Entertainment
Addresses, earnings, medical records of Americans could be in DOGEs hands soon
After aggressively seeking access to the Treasury Department and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has its sights set on the Social Security administration, with the SSA’s top official abruptly resigning after refusing DOGE access to the agency’s data trove on millions of Americans.
Palace intrigue at the SSA
Former SSA acting commissioner Michelle King left the agency this weekend after more than 30 years of employment there. Numerous reports, including from the New York Times, indicate King chose to leave instead of handing over the proverbial keys to the kingdom to DOGE. Her temporary replacement is Leland Dudek, who ran the agency’s anti-fraud office and, on LinkedIn, praised DOGE’s stated goals of targeting waste and fraud and said he would assist with their mission. King’s permanent replacement will likely be Frank Bisignano, the CEO of payment processing company Fiserv and former high-ranking executive at both JP Morgan Chase and Citigroup. Bisignano still needs to be confirmed by the Senate, but he faces no significant opposition there.
Why is DOGE targeting the SSA?
Social Security provides retirement funds for Americans who paid into the system via taxes taken out of their employment pay. Social Security accounts for one-fifth of federal spending, with about $1.5 trillion disbursed in 2024, according to an audit. That same audit found that between 2015 and 2022, a touch under $72 billion was wasted on fraud, mostly involving recipients receiving improper payments. That sounds like a large number, but it amounts to less than 1% of all benefit funds.
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Still, Musk has claimed there is rampant fraud at the agency, which necessitates his team gaining access to SSA data. At the White House, Musk specifically made the claim that people born 150 years ago were receiving benefits; he made the same dead-people-getting-checks claim on X (but took it even further).
President Biden’s SSA commissioner Martin O’Malley, a former Maryland governor, told the New York Times that Musk’s claims are nonsense.
Why was King hesitant to grant DOGE the data?
The DOGE team is seeking access to SSA’s internal data, with two anonymous sources telling the New York Times that the information contains “extensive” data on Americans, like addresses, banking information, medical records, earnings statements, and employment history. There is no confirmation yet on whether DOGE members successfully obtained the data and, if so, how many individuals are now in possession of it. Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, a nonprofit advocating for the expansion of Social Security, gamed out terrifying scenarios in a report in Kiplinger’s. Altman said granting access to the data could make the information susceptible to hackers and scammers, including those adept at targeting the elderly. Additionally, “if there is an intent to punish perceived enemies, someone could erase your earnings record, making it impossible to collect the Social Security and Medicare benefits you have earned,” Altman told the outlet.
Why Musk and DOGE make some people very nervous
The people powering DOGE are overwhelmingly young (most are in their 20s), and many have no prior government experience. The U.S. government’s Office of Personnel Management has listed some of the “experts” advising Musk as his former interns. In his role as a special advisor, Musk himself is boiling over with conflicts of interest, since his companies, like SpaceX and Tesla, have contracts with the U.S. government worth billions. Possibly to address this conflict, White House Office of Administration director Joshua Fisher declared on Monday that Musk is not an official employee of DOGE, but instead serves as a senior advisor to the president. To compound the confusion, Fisher did not make clear who does currently serve as the official head of DOGE.
Entertainment
The best laptops of 2026: We tested 80+ models to find our favorites
Mashable has been testing laptops for over 10 years. Over the past two years alone, the team and I have researched dozens of models and tried more than 80 of the most promising configurations available. We use a meticulous testing procedure involving real-world stress tests and artificial benchmarks to evaluate our contenders on the basis of performance, battery life, design/build quality, and value.
This regularly updated guide serves as our laptop trophy case, highlighting the best-in-class models we’ve tried across different subcategories. For even more recommendations, check out my dedicated guides to the best MacBooks, the best Windows laptops, the best cheap laptops, and the best Chromebooks.
