Monday’s Top Stories Monday’s Five Facts [1] Lawmakers aim to keep funding low-cost spay and neuter services across New Mexico – A bill aimed at funding affordable spay and neuter services across the state is fighting to keep programs alive. Senate Bill 38 hopes to keep these programs funded in an effort to reduce overpopulation […]
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Spay and neuter bill, Santa Fe fatal crash, Warm and windy, Recruitment funds, Roswell battalion returns
25 Best Holiday Gifts for Travelers in 2026
Travelers can be a fickle group of people to buy gifts for. We’re constantly coming and going, we usually don’t carry a lot of stuff with us, and no two travelers are alike. Finding the perfect gift for the traveler in your life can be tricky.
While a plane ticket is never a bad idea (I’m a window seat in case anyone is thinking of getting me one), I’ve put together this ultimate gift guide for travelers as there’s a lot of great travel gear out there these days that helps people travel cheaper and better.
Even me, the gear-adverse traveler, likes a lot of this stuff!
This is stuff I actually think is super useful. No nonsense. No fluff. Just the best gifts for intrepid travelers and globetrotting nomads.
1. A Travel Lock
This simple item is one of the most important for the budget traveler. Since many hostels have lockers, backpackers need to have their own travel lock when they’re on the road. While you can usually rent them at hostels, those prices add up after a while. I never leave home without a lock because I know it will come in handy.
2. Loop Earplugs
Anyone who has ever stayed in a hostel knows that a quality pair of earplugs is a necessity. From chronic snorers to late-night drinkers to copulating couples in creaking bunks, hostels are known for their less-than-quiet accommodation. I suggest investing in good earplugs and not just the cheap foam ones. Not only will they help you sleep, but they’re great for bus trips and flights as well as wearing as you explore louder, more hectic cities.
3. Travel Adapter
Nothing is more tedious than arriving at a new destination only to realize you can’t charge your devices because the electrical outlets are different. That’s why you’ll need a travel adapter. They’re a simple accessory. There’s a million out there but this is one I use as it covers every region of the world and comes with USB ports too. It’s cheap, easy to use, and lightweight. Everything you need in an adapter.
4. Zbiotics Pre-Alcohol
Zbiotics Pre-Alcohol is a pre-drink probiotic that helps you really avoid those rough mornings after drinking. A friend of mine introduced it into our friend group over a year ago and I’ve been hooked ever since. It really does work. I take it with me whenever I travel and have gotten other friends, fellow travel writers, and even a tour guide in Peru onto it. It will make your next mornings bright and it helps me ensure that I’m not feeling too bad to do stuff the next day. I love this product. It works. If you or a traveler on your gift list drinks, take it. You can save 10% off with the code NOMADICMATT.
5. Scratch Travel Maps from Landmass
Scratch maps are a fun way to keep track of your past travels while helping you stay inspired as you plan your future trips. You simply scratch off the parts of the world you’ve been. Simple. Easy. Landmass is my favorite company that makes these, though there are plenty of other companies that make them now so you can find them in all sorts of sizes and colors.
6. Passport Holder
A passport holder is a must-have for any avid traveler. Not only does it protect your passport from wear and tear, it makes your travels much more convenient. Most passport holders have slots for your travel credit cards as well as any cash you have, making it a safe and convenient way to keep your valuables secure while you travel. While there are tons of expensive and fancy passport holders out there, a simple one will get the job done and save you money in the process (money you can spend on more travels!).
7. Hand-drawn Food Maps
These are unique, hand-drawn typographic maps of food from Legal Nomads and artist Ella Frances Sanders. They make a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves to eat and travel (and who doesn’t!). They come in a variety of sizes too! Jodi’s maps are the best! (Use code NOMADICMATT to save 10%)
8. How to Travel the World on $75 A Day (and Other Travel Books!)
Want to travel more for less? Pick up a copy of my New York Times bestselling guide to budget travel and never overpay for travel again! With this book, you’ll get an easy-to-follow step-by-step guide to planning a trip on a budget. And, with super detailed sections to regions around the globe, you’ll be able to navigate every region around the world like a pro! This book takes all the knowledge from this website and puts it all into one place with even more details and resources! And it’s not just for long-term travelers either. The tactics and strategies you’ll learn apply to a trip of any length of time!
For more travel book suggestions, you can check out my list of recommended reading on Amazon and Bookshop (I have hundreds of book suggestions there!).
9. Celiac Travel Cards
My friend Jodi from Legal Nomads created these helpful travel cards for anyone traveling with Celiac disease. They are in-depth resources that communicate your concerns to restaurant staff in a way that allows anyone traveling with the disease to have a worry-free meal. If you or someone you love has Celiac disease, these travel cards are a useful resource! (Use code NOMADICMATT for 10% off!)
10. Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is a convenient liquid-free alternative to regular shampoo. It’s a useful minimalist solution for budget travelers who travel carry-on only and an eco-friendly choice as well. Natural dry shampoos absorb the grease and oil in your hair, keeping it clean while you’re on the road — and with minimal effort too. It works for all types of hair and hair lengths as well so you don’t need to shave your head or do anything drastic either.
11. Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are an awesome tool to help you stay organized while you travel. Whether you’re a budget backpacker or traveling with half a dozen suitcases, packing cubes will keep you organized as you travel the world. They come in a variety of sizes, allowing you to store items big and small. If you know a traveler who needs a hand staying organized, this is the gift for them!
12. HostelPass
For the traveler heading to Europe, consider gifting a HostelPass. This discount card offers over 130 discounts to hostels in 40 cities throughout 15 countries in Europe. With HostelPass, travelers can save up to 40% on accommodation. It’s the discount card I wish existed when I first started backpacking around Europe and it’s perfect for budget travelers planning a trip around the continent.
13. Trip Chaser
In this fun travel game, you have to prove who’s the most travel-savvy by buying, bartering, and gambling your way to various destinations. Just like actual travel, expect both stumbling blocks and enriching experiences along the way. You’ll rely on the luck of drawing a good event card, or proactively buying travel insurance to save you from the unexpected! It’s a family-friendly game for 2-6 players and perfect for everyone who loves to travel!
14. DryFox Quick Dry Travel Towel
Unless you’re only staying at hotels or using Airbnb, you’re going to need to bring a towel when you travel. Having a lightweight, quick-drying towel makes a huge difference when you’re on the road since regular towels are too bulky and heavy (and they take a long time to dry). Get a travel towel for your next trip so you can travel light. They’re a compact, quick-drying solution that every backpacker needs.
(Use code “nomadicmatt” for 15% off your purchase!)
15. Menstrual Cup
Menstrual cups are reusable, eco-friendly feminine hygiene products. While I can’t speak to their effectiveness personally, tons of female travelers I know are huge fans. It can be a hassle trying to find the products you need while abroad, making this a simple, effective, and affordable addition to your toiletry kit.
16. Trtl Travel Pillow
Travel pillows are perfect for those long-haul flights, delayed buses, and airport naps. Every traveler needs to have a travel pillow on hand to maximize that downtime and time in transit, and Trtl pillows are the best on the market. They help prevent jet lag and make even the longest, most uncomfortable trip a little more bearable.
