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Astronomers are counting down to using the new Roman Space Telescope to scan the Milky Way for alien moons that might be habitable, says one of Roman’s chief scientists.

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Why we love this deal

Whether completing online assignments for school, sending work emails, or streaming Netflix in your downtime, a tablet is a reliable choice for numerous activities, especially if it’s equipped with a time-saving Bluetooth keyboard. The addition of this wireless accessory transforms a basic tablet into a budget-friendly laptop that’s ultra-portable and lightweight. You don’t even need to break the bank to invest in this top-notch tech, because Walmart’s limited-time sale on the Aeezo 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet brings the total cost to under $100. 

This bestselling Android 14 tablet is on sale for $75 at Walmart, and comes in your choice of black or white. The tablet, which offers “great performance and value,” according to one buyer, comes upgraded with a Bluetooth keyboard, wireless mouse, stylus pen, and protective case. This bestselling tablet and accessory bundle is a steal at its unbeatable price of just $75 right now. 

Aeezo 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet, $75 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Why do shoppers love it?

Outfitted with everything you need for everyday computing tasks, this two-in-one laptop and tablet is user-friendly and reliable. It runs on the Android 14 operating system and has an octa-core processor for a fast and secure performance. The Google Play Store comes preinstalled on the device, so you can quickly download your favorite apps, like YouTube, Facebook, and WhatsApp. There’s plenty of space to add these go-to apps, as well as for your favorite movies and e-books, as the tablet comes with 20 gigabytes (GB) of RAM and 64 GB of ROM, which is expandable up to 1 terabyte (TB).

Related: Amazon is selling a 2-in-1 laptop and tablet for $71 that’s AI-enabled and offers theft protection

Designed for on-the-go functionality, the tablet has a 5000-milliampere-hour battery that offers up to 10 hours of playtime on a single charge. If you’re stuck at the airport or working at the coffee shop, this means you won’t need to stay near an outlet to stay powered up. Since the tablet comes with a spacious 10.1-inch high-definition touchscreen display, the viewing experience has stunning visuals that are easier on the eyes compared to a small smartphone screen. Additionally, the device has a 5-megapixel front camera and an 8-megapixel rear camera, so you can take photos and answer video calls.

Pros and cons of the Aeezo 2-in-1 laptop and tablet

Pros:

It’s a two-in-one device. Instead of buying a tablet and a laptop separately, you can switch between both with the Bluetooth accessory bundle.

It’s an excellent value. It’s uncommon to find a tablet without any accessories for under $80, let alone one that is decked out this much.

The keyboard adds efficiency.  One shopper raved, “It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and the keyboard makes typing much faster.”

Cons:

It’s meant for basic tasks. If you need an electronic for advanced gaming or processing large data files, you’ll want something else.

It’s a smaller tablet. When it comes to tablet screens, this one is in the smaller range.

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The Aeezo 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet is a stellar bargain for just $75 at Walmart, especially since it’s loaded with handy accessories, like the wireless keyboard and mouse. Before the deal sells out, be sure to add this convenient device to your cart. 

Two title matches and the in-ring debut of Motor City Machine Guns headlined the September 5th episode of AEW Collision.

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Fall is the perfect time for your favorite pair of jeans and a cozy sweater. Closet staples like these help you build a capsule wardrobe that saves space and money while still offering a variety of comfortable outfits for everyday wear. When I look for closet staples, I look for high-quality and low prices, which oftentimes can be difficult to find. Thanks to Levi’s, I’ve been able to find some durable, comfortable, and long-lasting pants at up to 60% off. 

Levi’s Women’s Straight Leg Jeans are on sale at Amazon for as low as $41, saving shoppers up to 60% depending on color and size. These cotton-blend jeans offer enough stretch to be comfortable while staying durable wash after wash. These straight-leg jeans are reminiscent of the increasingly popular ’80s fashion trends that have been rolling back around.

Levi’s Women’s Straight-Leg Jeans, From $41(was $95) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Why do shoppers love it?

Levi’s has been in the jeans game since 1873, and with over a century and a half of experience, knows how to make some solid jeans. My Levi’s have lasted years, offering comfortable fits that feel tailored to my body while still staying relatively lower priced. These jeans are no exception — made of cotton and elastane, they offer stretch that’s comfortable for everyday wear while still keeping the shape and look of 100% cotton jeans. Just in time for fall, they pair perfectly with cozy flannels and puffer jackets, while still looking sleek and stylish when paired with your favorite tank when spring rolls around. Dress them up or down for any occasion, matching them with boots, flip-flops, and any of your other favorite accessories. 

