• Reddit recently released its year-in-review report highlighting the most popular posts, active subreddit communities, and viral trends on "the front page of the internet."
• The report includes 2019's top posts — that is, those with the most "upvotes," the Reddit-equivalent of "likes" on other social platforms.
• Included in this list of top posts are a timely dad joke, a wholesome cartoon, and a random stream of consciousness thought. There's also one criticizing Reddit for accepting millions in funding from Chinese company Tencent, a move that stoked concerns of censorship across the internet.
• The posts featured on the most-upvoted list show just how much the Reddit community at large values, and embraces, its ability to troll anyone and considers no topic untouchable.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

SEE ALSO: Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer once made an 'Austin Powers' parody video, and it's just as bizarre as you'd imagine

5. This absurdly adorable letter was apparently sent by a 86-year-old to the person he bought a VHS player off of through eBay. (215,000 upvotes)

"I watched tapes of my retirement party from 25 years ago which I had never seen before. Jeez, we were young,"the letter reads. "Each one more fun that the last. All thanks to your generous selling of the VHS player."

4. On the subreddit r/showerthoughts, a user praised the unintended consequences of the superstitious tradition of grooms not seeing their brides in their wedding dresses before the ceremony. (218,000 upvotes)

However, commenters were quick to point out that the tradition is an old one with less romantic roots. It stems from the days when marriages acted as business deals and women were seen as property, and the bride and groom frequently didn't meet until the wedding itself.

3. Among the flurry of groan-worthy dad jokes made each January about what has yet to happen all year was this gem posted to Reddit in 2019. (221,000 upvotes)

Responses to the post didn't disappoint: Hundreds of users responded with their own potty-mouthed jokes and puns.

2. The Reddit community — which includes a massive amount of video game fanatics — loved this heart-warming cartoon depicting a veteran gamer mentoring a novice one. (225,000 upvotes)

In general, gaming is a massively popular section of Reddit, so it's no surprise that this video-game-themed cartoon garnered so much attention. According to Reddit, the top 50 gaming communities have seen a 42% growth in subscribers since last year. This year, the most active gaming subreddit was r/fortnitebr for discussing anything and everything related to the massively popular Battle Royale-style video game.

1. In an ironic twist, the most upvoted post this year was one criticizing Reddit itself for taking money from a Chinese investor, a move back in February that fueled concerns about censorship on the platform. (228,000 upvotes)

The Chinese government's bloody crackdown on the 1989 pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square resulted in one of the most iconic photos ever taken: a protester blocking the path of a massive military tank entering the square. As China worked to suppress news of its violent response to the protests, the photo emerged as — and has since remained — a symbol of truth and resistance in the face of the Chinese government's authoritarian regime and attempt to censor the internet behind its "Great Firewall."

It's no surprise, then, that the photo was employed by a Reddit user earlier this year to level accusations of censorship against the platform. TechCrunch reported in February that Reddit had secured a new round of funding, including $150 million from the massive Chinese investment firm Tencent. Tencent runs some of the biggest social platforms in China, and has adhered to the government's strict censorship demands.

Immediately, Reddit users responded with criticism of the platform for accepting money from a company in China, where Reddit is blocked, and raised concern that Tencent would be able to censor content posted on the platform. Although it's highly unlikely Tencent will have any say in what's posted to Reddit, users flooded the platform with content that would be censored in China, including Winnie the Pooh memes mocking China's president and pictures from Tienanmen Square.

For its part, Reddit helped to assuage censorship concerns by letting the Tienanmen Square post be officially dubbed the most-upvoted Reddit post of 2019. But the post's massive popularity in itself shows just how much the core Reddit community prides itself on being the biggest and loudest trolls across the internet.

Past moves by Reddit to remove harmful and controversial content from its site have been met with incessant trolling and backlash from the the most ardent users, who argue the platform is a lawless place where free speech reigns supreme.

• Professionals all over the country — including those in business, tech, and finance — struggle with alcohol and drug abuse.
• Here are seven successful executives who have opened up about their past drug and alcohol use. 
• Many of them recovered and went on to run successful businesses, like The Wing and Twitch.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more.

Addiction can impact anyone — including highly successful business people.

The number of fatal drug overdoses in the US has risen significantly between 1999 and 2017, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the world's alcohol consumption is set to rise by 17% over the next decade.

Pressure to drink at work and social events can contribute to alcohol abuse. This is especially common in the tech and finance industries, where there is often a pervasive drinking culture

Highly successful founders and investors — from The Wing cofounder to shoe magnate Steve Madden — have struggled with addiction in the past. 

Here are seven successful business people who are open about their past alcohol and drug abuse.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, call SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) to get confidential, free, 24/7 support for individuals and family members facing substance use disorders. The service offers referrals to treatment facilities, support groups, and more.

READ MORE: American workers say jobs should do more to help them cope with mental health issues like depression and stress

Austin Geidt, head of strategy for Uber's Advanced Technologies Group, struggled with drug addiction when she was 19.

Geidt, Uber's fourth employee and current executive, had the honor of ringing the closing New York Stock Exchange bell after the rideshare company went public.

Despite her successful career at Uber, Geidt struggled with drug addiction starting at 19 years old. Business Insider reported that Geidt left college early to go to rehab and did not graduate until she was 25. She's been sober for over a decade. 

"I had a drug addiction. I got sober. I'm 10 years sober," she said in 2015. "I was in a really dark place."

Audrey Gelman, CEO of co-working space The Wing, posted on Twitter to celebrate three years sober.

In July, Gelman posted a photo of a sobriety chip given to members of Alcoholic Anonymous. 

Bronze chips are typically given when a member stays sober for a year. Gelman captioned the photo "three years today."

Beyond her tweets, there hasn't been much written about her alcoholism. But Gelman did make headlines for becoming the first visibly pregnant woman on the cover of a business magazine in September.

Oprah Winfrey, billionaire media mogul, revealed she was addicted to crack cocaine in her 20s.

Winfrey, a wellness investor and the CEO of the Oprah Winfrey Network, revealed her addiction to crack cocaine while she was an anchorwoman in the 1970s.

Winfrey said she used drugs with a former boyfriend she dated in her 20s.

"I was more addicted to the boyfriend than I was to the drugs," Winfrey told the Today show in 2005. Opening up about her drug addiction was the hardest private secret she shared on her show, Winfrey told Today.

Larry Kudlow, White House economic advisor and former Wall Street economist, struggled with drug and alcohol addiction when he worked for the investment bank Bear Stearns.

Kudlow serves as President Donald Trump's senior economic advisor and as director of the National Economic Council. Before politics, Kudlow worked as a TV commentator and at several Wall Street investment banks.

In 1994, Kudlow told the New York Times he left his job at Bear Stearns to enter rehab after years of alcohol and drug addiction. The company later fired him.

He's been sober for 23 years.

Steve Madden, founder of the shoe company, said alcohol and drugs led him to launder money and commit fraud.

Madden started his shoe company selling out of his car in 1990. Now the company is worth more than $3 billion in market capital, and has hundreds of stores all over the world. 

But in 2002, a federal judge ruled the designer was guilty of fraud and money laundering. Madden's lawyer said his crimes stemmed from drug addiction. 

In a 2017 Netflix documentary, Madden said he struggled with drug and alcohol abuse since he dropped out of college.

Madden told the New York Times in 2013 he was sober, and he more recently told the Wall Street Journal he spends most of his time with his three children.

Sam Polk, cofounder and CEO of Everytable, developed an addiction to drugs and alcohol in college.

Sam Polk began his career at Credit Suisse as a summer analyst, and later got a job trading at Bank of America. During his early career, Polk struggled with dependency on alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, Ritalin, and ecstasy. He also had a self described "money addiction," which led him to quit his job because his $3.6 million bonus wasn't high enough, according to an op-ed he wrote in The New York Times. 

Polk later left Wall Street and wrote a book on the dangers of greed.

In 2015, Polk founded Everytable, a healthy fast-food company. Everytable provides low incomes communities access to healthy food by charging more affluent neighborhoods higher prices. Elon Musk's brother Kimbal Musk backed the company last year. 

Justin Kan, the CEO of Atrium and founder of Twitch, decided to give up alcohol in 2019.

After he sold his startup Twitch to Amazon for $1 billion in 2014, Kan became CEO of the corporate law firm Atrium.

The young founder, currently in his mid-30s, said alcohol had been "part of his identity" since high school. "Unfortunately, it's also been an unhealthy way to avoid being fully in touch with my emotions and my experience of life," Kan wrote on his blog.

Now, Kan uses exercise and meditation to help him deal with stress.

• I tried all of Subway's new sliders and put them head-to-head with their footlong counterparts.
• I assumed that the sliders would taste just like the footlongs, but I quickly found that was not the case. 
• Overall, I thought the Ham and Jack Slider and the Italian Spice Slider both tasted better than their footlong counterparts.
• I think the footlong Philly cheesesteak gives you more bang for your buck, even though the Little Cheesesteak Slider is cheaper. 
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Good things often come in small packages — but does that idiom apply when that package is lunch?

In September, the fast-food chain Subway introduced new mini sandwiches to its menu at participating restaurants nationwide.

Called Subway Sliders, these sandwiches come in four varieties (Ham and Jack, Italian Spice, Little Cheesesteak, and Little Turkey) and each resembles a popular footlong. 

To see how the scaled-down sandwiches stack up, I ordered each slider and its coordinating footlong, modifying my orders to make sure both sandwiches have the same ingredients and a white-bread base.

Here's how the Subway Sliders compare to the chain's iconic footlongs. 

I thought the slider version of the Philly cheesesteak was pretty tasty.

Price: $2.99

I assumed that the sliders would taste just like the footlongs, but I quickly found that was not the case. 

The Little Cheesesteak came with shaved steak, American cheese, green peppers, red onions, and Subway's Chipotle Southwest sauce on a telera roll, which is a type of white bread.

The roll was crunchy on top and soft on the inside, and the inside of the sandwich was warm and melty. 

The footlong version was also good, but not as balanced, in my opinion.

Price: $8.99

As you can imagine, the footlong had a lot more of the salty and savory steak than the slider did — but it didn't have significantly more cheese, sauce, or vegetables.

In my opinion, the steak overpowered the other toppings, but I was impressed with how hearty and filling this sandwich was. Plus, the toasty Italian bread paired really well with the meat.

In my opinion, the winner of round one was the footlong Philly cheesesteak.

Although I think the ratio of meat-to-toppings was best in the slider, I found myself feeling a bit unsatisfied with the smaller sandwich. 

In my opinion, a hearty sandwich like a cheesesteak needs a lot of meat to live up to its full potential. 

Plus, at $2.99, the Little Cheesesteak was the most expensive of the sliders I tried. It was still cheap, but it didn't seem like as good of a deal after realizing I could get a full, meat-heavy footlong for a few bucks more. 

Next up was the Ham and Jack Slider, which I think had a perfect ham-to-cheese ratio.

Price: $1.89

Sporting the same telera roll, the Ham and Jack Slider featured Black Forest ham and pepper-jack cheese.

Unlike the Little Cheesesteak, the meat in this sandwich was clearly the main focus — and it was complemented by the hot melted cheese and the crunchy roll. 

In my opinion, the footlong version of this sandwich had too much ham.

Price: $7.99

The ham was tasty, but I think that the Black Forest Ham Footlong had far too much of it. I felt like the sandwich had three times as much ham as it did cheese and bread.

Overall, this just tasted like a ham sandwich to me — I felt shortchanged on the pepper jack.

Overall, the Ham and Jack Slider was the winner in my book.

Overall, I think the compact Ham and Jack Slider works really well on its own whereas the scaled-up version fell a little bit flat.

Two-ingredient combinations are perhaps better suited for a tiny bun, and I think the Black Forest Ham Footlong would benefit from some of Subway's other toppings, like spinach or jalapeno. 

The Italian Spice Slider had a lot of flavor for such a small bite.

Price: $1.89

This time, the telera roll was stuffed with pepperoni, salami, American cheese, and Subway vinaigrette.

The contents were spilling out of the sides of the sandwich when I picked it up to bite into it.

I was also pleasantly surprised that this sandwich lived up to its spicy name — the meats provided a slight kick that I thought was really tasty. 

The footlong was tasty, but I felt the flavors were less intense.

Price: $7.99

Notably, I ordered this sandwich without greens so it would match the slider's ingredients. 

Overall, I felt like the Spicy Italian Footlong had the same kick as the slider, but in my opinion, it wasn't nearly as strong.

Unfortunately, I feel like the amount of bread on the sandwich combined with the plentiful stacks of pepperoni and salami overpowered the cheese on this sandwich.

The Spicy Italian is my go-to footlong, but it lost to the slider this time.

The Italian Spice Slider had everything it needed to be incredible for the few bites that it took to finish it.

Sure, I usually always get the Spicy Italian Footlong at Subway — but I customize it with a lot of toppings from green peppers to pickles for a reason.

In my opinion, without a bunch of add-ons, the scaled-up version of this sandwich isn't that exciting, even though this simple combination managed to work extremely well as a small bite. 

Finally, it was time to try the Little Turkey Slider.

Price: $2.49

Subway's Little Turkey Slider came with sliced turkey breast, pepper-jack cheese, spinach, and mayonnaise.

The turkey on the slider was moist, and overall the sandwich was on par with just about every turkey sandwich I've ever had.

The Turkey Breast Footlong was nearly identical to its smaller version.

Price: $8.49

Although this wasn't the case with other matchups, the Little Turkey and its coordinating footlong tasted exactly the same to me.

Sure, having more spinach on the footlong was nice, but I couldn't detect any major flavor differences between the two sandwiches.

That being said, I have to call this one a tie.

In my opinion, both of these sandwiches were a little bit plain — and when comparing them side-by-side neither one stood out to me. 

Overall, if you like the combination of turkey, pepper jack, mayo, and spinach as a footlong, I'm sure you'd like it shrunk down to a quarter of the size.

Overall, the sliders were pretty impressive considering how affordable they were.

Overall, I found that the flavors of a sandwich change when you shrink it down or scale it up — sometimes for better and sometimes for worse. 

Of course, the size of the sandwich you choose depends on what sort of serving you desire and how much you want to spend.

And it's worth noting that the footlongs can be customized a lot more than the sliders can, which is nice for those who like to personalize their meal. 

Read More:

• We tried a sub from 4 sandwich chains — and the winner was clear
• I tried every chicken dish at McDonald's and ranked them from worst to best
• I tasted every cheesecake at The Cheesecake Factory in one sitting and found there can be too much of a good thing
• I made brownies using 3 different celebrity recipes, and the best one contains almost a pound of chocolate

• Rapper Juice Wrld has reportedly died after suffering a seizure at Chicago's Midway Airport early Sunday morning.
• The shocking news comes less than a week after the rapper's 21st birthday and after his year-long meteoric rise from SoundCloud to collaborations with some of music's biggest stars. 
• Some of the rapper's fellow celebrities like Zedd, Ellie Goulding, and Action Bronson took to Twitter to express their grief over the loss. 
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Rapper Juice Wrld has reportedly died after suffering a seizure at Chicago's Midway Airport early Sunday morning.