17. Travel Headlamp
This is a handy tool for both backpackers and anyone looking to do any hiking or camping. In a hostel, a headlamp is helpful if you need to check in or out but don’t want to disturb your fellow travelers. For outdoorsy folks, they’re useful for hiking, setting up camp in the dark, and for emergencies.
18. External Battery
These days, we all travel with numerous electronic devices like phones and tablets. It can be hard to keep them all charged. An external battery solves that problem. Two high-output USB ports make this external battery incredibly convenient, and it can charge most phones up to 6 times in one go!
19. LifeStraw
Environmentally, pollution from single-use plastics is something every traveler has witnessed. And, monetarily, when you’re traveling, continuously buying water gets expensive. Do your part to help the planet by traveling with a reusable filter. LifeStraw is an awesome brand with a built-in water filter. The filters last 5 years so you save money on changing them too.
20. Travel Backpack
If you’ve got a budget traveler on your holiday list, a travel backpack is the gift that keeps on giving. A well-made bag will last for years and through dozens of adventures. Having a reliable travel backpack is one of the most important items for a traveler.
My favorite bag is the Flash 55 from REI but other companies that make high-quality bags include Osprey, Nomatic, and MEC (for Canadians).
For a smaller day bag, check out the Flash 22. Or if you prefer a bag with wheels, check out the Farpoint 36.
For more backpack suggestions, check out my ultimate guide finding the right backpack for more options!
21. Travel Clothing from Unbound Merino
These travel clothes are some of the most versatile on the market. Made from merino wool, Unbound offers clothing that can be worn daily for weeks (and months!) without getting smelly. They are perfect for the traveler who wants to pack lighter. I really love the material, they’re comfortable, they hardly ever need a wash, and they last forever!
22. MacBook Air
This is my favorite travel computer. It’s light, it’s powerful enough for regular use, and the battery life lasts a long time. While an iPad might be another potential travel choice, I find the Air much more versatile — especially with their new M4 chip. You can just do a lot more with it. When I’m on the road, this is the laptop I travel with.
For a non-Apple phone with an equally awesome camera, check out the Google Pixel. It has an excellent camera!
23. Noise-Canceling Headphones
These are ideal for those long flights or bus trips as they block out background noise so you can read, work, or sleep without being disturbed. The wireless Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones are fan favorites and my go-to brand. They are comfortable, rechargeable, and do an amazing job at removing background noise. If you’re on a budget, consider the QuietComfort 25 instead.
24. Kindle
While I personally prefer to read physical books, I can’t argue against the convenience and simplicity of the Kindle. Hauling around physical books is a pain if you’re traveling often. With a Kindle, you can pack over 1,000 books into a single device and many versions can also use apps and access the internet. It’s a wonderful gift for the avid reader.
25. GoPro Hero 12
Every traveler needs a camera, and few are as versatile and durable as the GoPro. They’re incredible for photos and video no matter the climate. They’re waterproof and are perfect for both everyday city exploring as well as more extreme and adventurous activities. They’re just awesome. If the Hero 12 is too pricey, grab the 10 or 11. They’re almost as good and a bit cheaper!
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.
Need a Rental Car?
Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
Is This Really Rascal Flatts’ Most Overrated Song? [EXCLUSIVE]
![Is This Really Rascal Flatts’ Most Overrated Song? [EXCLUSIVE]](https://1newsmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/attachment-untitled-design-2026-02-16t061659-073-768x512.jpg "Is This Really Rascal Flatts’ Most Overrated Song? [EXCLUSIVE]")
Rascal Flatts kid Dylan DeMarcus — aka the son of band mate Jay DeMarcus — stopped by the Taste of Country Nights studio with his dad, and he got to poke a little fun at his dad’s band’s expense.
Dylan DeMarcus just released his version of Rascal Flatts’ “Bless This Broken Road,” and I asked him, with his dad in the room, which one of Rascal Flatts’ songs are the most overrated.
The one he picked was pretty shocking.
Which Rascal Flatts Song Does Jay DeMarcus Song Think is Overrated?
Dylan said “I think an overrated one is “Life Is A Highway.” After I chimed in with an “Oh stop it,” DeMarcus swung back around to double down.
“I think it’s overrated,” Dylan said as his dad chimed in with “I’m gonna spank you when we get home.”
Dylan continued, with a large grin on his face. “I know it’s done a lot, but it’s a lot of just the same thing, ya know, [singing] life is a highway.”
Meanwhile, the elder DeMarcus joked, “This is hard to listen to, I’m not gonna lie to you.”
After I swooped in and tried to defend the Flatts’ honor by saying how great the guitar riffs are compared to the original version of the song, Dylan agreed, “Yeah the guitars are great.”
Dylan did say that Rascal Flatts’ version is better than the original Tom Cochrane version from 1991, but stuck to his guns that it is their most overrated song that they play.
Jay DeMarcus, being the seasoned pro he is, knew what was about to happen after his son said this. “This is gonna be the headline in the social media clips, you know that right?”
Read More: Jay DeMarcus Explains Surge in Country + Christian Collaborations [EXCLUSIVE]
Dylan still did not shy away after that, saying “It’s a hot take, it’s a hot take for sure.”
That part of the interview ended with his dad cackling at what his son said. Even if it was a little mean, he was still proud that his son had a strong opinion and stuck to it the whole time, even when he got pushback.
How Old is Dylan DeMarcus?
Dylan DeMarcus, the son of Rascal Flatts’ Dylan DeMarcus is 13 years old. He is DeMarcus’ only son.
Essential 2000s Country Songs: 50 Best From 2000-2019
Country music sure did get a lot brighter in the 2000s, but not every song on this list of the best and most essential hits replaces banjo with beatbox. There are some all-time fine 2000s songs from timeless artists like Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton and more.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes
Forgotten 2000s Country Songs: 40 Great Country Hits, 2000-2009
Enjoy 40 of the best songs from 2000 to 2009. Each one came and went like a tornado. Most deserve a little more respect 15, 20 or 25 years later.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes
2026 NFL draft: Every prospect with a first-round grade
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Matt Miller
Multiple Authors
The first round of the 2026 NFL draft will see 32 players selected. But how many of those players have true first-round grades?
There’s a difference between going in Round 1 and being graded in Round 1, and now that we’re just over two months away from the opening of the 2026 draft on April 23 in Pittsburgh, I have identified the players who I believe are no-brainer Day 1 guys. The average draft class has roughly 15 players who are deemed “first-round talents,” though the number varies by team and scouting department. These special evaluations are reserved for prospects who would be Round 1 selections regardless of the year, and my own guideline is whether a player would have been a first-rounder in each of the past five classes.
I gave only 13 first-round grades in the 2025 class, the lowest number I’ve ever awarded. But the 2026 class actually has fewer at the moment — only 11. For context, the final list in 2024 had 18 names on it, and the 2023 list had 20.
Here are the players who deserve a first-round grade on my board. (Players’ overall rankings are in parentheses after their names, and I will have one last update in April.)
