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I stayed home while my family traveled because I needed a break. I loved my alone time.

When people asked me what I was doing for the holidays, I responded almost too giddily, “I’m spending it alone.” Their eyes narrowed, “What?”

I told them I was sending my husband and the kids to his family in Massachusetts, and I’d stay back in Pennsylvania. All. By. Myself. I wouldn’t have to answer to anyone or for anything. Not requests for snacks or one more backrub. I wouldn’t have to sit rigid, wondering if one of my three kids was creeping out of a bed that wasn’t theirs. Or defend my parenting style while my oldest yelled about how life wasn’t fair and we must all really hate him, and why should he have to listen to anyone anyway.

After a beat, every single mom (and a few dads) told me: “I’m jealous. I want to do that. How did you swing that?”

I had hit a breaking point

The decision to be alone during the holidays came slowly at first and then all at once. I’d hit a breaking point that most parents, especially moms, are all too familiar with. But the moment I toyed with the idea of staying back — in a quiet, clean, empty house — that was it. It was all I could think about.


Family at the beach

The author’s spouse was supportive of her taking time off.

Courtesy of the author



I broached the topic, gently, with my husband, who couldn’t have been more supportive and emphatic. “You should take a few days away!” But I didn’t want to be away. I wanted to be home alone. That was the key.

As the days ticked closer to The Big Departure, people asked me when Jeff and the kids were leaving. “Wednesday, but I can’t ask when, specifically,” I’d laugh.

I explained to the kids that I needed some alone time; I needed to take a break. They, who are 8, 5, and 3, were relatively unfazed. My middle, big-feeling daughter made me promise to call her every two minutes. I wanted them to know that it was OK for Mom (or Dad) to step away and be alone. It didn’t mean I loved them any less. Something, something about distance making the heart grow fonder.

Self-care is crucial

Mental health experts agree. Solitude can be a crucial form of self-care (unless it makes you truly uncomfortable to be totally alone). “When you seek out intentional solitude, and the demands on your attention and focus melt away, it allows you to have a level of awareness that can support healing and growth,” Emily Moriarty, M.Ed., a licensed professional counselor and director of clinical services at Reset Outdoors, told Business Insider.

Finally, they were off. And I didn’t know what to do with myself. Everything was weirdly quiet. Clean. Empty. I loved it. I had a couple of low-key plans over the next few days, but my goal was to savor the silence and the lack of a schedule.


Living room

The author really enjoyed her time alone.

Courtesy of the author



When 5 p.m. rolled around on the first night, I started making dinner while listening to music. I danced a little. I ate while reading a book. No one argued with me that they didn’t like what was served. Cleanup was easy. I put my dishes away. I didn’t need to sweep — I don’t spill things on the floor.

I turned my phone off; I didn’t need an alarm. No one needed to reach me, and if they did, they could wait. Dad was more than capable. I slept in. I drank coffee on the couch in front of the fire in my pajamas. I forced myself to allow things to move slowly — something I have a hard time doing with or without kids.

“Solitude doesn’t include sitting alone in an office working,” Moriarty said. “It has to be non-work, non-caregiving time.”

When it was time for the Big Holiday Meal, I thought I’d feel a little lonely. But I didn’t, and that, I realized, was because this was my choice. I knew my family was enjoying themselves with relatives they don’t often see and having a little vacation. And I knew that they’d all be home before I knew it.

I had a little mom guilt

By the end of the fourth day, the air was thick with anticipation of the kids and Jeff coming home. I felt like I couldn’t watch TV fast enough. I couldn’t sit in a quiet, empty house fast enough. I couldn’t drink enough coffee fast enough. But when I started making dinner at 5 p.m., awaiting their 8 p.m. arrival, I realized if I had to keep doing this, I might get a little… bored?

I’m sure that has more to do with the stark contrast of raising three kids, co-running a household, and having a (fairly successful) career, and four days of abrupt, near-total solitude. If I didn’t have kids at all, I’m sure I wouldn’t be bored at 7 p.m.

People have since asked me if this will be my new holiday tradition. I did like it, maybe a bit too much, but it feels wrong to indefinitely celebrate the holidays without my kith and kin. Four days weren’t enough to assuage Mom Guilt, apparently.




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McKinsey CEO Bob Sternfels says AI is changing how the firm views the perfect job candidate

Landing a job at McKinsey & Company has never been easy. The firm has long been known for recruiting top talent from top schools and leading industry experts.

AI, however, is forcing the firm to rethink the types of applicants it considers in the hiring process, CEO Bob Sternfels said.