The rapper, who was born Jarad Anthony Higgins, had turned 21 less than a week before the shocking news and won Top New Artist at the Billboard Music Awards in May.

Higgins enjoyed a meteoric rise within the last year after hits like "Lucid Dreams" and "All Girls Are The Same" climbed the charts in Summer 2018 before being signed to Interscope Records and collaborating with some of the music's biggest names like Lil Yachty and Travis Scott.

While the investigation into his death is ongoing, some of the rapper's fellow celebrities took to Twitter to express their grief over the loss. 

Singer Ellie Goulding

Goulding had collaborated with the rapper on her song "Hate Me," which was released in June 2019.  

Rapper Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X paid tribute to the artist and lamented an emerging pattern of early deaths in the music world. 

Chance the Rapper

The fellow Chicago-born rapper hailed Higgins as "a young legend." 

Rapper Juicy J

Juicy J wrote that he couldn't believe the news of the sudden death. 

DJ and producer Zedd

The DJ wrote that the shocking news was "a reminder that life can be over any moment." 

YouTuber and Gamer Ninja

The YouTuber wrote that the rapper had been his "most listened to artist" in 2019, referring to the Spotify year-end playlists users received just days earlier. 

Rapper Action Bronson

Bronson noted that he and Higgins shared a birthday, which came just days before the young rapper's death was announced. 

YouTuber Haha Davis

Davis wrote that he was "heartbroken," sharing pictures of him with the late rapper. 

• A recent Washington Post report cited US officials as saying President Donald Trump had often used unsecured phones — rather than encrypted phone services meant for top government officials.
• Business Insider spoke with cybersecurity experts about how hackers could gain access to phone conversations on unsecured devices.
• Unsecured phones are an easy target for hackers, according to the experts, who said they were "so easy to hack it's scary."
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

President Donald Trump made Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server a hallmark of his 2016 campaign, but the president now regularly conducts phone calls using unsecured devices, according to a new report from The Washington Post.

Top government officials typically use encrypted phone services to protect calls or texts from being intercepted by hackers, but several officials told The Post that Trump routinely used unsecured phones.

To put that in context, Business Insider spoke with cybersecurity experts about the risks associated with unsecured phones.

Alex Heid, the chief technology officer of Security Scorecard, said that unencrypted phone services were exceptionally easy to hack.

"In some cases, it's as simple as walking into a cellphone tower, plugging in a laptop, and downloading everything," Heid said. "It's generally so easy to hack it's scary."

Kiersten Todt, the managing director of the Cyber Readiness Institute who previously served as a cybersecurity adviser to the Obama administration, said gaining access to unsecured phone activity was well within the capabilities of sophisticated hackers.

"With enough time and focus, which we know that many malicious actors have, it's certainly doable," Todt said.

Here's a breakdown of how hackers can gain access to unsecured phone activity and how encryption can protect against hacks, according to experts.

SEE ALSO: Hackers have become so sophisticated that nearly 4 billion records have been stolen from people in the past decade alone. Here are the 10 biggest data breaches of the 2010s.

Encrypted phones have been the standard for top-ranking government officials dating back to World War II, when extensive technology was employed to protect against wiretapping.

Phone encryption became much less expensive with the advent of the internet. Most encrypted phone lines now use software called "voice over internet protocol" to shield against spying.

Most standard phone services, however, including calls and texts, are "basically wide open," according to Heid, who said, "It's unencrypted data stream that's broadcast over the airways."

"Hackers are constantly hacking telecom carriers," Heid said. "In some cases, it's as simple as walking into a cellphone tower, plugging in a laptop, and downloading everything."

There are now a range of smartphone apps that provide encrypted calls and messaging services, including Signal, Wickr, and WhatsApp. The latter is used intermittently by White House officials, according to The Washington Post.

Convenience is the primary reason people opt to use unsecured rather than encrypted phone services. "There's always that trade-off between encryption and ease of use," Heid said.

There have been several instances of targeted phone hacking in the past year alone. One tactic, known as SIM swapping, involves fraudulently persuading a mobile carrier to transfer control of a phone number to a hacker's device.

Read more about SIM swapping here.

"Mobile security is something that the government is still struggling to prioritize," Todt said. "Given the use of smartphones across business and government use, we've got to figure it out."

• Since the Miss Universe pageant started in 1952, contestants have walked across the stage in glamorous evening gowns and swimsuits. 
• When the competition first started, the winners were crowned in their swimsuits, but that changed in the '60s. 
• Ahead of the 2019 Miss Universe pageant on Sunday, here's a look back at some of the winning gowns over the years. 
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. 

When it comes to their winning gowns, every Miss Universe contestant knows exactly what to wear to catch the judges' eyes. From low-cut crystal-embellished dresses to brightly-colored ball gowns, each Miss Universe winner has brought their A-game since the pageant started in 1952. 

In the early years of the Miss Universe competition, the winners were crowned in their swimsuits, but that changed in the '60s. Since then, the contestants have walked the stage in eye-catching evening gowns.

With the 2019 Miss Universe pageant airing on Sunday, here's a look back at some of the winning gowns through the years.

Armi Kuusela was crowned the first Miss Universe in 1952.

Wearing a classic bathing suit from the '50s, Armi Kuusela of Finland was crowned the first-ever Miss Universe. 

Christiane Martel represented France at the 1953 Miss Universe pageant.

Christiane Martel accepted her crown in a strapless swimsuit. 

Miriam Stevenson was the first Miss USA to become Miss Universe.

Miriam Stevenson donned a halter top swimsuit with crystals when she was crowned.  

Hillevi Rombin represented Sweden in the 1955 Miss Universe pageant.

If you look closely at Hillevi Rombin's swimsuit top, you'll notice the pearl detail that matches the Miss Universe crown and scepter perfectly. 

Gladys Zender of Peru became the first Latin American woman to win Miss Universe in 1957.

The cascading pearls on Gladys Zender's swimsuit top help draw your eye.

Luz Zuluaga, who won in 1958, was the only Colombian to win Miss Universe until 2014.

Luz Zuluaga's V-neck swimsuit was a welcome change from the sweetheart neckline of past winners. 

Akiko Kojima was the first Japanese woman to win the Miss Universe competition in 1959.

Akiko Kojima's blue one-piece is an unexpected pop of color and stands out against the red coronation robe. 

Linda Bement was crowned Miss Universe in 1960.

The one-shoulder chiffon dress makes Linda Bement look like she's ready for a ball.

Iêda Maria Vargas was the first Brazilian to be crowned Miss Universe in 1963.

Iêda Maria Vargas took the crown wearing a gorgeous sky-blue gown with sewn crystals all over, and a chiffon sleeve made to blow in the wind while she walks on stage.

Corinna Tsopei of Greece paid tribute to the country's flag with the colors of her winning gown.

Besides the eye-catching blue color, Corinna Tsopei's gown features bedazzled frills hanging off her shoulders, which match the bling of her crown and scepter.

Apasra Hongsakula represented Thailand in the 1965 Miss Universe pageant.

Bling is the first word that comes to mind after seeing Apasra Hongsakula's winning gown. 

Margreta Arvidsson was the second Swedish woman to win the Miss Universe crown in 1966.

Margreta Arvidsson wore a pink strapless gown to accept her crown. If you look closely, you'll see the hem detail also matches the outline of the scepter. 

Sylvia Hitchcock represented the US at the 1967 Miss Universe competition.

Sylvia Hitchcock's white gown with the one-shoulder strap going across her chest is unexpected but adds just the right amount of edge.

Martha Vasconcellos brought the drama with her gown at the Miss Universe pageant in 1968.

The silver tiers of Martha Vasconcellos's blue dress resemble tinsel. 

Kerry Anne Wells went for a muted, flowy dress at the 1972 Miss Universe competition.

Kerry Anne Wells' dress was made for flowing in the wind as she walked down the stage with her Miss Universe crown on.

Margarita Moran was the epitome of elegance in this gown at the Miss Universe pageant in 1973.

Margarita Moran's long gown included a cape-like shoulder detail, high neckline, and minimal embellishments throughout. 

Shawn Weatherly stole the show with this beaded gown in 1980.

The amount of detail in this dress is stunning. The beaded stripes are a great contrast to the crystals hanging from the cuffs. 

Irene Sáez brought the drama with her gown at the 1981 Miss Universe pageant.

Irene Sáez brought the drama with her gorgeous pink gown. The flower sleeves with crystal stripes running down are mesmerizing. 

Karen Baldwin was the first Canadian to win the Miss Universe competition in 1982.

Unlike previous winners, Karen Baldwin went for a black gown with a bedazzled bodice detail. 

Yvonne Ryding's dress at the 1984 Miss Universe pageant looks simple at first glance.

Yvonne Ryding gave the audience a prairie-chic look in this white long-sleeve gown featuring flower embroidery throughout.

Deborah Carthy-Deu was the second Miss Puerto Rico to win the Miss Universe competition in 1985.

The gold stripes of Deborah Carthy-Deu's gown balance out with the thicker gold sequins running down the front.

Angela Visser represented Holland at the 1989 Miss Universe competition.

Angela Visser glowed in this floor-length evening gown made with gold, silver, and white sequined scales. 

Mona Grudt was the first Norwegian to win the title of Miss Universe in 1990.

Although Mona Grudt went with a classic white gown, it's the dramatic flair of the skirt that makes it statement-worthy.

Lupita Jones was the first Mexican woman to win the title of Miss Universe in 1991.

Lupita Jones brought the flair in this beaded off-the-shoulder red gown. 

Dayanara Torres, who was crowned Miss Universe in 1993, was wearing the thigh-high slit years before it became a trend.

The thigh-high slit of Dayanara Torres' floor-length white gown adds an unexpected sexy element.

After winning the 1994 Miss Universe competition, Sushmita Sen went on to pursue a career in Bollywood.

The beading of Sushmita Sen's dress is dazzling, and the sleeves are actually beaded flowers in the same gold color of the gown. 

Chelsi Smith was the first Miss USA to be crowned Miss Universe in 15 years.

Chelsi Smith looked regal in this sweetheart chiffon gown. The matching scarf and red lipstick completed the look. 

After winning Miss Universe 1996, Alicia Machado pursued acting and appeared on various reality competition shows.

Alicia Machado's mint dress with silver spikes throughout was edgy. 

After winning Miss Universe 1997, Brook Lee went on to host TV shows in Asia and the United States.

The sparkly halter, beaded waistband, and thigh-high slit design elements of Brook Lee's dress all work together seamlessly. 

Wendy Fitzwilliam made history at the 1998 Miss Universe pageant as the first contestant to win wearing a bikini in the swimsuit competition.

Wendy Fitzwilliam's statement earrings balance well with the beaded work on her gown.

Mpule Kwelagobe, who was crowned in 1999, was the first-ever Miss Universe winner from Botswana.

Having a simple, flowy skirt makes the sparkly off-the-shoulder top of Mpule Kwelagobe's gown stand out. 

No one from India has won since Lara Dutta took the Miss Universe crown in 2000.

Lara Dutta brought the festive vibes with this sparkly red gown.

Denise Quiñones won the Miss Universe title in 2001.

Denise Quiñones' white halter gown with different colored beads throughout matches the mesmerizing crystals on the Miss Universe crown.

Justine Pasek was crowned Miss Universe in 2002.

Like other Miss Universe winners in the past, Justine Pasek went with a white gown. The simple silhouette makes her look like Cinderella. 

Amelia Vega was the first person from the Dominican Republic to win the Miss Universe title in 2003.

Amelia Vega took the traditional white gown a step further with the crystal-embellished sleeves and shoulder straps. 

Jennifer Hawkins looked like a walking gold statue at the 2004 Miss Universe competition.

Jennifer Hawkins stunned judges when she appeared on stage in a textured gold dress with flower details everywhere, and a sparkling bracelet and necklace to match.

Natalie Glebova was only the second Canadian to hold the Miss Universe title.

For the 2005 Miss Universe competition, Natalie Glebova kept it sexy in a low-cut white gown that also featured a thigh-high slit. 

Zuleyka Rivera wore one of the most daring gowns of the 2006 Miss Universe competition.

With a low-cut top, a high slit in the front, and dazzling beaded work, it's clear that Zuleyka Rivera was ready to win in this gown. 

Riyo Mori was the second Japanese woman to be crowned Miss Universe in 2007.

For her winning gown, Riyo Mori wore a kimono-inspired black and floral evening gown from the Spring/Summer 2007 Gucci collection. 

Dayana Mendoza was crowned Miss Venezuela 2008 before winning Miss Universe.

For her crowning moment, Dayana Mendoza wore a strapless yellow gown covered in beads. The thigh-high slit and turquoise statement earrings add to the drama of the look. 

Stefania Fernandez's 2009 Miss Universe win was a milestone since it was the first time a country won back-to-back crowns.

Unlike her predecessor, Dayana Mendoza, Stefania Fernandez went with a more extravagant look, wearing a red floor-length gown. 

After her Miss Universe win in 2010, Ximena Navarrete went on to star in Spanish soap operas.

Ximena Navarrete accepted her Miss Universe crown wearing a flowy, floor-length red gown. What you can't see under the sash is the one-shoulder strap adorned with red beads, and the slit underneath her skirt. 

Leila Lopes made history as the first woman from Angola to win the Miss Universe pageant in 2011.

Leila Lopes wowed the audience when she wore a sleeveless white gown covered in white, silver, and blue beads, as well as feathers. 

After being crowned Miss USA, Olivia Culpo went on to win the title of Miss Universe in 2012.

For her crowning moment, Olivia Culpo wore a red dress with long velvet sleeves and a plunging neckline.

When Gabriela Isler was crowned Miss Universe 2013, she made history as the seventh woman from Venezuela to win.

Gabriela Isler stepped onto the stage in a long-sleeve silver gown embellished with crystals and a striped pattern that looks similar to Jennifer Lopez's 2012 Zuhair Murad dress. 

Paulina Vega won the title of Miss Universe in 2014.

The silver beaded and striped detail adds to the elegance of Vega's winning gown. 

Pia Wurtzbach was the third woman from the Philippines to win the Miss Universe title in 2015.

Pia Wurtzbach's royal-blue gown matched the Miss Universe crown. 

When Iris Mittenaere won in 2016, she was the first Miss France to do so in 63 years.

Iris Mittenaere took home the Miss Universe crown in a long-sleeve sparkling gold gown with geometric details.

Demi Nel-Peters is the second Miss Universe winner from South Africa.

Demi Nel-Peters dazzled in this flesh-colored dress stitched with silver crystals in a geometrical pattern. 

