend a significant part of your life on this mattress. Over the lifetime of the bed, differences in price work out to only a few cents per day. Also, if money is a concern, Casper allows you to pay for its mattresses with monthly payments at 0% APR.

If you plan on sleeping alone, a Twin, Twin XL, or Full mattress is your best bet. Twin works for smaller individuals, Twin XL is for taller folks, and Full is best if you are on the huskier side. Couples can share a Queen, King, or Cal King, though if you are a bigger couple go with a King. Taller couples will benefit from the Cal King.

As for looks, the mattresses are nearly identical. Both have gray sides with the all-foam Casper a slightly lighter gray. Both are white on top. The cover is removable and washable. However, you'll still want to use a fitted sheet.

Buy the updated Casper mattress from Casper for $536 (Twin), $581 (Twin XL), $806 (Full), $896 (Queen), $1,076 (King and Cal King)

Buy the Casper Hybrid mattress from Casper for $716 (Twin), $761 (Twin XL), $986 (Full), $1,076 (Queen), $1,256 (King and Cal King)

Return policy and warranty compared

Winner: This is a draw. Casper offers the same return policy and warranty for all of its mattresses.

Though the return policy and warranty are not good ways to differentiate these mattresses, it's important for you to know what's available. You can try out both mattresses with Casper's 100-night risk-free trial. If you don't like the mattress for any reason within 100 nights of its arrival, you can let the company know, and it will send out a local charity or recycling center to take it away for you. You then get a full refund within two weeks.

The mattresses are also backed by 10-year limited warranties. So, if you find any manufacturing defects, physical flaws, or the mattress just experiences significant (an inch or more) indentation, Casper will fix or replace your mattress. The warranty is only valid if you use a supportive foundation, care for the bed properly, and if you use it normally.

Set-up process compared

Winner: The flagship Casper mattress wins by a hair in terms of set up because it weighs less and seemed to have less odor.

Before I dive into my experiences setting these mattresses up, I want to point out that you can pay Casper to set up your mattress for you. For a fee ($149 where I live in Lansing, Michigan), the company will send someone to deliver, unbox, and set up your mattress and bed frame. They will also remove the packaging, your old mattress, and foundation.

I didn't go this route. Instead, I did it all myself. Both mattresses come with instructions for how to unbox and set them up. The mattresses took five minutes to completely unpackage. Then, I let the mattresses air out for a couple of days before using them because memory foam tends to have an odor associated with it.

The queen-sized Hybrid weighs 106 pounds, while the all-foam Casper weighs 85 pounds. The light weight and firmness of the all-foam mattress made it easier to set up. Additionally, I never noticed any odor from the all-foam bed, while the Hybrid did have a noticeable odor.

Comfort compared

Winner: As a side sleeper, I found the softness of the Casper Hybrid served me better than the firm original Casper.

When it comes to mattresses, comfort depends on a lot of factors that vary from person-to-person. Heavier individuals, back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and people with back pain generally benefit more from firmer mattresses. Lighter people and side sleepers tend to feel more comfortable on softer mattresses.

I'm telling you all of this because — unless you're 6-feet tall, weigh 250 pounds, and sleep on your side — you should take my preferences with a grain of salt.

For me, the updated Casper mattress is too firm. It wasn't comfortable sleeping on my side. Instead, I was forced to sleep on my stomach, which I naturally do part of the time, but it was unfortunate that I couldn't switch it up with some side sleeping. The Casper Hybrid is more of a "Goldilocks-fit" for me. The softness makes side and stomach sleeping comfortable.

I'm a hot sleeper and both mattresses did a good job of dissipating heat, but the all-foam Casper slept cooler than the Casper Hybrid. When temperatures dipped into the 30s at night, I found I actually had to add an extra blanket. With the Hybrid, I felt just right with one blanket, even when the mercury fell. If you are a hot sleeper, the all-foam Casper may be a smart choice during the hot summer months.

Edge support compared

Winner: The firm memory foam layers of the flagship Casper mattress extend all the way to the edges offering superior support.

Edge support is important for a number of reasons. First, you don't want your mattress to sag on the sides and give you the feeling you might fall off. It's hard to sleep like that. Secondly, it's nice to sit on the edge of the bed, whether you're putting your socks and shoes on or slowly transitioning from laying to standing.

Both mattresses offer good edge support, but the all-foam Casper mattress is better. I laid on the very edge of the flagship mattress and was actually comfortable there. I didn't feel like I was about to fall. Whereas with the Hybrid, I could feel more give on the edge. However, when I shared the Hybrid with my wife, I never felt like I might fall off, despite her attempts to annex my side of the bed.

Motion transfer compared

Winner: The all-foam Casper mattress passed our motion transfer tests, while the Hybrid failed each time.

Motion transfer isolation or dampening is an important mattress feature because it will help you get a good night's sleep even when your partner is tossing and turning. The fewer times you wake up, the more productive your sleep will be.

Based on my research, I created a makeshift motion transfer test with the materials I had available. First, I placed a 12-ounce can of soda upright on the center of each mattress. Then, I dropped a 20-pound weight from four feet above the mattress so that it landed 12 inches from the can. If the can stayed upright after several iterations, the mattress has good motion transfer dampening properties. If the can fell over consistently, the mattress has poor motion transfer properties.

In my tests on the Casper all-foam mattress, the can remained upright each time. With the Hybrid, the can always fell over. My subjective experience backed these results up. I shared the Hybrid bed with my wife, and she occasionally woke me up with her sleep troubles — a common problem for her.

Though I did not share the all-foam mattress with my wife, I did have a stream of pets walking on it while I slept. They didn't wake me up. The only evidence I had that they were there were random toys and occasionally they would be asleep next to me when I awoke in the morning.

These results tell me that the Hybrid may be better for individuals who mainly sleep alone or are heavy sleepers. The all-foam Casper mattress does a better job of isolating motion transfer, which is ideal for couples sharing a bed.

I also want to point out that poor motion transfer isolation usually translates to more bounciness. Bounce is nice to have when engaged in intimate activities. Yet, neither mattress exhibited much bounce. This may have been due to the foundation (i.e., our floor) having zero give. The all-foam Casper was nice because it did allow for easier movement on top of the mattress, which is helpful for a variety of reasons.

The bottom line

Overall winner: Though I personally would choose the Hybrid, I think the overall better mattress is the all-foam Casper.

During my testing schedule, I found myself looking forward to sleeping on the Hybrid but not the flagship Casper mattress. In the above categories, the only one in which the Hybrid is the clear winner in comfort, but that is an important enough factor that it beats out all others in my opinion. But, keep in mind that I'm a heavy person who sleeps on his side.

If you are a back sleeper, stomach sleeper, are carrying a few extra pounds, or have back pain, you might benefit from the all-foam Casper. This is especially true if you share a bed with someone and want good motion transfer isolation. You can also save hundreds of dollars by going with this option.

You could conceivably try one mattress for up to 100 days, and if you don't like it, return it and try the other for up to 100 days more.

If this seems a bit extreme, I recommend setting up an appointment for a 30-minute nap session at one of Casper's many locations across the United States. Casper is also available at Target stores everywhere.

As you may have gathered, the best mattress is a matter of personal preference. If you look at the above categories and some are more important to you than others, use the important categories to guide your buying decision. You can always return your mattress if you don't like it. 

Buy the updated Casper mattress from Casper for $536 (Twin), $581 (Twin XL), $806 (Full), $896 (Queen), $1,076 (King and Cal King)

Buy the Casper Hybrid mattress from Casper for $716 (Twin), $761 (Twin XL), $986 (Full), $1,076 (Queen), $1,256 (King and Cal King)

Check out more mattress reviews and our mattress buying guide

The best mattresses you can buy

A great mattress can be the difference between a good night's sleep that results in a productive day or a horrible night that makes you feel like you didn't sleep at all.

We've tested a lot of mattresses to find the best ones you can buy online, and these are our picks:

• Best mattress overall: Leesa Hybrid (Sapira) and Leesa Mattress
• Best mattress for hot sleepers: Bear Mattress
• Best mattress for neutral firmness: Casper Mattress or Wave
• Best customizable mattress: Helix Mattress
• Best affordable mattress: Lucid Memory Foam Mattress
• Best smart mattress: Eight Smart Mattress
• Best soft mattress with good support: Purple Mattress

You can also read our full reviews of the Casper mattresses here:

• Casper recently added springs to its all-foam mattress — here's how it's different and what sleeping on it feels like
• Casper quietly updated its most popular mattress — here's what's new and what sleeping on it feels like

• Donald Trump's presidency has been upended by an explosive whistleblower complaint that has snowballed into a fast-moving impeachment inquiry.
• The scandal has ensnared dozens of people on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean and poses the most immediate threat to Trump's presidency yet.
• What is impeachment? How did we get here? And what could happen next?
• We hope this guide will help answer these questions. There's even a table of contents below so you can jump to a specific section.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Donald Trump's presidency has been upended by an explosive whistleblower complaint that has snowballed into a fast-moving impeachment inquiry, ensnaring dozens of people on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean and posing the most immediate threat to Trump's presidency yet.

What is impeachment? Impeachment doesn't mean automatic removal from office. The impeachment process can be thought of as somewhat analogous to a criminal proceeding, even though impeachable offenses don't have to be criminal offenses. The House, like a grand jury, collects evidence, hears testimony, and drafts articles of impeachment — or charges — against the president.

If a majority of the House votes to charge the president, the Senate holds a trial where both sides present their cases and senators act as jurors. If two-thirds of senators vote to convict the president on the charges brought by the House, the president is removed from office.

How did we get here? And what could happen next? We hope this guide will help answer these questions. We highly recommend you read the entirety of this story so you can be as informed as possible, but you can also jump to a specific section from the table of contents below.

Table of contents

The players

The stakes

The possible outcomes

Timeline of Events (What's Happened So Far)

SEE ALSO: A whistleblower, a cover-up, and a quid pro quo: Here's everything we've learned from the impeachment inquiry

SEE ALSO: Who's scheduled to publicly testify next in Trump's impeachment hearings

First, here's a 60-second explanation of what's going on:

In early September, an anonymous whistleblower complaint lodged by a member of the intelligence community said that in a series of events culminating in a July 25 call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump used "the power of his office to solicit interference from a foreign country in the 2020 U.S. election."

The complaint detailed concerns that Trump, days after withholding a nearly $400 million military-aid package, used the call with Zelensky to pressure the Ukrainian government to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter.

Hunter Biden served on the board of Burisma Holdings, a Ukrainian oil-and-gas company, from 2014 to 2019. Trump and his allies have, without evidence, accused Biden of using his power as vice president to urge Ukraine to fire a prosecutor who was investigating Burisma in order to protect Hunter.

The whistleblower's complaint has been corroborated by the White House's summary notes of the July 25 call, White House officials themselves, and the sworn testimony of several career diplomatic and national-security officials.

Multiple diplomats have now testified under oath that the Trump administration explicitly conditioned lifting the hold of the military aid to Ukraine on Zelensky publicly announcing investigations into Burisma and a discredited conspiracy theory that Ukraine meddled in the 2016 election to benefit Hillary Clinton.

The players

Here are the key players, broken down by group. Click on their names to learn more about their role in the Trump-Ukraine scandal and impeachment inquiry:

• White House officials:
  • President Donald Trump, who asked Zelensky to do him "a favor" related to an investigation into Burisma and the 2016 election.
  • Vice President Mike Pence, whom Trump used as a conduit to further get the message across to Ukraine that it needed to investigate corruption to get US support.
  • Jennifer Williams, a State Department official detailed to the Vice President's office who listened in on the July 25 call and testified before Congress. 
  • Mick Mulvaney, the acting chief of staff, who in a press briefing undermined Trump's impeachment defense by confirming that the administration withheld the aid in exchange for an investigation into the Democratic National Committee server.
  • Pat Cipollone, the White House counsel and the White House's first line of legal defense against the impeachment inquiry.
  • Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, an expert on Eastern European affairs on the National Security Council who listened to the July 25 call and raised concerns about it to his superiors.
• Current and former Trump administration officials:
  • Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who was also on the July 25 call with Ukraine. Pompeo is also accused of misrepresenting his involvement in the matter and obstructing congressional investigations into it.
  • John Bolton, the former national security adviser, who is said to have pushed back on the idea of conditioning assistance to Ukraine for investigations. He could soon testify before Congress.
  • Former NSC senior director for Eurasian and Russian affairs Fiona Hill,who testified to Congress about the efforts to pressure Ukraine into announcing investigations into the Bidens. 
  • Attorney General William Barr, whom Trump entangled in the impeachment inquiry by asking Ukraine to work with Barr on corruption investigations and requesting that Barr hold a press conference clearing Trump of wrongdoing.
  • Secretary of Energy Rick Perry, whom Trump tried to blame for the Ukraine call after the fact. Perry is set to leave the administration at the end of this year.
• Intelligence community officials:
  • Acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire, who transmitted the whistleblower complaint to Congress and was the first witness to testify publicly about its contents.
  • Michael Atkinson, the intelligence community inspector general, whom the whistleblower initially filed their complaint to.
  • The anonymous whistleblower.
• Current and former diplomats:
  • Kurt Volker, the former US special representative for Ukraine, who gave critical testimony to Congress about the extent of Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani's involvement in the Trump-Ukraine saga.
  • Gordon Sondland, the US ambassador to the European Union, a Trump appointee who testified that the pressure on Ukraine to investigate the Bidens was "insidious" and at least improper, if not illegal.
  • Bill Taylor, the acting ambassador to Ukraine, a Vietnam veteran and career diplomat who gave explosive and damning testimony to Congress that it was his "clear understanding" that "security assistance money would not come until" Zelensky "committed to pursue the investigation."
  • Marie Yovanovitch, the former US ambassador to Ukraine, a career diplomat who gave powerful and damning testimony that Trump and Giuliani pushed her out of her position for standing in the way of their efforts to compel Ukraine to investigate the Bidens.
• Ukrainians:
  • President Volodymyr Zelensky, a former comedian and first-time president who was elected this April on a platform of cleaning up corruption in Ukraine.
  • Viktor Shokin and Yuriy Lutsenko, former Ukrainian prosecutors-general who were involved in the investigations into Burisma Holdings.
• Members of Congress:
  • Rep. Adam Schiff, the House Intelligence Committee chairman, the person taking charge of the impeachment inquiry, subpoenaing witnesses, and holding hearings.
  • House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is guiding the trajectory of the impeachment inquiry in the House and recently called for a vote on a resolution to formalize the terms of the inquiry's public phase.
  • Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who would set the agenda for an impeachment trial in the Senate.
• Others:
  • Former Vice President Joe Biden, a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate who ran point on US-Ukraine relations in the Obama administration.
  • Hunter Biden, Joe Biden's eldest son, who served on the board of the Ukrainian energy company Burisma Holdings from 2014 to 2019.
  • Rudy Giuliani, Trump's personal attorney who served as an unofficial envoy to Ukraine and roped various diplomats into his efforts to demand that Ukraine investigate the Bidens and the 2016 election He's now the focus of a federal investigation.
  • Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, two business associates of Giuliani's who were recently charged with federal campaign-finance violations in connection with their Ukrainian lobbying work. Parnas is cooperating with the impeachment inquiry.