On Harvard Business Review’s IdeaCast podcast this week, Sternfels said the firm used AI to analyze its past 20 years of hiring data to understand where it may have overlooked talent for its coveted class of partners.

The firm found that applicants who had setbacks and recovered were more likely to become partners. So, now, Stenfels said, the firm looks for resilience in its interview process.

“It turned out we had some bias in our system,” he said, adding that the firm was too focused on whether candidates had “perfect marks” instead of how they bounced back from difficulties.

In December, the firm promoted about 200 employees to partner — one of the smallest classes in years, The Wall Street Journal reported. In 2022, it promoted about 400 people to partner.

McKinsey partners typically earn under $500,000 in base pay, but they can expect to earn hundreds of thousands more in bonuses and profit sharing.

McKinsey receives about 1 million résumés annually. In 2024, the firm told Business Insider that it planned to hire about 1% of applicants, in line with 2023.

The firm’s spokesperson also said at the time that it looks for “distinctive students just starting their careers” and experts in industries ranging from technology to finance to law.

The company also looks for strong problem-solving skills, which it gauges through a game-based assessment called Solve.

To help candidates prepare, the company offers candidates resources ahead of time.

“This helps to ensure candidates from any background — regardless of whether they have exposure to resources like consulting clubs — can demonstrate their distinctiveness in our process,” the firm told Business Insider.




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See the list of California’s 200-plus billionaires who could be hit by the proposed wealth tax

California has a lot of billionaires, more than any other state and more than most countries. So a proposed wealth tax on its billionaires could be a windfall, if they stick around.

Under the Billionaire Tax Act, California residents worth over $1 billion would face a one-time tax totaling 5% of their assets.

If the tax plan receives enough signatures, it will appear on the ballot in November and, if passed, would apply retroactively to billionaires living in the state as of January 1. The tax would be due in 2027, with the option to spread the payment out over five years, with interest.

The idea has drawn sharp reactions from lawmakers and business leaders.

Google cofounders Larry Page and Sergey Brin moved entities tied to them out of the state last month just ahead of the deadline, Business Insider first reported.

Nvidia CEO and billionaire Jensen Huang said he was “perfectly fine” with the tax. Palmer Luckey, the billionaire founder of defense tech startup Anduril, said it would force companies to “immediately pivot into profit obsession over mission or long-term sustainability.”

Critics of the tax have warned it will encourage ultrawealthy residents to flee the state and hurt California’s economy.

As of January 1, there were 214 billionaires in California, according to Forbes data compiled by Americans for Tax Fairness, a group that advocates for higher taxes.

Below is the full list of billionaires in California. Names with asterisks have recently moved at least some of their business entities out of the state.

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I’ve lived in Switzerland for 5 years. Here are the 6 biggest mistakes I see first-time visitors make over and over.

  • After living in Switzerland for five years, I’ve watched tourists make a lot of the same mistakes.
  • Don’t try to see too many places in one trip, and try visiting some smaller mountain villages.
  • Become at least a little familiar with the local languages and book your train tickets in advance.

Though I’m a US citizen, I’ve spent the past five years living in Switzerland.

As a semi-recent transplant, I know there’s much more to this amazing country than what visitors typically come to see. It’s one best experienced thoughtfully and authentically — not by mindlessly racing through “Top 10 ” lists.

In terms of mistakes tourists make, here are a few things I suggest you know — and avoid — before visiting Switzerland for the first time.

You’ll probably regret only visiting the Instagram-popularized spots.

Lucerne is incredible, but it’s not the only great place to visit in Switzerland.

Peter Shaw/Getty Images

Zermatt, Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken, and Lucerne are popular, jaw-dropping locations, but they’re not the only spots worth visiting in Switzerland.

Instead of only seeing the few places on every tourist’s list, consider branching out to smaller, lesser-visited ones for at least a day trip. Fortunately, many are easily accessible by public transportation out of some of the area’s main hubs.

For example, close to Interlaken are the mountain villages of Frutigen, Kandersteg, and Adelboden, which offer gorgeous alpine views combined with fewer crowds and more authentic experiences.

Don’t assume the dining-out culture and prices will be what you’re used to back home.


Vegetables on plate

Eating out in Switzerland can be expensive, but I’ve found the prices to be justified.

Ashley Franzen

In Switzerland, dining out can seem expensive — in part because the cost of production, labor, and relevant service charges are typically already included in the price of the meal.

Personally, I find the prices easier to stomach when I remember you’re often paying for high-quality, regional fare, and restaurant staff here are typically earning a fair wage.