Catriona Gray was crowned Miss Universe in 2018.

Catriona Gray wore a striking red dress that featured a plunging asymmetrical neckline and thigh-high slit. 

• Read more:
• 20 showstopping looks from the Miss Universe pageant over the years
• The wildest outfits in the history of Miss Universe's National Costume Show
• THEN AND NOW: How the Miss Universe pageant has evolved over the last 67 years
• Photos of the exact moment 36 contestants found out they won Miss Universe

• The 2019 Miss Universe pageant was held at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday. 
• The contestants wore a variety of outfits during the competition, including a swimwear or athletic look, an evening gown, and a final piece for the night.
• Many of the contestants used fashion as a way to show off their unique styles.
• Miss France, for example, channeled the 1920s in a tiered gown, while Miss Colombia opted for a dress with daring cutouts.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Shweta Sekhon, Miss Malaysia, wore a floral ensemble that included a table covered in food.

The 22-year-old model and hockey player paid tribute to Malaysia's Peranakan culture with her national costume.

Vartika Singh of India looked stunning in a red-and-gold outfit.

The contestant is 26 years old and has a master's degree in public health.

Mariana Jesica Varela, Miss Argentina, dazzled in a beaded outfit, crown, and feathered attachment.

The 23-year-old aims to promote equality around the world and end gender-based violence.

Shubila Stanton of Tanzania stepped onstage wearing a three-dimensional costume that looked like armor.

The 23-year-old is all about the environment and hopes to combat climate change.

From Ukraine, Anastasiia Subbota wore a green dress that featured rounded wings and a large hat.

The 26-year-old model frequently works with organizations that support veterans, children, and people coping with mental health issues.

Priya Serrao, Miss Australia, donned a sleeveless gown and feathered bracelets.

Serrao is 27 years old and the first Indian-Australian to be crowned Miss Universe Australia.

Lora Asenova of Bulgaria looked glamorous in a baby-pink dress with a sheer bodice made of flowers.

The 25-year-old has a bachelor's degree in computer science and a master's degree in e-business.

Barbora Hodačová, Miss Czech Republic, hit the stage in a blue minidress embellished with leaves and a long train.

When she's not competing in pageants or studying law, Hodačová works with a children's cancer foundation.

Bilgi Aydogmus, Miss Turkey, donned a regal red-and-gold dress with a matching crown.

The 23-year-old contestant graduated from the Istanbul University Faculty of Law, and now works to protect children's rights.

Bria Smith, Miss British Virgin Islands, was surrounded by pink flowers while wearing a sparkling gown.

The 26-year-old currently works as an adjunct lecturer and advocate for the preservation of her home nation.

Maëva Coucke from France invoked the 1920s in a tiered gown with rows of sparkling fringe.

The 25-year-old currently works as France's secretary of equality between women and men.

Cheslie Kryst of the United States sparkled in a baby-pink jumpsuit.

At 28 years old, Kryst works as an attorney, television host, and fashion blogger.

Kryst later took the stage in a snakeskin bikini and tan heels.

The contestant also wore a black cape covered in colorful writing and drawings.

Gabriela Tafur Nader, Miss Colombia, wore one of the most daring gowns of the night: a long-sleeved blue dress with two cutouts at the waist.

Nader is a 24-year-old lawyer who's been granted the keys to five cities in Colombia.

Zozibini Tunzi, Miss South Africa, rocked the swimsuit portion in a colorful two-piece and cape.

The 26-year-old contestant is passionate about ending gender-based violence and stereotypes.

The pageant winner also turned heads in a bedazzled, baby-blue minidress with a halter-style top.

She paired the outfit with dangling earrings and her country's sash.

Sylvie Silva of Portugal opted for a sleeveless dress with sparkling fringe and a thigh-high slit.

The 20-year-old contestant has plans to pursue a career in landscape architecture. 

Birta Abiba Þórhallsdóttir, Miss Iceland, chose a white-and-gold minidress.

At 20 years old, Þórhallsdóttir is the first-ever biracial winner of Miss Universe Iceland. 

• Read more:
• What 13 Miss Universe contestants look like without makeup
• Behind-the-scenes photos show how Miss Universe 2019 contestants get ready for the world-famous pageant
• Here's how Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss America are different
• 37 showstopping looks from the Miss USA pageant over the years

• Photos and videos show a volcano in New Zealand erupting Monday. The blast has killed at least five people.
• Videos posted to Twitter show tourists on boats speeding away from White Island while smoke billows into the sky from the eruption.
• The volcano is a popular tourist destination. There were around 100 people on the island at the time of the eruption, according to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Shocking pictures and videos show the minutes after a volcano in New Zealand erupted Monday, killing at least five and injuring many more.

According to New Zealand's geological monitoring agency, GeoNet, the White Island volcano, also known as Whakaari, erupted around 2:11 p.m. local time, blasting a huge plume of smoke into the sky.

The volcano is a popular tourist destination and there were around 100 people on the island at the time of the eruption, according to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, the New Zealand Herald reported. Police had previously said around 50 people were on the island at the time.

Tourists posted pictures and videos of the eruption to social media, which can be seen below:

The eruption occurred at Whakaari, also known as White Island, which is located about 50 kilometers (30 miles) from the east coast of country's North Island.

As the island is popular tourist attraction, large numbers of photographs and videos have emerged from the disaster. The picture below, taken by tourist Michael Schade, shows the volcano billowing smoke into the sky.

As the eruption began, tourists and guides fled the island on boats.

A huge cloud of smoke can be seen filling the air in this picture, posted to Twitter by Schade.

Videos posted to Twitter show boats speeding away from the island while crews tell passengers to leave the deck and go into the boat's cabin.

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1203896534804422656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
WATCH: Dramatic video shows moment volcano erupts at White Island in New Zealand; an unknown number of people are missing pic.twitter.com/Ei8uMysms4

In the video below, also posted by Schade, a person can be heard exclaiming "No, no, no!"

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1203893996566634496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
My god, White Island volcano in New Zealand erupted today for first time since 2001. My family and I had gotten off it 20 minutes before, were waiting at our boat about to leave when we saw it. Boat ride home tending to people our boat rescued was indescribable. #whiteislandpic.twitter.com/QJwWi12Tvt

(Contrary to Schade's post, the volcano also erupted in 2016.)

In another video, tourists can be seen waiting on a dock on the island, while the volcano erupts in the background.

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1203944363434229761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Latest : via CNN
White Island volcano eruption: One dead, others missing in New Zealand - CNN https://t.co/sprAbcDz6l#NewZealandpic.twitter.com/KdUZpyMajT

People injured by the eruption were ferried to tourist vessels by rigid inflatable boats like the one pictured below.

Some were flown back to the mainland in helicopters.

In this photograph, a helicopter can be see waiting on the island, it appears to be covered in volcanic ash.

TV footage taken in the mainland town of Whakatane showed people injured by the eruption being loaded into ambulances. Whakatane is a key port of departure for trips to the White Island.

The smoke cloud caused by the eruption is so big that it could be seen from the mainland, around 30 miles away. This picture was taken on Ohope Beach, close to Whakatane.

By dusk, steam and smoke could still be seen coming from the volcano from the mainland.

• Assuming that you're delivering a standard business or sales presentation that runs anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, you should strive to rehearse every slide from start to finish at least 10 times.
• Practice will set you apart from your peers and boost your confidence.
• Practicing a presentation will also improve your body language. Once you've got the words down, you're free to think about your gestures and the pace of your delivery, and you can start to enjoy presenting.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Entrepreneurs, business leaders, and sales professionals often ask me the same question. How long — exactly — should I practice for a presentation? I've heard the question so often over the past 15 years of coaching, I have a ready answer. And it works.

First, I tell them that Dr. Jill Bolte-Taylor, a scientist who gave one of the top TED talks of all time, practiced her entire talk 200 times. Once their jaws drop, I give them the good news — you don't have to commit nearly that much time to stand out.

How many times should you run through your presentation?

The magic number is 10.

Assuming that you're delivering a standard business or sales presentation that runs anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, you should strive to rehearse every slide from start to finish at least 10 times.

Give yourself at least 10 days ahead of time to devote one practice session a day. If your pitch is 10 minutes or less, then you have no excuse. Ten rehearsals should be easy. You'll be amazed at the results. Here's why.

Practice will set you apart from your peers

When I start working with speakers, I ask about their practice habits. Most of the time, they look at me with a blank expression. Rehearsing isn't part of their preparation. Oh, sure, they look through the slides and mentally go over their talking points — maybe once or twice. But they don't stand up and deliver the presentation out loud at least 10 times.

A college graduate who had read one of my books contacted me to express his thanks. He applied my communication strategies for a job that he didn't think he was going to get. He didn't have as much experience as the other candidates going into the interview. 

This young professional stood out from the competition because he practiced for the interview many times over. He asked friends to pepper him with the types of questions he was likely to get. He recorded himself and watched his performance. When the day came, this college graduate was able to talk about the company's products better than the company's own employees. He estimates he went through at least 10 mock interviews. Preparation works. 

Practice will boost your confidence

For my book on TED talks, I interviewed the famous Canadian astronaut and TED speaker, Chris Hadfield. In his now famous talk, Hadfield tells the story of going blind in space — a chemical in his spacesuit forced his eyes shut during a spacewalk. He remained completely calm, discovered the problem, and fixed it. Hadfield stayed cool because he had practiced a spacewalk — and all of the things that could go wrong — hundreds and hundreds of times in simulators.

The same strategy applies to public presentations. Simulate real-world conditions. If you're going to stand in the real presentation, then stand in rehearsal. Put the slides up on the screen and advance the slides with a clicker in your hand. If you can convince one or two of your team members or someone you trust to watch one of your rehearsals, then do so.

One run through isn't enough. You're still getting the hang of the flow and you haven't committed your key messages to memory yet. By the third, fourth, and fifth run through, you're growing more confident. By the tenth run through, you'll feel unstoppable.

Practice will improve your body language

A little-known benefit of practicing your presentation at least 10 times is the impact it will have on your non-verbal habits. For example, many people don't smile during a presentation. They look very serious. Steve Jobs, by contrast, always had a big smile on his face. He enjoyed the performance — and he practiced for his keynotes weeks ahead of time.

After rehearsing your presentation 10 times, you'll have committed your script or talking points to memory. It frees you up to think about your gestures, the pace of your delivery, and you can start to enjoy it. You'll actually begin to smile and enjoy the process. Once you do, your audience will have as much fun as you are.

• The Miss Universe beauty pageant has been happening since 1952.
• Each year, contestants wear glamorous gowns, shimmering swimsuits, and other looks to impress the judges. 
• The most glamorous looks from competitors reflect changing fashions throughout the decades.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

In the world of pageants, the Miss Universe competition is the pinnacle of achievement, which means the fashions featured in it are no joke. 

From skin-tight swimwear to elaborate ball gowns, pageant hopefuls have paraded their most showstopping looks across the Miss Universe stage since 1952.

Here's a peek at some of the most memorable styles from the past few decades.

Miss Argentina 2019 competed in this shimmery, angelic look.

Mariana Jesica Varela, Miss Argentina 2019, turned heads in this glittering, beaded outfit that was complete with a feathery attachment a large, spiked crown. 

In 2019, Shweta Sekhon wore an over-the-top ensemble complete with a table.

Shweta Sekhon, who competed as Miss Malaysia in the 2019 Miss Universe competition, paid tribute to Malaysia's Peranakan culture with this national costume.

Catriona Gray of the Philippines appeared onstage in a striking red gown before her 2018 Miss Universe win.

Catriona Gray won the 2018 Miss Universe title after appearing in mesmerizing red dress with galactic vibes.

The gown featured a plunging asymmetrical neckline and was accessorized with sparkly earrings and a bold red lip.

Iris Mittenaere of France was crowned in 2017 while wearing a form-fitting gold gown.

Iris Mittenaere accepted her title in a sparkling gold gown with long sleeves and geometric detailing. She is now a TV host and actress. 

Olivia Culpo represented US as the winner of the 2012 Miss Universe pageant.

Before she was a fashion influencer and actress, Olivia Culpo wowed pageant judges in a brilliant magenta gown during her 2012 Miss Universe win.

She skipped jewelry for this look, allowing the dramatic dress to take center stage. 

Leila Lopes of Angola won the Miss Universe title in a head-turning feathered dress.

Leila Lopes wowed audiences with a sleeveless white gown trimmed in feathery strands. She opted for a strapless neckline and small, sparkling earrings to complete the look. 

She has also gone on to star in a number of films and host TV shows. 

Dayana Mendoza was crowned Miss Universe 2008 in a yellow dress.

Dayana Mendoza, who was Miss Venezuela 2008, was crowned Miss Universe 2008 while wearing a strapless yellow gown that was covered in beading. 

Mendoza went on to star in a number of films. 

Miss Universe 2006 wore one of the most daring looks in the pageant that year.

Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza of Puerto Rico was crowned Miss Universe 2006 while wearing this nearly see-through metallic dress that looks like it's made of magical chains. 

Mendoza went on to become a TV host, dancer, and actress. 

Jennifer Hawkins of Australia was crowned in 2004 while wearing a detailed gold gown.

Jennifer Hawkins appeared on stage wearing a textured golden dress accessorized with a sparkling bracelet and dramatic statement necklace.

The pageant queen would go on to work as a fashion designer and model, appearing on the covers of magazines like Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and Maxim. 

Lara Dutta of India became the first Miss Universe of the new millennium, wearing a slinky red dress.

Her gown featured a modern one-shoulder design and a curve-hugging cut. Lara Dutta paired the dress with a matching red wrap. 

Dutta has been in a number of Hindi films and has won awards for her work. 

Mpule Kwelagobe competed in an elegant, off-the-shoulder gown in 1999.

Representing Botswana, Mpule Kwelagobe was crowned Miss Universe 1999 in this regal champagne-colored gown with rhinestone details. 

Kwelagobe went on to become the CEO of her own company, the Mpule Foundation.

Sushmita Sen turned heads in a daring black gown when she was crowned in 1994.

Sushmita Sen became the first woman from India to win the Miss Universe title — and she wore a black gown with gold fringe and detailing to pose with her crown. 

Angela Visser, Miss Universe 1989, posed in a perfectly draped gown.

Angela Visser looked radiant in a floor-length evening gown decorated with sparkling sequined scales.

She was just 22 years old when she was crowned. 

Miss Universe 1987 has donned a sequined evening gown.

Cecilia Bolocco of Chile stunned in a sleeveless gown that featured a cascade of white and gold sequined feathers.

After her Miss Universe win, Cecilia Bolocco went on to work as a journalist for CNN.

Irene Saez of Venezuela modeled a memorable national costume during the pageant.

Miss Universe 1981 Irene Saez was surrounded by ruffles as she showed off the jaw-dropping pink and white dress that's edged with lace. Her hair was styled in simple shoulder-length curls.  

