__The drink of the summer…__ The internet’s predicting that the season’s hottest beverage will be the Hugo Spritz. Plot twist: it might actually be a mocktail. Non-boozy drinks are booming as alcohol consumption continues to fall among younger folks. Gen Zers, who have a rep for being tuned into mental health and wellness, are leading the sober-curious shift. 

- __MokTok:__ On TikTok #sobercurious has 833M views as people share favorite recipes and expound on the benefits of a sober lifestyle.

- __Nearly 7 in 10__ US consumers said they follow or would follow a sober lifestyle for health reasons, a recent [survey](https://www.mintel.com/press-centre/nearly-4-in-10-us-consumers-closely-or-occasionally-follow-a-sober-curious-lifestyle/) suggested.

- __Clear-headed:__ Drink-delivery app __Drizly__ said last month that the desire to try zero-proof beers, wines, and spirits continues to climb, led by young adults.

- __The no- and low-alcohol__ category surpassed $11B last year, and sales of no-alcohol bevvies are expected to grow by 25% through 2026 — faster than the rest of the US drinks market. 

__Zero proof, zero hangover…__ Drizly recently said, “Consumers are more than just sober curious, they’re going all in on the nonalcoholic category.” That could pose a threat to Big Alcohol companies like Bud maker __[AB InBev](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/BUD/)__ and Smirnoff maker __[Diageo](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/DEO/)__. It’s already [hurting](https://www.billboard.com/pro/gen-z-drinking-less-bad-club-business/) owners of small bars and concert venues, who’ve noticed that Gen Z is drinking less, in a hit to key cocktail revenue (ahem, $15 tequila sodas). Now businesses are catering to the shifting trend: 

- __Budweiser__ is betting big on nonalcoholic beer (Bud Zero), and in recent years brands like __Corona__, __Peroni__, and __[Heineken](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/HEINY/)__ have launched zero-alcohol brews.

- __Mocktails and other alts__ are gaining real estate on menus, from botanical canned aperitifs like __De Soi__ and __Ghia__ to waters like __Liquid Death__. 

Mocktails: 2. Hangovers: 0. (Annette Riedl/Getty Images)

Curious

__Marketing norms can get flipped…__ For decades, alcohol use has been normalized (and glamorized) in commercials and movies, and Big Alcohol has benefited. It was the same with cigarettes for Big Tobacco, which leveraged movie stars and cool cowboys (picture: [Marlboro man](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/obituaries/original-marlboro-man-has-died-90-bob-norris-himself-never-n1079316) billboards). But just as the tobacco trend was reversed, norms could be changing for alcohol.

Alcohol alternatives are heating up as Gen Z leans into the sober-curious lifestyle

__From wish list to White Elephant regift…__ Instant Pot maker __Instant Brands__ filed for [bankruptcy](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-12/instant-pot-and-pyrex-maker-instant-brands-files-for-bankruptcy) on Monday. Instant Brands, which also makes CorningWare and Pyrex, says a whopping 90% of US kitchens have at least one of its products. But its sales have fallen for seven straight quarters. Overall sales of electronic multicook devices (think: air fryers, Instant Pots) dropped by half from 2020 to last year, as the pandemic home-cooking boom cooled. Kitchens = gizmo stocked. Instant Brands’ CEO also pointed fingers at higher interest rates as a biz challenge. 

__Pressure rising…__ The Instant Pot became a cult favorite (picture: dedicated blogs, Facebook groups) after its 2010 debut. On the back of instant success, Instant Brands intro’d an air fryer in 2019, but struggled to unseat competitor __SharkNinja__'s dominance. By 2020 it was prepping for the Instant Pot “product phenom”’s decline with new gizmos:

- __Gadgets:__ Instant Brands released an air purifier in 2021 (which flopped). As of March it was ideating less trendy products, like an electric Dutch oven and a stand mixer.

- __Sealed fate?__ Meanwhile, Instant Brands’ CorningWare and Pyrex could be facing [__Tupperware__-like troubles](https://sherwoodmedia.com/snacks/newsletters/Ku8oHOygOUFBElNxmnQHt/articles/1KnGtuLYL8XL9xeH9UFyNb/) as consumers opt for genericized and vintage versions.

- __Reheating:__ Instant Brands said it’s secured $132M to keep its biz sizzling.

Cooked

__One-hit wonders rise fast and fall hard…__ While the Instant Pot is still a kitchen staple, even the biggest bean makers aren’t likely to need a new one very often. With consumers reining in spending on “nice to have” home gadgets like fancy blenders and flat screens, it could be a tough time for makers of one-time "it" appliances.

Instant Pot’s parent files for bankruptcy as the latest cooking gizmo loses steam

Dow Jones

S&P 500

Nasdaq

Bitcoin

Nasdaq data link logo

🍹 Sober-curious summer

__Driving gets surge pricing…__ New York City could [become](https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/10/business/congestion-pricing-new-york-city-transportation/index.html) the first US city to charge congestion tolls, and others could follow to ease traffic troubles. Last month the Federal Highway Administration greenlighted Gotham’s congestion-pricing plan, and yesterday was the final day for public objections. The Biden admin is expected to give final approval soon, which would mean a pricier commute for millions. 

- __Big fees:__ As soon as next spring, drivers heading below 60th Street could face congestion tolls ranging from $9 to $23, depending on peak traffic hours.

- __Small print:__ Cars carrying people with disabilities and emergency vehicles are expected to be exempt. Residents earning under $60K/year may also qualify for a tax credit.

- __FYI:__ The Big Apple’s expected to rake in $1B+/year from the tolls, helping offset billions in losses as fewer people take public transit and splurge on lunch bowls (blame: WFH).

__Feeling extra congested…__ and it’s not spring allergies. Higher fuel prices + more congestion (think: burning gas while stuck in traffic) cost the average commuter almost $900 last year — nearly 3X as much as in 2021. While no American cities have adopted congestion pricing yet, Stockholm, London, Singapore, and others have had it for years. They’ve seen fewer traffic jams — and Stockholm saw fewer asthma attacks because of less pollution. Now traffic-plagued Los Angeles is also considering charging drivers during peak hours.