The stakes

Asking a foreign government for material campaign aid is not only unprecedented from a US president, but it could even violate campaign finance laws against soliciting campaign contributions or help from foreign nationals.

If Trump did, in fact, use military aid as a bargaining chip, as many officials have testified under oath, he could also be impeached on charges of extortion, bribery, and misappropriation of taxpayer funds.

Trump's White House and administration have also refused to comply with many aspects of the inquiry and have attempted to block multiple administration officials from testifying, meaning Trump could also face a charge of obstructing Congress.

Beyond the immediate threat to Trump and those in his inner orbit, the Trump-Ukraine scandal could have lasting geopolitical consequences that reverberate for years to come.

Ukraine is highly dependent on American military aid to defend itself from incursions from Russia. Ukraine has been engaged in a hot war with Russia, a US adversary, since 2014, when Russia invaded and annexed the peninsula of Crimea, a contested territory.

In his testimony to Congress, Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, an expert on Eastern European affairs on the National Security Council, expressed concern about the military and political implications of the administration withholding the aid.

Bill Taylor, the acting ambassador to Ukraine, also testified that the US withholding aid and signaling less support for Ukraine could further embolden Russia to take more aggressive military action and contribute to further destabilization of the region.

The possible outcomes

On October 31, the House voted to approve a formal resolution detailing the terms and parameters of its inquiry. But it is still in the fact-finding stage, hearing witness testimony and reviewing documents related to the inquiry.

The inquiry is being jointly pursued by the House Intelligence Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

The impeachment process traditionally begins in the House Judiciary Committee, which draws up articles of impeachment based on the results of the inquiry.

The House hasn't determined whether it would limit the scope of the inquiry to the allegations raised in the whistleblower complaint and corroborated by administration officials, or whether it would include articles related to obstruction of congressional investigations.

If the committee passes articles of impeachment, they go to the full floor of the House and require a simple majority vote of 218 members to pass. Members vote on each article individually, meaning Trump could be impeached on some articles but not others.

Former President Bill Clinton, for example, was impeached on articles of perjury and obstruction of justice, but he was cleared on a separate perjury-related article and a charge of abusing his office. In January 1999, the Senate acquitted Clinton on both charges.

For Trump to be removed from office, two-thirds of the US Senate — 67 members — must vote to convict him of articles of impeachment. Currently, the Senate consists of 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats, and two independents who caucus with Democrats.

If Trump is not impeached, or impeached but not convicted in the Senate, he stays in office, and it'll be left up to the American people to reelect him or vote him out of office in 2020.

Here's a timeline of events from our past coverage:

November 18:

23 photos show the key moments of Trump's impeachment so far

Ambassador Sondland said Trump doesn't 'give a s---' about Ukraine except when it benefits him personally, official testifies

November 15:

Marie Yovanovitch took aim at Trump, Rudy Giuliani, and top brass at the State Department in damning testimony

Marie Yovanovitch gave powerful and incriminating testimony in the Trump impeachment hearing. Here are the biggest takeaways.

Trump attacked Marie Yovanovitch as she testified about learning she was fired while honoring an assassinated corruption activist

Experts say Trump's attacks on Marie Yovanovitch during the impeachment hearing amount to witness intimidation

Marie Yovanovitch was met with resounding applause and cheers after testifying for almost 7 hours in Trump's impeachment inquiry

Congressional Republicans are repeating many baseless conspiracy theories in Trump's impeachment inquiry. Here's why they're all bogus.

'Sondland told Trump that Zelensky 'loves your ass'': Official who overheard a call between Trump and a US ambassador testifies Trump asked about Ukraine investigations

November 14:

Fox News anchor Chris Wallace called the impeachment testimony 'very damaging' to Trump. The network earlier ran a graphic referring to Bill Taylor as a 'never Trumper.'

See the viral exchange where a Republican tried calling out Trump's whistleblower during the blockbuster impeachment hearings and a Democrat had the perfect response

November 13:

Bill Taylor and George Kent's vivid testimony in the first open impeachment hearing blew up Trump's defense in the Ukraine scandal

Bill Taylor and George Kent gave devastating testimony in the first Trump impeachment hearing. Here are the biggest takeaways.

A top State Department official blew a hole through one of Trump's main talking points in the impeachment hearing

Longtime diplomat Bill Taylor testifies that he had never seen a US president make foreign aid conditional on their personal or political interests

Top US diplomat Bill Taylor revealed details of a previously unknown phone call between Trump and Gordon Sondland in his bombshell impeachment hearing testimony

State Department official George Kent accuses Rudy Giuliani of 'infecting' US-Ukraine relations with 'false information' and a 'smear campaign' in impeachment hearing testimony

November 12:

Trump wants to fire the intelligence watchdog who told Congress about the whistleblower's complaint

A Pentagon official's newly released testimony further devastated Trump's central impeachment defense that Ukraine aid freeze wasn't linked to search for Biden dirt

Republicans are trying to shift the argument over impeachment to what was going on inside Trump's mind, after testimony tore apart defenses based on fact

November 11:

Aides reportedly tried to anticipate the fallout from Biden's son's dealings in Ukraine back in 2014 but were shut down because he was consumed by grief

A businessman involved in Giuliani's quest for Biden dirt claims he was sent on a mission to broker a 'quid pro quo,' and his testimony could be highly damaging for Trump

John Bolton's lawyer dropped an intriguing hint that shows why he could be the most dangerous witness against Trump

November 10:

House Intelligence members say committee has evidence of a Trump-Ukraine 'extortion scheme'

November 9:

House Republicans requested that Hunter Biden and the whistleblower publicly testify in impeachment hearings

Here's how Trump could be impeached, removed from office, and still win re-election in 2020

November 8:

Trump's former top Russia adviser Fiona Hill's impeachment testimony paints damning picture of pressure put on Ukraine

Here are the biggest takeaways from Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman's blockbuster testimony against Trump

November 7:

Ukraine was about to cave to Trump's demands. Then the public found out about the whistleblower.

November 6:

Rudy Giuliani lawyers up as federal prosecutors investigate and the impeachment inquiry ramps up

Transcript of Bill Taylor's testimony underscores extreme lengths Trump went to in urging Ukraine to investigate Bidens

Adam Schiff announces public hearings in impeachment probe will begin next Wednesday

November 5:

Former diplomat Kurt Volker says Rudy Giuliani was a 'direct conduit' to Ukraine and demanded they publicly announce an investigation into the Bidens

Gordon Sondland, US ambassador to the EU, is the latest witness to confirm a quid pro quo between Trump and Ukraine

November 4:

An indicted businessman with ties to Rudy Giuliani is willing to comply with Trump impeachment inquiry

It looks like Trump and Giuliani's efforts to intimidate and bully the former Ukrainian ambassador went much further than publicly known

Ukraine is firing the prosecutor who discussed a probe of the Bidens with Giuliani

Trump's ex-Ukraine envoy said she felt 'shocked' and threatened when Trump told Ukraine's president she was 'going to go through some things'

November 3:

The whistleblower at the heart of the impeachment inquiry has offered to answer written questions from House Republicans, lawyer says

October 31:

Former White House official testified that military aid to Ukraine was held up by Trump's demand to investigate Joe Biden

House passes resolution formalizing impeachment inquiry into Trump as GOP continues to slam process

Former national security adviser John Bolton asked to testify in House impeachment inquiry

October 29:

House Democrats took an important step in the impeachment inquiry, throwing a wrench into the GOP's biggest defense

A top White House official is about to blow a hole through Trump's main defense about the Ukraine call

October 24:

It looks like the Trump administration's pressure campaign against Ukraine may have gone further than freezing military aid

Intelligence veterans say Republicans storming a secure congressional facility was a 'thuggish' and 'offensive' stunt that risked national security

October 23:

House Republicans stormed a closed-door impeachment hearing and refused to leave — and Trump approved of it

Ukraine just threw a huge wrench into Trump's key defense denying a quid pro quo

October 22:

Trump's Ukraine envoy gave 'damning' testimony to Congress that prompted 'sighs and gasps' from people in the room

Putin and Hungary reportedly 'poisoned' Trump's view on Ukraine and reinforced his belief that the country was 'hopelessly corrupt'

October 19:

8 Trump officials made stunning revelations about how the president and Giuliani weaponized the State Department

October 17:

Mick Mulvaney publicly confirms Trump held up Ukraine aid for political gain

Gordon Sondland, a central figure in the Ukraine scandal, threw Trump and Giuliani under the bus in his opening statement to Congress

October 15:

Trump's White House counsel Pat Cipollone is the first line of defense when it comes to batting back House Democrats' impeachment inquiry

The floodgates are opening as Trump officials publicly defy his orders and more whistleblowers come out of the shadows

October 14:

FBI officials were 'rattled' and 'blindsided' by Trump's call for Ukraine to manufacture dirt on Joe Biden

Prosecutors are scouring Rudy Giuliani's bank records and business dealings in Ukraine as part of a widening criminal investigation

October 11:

Federal prosecutors are investigating whether Rudy Giuliani violated foreign lobbying laws in Ukraine

Ex-Ukraine envoy says she was fired on 'unfounded' and 'false' grounds after standing up to Trump and Giuliani

A federal court ordered Trump's accounting firm to turn over 8 years of his taxes to Congress

October 10:

2 of Rudy Giuliani's associates who prosecutors say helped him dig up dirt on Joe Biden have been charged with campaign finance violations

A White House adviser is flip-flopping on whether China gave him information on Joe Biden's son after Trump asked Beijing to investigate the Bidens

October 8:

White House says Trump 'cannot permit his administration' to cooperate with the 'partisan and unconstitutional' impeachment inquiry

A White House official who listened in on Trump's Ukraine call described it as 'crazy' and 'frightening'

The State Department blocked Ambassador Gordon Sondland from testifying to Congress about the Ukraine scandal

October 5:

Trump is reportedly blaming Rick Perry for his infamous call with the Ukrainian president

House Democrats subpoena the White House and Mike Pence as part of impeachment inquiry

October 4:

A 2nd intelligence official is considering filing a whistleblower complaint about Trump and Ukraine

Trump brought up Joe Biden during a June phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping

Trump reportedly personally ordered the removal of ambassador to Ukraine after people said she was impeding Biden investigations

Newly revealed text messages show Trump diplomats' internal turmoil over his pressure on Ukraine

October 3:

Trump's conspiracies are reaching a fever pitch amid revelations that the whistleblower went to Congress before filing their complaint

There's a 2nd whistleblower complaint no one's talking about, and it could be as damaging to Trump as the Ukraine scandal

Trump's top diplomat in Ukraine said in a text message that it was 'crazy' to withhold aid in exchange 'for help with a political campaign'

2 top Trump deputies drafted a statement for Ukraine's president committing him to pursuing political investigations for Trump

October 2:

The Trump whistleblower told the House Intelligence Committee about their concerns before filing an official complaint

The State Department's watchdog will tell Congress about efforts to intimidate officials from cooperating with the Trump impeachment inquiry

Mike Pompeo made at least 4 significantly misleading statements about his role in the Trump-Ukraine phone call

Trump used Mike Pence to tell Ukraine the US would withhold military aid while demanding that it investigate corruption

Pompeo confirms he was on Trump's Ukraine call after previously dodging questions about it

October 1:

Trump's false theory that whistleblower requirements changed just before the complaint over his Ukraine call got shut down by the intelligence watchdog