Saez went on to become a politician and was once elected governor of the state of Nueva Esparta.

Miss Universe 1973 showed off her new title in a flowing white gown.

Maria Margarita Moran of the Philippines dazzled in a long gown with cape-like shoulder embellishments and a high neckline.  

She's the second Miss Universe winner from the Philippines. 

Georgina Rizk of Lebanon took home the 1971 crown in a colorful two-piece ensemble.

The pageant queen beamed as she accepted her scepter and crown in the company of Miss Puerto Rico 1970.

Georgina Rizk's outfit was composed of a plunging top made of gauzy blue fabric and beads, along with matching silky pants and a voluminous hairstyle. 

Martha Vasconcellos of Brazil stunned in a beaded gown after winning the 1968 crown.

The striking dress covered Martha Vasconcellos in head-to-toe beadwork. She accessorized with gently curled shoulder-length hair and a bright smile. 

Along with her crown, Vasconcellos won prizes including a three-piece wig wardrobe and a custom kimono.

After her 1964 win, Kiriaki "Corinna" Tsopei of Greece held court in a stunning satin gown.

Kiriaki "Corinna" Tsopei beamed in a silky evening gown with beaded detailing on the shoulders.

She was the competition's first Greek winner and went on to become a film and television actress. 

Iêda Maria Vargas of Brazil shined in a detailed gown after being crowned in 1963.

The light gown perfectly complements her new fur-lined cloak. Intricate beading sparkles down the length of the dress, and the look was finished off with elbow-length evening gloves. 

Vargas went on to become an actress. 

Akiko Kojima of Japan wowed in a traditional outfit before winning the 1959 event.

The former Miss Japan opted to compete in a printed kimono paired with a headdress. On her feet, Akiko Kojima wore sandals and tabi, traditional Japanese split-toed socks. 

Akiko Kojima was the first Japanese woman to win Miss Universe. 

Miriam Stevenson won the title in 1954 in a fringed bathing suit.

Miriam Stevenson was the first Miss USA to win the Miss Universe pageant and the first titleholder to earn a college degree while holding the title.

Notably, the South Carolina native competed wearing clothing she had made herself. 

• Read more:
• A 22-year-old beauty queen has been stripped of her title after getting pregnant because it reportedly goes against pageant rules
• 25 celebrities that you didn't realize competed in beauty pageants
• Photos of the exact moment 35 contestants found out they won Miss Universe
• Here's what 26 Miss USA contestants look like without makeup

• 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: Here's why two weeks of bombshell testimony in Trump's impeachment inquiry won't matter to House Republicans

SEE ALSO: What comes next in the House's impeachment inquiry into Trump

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 gave powerful testimony 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.
  • Pentagon official Laura Cooper, who testified on November 20 that the DOD was aware of the freeze placed on the aid to Ukraine by late July, almost a month earlier than had been previously reported.
• 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.
  • David Holmes, a political counselor at the US embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine who publicly testified along Hill about Giuliani and Sondland's efforts to trade military aid for Ukraine announcing investigations into Burisma. 
• 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 now 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 Judiciary Committee held its first public hearing on the inquiry on December 4. 

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 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:

December 8:

'This a trap that Giuliani and Trump literally walked into': Russia may know more about the Ukraine scandal than we do

December 6:

White House says it won't participate in Trump impeachment hearing

Nancy Pelosi made her case for articles of impeachment at a CNN town hall. Here are the 5 biggest takeaways.

December 5:

Nancy Pelosi says House will move forward with articles of impeachment against Trump

Nancy Pelosi lambasted a reporter for asking if she hated the president, then stormed offstage: 'Don't mess with me when it comes to words like that'

Joe Biden tore into an Iowa voter who claimed he sent his son Hunter to work in Ukraine, calling him a 'damn liar' and challenging him to a push-up contest

December 4:

The biggest takeaways from the House Judiciary Committee's first public impeachment hearing

3 legal experts forcefully testified on Wednesday that Trump abused his power and should be impeached

The GOP's only impeachment witness on Wednesday contradicted his own previous testimony

Progressive impeachment legal witness Pamela Karlan unexpectedly cited Brett Kavanaugh to argue foreign nationals shouldn't interfere in US elections

One of the nation's top constitutional experts unloaded on Trump in Wednesday's impeachment hearing, saying he committed 'impeachable high crimes' and abused power

December 3:

GOP Rep. Devin Nunes' phone calls with Giuliani and one of his indicted Ukraine associates showed up in the House's impeachment report

House Intelligence Committee's impeachment report found that Trump engaged in a quid pro quo with Ukraine and obstructed Congress' impeachment inquiry

December 2:

Ukraine's president rejected one of Trump's main defenses for withholding military aid, but denied there was a quid pro quo

November 28:

A recent court ruling could open the floodgates and let Congress haul in all of Trump's allies who have refused to testify in the impeachment inquiry

November 27:

2 US officials were so disgusted Trump withheld military aid from Ukraine that they resigned

Rudy Giuliani was angling for a 6-figure business deal with a corrupt Ukrainian prosecutor while pushing him to get political dirt on the Bidens

November 26:

Women are the biggest supporters of impeachment and want Trump removed by an 18-point margin

Trump knew about the whistleblower complaint prior to unfreezing military aid to Ukraine a bombshell new report says

November 25:

House impeachment investigators reportedly have secret recordings of Trump and Rudy Giuliani, given to them by Giuliani's associate Lev Parnas

The US Supreme Court ruled to temporarily shield Trump's financial records from Congress

'Presidents are not kings': Judge rules that former White House counsel Don McGahn must testify before Congress related to Mueller investigation

Former White House counsel Don McGahn has been ordered to testify before Congress. Experts say the court ruling may encourage Bolton and other top Trump officials to come forward in the impeachment probe.

November 24:

A confidential White House review reportedly found emails from top officials trying to justify Trump's Ukraine military-aid block

Moderate Republicans went all in defending Trump at the impeachment hearings, which means Democrats have no chance to win them over

Rudy Giuliani says he has 'files' on the Bidens that will be released 'if I disappear'

November 23:

State Department documents link Mike Pompeo to Rudy Giuliani in the months leading up to Yovanovitch's recall

The 5 impeachment witnesses who locked down the Democrats' case against Trump

Ukraine's President Zelensky said he didn't feel pressured by Trump. Here's why that's bogus.

November 22: 

There's a huge loophole in the GOP's claim that Trump's sale of Javelin missiles to Ukraine shows his support for the country

Trump essentially admitted on live TV to doing the thing he's accused of in the impeachment inquiry

John Bolton says his Twitter account was 'supressed unfairly' after he left the Trump White House, and he dropped a cryptic hint that a bombshell revelation may be coming soon

Here are the most important takeaways from every day of Trump's impeachment hearings

November 21:

Fiona Hill and David Holmes gave powerful testimony about how everything was about to 'blow up' with Trump and Ukraine. Here are the biggest takeaways from their impeachment-inquiry hearing.

Former NSC official Fiona Hill gave a master class on what it means to be a non-partisan fact witness

Former NSC official Fiona Hill blasted sexist attitudes about women's anger in her impeachment testimony, and people love her for it

Impeachment witness Fiona Hill said she thought Gordon Sondland's testimony about Biden wasn't 'credible'

Fiona Hill slams Republican lawmakers who've promoted 'politically driven falsehoods that so clearly advance Russian interests'

Republicans are using massive signs to defend Trump so the cameras can catch them in the televised impeachment hearings

November 20:

A Pentagon official unexpectedly blew up Trump's defense in the Ukraine scandal and Gordon Sondland threw everyone under the bus. Here are the biggest takeaways from Wednesday's impeachment hearings.

Defense Department official gives bombshell testimony that US and Ukrainian officials asked about frozen military aid on the same day as Trump's call with Zelensky

Republicans are grasping at straws after EU Ambassador Gordon Sondland blew up one of their last defenses of Trump

Trump's ambassador to the EU says the president ordered him against his will to work with Rudy Giuliani on Ukraine

Cameras captured Trump's Ukraine talking points, written in giant Sharpie letters: 'I want nothing. I want no quid pro quo.'

The GOP warned Ambassador Sondland that he'd be 'smeared' by Democrats in the impeachment hearing before turning around and smearing him themselves

Rapper A$AP Rocky was a surprise focal point of Ambassador Sondland's impeachment hearing testimony

November 19:

The GOP's own witnesses blew up their case and a Purple Heart recipient was accused of disloyalty. Here are the biggest takeaways from Tuesday's impeachment hearings.

Republicans tried to smear Alexander Vindman by implying the US military officer has dual loyalty to Ukraine

Kurt Volker completely reverses his previous impeachment testimony and now says he thought discussions about political investigations were 'inappropriate'

Republicans called Kurt Volker to testify and he promptly shut down the right wing's biggest allegation against Joe Biden

Devin Nunes used all his time in the impeachment hearing to try to out the Ukraine whistleblower

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

• Retiring early as a self-made millionaire isn't easy.
• Business Insider has spoken to many people who retired early over the years with net worths ranging from $1 million to over $3 million.
• Early retirees all tend to share the same money, lifestyle, and mindset habits.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

It takes a lot of diligence and dedication to retire early as a self-made millionaire.

Some have done it as young as 28, while others achieve financial independence in their 50s. Either way, early retirement isn't a feat everyone can manage.

As the FIRE (Financial Independence/Retire Early) movement has grown, Business Insider has spoken to many early retirees over the years. They all tend to share some common habits that helped them get to where they are today and maintain their financial independence. 

Early retirees typically begin on the same path: Assessing their financial state, cutting back on expenses, and diligently tracking their progress and spending habits. Once retired, they tend to spend even less and often move to lower cost of living areas, focusing on experiences and living a life they love filled with things like hobbies and travel.

Here, 17 habits among self-made millionaires who retired early.

SEE ALSO: 17 things millionaires do differently from everyone else

DON'T MISS: A day in the life of a 34-year-old early retiree who lives in NYC, grew his net worth to $1.25 million in just 5 years, and wakes up at 7:30 a.m.

1. They take inventory of their finances.

Leif Daahleen, the blogger behind the Physician on FIRE who retired at age 43, said that all early retirees take the first same step: taking inventory of their finances. He told Business Insider's Tanza Loudenback that there are two things one needs to do to plan for the future: calculate their net worth and find out how much they spend annually.

"These two puzzle pieces will help you craft a plan to reach financial independence," he said. "It's tough to reach any destination without knowing your starting point."

2. They track their net worth and spending.

Early retirees don't stop at taking stock of their finances — they continue to track their net worth to ensure they're on the path to financial independence.

Tracking net worth will "show you where the opportunities lie to improve your financial picture," wrote JP Livingston, who retired early at age 28 with $2 million, in a post for Business Insider. "It is the cornerstone habit that helps build momentum for all the other things you do to grow your wealth."

Sam Dogen, who retired at 34 and runs the blog Financial Samurai, also emphasized the importance of tracking your net worth. "Please track your net worth like a hawk so you know exactly where you stand and how much more you've got to go," he wrote in a post published on Business Insider. 

To stay in line with their net worth goal, many early retirees also track their spending. "I haven't met very many early retirees who don't have a precise understanding of how much they spend — AND ON WHAT,"Steve Adcock, who retired at age 35, wrote.

3. They're frugal.

Joe and Ali Olson, retired 30-something schoolteachers, made strategically frugal choices that allowed them to live on just $20,000 per year. "We kept driving the same cars ... We also ate at home, a lot. Eating out was rare, and a treat,"Joe told Business Insider in 2017. 

Over two years, aspiring early retiree Angela Rozmyn reduced her family of three's food spending from $2,000 a month to $800 a month by cutting out expensive weekday lunches and minimizing trips to the grocery store, Business Insider's Tanza Loudenback wrote. She and her husband are saving close to 50% of their income and plan to retire in their early 30s.

4. They underspend on housing.

According to Tanja Hester in her book, "Work Optional: Retire Early the Non-Penny-Pinching Way," reducing your housing expenses can free up hundreds of dollars a month, which can then be funneled into investments.

She and her husband lived "in a dingy one-bedroom apartment in West Hollywood that we rented for years, even though our earnings increased and we knew we could afford to move if we wanted to," she wrote.

Meanwhile, the Olsons chose to live in a modest 416-square-foot condo in an affordable area. This allowed them to purchase rental properties and generate income, even while only taking in about $80,000 a year in combined salaries.

5. They focus on increasing their earnings.

Planning for early retirement isn't just about spending less — it's also about making more money. "You can't always cut more from your spending, but you can always earn more,"Hester wrote.

Aspiring early retirees increase their income by starting a side hustle, retraining for a higher-paying career, increasing focus in their current career, negotiating for more money, or by going to work for themselves, she said.

Grant Sabatier, who retired at age 30 with $1.25 million, is of a similar mindset: Increasing your income is more powerful than cutting back your expenses, he says, because you can cut back only so much. "This gives you the opportunity to invest more money more often, accelerating the rate of compounding and the growth of your money," he writes in "Financial Freedom: A Proven Path to All the Money You Will Ever Need."

6. They bank their raises.

The more money you can make, the more money you can save, according to Sabatier. That's how Livingston was able to save more than 80% of her income and Brandon of the Mad Fientist, who retired at age 34, saved up to 85% of his.

"Earning more and banking the increased earnings in investments is the absolute best way to increase how much you can invest year over year,"Hester writes. One of the best ways to do this, she says, is to "hide the money from yourself," also knowing a "paying yourself first." It's a classic strategy in which you save and invest your money before paying other expenses and splurging on wants.

7. They create passive income.

Many early retirees create passive income through side hustles or investments. After retiring early, Livingston began a personal-finance blog, The Money Habit. It ended becoming a passive stream of income — she made $62,000 in its first year.

Sabatier also runs a blog, Millennial Money. "Once you have reliable monthly passive income that you can live on, you've effectively reached financial independence,"he wrote in his book. "Investing income is the ultimate passive income, and this is the main strategy the wealthy use to both get rich and stay rich."

8. They're comfortable living outside their comfort zone.

According to Adcock, getting out of your comfort zone can help you make uncomfortable money decisions you're not used to — like cutting back and saving more.

"Spending is an addiction, and people's minds keep planting the seeds of comfort within the decision-making process," he wrote. "In other words, early retirees make decisions that are in line and supportive of their financial goals and do not let society or friends/family affect their financial situation — even if those decisions are uncomfortable."

9. After retiring, they spend even less.

Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung, who retired at age 31 and run the website Millennial Revolution, have been traveling the world for the past four years and living on $30,879 a year. That's less than the $40,000 they spent living in Toronto, they said in their book, "Quit Like a Millionaire."

"Most early retirees find that they don't spend as much money as they thought after retiring,"Adcock told Business Insider. "It's because we no longer need things to distract us from full-time work. Once we no longer have those jobs, it's very common for spending to decrease rather than increase."

