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Campaign Report — What’s in store for 2023

January 3, 2023 Published by

Just In | The Hill 

Welcome to The Hill’s Campaign Report, tracking all things related to the 2022 midterm elections. You can expect this newsletter in your inbox every Tuesday and Thursday as we make sense of this year’s elections and look ahead to 2024.  

Email us tips and feedback: Max Greenwood, Julia Manchester, and Caroline Vakil.  Someone forward this newsletter to you? Subscribe here.

The races to watch in 2023

A number of races are ramping up for off-year elections later this year, particularly in Kentucky, Mississippi, Louisiana, Virginia, New Jersey and Wisconsin.

Kentucky, Louisiana and Mississippi will be holding key gubernatorial races, which will serve as another datapoint of the political headwinds each party could face ahead of 2024’s presidential election. Govs. Andy Beshear (D) of Kentucky and Tate Reeves (R) of Mississippi are both intending to run for a second term while Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) of Louisiana is term-limited. 

Beshear is one of a few Democrats elected to the top state office in a state that former President Trump won in 2020. While he’s enjoyed a high approval rating in a ruby red state, the Kentucky Democrat will still have to contend with the state’s Republican leanings and is already defending his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, a frequent criticism among the GOP in the Bluegrass State. 

Over in Mississippi, Reeves has said he intends to run for his position again and no other Republicans have formally announced a challenge yet. A feather in Reeves’ cap is that he’s an incumbent in the red-leaning state, which could make ousting him during a primary much more difficult. Still, the Mississippi Republican has suffered from low approval ratings during his time in the governor’s mansion and there’s plenty of time for primary challengers to pick up steam ahead of the August primary. 

And in Louisiana, while the Democratic candidate field hasn’t emerged yet, Republicans may see a crowded GOP primary depending on whether Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), who has said he’s considering a gubernatorial bid, enters the race. State Attorney General Jeff Landry (R) has already thrown his hat into the race and notched an endorsement from the Louisiana GOP. 

Virginia and New Jersey will both hold elections for legislative chambers. While Democrats control the state Senate in Virginia, the House of Delegates is controlled by the GOP. In New Jersey, Democrats control both the General Assembly and state Senate.  

Plus, there will be an election to replace outgoing conservative Justice Patience Roggensack in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court – a consequential election given that the partisan tilt of the high court has a 4-3 conservative majority, though the election to replace Roggensack is technically nonpartisan.

Can Biden take on DeSantis? 

Both President Biden and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R ) emerged as victors after the November midterms, albeit for different reasons. Biden and his party were able to secure a Senate majority for two more years and Democrats lost their House majority by fewer than expected numbers.  

Meanwhile, Republicans pointed to DeSantis’ nearly 20-point reelection win against Democrat Charlie Crist as a silver lining for the GOP, even flipping the traditionally blue Miami-Dade County. Republicans since the midterms have been more comfortable criticizing former President Trump and even referring to DeSantis as the leader of the GOP.  

But as our Alex Gangitano writes, polling from last month, however, is raising questions about whether Biden can take on DeSantis in 2024 should Biden choose to run for president again and should the Florida governor decide to throw his hat into the race. First off, there’s the age factor: Biden would end his second presidential term, if elected, at 86 years old.  

A Biden-DeSantis match-up would also raise questions about how Biden would characterize himself in the race, as he used the last presidential election to cast himself as a foil to Trump.  

The numbers: And then there’s the polls. A survey from Emerson College Polling and The Hill released last month showed DeSantis receiving 47 percent support in a hypothetical match-up against Biden, who received 43 percent. Meanwhile, a Marquette Law School poll also out last month showed the two tied at 42 percent in a hypothetical match-up.  

“It’s crazy to me that Biden is polling so low, even with Dems, considering how much has been accomplished in these first two years,” Democratic strategist Cristina Antelo told Alex. “But, yes, Dems seem worried that ‘an old white guy’ at the top of the ticket just isn’t going to cut it if the threats to democracy that Trump embodies aren’t on the ballot.” 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

There was a lot going on in 2022, especially last month: Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake lost her election lawsuit contesting results in the Grand Canyon State and after losing her race; Rep.-elect George Santos (R-N.Y.) came under fire after he admitted to fabricating parts of his personal and professional history; and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) is mulling its early presidential primary calendar for 2024 — to name a few! 

Here’s a look at some of the headlines and in-depth coverage you may have missed over the holiday break: 

What does Kari Lake’s future look like? That’s the question that Zach Schonfeld is askingafter Arizona GOP candidate Kari Lake lost her gubernatorial bid against Democrat Katie Hobbs. Lake, who was one of former President Trump’s most notable endorsees in the midterm cycle, was seen as a promising new figure within the party, but her loss – due in part from her defense of election denialism – has left many wondering what happens next. 

“If she had won this race, if she had become governor, yes,” Arizona-based GOP strategy Barrett Marson said, in reference to whether Trump will choose Lake as a running mate. “But now — you can be a lot of things in Trump World, but you can’t be a loser.” 