Congestion worse than spring allergies (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

__Clearer lanes come at a cost…__ Taxi and ride-hail drivers have condemned congestion tolls, saying they’ll hurt biz and raise fares. The MTA says fare hikes triggered by the new tolls could curb cab and ride-hail demand by 17%. Meanwhile, commuters worry that extra fees could strain their already tight budgets as more employers mandate a return to the office.

NYC could become the first US city with a congestion toll, easing (and adding to) commuting woes

__It wasn’t you — it was us…__ After years of focusing on its direct-to-consumer (D2C) business, __[Nike](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/NKE/)__ is back in retailers’ inboxes asking if they’re free to catch up sometime. The sneaker icon has [expanded](https://www.wsj.com/articles/nike-broke-up-with-retailers-now-its-trying-to-win-them-back-6c0b475c) its wholesale relationships with the likes of __[Macy’s](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/M/)__, __[Foot Locker](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/FL/)__, and DSW parent __[Designer Brands](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/DBI/)__. It’s an about-face from the company’s recent strategy:

- __Split:__ Since 2018, Nike has halved its wholesale business, ditching deals with thousands of small retailers and downsizing distribution to chains like Foot Locker. The shift was part of a profit-pumping attempt to boost D2C sales through Nike sites and stores.

- __Second thoughts:__ In the past two quarters, Nike’s wholesale biz logged impressive growth, outpacing D2C in the fall. Inventory glut and ensuing markdowns hurt profits, making the company further question its D2C focus.

__Rediscovering the intermediary…__ A few years ago, D2C was all the rage. But shifting consumer habits have seen D2C-native brands lean into wholesale deals to boost revenue. After disappointing earnings, __[Allbirds](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/BIRD/)__ announced it would consider expanding deals with partners like __[Nordstrom](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/JWN/)__ and __REI__. __[Adidas](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/ADDYY/)__, struggling with big losses from its Yeezy split, recently said that wholesale would play a larger role in its strategy. __[Peloton](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/PTON/)__ began selling gear on __[Amazon](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/AMZN/)__ and in Dick’s stores last fall. Beyond apparel, __Casper__ mattresses can now be found at __Mattress Warehouse__ and __Glossier__ products are stocked at __Sephora__.

Laces

__Ownership isn’t all it’s chalked up to be…__ The D2C model lets brands own more of their business, control how their products are sold, and glean more info about their customers. But it comes with higher shipping, marketing, labor, and tech costs. For companies chasing profits and presence, maintaining wholesale relationships can take some of the pressure off.

Nike rethinks its direct-to-consumer pivot and repairs relationships with retailers

🏗️ *Like when a city planner starts with the electrical grid…*

Crypto developers work to scale blockchains as they grow in users *and* in use cases. But the foundation new crypto additions are built on, the base blockchain itself, is called a "layer 1." (The additions are — you guessed it —  [layer 2s](https://sherwoodmedia.com/snacks/newsletters/1lStK6DDLtXoSjK8u403uF/articles/5rZMgT0eYgQgLTGQZAx9US/).)

The price of __[solana](https://robinhood.com/us/en/crypto/SOL/)__ and __[cardano](https://robinhood.com/us/en/crypto/ADA/)__ [slipped 30%](https://fortune.com/crypto/2023/06/11/solano-cardano-and-polygon-plunge-nearly-30-as-big-firms-dump-holdings-after-sec-allegations/) last week after the SEC said in a lawsuit that the cryptos are securities. The coins are associated with layer-1 blockchains (also dubbed solana and cardano), which compete with the __[ethereum](https://robinhood.com/us/en/crypto/ETH/)__ blockchain (aka: "ETH killers").

DEFI(NE)

Heard on the Block: "layer 1"

75% of US homes for sale are too expensive for middle-incomes buyers

🚗 NYC’s traffic tax

__The smoke seen ’round the world…__ As wildfires raged across Canada last week, 100M+ people in North America were put on health and safety alerts. In Canada, the fires forced the evacuation of at least 16K people, destroying 200 buildings (mostly homes). This year, wildfires in Canada have burned an area equal to 5M+ football fields. Stateside, the smoke led to the worst air quality on record for New York City, briefly making it the most polluted city on Earth. Disruptions were widespread:

- __Ground stop:__ The FAA delayed flights into NY and New Jersey airports. At one point cancellations and delays affected 11% of LaGuardia flights.

- __Drill down:__ Because it was too smoky to drill in Canada, __[Chevron](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/CVX/)__ and __Paramount Resources__ halted production of a combined [240K](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/17/climate/canada-wildfires-fracking-oil-gas.html)+ barrels of oil/day.

- __Curtains closed:__ Broadway hits like "Hamilton" and "Camelot" canceled shows, and sports events (including East Coast MLB games) were postponed.

__Insured destruction…__ Globally, natural disasters cost insurers $39B in the first half of last year alone — 18% higher than the annual average. As the costs of wildfires and hurricanes pile up, insurance cos are pulling back where they’re needed most:

- __State Farm__ and __[Allstate](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/ALL/)__ said they’d [stop](https://sherwoodmedia.com/snacks/state-farm-ditches-new-home-insurance-in-california-after-fires-became/) offering new homeowner policies to Californians, saying costly wildfires are hurting their biz.

- __[AIG](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/AIG/)__, which ditched California last year, plans to cut home-insurance sales in 200 more “disaster-prone” ZIP codes.

- __Home-insurance premiums__ are rising most in states that are at higher risk for extreme weather. Since 2015, average property coverage has surged 57% in Florida and 40% in Texas.

The Manhattan skyline on Thursday (Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images)

Smoked

__Climate costs are stacking up…__ Natural disasters like wildfires are becoming not only more frequent but also costlier. Last year climate and weather disasters cost the US gov’t $165B+ (the third most expensive year ever). Inaction on the climate crisis could cost the global economy $178T by 2070, Deloitte estimates. Still, the world’s biggest polluters (China, US, EU, and India) have not made significant progress on emissions reductions. 

From Canada to California, wildfires have increasingly costly economic fallouts

__Hopin’ for a Powse…__ a Powell pause. Traders expect the Fed will take a break from rate hikes at its meeting on Wednesday, pricing in a 70%+ chance of no bump this month (as of Friday). But the Powse may be short-lived: traders are betting on a 50% chance of a July hike, and no longer expect any rate cuts this year (the labor market = still stubbornly strong). Last week, Canada’s central bank unexpectedly resumed its rate-hiking campaign, raising worries in the US. Tomorrow’s May inflation report may influence hike expectations. 