Since he no longer needs work-related items like briefcases or nice clothes for the office, he and his wife have decreased their wardrobe budget by 75% and spend $10 to $15 a month on average on clothes-related items, according to Adcock.

10. When they do spend, it's on experiences.

Many early retirees prefer to spend their money the same way: on experiences. "Things lose value, but early retirees understand that experiences tend to appreciate within our heads," Adcock wrote.

He added: "Today, I would much rather take an inexpensive vacation to somewhere I love (like Sedona, Arizona, for example) than get stuff wrapped up as gifts. Early retirees are over 'stuff' and have often found that the less stuff they have, the more simple life becomes."

He and his wife give each other "the gift of experiences," traveling everywhere from Key West to Glacier National Park and visiting the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in between.

11. After retirement, money isn't a huge motivator for them.

Early retirees may spend less because they stop thinking about money. "The most significant way our finances have changed since retiring early is we don't really think about money anymore," Jeremy Jacobson, a 30-something early retiree and the blogger behind GoCurryCracker!, told Business Insider.

He continued: "We have enough passive income for everything we want and need, which is incredibly liberating. Even without the 'retire early' life, being financially independent provides a tremendous amount of inner peace."

Brandon previously told Business Insider he wished he knew how "unimportant and insignificant" money would be after retiring early. 

"I always thought that I would spend my early retirement doing entrepreneurial things, but now that I have enough money, doing things for the sole purpose of getting more money doesn't make sense anymore," Brandon said. "Money has been the primary motivator for my entire adult life, but now that I have enough, I've had to find new sources of motivation."

12. They value happiness on living a life they love.

"If you view money as the goal, then you miss the point,"Sabatier wrote. "Money is infinite, but time is not." He explained that time becomes more valuable as we age because we have less of it left — but the concept doesn't frequently align with people's perspectives on valuing their own time or how they think about money in their lives. 

The key, according to blogger Mr. Crazy Kicks, who retired at age 34, is maximizing happiness per dollar— put your money where your heart is, but get the most bang for your buck.

Happiness comes from being satisfied with what you already have, according to Chris Reining, who retired at age 37 as a self-made millionaire. He planned his portfolio to support him with $48,000 a year, but after two years found he only needed about $30,000 a year to live.

13. They move to lower cost-of-living areas.

Many early retirees move from an expensive city to a lower cost-of-living area, Business Insider's Andy Kiersz reported. Karsten "Big Ern" Jeske, of Early Retirement Now, retired at 44. He told Business Insider that after retiring he and his family moved from San Francisco to Washington state to lower their living expenses and income-tax burden.

n 2017, Jason Fieber, of Mr. Free at 33, who retired the year prior at age 33, relocated to Thailand to take advantage of geographic arbitrage (or geo-arbitrage) — earning money in a strong economy (like the US) and spending it in a weaker economy (like Thailand), he previously told Business Insider.

In addition to making his money (earned in US dollars, spent in Thai baht) stretch further, moving abroad substantially lowered Fieber's cost of living and allows him to "enjoy a wonderful culture."

14. They develop hobbies.

Justin McCurry of the blog Root of Good, who retired at age 33 with a $1.3 million investment portfolio, schedules in time for hobbies like taking a walk or reading. Sometimes he gets passionate about an idea and spends a few days absorbed in a new project, such as learning Adobe Photoshop or foreign languages, he previously told Business Insider.

Sabatier makes time for meditation, and John of ESI Money, who retired at age 52 with a $3 million net worth, likes to do chess puzzles.

15. They like to exercise.

One hobby in particular early retirees engage in is physical activity. Sabatier practices yoga, McCurry likes to go surfing, and John also likes to hike.

"With 'all the time in the world,' you certainly have the time to exercise every day," John wrote in a blog post published on Business Insider. "I have been working out for years, but since moving to Colorado (and then retiring), I now work out six days a week plus walk a good amount every day."

16. They travel.

While some early retirees maintain their life at home, others decide to explore the world.

Consider Shen and Leung, who have been traveling the world for the past four years. Likewise, Jacobson and his wife now travel the world with their son after retiring from tech in their 30s. They do so while living on roughly $65,000 a year. And Adcock previously told Business Insider he and his wife travel in their 30-foot Airstream, which has decreased their living expenses.

17. They're optimistic.

"Early retirees take a glass half full approach to most things, from making life-altering decisions about work to picking the right wine to sip on during dinner — and everything in-between," Adcock wrote. "They expect things to go well, and as we know from the powerful placebo effect, this phenomenon is very real."

He continued: "Note: Of course, we are not talking about "blind" optimism. Early retirees are always wise to plan ahead and account for when things do not go as planned. One must be a realist and understand the realities of the world while letting optimism take us to some truly amazing places in life."

• One Direction shot to stardom in 2010 after competing on "The X Factor."
• After member Zayn Malik left in 2015, the band continued as a four-piece but later that year they announced they'd be going on a hiatus. 
• Since the hiatus, Malik has spoken negatively about his time in One Direction, saying he made no friends and didn't like the music they created.
• Members like Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson have spoken about a possible reunion, but have not given details. 
• Liam Payne has said that Malik "didn't even say goodbye" when he left the band. 
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

One Direction was one of the most popular bands of the 2010s, producing multiple top-10 hits and five full-length albums. They sold out tours in stadiums and arenas around the globe.

The band was formed in 2010 on the UK version of "The X Factor" and it is comprised of five guys who auditioned as solo artists. The members include Liam Payne, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Harry Styles, and Louis Tomlinson.

After years of reaching milestones and breaking records, the band started to slow down. In early 2015, it was announced on Facebook that Zayn Malik would be leaving the band. The four remaining members released a final album and announced an extended hiatus in August 2015.

Since the announcement of the hiatus, members have gone on to pursue solo interests and have commented on potential reunions as well as their current relationships with their bandmates.

Here's everything members of One Direction have said about the band and each other since announcing their hiatus.

In his first interview after leaving the band, Zayn Malik called One Direction's music "generic as f---."

In his first solo interview since leaving the band, Zayn Malik told Fader magazine that One Direction's music was "generic as f---" and that it didn't fit his style. 

"Whenever I would suggest something, it was like it didn't fit us. There was just a general conception that the management already had of what they want for the band and I just wasn't convinced with what we were selling," he told the publication. 

He said he wasn't 100% behind the band's music and that the group was recording what they were told would sell. 

In 2015, Malik said he wouldn’t listen to One Direction’s music.

After leaving One Direction, Malik went on the record to say he isn't a fan of the band's music.

He told Rolling Stone, "That's not music I would listen to ...Would you listen to One Direction at a party with your girl? I wouldn't. To me, that's not an insult, that's me as a 22-year-old man."

"As much as I was in that band, and I loved everything that we did, that's not music that I would listen to. I want to make music that I think is cool s---. I don't think that's too much to ask for," he added. 

In 2015, Malik seemed to suggest One Direction's music wasn't "real."

In 2015, Malik teased the release of new music on Twitter. He shared the announcement along with "#RealMusic."

Many fans interpreted this as a jab at One Direction's discography, feeling as though Malik meant to imply the music he had previously made with One Direction was fake or not quite up to his standards.

In 2016, Malik said he never wanted to be in One Direction.

In 2016, in his first solo, on-camera interview with radio station Beats 1, Malik said he never wanted to be in One Direction. 

"I think I always wanted to go, from like the first year, really," he told the interviewer. "I never really wanted to be there, like in the band."

"I realized the direction we were going in — mind the pun — with the music, I instantly realized it wasn't for me because I realized I couldn't put any input in," he added.

In 2017, Malik said he and Harry Styles didn't really talk when they were in the band together. He also said he didn't really talk to any of his bandmates anymore.

Malik told Us Weekly he and Styles were not close while they were in the band together. He said he "never really spoke to Harry" and that he had never been under the impression they would keep in touch after Malik left the band. 

That same year, he told Billboard that he doesn't really talk to anyone in the band anymore. 

"Our relationships have definitely changed since we were in a band together, but I think that's just life," Malik told the publication. "Everybody grows up — two of the guys have got kids now. But no, I don't talk to any of them, really."

In 2018, Malik has said he didn't make a single friend during his time in One Direction.

In an interview with GQ, Malik said he "didn't make any friends from the band." He explained, "It's not something that I'm afraid to say. I definitely have issues trusting people.

This came as a surprise to fans because in the Facebook post announcing his departure, Malik wrote that he had "four friends for life."

That same year, Malik told GQ he felt his vision was not aligned with the band's.

In a 2018 cover story, Malik explained he felt underrepresented in terms of the music One Direction was producing. He told GQ, "My vision didn't necessarily always go with what was going on within the band."

In contrast to the pop music of One Direction was known for producing, Malik released an R&B album in 2016.

Malik has also said, toward the end, he felt he wasn't able to enjoy the experience of being in the band.

Speaking with Vogue UK in 2018, Malik referred to One Direction as a "machine."

He discussed the band's sudden rise to fame and rigorous touring schedule saying, "I think back to the performances towards the end when we were in stadiums — I wasn't really ever able to enjoy the experience. The machine had gone too fast."

Harry Styles responded to some of Malik's comments in 2017.

The youngest member of One Direction, Harry Styles, has since released a critically acclaimed album, gone on a world tour, and co-chaired the 2019 Met Gala.

Since the band's split, he has been relatively quiet about his relationships with the other members of One Direction, but he has mentioned his distant relationship with one member in particular, Malik.

In a 2017 profile for Rolling Stone, Styles responded to Malik saying One Direction's music wasn't "cool."

"I think it's a shame he felt that way ... but I never wish anything but luck to anyone doing what they love. If you're not enjoying something and need to do something else, you absolutely should do that. I'm glad he's doing what he likes, and good luck to him," said Styles. 

Styles has also explained why he felt the band's hiatus was best for their long-term success.

In that same 2017 interview, when asked why the band agreed to take a hiatus, Styles told Rolling Stone he "didn't want to exhaust [the band's] fan base" and spoke for the other members saying, "We all thought too much of the group to let that happen."

Styles went on to entertain ideas of a future reunion, saying, "I love the band and would never rule out anything in the future. The band changed my life, gave me everything."

In 2017, Styles said a 1D reunion could eventually come about if everyone was in the right mindset.

Styles told Another Man magazine that a One Direction reunion would never be ruled out. He thinks it is good for the members to be "exploring different things," but that if a reunion were to happen when everyone felt comfortable, it would be "amazing."

While hosting "Saturday Night Live" in November of 2019, Styles made a joke about Malik's leaving the band.

During his turn hosting and performing on "Saturday Night Live," Styles made a reference to his boy-band days, saying, "I love those guys, they're my brothers: Niall, Liam, Louis, and, uh, Ringo, yeah, that's it." 

By swapping out Malik's name with Ringo Starr's, Styles referenced how Malik was the first person to leave One Direction — sort of how Starr was technically the first member to leave The Beatles.

In 2017, Louis Tomlinson said he was feeling more confident than ever just before the band's hiatus.

During their time on"The X Factor," Louis Tomlinson had minimal screen time. He didn't sing any solo parts on the show and was never the band's frontman. Over the years, he began to perform more solos on the band's albums and during live tours.

In 2017, he told The Guardian,"In the last year of One Direction, I was probably the most confident I ever was. And then it was: 'OK, hiatus!'"

That same year, Tomlinson said he thought he would have a harder time than his bandmates trying to work with major names in the music industry.

When beginning his own solo career, Tomlinson expressed uncertainty in his ability to team up with any superstar collaborators.

In 2017, he told The Guardian, "I couldn't say to you now that I could definitely get a superstar writer in a session with me," later adding, "Harry [Styles] won't struggle with any of that."

Tomlinson has already released music with Bebe Rexha and Steve Aoki and his bandmates have also had created hit songs with famed artists.

Styles has collaborated with Stevie Nicks, Ariana Grande, and Kacey Musgraves; Malik has collaborated with artists like Taylor Swift and Sia; Horan has worked with Julia Michaels and Maren Morris; and Payne has worked with stars like Rita Ora and Zedd. 

On the nine-year anniversary of the band being formed, Tomlinson sent his love to his bandmates.

"So many incredible memories. Days like today are days for reflection, so proud looking back! Thank you for ALWAYS having our backs! Big love to the lads! #9YearsOfOneDirection," the musician tweeted on July 23, 2019 — the ninth anniversary of the band being formed. 

In 2019, Louis Tomlinson said he thinks a 1D reunion is "inevitable" and he wasn't ready for the band to split when it did.

In a 2019 interview with ODE Entertainment, Louis Tomlinson said he feels a One Direction reunion is "inevitable" but he doesn't know when exactly it'll happen. 

In a later interview with "Build" that same year, the singer said he wasn't really ready for the band to go on a break.

"It surprised me to a certain degree, so I didn't have any plan in place or anything like that,"he added. "I think I just thought that I was going to carry on writing for other people, but not necessarily for myself."

He said he ended up writing a lot of songs and liking some, so he decided to pursue a solo singing career. 

Earlier this year, Tomlinson spoke about his and Malik's strained friendship.

In December 2016, Tomlinson's' mom Johannah Deakin died of leukemia. He was previously slated to perform on "The X Factor" just days after her death so he stuck to his commitment and performed his first solo song in her honor.

He said all of his former bandmates except for Malik came to see him perform. Tomlinson later spoke about the incident on the "The Dan Wootton Interview" podcast in 2019. 

"... All the boys had agreed to come to that performance and he didn't show so that really bugged me ... It was just seeing everyone there — Harry, Niall, and Liam — that was what I needed that night, that support," he said. "So on the other end of the spectrum it kind of really showed."

Tomlinson has continued to speak about his strained relationship with Malik.

In October, the singer told Metro that he didn't think he was ready to decide whether or not he could forgive Malik. 

"I just don't think I am mature enough, even in my own head, to give that a real answer. At the moment, I am still pretty mad about the whole thing," he told the publication.

"I don't think [Zayn] handled it very well. But never say never. Who knows? He chatted a lot of s--- in the early days. I thought One Direction were pretty good," he added. 

In 2017, Liam Payne said he isn't a fan of Harry's song, "Sign of the Times."

In a video for Music Choice, Liam Payne was asked about some of his bandmates' solo music.

He said Styles' single "Sign of the Times"' is not "[his] sort of music" and isn't something he'd listen to but he respects Harry's taste and thinks he "did a great job of doing what he wanted to do."

"He'd say the same thing about me," Payne said of Styles. Payne creates hip-hop-style music whereas Style's solo tracks have classic-rock vibes. 

Payne said Horan's solo single "This Town" was "great." 

That same year, during a speech, Payne made a joke about Malik's departure from the band.

While presenting friend James Corden with the Man Of The Year award at Glamour's Women Of The Year ceremony in 2017, Payne told a story about the band Corden was in when he was younger.