And although tipping servers 15% to 20% of a bill is standard practice in places like the US, it’s not the norm here. If you enjoyed the meal and the service, it’s customary to round up a few francs or leave a tip between 5% and 10%.

Make your train reservations in advance.


Train tour sign in Switzerland

Not making reservations in advance could mean missing out on some special experiences.

Ashley Franzen

Switzerland is a popular travel destination throughout the year, and its major attractions can fill up quickly — especially seats on our world-famous scenic routes.

If you plan on riding the Glacier Express or Bernina Express, book your train tickets as far in advance as possible.

However, don’t fret if you realize it’s too late to book a seat on a scenic route. You’ll be just fine on our “regular” trains, which tend to run faster, not book up as quickly, and still offer beautiful views.

Speaking of trains, don’t get fined for sitting in the wrong class.


First-class train car in Switzerland

Make sure you follow your ticket.

Ashley Franzen

When traveling by train, it’s important to double-check your ticket class and location. (And, if you have a paper ticket, get it validated.)

Signage indicating first or second class can be found both outside and inside each car. Oftentimes, the class is also noted on the headrests of the seats themselves.

Ticketing agents on board will not hesitate to issue an on-the-spot fine for tourists seated in the wrong class. In addition to a fine of about 100 francs, you’ll also have to pay the difference in price for the ticket.

Also, pay attention to where your seats are before entering each car so you won’t have to lug an oversized suitcase through the entire train.

Switzerland is small, but I don’t advise trying to cram everything into a short trip.


Snowy mountain views on way to St Moritz

While in Switzerland, take your time to experience the culture and stunning views.

Ashley Franzen

Switzerland is one of the smallest countries in Europe, at about 16,000 square miles. However, I’ve seen tourists mistakenly assume they can just zip through and see everything it has to offer in just three or four days.

For example, Zurich may seem close to Geneva on a map, but they are actually about three hours apart by train. Sure, you could also opt for a one-hour flight — but my point is that trying to see so many cities in a short period won’t allow you to truly get a feel for each.

Travel is about experiencing a place, not just visiting to check it off a bucket list. If you’ve only got a week in Switzerland, I suggest you limit yourself to exploring two or three cities instead of trying to cram six or seven single-night stays in new places into your itinerary.

Become at least a little familiar with the local languages and commonly used symbols.


Recycling bins in Switzerland

The Swiss take recycling seriously.

Ashley Franzen

Switzerland is composed of 26 cantons, and each of these administrative regions has its own distinct culture, government, and history. They also don’t all speak the same languages.

Although you’ll find English speakers throughout the country — especially in popular tourist areas — Switzerland actually has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh.

It’s helpful to learn a few basic greetings in those major languages and ensure you use them in the appropriate region.

Also, it’s handy to become familiar with some of the commonly used symbols — especially when it comes to trash cans.

The Swiss are conscientious recyclers, so take a beat to look up the symbols printed on the bins before tossing something in them if you are confused. Your mindfulness will be appreciated




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Karoline Leavitt called her age-gap marriage an ‘atypical love story.’ Here’s what to know about her life and career.

Leavitt was introduced to Riccio, a real-estate developer, at a campaign event by a mutual friend during her 2022 run for Congress.

They announced their engagement on Christmas in 2023 and welcomed a son, Niko, on July 10, 2024.

Leavitt and Riccio wed on January 4, 2025, days before Trump’s second inauguration. Leavitt spoke about their 32-year age gap in a February 2025 interview on The Megyn Kelly Show.

“I mean, it’s a very atypical love story, but he’s incredible,” she said of Riccio, adding, “He’s the father of my child, and he’s the best dad I could ever ask for. And he is so supportive, especially during a very chaotic period of life.”

In a November interview with Miranda Devine on the podcast “Pod Force One,” Leavitt spoke about her parents’ reaction to her “unusual” relationship with Riccio, who is older than her mother.

“It’s definitely a challenging conversation to have at first,” she said. “But then, of course, once they got to know him and saw who he is as a man and his character and how much he adores me, I think it became quite easy for them.”

On December 26, Leavitt announced that she and Riccio are expecting a baby girl in May, making her the first-ever pregnant White House press secretary.

“My husband and I are thrilled to grow our family and can’t wait to watch our son become a big brother,” she wrote in an Instagram post.




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Trump calls for a one-year 10% cap on credit card interest in a Truth Social post

  • President Donald Trump said that he was calling for a 10% cap on credit card interest for one year.
  • The President cannot unilaterally cap credit interest rates; it would require an act of Congress.
  • This week, Trump has also announced proposals to address the affordability of housing.