__BYOH (build your own home)…__ __[Lennar](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/LEN/)__, one of America’s largest homebuilders, has benefited as existing inventory stays woefully low. Rising rates have made homeowners (who snagged “golden-handcuff” low rates mid-pandemic) less likely to move, boosting demand for *new* homes. Sales of new US homes rose in April, and last month builder confidence popped. When Lennar last reported, profits were up 18% on the year. But high mortgage could cool home building demand. We'll get a fresher look when Lennar reports Wednesday.

Events

Coming up this week…

__Mad meds…__ Pharma giant __[Merck](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/MRK/)__ [sued](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/06/06/merck-sues-biden-administration-over-medicare-drug-price-negotiations.html) the Biden admin over the power it gave Medicare to lower drug prices. Merck believes that its lucrative diabetes and cancer drugs will be subject to a “sham” price-negotiation program, which goes into effect in 2026 with a first round of 10 drugs. Merck expects at least three of its biggest drugs to be on the list, and said it could be forced to discount them up to 60%, risking billions in profits and disincentivizing research. Other pharma titans could follow Merck’s lead and head to court. 

__Watchin’ the tiiiide roll away…__ An [ongoing](https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/06/08/ports-west-coast-dockworkers/) labor dispute involving 22K+ dockworkers at critical West Coast ports could wreak havoc on the US supply chain. $440B in cargo moves through the Port of Los Angeles (the nation’s busiest) each year. Now, retail groups have urged the White House to mediate. Dock workers have been effectively shutting down ports (picture: walkouts) for over a week in a dispute over higher pay, after carriers reportedly hauled in about $500B in profits during the pandemic — more than in the previous decade.

Zoom Out

Stories we’re watching…

- __[Match](https://sherwoodmedia.com/snacks/saudi-backed-liv-golf-surprisingly-joins-forces-with-the-pga-tour-teeing-up/):__ The PGA Tour agreed to merge with Saudi-backed LIV Golf, ending a heated rivalry and teeing up a new era for golf. But the controversial deal has some pros accusing the PGA of selling out.

- __[Super](https://sherwoodmedia.com/snacks/china-reportedly-used-a-god-credential-to-spy-on-tiktok-users-adding-fuel-to/):__ A former __ByteDance__ exec said that the Chinese gov’t had a “god credential” that allowed it to monitor TikTok users’ personal data. The allegation could provide more fuel for a US ban.

- __[Backed](https://sherwoodmedia.com/snacks/litigation-funding-is-quietly-changing-the-legal-world-and-regulators-are/):__ Litigation funding, which lets investors back lawsuits and get a sizable % of the winnings, is on the rise in the US. Now states are cracking down on the practice, demanding more transparency.

ICYMI

Last week's highlights

Only 18% of US adults say they’re satisfied with how things are going in America

🔥 Fiery ripple effects

__Reloading your last save point…__ On Tuesday, gaming-focused streaming platform __Twitch__ announced new ad rules that would threaten streamers’ sponsorship revenue, including no ads allowed to play directly in-stream, and that on-stream logos could take up only 3% of the screen. Since brand deals make up the bulk of top streamers’ earnings, there was loud backlash:

- __Backtrack:__ After big-name streamers like Asmongold threatened to leave the platform and mega-creators like MrBeast criticized the move, Twitch [reversed course](https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65834521) on Wednesday, saying “these guidelines are bad for you and bad for Twitch.”

- __Loot:__ Unlike ad revenue, brand-sponsorship revenue goes 100% to streamers. Deals can be *very* lucrative: it was leaked that gambling site Stake paid streamer Adin Ross 335 ethereum, or nearly $1M/week last March.

__Controversy 2.0…__ This isn’t the first time Twitch has pushed streamers’ buttons. Last year the platform increased its cut of top streamers’ earnings from subscriptions and donations by half in most cases. Twitch blamed the high fees charged by Amazon Web Services for live video. Streamers pointed out that __[Amazon](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/AMZN/)__ owns Twitch (awk). 

- __Less pain, less game:__ __[YouTube](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/GOOGL/)__ is Twitch’s main rival, and its creator split is 70-30. But its attempt at a gaming platform, YouTube Gaming, sputtered alongside the __[Facebook](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/META/)__ Gaming app and __[Microsoft](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/MSFT/)__-owned __Mixer__.

Fortnite stream star Tyler “Ninja” Blevins (Robert Reiners/Getty Images)

Reset

__Don’t bite the hand that feeds you…__ Twitch’s rule reversal is a testament to creators’ power over platforms. Twitch is still the go-to for watching gaming, but if its top streamers move to YouTube it’ll be hard to retain eyeballs to view ads — its biggest revenue source. MrBeast’s input: “Hey @Twitch how about instead of handicapping what creators make, you help them make more? Seems more logical.”

Twitch backtracks on new monetization rules after streamers revolt, showing how creators can flex their power

__Crypto's time to shine…__ Trading volumes on decentralized finance (aka: [DeFi](https://sherwoodmedia.com/snacks/newsletters/Pb1OkTgfrTZcfYBC8I8tH/articles/1Lt46RI30C4P9PaHnEzPIJ/)) platforms [soared](https://decrypt.co/143729/defi-trading-surges-as-centralized-exchanges-feel-regulators-wrath) this week with __[Uniswap](https://robinhood.com/us/en/crypto/UNI/)__ seeing a 40%+ jump in daily transactions and __PancakeSwap__ bumping up 17%. One possible reason for the surge: with DeFi there's often no single entity in charge for regulators to pursue. That may be top of mind for traders as the DeFi surge came on the heels of two SEC [lawsuits](https://sherwoodmedia.com/snacks/the-sec-sues-the-2-biggest-crypto-exchanges-in-a-one-two-punch-for-the/) directed at __Binance__ and __[Coinbase](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/COIN/)__, the No. 1 and No. 2 centralized crypto exchanges (by trading volume).

- __SECrackdown:__ The US regulator accused Binance and Coinbase of operating unregistered securities exchanges. It also sought to freeze the assets of Binance.US, Binance's US-based exchange.

- __CryptGo elsewhere:__ Traders pulled $1B+ from Binance and Coinbase in the 24 hours after the SEC announced its suits. 