Corden's band apparently had a slogan, which Payne followed up with"[One Direction] never had a slogan, but if we had, Zayn might have stayed."

In 2019, Payne told a fan on Twitter to stop asking him about the hiatus.

Payne, who has had success with solo songs like "Strip That Down," and "Get Low," recently responded to a fan on Twitter when they asked him about a reunion.

The fan reportedly shared two screenshots of conflicting reports of a reunion tour, asking Payne if he could make up his mind.

Payne responded by writing, "Can people stop passing blame to me about this I get asked this ridiculous question 500x a day (exaggeration)... so I just say whatever guess I have at the time... but still this band has 3 other members you want the answer ask them."

In 2019, Payne spoke about how "dumb luck" played a role in 1D's success and how the fame could get toxic.

"It literally was the perfect storm," Payne told Men's Health magazine in 2019, speaking of One Direction's success. He said so many scenarios had to fall into place for the band to be as successful as it was and a lot of it came down to "dumb luck."

He also spoke about how the group's fame took a toll on him and impacted his mental health. 

"When you're doing hundreds and hundreds of [concerts] and it's the same 22 songs at the same time every single day, even if you're not happy, you've got to go out there," he told the publication. "It's almost like putting the Disney costume on before you step up on stage and underneath the Disney costume I was pissed (drunk) quite a lot of the time because there was no other way to get your head around what was going on."

He said it was fun but parts of being famous and being on tour "just got a little bit toxic."

Payne said he'd like to collaborate with Styles.

During a November 2019 interview with the "Hits Radio Breakfast Show," Payne said he'd be interested in collaborating with Styles— even though he once said he wasn't a huge fan of his music. 

"From the first song off his album, I feel like me and Harry could do a really cool song together," he said on the show, speaking of Styles' album "Fine Line" and the first single from it, "Lights Up."

"There could be a good mix between the two things because the first song was kind of funky so I feel like we could break down into some sort of hip-hop-R&B thing halfway though, and have like a little megamix," Payne explained.

In 2019, Payne said a One Direction reunion is "at least" two years away.

In December 2019, Payne told the "Sunday Brunch" radio show that he thinks the band will get back together "at some point."

"'I think we will for sure. I don't know when that is yet, but all I know is that there are at least two years because everyone's released new music and you have to go and promo. There are at least two years," he added. 

Also in 2019, Payne implied that he wasn't close to most of his bandmates.

In the same December 2019 interview with "Sunday Brunch," Payne said he recently saw Styles for the first time in three years and said he was "lovely."

He also seemed to allude that he didn't get along with everyone in the band.

"We literally for five years we were in each other's pockets," he said. "The thing I always describe it as is if you imagine an office — and One Direction was my office — there's one person you don't really get along with, one person you don't know very much about, one person you hang out with all the time, and someone you're sort of friends with."

Payne said going solo was tough but fun, and that he and his bandmates are finding their place in the music world.

In a November 2019 interview with GQ, Payne said "everything changed" once One Direction parted ways.

"New teams, new managers, new labels. Building those working relationships can be tricky. You also become the boss of your own s---, and I was 21, 22 when I first started doing my own thing, so it's all a bit scary and can be a bit lonely," he told the publication, saying the process is a lot of fun, too. 

"Now the band members have all worked our way through this first couple of years, you can kind of see everyone's finding their own feet. Take Harry [Styles] at the moment. You know, he's just found what I think is his sound and exactly where he wants to be, which took him a little minute to get into since he had his last album out," he added.

The singer also mentioned that a few years after the band went on a break, he went into therapy to cope.

"That first therapy session and being like, 'I don't even know what I like or anything about myself' — it was pretty scary stuff," he told GQ. 

He also said he and his bandmates have had their differences, but he found it "strange" that Malik never said goodbye.

Payne also told GQ that he and his bandmates have always had their differences, and that he still thinks about things he'd do differently but that it's "all part of growing up."

"Being in One Direction was such a schoolyard mentality somehow — the One Direction University, I call it. Everyone has stuff they've said at parties they wished they hadn't but, for us, the difference was that it was all happening in front of the world," Payne told GQ. 

He said now that he's older, certain things don't bother him as much but Malik leaving the band was tough.

"I think with Zayn's particular exit and the way he chose to go, we haven't really heard from him since he left. He didn't even say goodbye, if I am being honest. It was a really sordid scenario, from our side certainly. A bit strange. It's difficult," he added. 

Payne has said Malik was the best singer in One Direction.

"For Zayn, he loves music and he's an amazing talent. He genuinely was the best singer in One Direction, hand on heart, out of all of us," Payne also told GQ.

He said he tried to reach out to Malik, but got to a point where he "wouldn't know where to begin."

"I hope he has good people around him, but I don't at this stage think it's anything the rest of us can solve," Payne added. 

In 2017, Niall Horan shared that he doesn't regularly keep in touch with Malik but he has kept in touch with some of his other bandmates.

Niall Horan told The Sun that Malik is the "hardest man to get in touch with" due to the fact that he is constantly changing his phone number. 

He did say that he met Payne's son, Bear, and brought him gifts. He also mentioned that he'd been to see one of Styles' solo gigs and got a drink with him. 

He also mentioned a possible band reunion in that interview, saying, "It's only been like two years or whatever so I'm not worried about it. I'm not rushing it and I'm not worried that it won't happen."

That same year, Horan said he sometimes feels as though he is still in One Direction

In an interview with Billboard, Horan said he sometimes feels like something is missing when touring solo as opposed to in a band.

He said, "You're sitting in an airport lounge, they call you for a plane, and you don't stand up initially because you're waiting on ­everyone else, you know? 'Oh, Louis'll be back from the toilet in a minute.'"

In that same interview, Horan said he has nothing but respect for his former bandmates.

Speaking to Billboard, Horan said he sees Tomlinson and Tomlinson's son, Freddie, often. He said they live near each other in Los Angeles and see each other "all the time."

He also spoke about his plans to hang out with Styles and Payne and shrugged off questions about Malik's shady comments: "I know what Zayn's like — outspoken, and fair play to him."

• Private equity firms like KKR, Blackstone, and The Carlyle Group's key hires this year show how they plan to invest in 2020.
• Business Insider spoke with PE recruiters and dug up hire announcements to track the biggest people-moves who those working in the industry should know about.
•  The additions illustrated investment in growth equity, impact investing and overseas offices throughout Asia. 
• Click here for more BI Prime stories.

Private equity firms typically do most of their hiring at the associate level, often preferring to cultivate talent from within rather than through external hires.

Sometimes, though, they sign on people at the senior level in areas of strategic importance. 

These instances, though few and far in between, offer a peek at key shifts in PE firms' investment strategies, which can get lost in the day-to-day news shuffle.

Business Insider took a look back at the year, spoke with executive recruiters and dug up hire announcements, to see how private equity firms have been padding their rosters as we head into 2020.

Some firms like Warburg Pincus, Silver Lake and Apollo Global Management were not so active on the outside hiring front, instead announcing internal management shifts that promoted existing execs.

KKR, Blackstone and The Carlyle Group, meanwhile, made key hires in areas including growth equity, impact investing, and overseas offices throughout Asia.

Put in one place, these moves offer a cheat sheet for private equity observers to see what areas firms are prioritizing as they evolve into giant asset managers and sprout new business lines. 

Here are the highlights for 2019. 

Jon Korngold joins Blackstone from General Atlantic

One private equity recruiter told us that Korngold's move to Blackstone was probably the year's biggest hire. 

That's because it was the first time Blackstone created an entire division devoted to growth equity investing, or the financing and acquiring of fast-growing companies.

Korngold, 45, made a splash when he co-led the first deal in the new Blackstone Growth Equity unit, buying a controlling stake in MagicLab, the company that owns dating app Bumble, for $3 billion.

Korngold joined Blackstone from General Atlantic where he was considered one of its most senior ranking members, leading its financial services and healthcare groups. 

He joined Blackstone as senior managing director in January and then went on a hiring spree of his own, picking up Ram Jagannath, a former executive of The Carlyle Group, among others. 

Read more: We talked to a dozen insiders about Jon Korngold, the investor driving Blackstone's big push into backing fast-growing companies like Bumble

Ram Jagannath joins Blackstone from Navab Capital Partners

One of the tragic events of the year was the unexpected death of 53-year-old Alex Navab, the former KKR executive who left the firm to launch Navab Capital Partners.

Shortly after his death in July, the team he had convened to form Navab Capital Partners, which had been seeking $3 billion for its debut fund, disbanded. 

Ram Jagannath was one of the senior investment professionals on the Navab Capital Partners team whose new home was announced in August.

Jagannath had previously worked at The Carlyle Group and placed his investing focus on the healthcare and technology sectors.

Korngold scooped him up to help find and close deals of fast-growing companies, drawing investor interest in Blackstone Growth Equity. 

During his 12 years at Carlyle, Jagannath was on the deal teams of investments such as One Medical Group, Pharmaceutical Product Development and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics.

He got a JD and MBA from Northwestern University in 2007. 

KKR makes key Asia hires

KKR has had boots on the ground in Asia for 15 years but it is doubling down on that investment, expanding its private equity investing power into credit and infrastructure. 

That was illustrated this year when KKR made some key hires in Asia. 

First, in January, it brought onboard David Luboff from Macquarie Group, where he spent 18 years and was most recently the head of its Asia Infrastructure Funds. 

He joined KKR's team of 28 Asia infrastructure professionals and is working out of the firm's Singapore office. He will lead the Pan Asian operations of KKR's global infrastructure business. 

Then, in March, KKR tapped Kate Richdale as the head of strategy and business development in the Asia Pacific from Goldman Sachs. 

At the time, KKR had been busy deploying a more than $9 billion fund targeting Asia investments overall, and saw Richdale as an asset who could assist with technology related deals. 

During Richdale's tenure at Goldman Sachs, where she co-helmed the investment bank in Asia, the firm helped take public Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi Corp, among other tech companies. 

Ming Lu, member and head of KKR Asia, said in a statement: "Our first phase of growth has focused on scaling our private equity business, and now we have the great opportunity to meet the growing needs of Asian businesses and entrepreneurs."

KKR hires chief information and innovation officer

Insiders say big private equity firms are still in the nascent stages of figuring out how to use data and technology to inform investment decisions. 

But one hire in 2019 signaled they are marching forward with plans to channel their inner quants in the coming years. 

KKR hired Emelia Sherifova from Northwestern Mutual as its first chief information and innovation officer. 

Sherifova had been the chief technology officer of the large bank and said in a statement that "technology and a data driven approach will play a central role" in KKR's next stage of evolution.

The news followed a similar hire by Blackstone in 2015 when it hired Matt Katz from Point72 Asset Management to lead a team of data scientists who now serve as a resource to deal teams and help Blackstone-owned companies improve operations. 

Carlyle hires Pooja Goyal to lead renewables effort

The Carlyle Group wants to invest in clean energy. 

So it hired Pooja Goyal, a veteran banker at Goldman Sachs, to head up a new division focused on just that. 

In July, Goyal started work in Carlyle's New York office, working alongside its broader power group, which closed its second fund on $1.5 billion in 2016. 

"In every deal we do, we're going to need to bring a new level of energy management, automation and efficiency to projects," Andrew Marino, co-head of Carlyle's Global Infrastructure Fund,told Infrastructure Investor.

He explained: "Government entities are not only encouraging, but even requiring a greater standard of renewable energy in delivering their projects."

Goyal spent 17 years at Goldman Sachs, most recently serving as head of alternative energy investing, where she led the investment bank's deals in the renewables sector.

Goyal has held several board and committee positions including the boards of Vivint Solar and the American Council of Renewable Energy and the investment committee at Altus Power. 

Advent hires TPG tech investor in San Francisco

In February, Advent International signed on a prominent technology investor in San Francisco with the hire of Bryan Taylor. 

Taylor had previously been with TPG Capital where he was co-head of its technology group and led a team of 20 people investing in software, data analytics and technology services. 

At Advent, Taylor is putting that tech expertise to work scoping out investment opportunities alongside fellow investor, Eric Wei, who recruited him. 

It was a significant hire for Advent because it added heft to its technolgy investing arm. Taylor will lead a team of 14 at the shop, which has more than 200 investment professionals overall and more than $54 billion in assets under management. 

Prior to working at TPG, Taylor co-founded Symphony Technology Group, a private equity firm focused on investing in software and technology services companies. 

Carlyle credit exec rejoins Morgan Stanley

Jeffrey Levin, the president of Carlyle's business development company, submitted his resignation in January and rejoined Morgan Stanley. 

Levin had worked at Morgan Stanley between 2004 and 2012 and was a founding partner of Morgan Stanley Credit Partners. 

At Morgan Stanley he's now heading up direct lending, an area where a number of private equity firms have been expanding and competing with the large investment banks. 

Blackstone launches impact investing platform

More investors want to put their money into businesses that are doing good things for the world, like making people healthier and preserving the environment.

So Blackstone tapped Tanya Barnes, a managing director at Goldman Sachs, to lead a new "impact investing" strategy, or in what private equity lingo means investing in good causes that also happen to be good business.

In her new role, Barnes works under Blackstone's strategic partners group, a unit that specializes in "secondaries," or the sale of investor stakes.

The hire marks a turning point in private equity that has gained momentum over the past few years, as other firms including Bain Capital and KKR have raised funds devoted to impact investing. 

Strategic partners, the unit in which impact investing sits, manages $28 billion of assets across private equity, real estate and infrastructure funds.

Carlyle brings in new face of impact investing

On a similar note, The Carlyle Group also tapped Goldman Sachs talent for its own impact investing endeavors. 

Megan Starr joined Carlyle as a principal and head of impact investing over the summer. 

Starr has already taken on a public-facing role, representing Carlye at multiple conferences including this year's Greenwich Economic Forum, alongside its co-founder David Rubenstein. 

Prior to joining Carlyle, she worked in Goldman Sachs's ESG and impact investing division for five years. She also was named as one of Business Insider's 2018 Wall Street Rising Stars. 

• The 2019 New York Motorcycle Show wrapped up on Sunday at the Javits Center in Manhattan.
• On display were bikes from Harley-Davidson, Indian, Royal Enfield, Honda, BMW, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and other brands.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The 2019 New York Motorcycle Show is in the books. 

If you missed it, you're in luck. I swung by a press preview last week and spent a few hours, as I do every year, and sampled all the bikes on display, from the usual big names, such as Harley-Davidson and Indian, Honda and BMW, but also a few upstarts, including Royal Enfield.

Here's are some of the coolest motorcycles I saw, plus some other interesting sights:

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The Motorcycle show pulls into the Javits Center every year between Thanksgiving and the December holidays.

First sight: a new Suzuki Katana.

Progressive insurance is the longtime sponsor.

Win a Harley!

A theme at this year's show was ... more bicycles. Specifically, electric bicycles.