What does the Senate landscape look like for 2024? It’s 2023, but it might as well be 2024. All eyes are now looking to next year, which is gearing up for a presidential election. But as our Al Weaver notes, there’s some very critical Senate seats up for reelection and Democrats are finding themselves more on the defense than in 2022. Some lingering questions Al has include how Republicans will fix their candidate quality issue and whether Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) will encourage a primary challenge against Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) should she run again. 

What factors will go into sorting the GOP nominee? Our Max Greenwood also reminds us that while Trump has announced a White House bid, it’s still a long ways away from 2024 and the GOP presidential primary. Some of the factors that could determine the 2024 nominee include whether it’ll be a crowded field, if DeSantis sees more momentum and how Trump’s legal woes shake out.  

That’s it for today. Thanks for reading and check out The Hill’s Campaign page for the latest news and coverage. See you Thursday. 

​Campaign, 2022 midterm elections, Biden administration, COVID-19, Donald Trump, governor race, President Biden, Ron DeSantis Read More 

5 ways to make thousands a month in passive income in 2023

January 3, 2023 Published by

Business Insider 

Jen Glantz.

Gaby Deimeke

Jen Glantz is an entrepreneur with seven income streams that help her earn six figures a year.
In addition to her two businesses, she’s rented out her apartment and monetized her social media.
In 2023, she’s considering peer-to-peer lending and investing in crowdfunded real estate.

In 2015, after being laid off from my full-time job at a tech startup, I was overwhelmed with stress and confusion. I’d lost the only source of income I had, but I still had a stack of bills and financial obligations to take care of. I decided that I wanted to do whatever I could to make sure I was never in that position again.

Soon after, I learned that self-made millionaires usually have around three to four sources of income. I knew I wanted to eventually be a millionaire — or at least someone who never had to worry about losing a paycheck. So I’ve tried to add new streams of income every year, from new products and services that I launch through my two businesses — one in the wedding space and one as a content creator — to more passive streams, like selling online courses and doing affiliate marketing. I currently have more than seven streams of income that help me earn six figures a year.

If you’re eager to find ways to add new passive-income streams to your financial portfolio, here are five ways to start in 2023.

1. Asset sharing

Asset sharing is the act of sharing things that you already own, at a price. Based on demand in your local area, you can make passive income just by handing over your keys, your space, or an item for a period of time.

Write a list of what you have that other people might want to rent and then list that asset on a platform where people are searching for access to that item. For example, you can rent your car using Turo, your apartment for meetings or photo shoots using Peerspace, your garage for storage using Neighbor, and even your baby’s stroller using BabyQuip. One mom made $5,000 a month renting out the baby items she no longer needed to people who wanted to rent them temporarily.

In the past, I’ve rented out space in my apartment for events, and while it was good income, it did come with added cleaning expenses that I had to pay for. While I made a few hundred dollars in cash doing this, I’d likely do it again but at a higher price point to make it worthwhile.

2. Peer-to-peer lending 

If you have extra cash in your savings account, you can become a peer-to-peer lender. Rather than going through banks, people can apply for loans on different platforms where the cash comes from real people instead. As a lender, you give them your money and earn interest in exchange — some investors report earning more than 10% in returns a year — and based on the platform you use, you can make loans as small as $25. One man makes 2,200 euros a month doing this.

Platforms I’ve researched in the past but I’m personally waiting to try until I figure out my financial strategy for 2023 include LendingClub and Prosper. However, this passive-income stream does come with more risk if the person doesn’t pay back the loan, so be sure to look at the terms offered by the lending platform to see what coverage you get in case of a situation like this.

3. Dropshipping

If you’ve always wanted to start an e-commerce side hustle but didn’t want to have to invest in inventory, you might want to consider dropshipping.

Not only is dropshipping a form of passive income, but it doesn’t require you to spend any cash up front on products. Instead, once you decide what kind of products you want to sell, you can build a brand around those products and launch an online store. You can then pull products in from dropshipping platforms like Ali Express and Spocket.

To find products that have a higher chance of success, you can research top-selling items on Amazon using sites like AMZ Insight or Jungle Scout. Once someone purchases the item on your website, it’s pulled from those platforms and shipped directly to them, requiring little effort on your part. One entrepreneur made $1.7 million doing this in 2021.

The one downside is it does require a lot of up-front development, from creating the website to marketing, to build an audience. You can learn more about doing this by taking a free course through Shopify or Udemy.

In the past, I’ve considered going down this route but decided not to, since I wanted to find ways to sell products I created from scratch. I ended up doing that by creating a card game and selling it on my own website. While it brings in passive income every month, the biggest hassle is having to store inventory in my small apartment.

4. Investing in crowdfunded real estate 

One of the most-talked-about streams of passive income is the money you can make by buying real-estate properties and renting them out. For those who don’t have the capital to invest in a second property, there are other ways you can earn passive income through real estate.

For example, you can invest in crowdfunded real-estate properties — which I’m interested in doing in 2023 as a way of entering real-estate investing, without buying a property of my own — or funds as a way to hopefully make recurring passive income. You can get started using Fundrise, where with just $500 you can invest in a starter portfolio of real-estate-investment trusts, or REITs. You can also use RealtyShares, which requires a minimum investment of $5,000.