The White House is 'paralyzed' and 'teetering on the edge of a cliff' as it grapples with Ukraine fallout and 'Hurricane Rudy'

'Pure insanity': Intelligence veterans are floored by Barr's 'off the books' overtures to foreign officials about the Russia probe

September 30:

Mike Pompeo reportedly took part in Trump's July 25 phone call with Ukraine's president

Trump pressed Australia's prime minister to help Attorney General Barr investigate the origins of the Russia probe

Former Ukrainian prosecutor says Giuliani repeatedly pushed him to investigate the Bidens

September 27:

A top State Department official at the center of the Ukraine whistleblower complaint just resigned

Justice Department veterans say Trump could be accused of breaking 4 laws in the Ukraine whistleblower scandal

Rudy Giuliani claims that he's 'the real whistleblower' and that no one will know the real story on Trump and Ukraine 'if I get killed'

'Lawyer up': DOJ veterans have one piece of advice for Trump and Giuliani amid the Ukraine whistleblower scandal

September 26:

Read the full declassified whistleblower complaint about a phone call between Trump and Ukraine's president

Here are the biggest moments from acting DNI Joseph Maguire's testimony to Congress about an explosive whistleblower complaint against Trump

Whistleblower says White House officials were 'deeply disturbed' by Trump's call with Ukraine's president and worried they 'had witnessed the president abuse his office for personal gain'

Acting DNI Joseph Maguire undermined the GOP's entire argument against the whistleblower in one sentence

The White House has a complete transcript of Ukraine call but hid it in a possible abuse of power, whistleblower complaint says

Trump suggested the whistleblower who filed a complaint against him is guilty of treason, which is punishable by death

The whistleblower who filed an explosive complaint against Trump is reportedly a CIA officer once assigned to the White House

The US's top intelligence watchdog found Trump's conduct so alarming it could expose him to blackmail

September 25:

The Trump whistleblower raised concerns that the White House handled records of the call with Ukraine's president in an 'unusual' way

Trump mentioned a wild conspiracy theory about the DNC and the Russia probe in his phone call with Ukraine's president

Ukrainian officials say Trump would only talk to Zelensky 'if they would discuss the Biden case' in their July phone call

Nancy Pelosi brought a combative attitude to a phone call with Trump before launching an impeachment inquiry

The notes on Trump's call with Ukraine's president hint at a quid pro quo over investigating Joe Biden's son

The US's top spy agency referred the Trump whistleblower complaint to the DOJ for criminal investigation. The DOJ decided not to investigate.

September 24:

Trump aides were so afraid he'd pressure Ukraine to investigate Biden that they tried to derail his call with the Ukrainian president

Trump tried to negotiate with Pelosi on the whistleblower complaint after she announced an impeachment inquiry. Pelosi told him to take a hike.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi just announced the House will launch a formal impeachment inquiry against Trump amid whistleblower scandal

Trump confirms he withheld military aid from Ukraine before pressing Zelensky to probe Biden

September 23:

Trump reportedly slammed the brakes on a $400 million military-aid package to Ukraine days before he asked its president to investigate Joe Biden

September 19:

'DEFCON 1': US officials are rocked by a whistleblower complaint involving Trump's talks with a foreign leader

September 18:

The US's top spy agency just dropped a big hint that an 'urgent' whistleblower complaint involves Trump or someone close to him

A major whistleblower complaint at the US's top spy agency involves a Trump phone call with a 'promise' to a foreign leader

September 14:

The acting director of national intelligence is withholding a mysterious whistleblower complaint of 'urgent concern' that may involve Trump

• NASA and other space agencies are building a handful of telescopes that are likely to change our understanding of the universe.
• From vantage points on Earth and in space, these telescopes will peer across time and space to study some of the cosmos' biggest mysteries.
• Here are the upcoming new telescopes that will study the history of the universe, measure the mysterious forces of dark matter and dark energy, and look for signs of alien life.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

NASA and other agencies are building a handful of telescopes to probe the universe's most puzzling mysteries.

From vantage points on Earth and in space, the upcoming telescopes will rely on next-generation technologies in their attempts to answer some of scientists' biggest questions about dark matter, the expansion of the universe, and alien life.

Some will provide 100 times more information than today's most powerful tools for observing the skies.

The first of these telescopes, NASA's highly anticipated James Webb Space Telescope, is slated to launch in 2021, then start scanning the atmospheres of distant worlds for clues about extraterrestrial life. As early as 2022, other new telescopes in space will take unprecedented observations of the skies, while observatories on Earth peer back into the ancient universe. 

Here's what's in the pipeline and what these new tools could reveal.

SEE ALSO: NASA's future missions will explore an icy moon of Jupiter, collect samples on Mars, and more. Here's what's coming in the next 10 years.

DON'T MISS: 16 recently discovered exoplanets could offer our best chance of finding alien life outside the solar system

Since its launch in 1990, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has discovered new planets, revealed strange galaxies, and provided new insights into the nature of black holes.

It also found that the universe is expanding more quickly than scientists imagined.

Many questions remain, though. How has the universe evolved over time? Why can't we see 95% of it? If there are aliens, where are they?

The next generation of telescopes — in space and on the ground — will attempt to fill these gaps in our knowledge.

First, NASA is building the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to peer into the history of the universe.

It will study how the first stars and galaxies formed, how planets are born, and where there might be life in the universe.

The upcoming telescope is fully assembled and now faces a long testing process in Northrop Grumman's California facilities before its launch date on March 30, 2021.

A 21-foot-wide beryllium mirror will help the James Webb telescope observe faraway galaxies in detail and capture extremely faint signals within our own galaxy.

The farther it looks out into space, the more the telescope will look back in time, so it could even detect the first glows of the Big Bang.

JWST will also observe distant, young galaxies in detail we've never seen before. 

Thanks to new infrared technology, the telescope could provide an unprecedented view of the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way's center.

Such imaging could help answer questions about how the galaxy and its black hole formed.

"Does the black hole come first and stars form around it? Do stars gather together and collide to form the black hole? These are questions we want to answer," Jay Anderson, a JWST scientist, said in an October press release.

JWST will also search for signs of alien life in the atmospheres of exoplanets (the term for planets outside our solar system) — but only those larger than Earth.

By measuring the intensity of star light passing through a planet's atmosphere, the telescope could calculate the composition of that atmosphere.

Scientists have already identified over 4,000 exoplanets.

But as of yet, they haven't been able to study most of those planets' atmospheres to look for signs of life, also known as "biosignatures."

If an exoplanet's atmosphere contains both methane and carbon dioxide, for example, those are clues that there could be life there. JWST will look for signs like that.

Earth's atmosphere has a lot of oxygen because life has been producing it for billions of years. Oxygen isn't stable enough to last long on its own, so it must be constantly produced in order to be so abundant.

The combination of carbon dioxide and methane (like in Earth's atmosphere) is even more telling, especially if there's no carbon monoxide.

That's because carbon dioxide and methane would normally react with each other to produce new compounds. So if they exist separately, something is probably constantly producing them. That something could be a volcano, but as far as we know, only a lifeform could release that much methane without also belching out carbon monoxide.

To pick up where Hubble left off, NASA is also building the Wide Field InfraRed Survey Telescope (WFIRST).

The agency plans to launch it into Earth's orbit in the mid-2020s. Over its five-year lifetime, the space telescope will measure light from a billion galaxies and survey the inner Milky Way with the hope of finding about 2,600 new planets.

WFIRST will have a field of view 100 times greater than Hubble's. Each of its photos will be worth 100 Hubble images.

That breadth will help scientists probe questions about what the universe is made of and how it works — starting with dark matter.

Dark matter makes up 85% of all matter in the universe, but nobody is sure what it is. We can't see it because it doesn't interact with light.

WFIRST will get around this issue by measuring the effects of dark matter and its counterpart, an unknown force called dark energy.

The entire universe is comprised of 27% dark matter and 68% dark energy. Everything we can see and observe with scientific instruments accounts for less than 5%.

Dark matter's gravity holds the entire universe together, while dark energy pushes everything apart.

Dark energy is winning, and that's why the universe is expanding.

WFIRST will attempt to map the mysterious workings of dark matter and energy by measuring the universe's expansion over time.

"It will lead to a very robust and rich interpretation of the effects of dark energy and will allow us to make a definite statement about the nature of dark energy," Olivier Doré, a NASA scientist working on WFIRST, said in a press release.

The European Space Agency (ESA) is designing the Euclid telescope for similar purposes.

Euclid will peer into deep space to see ancient light and study how the universe has evolved over the last 10 billion years. It's slated to launch in 2022.

Both telescopes will attempt to resolve a growing dispute in cosmology: How fast is the universe expanding?

Modern-day measurements contradict the predictions scientists have made based on the ancient past. The mismatch indicates that something big is missing from the standard model of the universe, but nobody knows what.

"Therein lies the crisis in cosmology," astrophysicist Chris Fassnacht said in an October press release.

The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) will seek to address this conflict from its location in the mountains of Chile. It will spend 10 years scanning the entire sky.

Scheduled for completion in 2022, the LSST will measure the universe's expansion. The telescope will also chart the movements of potentially hazardous asteroids that could fly dangerously close to Earth.

On another Chilean mountaintop, the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) will search for biosignatures in the atmospheres of rocky super-Earths.

At 39 meters (128 feet), it will be the largest optical telescope in the world once it's completed in 2025. 

The ELT will also measure the universe's expansion and how that has accelerated over time.

But there's something missing from this planned lineup of telescopes: A tool that can look for biosignatures on exoplanets that have the highest chance of hosting alien life.

That's because the planets most likely to be habitable are usually Earth-sized, and that's very small. 

"We need to wait for the next generation of instruments — the next generation of space-based and ground-based instruments — to really start to do this for properly habitable Earth-like planets," Jessie Christiansen, an exoplanet researcher at NASA, told Business Insider.

No telescopes currently under construction are powerful enough to look closely at the atmospheres of Earth-sized exoplanets. But NASA is considering concepts for telescopes that could.

Theoretically, the proposed LUVOIR and HabEx telescopes could block out stars' light enough to examine the Earth-sized planets circling them.

The LUVOIR proposal relies on a design similar to that of the JWST. Estimates suggest it could image 50 Earth-sized exoplanets over four years, studying their atmospheres, seasons, and even surfaces.

If chosen for funding and construction, these telescopes could launch in the 2030s.

• As technology advances, things that were once innovative and groundbreaking are becoming obsolete.
• In the past 20 years along, VHS tapes, one-hour photo labs, and phone booths are some of the things that have almost completely disappeared.
• Here are nine things that have become obsolete in the past 20 years.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Technology is always hurtling forward.

A little over a century ago, entire industries related to horse-drawn transportation disappeared overnight with the advent of the automobile. More recently, advances in music recording technology have helped us transition from records to cassettes, CDs, and finally MP3s and digital streaming.

While you might not be consciously aware of the feverish pace of change today, it's easy to look back on dozens of technologies that are now completely obsolete thanks to the march of progress.

Read on to see nine things that have become utterly obsolete in the last 20 years, from VCRs to PDAs, and much more.

SEE ALSO: Scientists reveal the 13 dark technology scenarios that keep them up at night

DON'T MISS: 9 predictions from old sci-fi movies that actually came true

One-hour photo labs used to occupy street corners and malls — now there are fewer than 200 still standing in America.

Smartphone cameras have made photography a mundane activity.

But for decades, taking pictures with a camera meant choosing photographic movements carefully, since rolls of film held a finite number of shots and required taking the film to be processed and printed.

As technology improved in the late 1970s, week-long photo processing services often performed by specialty camera shops gave way to one-hour photo labs. These labs popped up in department stores, grocery stores, camera shops, and even stand-alone huts with pricey street-corner real estate.

At their peak in 1993, there were 7,600 one-hour labs in the US, and another 14,700 so-called mini-labs inside chain stores like Kmart. If you didn't live through the 1980s and 1990s, it's hard to visualize just how common these stores were.

Of course, it's no surprise what happened to one-hour photo labs, and photo developers in general. As digital cameras and smartphones hit the market, the need for photo developers disappeared virtually overnight.

In 2015, Bloomberg reported that no other US business had declined as much in the preceding 15 years as one-hour photo labs, and by that year, there were just 190 stores still operating anywhere in the country.

For two decades, every computer came with a floppy disk drive to load programs.

The floppy disk's history is inextricably tied to the growth of the personal computer.

While an eight-inch version of the floppy dates back to 1967, the first IBM PC shipped with a 5.25-inch floppy in 1981. It held 360 kilobytes of data, which is about a third of megabyte.

It was called a "floppy" drive because the data disc was enclosed in a flexible sheath, but the name stuck even for the far more rigid 3.5-inch version which quickly became standard equipment on PCs for the next two decades.

Until the rise of CDs, floppy disks were the standard medium for how software was packaged, sold, and installed. It wasn't unusual, for example, to get a box with a dozen floppy disks to install a large program (Microsoft Office 97 came on 55 floppy disks). Eventually, not only did software become too large, but even a single user file — like an MP3 song file — couldn't fit on a floppy, which held just 1.44MB.

Despite how universal the floppy was, there was enormous interest in replacing it for standard file transfers. In the mid-1990s, many consumers owned storage drives like the Iomega Zip drive, which read interchangeable 100MB cartridges, for example, and around 2000, USB flash drives finally offered a simple, affordable, and high-capacity solution that's still routinely used today.  