But the BIG STORY was the arrival of the Harley-Davidson LiveWire, an electric full-size motorcycle that's on the market for $30,000.

LiveWire looks impressive in the flesh. I hopped on and was surprised at how heavy the bike is — there's nothing insubstantial about the bike.

But there were other hogs to scrutinize. This Street Bob grabbed my attention almost immediately.

I threw a leg. Harleys are big bikes, and one assumes they'll be a struggle to handle, but I find them to be exquisitely balanced, and that's true even as they get larger.

It's never too soon to get a rider started with Harley-Davidson.

Harley is known for its big cruisers, but in recent years the company has been looking to attract newer and younger riders by rolling out relatively more svelte machines. The Iron 1200 is one example.

Harley's Sportster lineup has given customers a good entry point to the brand.

Moving up the food chain, we get the Fat Bob 114, equipped with the Milwaukee-Eight engine.

I'm a big fan of the design of the Softail Slim, a lot of bike for $16,000.

For what it's worth, I also love the Harley three-wheelers, like this Tri-Glide.

The fun aspect of stopping by the Honda Powersports booth is knowing that you're going to see the range of vehicles that the company manufactures.

My eyes have been drawn of late toward all the small-displacement motorcycles and scooters that Honda has been producing. For example, the homely Ruckus.

The Metropolitan is Honda's version of a classic Italian Vespa. Next to it is the mighty Grom, a micro-bike that is sort of a teen-aged version of a full-size motorcycle.

Small bikes are in Honda's DNA, as the famous Super Cub, now reissued, attests.

The "MiniMoto" action continues with the Monkey. The Grom, Super Cub, and Monkey all start at less than $4,000 and have all the modern tech a discerning new rider could hope for.

When you're ready to move up to a "real" bike, Honda offers in stalwart Rebel, which can be obtained in this ferocious color scheme.

The CBR lineup offers incredible value and performance in the sport-bike market.

And for an upright mount, the CB300R is tough to beat. This lightweight bike is comfortable, easy to handle, and comes in at less than $5,000.

And of course, Honda is much more than two-wheelers. The Talon is what known as a "side-by-side," accommodating two riders for offroad adventures.

Honda might do scooters, but Vespa remains the gold standard.

When people think "scooter," the Italian classic is what they have in mind.

A focus of this year's show, which was more modest product-wise than what I've seen in the past, was getting new riders onto bikes.

Hence this useful display of motorcycles for entry-level iron horsemen and women.

The Rebel returns! Available in 300cc and 500cc variants, this modest cruiser was the first bike for what seems like three-quarters of the riding world.

Nearby was this groovy three-wheeler. The model, the Carmel, is from Vanderhall Motors of Utah. It splits the difference between a motorcycle and a car.

A big plastic motorcycle boot. I have no idea what it's for.

I do, on the other hand, know what tires are for. Big manufacturers, such as Bridgestone and Michelin, usually have a presence at the show.

As do helmet makers.

Lots and lots...

... Of helmet makers.

Gear makers, too!

Retailer RevZilla brought a nice selection to heritage styles.

One of my favorite stories from the motorcycle show these past few years has been the growth of India's Royal Enfield as it brings its famous old British brand to the US.

This INT650 looks smashing in chrome.

And here's a lineup of Continental GT 650s. Both the INT650 and the GT 650 are on the market for less than $8,000.

BMW occupied central territory at the show.

The cycle arm of the Bavarian company brought a concept bike with a low-slung layout.

And fashion!

Fashion!

And more fashion!

But bikes, too. A BMW equipped with hard saddlebags is perhaps my quintessential image of the brand.

Plenty of this style was on display.

But so were some massive rides, such as the Grand America touring, with sells for over $25,000.

Husqvarna is a Swedish brand well-known by dirt bikers.

But the company was showing some street and sport bikes in New York. It calls the Vitpilen 401 "an unassuming hero of the sub-500 cc world."

There are always vintage motorcycles on the show floor.

Such as this vintage Husqvarna!

That little guy in the middle is a Harley.

A shiny Norton racing bike.

A Honda café racer.

And a custom bike. With skulls!

Indian is one of Harley's big rivals in the big-bike world.

And this Roadmaster is definitely a big boy.

The FTR1200 is a smaller, newer offering.

But the Scout is a classic.

And the new Scout Bobber could become one.

Progressive might be the sponsor, but other insurance companies were represented.

Motorcycle riders need insurance!

All-electric Zero has been selling bikes for longer than most of the fresh competition.

Zero also supplies exhaust-less, no-clutch bikes for an introductory-rider course set up at the back of the hall.

Suzuki brought a racing bike, among the few straight-off-the-track models being shown in New York.

Like Honda, Suzuki makes a wide range of vehicles, including junior ATVs.

But at also big cruisers, like this Boulevard model.

And low-slung Harley-evocative machines. For $9,000, this Boulevard model is an excellent value.

It's important to remember that the Japanese brands remain a huge market presence in the US.

Let's check out Kawasaki.

Kawasaki continues to let the good times roll with this throwback W800 cafe racer.

Maybe it was just me, but this year I felt like street bikes and especially smaller, retro designs edged out powersports dirt bikes for floor space. Of course, Kawasaki put its offerings on display.

Including the perfect little ATV for the holidays.

The legendary Ninja sport bike looks awesome in white.

And what about Yamaha?

Well, Yamaha didn't hold back on side-by-sides.

But lest we forget thy make two-wheelers, the company showed its range with this lineup, from a small-displacement bike to a grand tourer.

Yamaha also brought a wicked, blacked-out sport bike.

And also a range of upright "naked" bikes that challenge Ducati, which wasn't at this year's show.

Finally, let us praise the choppers. This chromed-out masterpiece was being lovingly polished as I bid the 2019 New York Motorcycle Show adieu.

• Snapchat is planning to launch a new feature next week that allows users to edit their face into shareable videos, TechCrunch first reported.
• The feature is called Snapchat Cameos and is intended as a Bitmoji alternative that's easily shareable in other apps.
• Cameos are already being piloted for a small number of users, and will be rolled out for all Snapchat users on December 18.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Snapchat is about to release a new feature that will let users edit their face into easily shareable videos, presenting an alternative to Bitmoji or Memoji, TechCrunch first reported.

The new feature, called Snapchat Cameos, uses a form of deepfake technology to map users' faces onto video recordings or animations, which express specific moods.

In a statement to Business Insider, a Snapchat spokesperson confirmed that the new feature is called Cameos and will be released globally on December 18.

Some French users have already gotten access to the feature. Users took to Twitter to share their Cameo videos.

The new feature comes as Snapchat attempts to lure users back to its app among stiff competition from the video-sharing app TikTok. Snapchat has seen recent growth this year after several quarters of decline — it ended the third quarter of 2019 with 210 million daily users, up from 203 million in the second quarter.

Here's a breakdown of how to use Snapchat Cameos.

SEE ALSO: The FBI just issued a warning about the risks of owning a smart TV — here are its suggestions for protecting your privacy

Begin by selecting the contact from your Snap list that you want to send a Cameo.

On the keyboard, select the face icon next to the chat bar.

Select the Cameo icon at the bottom, which looks like a face silhouette with a plus sign.

Next, use the selfie camera to align your face with the outline that appears on screen.

You'll then be able to select a cameo filter, which will appear with your face edited into the video.

From there, you can send Cameos you've created directly in the chat.

Like Bitmoji, Snapchat will also let users create two-person Cameos using their friends' faces.

• The original iPhone set the stage for the modern smartphone, ushering in an era in which pocket-sized touchscreen computers are the norm.
• Over the past 10 years, Apple's iPhone evolved from a mobile device capable of running basic apps to a powerful computer with professional-grade cameras.
• Here's a look at how the iPhone has changed since its launch in 2007.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When Apple co-founder and former CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the original iPhone in 2007, he called it "an iPod, a phone, and an internet communicator," all in one. Although Jobs knew that the iPhone would change the way we communicate and access the internet, perhaps even he couldn't have predicted exactly how impactful it would be.

The first iPhone laid the foundation for the modern smartphone, ushering in the era in which pocket-sized computers that can answer any question with the push of a button became the norm.

Now, everything from the way we work, communicate, shop, travel, manage our finances, and experience entertainment can be done through a smartphone. More than 5 billion people around the world use mobile services, according to estimates from GSMA Intelligence. In 2019, consumers in the United States will spend more time on their mobile devices than they do watching TV, according to eMarketer. 

Here's a look at how the iPhone, which is now more than a decade old, has evolved over the years. 

SEE ALSO: Motorola's iconic Razr flip phone was one of my favorite cellphones ever — but I wouldn't buy the new one

The original iPhone (2007)

Apple's first iPhone from 2007 was the one that started it all. It had a 3.5-inch screen, a 2-megapixel camera, and topped out at just 16GB of storage. It didn't even support third-party apps yet.

While those specifications seem primitive compared to today's super-powerful smartphones, the original iPhone was critical in setting the standard for mobile devices in generations to come. Its multi-touch display, for example, was crucial in paving the way for the touch-based operating systems found on smartphones, tablets, and computers around the world. 

iPhone 3G (2008)

With the iPhone 3G, Apple added critical new capabilities such as a GPS sensor for location monitoring, support for 3G networks, and faster performance. But perhaps most importantly, it introduced the App Store, transforming the iPhone from just a mobile device capable of accessing the internet to a full-blown computing platform. Today, the App Store hosts more than 2 million apps, setting the stage for the booming app economy that made it possible for the Ubers and Snapchats of the world to flourish. 

iPhone 3GS (2009)

The iPhone 3GS introduced further refinements to Apple's smartphone, offering improvements like a better 3-megapixel camera, voice control, and longer battery life. The new software that launched on the iPhone 3GS was also just as important; it introduced features that have long been the standard such as cut, copy, and paste actions as well as support for multimedia messaging. 

iPhone 4 (2010)

The iPhone 4 represented the first major redesign of the iPhone since its launch in 2007. It had a thinner profile and a sharper shape compared to its predecessors, featuring a body made of glass with a stainless steel trim that wrapped around its edges. 

It also introduced the Retina display, which has become a hallmark of Apple's products ever since, and was the first iPhone to come with FaceTime video calling.

While the iPhone 4 was generally well-received, it wasn't immune to its fair share of criticism, most notably because of a call reception issue that became known as "Antennagate." Some iPhone 4 owners experienced frequent dropped calls due to an issue with the antenna when the phone was held a certain way, a problem that prevented Consumer Reports from recommending it in 2010. 

iPhone 4S (2011)

The headlining feature of the iPhone 4S was the introduction of Apple's digital voice assistant Siri. Today, Siri can be found in nearly all of Apple's products, from the Apple Watch to the Mac and HomePod. 

iPhone 5 (2012)

The iPhone 5 represented yet another important redesign of the iPhone. With the iPhone 5, Apple expanded its smartphone's screen size to four inches, a noticeable upgrade from the 3.5-inch display found on its predecessors. That was especially important considering Apple was competing with Android devices from Samsung and others that offered larger screens. The iPhone 5 was also the first Apple smartphone to come with the Lightning charging port, which is still present on today's iPhones. 

iPhone 5S (2013)

The iPhone 5S was Apple's first smartphone to come with the Touch ID fingerprint sensor in the home button, which remained a staple on the company's phones until it launched Face ID on the iPhone X in 2017. It represented a shift away from requiring that the user type in a passcode each time they wanted to unlock their phone that's persisted throughout the industry in the years since.

iPhone 5C (2013)

Apple also launched the colorful iPhone 5C that year, which was positioned as a less expensive alternative to the flagship iPhone 5S. It came in an array of bold colors, like blue, green, and yellow, and was $100 less expensive than the 5S model.

Compared to the iPhone 5S, the iPhone 5C lacked a fingerprint sensor, ran on a previous-generation processor, and had a plastic body compared to the iPhone 5S' aluminum build. It was significant because it represented the first time Apple gave iPhone shoppers a cheaper alternative to choose from, potentially setting a precedent for devices like the iPhone XR and iPhone 11. 

iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus (2014)

The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus signaled another crucial turning point in the iPhone's history. The launch of the larger-screened iPhone 6 Plus represented another expansion of the company's smartphone lineup, giving consumers the opportunity to choose between two different screen sizes for the first time. That was especially important considering Android smartphones were offering increasingly larger screen sizes while the iPhone's display had remained four inches.

The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus also sported a redesign that the company retained for the most part until 2017, when it transitioned to the bezel-free look introduced with the iPhone X. Otherwise, the iPhone 6 introduced a faster processor and larger storage options. 

iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus (2015)

The iPhone 6S and 6S Plus were a minor update to the iPhone 6 that added a new feature called 3D Touch, which made it possible to access shortcuts by pressing more deeply on the display. Otherwise, the phone included a faster processor and a better 12-megapixel camera. 

iPhone SE (2016)

Apple released the iPhone SE in 2016, a less expensive alternative for shoppers who were looking for an iPhone that was smaller and cheaper than the iPhone 6 or iPhone 6S. It had a 4-inch display like the older iPhone 5 and 5S and ran on the same processor as the iPhone 6S, which was Apple's newest flagship at the time. 

iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus (2016)

With the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, Apple marked the end of an era by removing the headphone jack. They were Apple's first pair of iPhones to come without the 3.5mm port and instead required headphones to be connected through the Lightning slot. Apple also introduced its popular AirPods wireless earbuds that year.

Apple may have not been the first company to release a headphone jack-less smartphone, but it quickly became the industry standard following the iPhone 7's launch. AirPods have skyrocketed in popularity since then too, with analysts at Wedbush Securities predicting that Apple could sell between 85 and 90 million AirPods in 2020.

The iPhone 7 Plus was also the first iPhone to include a dual camera and Portrait Mode, the feature that makes the subject of an image look sharp against a slightly blurred background. The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus were also Apple's first smartphones to come with water resistance. 

iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus (2017)

The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus were among the first iPhones to include wireless charging. They also featured a new glass design that represented a departure from the aluminum-built phones Apple had been selling for years since the iPhone 5. 

iPhone X (2017)

The iPhone X was a pivotal release for Apple. Launched alongside the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, it was Apple's first smartphone to include a nearly edge-to-edge OLED screen, support for facial recognition, and no home button. It set the precedent for the look and feel of Apple's current iPhones, and it was also Apple's first smartphone to come with a $1,000 starting price. 

iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max (2018)

The iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max were the successors to the iPhone X, adding a faster new processor, better water resistance, and an improved version of Portrait Mode. They weren't drastically different than the iPhone X, but they provided further evidence that Apple planned to stick with the nearly all-screen design introduced in the iPhone X for its future flagships. 

iPhone XR (2018)

Apple also launched the iPhone XR alongside the iPhone XS and XS Max, which came in a wide range of colors and was roughly $250 less expensive than the iPhone XS.