__Prepping for battle…__ As crypto traders look to decentralized options like Uniswap, centralized exchanges are digging in. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong says the biz has no plans to delist the 13 tokens called out in the SEC's lawsuit as being securities (like: __[solana](https://robinhood.com/us/en/crypto/SOL/)__, __[matic](https://robinhood.com/us/en/crypto/MATIC/)__). And both Binance and Coinbase say they plan to fight the SEC, with any legal battle possibly taking years to resolve. Meanwhile, Coinbase's "stand with crypto" NFT is spreading on __Twitter__.

Swap

__Crypto's roots may keep the industry upright…__ though the ground is shifting. At its core, crypto is about decentralization. Users self-custodying their assets in hardware wallets and conducting peer-to-peer transactions don't require centralized players. As exchanges struggle with regulators, that decentralized ethos may end up being the industry's saving grace. But decentralized platforms typically have a steep learning curve, which may make them less accessible.

DeFi crypto trading volume pops as regulators put the squeeze on centralized exchanges

💰 __Spendy…__ The SEC says a biz controlled by Binance CEO Changpeng "CZ" Zhao sent $132M to Binance.US last year as it [lost $181M](https://www.wsj.com/articles/binance-us-was-deeply-unprofitable-in-2022-documents-show-9c9c95a6). Binance says Binance.US is independent, a claim Binance.US's now former CEO disputed. 

🌶️ __Spicy…__ SEC Chair Gary Gensler said there’s no need for new digital currencies as [existing](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/06/06/sec-chair-gensler-doubts-the-need-for-more-digital-currency.html) currencies like the US dollar suffice. He’s on a PR tour after his agency accused Binance and Coinbase of operating illegally.

📸 __Flashy…__ South Korean [prosecutors](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-08/fallen-crypto-mogul-kwon-could-face-jail-in-south-korea-and-us-prosecutor-says) say Do Kwon could spend his life in jail. The founder of the infamous __terraUSD__ algo stablecoin (picture: $40B investor value wiped out) was arrested in Montenegro after insisting he was not on the run.

KWON

The Crypto Catch-Up…

Most US adults have heard of ChatGPT, but only 14% have tried it

🎮 Twitch’s rule reset

__GoFundMy court case…__ Litigation funding, a multibillion-dollar industry where investors fund lawsuits (and potentially receive a sizable % of the winnings), has been gaining steam in the US. Litigation funding has been used in suits ranging from antitrust to [climate change](https://www.ft.com/content/055ef9f4-5fb7-4746-bebd-7bfa00b20c82), and most investors can stay anonymous. That's raised concerns that powerful people and institutions could covertly influence cases worldwide. 

- __Sustained-able:__ Litigation funding’s promise is to help when a plaintiff is up against a deep-pocketed defendant (often seen in climate-related suits).

- __Case in point:__ One case between 15K Indonesian farmers and an Australian oil company was settled for nearly $200M last year, with the funding firm taking home 40% of the winnings.

__(Un)controlled explosion…__ Litigation financing’s first big step into the public eye was 2016’s Hulk Hogan v. __Gawker Media__, in which Hogan’s case was bankrolled by billionaire Peter Thiel. Since then the practice has boomed into a nearly $14B US industry. Firms are selective with cases they fund, and annual returns can top 50%. Last year US funders poured $3B+ into new cases, a 16% jump from the previous year. The number of dedicated US litigation-finance firms has grown to over 40, up from 6 in 2008.

Like Thiel in 2016, Big Money’s on the case (Marco Bello/Getty Images)

Backed

__Ulterior motives can lead to exterior problems…__ Just one example: the US’s largest litigation-funding firm, __[Burford Capital](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/BUR/)__, is now in litigation with its *own* client, __[Sysco](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/SYY/)__, because it thinks Sysco is accepting too low a settlement. Now states are [cracking down](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/business-and-practice/litigation-finance-disclosure-requirement-advancing-in-louisiana) on litigation funding, demanding greater transparency. Louisiana is advancing a bill that would require the disclosure of litigation funders, while Wisconsin and New Jersey already have these rules. A recent bill in California got watered down after lobbying.

Litigation funding is quietly changing the legal world, and regulators are beginning to object

__Superuser surveillance…__ A former exec at TikTok’s parent company [raised](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-06/chinese-used-bytedance-god-credential-to-track-data-suit-says?srnd=premium) (more) alarm bells this week: Yintao “Roger” Yu, who was __ByteDance__'s US head of engineering, said that Chinese Communist Party members were able to use a “superuser credential” (aka a “god credential”) to monitor users’ personal data — including that of US users — through a special Chinese gov’t committee installed at ByteDance’s Beijing office. 

- __Stalker mode:__ In a court filing Yu said that CCP officials used the superuser power to identify and track civil-rights activists and protesters in Hong Kong.

- __Superuser access__ was “commonly discussed” among employees, Yu said. He also accused TikTok of storing users’ DMs, search histories, and viewing habits. 

__The Tok chopping block…__ gets another strike. Last week, Forbes [reported](https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexandralevine/2023/05/30/tiktok-creators-data-security-china/?sh=7359e2e77048) that TikTok creators’ personal info (like: SSNs) was being stored in China, where employees could access it. TikTok denied that, but these reports could give US lawmakers more fuel for a ban. Though Congress was recently preoccupied with the debt ceiling, Tik-ban momentum has accelerated this year: 

- __Last month:__ Montana became the first US state to completely ban TikTok with legislation that’ll make it illegal for app stores to offer it in the state.

- __In March:__ Congress proposed legislation that would allow for a Tik ban, and President Biden encouraged lawmakers to pass it.

Super

__The Tok lobby is powerful…__ The US gov’t has been talking about a nationwide ban for years, and Americans favor a ban 2-to-1, a recent Pew survey found. But TikTok’s still going strong with 150M+ US users. ByteDance has spent millions lobbying Congress and recruited armies of influencers to promote TikTok. Democratic Sen. Mark Warner [said](https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/tiktok-ban-us-congress.html?), “I don’t think there is a lobbyist that I know that is not on TikTok’s payroll at this point.”