1998 was the beginning of the end for the venerable floppy. Apple unveiled the iMac G3, the first personal computer without a floppy, and PC makers slowly followed suit over the next few years. Floppies hung on for a number of years, but Sony — the last floppy disk maker on earth — stopped manufacturing disks in March of 2011.

Even though floppy disks are now totally obsolete, they live on as the "save" icon on many computer programs — even if young people have no idea what it is.

Personal Digital Assistants were the precursor to smartphones.

Personal Digital Assistants, known as PDAs, took the world by storm in the 1990s.

It's not hard to see why — they were proto-smartphones, able to give people their first taste of pocket-sized mobile computing. PDAs stored contact information, ran apps, played games, and some could do more media-savvy tasks like play music and video and access the internet. PayPal actually got its start on PDAs as an app that let Palm Pilot users exchange money.

The '90s were a busy decade for tech companies trying to invent the perfect handheld device, but many will agree that Apple kickstarted the PDA movement in 1993 with its Newton MessagePad, which recognized plain-English handwriting. But the devices most people actually bought were the Palm Pilot (which emerged in 1996) and Microsoft's Pocket PC, both of which became, if just for a few years, essential business tools.

Of course, it's not hard to see why they faded away. PDAs were Jurassic-era smartphones, and they could only exist as long as no one took the inherent features of a PDA and added the ability to make phone calls. When Apple released the iPhone in 2007, it seamlessly integrated into everyday life in a way PDAs never could. Palm stopped making pure PDAs by 2007, but launched an unsuccessful smartphone called the Palm Pre in 2009.

For decades, teachers used overhead projectors to beam their lessons onto screens.

The overhead projector was a permanent fixture in schools and offices for almost 50 years.

The projection system displayed images on a wall or screen by shining a bright lamp up through a transparency and into a mirror that diverted the light by 90 degrees forward.

Overhead projectors were simple devices, but required the document be transparent. For almost any student from the '60s through the '90s, teachers writing on a transparency sheet projecting onto the wall would be a familiar sight.

In the 2000s, overhead projectors began to be displaced by a number of newer technologies. Schools began to adopt interactive white boards which let teachers project digital documents like PowerPoint presentations and other more engaging content.

While there are certainly still overhead projectors in use in some schools, the market for these devices has evaporated. 3M, a company that made projectors for more than 50 years, stopped manufacturing them in 2015.

Thanks to VCRs, every home had movies on VHS tapes you had to rewind.

Imagine being able to watch a movie at home, whenever you wanted. Or see an episode of "Mork and Mindy" that you missed because you got home too late.

It was hard to imagine this any time before about 1977, but that's when the VHS video recorder debuted. (The platform defeated Sony's Betamax largely because it was less expensive and tapes could store two hours rather than one.)

VHS was a staple of home entertainment through the '80s and well into the '90s. VCRs enabled time-shifting, or recording a broadcast show to watch later. And they also gave birth to video rental stores, which in 1988, numbered in the tens of thousands in the US. Picking up a movie to rent on Friday night was America's pastime.

VCRs didn't become obsolete overnight, but died slowly. Videophiles embraced the LaserDisc format, and by 1998, there were 2 million LaserDisc households. DVD players entered the market in 1997, followed by both HD DVD and Blu-ray.

In 1998, the VCR industry tried its hand at high definition with HD VHS. But Netflix's first streaming plan delivered perhaps the fatal blow to analog movie tapes in 2007. Funai, the last company on earth making VCRs, stopped production in 2016.

Classified ads kept print newspapers in business for more than a century — but Craigslist made quick work of them.

Perhaps the oldest thing on this list to die, classified ads made newspapers profitable for most of a century.

The first modern classified section was published in the Philadelphia Public Ledger shortly after the end of the Civil War. By some accounts, as the 20th century progressed, non-personal classifieds accounted for as much as 40% of newspaper revenue. It was the go-to resource for people to buy and sell household items, find used cars, and look for employment.

By the mid-1990s, though, the internet was siphoning classified business away from newspapers. Conventional wisdom is that one site in particular — Craigslist — single-handedly killed newspaper classified ads, since the site was easy to use and most ads were free. In 2006, the Economist wrote that Craigslist founder "Craig Newmark … has probably done more than anything to destroy newspapers' income."

In 2010, Poynter reported that classified ad revenue was down 70% in the previous 10 years.

Once upon a time, most people carried paper road maps in their cars.

Road maps were a staple of American cars for decades.

After the construction of the interstate highway system, it became popular for companies like Rand McNally to create road maps for oil companies, who typically gave maps away at gas stations. By the mid-1960s, at least 200 million such road maps had been given away. 

Predictably, GPS navigation has severely constrained road map sales — they're simply not essential anymore. Road maps started to lose their value in the late 1990s, when sites like MapQuest let users create turn-by-turn directions and print them on their home printer.

Eventually, cars started being designed with built-in GPS, and today, even that innovation isn't essential, thanks to smartphones with GPS and map apps.

Nowadays, state tourism departments are printing far fewer maps, if any at all. In 2012, Pennsylvania was only printing a quarter of the 3 million maps it did a decade earlier, and Washington state stopped entirely. And while Rand McNally continues to sell maps, good luck finding someone you know who has one in their car.

MP3 players were basically iPhones that couldn't make phone calls.

Like PDAs, MP3 players are a technology that had a brief, shining moment in the spotlight. The very first model, MPMan F10, hit retail in 1998, and the entire category was declared essentially dead by 2012, thanks to the rise of the smartphone.

There was perhaps no better signal that MP3s were actually obsolete than the fact that by 2014 Apple had discontinued most iPods, the product line that virtually defined the MP3 player. Even Steve Jobs understood this was happening— he once called the iPhone "the best iPod we've ever made."

But while they were around, MP3 players were a revelation for people who wanted music on the go. They were better than portable cassette players because they had no moving parts, and were often smaller.

But at the start, MP3 players were clumsy devices. They generally required you to copy a limited amount of music onto the device via a cable or to copy tracks to a memory card, and then insert it into the player. Later devices could sync with the desktop computer, but often still lacked memory — the Rio PMP300, a popular player from 1998, shipped with 32MB. In 2001, Apple introduced the iPod, a refined take on the concept of the portable music player, and became the most popular player on the market.

In the end, MP3 players disappeared for the same reason that so many things have become obsolete — it was completely subsumed by smartphones.  

And just 20 years ago there were 2 million phone booths standing in the US.

There was a time not that long ago when finding a phone booth was about as easy as walking down any city street. But by the time the Colin Farrell movie "Phone Booth" was made in 2003, the film's producers said that the last phone booth in Manhattan had been removed while the movie was being filmed in the city.

There was an unintended reason phone booths became so popular in the first place.

In 1967, the US Supreme Court ruled that people had a Fourth Amendment right to privacy at phone booths, and so they quickly became a haven for criminals to conduct business on the streets. Regardless of why they were used, phone booths were ubiquitous — there were more than a million phone booths in the US by 1960, and by 1999, there were 2 million.

Today, there are only about 100,000 pay phones in the US, or only slightly more than existed in 1902.

While it's no mystery why pay phones are less popular today than they were a few decades ago — everyone carries a phone in their pocket — there were public policy factors at work as well. As reported in the Atlantic, a number of cities spent the last few decades quietly working to remove pay phones or zone them out of existence in efforts to reduce crime.

• Though it's not always easy to take things from a movie set without getting caught, many famous actors have managed to take props home from sets to keep as mementos.
• For example, Robert Downey Jr. said he took home a giant letter "A" from the "Avengers" set.
• Emma Watson said she took a few things from the set of "Harry Potter."
• Jennifer Lawrence said she took home Katniss' leather jacket and boots from the "Hunger Games" set.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Considering how much time they spend on set, it's no surprise that actors make a lot of memories while filming movies. And so, it's not surprising that some stars want to take home a few mementos to symbolize their time spent portraying a certain character.

Movie studios typically own the props that help make movies magical so it's not exactly easy for actors to swipe things from set. But sometimes stars find a way to take home some impressive or strange props.

Here are some actors who took props home from their movie sets.

Reese Witherspoon's contract for "Legally Blonde 2" allowed her to take home a huge wardrobe.

In an interview on "The Graham Norton Show," Reese Witherspoon said she brought home her entire wardrobe from "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, and Blonde."

She added that keeping the wardrobe was part of her contract and that the looks included 77 pairs of designer Jimmy Choo shoes. 

Witherspoon explained that she hasn't worn any of the items since she brought them home. 

"I've never touched them [since] and then on the 15th anniversary I took them all out of storage and tried them all on," Witherspoon said. "Some of them fit, some of them didn't, and then I, yeah, I showed them all to my daughter and it was really cool."

Adam Driver has some props from his time filming "Star Wars."

Actor Adam Driver, who played Kylo Ren in "Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker," said he brought home "a lot of stuff" from the movie set.  

During an interview on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," Driver said he has a box containing his lightsaber and that he took his costume from the set, with permission. 

Zac Efron said he has taken a few things from a wide variety of his movie roles.

In an interview with BBC Radio 1, Efron said he's taken a few things from movies he's been in.

He said he took his board shorts from "Baywatch," his basketball jersey from "High School Musical," and the belt he wore as Link Larkin in "Hairspray." He said he sometimes still wears the belt.

Ashley Tisdale said she took her character's entire "High School Musical" wardrobe.

In 2018, Ashley Tisdale, who played Sharpay Evans in "High School Musical," told BuzzFeed that she took her character's entire wardrobe from the first film.

"A lot of our clothes are in hall of fames and they didn't have Sharpay's stuff and Disney tried so hard to get the clothes from me and I was like 'No, this is mine," she told BuzzFeed. "So yeah, they don't have any of the clothes from the first movie. I do." 

Jennifer Lawrence said she took home Katniss' leather jacket and boots from the "Hunger Games" set.

From 2012 to 2015, Jennifer Lawrence portrayed literary hero Katniss Everdeen in the "Hunger Games" film series. Katniss was skilled at both hunting and archery and was rarely seen on screen without her brown leather jacket and boots.

In an E! News interview from the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con, Lawrence was asked if she took anything home from the final film set and responded, "I have the leather jacket — the leather hunting jacket — and my leather hunting boots."

Read More: 12 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'The Hunger Games'

Robert Downey Jr. said he has the giant Avenger's "A" from the "Avengers: Age of Ultron" set.

The expansive Marvel Cinematic Universe can be traced back to its humble beginnings with "Iron Man" (2008), so it makes sense that Iron Man himself (Robert Downey Jr.) would want a piece of Avengers history.

"On Age of Ultron, there was a massive Avengers 'A' outside the Avengers center. I have it," Downey said during a "Jimmy Kimmel Live" interview for "Captain America: Civil War" in 2016.

Chris Hemsworth said he took home multiple copies of Thor's hammer.

During a 2018 interview about "Thor: Ragnarok," Jimmy Kimmel asked Chris Hemsworth, who plays Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, if he got to take Thor's famed hammer Mjolnir home.

Hemsworth replied that he actually took "a few ... about five." When Kimmel questioned where he keeps all of them Hemsworth said, "One's next to the toilet, one's on a mantelpiece somewhere."

Chadwick Boseman said he took Kimoyo beads from the set of "Black Panther."

In a 2018 Jimmy Kimmel Live interview for "Avengers: Infinity War," Kimmel asked the cast if they had kept any mementos from the Marvel sets.

"I kept the beads, the Kimoyo beads," Chadwick Boseman said. "I have them on right now."

Boseman wore the Kimoyo beads, an accessory made from Wakandan technology when he played King T'Challa in "Black Panther." 

Sir Ian McKellen said he took golden coins and a house key to Bag End from "Lord of the Rings."

Acclaimed British actor Sir Ian McKellen notably portrayed the wizard Gandalf in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy and the subsequent "Hobbit" films.

In an "Ask Me Anything" thread on Reddit in 2016, McKellen wrote that he took some gold coins from the lair where the dragon in the film was hiding.

McKellen also wrote that he managed to take home the "front door key to Bag End, which I know [director] Peter Jackson is looking for, but will never find."

Robert Pattinson said he took a few pairs of Edward Cullen's underwear from the "Twilight" set.

Per CBS New York, at a 2012 press junket for "Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2,"Robert Pattinson (who played the sulky vampire Edward Cullen) said he took home a few pairs of underwear from the movie set. 

"I took a lot of underwear to be honest. I did that on all the movies," Pattinson said. "They have the best underwear and I have no idea where they get it from. I use it every day."

Kristen Stewart said she took home some rings from the "Twilight" series.

In a 2012 interview with People, Kristen Stewart said she's taken several of her character's rings from the set of the "Twilight" movies.

In particular, she said she took a moon ring from Bella's mother and the diamond-studded engagement ring Edward proposed to Bella with.

The rings "are really, really extremely important to me," Stewart said in the interview. "I love those things."

Gabrielle Union said she still has her "Bring It On" cheerleading uniform hanging in her closet.

In the 2000 comedy "Bring it On" Gabrielle Union played Isis, a young high-school student who led the East Compton Clovers cheer squad. Union's green cheer outfit, striped with accents of orange and yellow, has become synonymous with the movie itself.

In an interview with People Style in 2017, Union said that she still has the cheer outfit in her closet, though she doesn't wear it. 

Daniel Radcliffe said he took home two pairs of Harry Potter's glasses.