The iPhone XR was positioned as a less expensive alternative to Apple's flagship iPhones, offering a full-screen design at a price that's easier to digest than the $1,000 iPhone XS. It lacks the OLED screen and dual camera found on Apple's iPhone XS, but was otherwise pretty similar to its pricier sibling. 

iPhone 11 (2019)

The iPhone 11, with its relatively low $700 price point and wide range of color options, is essentially Apple's successor to the iPhone XR. It features a new dual-camera system that includes an ultra-wide-angle camera and support for night mode, a faster processor, and a higher-resolution front-facing camera. 

iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max (2019)

Apple's pricier iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Max are its first iPhones to come with a triple lens camera: a wide-angle camera, ultra-wide-angle camera, and telephoto lens. When announcing the phone during its annual September event, the company positioned it as being the ultimate mobile camera for professional photographers and videographers.

The phone also comes with a new matte finish and an overhauled camera sensor, representing a slight redesign compared to the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. 

• With numerous shows (both new and old) added to Netflix this past year, there was plenty to binge on the streaming service. 
• Insider worked with TV and movie tracking tool, TV Time, to discover what people binged the most on Netflix.
• Unsurprisingly, hit shows like "Stranger Things" and "Orange Is the New Black" were some of the most-binged shows on Netflix in 2019. 
• But lower-profile series like "Santa Clarita Diet" and "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" also were in the top 20 most-binged shows. 
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. 

Netflix added hundreds of new titles to its site this year, which meant there were plenty of shows — both new and old — to binge on the streaming site in 2019. 

Unsurprisingly, fan favorites like "Stranger Things" and "Orange Is the New Black," as well as "13 Reasons Why," were some of the most-binged shows on Netflix over the past 12 months. 

But lesser-known shows like "Santa Clarita Diet" and "You" were also among the top shows binged on Netflix this year, as were Marvel shows like "The Punisher" and "Jessica Jones." 

We analyzed data from TV Time to figure out the 20 most-binged Netflix shows of 2019.

20. "Black Mirror" was in the top 20 most-binged shows on Netflix in 2019.

"Black Mirror" is a dystopian anthology series that explores the sinister effects of technology and modern advancements. 

19. "Atypical" is about a teenage boy with autism.

The show follows 18-year-old Sam as he learns the nuances of dating and navigates his final year of high school. 

18. "One Day at a Time" is based on a 1975 series of the same name.

The show features an ensemble cast, and focuses on members of a Latino family as they navigate life in Los Angeles. 

17. Ashton Kutcher plays a former football player on "The Ranch."

The show takes place in a fictional Colorado town, and follows a dysfunctional rancher family and their interactions with the local townspeople. 

16. "Dead to Me" focuses on grieving women who bond in therapy.

The show follows the women as they come to terms with their grief, while also unraveling a mystery at the center of their friendship. 

15. Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin star on "Grace and Frankie."

The show follows two women who become friends after their husbands fall for each other and leave them. "Grace and Frankie" was recently renewed for a seventh season, making it Netflix's longest-running original series. 

14. "Designated Survivor" is a political thriller that originally aired on ABC.

The show begins with the mass murder of the majority of the US government — and follows Kiefer Sutherland's character Thomas Kirkman, the titular "designated survivor," as he becomes president and grapples with the pitfalls of his new position. 

13. "Mindhunter" portrays real-life serial killers.

The serial killer-centric show  is based on a true-crime book about the FBI's behavioral science unit. 

12. Season four of "Queer Eye" takes place in Kansas City, Missouri.

The show follows five queer individuals — Tan France, Antoni Porowski, Bobby Berk, Karamo Brown, and Jonathan Van Ness — as they travel across the country and make over people in need. 

"Queer Eye" was recently renewed for a fifth season. 

11. "Big Mouth" is an animated teen comedy.

The show follows suburban teenagers on the outskirts of New York as they navigate puberty and high school hierarchies. Also in the mix are the "hormone monsters," who act as the hypersexualized consciences of many of the teens.

10. Penn Badgley stars on "You."

Netflix's recent addition focuses on a charming bookstore owner who meets an aspiring writer — and quickly takes things to the next level. The second season premieres on December 26.

9. Drew Barrymore plays a bloodthirsty zombie on "Santa Clarita Diet."

The show focuses on Barrymore's character, Sheila, as she learns to manage her enthusiasm for human flesh, while also maintaining her role as a suburban wife and mother. 

8. "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" follows a young witch trying to understand her new identity as a magical being.

Kiernan Shipka plays teenage Sabrina Spellman, a half-human, half-witch fighting the evil forces in her town. 

The show is based an Archie comic book series of the same name, and features numerous references to both the original comics and "Riverdale," which ostensibly occurs in the same universe. 

7. "Marvel's Jessica Jones" takes place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The show follows ex-superhero Jessica (Krysten Ritter) as she comes to terms with her new profession as a private investigator and reconciles with her past. 

6. "The Umbrella Academy" is based on comic books by Gerard Way.

A group of misfit superheroes come together to fight evil forces and learn more about their mysterious upbringing on "The Umbrella Academy." 

5. "Marvel's the Punisher" focuses on a violent vigilante.

"The Punisher" is a "Daredevil" spin-off, and follows Frank Castle as he uses lethal force to punish criminals. 

4. "13 Reasons Why" is based on a 2007 novel.

The show revolves around a high school student who leaves postmortem messages for her group of friends after she commits suicide. 

3. "Orange Is the New Black" is based on the memoir of Piper Kerman, and was one of the top shows binged on Netflix this year.

The critically acclaimed show was also beloved by fans, and follows a inmate named Piper as she adjusts to her life in prison and navigates personal relationships behind bars. 

2. Satan moves to Los Angeles after growing dissatisfied with hell on "Lucifer."

"Lucifer" features characters originally created by author Neil Gaiman for DC comics, and explores what it would mean for the devil to actually have a soul. 

1. "Stranger Things" was, unsurprisingly, the most-binged show on Netflix in 2019.

The hit show follows a group of teenagers in 1980s Indiana as they confront nefarious forces from an alternate dimension (called the Upside Down), and also come to terms with themselves as they enter young adulthood. 

• The US tax burden slid to among the lowest for major global economies in 2018. It now sits above just Ireland, Chile, and Mexico, according to a report from an intergovernmental organization released Thursday.
• It fell to 24.3% of gross domestic product, the result of President Trump's 2017 tax cuts that slashed corporate rates.
• Data from the OECD showed US tax burdens has steadily shrunk since 2000 when the tax-to-GDP ratio stood at 28.3% in the last year of Bill Clinton's presidency.
• "There's been an enormous long-term reduction in corporate taxes," tax expert William Gale told Business Insider, referring to a smaller share of corporate taxes relative to GDP.
• Here are the six countries with the lowest tax burdens, other than the US.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The US tax burden slid to among the lowest for major global economies in 2018, sitting above only Ireland, Chile, and Mexico, according to a report from an intergovernmental organization released Thursday.

It fell to 24.3% of gross domestic product, the result of President Trump's 2017 tax cuts that slashed corporate rates.

The American rate slid lower from 26.8% in 2017, according to the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development, a Paris-based organization with 36 member countries. The average across all countries was 34.3% last year.

It's a stark contrast to the social democracies of Europe, which tend to have robust welfare systems in place that provide benefits like retirement pensions, free healthcare, and ample vacation time to its citizens, NPR reported. France and Belgium lead the pack with a 46.1% and 44.9% tax-to-GDP ratio in 2018, respectively.

Data from the OECD showed US tax burdens has steadily shrunk since 2000 when the tax-to-GDP ratio stood at 28.3% in the last year of Bill Clinton's presidency. 

William Gale, the co-director of the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center, told Business Insider there's a "free-market spirit" among many American lawmakers who have sought to roll back the size of government in recent decades. 

"There's been an enormous long-term reduction in corporate taxes," Gale said, referring to smaller share of corporate taxes relative to GDP.

US government policy has tilted towards cutting taxes without lowering spending so far this century, which resulted in a deficit nearing $1 trillion in the 2018 fiscal year.

Here are six other countries that have similarly low tax burdens, ranked in increasing order:

Mexico: 16.1% tax rate

The Mexican tax structure relies on "substantially higher revenues" generated from corporations and business profit, the OECD reports.  

And the proportion drawn from personal income and contributions for their social security program is smaller. It's the lowest-taxed country in the organization.

Chile: 21.1% tax rate

The Chilean tax rate has hovered between 18% and 21% for the last two decades. It has a robust value-added tax compared to other OECD countries and relatively high levies on corporate income.

It collects a smaller proportion of its revenues from its property taxes.

Ireland: 22.3% tax rate

The Irish tax burden has fallen steadily since 2000, according to the OECD.

But the government still draws higher revenues from personal income and corporate profits compared to other OECD countries.

Turkey: 24.4% tax rate

The Turkish tax burden has held steady in the last two decades between 23% and nearly 26%, according to the OECD.

The government levies substantially higher taxes on goods and services and its revenue from personal income and corporate taxes is lower.

Switzerland: 27.9% tax rate

The OECD says the tax rates in Switzerland are characterized by "higher revenues from taxes on personal income, profits & gains; taxes on corporate income & gains; and property taxes."

Switzerland doesn't levy any payroll taxes, helping maintain its tax burden low.

South Korea: 28.4% tax rate

According to the OECD, taxes that the South Korean government imposes are higher on corporate profits and earnings compared to other major developed economies.

But the proportion of revenue generated from personal income taxes is lower. 

• Heading into the home stretch of the NFL season, it's time to finalize your lineups for a playoff push.
• On Sunday, a few players emerged as potential replacements for any fantasy player in desperate need of filling a hole in their lineup before the postseason begins.
• Here are 11 waiver-wire targets for fantasy players looking to fill in any gaps in their rosters.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

As we head into the home stretch of the NFL season, fantasy players are ready to work the waiver wire as they make their way through the postseason.

With the regular season now largely over for fantasy players, every game takes on extra importance to the money and pride that are likely on the line — whether you are fighting for the championship, or attempting to avoid an embarrassing punishment that comes with a last-place finish, we're here to help.

Ryan Tannehill, QB, Tennessee Titans

ESPN fantasy ownership: 40.1%

Week 14 stats: 391 passing yards, three touchdowns — 27.5 fantasy points

One thing to know: Ryan Tannehill has revitalized the Titans offense since taking over for Marcus Mariota, and if you're in a pinch, he could be a huge addition to your fantasy lineup as well. Tannehill has averaged nearly 25 fantasy points per game over his last three starts, and this week is facing a Houston defense that just got shredded by Drew Lock and the Broncos.

Raheem Mostert, RB, San Francisco 49ers

ESPN fantasy ownership: 23.7%

Week 14 stats: 109 total yards, two touchdowns — 24.9 fantasy points

One thing to know: Raheem Mostert is the most valuable addition you could make to your lineup this week. Still available in three out of every four ESPN leagues, Mostert has been a top-five running back in fantasy for the past two weeks. 

DeAndre Washington, RB, Oakland Raiders

ESPN fantasy ownership: 9.5%

Week 14 stats: 96 total yards, one touchdown — 21.6 fantasy points

One thing to know: After Josh Jacobs was declared inactive due to injury, DeAndre Washington took over the starting job in Oakland this week and performed well. It's unclear if Jacobs will be back for next week, but if he is, Washington will be a solid player to field in the fantasy playoffs.

Patrick Laird, RB, Miami Dolphins

ESPN fantasy ownership: 10.8%

Week 14 stats: 86 totals yards — 12.6 fantasy points

One thing to know: Patrick Laird was good but not great for fantasy owners on Sunday, failing to find the end zone or reach 100 total yards. Still, he's a starting running back and widely available in fantasy — if you're desperate at the position, you could do far worse.

A.J. Brown, WR, Tennessee Titans

ESPN fantasy ownership: 31.3%

Week 14 stats: Five receptions, 153 receiving yards, two touchdowns — 33.6 fantasy points

One thing to know: A.J. Brown is averaging 111 receiving yards and a touchdown over the past three games, and is clearly a big-play target for Tannehill and the Titans offense. I don't like the Texans' chances of shutting him down this weekend.

Diontae Johnson, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

ESPN fantasy ownership: 10.4%

Week 14 stats: Six receptions, 60 receiving yards, two touchdowns — 25.6 fantasy points

One thing to know: Diontae Johnson stepped up in a big way for the Steelers this weekend, leading the team in receptions in a critical win over the Cardinals. With the Pittsburgh receiving corps still dealing with injuries, he could continue to see a solid amount of targets through the final weeks of the season.

Robby Anderson, WR, New York Jets

ESPN fantasy ownership: 53.2%

Week 14 stats: Seven receptions, 116 receiving yards, one touchdown — 25 fantasy points

One thing to know: Robby Anderson has had double-digit targets and at least 100 yards receiving in each of the past two weeks. He also put up at least 17 fantasy points in his previous three games. If you need a possession receiver for your PPR league, he's your man.

Zach Pascal, WR, Indianapolis Colts

ESPN fantasy ownership: 30.7%

Week 14 stats: Five receptions, 74 receiving yards, one touchdown — 20.4 fantasy points

One thing to know: Zach Pascal has played well for the Colts in T.Y. Hilton's absence, with 12 catches for 183 yards and a score over his past two games. This Sunday, he's facing a Saints defense that just gave up 48 points to the 49ers.

Kendrick Bourne, WR, San Francisco 49ers

ESPN fantasy ownership: 0.4%

Week 14 stats: Three receptions, 8 receiving yards, two touchdowns — 16.8 fantasy points

One thing to know: Kendrick Bourne is a tough player to fit into your lineup. However, if you have faith in a player that seems to have a nose for the end zone, he's scored five touchdowns over the 49ers past six games.

Noah Fant, TE, Denver Broncos

ESPN fantasy ownership: 29.7%

Week 14 stats: Four receptions, 113 receiving yards, one touchdown — 21.3 fantasy points

One thing to know: Noah Fant has been a boom-or-bust player all season, but his breakout performance on Sunday showed a solid relationship with new starting quarterback Drew Lock. Chances are Denver will need plenty of points next week against the Chiefs, meaning Fant could see even more targets. 

Seattle Seahawks defense

ESPN fantasy ownership: 34.3%

Week 14 stats: Two interceptions, one touchdown, 28 points against — 6 fantasy points

One thing to know: The Seattle defense is averaging 11 fantasy points per game over their past four games, and this week face a reeling Panthers team that just got rolled by the Falcons. It'll be a must-win game for the Seahawks, so expect the defense to show up.

• Read more:
• Broncos rookie quarterback called Peyton Manning for advice days before his breakout game
• 49ers tight end George Kittle says he was thrilled when a defender grabbed his face mask on the biggest play of the game
• The Patriots lost out on a crucial touchdown and couldn't fight it because they had run out of challenges
• 49ers receiver Emmanuel Sanders throws a touchdown in awesome trick play during wild shootout vs. Saints