China reportedly used a “god credential” to spy on TikTok users, adding fuel to the ban fire

This week, NYC has been the world’s most polluted major city

🏛 The lawsuit-investing boom

__Like Conor McGregor vs. the Paul Bros…__ This week the Securities and Exchange Commission [sued](https://www.axios.com/2023/06/06/sec-sues-coinbase-binance) the No. 1 and No. 2 largest crypto exchanges, __Binance__ and __[Coinbase](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/COIN/)__. The separate lawsuits could be a regulatory KO for crypto companies in a smackdown with regulators that’s been escalating since __FTX__ collapsed in November, taking customer funds down with it.

- __The charges:__ The SEC said that Binance and Coinbase are operating as unregistered exchanges in the US, buying and selling crypto assets that the SEC now classifies as securities (including popular tokens like Solana and Cardano). It also said Binance mishandled customer funds, among other charges.

- __The consequences:__ Significant fines and penalties are on the table. Bigger picture: If it’s decided the exchanges broke US laws, more crypto companies could move operations to crypto-friendlier countries (which some have already started doing).

__Two POVs…__ For the umpteenth time, SEC Chair Gary Gensler called crypto a “Wild West” industry that intentionally skirts the rules. SEC Enforcement Chief Gurbir Grewal said, “You simply can't ignore the rules because you don’t like them or because you’d prefer different ones.” But many crypto companies have yelled “nuh-uh!” on repeat, calling out regulators for relying on “regulation by enforcement,” instead of providing clear guidance up front.

Taming the “Wild West”? (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

CryptoKeeper

__If crypto companies were in the Shire before…__ now they’re spotlighted by the Eye of Sauron. Whether they wanted rules or not, crypto companies have avoided many of the rules and regulations traditional US financial companies must comply with. The crackdown could slow an industry known to move fast (think: fewer new tokens), and Coinbase said the SEC’s ability to deny new listings could hurt its transaction revenue. Yet consumers may be better protected.

The SEC sues the 2 biggest crypto exchanges in a one-two punch for the industry

__If you can’t beat ’em…__ Yesterday the PGA Tour agreed to “join under one umbrella”
with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf, ending a heated rivalry. In a joint statement, LIV, the PGA, and DP World Tour (aka the European Tour) said they'd work together to combine their businesses and drive fan engagement. The merger will end all legal disputes between the tours, and potentially bring some champion players back under the PGA’s 94-year-old umbrella. 

- __Green treaty:__ The PGA will have majority voting rights and control over the new entity (which doesn't have a name yet), but final details won’t come for a few months.

- __Mixed reviews:__ While some pros say the merger is good for the game, others are accusing the PGA of selling out to the controversial Saudi wealth fund (which has been accused of engaging in sportswashing). Some players missed out on hundreds of millions by refusing to work with LIV and stay loyal to the PGA. 

__Tough competition…__ LIV broke into pro golf last June, luring top-tier players with contracts worth $100M+ and record tournament prizes. But tensions were high: After LIV’s launch, the PGA Tour [suspended](https://sherwoodmedia.com/snacks/newsletters/2n1tfbP2sL0dLHd6d2tSbw/articles/2GU5O3zeoGJuW6L7ddBK6e/) 17 players, including champs Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, for competing in rival LIV’s first tournament. In return, LIV and a number of its players sued the PGA, arguing that the tour used monopoly power to prevent vendors, media companies, and others from working with them. Now they’re joining forces.

Match

__It's a new chapter for golf…__ The partnership could combine resources, sponsorships, and media rights. And it could benefit players and boost the sport’s popularity globally. But the controversy around using Saudi-backed $$ could also lead to tension between the newly created entity and players and fans.

Saudi-backed LIV Golf surprisingly joins forces with the PGA Tour, teeing up a new era

Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” tour could rake in over $2B

🪙 Crypto’s double trouble

__New sheriff in town…__ Yesterday Elon Musk officially handed over his CEO of Twitter title to Linda Yaccarino, a former head of advertising at __[NBCUniversal](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/CMCSA/)__, weeks ahead of schedule. Elon will serve as CTO with a focus on new products. Meanwhile, Yaccarino is taking the reins as Twitter struggles to win back advertisers.

- __In April,__ Musk said Twitter's finances were "roughly breaking even," even after more than half of its top 1K advertisers had pulled promos from the app.

- __Now:__ Twitter's US ad revenue reportedly dropped 59% between April 1 and May 1 compared to last year. Twitter estimated that sales would be down at least 56% each week this month, The New York Times [reported](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/05/technology/twitter-ad-sales-musk.html), citing sources.

__Content controversy…__ Twitter's content safety has been under scrutiny after reports that some moderators had been laid off. And last week two of Twitter's key content-safety officers [resigned](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-02/twitter-s-top-content-moderation-executive-ella-irwin-resigns). Twitter's ad team is apparently worried that big advertisers may be fleeing after a rise in hate speech and pornography, along with more “vice industry” ads (like: gambling and weed). During one week last month, four of Twitter’s top 10 US advertisers were online gambling or sports-betting companies. Now some lawmakers are warning that moderation-staff departures could put Twitter in violation of consumer-protection laws.

Twitter’s new CEO, Linda Yaccarino (Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)

Boss

__Where you stick your billboard matters…__ Companies don’t want to shell out millions to have their ads surrounded by shady neighbors, even in the digital realm. While new leadership may help spark a reputation turnaround for Twitter, the recovery could take a while. Family-friendly brands like __[Apple](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/AAPL/)__, __[Amazon](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/AMZN/)__, and __[Disney](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/DIS/)__ are said to be spending less on Twitter ads compared to last year. This year, Twitter is projected to generate $3B in revenue — down from $5B in 2021.

Twitter could be facing an ad-pocalypse, just as its new CEO takes the reins from Elon

__Happy Mealski…__ A year after __[McDonald’s](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/MCD/)__ left Russia, its replacement, Vkusno & Tochka (translation: “Tasty & That's It”), is experiencing a [growth spurt](https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/russias-mcdonalds-heir-growing-quickly-long-haul-2023-06-05/?). After McD’s closed about 850 Russia locations, “Tasty & That’s It” took them over with a quick-and-dirty rebrand. The McD’s knockoff is on pace to have 900 spots by the end of this year, owner (and Siberian oil billionaire) Alexander Govor said. 

- __Not the Big Mick:__ So far, it said it’s been serving about 2M people/day and has sold 24M+ “Big Hit” burgers (its version of the Big Mac).