Daniel Radcliffe, who portrayed Harry Potter in the notable fantasy franchise that spanned eight films, said he took home two pairs of glasses from set — one from the first film, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," and another from the seventh, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1."

In an interview with Daily Mail in 2011 Radcliffe said, "The ones from the first film are absolutely tiny now, but they are very sweet. They are all lens-less as well. There was rarely ever any glass in the actual glasses because of filming problems with reflections."

In 2011, the late Alan Rickman said he took home Severus Snape's wand.

The late Alan Rickman played the grim Severus Snape throughout the entire "Harry Potter" series. In a 2011 interview with HitFix, Rickman said he kept Severus Snape's wand.

Emma Watson said she snagged Hermione's cloak, wand, and Time-Turner from the "Harry Potter" set.

Emma Watson, who portrayed the highly intelligent witch Hermione Granger in all eight "Harry Potter" films, said she took home several things from the set that reminded her of her time as a Hogwarts student.

"I took my wand, I took my Time-Turner, and I took a cloak," Watson said in her interview with Time for Kids in 2010.

Rupert Grint said he snagged a memento from Harry Potter's old house and also tried to take a costly dragon egg.

Rather than simply taking glasses or a wand, Rupert Grint said he and his co-stars who played George and Fred Weasley attempted to steal a golden dragon egg from the set of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire."

"I took the golden egg that was in the fourth film — a dragon egg. Apparently, it was worth a few thousand dollars. I put it in a pillowcase, it was with James [and] Oliver, it was a joint effort. But they tracked it down and got it off us," Grint, who played Harry's best friend Ron Weasley, told BBC Newsbeat in 2010,

In regards to a prop that Grint successfully took home, he told the Daily Mail in 2011 that he got the "number 4" from 4 Privet Drive, the house where Harry was raised by his aunt and uncle.

"Well, I kind of stole [it], I suppose," Grint told the publication. "That's quite a nice thing to keep."

Simon Pegg said he took a Starfleet badge from "Star Trek: Into Darkness" but said he'd bring it back.

Per Female First's reports, at a press conference for 2013's "Star Trek Into Darkness," Simon Pegg talked about how difficult it was to take anything from the set of the "Star Trek" reboot in 2009.

Apparently, security was more relaxed on the set of the sequel because Pegg said he was able to take a Starfleet badge home when he reprised his role as Scotty.

"It was on my costume when I got back to my trailer and it's a beautiful little brass thing," Pegg said. "And I put it in my bag."

Pegg then turned to the film's director J.J. Abrams and joked, "Yeah! What are you gonna do?" before promising Abrams he would bring it back in for the next film.

Taron Egerton said he took a neon sign from the "Rocketman" set.

In a 2019 interview with British GQ, Taron Egerton (who played famed musician Elton John) said he took the neon Troubadour sign from one of the film's concert stages.

"[It] is obviously really cool and is exactly as it is in the club in LA, which I visited after the shot," Egerton said in the interview.

He said Richard Madden, his co-star in the film, told him to take it and put it in his kitchen. Egerton did. He said it's still there today. 

Kimberly J. Brown said she has lots of things from the set of "Halloweentown."

In a YouTube video with Manny Gutierrez, actress Kimberly J. Brown shared that she took a lot of things from the "Halloweentown" (1998) set. 

The actress said she took the titular book from the film and that Disney gave her the puppet that was Kalabar's bat assistant.

"I also have Marnie's purple cloak and hat from the second and third 'Halloweentown' movies," she said in the video.

She said she also has Marnie's little broom from the second movie.  

Timothée Chalamet said he has a helmet and a chain from "The King."

While working on the 2019 film "The King," Timothée Chalamet told BBC Radio 1 that he got to keep a few things from the set, although he regrets not trying to take home a big sword.

He grabbed the "thick, metal helmet" and a period chain with a "contemporary feel to it" instead. 

Julie Andrews kept a pair of shoes from "Mary Poppins."

While on "The Graham Norton Show," actress Julie Andrews said she took home a pair of shoes from "Mary Poppins." She said the pair of kicks now serve as doorstops in her home. 

• Instagram's decision to test hiding the number of 'likes' on posts has been met with backlash from influencers and celebrities. But according to experts, Instagram is still the leading app for monetizing a social media following.
• Along with YouTube, Instagram is one of the only platforms where influencers can reliably monetize their follower count thanks to its social commerce tools.
• That won't change if "like" counts are hidden, experts say — that's because advertisers and influencers now care more about click-through traffic than "vanity metrics" like the number of "likes" on a post.
• TikTok is piloting social commerce tools similar to Instagram, but it's too soon to tell whether those will catch on.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Instagram's announcement that it would test hiding the number of "likes" on posts for some US users ruffled feathers earlier this month, with some celebrities and influencers threatening to leave the app over the disappearance of their like counts.

But Instagram is still one of the most reliably profitable apps for both influencers and advertisers alike. And according to influencer marketing experts, the decision to hide the number of likes on posts is unlikely to change that.

Instagram has said its decision to hide like counts is geared towards improving mental health.

"We are testing private like counts because we want Instagram to be a place where people feel comfortable expressing themselves. Gaining more leverage over ad deals has not been, and will not be, a motivating factor for the test," a spokesperson for Facebook, which owns Instagram, told Business Insider.

In interviews with Business Insider, the heads of four social media marketing firms explained why Instagram is still king when it comes to monetizing a social media following.

Above all, its biggest draw is the size of its audience. Instagram has over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide. It also has a head start on social commerce tools, which allow influencers to link directly to ecommerce sites from their posts and for advertisers to monitor the number of users who click on those links — a much more valuable metric than the number of likes a post gets.

Experts said the only comparably monetizable app for influencers is YouTube, which offers the unique feature of paying creators ad royalties based on the number of views their videos get. TikTok has also begun to roll out social commerce tools, but experts said it's too soon to tell whether those will prove as effective as Instagram's.

"Instagram is still far and away the leader for branded content deals in part because that's where those with the most purchasing power are and at the greatest scale," Ryan Detert, CEO of influencer marketing firm Influential, told Business Insider.

Here's a breakdown of why experts say Instagram is still the most lucrative social media for influencers, even if it hides how many likes a post gets:

SEE ALSO: Celebrities and influencers are furious at Instagram's experiment with hiding likes, and some are threatening to stop posting on the app

Advertisers and influencers alike are paying more attention to how many people click on e-commerce links, rather than "vanity metrics" like the number of likes.

Instagram recently rolled out a feature that enables influencers and brands to directly link to products pictured in posts. These sort of links to e-commerce sites are more valuable than the number of likes a sponsored post gets, according to Amar Braithwaite, a social media marketing strategist with Tinuiti.

"We're starting to see the shift for click-through commerce. We can now gauge whether or not an influencer is really making a sale and whether they're contributing to the bottom dollar," Braithwaite said. "Brands are going to move away from the vanity metrics of likes and follower counts."

Focusing on click-throughs instead of likes will also weed out influencers who buy fake likes, a practice that experts say is common.

"Hiding likes will be a major inflection point in the influencer industry. The influencers that were propped up on illegitimate audiences will fade away, leaving the true creators to shine," said Matt Zuvella, vice president of marketing at FamePick.

The number of fake likes being bought by influencers was becoming such a problem in recent years that it was discouraging some advertisers from seeking partnerships on Instagram.

"We saw that bot fraud was a major issue over the last couple years. Not even because people wanted to necessarily fool brands, but they wanted their followers to think a post of them or what they were working on was perceived as successful," Detert said. "This removes that need and will be a big blow to the 'duping farms' economy of buying fake likes."

Hiding like counts could also reduce the pressure influencers feel and encourage more users to post in the feed, rather than in Instagram stories — temporary posts that are thereby less lucrative for monetization.

"We've seen the shift to stories and everybody's doing their stuff in stories and it lasts less long. Unfortunately, that means there's going to be less feed-based posts which means there's less ad revenues," Braithwaite said. "With hiding likes, people are going to post more pictures because they aren't worried about how they'll perform."

Influencers are likely to keep exploring other options, but so far no other app has built a monetizable platform that's comparable to Instagram.

"Ultimately influencers care about two things: growing their audiences and making money. It's still too early to tell if there are any changes in engagement metrics,"Captiv8 CEO Krishna Subramanian said. "Instagram and YouTube are the two best ecosystems for influencers to monetize their audiences and we don't expect that to change in the short term."

"I think by nature influencers come to the table with a very entrepreneurial, savvy mentality so they've been testing new platforms since the inception," Braithwaite said. "I don't think the [decision to hide likes] will change that but it might open their eyes."

• Public testimonies in the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump have entered their second week. 
• In the second week of public testimony, at least nine government officials and diplomats are expected to testify. 
• The first week of public hearings saw testimony from acting US ambassador to Ukraine Bill Taylor, State Department official George Kent, and former US ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Public testimonies in the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump have entered their second week, and nine more people are expected to speak in front of the House Intelligence Committee by Thursday.

House Democrats launched an impeachment inquiry into Trump in September. They're investigating whether or not Trump withheld military aid from Ukraine unless the country's top officials investigated former Vice President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden. Much of the inquiry is focused on a July phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. 

The public phase of the inquiry kicked off last week, with testimony from acting US ambassador to Ukraine Bill Taylor, State Department official George Kent, and former US ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch.

Taylor, Kent, and Yovanovitch told the House Intelligence Committee that Trump had withheld military aid from Ukraine as leverage to pressure its top officials into investigating former Vice President Joe Biden; had his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani try to get information on the Bidens; and led a yearlong "smear campaign" against Yovanovitch alongside Giuliani before she was ousted.

The national security officials and diplomats testifying in the inquiry's second week of public questioning previously spoke behind closed doors. But now the public will have a chance to hear their testimony.

Here's information on everyone known to be testifying publicly in the inquiry.

Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, the top Ukraine specialist on the National Security Council.

Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, the top Ukraine specialist on the National Security Council, listened to the July 25 phone call betwen Trump and Zelensky at the center of the impeachment inquiry.

In closed-door hearing earlier this month, Vindman confirmed that Trump engaged in a quid pro quo with Zelensky.

"It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see where the gain would be for the president in investigating the son of a political opponent," he testified.

He said he was so concerned about the phone call that he reported it to John Eisenberg, the top lawyer for the National Security Council. He said Eisenberg told him not to tell anyone else about the phone call.

Jennifer Williams, a State Department official and advisor to Vice President Mike Pence.

Jennifer Williams, a State Department official and adviser to Vice President Mike Pence, listened in on the July 25 call between Trump and Zelensky.

Williams has said she was concerned about what she heard, but there's no indication she flagged her concerns to any supervisors, a source told CNN. 

Kurt Volker, Special envoy to Ukraine.

Kurt Volker, the former US special representative to Ukraine, was on a list of witnesses requested to appear by Republican members of the Intelligence Committee, according to NPR.

In earlier statements he made in closed-door testimony, Volker contradicted Trump's claims that Biden urged Ukraine to fire a prosecutor who was investigating a natural-gas company that Hunter Biden was working for.

Volker said in his testimony that the prosecutor, Viktor Shokin, was not investigating the natural-gas company or any other corruption cases.

Volker said that Joe Biden was execution US policy in pushing for Shokin to be fired.

Additionally, Volker said in testimony that Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, was a "direct conduit" between Trump and Ukraine.

Tim Morrison, a former National Security Council aide.

Tim Morrison, a former National Security Council aide, also heard the July 25 call between Trump and Zelensky.

In closed-door testimony he said he didn't view Trump's actions as illegal or inappropriate.

"I want to be clear, I was not concerned that anything illegal was discussed," Morrison said in remarks that were obtained by the Associated Press. 

Gordon Sondland, US Ambassador to the European Union.

Gordon Sondland, US Ambassador to the European Union, has faced scrutiny over his closed-door testimony and a three-page amendment he sent afterward that revised his original testimony.

In closed-door testimony, Sondland told the committee that he was involved in a campaign to pressure Ukraine.

In his amendment to the testimony, Sondland, a once-top donor to Trump, revised his account, admitting that he told senior aide to Zelensky that Trump would "likely" leverage hundreds of millions of dollars of military aid as a way to get Ukraine to launch investigations into the Bidens.

Laura Cooper, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia.

Laura Cooper, a senior Pentagon official responsible for Ukraine, said in closed-door hearings that in conversations with Volker and Taylor, it was clear that Ukraine knew about the freeze on military aide before it was reported on in August.

"I knew from my Kurt Volker conversation and also from sort of the alarm bells that were coming from Ambassador Taylor and his team that there were Ukrainians who knew about this," she testified, according to the transcript.

Additionally, she said that Volker told her that he was working with Ukraine to make a statement that denied election interference.

David Hale, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.

In a closed-door hearing on November 6, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale, testified about his knowledge of the ousting of US Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch.

Hale told the committee that ahead of his visit to Ukraine in March 2019, Congressman Pete Sessions had told Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that Yovanovitch was "saying derogatory things about President Trump." He said he didn't believe the accusation was valid.

He said by the end of march, the criticism against Yovanovitch had grown so strong, that she emailed him, saying "she felt she could no longer function unless there was a strong statement of defense of her from the State Department."

Fiona Hill, formerly the top Russia specialist on the National Security Council,

Fiona Hill, the former NSC senior director for Russian and Eurasian affairs, gave testimony at a closed-door hearing on a White House meeting about the Trump administration's quid pro quo that is a key factor in the impeachment hearing.