Related: REI’s quarter-zip pullover is only $41 during its Labor Day sale

These jeans offer a high-waisted straight-leg fit that hits at full-length. The classic look features two front pockets and a zip and button closure, while the back of the jeans has a V-cut seam below the belt loops, providing slightly slanted pockets that look better when worn. These jeans are available in sizes 24 through 32 and offer black, blue, and white colors, including Project Parallel, Get Organized, Ringing Bells, and other colors.

Details to know

Sizes: These jeans are available in sizes 24 through 32.

Color: Choose from All Alone, Naturally Good, Ringing Bells, Get Organized, and more colors across the blue, black, and white spectrum.

Material: These jeans provide a slight stretch while still remaining 85% cotton.

One reviewer wrote, “I love these! I’m absolutely obsessed with the classy, slimming look these jeans provide.”Another shopper wrote, “These jeans fit so well. The fabric is soft and not see-through. The length is perfect even after washing them. “

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Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans, $42 (was $85) at Amazon

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The Levi’s Women’s Straight Leg Jeans are a classic homage to the original jeans from the ’80s and ’90s, offering a high-waisted, slimming fit that accentuates your curves and stays comfy throughout the day. Shoppers can pay as little as $41 for these jeans. 

Like wars before it, the costs of the current war with Iran will go on for decades to pay for the human and physical damage caused by the conflict.

Riley Herbst is headed to Legacy Motor Club for 2027, but the most important part of the deal may not be what he brings behind the wheel.

“One Night Only,” a romantic comedy starring Monica Barbaro and Callum Turner, arrives on digital streaming this week after generating little heat at the box office.

Americans’ retirement accounts just reached a record high. The timing matters because a few months ago, they were heading in the opposite direction.

Average 401(k) balances hit $155,800 in the second quarter of 2026, an all-time high and the largest quarterly jump since the fourth quarter of 2020, according to Fidelity’s Q2 report. That is a 13.1% increase from a year earlier. Fidelity’s average IRA balance also reached a record, rising 10% year over year to $144,523.

What drove 401(k) and IRA balances to record highs in Q2

The turnaround from Q1 was sharp. Balances fell 4% in the first quarter as markets dropped following the Iran conflict. Then equities recovered. Through early September, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up approximately 10% since January. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite were each up about 12%.

Markets were not the only factor. Workers kept saving. Combined employer and employee 401(k) contributions averaged 14.4% of pay in Q2. Fidelity recommends 15%. Workers were close. The employee portion hit a record 9.6%. More than eight in 10 participants, 81.2%, saved enough to capture their employer’s full matching contribution.

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IRA contributions were up 36% from the same quarter a year ago. Among women specifically, those who stuck with a 401(k) for at least five years in a row had an average balance of $273,400. That is not a median figure. It is the average for women who stayed consistent. Female IRA investors as a group averaged $130,231, which was 12% higher than twelve months earlier.

“The combination of record account balances, strong savings behaviors and effective plan design tell an encouraging story about how Americans are approaching retirement,” Sharon Brovelli, president of Workplace Investing at Fidelity Investments, said in a statement, according to CNBC.

What record 401(k) balances mean for retirees and all Americans

The $155,800 average is a number worth sitting with. A decade ago, the same figure was about $89,000. Fidelity says balances are up 75% over the past 10 years and 20% from just five years ago.

Social Security was never designed to fully replace a working income. For the average earner, it covers about 40% of what they made before retiring. Most financial planners put the real target at 70% to 90%.

That is a big gap. 401(k)s and IRAs are how most Americans fill it. Bigger account balances mean more people have a real shot at doing that.

Higher balances mean more workers approaching retirement with a larger cushion. That reduces dependence on government programs, gives retirees more spending flexibility, and gives households more ability to absorb unexpected costs, including healthcare, home repairs, and long-term care.

The data from Fidelity also suggest more Americans are saving systematically rather than sporadically. An 81.2% match-capture rate means roughly four out of five workers are not leaving free money on the table. That is a meaningful shift from earlier in the decade.

For younger workers, the compounding effect of today’s contributions is what matters most. Someone who starts contributing in their 20s and maintains a steady rate for 40 years will benefit far more from compounding than someone who starts in their 40s trying to catch up.

The record savings rates suggest that more Americans understand that.

Higher balances mean more workers approaching retirement with a larger cushion.Nick David / Getty Images

Why savings behavior matters as much as the market

It is tempting to read the record balances purely as a market story. The Iran conflict rattled markets in Q1, equities recovered in Q2, and balances followed. That is the headline version.

But the savings data tell a different story running underneath. The 14.4% combined contribution rate has held at or near record levels for two consecutive quarters, as TheStreet reported following the Q1 data.

Workers kept contributing, even when their balances were falling. That discipline is exactly what retirement planning requires.

Markets will move up and down. What determines long-term outcomes is whether contributions continue regardless. The Q2 data suggests most 401(k) participants did exactly that.