- __Overtime:__ Gover said Vkusno & Tochka is “here for the long haul,” but McD’s has the option to buy back its locations within 15 years. 

__Checking in…__ An estimated 1K companies have ceased operations in Russia since it invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Chains like __[Starbucks](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/SBUX/)__, __[KFC](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/YUM/)__, and __Pizza Hut__ sold off franchise locations, retailers including __[Adidas](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/ADDYY/)__ and __[Nike](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/NKE/)__ shuttered stores, and financial companies like __[Visa](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/V/)__ halted transactions. A CNBC review of Dow companies suggested that, as of February, most had kept their promises to fully suspend or scale back their presence in Russia.

- __Workaround:__ __Apple__ and __[Coca-Cola](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/KO/)__ are being sold in Russia through third-party countries, even though the companies stopped direct sales.

- __Still there:__ Brands that haven’t cut ties yet are gaining market share as competitors flee. Earlier this year Russia imposed an exit tax to slow the exodus.

BigHit

__Breakups are hard on both sides…__ McDonald’s had been in Russia for 32 years before bowing out, and in 2021 Russia and Ukraine made up 9% of its revenue. Russia’s economy hasn’t been as hard hit by the exodus as economists predicted, but some Russian consumers have complained about their new knock-off economy. Apparently, they’re not lovin’ it.

Russia’s McDonald’s dupe is growing after American staples pulled out of the country

__Waiting for the “one more thing”...__ During the opening of Apple’s annual developer conference, CEO Tim Cook and other execs shared updates like FaceTime video voicemails and a feature that lets you AirDrop your contact info (“NameDrop”). But the real highlight came at the end: Apple’s long-rumored [headset](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/06/05/apple-vision-pro-announced-its-first-major-product-since-2014.html) is no longer a rumor. 

- __Vision Pro:__ Apple’s first new major product since the Apple Watch in 2014. The VR and AR headset looks like ski goggles and is packed with powerful tech. Apple calls it “the most advanced personal electronics device ever.” Might explain the $3.5K starting price.

- __Your phone on your face:__ Familiar apps virtually overlay your IRL environment. You can navigate with your eyes, scroll with your fingers, and use your voice to dictate. You can control your level of immersion, and the screen will digitally display your eyes when you’re talking to someone (looks less creepy than [feared](https://sherwoodmedia.com/snacks/apple-could-resurrect-the-metaverse-with-a-headset-but-its-a-risky-and/)).

- __TL;DR:__ It removes the limitations of physical displays, bringing apps and windows into your space (instead of having three monitors).

__Movie-theater experience…__ in your economy middle seat. While existing headsets have been marketed largely for gaming, Apple didn’t focus heavily on gaming in its presentation. The pitch was heavy on entertainment value: you can expand streaming-app shows into movie-theater-size screens (and spatial audio gives a surround-sound effect). Apple claims resolution is crystal clear thanks to 23M pixels, saying that’s more than a 4K TV for each eye. __Disney__ boss Bob Iger even took the stage to share ways the House of Mouse will use VisionOS to bring its stories to life. Picture: 3-D Baby Yoda.

Wrapped

Snacks Wrapped: Apple rolls out its long-hyped mixed-reality headset

More than half of Gen Z and millennials say they’re living paycheck to paycheck

🐦 Twitter’s new boss

__Party like it’s 2021…__ __[Apple](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/AAPL/)__ [could](https://www.vox.com/technology/2023/5/31/23742675/apple-headset-goggles-vr-ar-mixed-extended-reality-peter-kafka-media-column) tap back into tech’s old New Big Thing: the metaverse. At its annual software conference this week Apple is expected to reveal long-awaited details of its mixed-reality (both VR and AR) headset. It would be the company’s first new major product line since 2014’s Apple Watch — and has been called Tim Cook’s riskiest move as CEO. 

- __The rumored $3K price tag__ is steep, about 6X the cost of __[Meta](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/META/)__'s recently announced $500 Quest 3 and roughly 3X the price of Sony’s PSVR2 (including the PS5 needed to use it). Analysts expect fewer than 500K Apple headset shipments in year one.

- __Standout specs__ could include a live POV view-sharing feature called “copresence,” 4K displays, and screens on the front of lenses that digitally display users’ eyes (not creepy at all).

- __Keep in mind:__ Apple is rumored to have been developing the device for seven years, and it faces pressure to release it before its hardware becomes outdated.

__Virtual reality bites…__ There have been better moments to jump into the metaverse as companies reroute their virtual-world investments into the new buzzword: AI. __[Disney](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/DIS/)__ shut down its metaverse strategy division this year, and __[Microsoft](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/MSFT/)__ scaled back its team building AR goggles. Globally, VR/AR device shipments fell 12% to fewer than 10M last year, while Sony’s new headset badly missed its launch-window sales target of 2M units. Use of the tech has been mostly limited to gaming. And consumers have yet to embrace face gadgets (flops include __[Google](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/GOOGL/)__ Glass, __[Snap](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/SNAP/)__ Spectacles).

Tim cooking up a headset? (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Shades

__It can pay to be late…__ to a party that hasn’t started. Apple has shown it can expand (and define) the markets that it enters (see: iPhone, Apple Watch). Its interconnected ecosystem of iProducts and famously sleek design could give it an edge, letting it set a standard and compete for market share. But it’s risky: Apple has apparently poured billions into its headset project, and failure would smudge its reputation (and dent profits).

Apple could resurrect the metaverse with a headset, but it’s a risky (and overdue) bet

__Not dryer-shrunk jeans…__ “Retail shrink” (the loss of inventory) is a [growing](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/31/what-are-retail-shrink-and-organized-retail-crime.html) problem in the US, and retailers are blaming rising theft. __Target__ recently said that organized retail crime would lead to $500M more in losses this year. __Dollar Tree__, __Home Depot__, __T.J. Maxx__, and others have cited shrink and theft as a hit to profits. FYI: shrink cost retailers $95B in 2021. In December, __Walmart__ said rising theft could even lead to store closures. Now retailers are bulking up precautions (think: more items behind glass).

__Brands get “Bud Lighted”...__ This Pride Month is off to a tumultuous start for several companies. Last month Bud Light faced backlash after transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney posted about beer that the __AB InBev__-owned brand had sent her. Bud sales fell by as much as 40% in some Southern markets. __Target__ and __Kohl’s__ have been boycotted because of their Pride merch, and Target pulled some products over threats to employees. Lots of companies still plan to move forward with their Pride plans, including Coors Light’s Denver Pride Parade.