While the amount you can make from this varies, starting with a low initial investment could be a way to get into real estate without buying properties on your own.

5. Monetizing your audience 

If you’ve been growing your followers or subscribers, whether on social media or through a creative outlet like a podcast or a newsletter, you can earn passive income from monetizing your audience. Brands and advertisers are looking to showcase products and services to specific audiences, so even if you don’t have tens of thousands of followers, you can still work to make advertising or affiliate money, especially if you have a niche demographic that’s appealing to these businesses.

To monetize my audience in the past, I’ve used platforms like Swapstack for my newsletters and podcast, RewardStyle to promote general products that interest me, and AspireIQ for brand deals to promote products on social media. After working out a deal with these advertisers, you’re often given a unique affiliate link or code to share with your audience. When those links are clicked, you receive a percentage of the revenue, which is typically anywhere from 3% to more than 30%, depending on the offering. Some months, I’m able to make a few thousands dollars with this passive-revenue stream.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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Kentucky treasurer says 11 banks subject to divestment due to energy company ‘boycotts’

January 3, 2023 Published by

Just In | The Hill 

Kentucky State Treasurer Allison Ball threatened to divest from 11 banks that have “boycotted” energy companies in press release published Tuesday.

The Kentucky General Assembly passed a bill last year that directed the state treasurer to annually publish a list of financial companies that engage in energy “boycotts.” According to the press release, banks who continue to avoid energy companies will be subject to divestment from the state.

“When companies boycott fossil fuels, they intentionally choke off the lifeblood of capital to Kentucky’s signature industries,” Ball said in the release. “Traditional energy sources fuel our Kentucky economy, provide much needed jobs, and warm our homes. Kentucky must not allow our signature industries to be irreparably damaged based upon the ideological whims of a select few.”

The energy sector represents 7.8 percent of total Kentucky state employment, according to the press release. The released added that the energy industry accounts for 94.5% of Kentucky’s electrical power generation, which heats more than half of Kentucky homes, “while boasting the 12th lowest average electricity prices in the nation.”

Within 30 days of this list being published, state agencies must notify the treasury if they have indirect or direct holdings in any of these institutions, and send a notice to those institutions. The companies will then have 90 days to end their “boycott” of energy companies, or they risk being divested from.

“Kentucky is a coal, oil, and gas producing state,” Ball said in an interview with FOX Business. “Our energy sector helps power America. Kentucky refuses to fund the ideological boycotts of our own fossil fuel industry with the hard-earned taxes and pensions of Kentucky citizens.”

The list of 11 banks accused of “boycotting” energy companies included Citigroup Inc, JPMorgan Chase & Co and BlackRock Inc. Citigroup and JPMorgan Chase & Co are each members of the Net-Zero Banking Alliance, which is an industry-led, U.N.-convened group of banks that are “committed to aligning their lending and investment portfolios with net-zero emissions by 2050.”

In 2022, other Republican-led states including Texas and West Virginia announced similar pledges to punish banking institutions that do not engage with energy companies.

​News, Energy & Environment, Allison Ball, Energy Read More 

Mastering This Move Will Help You Work Up to a Handstand—While Sitting on the Floor

January 3, 2023 Published by

Well+Good 

Staying up in a handstand is a challenge on its own, but getting upside down in the first place is no small feat. You’ll have to engage your arms, back, and lats for your base, while also using the strength in your core, glutes, and quads to actually hoist those legs overhead.

This can be exhausting to practice, and just trying to get up in a handstand again and again might see you relying more on momentum than actually building the necessary muscles. That’s why the seated straddle raise, which you can practice right from the comfort of the good ol’ floor, is a great place to start.

“The seated straddle raise is really common in gymnastics circles,” says Elisabeth Akinwale, a certified personal trainer with a background in competitive gymnastics, who is leading Well+Good’s ReNew Year movement plan this month. “It’s a great exercise for working the whole front side of your core.” That includes your hip flexors, abs, and your quads.

In a new video for Well+Good, Akinwale explains how to master this deceptively challenging move, which involves raising and lowering your legs while your bum remains on the ground.

Begin in a straddle position with your legs slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, and place your hands on the floor in between your thighs. Lock your knees and elbows, and engage your quads, arms, and back. Then, raise and lower both legs at the same time in a fluid, controlled motion.

But watch out: There are a few common mistakes people make in this move. Make sure to keep your legs straight, avoiding a bend in your knees. Raise both legs at the same time, not one at a time. And make sure you’re not hiking up your shoulders towards your ears—engaging your lats in your back will help.

Akinwale explains that the motion of the seated straddle is very similar to a handstand or toe raise because it involves the same motion.

“Part of the objective is to be closing that angle between your torso and your legs, so you’re getting that compression in your body, similar to a compressed handstand, or a toe raise,” Akinwale says. “This one might look easy but I guarantee you it’s harder than it looks.” Watch the full video to get her best tips on how to make it happen.