Jump to position:
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | IOL
Edge | DT | LB | CB | S
Quarterback (1)
One year after zero quarterbacks had a true first-round grade, there is one in this class. Mendoza transferred to Indiana from Cal and developed into a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback and potential No. 1 pick. He has outstanding pocket poise with expert-level touch to all areas of the field. My favorite trait is his ability to put the ball up for his receivers to make plays. And although his arm strength will never be elite, Mendoza protects the ball and is a great distributor. He threw for 41 touchdowns to six interceptions last season and has a game very similar to Jared Goff.
Running back (1)
My top overall prospect, Love has three-down ability and quickness in space. The 6-foot, 214-pounder has runaway speed that led to multiple rushes of more than 90 yards in his college career. He glided to 1,372 yards last season with an average of 6.9 yards per carry and 18 touchdowns.
With elite speed and vision, plus a build that can handle consistent carries, he’s the ideal NFL running back prospect. Love is on par with recent prospects such as Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs in terms of talent and upside.
Wide receiver (2)
The 2025 Fred Biletnikoff Award winner as the best receiver in college football, Lemon is a precise route runner with excellent hands (only three drops the past two seasons), the quickness to generate yards after the catch and the ability to create missed tackles in space. Lemon’s limited size (5-foot-11, 195 pounds) might be an issue for some teams, but he is proven from the slot and has the toughness to play out wide against press coverage.
NFL teams that watched the play of Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Amon-Ra St. Brown should love the way Lemon competes on crossing and underneath routes and how well he wins with leverage and quick breaks in and out of routes.
Another Ohio State first-round wide receiver? Yep. Tate exploded last season, at times eclipsing superstar sophomore teammate Jeremiah Smith. Tate’s impact was obvious, with 51 catches for 875 yards and nine touchdowns in 11 games despite a lack of targets late in games due to Ohio State’s domination.
On tape, Tate looks like a Justin Jefferson-level prospect when comparing their college games. Tate is a polished, crisp route runner with the body control to adjust midroute or attack the ball in the air. He had one drop on 67 targets last season and showed he can consistently win in contested-catch situations.
0:44
Carnell Tate rises over 2 Wisconsin defenders for an Ohio State TD
Julian Sayin lets it fly to Carnell Tate for a fantastic Ohio State touchdown vs. Wisconsin.
Tight end (1)
Even with eventual second-rounder Terrance Ferguson on the roster in 2024, scouts were buzzing about Sadiq. He didn’t disappoint in his only season as a starter in 2025, catching 51 passes for 560 yards and eight touchdowns. The junior’s best trait is his ability to attack the ball in the air and contort his body to make plays on it. Sadiq is a high-end mover with the speed, strength and leaping ability to be a matchup nightmare. He lacks elite size at 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, and he had six drops on 70 targets last season, but he projects as a difference-making move tight end in the pros.
Offensive tackle (1)
The 2026 offensive tackle class looked strong before the season began. Perhaps it will prove stronger after the combine, but for now there’s only one prospect with a true first-round grade. Mauigoa is a three-year starter at right tackle, though some in the NFL believe he would be better at guard due to a squared-off, squatty frame (6-foot-6, 315 pounds). His tape shows a consistent performer with awesome strength but limited balance to adjust to speed rushers.
Mauigoa allowed only six pressures last season with non-mobile quarterback Carson Beck working behind him and gave up only two sacks in the past two seasons combined.
Interior offensive line (0)
The interior offensive line class doesn’t feature a first-round grade, but there are strong contenders to be selected late in the first round. Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane ranks as a top-40 player on my board and has the consistent run game and pass protection skills at 6-foot-4, 330 pounds to be a starter in the NFL. Oregon guard Emmanuel Pregnon and Auburn center Connor Lew could push into that range, too.
Edge rusher (2)
When Bailey transferred from Stanford, he was expected to become a force for the Red Raiders’ defensive line. He did that with 69 pressures, 14.5 sacks and an edge pressure rate of 21.3% that was the best in the FBS. At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, Bailey’s speed around the corner is evident on tape, and his production matches it. There might be size concerns, but Bailey is among the nation’s most improved players and has become a top-10 prospect.
Arguably the best player in college football last season, Bain was a consistent, frustrating presence for opposing quarterbacks. With 71 pressures and 9.5 sacks, Bain has elevated from the middle-to-late first round to a certified top-10 pick. There are rumblings that his arms will measure shorter than 32 inches, but Bain has proved that he can excel against top competition — as evidenced by the 23 pressures and five sacks he recorded during Miami’s playoff run.
Defensive tackle (0)
The 2026 defensive tackle class has depth but no real first-round talents after a quiet season from Peter Woods (Clemson) and the failure of the rest of the class to produce pass-rushing talents worthy of a top pick. Though the class doesn’t have a standout talent, there are impressive nose tackle and 1-technique prospects such as Lee Hunter (Texas Tech), Caleb Banks (Florida) and Kayden McDonald (Ohio State) who will push to be top-32 selections.
Linebacker (2)
Reese wasn’t on the NFL radar entering last season, as he had limited starting reps entering 2025. But he might be the first defensive player picked in April. Reese’s production exploded in new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia’s scheme. Working as both a linebacker and a pass rusher, Reese posted 69 tackles, 18 pressures and 6.5 sacks while showing speed and power around the edge reminiscent of Micah Parsons and Abdul Carter in their transformations from linebacker to edge rusher.
Reese is still a work in progress, but his production and impact last season point to a player with the talent to quickly be an NFL difference-maker at linebacker or on the edge. His pro position is a subject of debate among NFL scouts, with most telling me he’ll likely begin his career at linebacker with reps as an edge rusher in order to fully learn that position — which is what Parsons did in his rookie season.
Ohio State might take the “Linebacker U” label this year to go along with the “WRU” tag it has earned in recent years. Styles is a Fred Warner-like linebacker who has elite range and tracking ability while tipping the scales at 6-4, 243 pounds. His size and athletic ability are rare and are backed up by production (83 tackles, one interception, one sack last season) that points to his NFL-readiness.
Styles’ player profile and consistent production over the past three seasons make him one of the easiest evaluations in this class. He’s a rookie starter and has the tools of a future All-Pro.
Cornerback (0)
No cornerback currently has a true first-round grade, but there are two players on the radar who should be considered top-15 picks and could work their way into a 90-plus rating on my board by late April.
Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy looked like a future top-10 pick during his sophomore season in 2024. He has an all-around NFL game at 6-foot and 193 pounds, but an ACL injury suffered in January kept him out last season. McCoy’s six interceptions the previous two seasons show his ball skills and instincts, but questions remain about his pro readiness after missing a year. There will be some rust that NFL teams must be comfortable with if they are going to use an early pick on him.
And then there is LSU’s Mansoor Delane, who emerged as the best cornerback in the FBS. The Virginia Tech transfer was a lockdown presence, allowing just 10 completions last season and grabbing two picks. Delane lacks ideal NFL size with shorter arms on a 5-foot-11 frame, but his play has been outstanding.
Safety (1)
If you could create the ideal safety prospect, it would look like Downs. The 6-foot, 205-pound junior is an elite open-field tackler with the closing speed to run down ball carriers and dominate angles in space. Downs can do it all, often lining up in multiple assignments depending on where the defense needs him. His four interceptions the past two seasons speak to his ball skills but also to the fact that offenses avoid him.