President Donald Trump has taken another shot at big business, this time targeting banks.

On Friday, Trump said on Truth Social that he would call for a 10% cap on credit card interest for one year.

“Please be informed that we will no longer let the American Public be ‘ripped off’ by Credit Card Companies that are charging Interest Rates of 20 to 30%, and even more, which festered unimpeded during the Sleepy Joe Biden Administration,” Trump wrote in his social media post.

“Effective January 20, 2026, I, as President of the United States, am calling for a one year cap on Credit Card Interest Rates of 10%,” he added. “Coincidentally, the January 20th date will coincide with the one year anniversary of the historic and very successful Trump Administration.”

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. The president cannot unilaterally impose such a cap; it would require an act of Congress to advance. Similar efforts that have been advanced in Congress have yet to become law.

The announcement, made on Truth Social, is the latest in a series of swipes at big business this week.

Earlier this week, he announced that he is instructing “representatives” to buy $200 billion in mortgage bonds, aiming to lower interest rates and monthly payments. He also said he was barring “large institutional investors” from buying up single-family homes and signed an executive order that would limit defense contractors’ corporate spending.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.




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How much are Linkin Park tickets? These are the remaining dates of the band’s 2026 tour

After a long hiatus, Linkin Park is back on the road with their massive From Zero World Tour, which extends well into 2026 with international dates across Europe, Asia, and beyond. This tour supports the band’s eighth studio album, From Zero, released in November 2024, and marks their first full global trek in seven years. I’ve broken down how to get Linkin Park tickets below to help you get started.

Linkin Park’s return to touring represents a major milestone in their career. Formed in 1996 in Agoura Hills, California, the band quickly rose to prominence with their groundbreaking blend of rock, metal, hip‑hop, and electronic elements. Their 2000 debut album, Hybrid Theory, became one of the best-selling debut albums of the 21st century, and subsequent albums like Meteora and Minutes to Midnight further cemented their global influence.

The band faced profound change after the tragic death of lead singer Chester Bennington in 2017, which led to a period of inactivity. With original members Mike Shinoda, Dave “Phoenix” Farrell, Joe Hahn, and Brad Delson (who stepped back from touring but remains involved behind the scenes), Linkin Park introduced Emily Armstrong (co‑lead vocals) and Colin Brittain (drums) as part of the new lineup starting in 2024. This evolution has enabled them to honor their legacy while exploring new and creative directions onstage.

For fans eager to see Linkin Park perform From Zero live, the 2026 tour continues to offer multiple opportunities across continents — from festival main stages to stand-alone stadium and arena shows — making this one of the most talked‑about rock tours of the year. Check the availability of tickets on StubHub and Vivid Seats now.

Linkin Park’s 2026 tour schedule

Tickets for the From Zero World Tour are available through official sellers, such as Ticketmaster and Live Nation, with fan club and presale opportunities often opening before general public sales. Demand has been strong, especially in regions where shows were announced later, such as those in Europe for the summer dates. Resale marketplaces such as StubHub and Vivid Seats also list secondary tickets, though prices can vary widely based on seat location, venue capacity, and how close a show is to selling out.

  • January 20, 2026 – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates at Etihad Arena – Yas Bay
  • January 23, 2026 – Bengaluru, India at Brigade Innovation Garden
  • January 24, 2026 – Mumbai, India at Mahalakshmi Race Course / Lollapalooza India
  • March 3, 2026 – Boondall, Australia at Brisbane Entertainment Centre
  • March 5, 2026 – Boondall, Australia at Brisbane Entertainment Centre
  • March 8, 2026 – Melbourne, Australia at Rod Laver Arena
  • March 10, 2026 – Melbourne, Australia at Rod Laver Arena
  • March 12, 2026 – Adelaide, Australia at Adelaide Entertainment Centre
  • March 14, 2026 – Sydney, Australia at Qudos Bank Arena
  • March 15, 2026 – Sydney, Australia at Qudos Bank Arena
  • March 18, 2026 – Auckland, New Zealand at Spark Arena
  • May 29, 2026 – Stockholm, Sweden at 3Arena
  • June 1, 2026 – Hamburg, Germany at Volksparkstadion
  • June 3, 2026 – Hamburg, Germany at Volksparkstadion
  • June 5, 2026 – Nürburg (Rock am Ring), Germany
  • June 7, 2026 – Nuremberg (Rock im Park), Germany
  • June 9, 2026 – Vienna, Austria at Ernst Happel Stadium
  • June 10–12, 2026 – Donington Park, UK at Download Festival
  • June 11, 2026 – Munich, Germany at Allianz Arena
  • June 12, 2026 – Munich, Germany at Allianz Arena
  • June 16, 2026 – Décines‑Charpieu, France at Groupama Stadium
  • June 21, 2026 – Lisbon, Portugal at Rock in Rio Lisboa
  • June 23, 2026 – Rivas‑Vaciamadrid, Spain at Auditorio Miguel Ríos
  • June 24, 2026 – Rivas‑Vaciamadrid, Spain at Auditorio Miguel Ríos
  • June 26, 2026 – Florence, Italy at Visarno Arena
  • June 28, 2026 – Werchter, Belgium at Werchter Parklife
  • June 30, 2026 – Zürich, Switzerland at Stadion Letzigrund