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Odometer Roll-Backs Have Increased 7% Over The Last Year

January 3, 2023 Published by

Carscoops 

Research from Carfax has revealed that there are now more cars on U.S. roads with rolled-back odometers than ever before.

More than 1.9 million vehicles in the U.S. have rolled-back odometers, a 7 per cent increase over 2021, Carfax reports. This comes despite many newer vehicles coming fitted with digital odometers that many people incorrectly think are harder to alter.

Carfax data reveals that California is home to the most vehicles with rolled-back odometers, totaling some 437,600 vehicles. It is followed by Texas with 245,600 vehicles, New York with 91,720 vehicles, Florida with 84,200 vehicles, and Illinois with 73,400 vehicles. Each of the 10 states with the highest number of vehicles with rolled-back odometers saw increases over the past year.

Read: NHTSA Makes Odometer Disclosure For Up To 20 Years Mandatory From January 1st

States with the most vehicles with rolled-back odometers1. California437,6002. Texas245,6003. New York91,7204. Florida84,2005. Illinois73,4006. Pennsylvania68,2007. Georgia65,0008. Virginia56,0009. Arizona54,40010. North Carolina45,300

“Many people think odometer fraud disappeared with the invention of digital odometers but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” Carfax public relations director Emilie Voss said. “We’re still seeing the number of vehicles on the road with a rolled-back odometer rise year-over-year.”

Consumers lose an average of $4,00 in vehicle value when buying a vehicle with a rolled-back odometer. Unexpected maintenance costs could also sting buyers, particularly if major maintenance items need to be repaired or replaced earlier than a vehicle’s indicated mileage may suggest. Carfax notes that most odometer tampering incidents see tens of thousands of miles eliminated from a vehicle’s odometer.

It’s not just unexpected maintenance costs that could impact your hip pocket. If you finance a vehicle and later find out that the odometer had been rolled back, your interest rate could increase after you inform the finance company of the true mileage.

Carfax says there are a number of ways consumers can avoid buying a vehicle with a rolled-back odometer. Taking a used vehicle to a mechanic is always a good idea as they may notice advanced signs of wear on parts or components that contrast with the stated mileage. Insisting that the seller provides a Carfax Vehicle History Report is also a smart move.

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Las Vegas Strip May Lose Two Huge Deals

January 3, 2023 Published by

Las Vegas has a long history of being a place where relationships come together quickly or burn out after a too-bright start. You might meet the love of your life on the Las Vegas Strip or end up needing a quickie divorce after a few drinks (and maybe some harder stuff) convinced you that having an Elvis impersonator marry you to someone you met that day was an excellent idea.

In a city full of excess, anything seems possible and that has made the Las Vegas Strip the ideal threat for any sports team looking for leverage. Since the Supreme Court ruled that states could legalize sports betting. Las Vegas stopped being taboo. That led to the National Hockey League bringing the expansion Golden Knights to T-Mobile Arena nestled in the heart of Caesars Entertainment (CZR) – Get Free Report and MGM Resorts International’s (MGM) – Get Free Report Strip properties.    


source

Embattled rep George Santos votes for McCarthy in Speaker race

January 3, 2023 Published by

Just In | The Hill 

Embattled Rep.-elect George Santos (R-N.Y.) on Tuesday cast his vote in support of House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) for Speaker, though rebels in the party pledged to block McCarthy’s bid for the speakership.

A group of 19 Republicans voted against McCarthy in the first round of voting, leaving him well below the 218-vote threshold needed to secure the position. The House will now move to multiple ballots in the Speaker’s contest for the first time since 1923.

Santos tweeted last month that he would support McCarthy for speaker, and confirmed his plans to reporters earlier Tuesday, per Politico.

Santos, who flipped a House seat for the GOP, has been embroiled in controversy in recent weeks after confessing to fabricating parts of his work, personal and educational history. Among his false statements were his claims of graduating from New York’s Baruch College, being a “proud” Jewish-American and working with prominent financial firms Goldman Sachs and Citigroup.

“I’m embarrassed and sorry for having embellished my resume. I own up to that … We do stupid things in life,” Santos told the New York Post.

However, he still hoped to be sworn into Congress, which can’t occur until a speaker is chosen. McCarthy has largely avoided commenting on the Santos scandal.

The embattled House member is facing blowback on many levels, as both local and federal officials have launched investigations into him and many lawmakers have called for his resignation or a new election.

​House, News, George Santos, Kevin McCarthy, Speakership vote Read More 

[Business] Sam Bankman-Fried pleads not guilty to fraud

January 3, 2023 Published by

BBC News world 

Getty Images

Sam Bankman-Fried arrives at the court in New York on 3 January
By Natalie Sherman
Business reporter, New York

The former boss of collapsed cryptocurrency exchange FTX has officially denied charges that he defrauded customers and investors.

Sam Bankman-Fried pleaded not guilty in a US court to claims that he took customer deposits at FTX to fund his other firm, Alameda Research, buy property and make political donations.

He was released after his arrest last month on a $250m (£208m) bail package.

But he faces more than 100 years in prison if convicted.

Judge Lewis Kaplan set a trial date of 2 October.