One rival offensive coach told me that they identify Downs on pre-snaps over a linebacker or key pass rusher — he’s that impactful. Safeties are rarely drafted in the top five, but Downs should not be overlooked. He could have a Kyle Hamilton-like role immediately as a rookie starter.
Expectations are low for the latest US-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine
KYIV, Ukraine — A Ukrainian delegation was heading to Geneva on Monday for another round of U.S.-brokered talks with Russian officials, ahead of next week’s fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of its neighbor.
There was no anticipation of any significant progress on ending the war at the Tuesday-Wednesday meeting in Switzerland as both sides appear to be sticking to their negotiating positions on key issues, despite the United States setting a June deadline to reach a settlement. The future of Ukrainian land that Russia occupies or still covets is a central issue.
Ukrainian defenders remain locked in a war of attrition with Russia’s bigger army along the roughly 1,250-kilometer (750-mile) front line. Ukrainian civilians endure Russian aerial barrages that repeatedly knock out power and smash homes, while Ukraine has developed drones that can fly deep into Russian territory and strike oil refineries and arms depots.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday that the talks in Geneva will deal with a “broader range of issues related to the territories and other issues connected to the demands that we have.” He didn’t elaborate on the issues.
A year of peace efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has failed to stop the fighting. Western officials and analysts say Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that time is on his side, that Western support for Ukraine will peter out and that Ukraine’s resistance will eventually collapse under pressure.
Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, posted a photograph on Telegram showing himself standing next to a train with other members of the negotiating team, which is due to be led in Geneva by Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council chief.
Entering or leaving Ukraine entails a long overland journey, even for VIPs, as the country’s airspace is closed because of the war.
Putin’s adviser Vladimir Medinsky, who headed Moscow’s team of negotiators in the first direct peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul in March 2022 and who has forcefully pushed Putin’s war goals, is returning to lead Moscow’s delegation.
Igor Kostyukov, the head of Russian military intelligence, and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, along with other officials, will also be in the delegation, Kremlin spokesman Peskov said.
It was not clear which American officials would be in Geneva. At recent talks in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, the Trump administration was represented by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
The Russian and Ukrainian delegations were to report back to their leaders before any possible compromises discussed in Geneva could be accepted.
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Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
No clear path to ending the partial government shutdown as lawmakers dig in over DHS oversight
Lawmakers and the White House offered no signs of compromise Sunday in their battle over oversight of federal immigration officers that has led to a pause in funding for the Department of Homeland Security.A partial government shutdown began Saturday after congressional Democrats and President Donald Trump’s team failed to reach a deal on legislation to fund the department through September. Democrats are demanding changes to how immigration operations are conducted after the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal officers in Minneapolis last month.Congress is on recess until Feb. 23, and both sides appear dug into their positions. The impasse affects agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Coast Guard, the Secret Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.The work at ICE and CBP goes on unabated because Trump’s tax and spending cut law from 2025 provided billions more to those agencies that can be tapped for deportation operations. About 90% of DHS employees were to continue working during the shutdown, but do so without pay — and missed paychecks could mean financial hardships. Last year there was a record 43-day government shutdown.White House border czar Tom Homan said the administration was unwilling to agree to Democrats’ demands that federal officers clearly identify themselves, remove masks during operations and display unique ID numbers.“I don’t like the masks, either,” Homan said, But, he said, “These men and women have to protect themselves.”Democrats also want to require immigration agents to wear body cameras and mandate judicial warrants for arrests on private property.Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Democrats are only asking for federal agents to abide by rules followed by law enforcement agencies around the country.“And the question that Americans are asking is, ‘Why aren’t Republicans going along with these commonsense proposals?’” Schumer said. “They’re not crazy. They’re not way out. They’re what every police department in America does.”Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., said he could back Democrats calls to equip immigration officers with body cameras and would support efforts to bolster training. But he balked at their demands that federal officers remove masks and clearly identify themselves, noting some officers taking part in immigration enforcement operations have faced doxing and other harassment.“What are you going to do, expose their faces so you can intimidate their families?” Mullins said. “What we want is ICE to be able to do their job. And we would love for local law enforcement and for states to cooperate with us.”Republican Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama, a Trump ally who had pushed for a two-week extension of DHS funding while negotiations continued, said it was “shortsighted of Democrats to walk away” from talks.Trump made enforcement of the nation’s immigration laws a centerpiece of his 2024 campaign for the White House and he promised to be aggressive in detaining and deporting people living in the United States without legal permission.DHS reports it has deported more than 675,000 migrants since Trump’s return to office last year and claims some 2.2 million others have “self-deported” as the Republican president has made his immigration crackdown a priority.“President Trump is not going to back away from the mission, the mission that American people said they wanted him to complete, and that is securing our border and making sure that we actually do interior enforcement,” Britt said.Homan was on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Schumer and Mullin appeared on CNN’s “State of the Union” and Britt was interviewed on “Fox News Sunday.”
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. —
Lawmakers and the White House offered no signs of compromise Sunday in their battle over oversight of federal immigration officers that has led to a pause in funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
A partial government shutdown began Saturday after congressional Democrats and President Donald Trump’s team failed to reach a deal on legislation to fund the department through September. Democrats are demanding changes to how immigration operations are conducted after the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal officers in Minneapolis last month.
Congress is on recess until Feb. 23, and both sides appear dug into their positions. The impasse affects agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Coast Guard, the Secret Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The work at ICE and CBP goes on unabated because Trump’s tax and spending cut law from 2025 provided billions more to those agencies that can be tapped for deportation operations. About 90% of DHS employees were to continue working during the shutdown, but do so without pay — and missed paychecks could mean financial hardships. Last year there was a record 43-day government shutdown.
White House border czar Tom Homan said the administration was unwilling to agree to Democrats’ demands that federal officers clearly identify themselves, remove masks during operations and display unique ID numbers.
“I don’t like the masks, either,” Homan said, But, he said, “These men and women have to protect themselves.”
Democrats also want to require immigration agents to wear body cameras and mandate judicial warrants for arrests on private property.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Democrats are only asking for federal agents to abide by rules followed by law enforcement agencies around the country.
“And the question that Americans are asking is, ‘Why aren’t Republicans going along with these commonsense proposals?’” Schumer said. “They’re not crazy. They’re not way out. They’re what every police department in America does.”
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., said he could back Democrats calls to equip immigration officers with body cameras and would support efforts to bolster training. But he balked at their demands that federal officers remove masks and clearly identify themselves, noting some officers taking part in immigration enforcement operations have faced doxing and other harassment.
“What are you going to do, expose their faces so you can intimidate their families?” Mullins said. “What we want is ICE to be able to do their job. And we would love for local law enforcement and for states to cooperate with us.”
Republican Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama, a Trump ally who had pushed for a two-week extension of DHS funding while negotiations continued, said it was “shortsighted of Democrats to walk away” from talks.