Browse Linkin Park tickets on StubHub and Vivid Seats.


Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park performs at the opening ceremony before the UEFA Champions League Final 2025 between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Internazionale Milano at Munich Football Arena on May 31, 2025 in Munich, Germany

Richard Sellers/Allstar/Getty Images



How to buy tickets for Linkin Park’s 2026 concert tour

Original tickets for Linkin Park’s From Zero World Tour are available for purchase on Ticketmaster. Tickets can also be purchased from verified resale vendors such as StubHub and Vivid Seats. As the demand for each show varies by location and performance date, you may find better options from resale vendors if you are looking for a specific seating location or are interested in attending a high-demand event.

How much are Linkin Park tickets?

Ticket prices for Linkin Park’s From Zero World Tour in 2026 vary widely depending on the city, venue, and whether tickets are purchased through official sources or secondary marketplaces. Official tickets for tour stops are available through Ticketmaster, as long as they are still in stock. General-admission and standard seats start at different price points, based on demand and location. Verified resale platforms, such as StubHub and Vivid Seats, also list tickets, often at higher prices due to limited availability and market demand.

On resale marketplaces, the lowest secondary-market prices typically appear for less-in-demand international stops, while larger US and European shows command higher rates. For example, resale listings on StubHub show some dates with lower prices compared to high-demand stops later in the tour, and Vivid Seats currently shows resale prices starting around the mid-hundreds for select 2026 European dates.

In addition to standard tickets, many Linkin Park tour stops offer VIP packages through Ticketmaster and partner sites. These may include perks such as early entry, exclusive merchandise, premium seating, and VIP-only experiences. Popular VIP tiers for the From Zero World Tour have ranged from mid-hundreds to higher-end pricing, depending on inclusions and venue, and actual costs can vary by market and availability. Always check the specific event page on Ticketmaster for the most accurate pricing and VIP options before buying, as packages can sell out quickly.

Who is opening for Linkin Park’s tour?

Linkin Park’s From Zero World Tour has announced several opening acts for select performances, including Queens of the Stone Age, Spiritbox, AFI, Architects, Grandson, Jean Dawson, JEPG Mafia, and Pvris.

Who is the new Linkin Park singer?

Linkin Park announced on September 5, 2024, during a livestreamed concert, that Emily Armstrong would join Linkin Park as a co-vocalist, replacing Chester Bennington, who tragically died in 2019. Emily Armstrong, previously the lead vocalist of the group Dead Sara, began collaborating with Linkin Park in 2019 during their six-year hiatus. Armstrong has been praised for her vocal abilities, which complement the established sound of Linkin Park. The group released “From Zero”, their first album with Armstrong as vocalist, on November 15, 2024.

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Nicole Berardi

Freelance Writer




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How much are Bon Jovi tickets? The band returns for a US and UK tour next year

Legendary rock band Bon Jovi is returning to the road in 2026 with the Forever Tour, marking their first full concert series following front man Jon Bon Jovi’s vocal cord surgery and extensive rehabilitation. The tour officially kicks off on July 7, 2026, with a multi‑night residency at Madison Square Garden in New York City, featuring several back‑to‑back shows through mid‑July. After the US leg, the band heads to Europe with performances at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Croke Park in Dublin, and Wembley Stadium in London. Keep reading to learn how to get Bon Jovi tickets below.

Formed in 1983 in Sayreville, New Jersey, Bon Jovi rose to global fame with a string of arena‑rock hits that defined the 1980s and ’90s. Their third album, Slippery When Wet, produced massive hits like “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “You Give Love a Bad Name,” which helped the record reach No. 1 in multiple countries. Following that success, the band continued their mainstream dominance with albums like “New Jersey” and “Keep the Faith,” blending rock anthems with heartfelt ballads that have endured enduring popularity.