Two of Mr Bankman-Fried’s closest colleagues have pleaded guilty already and are cooperating with the investigation, which has shaken the entire cryptocurrency industry.

In interviews before his arrest, the 30-year-old former billionaire admitted failings but put the problems down to his own “mistakes”.

It is not unusual for defendants to change their pleas as the legal proceedings unfold.

Mr Bankman-Fried, who founded FTX in 2019, was one of the most high-profile figures in the cryptocurrency industry, known for his political ties, celebrity endorsements and bailouts of other struggling firms.

But in November, a wave of customer withdrawals sparked by reports of shaky finances forced FTX to declare bankruptcy and reveal billions of dollars worth of missing funds.

In a press conference last month, federal prosecutors said the meltdown at the platform, which allowed customers to buy and sell digital tokens, stemmed from “intentional fraud”.

Prosecutors accused Mr Bankman-Fried of misappropriating FTX customer funds to pay debts at his other company, Alameda, and to make other investments.

They announced eight criminal charges, including wire fraud, money laundering and campaign finance violations. Financial regulators also brought claims against Mr Bankman-Fried.

Mr Bankman-Fried was arrested in December in the Bahamas, where he lived and FTX was based.

He was extradited to the US, where he was freed on a $250m bail package. His bail conditions required that he wear an electronic monitoring bracelet and remain largely confined to the California home of his parents, law professors at Stanford University.

His parents co-signed the bond, guaranteeing the money if Mr Bankman-Fried fails to appear in court.

In court filings on Tuesday, attorneys asked to keep the identities of the other backers secret, saying Sam Bankman-Fried’s parents had been receiving threats. Judge Kaplan granted that request.

 

​Read More 

Carnival Has Big Plans For Its Rival to Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay

January 3, 2023 Published by

TheStreet 

Royal Caribbean has changed the definition of what passengers expect on a cruise line private island.

Royal Caribbean Group (RCL) – Get Free Report changed the basic concept when it debuted the revised Perfect Day at CocoCay in May 2019. Previously, private islands were simply beaches with bars, and a barbecue that might offer a few extras (like a zip line) but the core experience was a beach.

The old model of cruise line private islands also required people to take tenders (small ships) to the island from their cruise ship. That was a slow process and some passengers got sick riding the smaller ships, especially on days when the seas were a little rough.

With its $250 million transformation of Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean added a pier so two of its Oasis-class ships could dock there at the same time. That ended the need for tenders, which was already a major improvement, but that was only the start.

The cruise line also added a huge pool (the largest in the Caribbean), an added fee waterpark, an extra-charge beach club, and multiple included dining options. Royal Caribbean basically took what was just a beach and made it an island destination where you could opt for a quiet beach experience or something else entirely.

Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) – Get Free Report has not really had an answer for CocoCay, which has become a highly-valued stop for Royal Caribbean. That’s going to change in 2023 and Carnival CEO Josh Weinstein made a telling comment about it during the cruise line’s fourth-quarter earnings call. 

Image source: Daniel Kline/TheStreet

Carnival Has Its Own Private Destination Planned

Carnival has not spoken much about its planned CocoCay rival, Grand Bahama Port (and it certainly has never drawn a direct line between its efforts and its rival’s).

“We broke ground at a new exclusive destination, Grand Bahama Port, which will be a game changer for Carnival Cruise Line, while, at the same time, benefiting, more than ever, from our existing private islands and unique port destinations, which captured 6 million visits from our guests,” Weinstein said.

The cruise line is calling the new project a “port destination.” (It’s not an island as it’s actually a sort of gateway to Grand Bahama. Guests could opt to spend the day at the new “port destination,” or simply pass through it on their way elsewhere.

The new project, which is being developed on the south side of Grand Bahamas, “will continue to serve as a gateway to Grand Bahama while also offering guests a uniquely Bahamian experience with many exciting features and amenities, along with business opportunities for the residents of Grand Bahama,” the cruise line said.

The port will be able to accommodate two Excel-class (Carnival’s largest) ships at a time.

“The cruise port itself will also feature an area designated as a nature reserve and an interior pool feature, along with many Bahamian-operated retail, food, and beverage options for guests to enjoy,” the cruise line shared. It will offer beach access and a pool.

Royal Caribbean Has Changes Planned Too

While CocoCay has already received $250 million in improvements, Royal Caribbean has decided to add even more. The company is adding an adults-only area to the private island.

“Hideaway Beach is under construction right now,” Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations Mark Tamis confirmed while speaking on Wonder of the Seas in March.

“There were a handful of decisions that we made during the pandemic to be smarter about that construction, specifically just the movement of some of the back-of-house functions. It’s going to be an amazing adult space for about 2,000 guests [opening in] mid-to late-2023,” he shared.

Royal Caribbean has not shared whether there will be an added cost for Hideaway Beach.