Stories we’re watching

__The soup’s hot…__ __Campbell__'s is set to report Wednesday, and the 153-year-old canned-soup icon's been on a roll since shoppers started snapping up pandemic pantry staples. Before Covid, its sales were falling. In Q2, its sales grew 12% as consumers kept stocking its snacks like Goldfish and Milanos, despite price hikes (FYI: half of US consumers now eat 3+ snacks/day). But as Big Foodies like Campbell, __Pepsi__, and __Kraft__ get accused of profit-padding prices, snackers could scale back on brand names. 

__Never an outfit repeater…__ __Rent the Runway__ could drop ’Gram-worthy results this week as shoppers pay to rent their fits and keep things fresh. In April, RTR posted record revenue and subscribers after adding an extra item to its monthly subscription. Meanwhile, __Urban Outfitters__' Nuuly rental service more than doubled sales last year, and Urban thinks it could become a $1B biz. While RTR has yet to turn a profit, rentals are trending up: the value of the digi-fashion rental market is expected to 2X to nearly $3B by 2030.

Coming up this week

- __[IOU](https://sherwoodmedia.com/snacks/snacks-unpacked-what-the-debt-deal-means-for-student-loans/):__ The US debt deal will end the pandemic pause on student-loan payments, after three years, restarting repayments (and interest accrual) for millions of borrowers in August. The average paused balance = $37K.

- __[Jet](https://sherwoodmedia.com/snacks/americas-top-ceos-flock-to-china-after-a-three-year-break-despite/):__ From __Tesla__'s Elon Musk to __JPMorgan__'s Jamie Dimon, America’s top CEOs are flocking back to China for the first time in years. US-China relations are at a low point, but big biz can’t detach.

- __[Sus](https://sherwoodmedia.com/snacks/deltas-carbon-neutrality-lawsuit-highlights-issues-with-companies-trying-to/):__ __Delta__ has been sued over its carbon-neutrality claims, with plaintiffs arguing that its carbon offsets are “junk.” There’s growing backlash against the unregulated offsets market, which Greenpeace has labeled a scam.

Nvidia’s trillion-dollar biz started as an idea at a Denny’s

🍎 Apple’s headset bet

__Servers get served…__ This week __[Amazon](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/AMZN/)__ agreed to settle FTC charges that it illegally [stored](https://apnews.com/article/amazon-alexa-ring-doorbell-privacy-violations-ftc-971419109d7af10203d7ccfd28fcd0ad?ref=biztoc.com) children’s data (like voice recordings and locations) gathered from Alexa devices. The commission said that 30K Amazon employees had access to Alexa transcripts in 2018 and 2019, and that children’s data was used to train Alexa to better understand kids' lingo. That would be a violation of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, or COPPA. Amazon denied it broke the law. 

- __Pay up:__ If the settlement is approved, Amazon will pay a $25M fine and be required to delete any saved children’s data.

- __Separately:__ Amazon agreed to pay $5.8M in refunds to Ring customers to settle FTC allegations that employees had illegally viewed Ring footage. Amazon said it had fixed the issue before the commission looked into it.

__The kids aren’t alright…__ While $25M is a drop in the bucket for Amazon, it’s part of a bigger regulatory push to crack down on misuse of kids’ data by tech giants. Last year, “Fortnite” maker __Epic Games__ settled with the FTC for $520M, partly over claims of unlawfully collecting children’s info, and __[Google](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/GOOGL/)__ agreed to pay a $170M penalty for YouTube channels harvesting kids’ data. 

- __Thinking ahead:__ Several recent bills aim to bar platforms from targeting ads to under-13-year-olds, mostly by setting and enforcing age restrictions.

- __Red flag:__ The bills seek to protect kids’ mental health, not just their data. But experts warn that age-verification processes could require more info to be shared with platforms.

Alexa pays up (Brandon Thibodeaux/Getty Images)

Grounded

__It’s supposed to be user data, not used data…__ Big Tech’s once unfettered access to sensitive info is being reined in. The EU and California have passed sweeping data-privacy laws that restrict digital platforms’ ability to gather data without users’ permission. Four more US states will start enforcing similar laws this year.

Amazon agrees to settle children’s-privacy charges for $25M as regulators sleuth out data misuse

__Heartbreak not feelin' so good…__ __[AMC](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/AMC/)__ said yesterday that it would [close](https://variety.com/2023/digital/news/amc-theatres-on-demand-fandango-vudu-1235629533/) the curtain on its streaming service. Launched in 2019, AMC Theatres on Demand let users rent or buy movies to watch at home. The platform likely came in handy during the pandemic when theaters were closed, but now AMC says it's focused on "making movies better by enhancing the theatrical experience." 

__If you can’t join ’em…__ beat ’em. US movie chains are charging ahead to deck out the in-theater experience, since butts-in-seats still bring in more $$ than couchbound streams. In addition to dropping top dollar on new IMAX screens (cost: $1M, not including install), theaters are [splurging](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/31/business/movie-theater-upgrade-pandemic.html) on plush-grades like heated seats that move with on-screen action, fans who blast viewers during chase scenes, and on-call dinner servers. In February, AMC even rolled out tiered seat pricing (picture: paying extra for center row). The premiumization push seems to be paying off: 

- __Seat-side sushi:__ Theaters are charging up to 65% more for tickets in fancified theaters, easily topping $20 apiece.

- __More from less:__ Upgraded screens are expected to bring in 17% of theaters’ revenue this year, up from 9% in 2019.

- __Some pain, some gain:__ AMC’s losses are shrinking ($178M last quarter versus $266M a year earlier).

Credits

__Experiences command a premium…__ After the streaming surge and lockdowns knocked theaters on their heels, chains are trying a luxury-driven comeback. The US box office hit $7.5B last year (up from $2.3B in 2020), and could top $9B this year. Meanwhile, studios like __[Warner Bros.](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/WBD/)__ and __[Disney](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/DIS/)__ have cooled on plans to release films straight to streaming as cineplexes draw more customers off the couch and into heated, reclining theater thrones.