A note about laptop prices
A recent boom in AI data center construction has caused a global shortage of RAM and SSD storage chips (often referred to as “RAMageddon“). As a result, many consumer tech devices that use these components, including the best laptops, have seen steep price hikes this year. The shortage is expected to worsen and could last into 2028, driving up prices even further and making good values in the budget and mid-range tiers even scarcer. Apple was the most recent brand to raise laptop prices, with MacBooks getting $100 to $300 increases.
This is something the Mashable team is taking into consideration as we assess laptops and select ones to recommend to our readers. Moreover, we’ve gone back and re-evaluated several models that have gotten more expensive since we first tested them. At the time of writing, only one previous top pick has gotten so unreasonably pricey that we think it’s no longer worth buying. That would be the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, which jumped from an already-high $750 to $1,000 as tested. We’ve since replaced it with a much more cost-effective option that’s less snazzy, but still apt for most Chromebook users. You can read more about it and our other current picks below.
One thing to know before you buy a Windows laptop
Many great Windows laptops we’ve tried run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X and X2 series chips, which use ARM-based architecture instead of standard x86 architecture like Intel and AMD chips. The Zenbook A14 and A16 are two great example of outstanding ARM laptops.
These Qualcomm chips are great because they offer amazing performance and battery life, but they’re not compatible with some specialty software and PC games. Having said that, ARM support is getting better and should dramatically improve in the near future. Right now, I would only avoid ARM laptops if you’re a college student, or if gaming is the main thing you do on your PC. You can read more about this in my best Windows laptops guide.
Recent updates to this guide
I added two new picks to this guide in late July 2026:
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The Asus ExpertBook Ultra is our new favorite business laptop for its dazzling ultra-thin-and-light design and impressive brawn.
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The Asus Zenbook A16 joins the ranks as the best 16-inch laptop for most people: It’s also quite portable, its everyday performance is virtually unrivaled, and it’s a stellar value to boot.
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I removed the Alienware 16X Aurora gaming laptop because the configuration we tested was out of stock at the time of writing. We’re currently testing potential replacements.
I’ve also adjusted the prices of the three MacBooks featured in this guide. Apple made them $100 to $300 more expensive in mid-June because of the ongoing memory shortage.
Entertainment
DJIs Mini 5 Pro drone just hit its lowest-ever price at Amazon — buy for under $700 this weekend
SAVE $76: As of July 25, the DJI Mini 5 Pro is down to $683 at Amazon — a 10% discount and its lowest-ever price.
$683
at Amazon
$759
Save $76
The DJI Mini 5 Pro is on sale for for $683 at Amazon, down from $759. That’s the best price we’ve ever seen.
It’s built for beginners but doesn’t skimp on features. You also get a 20-kilometer transmission range, so you can fly it well beyond what most starter drones allow.
The DJI Mini 5 Pro packs a lot into a small drone — it folds up palm-sized and slips into a pocket, and it comes with 42 GB of built-in storage. The camera has a 1-inch sensor (bigger than what most drones this size use), which means your 4K footage looks sharp and the colors come out looking real, not washed out.
For creative shots, the gimbal can flip to true vertical and rotate up to 225 degrees, so you can capture angles that many beginner drones can’t pull off. It’s also safer to fly as it uses LiDAR and vision sensors to detect obstacles from every direction, which matters if you’re flying at night or letting it auto-return home.
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Battery life is solid too — you get up to 36 minutes per flight, and if you buy extra batteries, the charger can fully charge three of them in under two hours. It comes with everything you need to fly right out of the box: the drone itself, the remote controller, one battery, and spare propellers.
Grab the DJI Mini 5 Pro for $683 this weekend.
Entertainment
The Hello Nancy Lem vibrator is the perfect summer treat
If you’re a Woman on the Internet, you’ve probably seen the Hello Nancy Lem come across your feed in one form or another — either as a “wellness” ad or in a full-on TikTok review by a sex educator/influencer.