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You Need Shaker Bottles That Won’t Clump or Leak—These Are 15 of the Best Ones

January 3, 2023 Published by

Well+Good 

Shaker bottles are the unsung heroes of workout gear, making silky-smooth protein shakes and all kinds of pre- and post-workout drinks. But shaker bottles can be used beyond your gym bag. While oftentimes they are put to work shaking up protein drinks, they can also be used to mix matcha, incorporate collagen into your coffee, or even make salad dressings. But with hundreds of options floating around your gym and online, which ones are the best for your post-workout cooldown? Keep reading to find out.

Best shaker bottles at a glance:

Best overall: BlenderBottle Radian Shaker Cup ($20)
Best leak-proof: BlenderBottle SportMixer Shaker Bottle ($15)
Best electric: Voltrx Premium Electric Protein Shaker Bottle ($26)
Best insulated: Matrix Shaker Stainless Steel Blender Cup ($17)
Best for motivation: Performa Shaker Bottle ($16)
Best for on-the-go: BlenderBottle Shaker Bottle with Storage ($15)
Best glass: Ello Splendid Glass Shaker Bottle ($15)
Best design: Promixx Shaker Bottle ($13)
Best for everyday use: BlenderBottle, Mantra Glass Shaker Bottle ($15)
Best for easy cleaning: Helimix Vortex Blender Shaker Bottle ($22)
Best with a straw: Contigo Autoclose Shake & Go Tumbler ($18)
Best battery life: Blackube Electric Protein Shaker Bottles ($31)
Best for travel: ShakeSphere Tumbler ($20)
Best splurge: Ice Shaker Insulated Protein Mixing Cup ($35)
Best budget: BlenderBottle Classic V2 Shaker Bottle ($9)

What to look for in a shaker bottle

There are a few key qualities to look for in a shaker bottle. Most importantly, you’ll want one that does its job, creating smooth-as-can-be drinks without leaving powder residue or clumps.  “The blending mechanism of the bottle should be more than efficient at mixing the drink, removing clumps of powder, etc.,” says Noom fitness trainer Lauren K. Baker, MA, ATC-Ret.

You’ll also want one that’s easy to clean too, especially if you’re going to be using it every day. And for this, a stainless steel exterior or interior is best, according to Baker. “A higher quality shaker bottle is best made from stainless steel, as it is easier to clean, and does not absorb odors,” says Baker.  But other materials are good too. She added, “If you choose another type of shaker, such as plastic, be sure the plastic is eco-friendly and odor-free to drink from.” Additionally, look out for a bottle that’s leak-proof and shatter-resistant for less spill and better durability.

Any extra bells and whistles are up to you. Do you want a storage compartment for powder? Or a motivational saying to get you through a tough Peloton ride? It’s all a matter of personal preference at that point.

How we chose

In scouring the internet for the best shaker bottles, we looked at mixing ability, material, style, and fan approval rating. Scroll on for the 15 best shaker bottles that will whip up drinks of all kinds. No lumps allowed.

Best shaker bottles

BlenderBottle, Classic V2 Shaker Bottle — $9.00

Originally $10, now $9 

There’s a reason you’ve seen this BlenderBottle at the gym, in the office, and at all your friends’ houses. It’s no frills, but also promises no clumps and no leaks. Nearly 45,000 reviewers agree that this shaker bottle is a winner, thanks to its patented stainless steel wire whisk ball and wide mouth that ensures you’ll get all that $$$ protein powder actually in the bottle, and not all over your countertop. Best yet? Its ultra reasonable price tag.

Specs

Material: Plastic
Capacity: 20 oz.
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Mixer: Stainless steel wire whisk ball

Pros

Doesn’t leak

No clumps

Dishwasher safe

Stainless steel wire whisk blender ball

Cons

Lid is hard to close / doesn’t snap shut


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Ice Shaker, Insulated Protein Mixing Cup — $35.00

Shark Tank superfans may recognize this shaker bottle. The Ice Shaker’s key feature is its insulated stainless steel interior, which keeps it from retaining smells and also keeps your drink cold for 30 hours. It includes a twist-off agitator and an easy open pop top, which reviewers confirm doesn’t leak. As far as shaker bottles go though, it’s not cheap. But if you’re looking to invest in one that will last years, the Ice Shaker is a good bet.

Specs

Material: Stainless steel
Capacity: 26 oz.
Dishwasher Safe: No
Mixer: Stainless Detachable agitator

Pros

Stainless steel vacuum insulation

Fits in most cup holders

Sweat-free

Secure pop top lid

Doubles as a cocktail shaker, coffee mug, or smoothie cup

Cons

Some reviewers say it is hard to clean

Some reviewers experienced leaking


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BlenderBottle, SportMixer Shaker Bottle — $15.00

With over 12,000 5-star ratings on Amazon, BlenderBottle’s SportMixer Shaker Bottle is a clear favorite among gym-goers. Equipped with BlenderBottle’s signature whisk blending ball, the SportMixer breaks down protein and supplement powders with ease, without clumping—and most importantly, without leaking. One reviewer says it’s the best shaker bottle they’ve ever tried, writing “The big selling point for me is the screw top lid…No worries whatsoever of spilling or leaking.”