Trump made enforcement of the nation’s immigration laws a centerpiece of his 2024 campaign for the White House and he promised to be aggressive in detaining and deporting people living in the United States without legal permission.
DHS reports it has deported more than 675,000 migrants since Trump’s return to office last year and claims some 2.2 million others have “self-deported” as the Republican president has made his immigration crackdown a priority.
“President Trump is not going to back away from the mission, the mission that American people said they wanted him to complete, and that is securing our border and making sure that we actually do interior enforcement,” Britt said.
Homan was on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Schumer and Mullin appeared on CNN’s “State of the Union” and Britt was interviewed on “Fox News Sunday.”
24 generative engine optimization statistics marketing leaders should know
I never thought I‘d see the day when “Googling” something and sifting through links would become passé. But, like many marketers over the last year, I’m seeing a massive shift in how people find brands, products, and answers online.
More and more consumers are getting their answers directly from AI platforms like ChatGPT, and marketers are leveraging generative engine optimization (GEO) tactics to boost brand awareness and get cited by AI answer engines.
Not sure if GEO is worth all the hype? No worries, I rounded up some Generative Engine Optimization statistics to show you how crucial GEO is in modern digital marketing.
Table of Contents
Why generative engine optimization is so important now
Generative engine optimization is crucial to digital marketing now because the way consumers search for products and services has changed significantly over the last few years. When I first entered the digital marketing industry, consumers typically searched for answers by plugging inquiries into search engines like Google.
They’d then browse the top links Google provides until they found the answers they were looking for.
Now, consumers are asking questions to AI systems like ChatGPT, Google AI, and Perplexity, and these systems are providing direct answers rather than links for users to sift through. As a result, many businesses are seeing a drop in website traffic.
Now, to keep up with how people are discovering brands and businesses, marketers must shift from optimizing for SERPs (SEO) to optimizing for AI-powered answer engines; in other words, General Engine Optimization (GEO).
GEO enables making content easily accessible to Large Language Models (LLMs), so it can be summarized and cited in AI-generated answers.
Generative engine optimization statistics marketing leaders should know
Here are some facts I’ve gathered about the use and importance of generative engine optimization, ranging from user adoption to SERP changes to the most cited content formats.
User Adoption
1. 31% of Gen Z users turn to AI tools alongside traditional search engines.
2. 67% of digital marketers say GEO tracking is more complex.
Pro Tip: To simplify this complexity, tools like HubSpot’s AEO Grader can help you quickly assess how well your content is optimized for AI answer engines, providing actionable recommendations without the steep learning curve.
3. Early adopters say GEO-ready content is discovered up to 10x faster by generative engines compared to relying on organic SEO alone.
4. Gen AI search visitors are expected to surpass traditional search by 2028.
5. Perplexity processes 780 million search queries a month, up from 230 million in August 2024.
6. According to reports from Averi and DataSlayer, ChatGPT reached 800 million weekly active users as of October 2025, doubling from 400 million in February. According to HubSpot’s State of AI Marketing Report, marketers are responding to this surge by rapidly adopting AI-powered tools to stay competitive in this evolving landscape.
SERP Changes
7. Approximately 60% of global Google searches result in no clicks.
8. The September 2025 “num=100” update led to 77% of sites seeing a drop in total impressions in tracking tools.
9. AI Overviews now list an average of 5 sources.
10. In January 2025, 91.3% of queries that triggered an AI Overview were informational. By October, that share was down to 57.1%, and the share of commercial and transactional AIOs
rose.
11. Reddit saw a 450% increase in AI citations from March to June 2025, with the platform now accounting for 21% of Google AI Overview citations.
12. The top 5 domains capture 38% of citations, the top 10 secure 54%, and the top 20 command 66%, making it extremely difficult for smaller publishers, niche sites, and emerging voices to gain AI visibility.
Behavior shifts
13. AI-referred traffic rates have increased by 600% since January 2025, demonstrating explosive growth in users clicking through from AI platforms to websites.
14. 39% of consumers, and over half of Gen Z, are already using AI for product discovery, with younger demographics leading adoption. HubSpot’s State of AI Marketing Report confirms this behavioral shift, showing that forward-thinking marketers are already restructuring their content strategies to meet consumers where they’re searching.
16. 83% of users find AI-powered search tools more efficient than traditional engines, indicating strong user satisfaction driving continued adoption.
17. ChatGPT prompt volume jumped nearly 70% from January to June 2025, demonstrating rapid acceleration in AI search adoption.
18. Studies show that when AI summaries were present, users clicked on traditional search links in only 8% of visits—compared to 15% when no AI summaries appeared, representing a 54% drop in click-through rates.
19. 80% of consumers rely on AI-written summaries for at least 40% of their searches, fundamentally changing how people consume information online.
Most Cited Content Formats
20. Video is the single most cited content format across every vertical, with YouTube alone accounting for nearly a quarter of all citations, making it the leading content type for AI citations.
21. FAQs are the format most cited by generative AI engines because they answer specific questions directly, matching how users query AI systems.
22. LLMs are 28-40% more likely to cite content with clear formatting—hierarchical headings, bullet points, numbered lists, and tables, demonstrating the importance of structured presentation. Creating this structured, citation-worthy content at scale is easier with platforms like HubSpot’s Content Hub, which helps teams produce, organize, and optimize content with built-in AI assistance while maintaining the quality standards that AI engines prioritize.
23. Listicles achieve a 25% citation rate versus 11% for narrative blog posts and opinion pieces, showing structured formats significantly outperform traditional content.
24. Comparative listicles, how-to guides, and FAQs are the most cited formats across platforms, with answer-first formatting being particularly effective.
Frequently Asked Questions about Generative Engine Optimization statistics.
How fast can we see impact from GEO?
Unlike traditional SEO, which can take 6-12 months, AI visibility improvements can appear within weeks—especially on platforms like Perplexity that conduct real-time web searches. Structural optimizations, such as schema and formatting, can impact citations within 30-60 days, while building original research and authority signals typically takes 3-6 months.
The fastest gains come from adding specific statistics and structured answers to existing high-performing content, with tactical changes improving visibility within 30 to 45 days.
What tools do we need to implement GEO effectively?
Start by assessing your current content with HubSpot’s AEO Grader to identify quick wins.
For ongoing optimization and content creation, HubSpot’s Content Hub offers AI-powered writing assistance with built-in structure optimization, while Marketing Hub provides the analytics infrastructure to track AI referral traffic and measure GEO performance alongside your traditional marketing metrics
How do we avoid quality issues when scaling AI-assisted content?
Most content cited in AI Overviews is at least partially AI-generated—proving that AI-assisted content doesn’t hurt rankings when it maintains quality.
The key is combining AI efficiency with human expertise: use AI to generate structured frameworks, data-driven outlines, and first drafts, but always have subject-matter experts refine the content to add proprietary insights, verify accuracy, and ensure it is genuinely citation-worthy rather than just technically optimized.
Focus on extractability over word count—content must answer questions directly in 40-60 word blocks with clear attribution to sources.
When should you prioritize GEO over traditional SEO projects?
Prioritize GEO when your target audience shows high AI search adoption rates (especially B2B buyers, Gen Z, or technical audiences), when you’re in industries where informational queries dominate, and 60% of searches end without clicks, or when your competitors are already earning AI citations.