It’s the toy of the season (IMO), and it’s everywhere. I honestly haven’t seen a vibrator get this much attention since the Rose (you know the one) came out. And, like the Rose, dupes are now flooding the internet, but we’re interested in testing the real product.
That said, not all toys are as good as a company’s marketing budget (that’s an understatement). If you’re wondering if the Hello Nancy Lem is as good as they say it is, I’ve done the research and hands-on testing to give you an honest review.
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Why should you listen to me? I’ve been testing, reviewing, and covering sex tech for years. My office is basically a makeshift sex shop, I have a certificate from Sextech School, and probably most importantly, I have endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, and occasional vaginismus spasms — so I am adamant about finding the best toys for people with pelvic pain in addition to my usual service journalism.
What is the Hello Nancy Lem?
If your algorithm hasn’t served you the Lem on a carousel or 15-second hype video yet, let me introduce you.
The Lem is a clitoral massager that looks like a lemon (hence the name). It has 12 intensities and patterns, is made of medical-grade silicone (hallelujah), and has a noise level of Hello Nancy website, the Lem is slightly quieter than a refrigerator’s hum at its lowest setting (~35–40 dB) and just a hair louder than “light rainfall” at max speed (
Credit: Tabitha Britt | Mashable
It’s also IPX7-rated, which means it’s waterproof, and it comes with either a magnetic charger or a Type-C port, depending on when you ordered. I actually have both versions; the one with the “flap” has a C-port charger, and the one without the “flap” has the magnetic charger. (Both are 100 percent waterproof!)
What’s in the box?
You’ll obviously get the Hello Nancy Lem Clitoral Massager, a satiny pink storage pouch, a little packet of helpful cards (a starter guide with a QR code to help you set up your toy, a 10 percent discount code that you can give to a friend, tips for getting in the mood, and a quick care guide), and of course, the charger. Note: You will not get a charging block, which isn’t a dealbreaker but something to consider since the end of both the magnetic charger and the C-charger is a USB.
Your Lem may also come with a packet of lube and some toy cleaner (I believe my first Lem did; that was around the time it became popular).
How does the Hello Nancy Lem work?
The Lem is easy to use, and both versions only have one button. If you have the USB-C version of the toy, the button will actually look like a button; if your toy has a magnetic charger, the “button” will look like an “N.”
Just hold the “N” (or button) down until the toy vibrates once to activate it, then press it to access the first setting. The only downside to having one intuitive control is that it’s impossible to go back to a previous setting; you have to cycle through all of them to get back to the start.
The intensities range from a Level 1, which Hello Nancy describes as “gentle,” and a level 7-8, which is “intense.” Patterns 9-12 are rhythmic, so if you prefer some variety, those might be for you. I personally just like to keep it at a steady pace and slowly work my way towards climaxing.
It really is just a tiny, non-threatening lemon.
Credit: Tabitha Britt | Mashable
Before your solo sesh, go ahead and charge your Lem to 100. It’ll take about 90 minutes (or less, considering it comes with a little bit of juice right out of the box). Once it’s fully charged, experiment! There’s nothing worse than placing a literal sucker on your clitoris and just waiting to see what happens. Get familiar with the controls, cycle through the settings, and feel the suction on a non-sexual body part like your arm or stomach before touching your sweet bits.
You don’t have to use lube, but lube does make everything better (despite the bad rep it gets on the streets; needing/wanting lube isn’t a failure!). If you do decide to use lube, use a water-based one. Oil, silicone, and alcohol-based products will degrade your toy.
Start slow and gradually increase the intensity to see what works best for you. Again, the toy is waterproof, so if you have roommates or just like playing in the bath/shower (I definitely did this during college!), you can take it in there without worrying about breaking it.
Here’s what I think about the Hello Nancy Lem Clitoral Massager
The Hello Nancy Lem is ideal for a few different scenarios: anyone who prefers clitoral stimulation over penetration, anyone who wants a powerful clit sucker that’ll give them a run for their money while using a penetrative toy (dual-stimulation for the win), or anyone who experiences pelvic pain and just can’t handle penetration.