Over a 40‑plus‑year career, Bon Jovi has sold tens of millions of albums worldwide, earned a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and maintained a loyal global fan base with tours that regularly sell out arenas and stadiums alike. The Forever Tour not only celebrates the group’s legacy but also showcases their resilience and connection to fans after overcoming significant health challenges — particularly Jon Bon Jovi’s recovery from a serious vocal procedure. Find tickets now on StubHub and Vivid Seats.

Bon Jovi’s 2026 tour schedule

Bon Jovi’s 2026 dates are among the most anticipated shows of the year, drawing fans eager to see the band live after a several‑year hiatus caused by Jon Bon Jovi’s vocal challenges. Concert tickets for the Forever Tour can vary widely in price, depending on the venue and seating, and fans are encouraged to secure seats early once official ticketing opens — especially for high-demand stops, such as the Madison Square Garden residency and the European stadium shows.

  • July 7, 2026 — New York, NY at Madison Square Garden
  • July 9, 2026 — New York, NY at Madison Square Garden
  • July 12, 2026 — New York, NY at Madison Square Garden
  • July 14, 2026 — New York, NY at Madison Square Garden
  • July 16, 2026 — New York, NY at Madison Square Garden
  • July 19, 2026 — New York, NY at Madison Square Garden
  • July 21, 2026 — New York, NY at Madison Square Garden
  • July 23, 2026 — New York, NY at Madison Square Garden
  • July 26, 2026 — New York, NY at Madison Square Garden
  • August 28, 2026 — Edinburgh, UK at Murrayfield Stadium
  • August 30, 2026 — Dublin, IE at Croke Park
  • September 4, 2026 — London, UK at Wembley Stadium

Browse Bon Jovi tickets on StubHub and Vivid Seats.


Recording artist Jon Bon Jovi performs during a campaign rally with Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, at the PNC Music Pavilion on November 02, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. With only days to go until Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris is campaigning in Georgia and North Carolina

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images



How to buy tickets for Bon Jovi’s 2026 concert tour

Tickets are available from verified resale vendors such as StubHub and Vivid Seats. As tickets have just gone on sale and demand is high, you may find more favorable seating and pricing options from these sites. We recommend reviewing all available options for the date and location you wish to attend before making your purchase.

How much are Bon Jovi tickets?

Prices vary for Bon Jovi’s upcoming Forever tour depending on the date, location, and demand for each show. On Ticketmaster, original standard tickets, particularly for the New York residency, are in incredibly high demand, with remaining options ranging in the high hundreds to over $1,000 for some premium seating options. In general, the high prices seem to be a result of most affordable seating options having already sold out during the current ongoing presale.

Vivid Seats and StubHub, on the other hand, currently offer a wider variety of seating and pricing options, providing more affordable choices overall for those looking to attend the shows on a budget. Both sites have affordable options ranging from $237 to around $300 for the New York performances. Please note that, as of the time of writing, the July 19 New York show, which was most recently announced, has not yet gone on sale. International shows are more affordable on StubHub, starting at £151 for both UK performances, with Vivid Seats offering prices starting at $394. Generally, Vivid Seats tends to offer more limited options for international performances, whereas StubHub often provides a wider variety. The Dublin show is presently not available on either platform.

There are several VIP packages being offered on Ticketmaster for Bon Jovi’s upcoming Forever tour. Full details of all four packages, the “Legendary” Front Row & Side Stage VIP experience, “Forever” VIP experience, Premium Superfan VIP fan package, and Superfan VIP fan package, can be viewed on Ticketmaster. All packages include premium tickets as well as various perks such as signed merchandise, dedicated VIP staff, VIP lounge access, exclusive gifts, and early entry. Ticketmaster also has limited quantities of VIP packages that include hotel stays as well. We were able to find one Superfan VIP fan package ticket for the July 9 show listed on Ticketmaster for $686 (at the time of writing); however, other shows appear to have no options remaining.

Who is opening for Bon Jovi’s tour?

Openers for the coming Forever tour have not yet been officially announced. In the past, Bon Jovi has regularly supported other artists, including local ones, as openers for their concert tours. Previous years have seen One Republic, Skid Row, Cinderella, Van Halen, Queensrÿche, Daughtry, Kid Rock, and Nickelback support Bon Jovi onstage. With the tour set to start next July, it is expected that more information will become available as the kick-off grows closer.

