__You can log out any time you like…__ but you can never leave? The FTC sued __[Amazon](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/AMZN/)__ yesterday, saying it [fooled](https://www.wsj.com/articles/ftc-sues-amazon-over-manipulative-tactics-to-enroll-users-in-premium-service-85400564) millions of customers into signing up for Prime with “manipulative, coercive, or deceptive” user interfaces — and then intentionally made it hard for them to cancel their subscriptions. It’s the most aggressive FTC action against Amazon under the leadership of Chair Lina Khan, a staunch critic of Big Tech power. 

- __Primed or punked?__ Khan alleged that “Amazon tricked and trapped people into recurring subscriptions without their consent.”

- __Homeric effort:__ The suit says that Amazon internally [referred](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/21/technology/ftc-amazon-prime-lawsuit.html) to the process for canceling Prime as “The Iliad,” the epic Greek poem about the Trojan War. 

__*Sure* you wanna cancel?__ After all, you’ve only been asked five times. Prime members pay $140/year for “free” two-day shipping, plus other perks like streaming. Nearly 75% of all US households are estimated to have a Prime account, but growth has reportedly slumped. By one estimate, Prime finished last year with 168M US subscribers, down from 170M in 2021. That would mark the first time Prime growth stalled in the US (Amazon doesn’t share country-specific membership #s). As sub growth and online shopping slow, Amazon [reportedly](https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-plans-ad-tier-for-prime-video-streaming-service-8944fe51) plans to launch an ad tier for Prime to drum up fresh revenue.

Looking for the cancel button like (Artur Widak/Getty Images)

Homer

__Convenience can’t be used conveniently…__ Amazon has made it #frictionless to enroll in Prime and order online (think: one click), but it also uses a “four-page, six-click, fifteen-option cancellation process,” the FTC said. Having an inconvenient cancellation option *is* convenient for many companies. But retaining customers could get harder as the FTC looks to crack down on designs that make it tricky for consumers to cancel services.

The FTC sues Amazon, saying it used “trickery” and sabotaged consumers’ attempts to cancel Prime

__Not just for kids…__ __[Roblox](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/RBLX/)__ is about to look a little more like “Grand Theft Auto.” The tween-favorite gaming platform said that, for the first time, it’ll let some users create [mature content](https://www.fastcompany.com/90911075/roblox-is-adding-content-for-its-growing-adult-user-base?), including experiences featuring blood, alcohol, and (unplayable) casinos. The content will be restricted to users 17 and older, who’ll have to verify their age by uploading a selfie and ID. 

- __Kidults:__ Until 2021, kids under 13 made up the majority of Roblox’s users. But that flipped this year, with Roblox notching a record number of daily users over 13 and saying 17- to 24-year-olds are now its fastest-growing demo.

- __Intentional:__ Roblox CEO David Baszucki shared a “vision for all ages” manifesto in May, outlining the platform’s plan to appeal to older users.

__Problem child(s)…__ Roblox’s main moneymaker is its virtual currency, called Robux, which users are encouraged to buy (or ask their parents to buy) after seeing in-game ads for items and experiences. But after a watchdog group filed an FTC complaint about these ads being served to kids, Roblox wiped them from the under-13 experience. Branded Roblox experiences, like Nikeland and Froot Loops World, have come under scrutiny too. Last year it started adding in-game ads directly from brands but barred younger kids from seeing them.

Matureverse

__It pays to grow up with your users…__ and Roblox is now 17. By appealing to non-tween audiences with more mature content like gory horror games and experiences like a Mariah Carey concert and a “Super NFL Tycoon” simulation, Roblox can make more $$ from more people. Now that it can’t serve ads to kids, older users are more important than ever — and they’re less likely to get grounded for buying too many Robux.

Roblox invites users to create mature content for its growing young-adult user base

Dow Jones

S&P 500

Nasdaq

Bitcoin

Nasdaq data link logo

❌ Amazon Prime “trickery”

__Bitter pill…__ Pharma giants are [taking](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/06/20/drug-prices-drugmakers-aim-to-fight-medicare-negotiations-at-scotus.html) legal action to try to shut down a new drug-pricing law that could cost them billions. Some 65M Americans (most age 65 and older) are enrolled in Medicare, a federal health-insurance program — and the largest buyer of prescription drugs. Under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare would be able to negotiate discounts of up to 60% on numerous prescription drugs. __[Merck](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/MRK/)__ says its lucrative diabetes and cancer drugs would be subject to a “sham” negotiation program, which starts in 2026 with an initial round of 10 drugs. 

- __This month:__ Merck and __[Bristol-Myers Squibb](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/BMY/)__ filed suits against the gov’t, arguing the policy is unconstitutional and could hit blockbuster drugs (some of which make up a quarter of their annual sales).

- __Last week:__ __[Eli Lilly](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/LLY/)__'s CEO said the potential revenue loss could also stunt R&D of future drugs.