Since 99% of AI Overviews cite pages from the organic top 10, you should focus on GEO after establishing strong traditional SEO foundations—think of it as “SEO plus” rather than a replacement. The highest ROI comes from optimizing content that already ranks well but isn’t yet earning AI citations.
How do we report GEO results to executives?
Track five core metrics: citation frequency (how often your brand appears in AI responses for target queries), brand visibility score (your citation rate relative to competitors), AI share of voice (your percentage of total category mentions), sentiment of citations (positive/neutral/negative), and conversion rates from AI traffic.
Present the business case clearly: AI search visitors convert at 4.4x the rate of traditional organic search, making each AI citation significantly more valuable than conventional traffic metrics.
Include competitive benchmarking showing how often competitors appear versus your brand, and demonstrate progress with month-over-month citation growth across platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews.
Capital One Venture X Business Card Review: Is It Worth It?
I’m a sucker for a good travel rewards card. Over the years, I’ve collected a small handful of them — not because I love juggling annual fees, but because the right cards can save you a lot of money on flights, hotels, and travel perks you’d otherwise pay out of pocket for.
Not only do I have a bunch for my personal expenses but I have a couple for this business too. One of my favorite business credit cards is the Capital One Venture X Business Credit Card. It’s Capital One’s top-tier business product. I love it because there’s a big welcome offer, lounge access to over 1,300 airport lounges, annual travel credits, and a simple 2x reward on all spending (which ensures you are always earning multiples miles per dollar spent).
To help you decide if this card is for you, here’s my full review of the card and why I love it so much:
What is the Capital One Venture X Business Card?
The Capital One Venture X Business Credit Card is a travel rewards card issued by Capital One. It comes with a $395 annual fee that is way lower than the other premium business cards out there. And I think you can easily get way more value than the annual fee costs. Here’s a quick look at the main perks:
- Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
- 2 miles per $1 on all purchases, no category restrictions
- 5× miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
- 10× miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- $300 annual travel credit (through Capital One Business Travel)
- Every year, you’ll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date.
- Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Up to $120 statement credit for TSA Precheck or Global Entry
- No foreign transaction fees
Using Your Capital One Miles
Capital One miles can be redeemed in a few ways. One is by booking travel directly through Capital One’s portal. While I usually don’t recommend booking through credit card portals, to fully benefit from the Venture X’s travel credit (and to get the 5x and 10x miles offers) you’ll need to use their portal.
Another option is to use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase. For 90 days after making such a purchase, you can reimburse yourself at a redemption rate of one cent per mile. After 90 days, and for all other purchases, you can use miles as cash back, at a redemption rate of 0.5 cents per mile (but avoid doing this, as it’s not a good value).
You can also use your Capital One miles in the Capital One Entertainment portal to book tickets for concerts, sports events, and more. Occasionally, Capital One offers cardholder-only events and presale opportunities too. While you’ll get just 0.8 cents per mile for tickets (not the best value), it’s still a fun and unique way to redeem miles.
However, you’ll get the most out of your miles by transferring them to Capital One’s 15+ airline and hotel partners. While the actual value varies based on what you book, you can usually find airline and hotel redemptions worth much more than the aforementioned one cent per mile. (The process is pretty straightforward and can be done through your Capital One account.)
Here are Capital One’s current travel partners:
- Accor Live Limitless
- Aeromexico Club Premier
- Air Canada Aeroplan
- Air France/KLM Flying Blue
- Avianca LifeMiles
- British Airways Executive Club
- Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
- Choice Privileges
- Emirates Skywards
- Etihad Airways Guest
- EVA Air Infinity MileageLands
- Finnair Plus
- I Prefer Hotel Rewards
- Japan Airlines Mileage Bank
- Qantas Frequent Flyer
- Qatar Airways Privilege Club
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
- TAP Portugal Miles&Go
- Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
- Virgin Red
- Wyndham Rewards
Pros of the Venture X Business Card
As someone who travels constantly for work, I’m always looking for ways to earn miles faster and make airport life a little less painful. I like this card for the simple 2x miles on everything. I use a lot of other cards that can get you 3 or 4x on certain categories like advertising or non-portal travel spend like flights and hotels. But when it comes to dining, museums, transportation, etc, there’s not a lot of ways to get more than 2x per dollar spent on a business card. So, I use this Venture X for anything I can’t get more than 2x per dollar.
Here’s a deep dive into some of the main perks:
$300 Travel Credit
Each year, you get a $300 credit toward bookings made through Capital One Business Travel (flights, hotels, or car rentals). If you’re already booking travel regularly, this credit is basically free money — and it immediately drops your effective annual fee from $395 to $95.
The catch? You do have to book through Capital One’s travel portal. It’s powered by Hopper, so the interface is clean and prices are usually competitive. I’ve found some good deals there.
Lounge Access
You get access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges. Capital One’s own lounges are actually great — spacious, modern, good food — though they’re still limited location. But they are expanding how many they have and I personally think they are way better than the other lounges competitor banks have. You also get Priority Pass access t o over 1,300 lounges globally, which is a common but really nice perk.
Anniversary Bonus
Every year on your account anniversary, you’ll get 10,000 bonus miles (worth about $100 toward travel). It’s a nice “thank you” that helps offset the annual fee even further.
Should You Get This Card?
The Capital One Venture X Business Credit Card is best for small- to medium-sized business owners who travel regularly and can put at least $30,000 to ensure they meet the welcome offer requirements.
Overall, I think the Capital One Venture X Business is one of the best-value premium business cards out there right now. It’s not as benefit-packed or as flashy as the The Business Platinum Card® from American Express or the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business?, but it’s easier to use, has a less expensive annual fee, gets you lounge access, and an easy to understand earning structure.
It’s one of the cards I use the most often for my business. I highly recommend getting it.
Stop paying full price for travel!
Download my free guide to points and miles and learn how to use points and miles for free travel! It’s how all the pros travel so much! In this guide, I’ll show you:
- How to Pick a Credit Card
- How to Earn Up to 10x Miles on Your Spending
- How to Redeem Your Points
- And a Ton of Other Money Saving Tips!
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.
Need a Rental Car?
Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
Borgata Promo Code: Bet $20 & Get $100 in Bonus Bets
The latest Borgata Sportsbook promo code unlocks for New Jersey players a bet $20, get $100 in bonus bets welcome offer. While there are many national brands in the sports betting space, there’s always something nice about having a local product for local users. And for sports bettors in the state of New Jersey, that local product is Borgata Sportsbook, available exclusively to New Jersey users.
In this review, we’ll walk you through Borgata Sportsbook, its features, and overall user experience for bettors looking to wager on sports in New Jersey for NHL, NBA and college basketball.
While Borgata Sportsbook is only available in New Jersey, users in NJ and Pennsylvania can access Borgata’s online casino.
Borgata promo code review and details
As of February 2026, new customers at Borgata Sportsbook can receive $100 instantly in bonus bets when they create an account and place a first wager of at least $20 on any game. The $100 in bonus bets may be used to place another bet at Borgata Sportsbook, may not be withdrawn or cashed out by participants, and are forfeited when used to place another bet. Bonus Bets expire within seven days of being acquired.