Specs

Material: Stainless Steel, Tritan plastic
Capacity: 28 oz.
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Mixer: Whisk blender ball

Pros

Carrying loop

Dishwasher safe

Leak proof twist-on cap

Odor resistant

Cons

Blender ball is noisy


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ShakeSphere, Tumbler — $20.00

Somehow (we don’t know how) ShakeSphere has designed a shaker bottle that doesn’t include a mixing ball or mesh grid to blend your clumpiest of supplements and even fruits with your liquid base. Bu that doesn’t mean it’s not good. “Believe the hype,” says one reviewer. “As soon as it arrived, I decided to put in the most clumping cocktail I could think of into this little guy.” The recipe? Whey protein, psyllium husk, peanut butter powder, and a banana. “Gave it a shake 15 times like in the video, and yep, absolutely no clumping.” You’ll pay for it though: ShakeSphere tumblers cost more than double the price of other plastic shaker bottles on this list.

Specs

Material: Plastic
Capacity: 24 oz.
Dishwasher Safe: No
Mixer: None, the capsule shape does the mixing

Pros

Easy to clean

Capsule shape blends protein powders without clumps

Leak proof silicone cap

Also purees soft fruit

Cons

Matte coating starts to chip after repeat use, according to reviews

Blend isn’t consistent, according to reviews


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Voltrx, Premium Electric Protein Shaker Bottle — $26.00

For the smoothest of smooth protein shakes, you might want to upgrade to an electric bottle. “This blender is so awesome—everyone at the gym asks me about it!” says one reviewer. “No more shaking like a maniac to get the protein powder to mix properly. Just push the button and let the blender do its thing for 30 seconds. When it stops you have a buttery smooth protein shake.” Other upsides: It’s quiet, lightweight, and comes in an array of colors.

Specs

Material: Infant grade Tritan
Capacity: 24 oz.
Dishwasher Safe: No
Mixer: Motorized vortex mixers

Pros

Delivers a smooth blend

Rechargeable

Long battery life

Durable

Cons

Loses power after excessive use, according to reviews


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Matrix, Shaker Stainless Steel Blender Cup — $17.00

This Matrix Blender Cup is designed stars double-walled insulation that’s perfect for keeping your pre and post-workout drinks icy cold. The carrying handle (that doesn’t clash with car cupholders, btw) makes it convenient for carrying while on the go, and the trusty, rubber-sealed flip cap helps minimize spills. “Love love love it!” Wrote one 5-star reviewer. “I drink a protein shake daily. I use sonic ice so I can munch on it on my way to work. This is perfect!” What’s more, the agitator built into the cup’s lid means you don’t need to worry about losing track of a blender ball—and it’s less noisy!

Specs

Material: Stainless steel, rubber
Capacity: 30 oz.
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Mixer: Agitator in the lid

Pros

Double-walled insulation keeps drinks cold

Convenient carrying handle

No separate blending accessories needed

Spill-proof lid

Smooth blend

Cons

May be too big for some car cupholders

Lid is hard to open, according to some reviews


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Performa, Shaker Bottle — $16.00

Originally $23, now $16

If you need a little motivation to get you moving in the morning, nab a 2-pack of these 20-ounce shaker bottles touting inspirational phrases like “rise & grind” and “I came to slay.” It comes with a whisk ball mixer, and is lightweight and leak proof, so you don’t have to be precious about giving it a good shake. “A+ for performance,” says one reviewer. “I was worried they would not stand up to the task, but they do a good job of mixing the powder without any residual residue on the inside walls of the bottle.”

Specs

Material: Plastic
Capacity: 20 oz.
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Mixer: Whisk ball

Pros

Dishwasher safe

Good value

Leak-free

Fits in most cup holders

Cons

Plastic is thin, according to reviews

Measurement lines are hard to see

No grip loop


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BlenderBottle, Shaker Bottle with Pill Organizer and Storage for Protein Powder — $15.00

How genius is this? BlenderBottle created this shaker bottle with a built-in supplement storage system. Use the interlocking jars with or without the bottle, for powders, pills, or a small post-workout snack. (It’s perfect for a handful of almonds.) “100% suggest,” says one reviewer. “The containers snap on very easily and are great for holding protein powder.”

Specs

Material: Polypropylene
Capacity: 22 oz.
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Mixer: Whisk ball

Pros

Built-in storage system for supplements and powders

Dishwasher safe

Loop handle

Cons

Hard to tell when the flip cap is securely closed, according to reviews


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Ello, Splendid Glass Shaker Bottle with Leak-Proof Lid — $15.00

The biggest downside of plastic shaker bottles is that, if not cleaned quickly and thoroughly, they can soak in the smells of previous protein shakes. I’ll-do-the-dishes-later types may want to upgrade to glass for just that reason. This Ello shaker bottle includes measurement marks as well as a silicone sleeve that’ll ensure you can grip it even with sweaty hands. And, best of all, no lingering smells. Take it from this reviewer: “If you are lazy/forgetful like me, and have ever left your protein bottle in the car overnight, you know how terrible the smell of old protein dregs can be,” they say. “I am pleased to report I have forgotten this bottle at my desk at work, come in the next morning, cleaned with dish soap and a bottle brush, and it retains absolutely zero smell. Finally!”