AMC shutters its streaming service as theaters push blockbuster-size plush-grades

🌶️ __Spicy…__ The DOJ said it might [drop](https://www.wsj.com/articles/sam-bankman-fried-could-have-some-charges-dropped-if-bahamas-objects-f3c22fce) some of the charges against Sam Bankman-Fried if the Bahamian gov’t says they violate the terms of his extradition to the US. The __FTX__ founder is awaiting trial over his role in the exchange’s implosion.

 📸 __Flashy…__ __[Charles Schwab](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/SCHW/)__ and __[Nomura](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/NMR/)__ are among the Wall Street titans backing or [building](https://www.ft.com/content/870bef48-9bec-4408-8601-d97c5603a76b) their own crypto companies. In a post-FTX world, finance institutions are hoping that customers will trust them more than they do crypto-native firms. 

🪙 __Coins…__ __Tether__ (aka: USDT) now [has](https://www.barrons.com/articles/crypto-stablecoin-tether-record-6a1f3766) a record $83B+ market cap. Tether’s share of the stablecoin market grew this year after regulators ordered its competitor to stop minting BUSD (a __Binance__-branded stablecoin).

SBF'D

The median age of the world’s billionaires is 67

🚸 Amazon’s privacy fines

__Back in Beijing…__ Elon Musk got a hero’s welcome this week when he [returned](https://www.reuters.com/business/elon-musk-visits-chinas-commerce-ministry-2023-05-31/) to China for the first time in three years. During a high-stakes visit to the country that houses __[Tesla](https://robinhood.com/stocks/TSLA/)__'s biggest production hub, the chief exec was greeted with flattery and a 16-course feast. Musk met with China’s foreign minister on Tuesday, and Tesla stock spiked following reports that he’s willing to expand business in China. 

- __#Twinning?__ China’s foreign ministry quoted Musk as saying that the US and China are “conjoined twins” and that he’s against a decoupling of the world’s largest economies. 

__Fire up the private jets…__ Elon isn’t the only biz leader on the move. US-China relations are at their worst point in decades, but CEOs of American companies are returning to China now that it’s reopened its borders. This week __[JPMorgan Chase](https://robinhood.com/stocks/JPM/)__'s Jamie Dimon and __[Starbucks](https://robinhood.com/stocks/SBUX/)__' Laxman Narasimhan also flew over. In March, __[Apple](https://robinhood.com/stocks/AAPL/)__'s Tim Cook paid a visit to the country where most Apple products are manufactured. 

- __Expand:__ According to Chinese outlets, Narasimhan said he hopes China will become Starbucks’ largest market, and plans to significantly grow locations there.

- __Engage:__ Dimon called for “real engagement” between the US and China and warned against trying to cut ties between the two economic powers.

Flattered and feasted (Xinhua/Ding Ting/Getty Images)

__If you can’t detach, attach…__ From spying to tech wars, US-China relations have soured. But big corporations can’t detach themselves from the manufacturing power and massive consumer base of the world’s second-largest economy. And China, whose post-lockdown economic rebound has been [underwhelming](https://sherwoodmedia.com/snacks/newsletters/BAiwG6UN0VIjo3BcvhYLb/articles/4XKAFkPoc1p0vn5uswQeme/), needs and welcomes US investment.

America’s top CEOs flock to China after a three-year break, despite geopolitical tensions

__Crude news…__ Starting this week, global oil prices will [start](https://www.wsj.com/articles/move-over-scotland-u-s-oil-enters-worlds-most-important-benchmark-d7602b5f?mod=markets_lead_pos3) taking cues from the US. The price of Brent crude oil, which is primarily sourced in the North Sea between Scotland and Norway, has long been used as a benchmark for calculating global oil and natural-gas prices. By some estimates, Brent is used to set the price of two-thirds of all crude oil sold globally. But as Brent oil fields dry up, exchanges are looking stateside to set the new pricing standard.

- __Full tank:__ West Texas Intermediate crude oil is used as a benchmark for American oil. But starting today, WTI crude will become the first non-European oil to be used in the Brent pricing benchmark.

- __Full steam:__ In March, the US shipped a record # of barrels of WTI crude to China and Europe, which has been more reliant on American oil since Russia’s war. 

__Don’t mess with Texas…__ America’s rise up the energy ladder marks a major turning point from the early 2000s when it *imported* up to 60% of all its oil. Today, that number is down to about 40%. As shale production boomed in Texas' Permian Basin over the past decade, US dependence on foreign oil dipped. Meanwhile, supply began to pile up with top producers Saudi Arabia and Russia, who’ve recently curbed production to keep prices higher.

Slick

__The energy is shifting…__ With US oil holding greater weight in global energy prices, the market could become less vulnerable to demand shifts or manipulation. Some analysts say factoring cheaper American barrels into Brent could help lower oil prices overseas and boost biz for US exporters. Still, the US shale boom is expected to slow this decade as lucrative wells get tapped out.

US oil earns a spot in the famous Brent benchmark, securing its superpower status

__Student-loan payments will resume…__ for up to 45M borrowers if the bipartisan debt-ceiling deal is passed into law (which President Biden expects to happen). A provision in the deal would [end](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/30/us/politics/student-loan-payments-biden-debt.html) the pandemic pause on payments after eight extensions, three years, and two presidents; prohibit future pause extensions without an OK from Congress; and restart repayments (and interest accrual) at the end of August. 

__What it means…__ 

- __For borrowers:__ Millions will find themselves with a different loan servicer after federal contracts changed during the pandemic. FYI: several servicers have cut customer-service hours, which could cause headaches.

- __For student-debt cancellation:__ Biden’s debt cancellation isn’t affected by the proposed deal. That remains in the hands of the Supreme Court, which is expected to issue a ruling in the coming weeks.

- __For the White House:__ The deal is in line with the Biden admin’s timeline to end the pause. But it would block the executive branch’s ability to *extend* the pause if SCOTUS strikes down the debt-cancellation plan.

__By the numbers:__
- __$37K:__ the average paused student-loan balance

- __$200-$300:__ the typical monthly loan payment prepandemic

- __38%:__ share of borrowers with at least one loan in deferment prepandemic

- __$5B:__ the monthly cost of the pause to the US gov’t

Unpacked

Snacks Unpacked: What the debt deal means for student loans

HBO said that 2.9M people watched the "Succession" finale on Sunday