John Kerry recently announced he would step down as the U.S. special presidential envoy for climate to help President Joe Biden with his reelection campaign. And the White House has replaced one Democratic mainstay with another, tapping John Podesta to replace Kerry as the nation's top climate diplomat. 

Podesta's political beginnings
Podesta was born in Chicago in 1949 and graduated with a doctorate in law from Georgetown University Law Center in 1976. Starting in the mid-1980s, he began his foray into politics by working for various Capitol Hill offices.

Podesta first arrived at the White House in 1993, where he eventually became then-President Bill Clinton's chief of staff in 1998 and served in that role until Clinton left office in 2001. He returned to the White House in 2008 as a counselor on then-President-elect Barack Obama's transition team. Following this, he became the chair of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign, where he memorably addressed the crowd on the night of her loss to Donald Trump. 

In September 2022, Biden appointed Podesta as his senior adviser for clean energy innovation and implementation. Then this January, Podesta was named to succeed Kerry. National security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement that Podesta will play a "lead role in restoring U.S. domestic leadership on climate, including leading the administration's implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act."

Podesta's role as climate adviser
Podesta is a "passionate veteran of the federal government's efforts to fight climate change," said The New York Times, and someone who urged Clinton to embrace the cause during Clinton's administration. 

As Biden's senior adviser for clean energy innovation and implementation, Podesta has been tasked with the rollout of the $375 billion climate law signed by Biden in 2022. Podesta is expected to take on his new role this spring when Kerry departs. Podesta's official title will be senior adviser to the president for international climate policy.

Members from opposing teams, the Up'ards and Down'ards, fight for possession of the ball during the annual Royal Shrovetide football game in Ashbourne, England  
Paul Ellis / Getty Images

Whether you aim to take a cat nap on a short flight or catch some serious rest on a long road trip, a good travel pillow is great to have on hand. Here are three handy, comfy options to pack for your next adventure.

Trtl Pillow ($62)
This Trtl wins the race. The lightweight, adjustable pillow wraps around your neck and has an internal support structure that keeps your head up. The Trtl resembles a scarf, and The Strategist's Rachael Griffiths said the first time she tried it, "I was out like a light." The angle of the brace "hits just right," and there was "no sloping so much that your neck bends unnaturally, but it's supportive enough for you to relax into a decent sleep."

Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Neck Pillow ($40)
This substantial memory foam travel pillow has rave reviews, with Conde Nast Traveler saying it is "the best we've tested so far." Its biggest strength is the straps on the back of the pillow, which can be attached to a seat headrest. This helps to "keep your head upright and take any pressure off your neck," Conde Nast Traveler said. There is also a small storage area, so you can securely tuck away your earbuds or ear plugs.

Bcozzy Neck Pillow for Travel ($44)
The Bcozzy pillow is for everyone, with its "multipurpose design for all sleeping positions," Good Housekeeping said. The arms of the pillow can be positioned to "support your head whether it tends to fall forward or sideways," and there is a flat back to maintain spine alignment. The pillow is covered in a soft fleece, making it easy to relax and sink into.