Will there be international tour dates?

The Forever tour will include a five-show residency in New York, followed by three international performances in Edinburgh, Dublin, and London.

Does Bon Jovi still tour?

Bon Jovi’s tour, the Forever tour, is the first in four years and is set to kick off in July 2026. The coming tour marks the first for Bon Jovi since lead singer Jon Bon Jovi underwent vocal cord surgery in 2022.

What songs will Bon Jovi perform in concert?

Since the Forever tour has yet to start, we can’t say for certain what songs the band will perform as part of their setlist. Based on their last tour in 2022, here are some songs that might be included in the performance:

  1. “Livin’ on a Prayer”
  2. “You Give Love a Bad Name”
  3. “The Radio Saved My Life Tonight”
  4. “We Weren’t Born to Follow”
  5. “It’s My Life”
  6. “Beautiful Drug”
  7. “Born to Be My Baby”
  8. “This House Is Not For Sale”
  9. “Just Older”
  10. “Let It Rain”
  11. “Keep the Faith”
  12. “American Reckoning”
  13. “Whole Lot of Leavin'”
  14. “Do What You Can”
  15. “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead”
  16. “Lost Highway”
  17. “Roller Coaster”
  18. “Who Says You Can’t Go Home”
  19. “Wanted Dead or Alive”
  20. “Bad Medicine”
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I left a mom group over parenting decisions. I don’t regret it.

I should have sensed the judgment the minute I arrived at the first playdate with four kids in tow and another on the way. Instead, I was thrilled to finally find my “village” that I’d heard so much about — a group of moms who met a few times a month at nearby play spaces and coffee shops to commiserate and encourage each other.

I even brushed off the first comment I was met with, which, in hindsight, should have been a warning sign. “Wow, are they all yours?” It wasn’t the first or last time someone had a “witty” one-liner about my family size, which was completely on purpose and by choice, if they must know. My kids jumped into the playground with the others, and I settled in to find my new besties.


Mom and daughter

The author felt her parenting style didn’t match that of her moms’ group.

Courtesy of the author



The thing about mom groups, though, is that they often aren’t obviously terrible. In fact, they check all the boxes — moms at similar ages, stages, and struggles, getting together for camaraderie and community. We all had similar jogger set mom uniforms and extra-strong lattes on hand, hidden in the pockets of diaper bags to make it past “no food or drink” signs at indoor parks (no? Just me?).

But they aren’t always necessarily a good fit. All the feelings from this almost-perfect mom group I was once a part of resurfaced when Ashley Tisdale wrote an essay in The Cut, talking openly about how her mom group turned toxic.

I’m a free-range parent

My first feelings that I was “different” came when two of the younger kids had a small collision at the bottom of a slide. They tripped, fussed a bit, and in my parenting world, were ready to get back up and carry on. I’m used to being around people with widely differing parenting styles, but not used to being judged for mine.

I felt like my free-range parenting was judged by other moms who were more helicopter parents. The mom of the other kid who collided picked the child up, brushed them up, and performed a full check-up. Meanwhile, my own child popped up, whined a little, and ran off.


Boy in park

The author needed a safe space to vent and felt like the group she found was not it.

Courtesy of the author



Band-Aids and tissues were coming out to counteract tears, and a full-scale breakdown of the situation, complete with apologies and moment-by-moment recaps, had commenced. I enjoyed my coffee and didn’t give it much thought. I hadn’t noticed yet that my parenting style was a mismatch. To be clear, this is just my perception.

I needed a place to vent and feel safe

Slowly but surely, questions about my family size began to infiltrate conversations. I was used to one-liners from grannies at the grocery about having my hands full, but it felt like an onslaught.

It was the same thing with my career. After the group learned I was a working mom, running my own business full-time, I started to feel like an outsider. People spoke a lot about the negative sides of daycare, and the perks of being able to be a full-time mom, Their comments made it seem they weren’t interested in a different perspective, nor was there a question about why I work (because I want to) or about the immense benefits my kids have gotten through day care. I felt like there was an assumption that I was stuck in this terrible world of working motherhood against my will, with no way out.

Over time, I felt like the circus spectacle, and felt I had to have all the i’s dotted and t’s crossed on parenting topics, to show the naysayers that I was doing just fine with many kids, rather than finding a soft landing place to vent and share.

Parenting can be so isolating

I was lonely and desperate, so I clung to my mom group. The alternative was too scary. Nobody to hang out with on a boring Saturday or text when things get tough. It’s not just me — two-thirds of parents find the role isolating and lonely. But one day, I realized the abyss was better than the alternative.