She said that during the meeting Sondland said Ukraine had to commit to launching investigations favorable to Trump in order to meet with him at the White House.

She said then-National Security Adviser John Bolton cut the meeting short and told her to report it to NSC counsel John Eisenberg.

Also in her testimony, Hill said Giuliani was trying to impact policy in Ukraine, and Bolton told her that Giuliani was "a hand grenade that is going to blow everything up." 

David Holmes, a US Embassy in Ukraine official.

David Holmes, a State Department aide who worked at the US Embassy in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, gave closed-door testimony about overhearing a phone call between Sondland and Trump that took place after the initial July 25 phone call. 

He said he heard Sondland tell Trump that Zelensky would do "anything you ask him to" and that the Ukrainian president had committed to "do the investigation,"according to NPR.

Bill Taylor, acting US ambassador to Ukraine, already testified.

Bill Taylor, the US's chief envoy in Ukraine, said in his testimony that Trump withheld back military aid from Ukraine unless the country agreed to investigate a company linked to Joe Biden's family, directly confirming a quid pro quo that has become the center of the impeachment probe. 

George Kent, deputy assistant secretary for Europe and Eurasian affairs, already testified.

As a key witness in the inquiry, George Kent testified about former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani's efforts on Trump's behalf to get information about former Vice President Joe Biden from Ukraine.

Marie Yovanovitch, former US ambassador to Ukraine, already testified.

Marie Yovanovitch, the ousted US ambassador to Ukraine, spoke about Trump, his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, and top officials at the State Department in her testimony.

She described her ousting as a nearly yearlong "smear campaign" that was based on fabrications and lies.

• Since the rise of YouTube influencers, Hollywood's top talent agencies have developed digital-focused departments, and now work with popular YouTube stars like Emma Chamberlain and Shane Dawson in developing multi-platform businesses.
• Business Insider is highlighting 18 power players in the digital talent agent space, based on who is successfully helping shape the careers of creators.
• These talent agents help their clients monetize their online brands, build lasting partnerships with companies through influencer marketing campaigns, and develop consumer products. 
• Send your influencer industry tips to this author at aperelli@businessinsider.com.
• Click here for more BI Prime stories.

YouTube creators are dominating the influencer space and building multi-faceted businesses to rise above the whims the algorithm.

These influencers expand their digital businesses by selling consumer products, securing lucrative brand partnerships, and through other avenues. And big creators often have a team of industry professionals by their side helping them run their empires.

After highlighting the top talent managers in the YouTube influencer space earlier this year, Business Insider is now putting a spotlight on the top talent agents. These 18 power players are helping shape the careers of social-media stars in 2019.

Since the rise of YouTube influencers, Hollywood's top entertainment agencies, from WME to UTA, have developed digital-focused departments, and now work with popular stars like Emma Chamberlain and Shane Dawson.

Some YouTube creators have both a talent manager and an agent to help build their digital brand. In those cases, a manager will often help with day-to-day work of crafting the creator's brand, while an agent will work bringing in deals and on broader business strategy. There's also some overlap.

"Agents and managers are really partners in representing talent," said Carolyn Moneta, a digital media agent at William Morris Endeavor. "Traditionally, we are really executing on the vision that the client has, that the manager is helping to materialize. We procure the deals and help negotiate them, whereas managers are really on the ground helping to manager their day-to-day lives and articulate the vision to the agents who can execute on it."

Moneta represents creators like Lilly Singh (14.9 million YouTube subscribers) and told Business Insider that she works to connect clients with top brands and to help clients build out direct-to-consumer products. 

"We focus on direct-to-consumer business strategies on the consumer products space, brand partnerships, endorsements, podcasts, and other initiatives for our clients across the company," Moneta said.

Recently, Moneta worked with her clients Ethan and Grayson Dolan, known as The Dolan Twins online (with 10.6 million YouTube subscribers), in developing a direct-to-consumer perfume line. 

"When you can own something, rather than endorse it, that is really an important part of their business and can sustain beyond their stardom," she said. "It gives them the control." 

Similar to managers, agents earn revenue by receiving a cut of the influencer's earnings, which typically ranges from 10% to 20%, depending on how much the agent does for the client, according to industry insiders.

To form this list, Business Insider relied on a mix of our own reporting, nominations from readers, and industry experts to narrow down the finalists. We chose them based on their experience in the YouTube influencer space, their responsibilities, and their impact on the business of being a creator. 

The 18 power players are listed in alphabetical order by agency: 

Abrams Artists Agency – Maxwell Mitcheson, Amanda Marzolf, Jade Sherman, Melissa DeMarco, Keith Bielory, and Marienor Madrilejo

From authors, actors, and dancers to YouTube stars and professional gamers, Abrams Artists Agency, founded in 1977, represents clients across the entertainment industry and in areas of digital media like YouTube and Instagram. 

Maxwell Mitcheson, agent

Mitcheson began his career at ICM Partners, in the Global Branded Entertainment group, securing commercial endorsements for celebrity talent.

At AAA, he builds revenue opportunities for clients, while also continuing to build their
personal brand. Recent deals include partnerships with brands like Target, H&M, and Secret. 

Amanda Marzolf, senior agent

Marzolf works to build the personal brands of influencers across digital platforms including YouTube, Instagram, and Snap.

She facilities business opportunities on these platforms for her clients, and has worked to break clients into traditional media like television, film, and publishing.

She's closed deals for clients like Jackie Aina, who has a Savage x Fenty partnership and Anastassia Beverly Hills collab.

Jade Sherman, partner

Sherman is the youngest partner at AAA.

She has worked with social-media influencers in creating partnerships in the form of branded content partnerships, unscripted shows that live separate from their social platforms, podcasts, and books. 

Melissa DeMarco, agent

DeMarco works to close deals including Mr. Kate and Lowes' multi-episode campaign, MakeUpByDenise's partnership with Bobbi Brown to create her own custom Crushed Liquid Lip Color (sold in Sephora), Sasha Morga's year-long campaign with Windsor, and Olivia Rouyre's long-term deal with Coach. 

Keith Bielory, agent

Bielory is one AAA's few digital agents based on the East Coast and he works on brand marketing, endorsements, licensing, and event sponsorship for clients.

Bielory's roster consists of leaders in the health, wellness, family, lifestyle, and beauty spaces.

One of his key clients is Doctor Mike, whose YouTube channel Keith helped launch a little over two years ago. Today, his channel has exceeded 4 million subscribers and Doctor Mike is a 2019 Shorty Award Finalist for "Breakout YouTuber of the Year."

Marienor Madrilejo, agent

Madrilejo works to develop her client's brands into IP.

Madrilejo helped YouTube star Guava Juice launch his toy line and land it on the shelves of Walmart and Target stores nationwide.

She has experience working with global brands like Apple, Amazon, Estee Lauder, and General Mills.

AAA talent includes: Guava Juice (14 million subscribers), Mr. Kate (3.6 million subscribers), Andrea Brooks (4.4 million subscribers), Meredith Foster (4.6 million subscribers), and Anthony Padilla (3.5 million subscribers).

Creative Artists Agency — Arleta Fowler

With clients like Robert Downey Jr. and Beyoncé, Creative Artists Agency, founded in 1975 by agents from William Morris, is one of the major Hollywood agencies.

Arleta Fowler is an agent within CAA's digital media department.

Fowler works with her digital clients to leverage their massive audiences and to build new businesses. Some of her clients include Liza Koshy, Melvin Gregg, Summer Mckeen, and Demetrius Harmon.

She works to negotiate and secure deals for her clients and drive her clients' businesses across multiple verticals, including the areas of television and film. She's helped her clients land brand partnerships with companies including Dolce & Gabbana, Calvin Klein, Maybelline, Google, Adidas, and Nike.

Fowler began her career at Discovery Channel. She joined CAA in 2005.

Talent includes: Liza Koshy (17.7 million subscribers), Melvin Gregg (469,000 subscribers), Summer Mckeen (2.3 million subscribers), Demetrius Harmon, Jasmine Luv, and Brian Jordan Alvarez, among others.

Creative Artists Agency — Andrew Graham

Andrew Graham is an agent within CAA's digital media department.

At CAA, Graham has worked to expand consumer partnerships for traditional and digital clients, expanding their businesses into multiple revenue streams.

He has worked to negotiate direct-to-consumer merchandising lines for clients like Sam & Colby (3.7 million subscribers) for their merchandise line "XPLR," which is also sold in Hot Topic stores.

Graham has worked to build branded content partnerships for his clients with companies like Samsung, Verizon, 5 GUM, Coca-Cola, and Nike.

Before joining CAA in 2016, Graham previously worked as a senior talent manager at the digital media company Fullscreen Media, and then at YouTube multi-channel network and talent management company Big Frame (acquired by AwesomenessTV). 

Talent includes: Gabbie Hanna (6 million subscribers) and Sam & Colby (3.7 million subscribers). 

Creative Artists Agency — Chris Wittine

Chris Wittine is is an agent within CAA's digital media department.

Wittine works to secure business opportunities for the agency's clients across the entertainment and digital verticals, focusing on brand partnerships, platform strategy, and business development. 

He represents content creators and pro gamers like The Dobre Brothers with 7.9 million subscribers.

Wittine began his career at William Morris Endeavor in 2014, and joined CAA in 2018.

Talent includes: The Dobre Brothers (7.9 million subscribers), DrDisrespect (1.29 million subscribers), Sam & Colby (3.7 million subscribers), and Nick Eh 30 (4.6 million subscribers).

Re6l – Duke McKenzie, Kat Peterson, and Sam Ryley

Re6l is an influencer media and ecommerce company based in Toronto, with clients like YouTube's most popular creator, PewDiePie, who has 102 million subscribers.

The founding members include Duke McKenzie (CEO), Kat Peterson (cofounder and vice president of business development), and Sam Ryley (cofounder). 

They represent a small group of YouTube creators, helping them develop their brand-sponsored campaigns, brand partner relationships, and power their owned and operated ecommerce brands. 

Talent includes: PewDiePie (102 million subscribers), Luzu Games (9 million subscribers),  and Hello I'm Lana (487,000 subscribers).

William Morris Endeavor — Alexandra Devlin

William Morris Endeavor (a subsidiary of Endeavor) is among the top Hollywood talent agencies, serving clients like Ben Affleck and Amy Adams. The current company was formed in 2009 after William Morris Agency and the Endeavor Agency merged.

Alexandra Devlin is an agent in WME's digital media department.

She represents talent like David Dobrik, Benito Skinner, The Dolan Twins, and Mixed Makeup, and works to connect them with brands for partnerships.

Prior to WME, Devlin served as an executive vice president at Light Switch Digital and prior to that, worked as a talent manager at Digital Brand Architects, focusing on negotiating and securing branded deals for digital influencers and building influencer ambassador programs for major brands.

Talent includes: David Dobrik (14.4 million subscribers), Benito Skinner (193,000 subscribers), The Dolan Twins (10.6 million subscribers) and Mixed Makeup (1 million subscribers).

William Morris Endeavor — Ben Davis

Ben Davis is a digital media partner at William Morris Endeavor. 

He started his career in the WME mail room in Beverly Hills in 2011. 

Today, Davis represents a variety of YouTube talent and leads the agency's podcast efforts.

He became a partner in August 2019, and in his role, Davis works to develop content strategy, source and negotiate deals, and explore opportunities for digital properties to cross over into traditional media.

Since working his way up the company, Davis has had success with bringing traditional media stars like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson to YouTube.   

Talent includes: Casey Neistat (11.6 million subscribers), David Dobrik (14.4 million subscribers), Sean Evans (7.5 million subscribers), Binging with Babish (5.5 million subscribers), Vsauce (15 million subscribers), and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (4.6 million subscribers).

William Morris Endeavor — Carolyn Moneta

Carolyn Moneta is an agent in William Morris Endeavor's digital media department.

She connects clients with brands and works to build direct-to-consumer strategies for clients across the company. She represents talent like Lilly Singh, Casey Neistat, and David Dobrik.

Moneta works with clients to build brand partnerships and worked to establish the two-year partnership between Singh and the skin care line Olay. 

"This has really helped her grow her visibility off platform," Moneta said, and Singh is in her second year working for Olay.  

Moneta began her career as a production assistant on Jenji Kohan's "Weeds," ultimately leading to her current role as agent at WME.

Talent includes: Lilly Singh (14.9 million YouTube subscribers), Casey Neistat (11.6 million subscribers), David Dobrik (14.4 million subscribers), and The Dolan Twins (10.6 million subscribers).

William Morris Endeavor — Joe Izzi

Joe Izzi is an agent in William Morris Endeavor's digital media department.

Izzi works to help clients build out and diversify their brands through television, commercials and licensing, podcasts, touring, publishing, fashion, and modeling.

He also works to build digital businesses for the agency's traditional talent, and recently brought Chrissy Teigen, Jack Black, Jason Momoa, and Ronda Rousey to YouTube for the first time.

Izzi joined WME in 2010.

Talent includes: The Dolan Twins (10.6 million subscribers), David Dobrik and the Vlog Squad (14.4 million subscribers), Maddie and Mackenzie Zielger (3 million subscribers each), and Jake Paul (19.7 million subscribers). 