What the rise in loans and hardship withdrawals means for you

The record balances come with a warning. Nearly one in five workers, 19.5%, had an outstanding 401(k) loan in 2026, up from a year earlier. About 2.8% of workers took out a new loan in the second quarter specifically. The share taking a hardship withdrawal climbed to 3% from 2.6% 12 months before.

Under IRS rules, a hardship withdrawal avoids the early-withdrawal penalty only when the account holder faces an immediate and heavy financial need: preventing foreclosure, covering unforeseen medical bills, and similar situations.

But the money does not come back. It permanently reduces the balance and eliminates all the future compounding that money would have generated.

Cathy Curtis, a certified financial planner and founder of Curtis Financial Planning, cautioned against leaning on retirement accounts for near-term needs. “The biggest downside is that borrowing or withdrawing from a 401(k) disrupts long-term retirement savings,” she told CNBC.

Before going to your 401(k), look at everything else. An emergency fund covering three to six months of expenses is the right first line of defense. Build that separately from your retirement account.

When a real emergency hits, you pull from that instead of your 401(k). Your retirement balance stays intact. The compounding continues uninterrupted.

If you do not have that cushion yet, the simplest approach is to direct a portion of your 401(k) contribution increase toward a separate savings account until the emergency fund is built.

You lose a little compounding in the short run, but you avoid a much larger loss if you ever need to make an early withdrawal.

Related: Suze Orman names a major money waste for many Americans

The firearms industry, including rifle, handgun, and ammunition manufacturers and retailers, have faced financial distress in 2026 that has led to bankruptcy filings.

Filings come as the industry has experienced declining sales over the last two years which have been major problem for companies trying to stay afloat.

Key firearms bullet manufacturer files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.Shutterstock

Mead Industries files for bankruptcy

39-year-old ammunition manufacturer Mead Industries Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, seeking to reorganize its business, as it faces disputed lawsuit and contract claims.

The Wood River, Neb.-based bullets manufacturer filed its petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nebraska on Sept. 2, listing over $7.1 million in assets and over $6.4 million in debts.

The debtor’s largest creditors include Kentucky’s Best Hemp Inc., owed over $1.85 million in a disputed lawsuit claim; Hiawatha National Bank, owed over $1.3 million; FNBO, owed over $544,000; Gunwerks LLC, owed $346,000 in a contract dispute; company owner Gregory A. Mead, owed over $521,000 of a promissory note; and AMDG Enterprises, owed over $304,000.

Mead Industries founder Greg Mead, an avid hunter, established the company in 1977 to manufacture high-quality precision hunting bullets, as well as machinery, equipment, and components for many of the world’s leading ammunition manufacturers, according to the company’s website.

Helps produce 50 million bullets a month

The company occupies a 15,000 square-foot facility in Wood River with an on-site ballistics lab, welding shop, and full machine shop and is responsible for supplying the machinery and equipment that produces over 50 million bullets per month to the shooting industry.

Mead Industries has faced a steady decrease in gross revenue over the last three years, declining from over $2.4 million in 2024 to over $1.3 million in 2025. The debtor had generated over $1.1 million by its Sept. 2, 2026, filing date, according to the petition.

Declining revenue trend

The debtor’s decreased revenue follows a national trend of declining revenue in the firearms industry.

Firearms sales declined 4.1% to about 14.6 million in 2025, compared to over 15.2 million in 2024, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the National Rifle Association’s American Rifleman reported.

New firearm unit sales declined by 7.6% year over year in the first quarter of 2026, and revenue declined by 2.6%, while average selling price increased by 5.4%, according to Tactical Wire.

Total firearms unit sales declined by 3.8% year over year in the second quarter of 2026 and dealers also cut inventory by 9.2%, with rifles down 12.3%, shotguns declining 9.4%, and handguns falling 7.7%, according to Gearfire’s RetailBI Q2 2026 Shooting Sports report on sales and inventory.

New rifle sales grew by 8.1%, while new handgun sales declined 5.6% and shotgun sales plummeted 17%.

Firearms sold for higher prices

While overall sales declined, revenue increased by 4.5% as the average firearm sold for 8.7% more than in the previous year. The report noted that consumers were focused on buying high-end rifles and handguns instead of entry-level models.

Several firearms retailers have filed for bankruptcy this year, including firearms and ammunition retailer White Oak Armory LLC, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Aug. 24 to reorganize its business, owing a disputed tax debt to the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

Hutco Corporation, the owner of the Delta Hawk Sportsman Gun & Pawn chain of stores, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on July 10 to reorganize its businesses, facing multiple civil claims.

Other firearms companies filing for bankruptcy in 2026 include firearms maker and dealer Custombilt Firearms Manufacturing LLC, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Feb. 8, 2026, after battling the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives over its license in 2023 and 2024.