Borgata Sportsbook promo terms & conditions
- Borgata Sportsbook’s new user promo is available to users who have never created a Borgata account before
- New users must be 21 or older and located in the state of New Jersey
- Bonus bets will be received upon a first wager of at least $20
- Bonus bets will expire after seven days
- Bonus bets cannot be withdrawn or cashed out and are forfeited when used to place another bet.
- Bonus bets are lost if bets placed with such credits do not win.
How does the Borgata promo compare to other sportsbook promos?
By comparison, here is a look at some of the best sportsbook promos offered by national sportsbook brands.
| Sportsbook | Bonus offer | Promo code |
|---|---|---|
|
Borgata |
Bet $20, Get $100 in bonus bets instantly |
CBSB100 |
|
FanDuel |
Bet $5, Get $100 in bonus bets if your first bet wins |
No code required |
|
DraftKings |
Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets if your first bet wins |
No code required |
|
BetMGM |
Up to $1,500 in bonus bets back if your first bet loses |
CBSSPORTS |
|
Caesars |
First Bet Matched up to $250 as a Bonus Bet Win or Lose |
CBS250BM |
|
Fanatics |
10 x $100 Bet Match in FanCash |
CBSFAN |
|
bet365 |
Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets win or lose |
CBSBET365 |
Types of welcome promos
The welcome promo offered to new Borgata Sportsbook customers is a conditional “bet-and-get” style promo. With these types of promotions, you generally need to place a bet of at least a certain amount to receive a certain amount of bonus bets, but in this case, there is no condition of winning the initial bet, as is the case at some sportsbooks. These welcome promos are considered to be geared towards beginners or smaller bettors, and they’re a great way to maximize the winnings and satisfaction of the user’s initial experience.
These welcome promos are considered to be geared towards beginners or smaller bettors, and they’re a great way to maximize the winnings and satisfaction of the user’s initial experience. The FanDuel promo code, DraftKings promo code, Caesars promo code and bet365 bonus offer all follow this format.
The BetMGM bonus code follows the “first bet offer” style of promo. You can bet up to $1,500 on your first bet and get it back as bonus bets if you lose.
The Fanatics Sportsbook promo code has its own unique structure. Bet insurance is FanCash back if your wager loses, but instead of having the insurance only apply to your first bet with the sportsbook, Fanatics gives you bet insurance in FanCash on one wager each day for 10 consecutive days after account creation, up to $200 in FanCash per day. That’s up to $2,000 in total FanCash after 10 days.
How to sign up for Borgata Sportsbook and claim the promo
(Note: Borgata Sportsbook is currently only available to users in the state of New Jersey.)
- Click the CLAIM BONUS button on this page and download the Borgata Sportsbook app or click here
- Sign up and register your account
- Deposit at least $20 into your account
- Place your first wager of at least $20
- Receive $100 in bonus bets instantly
How to place a bet on Borgata Sportsbook
Betting on Borgata Sportsbook is a simple and straightforward process that resembles most other major sportsbooks. Simply select a bet that you want to wager on, and it’ll instantly appear on your betslip where you can then enter the amount of money you want to wager.
Let’s suppose I want to bet on Christopher Bell to win this weekend’s NASCAR race at +1000 odds. If I choose to place Bell on my betslip, I’ll then be given the opportunity to place my wager (In this case, a $10 bet would pay me $100 if Bell wins) and file my bet. The whole process is easy and, quite frankly, foolproof.
Additional promos and bonuses
In addition to the welcome promo we’ve covered, Borgata Sportsbook also offers its existing users several offers and promotions.
Best promos for existing users this week
- NHL Hat Trick Jackpot: Opt in to the Hat Trick Jackpot promotion and place a $10+ anytime goal scorer bet, up to one eligible bet per game. If your player scores 3+ goals during that game, you’ll win a share of $10,000 in Bonus Bets.
- NHL No Sweat Token: Get bonus bets back if your hockey wager loses.
- Any Sport Parlay Boost: Boost your potential payout on a winning parlay in any sport.
Cash Out Feature
Whether you place a straight bet or parlay, Borgata Sportsbook offers you the option of cashing out early and collecting your winnings even when the final outcome of the bet has yet to be determined. The amount that can be collected is based on the current results of the game, and this can be a useful feature considering how quickly things can change in any given sport.
Daily Odds Boost
With the daily odds boosts offered by Borgata Sportsbook, you can place bets at a slightly enhanced price, maximizing your potential winnings at no additional out-of-pocket cost.
Borgata Sportsbook user experience
Much like other sportsbooks in the industry, Borgata Sportsbook offers an intuitive user experience that makes betting easy, whether through their app or through their desktop site. As part of Borgata Online’s overall casino, the desktop site gives users easy access to the other gaming options offered by Borgata, including casino games, arcade games, poker and more.
Naturally, Borgata’s betting markets include football, baseball, basketball and hockey in addition to other sports like soccer, tennis, and MMA. But there’s a great deal of sports to bet on beyond that, including Aussie Rules football, badminton, biathlon, boxing, cricket, cycling, darts, golf, handball, lacrosse, NASCAR, Formula 1 and other motorsports (including IndyCar, NHRA, etc.), rugby league, rugby union, snooker, softball, table tennis and volleyball.
Borgata app design, speed, functionality
The Borgata Sportsbook app offers a streamlined, user-friendly betting experience designed for both casual and seasoned bettors. It features an intuitive interface with quick navigation to popular markets, live betting options, and regularly updated odds. The app’s integration with Borgata’s rewards program allows users to earn points with every wager, which can be redeemed for bonuses or perks at Borgata properties.
Performance is generally smooth, with fast load times and minimal lag, and the app supports secure payment options for deposits and withdrawals. Overall, it delivers a polished mobile experience that mirrors the brand’s reputation for quality in the betting space.
Borgata app vs. desktop site (ratings as of February 16, 2026)
- Apple App Store (iOS): 4.7/5 stars (2,509 reviews)
- Google Play (Android): 3.9/5 stars (127 reviews)
While the Borgata Sportsbook app and the Borgata website provide access to the same betting markets, odds, and promotions, the main difference lies in convenience and layout. The app is optimized for mobile use, allowing bettors to place wagers quickly from anywhere and receive instant push notifications for score updates or bet results.
The betting site, on the other hand, offers a more expansive view of available markets and is better suited for in-depth browsing, especially when managing multiple bets or exploring detailed statistics on a larger screen.
In essence, the app prioritizes portability and speed, while the website offers a more spacious, desktop-friendly betting environment.
Borgata Sportsbook responsible gambling tools
Borgata Sportsbook offers GameSense as a resource to its users, outlining ways to make sure gambling remains a fun activity while also offering help for those struggling with a gambling problem. In promoting responsible gambling, Borgata Online has adopted the following principles:
- Gambling should be a fun activity and enjoyed as a form of entertainment.
- Borgata Online is committed to embedding Responsible Gambling across all Company activities.