United Talent Agency — Greg Goodfried and Alison Berman (coheads of digital talent)

United Talent Agency represents artists and other professionals in the entertainment industry, from Angelina Jolie to Timothée Chalamet. Established in 1991, UTA is among the major Hollywood talent agencies and has developed a digital talent department focused on building businesses for top YouTube creators. 

Ali Berman and Greg Goodfried cohead United Talent Agency's digital talent department. 

Berman oversees the agency's day-to-day projects, representing creators across YouTube, Instagram, and other emerging platforms. She works with digital creators to help grow and expand their businesses in publishing and consumer products. 

She has helped negotiate endorsement deals between clients and high-profile brands including Nike, Universal, Amazon, and Samsung.

Berman signed 18-year-old YouTube phenomenon Emma Chamberlain shortly after Chamberlain started her YouTube channel. She worked with Chamberlain to expand her brand and launch the podcast "Stupid Genius," as well as establish top brand collaborations, like becoming the the face of Hollister's 2019 Swim campaign and working on a campaign with Louis Vuitton. 

YouTube star Shane Dawson (23 million subscribers) is one of Berman's longtime clients. Dawson, popular today for his documentary-style videos like "The Truth About TanaCon,""The Secret World of Jeffree Star," and "The Mind of Jake Paul," is a famous face with the YouTube community. 

For clients like Dawson, Berman has assisted in releasing books, some of which have become New York Times bestsellers. 

Greg Goodfried, the other cohead of digital talent at UTA, represents YouTube creators like Shay Mitchell, Alisha Marie, and Karina Garcia.

Goodfried worked to help Garcia with launching her toy company "Craft City" at Target, and  worked to help other clients with licensing deals with Too Faced, OGX, and Sinful Nails. 

Goodfried was previously the president and cofounder of the media company EQAL, and Berman started as an agent at UTA. 

Talent includes: Rhett & Link (15.9 million subscribers), Shane Dawson (23.1 million subscribers), Emma Chamberlain (8.52 million subscribers), Safiya Nygaard (8.49 million subscribers), among others.

• Men's underwear can either be crowding or an all-out free-for-all affair. Neither ends up being too comfortable, but Saxx is out to change that.
• Saxx's proprietary Ballpark Pouch is designed to hold everything in place while keeping chafing, bunching, and perspiration at bay.
• We tried out a few of the brand's styles — find our reviews below.

Gentlemen, if you've had trouble finding and wearing underwear you can bear, know this: You're not alone. Some underwear, like certain briefs, can be a horrendous besiege on the groin and everything therein. But then again, more accommodating boxer briefs can result in a bunched-up, tangled, and constrictive mess, too. Where, oh where is that enigmatic middle ground?

Saxx, an explicatively named underwear brand, has moved the ball forward ever so slightly for all of mankind with their proprietary "Ballpark Pouch" design, a simple-but-still-somehow-novel innovation that creates a pouch for, well, your pouch.

Designed to keep things in place, but not too firmly, the Ballpark Pouch is designed to reduce chaffing and perspiration while increasing breathability.

A few of the gents on the Insider Picks team went ahead and tried them out. Below, you'll find our thoughts.

Vibe Boxer Brief

Saxx Vibe Boxer Brief, $32

The best thing I can say after testing out Saxx' Vibe underwear a few times is that I didn't notice them at all throughout the day. I didn't experience any uncomfortable riding up or waistband pressure points by the end of the day. 

Plus, after a few tumbles in my washer and dryer the underwear have maintained the trademark fabric softness that garners the high price tag. Admittedly, the marketing might be overkill, but they are definitely a high-quality boxer brief that I don't have to think about once I put them on in the morning. — Danny Bakst, Insider Picks Senior Content Producer

Quest Loose Cannon Loose Fit Boxer

Saxx Quest Loose Cannon Loose Fit Boxer, $34

I tried a few pairs of Saxx out before I found one suited me. The first ones all felt like compression shorts, and while maybe breathable, felt uncomfortable and even stifling. Some people, whom I might venture to call masochists, seem to appreciate that. Maybe this is merely a personal preference, but such constriction, or confinement of any sort, just won't do for me. However, compared with regular cotton and other synthetic briefs (especially compression shorts), I'll readily concede that they were still far more comfortable.

The pair I've settled on continuing to wear is the "Quest Loose Cannon," which, as the name suggests, gives one's parts a room of their own, dubbed the "Ballpark Pouch."

"Ballpark Pouch" may be a bit silly where branding is concerned, but then so is "Saxx," at least in my book. If you can get past all that, along with the price tag (upwards of $25 a pair), then a whole wide world of breathable, featherlight boxers and briefs awaits. I'll be picking up a pair or two more as I can. — Owen Burke, Insider Picks Reporter

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed these boxers.  They were soft but not the uncomfortable, silky-soft type, which usually feels weird on my skin. They had great support that made it pleasant to wear throughout the day. Washing and drying these worked out just fine — I didn't need to give them any special treatment. I highly recommend them and will definitely enjoy this pair of Saxx boxers for a while. — Shalom Goodman, Insider Picks SEO Fellow

Ultra Boxer Brief

Saxx Ultra Boxer Brief, $32

Aside from Saxx giving the underwear and technology funny names like "Sock Monkey" and "Ballpark Pouch," the brand is pretty serious about making better underwear for men. After the first wear, I was thoroughly impressed me with the quality and comfort. The material is so soft that you barely notice they're on when you're dressed.

I've worn other underwear with similar support systems as the Ballpark Pouch, but I like Saxx's version best because it still manages to include a fly opening. I've amassed an insane amount of boxer briefs from testing countless brands for Insider Picks, so I can go a relatively long time without doing laundry, but Saxx is the pair I want to wash immediately so I can wear it again. I've washed and dried them a handful of times already and they fit just as well as when I got them. — Amir Ismael, Insider Picks Reporter

The material of this pair was a little softer than I prefer, but I found them surprisingly supportive, more in line with what I expect from a heavier material. The light and breathable material made them fantastic to wear during a couple of the temperature peaks this summer. — Adam Burakowski, Insider Picks Director of Partnerships

Undercover Briefs

Saxx Undercover Briefs, $24

Without revealing too much of my medical history, I suffer from contact dermatitis in my nether regions — it's something common that many men go through (or, at least, that's what my dermatologist told me). This occurs if I wear underwear that isn't breathable and has fabric that cuts into my skin, particular with briefs. I've tried many types of underwear that either use moisture-wicking material or have an innovative pouch design (or both) and my favorite in the past few years has been underwear from Saxx. The fabric is soft and the Ballpark Pouch provides some breathing room.

I usually wear Saxx trunks and boxer briefs, so for this test, I thought I'd try the briefs (tighty whities, if you will, although I got the Undercover Briefs in black). It delivered the same experience except for less leg coverage. If you prefer briefs over boxers, I found the Undercover briefs to be very comfortable, and the quality remained intact after a few washes. If I had to complain, it would be that Saxx products (and other types of "high-tech" underwear) are expensive. However, the relief they provide for my sensitive skin is worth the cost. — Les Shu, Insider Picks Buying Guides Editor

• This week's impeachment hearings kicked off on Tuesday with four officials scheduled to testify.
• They are: Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, top Ukraine expert on National Security Council; Jennifer Williams, foreign service aide detailed to Vice President Mike Pence; Tim Morrison, NSC's former official in charge of overseeing Russia and Europe policy; and Kurt Volker, the US's former Special Representative to Ukraine.
• Vindman and Williams directly listened in on the July 25 phone call at the center of the impeachment inquiry. They testified together beginning at 9 a.m. ET.
• Volker and Morrison will give testimony at 2:30 p.m. showing how the phone call was just one data point in President Donald Trump's months-long campaign to strongarm Ukraine into delivering political dirt while holding up military aid and a White House meeting.
• Scroll down to watch the hearing and follow Insider's live coverage.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

This week's impeachment hearings kicked off on Tuesday with four current and former administration officials scheduled to testify in open session.

Here's who's testifying:

• Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, the top Ukraine expert on the National Security Council.
• Jennifer Williams, a foreign service aide detailed to Vice President Mike Pence.
• Tim Morrison, the NSC's former official in charge of overseeing Russia and Europe policy.
• Kurt Volker, the US's former Special Representative to Ukraine.

Vindman and Williams testified together beginning at 9 a.m. ET before the House Intelligence Committee. Morrison and Volker will jointly testify in a second hearing beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Watch the first hearing here:

SEE ALSO: The GOP's defenses in the Trump impeachment inquiry are about to blow up in spectacular fashion this week

What Vindman, Williams, Morrison, and Volker told Congress behind closed doors

Both Williams and Vindman directly listened in on the July 25 call between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that's at the center of the impeachment inquiry.

Vindman also witnessed efforts by John Eisenberg, the NSC's chief lawyer, to bury records of the call after several officials sounded the alarm over what Trump had said.

During the phone call, Trump repeatedly pressured Zelensky to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden and his son for corruption. He also asked Zelensky to look into a bogus conspiracy theory suggesting it was Ukraine, not Russia, that interfered in the 2016 election and that it did so to benefit Hillary Clinton's campaign.

Volker and Morrison will give testimony showing how the phone call was just one data point in a months-long shadow foreign policy campaign to strongarm Ukraine into delivering Trump the political dirt he wanted. While doing so, the president withheld a $391 million vital military aid package to Ukraine as well as a White House meeting for Zelensky.

• Read more of Insider's impeachment coverage:
• Here's who's scheduled to testify in this week's impeachment inquiry hearings
• Think Trump will get impeached? Gambling sites say the odds are in your favor
• Trump could be impeached and removed from office but still win reelection in 2020
• Over half of the House of Representatives support the impeachment inquiry against Trump — see all of them here
• Everything you need to know about Trump's impeachment process: What's happened, who the players are, and what comes next

• Data breaches are becoming common for all kinds of businesses, including retailers.
• Since the start of 2018, at least 20 retailers and consumer companies were hacked and likely had information stolen from them.
• Many of these breaches were caused by flaws in payment systems that were taken advantage of by hackers.
• Retailers who suffer data breaches risk losing their customers' trust. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Data breaches are on the rise for all kinds of businesses, including retailers. 

At least 20 consumer companies reported data breaches since January 2018. Many of them were caused by flaws in payment systems either online or in stores.

A report published by cybersecurity firm Shape Security showed that 80-90% of the people who log in to a retailer's e-commerce site are hackers using stolen data. This is the highest percentage of any sector examined in the report.

These data breaches are a real danger for both companies and customers, as they can damage the trust shoppers have in brands. 

According to a study by KPMG, 19% of consumers said they would completely stop shopping at a retailer after a breach, and 33% said they would take a break from shopping there for an extended period.

But one expert from a personal virtual network service provider said that he's worried about the ultimate fallout from all these breaches.

"Due to frequent cyber-attacks and data leaks, people are becoming less attuned to privacy risks," Daniel Markuson, a digital privacy expert from NordVPN, said in a statement. "This may lead to a careless attitude towards their own personal safety, and that would mean more severe damage for all internet users."

Here are the consumer and retail companies that have suffered a data breach since January 2018: 

SEE ALSO: Jeff Bezos has said that Amazon has had failures worth billions of dollars — here are some of the biggest ones

Macy's

Macy's confirmed Tuesday that some of its online shoppers' payment details were compromised after hackers cracked into its "Checkout" and "My Wallet" pages. 

The department store chain alerted customers about the issue in a letter sent out on Thursday. 

"We are aware of a data security incident involving a small number of our customers on Macys.com," a representative from Macy's said in a statement to Business Insider on Tuesday. "We have investigated the matter thoroughly, addressed the cause and have implemented additional security measures as a precaution."

Hy-Vee

On August 14, grocery chain Hy-Vee announced that it has launched an investigation to look into unauthorized transactions made at some of its fuel pumps, drive-thru coffee shops, and restaurants.

In a statement online, the company said that it didn't believe that other payments made in its grocery stores, drugstores, or convenience stores had been impacted. 

Poshmark

On August 1, Poshmark released a statement on its website saying that "data from some Poshmark users was acquired by an unauthorized third party." The company said that the stolen data "does not include any financial or physical address information" and that it shouldn't have compromised any passwords.

The online clothing marketplace was hacked despite using "one of the stronger algorithms" to "scramble passwords," TechCrunch reported.

Checkers and Rally's

On May 29, the parent company of fast-food chains Checkers and Rally's informed customers it had found malware at more than 100 restaurants.

The program was installed in the point-of-sale machines and was designed to take credit-card information, but not personal information, the company said. 

Buca di Beppo

Buca di Beppo's parent company, Earl Enterprises, was hit with a major data breach that potentially lasted from May 23, 2018 to March 18, 2019.

The breach may have exposed customers' names and credit- and debit-card numbers, as well as their expiration dates.

Planet Hollywood

Some Planet Hollywood restaurants were also impacted by the breach that hit parent company Earl Enterprises. 

Earl of Sandwich

Locations of Earl of Sandwich were also affected by the Earl Enterprises breach. 

Chicken Guy!

Guy Fieri's chicken chain was affected by the same breach. 

Mixology 101

This Los Angeles restaurant was also named in the Earl Enterprises breach. 

Tequila Taqueria

This Las Vegas restaurant was named as possibly being impacted by the Earl Enterprises breach. 

Marriott hotels

Marriott disclosed a massive breach of data from 500 million customers in late November.