Related: 36-year-old casual dining chain files Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Banks are getting faster at making decisions. The question is who, or what, is actually making them.

Financial institutions are already using AI and machine learning across lending, fraud detection and customer service. J.P. Morgan recently highlighted how machine learning is expanding in credit analysis. The bank was also specific: human expertise remains necessary to interpret model outputs, challenge errors and maintain trust.

So the central question for banks is not just whether AI can handle a job that used to belong to a person. It is whether a bank should let a machine make a decision that could significantly affect someone’s life without somebody at the bank who can understand it, challenge it or own the outcome.

How Americans actually feel about AI making financial decisions

New research from Tunnl measured where Americans actually stand on this. The firm surveyed 3,066 U.S. adults. 63% said they would not accept a faster loan or claims decision made entirely by AI if there was no way to appeal the decision to a human.

That 63% splits into two groups. 39% do not want AI involved in the decision at all. 25% are fine with an AI-made decision as long as they can appeal to a person afterward.

A separate finding in the same research showed that automated and AI-driven decisions tied for the top area where Americans want more oversight, at 52%. That put it alongside how customer data is used or sold.

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This is not a rejection of AI. Consumers are already using it. PwC’s 2026 Consumer Lending Radar found that nearly a third of borrowers now use AI tools to research loans. 67% expect AI to inform their next borrowing decision. At the same time, three out of four consumers still want a human involved in loan approvals and closings.

Consumers will trade some human interaction for speed. What they will not trade is recourse. When a loan gets denied or a claim gets rejected, they want to know someone is available if the system got it wrong.

How banks should decide which decisions AI can own

Automated systems have existed in finance for a long time. AI expands what those systems can handle. That is not the problem. The problem is figuring out when a faster, more complex AI decision crosses into territory where its consequences require a human to be in the loop.

“The dividing line shouldn’t simply be whether AI can make the decision. It should be the consequence of getting that decision wrong,” Sara Fagen, co-founder and CEO of Tunnl, told TheStreet in an interview.

A loan denial is not the same kind of error as a misrouted support ticket. One can affect someone’s financial stability for months or years. The other gets fixed in minutes. That is the distinction she is pointing to.

Automation works better when inputs are predictable and outputs are clear: validating a document, routing a standard application, flagging a duplicate. These are reasonable candidates for automation. As the judgment required increases, so does the need for a person to be making the final call rather than simply approving a machine’s recommendation after the fact.

Research into AI and financial services has increasingly focused on calibrated trust.AndreyPopov / Getty Images

What happens when AI makes the call and gets it wrong

The Government Accountability Office has looked at AI in financial services. Benefits are real: efficiency, lower costs, faster processing. So are the risks: potential lending bias, data-quality problems, privacy concerns and cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

The GAO also found something important. Most financial regulators it spoke with said AI outputs inform staff decisions. They are not the sole basis for action.

The institution owns the outcome, either way. A good algorithm call benefits the bank. A bad one? The bank still has to answer for it. And bad decisions can scale fast. An algorithm that makes a harmful call once can make the same call thousands of times before anyone catches it.

“The line gets crossed when they start outsourcing understanding, judgment, or accountability to it,” Nate Herk, founder and CEO of AI Automation Society, told TheStreet.

Banks face pressure from both sides here. Too little automation, and competitors pull ahead on speed and cost. Too much automation, and errors compound faster than any review process can respond. Getting the balance wrong in either direction creates real exposure.

Fagen added: “The most important part of that finding isn’t that consumers are rejecting AI. They’re rejecting a system in which AI has the final word. That’s a meaningful distinction.”

Where human judgment still creates competitive advantage

Every decision does not need a human. But the decisions most likely to seriously damage a consumer’s financial situation are the ones where human judgment matters most.

Herk added: “The fact that something can technically be automated does not mean it should be.”

He points to an example from his own business. A community manager role could be automated. He chose not to automate it. Members are not just there to get questions answered. They want to know a real person cares about what happens to them. Automating that role would look like efficiency from the inside and feel like abandonment from the outside.

Financial institutions face that same dynamic at their most consequential moments. When a customer gets denied, confused or faces a decision with real financial stakes, what the institution does next can determine whether that customer stays. Those moments may be exactly the ones that feel most automatable but are the most important to get right.

Research into AI and financial services has increasingly focused on calibrated trust. A recent study in Financial Innovation argues that financial institutions need consumers to rely on AI when it is likely to improve a decision, while withholding reliance when it is not. Financial errors can be costly and hard to reverse.

Machines can absorb the analytical workload. They cannot absorb the accountability. Banks that keep that distinction clear may find it is not just a compliance posture. It may be a competitive one.

Related: Michael Burry doubles down on his surprising AI bet