This was the day they moved all the get-togethers to 10 a.m. on weekdays. They knew exactly where I’d be at 10 a.m. every weekday — working.

Although I haven’t found a similar style group, I realized that instead of looking for a whole village of besties, my village was already around me. It just didn’t look like 10 moms with lattes at play group. Instead, it involves the trainer who asks if my kid is over his third bout of strep, or my mom’s friend who texts me with some press-on nails she likes that would look good on me.

My real friends don’t demand we have precisely only 1.5 children, helicopter around our babies, or only wear pink on Wednesdays.




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Internal emails show what happens inside Nvidia when its products face backlash

An internal Nvidia email chain revealed how senior executives at the chip giant — including founder and CEO Jensen Huang — mobilized in response to customer criticism of a key product launch late last year.

The thread offers a glimpse into how the company responds to public backlash as it expands products designed for individual developers and researchers.

The thread, which Business Insider has seen, centered on the launch of DGX Spark, a desktop AI system designed for developers and researchers to build AI products and work on apps for data science, medicine, and other fields.

While much of Nvidia’s business targets data center customers, Huang underscored Spark’s significance in the thread, calling it the “ultimate developer’s platform — out of the box easy to run all NVIDIA.”

Spark drew criticism soon after its launch, with some citing software stability and performance issues, which garnered coverage in other tech outlets.

An Nvidia spokesperson declined to comment.

Anshel Sag, a Moor Insights & Strategy analyst who has tracked Nvidia launches for 15 years and was an early DGX Spark tester, said the company’s long experience releasing graphics cards in the gaming industry — where products are routinely scrutinized — has made it adept at handling public feedback, with Huang typically keeping a close eye on new releases.

In recent years, the company has become even more reactive, Sag said, due to increased internal resources and “sensitivity about the stock price and how negative sentiment can draw that down.”

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang steps into the fray

In the fall of last year, AstraZeneca executive director Justin Johnson wrote in a LinkedIn post that while the DGX Spark met performance and speed claims, the software experience was buggy and unstable.

After an Nvidia executive shared Johnson’s post in an internal email thread, Huang entered the fray.

“Jump on x and say you will fix,” he wrote.


A founder's edition of the DGX Spark on display at a Paris tech show last June.

A founder’s edition of the DGX Spark on display at a Paris tech show last June.

Chesnot/Getty Images



Subsequently, an Nvidia engineer replied that the company had reached out to Johnson to resolve most of the issues, which were related to a version mismatch of CUDA, Nvidia’s software that allows developers to build AI apps powered by its GPUs.

Johnson responded that he appreciated the outreach and was exploring setting up DGX Spark at the pharmaceutical company, the chain said.

Nvidia staffers ramp up responses

Following Johnson’s criticism, Nvidia staffers saw other unfavorable responses online and set up a social listening campaign to flag complaints from other influential figures, as well as discussions on Nvidia forums and Reddit, the emails said.

Staffers tracked complaints and engaged directly with key critics who raised concerns about DGX Spark’s performance, heating issues, and pricing.

Another incident involved the researcher Christopher Kouzios, who wrote on LinkedIn that he’d purchased DGX Spark to conduct medical research after his daughter died from a rare brain tumor, with the goal of studying cancer risk in his sons.

Kouzios said software incompatibility had rendered the system unusable and that he’d only received an automated acknowledgment 38 hours after filing a support ticket.

After an Nvidia executive flagged the post, team members said they were fixing the bug, according to the emails. The executive later circulated an updated post in which Kouzios lauded Nvidia’s customer support.

“While the situation initially frustrated me, Nvidia’s response time was exceptional,” Kouzios told Business Insider. “In more than 33 years working with large technology companies, I have never seen an organization respond that quickly to public technical feedback.”

It’s often standard for hardware to ship without fully finished software, Sag said, adding that Nvidia tends to be more “high-touch” than other tech companies in fielding complaints — an approach that flows down from an exceptionally “hands-on” CEO.

Nvidia has previously faced some launch hiccups and early criticism for new products, such as its Blackwell rollout, which encountered manufacturing challenges.

While a CEO’s involvement is notable and Nvidia’s backchannel efforts appeared to placate critics, such an approach isn’t without risks, another analyst said.

“C-suite engagement during product controversies has become more common in tech, particularly for founder-led companies,” said Kate Holterhoff, a senior industry analyst at RedMonk. “It can signal authenticity and accountability, but it also carries reputational risk if the response is perceived as defensive or dismissive.”

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