Guests staying at any of the Starwood brand's hotels, including W Hotels, St. Regis, Sheraton, Westin, Element, and Aloft, on or before September 10, likely had their data exposed.

Exposed information included names, mailing addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, passport numbers, dates of birth, gender, and other Starwood account information.

Encrypted credit-card information was also exposed, and, potentially, the key to decrypt it.

"Marriott reported this incident to law enforcement and continues to support their investigation," the company said at the time. "The company has already begun notifying regulatory authorities."

Arne Sorenson, Marriott's president and CEO, said: "We deeply regret this incident happened."

Kay Jewelers

Signet Jewelers, parent company of Kay Jewelers, had a vulnerability in its website that exposed customers' information after they had purchased jewelry online.

By changing the link customers received confirming online orders, anyone could access information including customers' names, the order's billing address, shipping address, phone number, and email address, plus the number of items and total dollar amount for the order, the delivery date, and a tracking link.

Only the last four digits of a customer's credit-card number were on the page, however.

The issue was fixed in November for orders going forward. It was fixed for past orders in December, according to Krebs on Security. 

Jared The Galleria of Jewelry

Signet Jewelers also owns Jared The Galleria of Jewelry, which had the same vulnerability as Kay.

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

Darden Restaurants announced in August that it had been notified by government officials that it was the victim of a cyberattack.

Customers who visited Darden-owned Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen between November 3, 2017 and January 2, 2018 may have had their credit-card information stolen. Darden estimates that 567,000 card numbers could have been compromised.

Customers affected would have visited a Cheddar's location in any one of these states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Macy's

Macy's confirmed that some customers shopping online at Macys.com and Bloomingdales.com between April 26, 2018 and June 12, 2018 could have had their personal information and credit-card details exposed to a third party.

Macy's did not confirm exactly how many people were impacted. However, a spokesperson for the company said the breach was limited to a small group of people. 

Macy's said in a statement: "We have investigated the matter thoroughly, addressed the cause and, as a precaution, have implemented additional security measures. Macy's, Inc. will provide consumer protection services at no cost to those customers. We have contacted potentially impacted customers with more information about these services."

Adidas

Adidas announced in June 2018 that an "unauthorized party" had gained access to customer data on Adidas' US website. At the time, the company said it believed only customers who shopped on and purchased items from the US version of Adidas.com could have been affected by the breach.

The data that is potentially at risk includes customer contact information like email addresses and physical addresses, as well as login information like usernames and passwords. The passwords were stored with an encryption, however, which would need to be unencrypted before they could be used.

Adidas did not say exactly how many customers could have been affected by the breach, but an Adidas spokeswoman confirmed it was likely "a few million."

Saks Fifth Avenue

Hudson's Bay, the parent company of Saks Fifth Ave, confirmed in April 2018 that a data breach compromised payment systems and therefore customers' credit and debit cards.

Estimates of the amount of affected customers were not released, but it could number in the millions. Online customers were not affected.

Lord & Taylor

Hudson's Bay also owns Lord & Taylor, and those stores were also affected by the breach.

Under Armour's MyFitnessPal app

While Under Armour's store systems and online store weren't affected, the retailer confirmed in March 2018 that data from its MyFitnessPal app was accessed by an "unauthorized party."

Payment information was not released, but Under Armour says user names, emails, and encrypted passwords were affected. More than 150 million people's information was likely compromised.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread confirmed on April 2, 2018 that it was notified of a data leak on its website. 

At the time, it said personal information, including names, addresses, and partial credit card numbers may have leaked, though the company says the investigation is ongoing.

• If you gift a product that has been featured on the show "Shark Tank," then you know it'll be both creative and practical. 
• Games, kitchen tools, skin-care products, and food are all thoughtful gifts you can give to the "Shark Tank" fan in your life. 
• If "Shark Tank" doesn't have the perfect holiday gift for your friends and family, we've rounded up a bunch of great gift ideas. 

One of our favorite shows to spot new products and enjoy some entertaining celebrity judge banter is "Shark Tank," which is soon returning for its 11th season.

As we've seen over the years, some pitches do extremely well, while others aren't so lucky — but the fact remains that the show brings forward new and innovative ideas most of us have never considered.

That's why the products from the show tend to make especially good gifts. They're far from generic and they usually solve a common problem or annoyance. Conveniently, most are also available on Amazon.

Most of these items are available with two-day shipping, so don't stress too hard about scrambling for a last-minute gift — just remember that the sooner you order, the better your chances of a timely arrival.

The top 5 best gifts from 'Shark Tank':

1. A rapid ramen cooker
2. Adorable leather moccasins for babies
3. A reusable smart notebook
4. A drink accessory that keeps their beer cold
5. A baking pan that gives them more edge pieces

If your gift recipient loves watching "Shark Tank," they'll recognize these 23 awesome gift ideas:

A travel accessory that combines a hoodie with a memory foam pillow

HoodiePillow Memory Foam Travel Pillow, $29.95, available at Amazon

The clever design of this two-in-one hoodie and memory foam pillow, which feels like their favorite fleece sweatshirt, lets them fall asleep comfortably while traveling. The hood helps block out light and noise, while the pillow provides soft neck support. 

A baking pan that gives them more edge pieces

Baker's Edge Nonstick Edge Brownie Pan, $35.95, available at Amazon

The days of fighting over the limited number of edge pieces are over. With this unique pan, every piece has two delectable, chewy edges. Other than to make brownies, they can also use it for other desserts, pasta, or any baked good that requires some extra crust. 

A fun outdoor game

Spikeball 3 Ball Kit, $59.99, available at Amazon

On a beautiful sunny day at any park in the city, you'll probably see at least one group playing this fun and active game. With rules similar to volleyball, it's easy to learn — so the whole family can get involved. The company even holds nationwide tournaments if your recipient gets really good at the game. 

A funny gift box

Prank Pack Bathe & Brew Gift Box, $7.54, available at Amazon

The Prank Pack isn't the actual gift, but it is a funny way to prank your recipient and trick them into thinking they're receiving a strange or gimmicky present. The co-founder is a former writer at The Onion, so expect nothing less than hilarious fake products and product descriptions that your recipient will have to pretend to enjoy. 

Rich, dessert-like peanut butter spread packed with protein

Nuts 'N More Chocolate Maple Pretzel Peanut Butter Spread, $11.99, available at Amazon

For the family's resident sweet tooth or fitness enthusiast, get these chunky, sweet-and-salty peanut butter spreads. They contain whey protein isolate, providing 11 grams of protein per serving, and they're low-sugar and low-carb. Spread the creative flavors, which include birthday cake and ginger bread, over pancakes or fruit, or enjoy them straight out of the jar. 

A balance bike

KaZAM No Pedal Balance Bike, $42.99, available at Amazon

Featuring a patented footrest design that helps young kids find their center of gravity, this bike builds the confidence needed to transition to riding a proper bike. The ergonomic, adjustable handles and seat will get kids comfortable and ready to ride right away. The bike weighs only eight pounds and the puncture-free tires never need air. 

A quirky holiday sweater

Tipsy Elves Women's Santa Unicorn Christmas Sweater, $44.95, available at Amazon

Founded by a former lawyer and a former dentist, the funny clothing brand Tipsy Elves exploded in popularity after its 2013 "Shark Tank" appearance and has made over $70 million to date. Its outrageous holiday sweaters, jumpsuits, and ski suits make memorable gifts for the jokesters and party animals in your life (plus they're really comfortable). 

A beach towel that gives back

Sand Cloud Black Acid Wash Beach Towel, $29.95, available at Amazon

This beautiful 100% Turkish cotton towel also works as a throw or wall tapestry. It's thin and compact, but durable. Plus, the company donates 10% of profits to help preserve marine life.

An appliance that turns any beer into draft beer

Fizzics White Waytap Beer Dispenser, $89.95, available at Amazon

Using sound waves, this cool appliance turns any can or bottle of beer into fresh draft beer by turning its natural carbonation into compacted micro bubbles. All they have to do is insert their favorite beer, then pull and push the tap to receive the enhanced version of their IPA, pilsner, or stout. 

A sturdy, inflatable paddle board

Tower Inflatable 9'10" Stand Up Paddle Board, $760.60, available at Amazon

Gift an avid outdoor adventurer this premium paddle board and you'll have a difficult time getting them to return to shore. Its design provides for better balance and stability, while a bottom fin makes it easier to maneuver. It inflates and deflates quickly, so it can be brought anywhere — but unlike many other inflatable boards, it's strong and rigid. 

A reusable smart notebook

Rocketbook Everlast Reusable Smart Notebook, Executive Size, $21, available at Amazon

The innovative tech of the Rocketbook lets them put pen to paper and organize and access those thoughts with the same convenience of digital notes. The 36-page notebook is infinitely reusable because the contents get sent to their chosen cloud service before being wiped clean with a damp cloth. 

Adorable leather moccasins

Freshly Picked Kids' Soft Sole Moccasins (Infant/Toddler), $49-$59, available at Amazon 

The creator of the cutest little baby shoes you've ever seen got her start picking up yard sale leather scraps and selling on Etsy. Today, parents everywhere are obsessed with the unique and comfortable 100% leather designs that infuse style into their baby's every step. 

A temperature-regulating machine that goes under their bed

BedJet V2 Climate Comfort for Beds, $399, available at Amazon

As an engineer who developed the heating and cooling systems of NASA spacesuits, the creator of BedJet has the perfect background to improve the sleep experience. Since temperature often impedes a good night's sleep, the BedJet blows hot or cold air onto the bed and over their body and creates "biorhythm sleep sequences" throughout the night. 

A better protein mixing bottle

Ice Shaker 26-Ounce Stainless Steel Protein Mixing Cup, $35, available at Amazon

The problem with traditional plastic protein powder shakers is that they tend to absorb odor and won't keep the contents cold. Former NFL player Chris Gronkowski's stainless steel water bottle is double-insulated, spill-proof, and odor-free — the upgrade that gym rats deserve. 

A drink accessory that keeps their beer cold

BottleKeeper The Standard 2.0, $34.99, available at Amazon

Is there anything more frustrating to an avid beer drinker than a cold one that's less than cold in just half an hour? The insulated stainless steel BottleKeeper, complete with bottle opener, keeps their beer colder for a longer period of time. It's also a smart way to protect against drops and spills. 

A WiFi-enabled sous vide cooker

Nomiku WiFi Sous Vide 1100-Watt Immersion Circulator, $249, available at Amazon

This sous vide connects to your phone to make sous vide cooking more streamlined than ever. You can create and send recipes to the machine and precisely control the temperature from your phone with the app, letting you keep tabs on your meal even when you're not in the kitchen.

An all-in-one water sports board

ZUP You Got This 2.0 Board Handle Combo, $331.20, available at Amazon 

This versatile board lets all ages and skill levels enjoy the exhilaration of skimming across the water. It can be used as a knee board, water skis, or a wake board, or ridden lying down. Whichever position they choose, they'll feel comfortable and safe during the ride. 

A smart video doorbell

Ring Video Doorbell Pro, Works with Alexa, $249, available at Amazon

Ring may not have secured a deal with the Sharks, but it did strike up a deal with Amazon for over $1 billion last year, so it's doing just fine. The smart security system has two-way talk, sends motion-activated alerts, and works with Alexa, giving homeowners the peace of mind that their house will be safe, regardless of whether they're home. 

A suction silicone place mat

ezpz Happy Mat, $24.99, available at Amazon

Parents will appreciate any help given this holiday season. The place mat stays right in place on any flat surface, making it that much easier to get food from the plate into their child's mouth.

A back support belt

BetterBack, $49.99, available at Amazon

Insider Picks editor Sally Kaplan can't recommend this posture corrector enough. If your recipient suffers from back pain, this ergonomic belt provides the relief they'll need. 

A rapid ramen cooker

Rapid Ramen Cooker, $7.99, available at Amazon 

What seems like a gag gift has actually come in handy for many busy students, parents, and office workers because it takes away the need for a stove and dish-washing session, cooks the noodles more quickly, and requires less water. It's the perfect size for a block of ramen and a faster, more reliable alternative to stovetop cooking. 

A pair of lightweight running sandals

Xero Shoes Barefoot-Inspired Sport Sandals, Men's Z-Trek, $64.99, available at Amazon

Xero Shoes Barefoot-Inspired Sport Sandals, Women's Z-Trek, $64.99, available at Amazon

After constantly getting injured while running, cofounder Steven Sashen switched to barefoot running and loved the effects, so he created a thin running sandal. These comfortable and supportive shoes are great for runners and could inspire them to kick-start their 2019 running goals. They can also be used for outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. 

A set of lace face masks

Lace Your Face Clear Complexion Kit, $55, available at Revolve

A few features set this face mask apart from all the others they've tried. The cotton lace mask uses clinical compression to deliver immediate and long-lasting results, like improving skin texture and elasticity, and thanks to the ear loops and chin strap, it actually stays on their face so they can go about their day as usual. The Clear Complexion Kit is a treatment that uses different ingredients to improve their skin in just four weeks. 

*Not currently available at Amazon

Looking for more gift ideas? We've got you covered.

• Our ultimate list of every gift guide you'll ever need
• Creative gift ideas under $25
• Thoughtful gift ideas under $50
• Clever gift ideas under $100
• Cool stocking stuffers on Amazon
• Affordable tech gifts under $25
• Thoughtful gifts for her, all under $50
• Cool gifts for him on Amazon