Specs

Material: Glass and silicone
Capacity: 20 oz.
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Mixer: Silicone shaker ball

Pros

Glass doesn’t hold onto the smell of different protein powders

Durable silicone case

Silicone shaker makes less noise

Dishwasher safe

Cons

Narrow opening makes hand washing difficult, according to reviews

Not travel friendly


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BlenderBottle, Radian Shaker Cup — $20.00

Originally $25, now $20 

No more room-temperature shakes! Thanks to this BlenderBottle cup’s double-wall vacuum insulation, you can count on your drink being cold for up to 24 hours. Reviewers (there are over 10,000 reviews on Amazon) use this insulated option to make drinks before heading to the gym, or to keep smoothies cold during a long commute. It includes a stainless steel whisk ball, and a twist-on cap with a leak-proof guarantee.

Specs

Material: Plastic, stainless steel
Capacity: 26 oz.
Dishwasher Safe: Only the lid
Mixer: Whisk ball

Pros

Double-wall vacuum insulation keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours

Twist on cap

Carrying loop

Fits in most car cup holders

Cons

Lid absorbs odor, according to some reviews


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Promixx, Shaker Bottle — $13.00

Shaker bottles, admittedly, aren’t the cutest cup in your cupboard, but this Promixx bottle gives the others a run for their money design-wise. Its shape is sleek, but more importantly it works well—with just a few shakes protein powder integrates into your base. Reviewers rave that it’s durable and easy to clean, both musts in a shaker bottle.

Specs

Material: Ecozen
Capacity: 24 oz.
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Mixer: Removable agitator in the lid

Pros

Dishwasher safe

Odor and stain resistant

Smooth and quiet shake

Carrying loop

Cons

Powder gets stuck around the edge of the lid, according to reviews


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Blackube, Electric Protein Shaker Bottles — $31.00

Extra picky about lumps? An electric shaker bottle, like this Blackube model, is the way to go. One click, 30 seconds, and voila! You’re left with no lumps, and an ultra silky texture. Bonus: It’s super easy to clean, unlike full-size blenders. Simply add soap and water, then give the button a push. “I absolutely love it,” says one reviewer. “Aside from being super cute, it blends my shakes better and with fewer clumps than the regular shaker type cups I used to use.”

Specs

Material: Plastic
Capacity: 24 oz.
Dishwasher Safe: Only the cup
Mixer: Built-in rechargeable motor

Pros

High speed motor blends without clumps

Long battery life

Clear measurement labels

Durable material

Odor resistant

Cons

Reviewers wish the motor was more powerful


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BlenderBottle, Mantra Glass Shaker Bottle for Protein Mixes — $15.00

Originally $20, now $15 

If you’re looking for a glass shaker bottle, this BlenderBottle one is a great option. It’s extremely versatile and chic, with a silicone cap and bottom that’ll grip to any surface, whether the floor of a yoga studio or your office desk. Reviewers love the detachable carry loop, which allows you to secure a keyring to the bottle, or latch the bottle to your gym bag. “This is the best blender bottle on the market!” says one reviewer. “My protein drink would stick to the plastic ones but it slides right down this thick glass one.”

Specs

Material: Glass
Capacity: 20 oz.
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Mixer: Whisk blender ball

Pros

Dishwasher safe

Odor-resistant glass

Durable silicone boot

Detachable carrying loop

Cons

Narrow opening


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Helimix, Vortex Blender Shaker Bottle — $22.00

Originally $25, now $22

If you think of a blending ball as just another thing to clean or misplace, consider the Helimix Vortex which uses a patented vortex blender design to give you a super smooth drink with just a few shapes. Made of shatter-proof and BPA-free plastic, the Vortex is extremely durable, dishwasher friendly, and won’t cling onto lingering smells. Over 10,000 reviews rave that it’s the best shaker bottle they’ve ever owned. “It does exactly what it claims to do, and does it well,” says one customer. “No clumps, period!”

Specs

Material: Tritan plastic
Capacity: 28 oz.
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Mixer: None, just the bottle’s vortex design

Pros

Dishwasher safe

No mixing accessories required

Shatter-proof and odor resistant material

Leak proof design

Cons

Lid is difficult to open, according to some reviewers


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Contigo, Autoclose Shake & Go Tumbler — $18.00

This tumbler is unassuming and elegant, something you wouldn’t be embarrassed to have on your desk. And no one would guess that it includes auto-close technology that allows you to shake up your protein drink without a single spill or leak. Simply remove the straw, which activates the spring-loaded trap door under the lid and seals it so you can shake to your heart’s content. It’s sweat- and shatter-resistant too. Win/win/win. No wonder 85 percent of reviewers give it a five-star rating.

Specs

Material: Plastic
Capacity: 20 oz.
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Mixer: None

Pros

Auto-close technology helps prevent spills

Durable, double-walled construction

Includes a drinking straw

Dishwasher safe

Cons

Auto-shut lid is very fragile, according to reviews

Not sweat-proof


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