The Lem will give you sweet, sweet butterfly kisses on your vulva until you turn it up, and then it’s like ohhh. You could honestly play with it for hours if you can control yourself, or if you want to have multiple orgasms. It’s also great for foreplay if you have trouble getting wet before sex (I do, thanks to my many pelvic conditions and issues). Plus, if you’ve always wanted to squirt, I think this is a great toy to have in your kit.
In terms of ergonomics, I love how it fits in my hand; it’s not too big or too small. It also fits over the clitoris in a way that isn’t awkward or weird. (Sometimes clitoral suction toys just don’t fit, no matter how you position them.) Because of the easy-to-hold shape, I think it’d also be a good pick for someone with arthritis or carpal tunnel (which I also have, LOL).
Personally, I’ve never not come after using the Lem. It can get me there in just a few minutes sans pelvic pain. That said, I think it’s important to note that not having an orgasm doesn’t mean the experience was a failure. As long as it feels good to you and you’re satisfied, playtime doesn’t always have to end in a climax.
Design-wise, it’s completely unassuming and non-threatening. It’s perfect for beginners, college students, or anyone with roommates who doesn’t want a vibrator sitting out. This one is cute enough that you could totally forget it on a nightstand and leave people none the wiser. It’s also TSA-friendly, has a convenient travel lock (just double-press the power button to unlock it), and the drawstring pouch makes it easy to just throw it into a carry-on and go.
What do the reviews say?
I’m obviously not the be-all and end-all, so here are a few “outside” reviews gathered from the Hello Nancy site itself (there are 15K+ reviews) and Reddit:
“GIRLS!!! 🍋🍋🍋🍋 This is THE best clit stim vibe hands down! I’m obsessed. I think about this little Lem way more than I should, and I am using it at least twice a day! The O’s this little baby gives are incredible! The suck is just insane. This Lem turns me into a puddle 🫠 💦”
“Omfg! I bought this thinking ‘it’s just going to be another generic vibrator and nothing much to write about.’ BOY! How wrong was I!? This little piece of ingenuity is the absolute best purchase I’ve ever made. I have never squirted without penetration before, until this! 🫠 Ladies, make sure you put a towel down first! Protect that mattress 🤭”
“Wow… it was absolutely awesome!! I have not dated for a while and have had some health issues. Furthermore, taking muscle relaxants, it was difficult to attain some pleasure, I mean the big O. I did not have great expectations, but….The Lemon was very successful. I highly recommend, and I’m over 70ish!”
“I bought the Lem about two months ago, and I use it daily, sometimes twice a day. I’ve never been able to give myself a clitoral orgasm. Before the Lem, I had a wand, and it never got me there. Being able to actually give myself an orgasm has been life-changing to say the least! My husband jokingly said great..now you don’t need me anymore.”
So, is the Hello Nancy Lem worth it?
If you’re new to sex toys, struggle with pelvic pain, are perimenopausal or menopausal, have had issues orgasming in the past, or cannot tolerate penetration, the Hello Nancy Lem is definitely worth trying. It’s also really good for foreplay and getting warmed up.
But, if you’re someone who’s used to intense clitoral suction (e.g., you’re an experienced user), you might want to try Satisfyer or Womanizer first. At $89 (that’s with the on-page discount), the Lem’s price point is also higher than the Satisfyer (currently retailing for around $55 on its website) and several versions of the Womanizer, including the new $59 “Peach Toy,” though that’s currently sold out. So keep that in mind when purchasing, too.
The Hello Nancy Lem, although I think it’s intense, might not be strong enough for some power users, according to a few Redditors. But for me? A cute, whisper-quiet little lemon that guarantees an orgasm without triggering my endo is worth every single penny of that $89.
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