- Borgata Online recognizes that, while the vast majority of individuals are able to enjoy gambling in a responsible and healthy way, some individuals unfortunately experience problems related to their gambling.
- Borgata Online believes in the power of informed choice to prevent gambling-related harm, and provides responsible gambling tools, responsible gambling information, odds, and resources to empower its customers to make appropriate choices related to their gambling.
- Borgata Online stands by its customers and will make every reasonable effort to assist those who are experiencing gambling-related problems.
- Borgata Online believes in a shared responsibility approach to addressing problem gambling and is committed to working with government, academia, problem gambling treatment and advocacy groups, the communities in which we operate, and our customers to promote responsible gambling and address problem gambling.
- Borgata Online is committed to evaluating and continuously improving its responsible gambling program and initiatives.
Borgata Sportsbook offers several national and state resources for problem gambling, including the New Jersey Problem Gambling Hotline at 1-800-GAMBLER.
Borgata Sportsbook banking methods
Here is a look at the deposit and withdrawal methods available for users at Borgata. While there are reviews for both deposits and withdrawals, users should see their transactions processed within the given times.
|
Deposit Method |
Deposit Type |
Payment Processing Time |
|
Visa |
Visa Fast Funds – Debit card/Prepaid card |
Within 30 minutes |
|
Mastercard |
Mastercard Send – Debit card |
Within 30 minutes |
|
PayPal |
eWallet |
Within 30 minutes |
|
Venmo |
eWallet |
Within 30 minutes |
|
Apple Pay |
eWallet |
Within 30 minutes |
|
VIP Preferred |
Bank Transfer |
Within 30 minutes |
|
Online Banking |
Bank Transfer |
Within 30 minutes |
|
Instant Banking |
Bank Transfer |
Within 30 minutes |
|
Play+ PrepaidCard |
Prepaid Card |
Within 30 minutes |
|
Borgata Casino cage |
Cash |
Instantly |
|
Withdrawal Method |
Withdrawal Type |
Payment Processing Time |
|
Visa |
Visa Fast Funds – Debit card/Prepaid card |
Within 24 hours |
|
Mastercard |
Mastercard Send – Debit card |
1-3 business days |
|
PayPal |
eWallet |
Within 24 hours |
|
Venmo |
eWallet |
Within 24 hours |
|
Apple Pay |
eWallet |
1-3 business days |
|
VIP Preferred |
Bank Transfer |
2-4 business days |
|
Online Banking |
Bank Transfer |
2-4 business days |
|
Instant Banking |
Bank Transfer |
2-4 business days |
|
Play+ PrepaidCard |
Prepaid Card |
Within 24 hours |
|
Borgata Casino cage |
Cash |
Within 10-12 hours |
|
Check by Mail – applicable in NJ |
Check |
7-21 business days |
Borgata Sportsbook FAQ
How do you get Borgata Sportsbook’s promo?
After registering for a Borgata Sportsbook account, deposit and make a bet of at least $20 to instantly receive $100 in bonus bets with promo code CBSB100.
Where is Borgata Sportsbook available?
Borgata Sportsbook is currently available exclusively to users in the state of New Jersey.
How can you contact Borgata Sportsbook?
Borgata Sportsbook offers a 24/7 customer support chat, and you may also email Borgata Sportsbook via their website.
Who owns Borgata Sportsbook?
Borgata Sportsbook is a property of BetMGM.
Agreements that allow local police to work with ICE skyrocket
Agreements between Immigration and Customs Enforcement and local law enforcement that allow officers to make federal immigration arrests have increased by 950% in the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term, according to a new analysis of ICE data.
As of Jan. 26, there were 1,168 agencies with officers trained to help ICE, up from 135 during the Biden administration and 150 at the end of Trump’s first term, according to the analysis by FWD.US, a nonpartisan policy organization.
The Trump administration has called on local law enforcement to support its growing deportation operations nationwide, reviving a controversial “task force” model that allows local police officers to be deputized by ICE to stop people and make arrests based on suspicion that someone is in the country illegally.
Under the program, police are “deputized” to ICE while they’re also expected to continue doing their regular work. The Dallas Police Department recently rejected a proposal to join, citing concerns that their officers would be pulled away from their normal duties.
And the Montgomery County, Maryland, district attorney and police chiefs association said in a joint statement that none of its departments had signed any agreements with ICE. The county borders Washington, D.C.
“The Montgomery County Detective Bureau and police departments in Montgomery County do not enforce civil immigration orders; enforceable warrants must be signed by a judge,” the statement read.
But in New Orleans, while local leaders do not want to participate, Republican Gov. Jeff Landry issued an executive order directing state law enforcement agencies to help in federal immigration operations, including encouraging local departments to sign on to the ICE program.
The “task force” model was discontinued by the Obama administration in 2012 in part over accusations of racial profiling by local officers in Maricopa County, Arizona, and Alamance County, North Carolina. The Trump administration restarted the program in early 2025, with new funding and incentives for states, local police departments and sheriff’s offices.
ICE’s advertising for the program promised to give law enforcement agencies $7,500 for equipment per trained officer; $100,000 for new vehicles and overtime pay of up to 25% of an officer’s salary.
The analysis shows 39 states have policing agencies now participating, but didn’t give the total number of officers now working with ICE.
The states with the most participating agencies were Florida, with 342 agreements, Texas, with 296 agreements, Tennessee, with 63 agreements, Pennsylvania, with 58 agreements and Alabama with 52 agreements, according to the analysis by FWD.US, which advocates for immigration and criminal justice reforms.
State and local police agencies and sheriffs departments potentially stand to gain between $1.4 billion and $2 billion this year if they agree to participate because of the large infusion of cash from Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, the organization predicted.
“This amount would dwarf all other federal funding for local law enforcement,” the FWD.US report found.
As the cooperation grows between federal and local law enforcement, support for Trump’s immigration agenda is declining after federal immigration agents shot and killed two Americans last month, according to the new NBC News Decision Desk Poll powered by SurveyMonkey.
Sixty percent of those surveyed in the week after the death of Alex Pretti in Minnesota somewhat or strongly disapproved of Trump’s actions on border security and immigration. Another 40% approved of Trump on the issue, including 27% who strongly approved and 13% who somewhat approved.
Most of the criticism over immigration enforcement tactics have been focused on federal officers, who have surged operations in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Chicago and elsewhere. But as more and more local police are trained to make immigration arrests, that could change.
“I suspect we will start to hear more of those stories,” said Felicity Rose, vice president of criminal justice research and policy at FWD.US who analyzed the data. Last time the model was in place, she said, “there were a lot of effects on communities, including reduced attendance at schools, reduced health care access, all the things we see when ICE comes to town when people are afraid to leave their houses.”
“The fear is that the quotas and surveillance we have seen from ICE is spreading across the country in a wider way,” she said.
The Trump administration has championed the program. ICE said on its website that it “recognizes the importance of its relationships with law enforcement partners—including state, local, and tribal agencies—to carry out its critical mission.”
By delegating duties, the program makes it possible to better protect “the homeland through the arrest and removal” of immigrants “who undermine the safety of our nation’s communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws,” ICE said on its website.