- __FYI:__ If companies don't comply, they’d face fines that are several times higher than their daily drug revenue and can be avoided only if they pull out of Medicare. 

__Refill relief…__ Lawmakers have fought for years to curb skyrocketing prescription costs. One study indicated that initial prices for new drugs have jumped 20% annually during the past 15 years. Last year nearly a fifth of US adults said they skipped or delayed taking medicine because of the cost. AARP said Medicare's new negotiations could [save](https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/medicare-budget-proposal.html) qualifying Americans an average of $800/year.

Side effects include lawsuits (Kyle Mazza/Getty Images)

__Solutions can come with side effects…__ By lowering drug costs for Medicare, the program could ease Rx affordability for millions and save taxpayers $102B through 2031. But as more drugmakers argue that it’s a threat to their revenue and research, the legal backlash is expected to intensify — and could end up in the Supreme Court.

Drugmakers sue over Medicare’s new pricing rules, potentially setting the stage for a SCOTUS showdown

__Takin’ over the world…__ one ad at a time. __[Snap](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/SNAP/)__'s chatbot probably isn’t in the category of AI that has experts anxious over humanity’s demise, but the app still has big plans for “My AI.” 150M Snap users have exchanged billions of messages with the feed-pinned bot, and Snap’s hoping it can mine the data to [revive](https://www.wsj.com/articles/snapchat-users-embrace-of-ai-could-improve-ads-snap-ceo-says-210fc1f0?mod=pls_whats_news_us_business_f) its flailing ad biz. Last quarter Snap reported its first sales decline ever (ads = 99% of its revenue). 

- __MyByeBye:__ When My AI debuted in April, users were… not smitten. Frustrated that the bot couldn’t be removed, users blasted the app with one-star reviews — leading to an average US App Store rating of 1.7.

- __Target acquired:__ Boss Evan Spiegel said the bot could improve ad targeting, which the company has struggled with ever since __[Apple](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/AAPL/)__'s privacy overhaul.

- __Sponsored chat:__ Snap started testing advertiser links in My AI convos (picture: chatting about travel plans, and then My AI dropping a link for cruise tickets).

__Adpocalyspe not now?…__ Despite fears that AI-powered search could mean the end of sponsored links as we know them, the ad industry is embracing the tech. Ads have found their way into __[Microsoft](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/MSFT/)__'s ChatGPT-fueled Bing search, and the company is exploring AI tools that could predict an ad’s performance. __[Meta](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/META/)__ has started letting advertisers try out its genAI ad products. __[Amazon](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/AMZN/)__'s building out a team to create AI ad apps, and __[Google](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/GOOGL/)__ recently launched AI tools that aim to help marketers with placements.

Chatty

__Monetizing too early is a risk…__ Infusing ads into AI chatbots and search engines runs the risk of losing users’ trust before it's been gained. But given the staggering costs of running AI servers, the risk may be necessary — unless companies can get users to pay for another subscription, like the $20/month ChatGPT Plus.

From Snap to Microsoft, Big Tech hopes AI can be the wind beneath its ad-biz wings

🛋️ *Like using Craigslist to find a new home for your couch…* 

Non-custodial exchanges facilitate crypto trades between customers but *don't* hold their coins — unlike custodial exchanges like __[Coinbase](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/COIN/)__ and __Binance__. Decentralized exchanges like __[Uniswap](https://robinhood.com/us/en/crypto/UNI/)__ and __PancakeSwap__ are types of non-custodial exchanges. The CEO of __EDX Markets__, a new [non-custodial exchange](https://www.barrons.com/articles/edx-coinbase-crypto-exchange-binance-60662e8c), said __FTX__'s implosion created demand for non-custodials.

DEFI(NE)

Heard on the Block: "non-custodial exchange"

Donations to US charities declined last year — just the fourth drop since 1982

💊 Drugmakers fight discounts

__Juiced up…__ __[Tesla](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/TSLA/)__ superchargers make up 6 in 10 fast chargers in the US and Canada, and the EV icon says it operates the largest fast-charging network globally with 45K plugs. Now Tesla’s charger is quickly [becoming](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-12/tesla-chargers-win-more-backers-as-its-plug-becomes-us-standard?) the standard:

- __The latest:__ Last week, charging-station companies including __[ChargePoint](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/CHPT/)__ said they’ll start offering Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) in addition to the gov’t-backed Combined Charging System (CCS) they already have on tap.

- __OG support:__ The move is likely a reaction to __[Ford](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/F/)__ and __[GM](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/GM/)__ recently saying their next gen of EVs will use Tesla’s NACS. __Dodge__ parent __[Stellantis](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/STLA/)__ said last week that it might join Team NACS too.

- __Vote of confidence:__ It’s a huge boost for Tesla’s charger because Ford, GM, and Tesla combined make up over 70% of the US EV market. 

__May the best plug win…__ Tesla has said its NACS chargers are “half the size and twice as powerful” as the CCS ones, but the US gov’t funds only CCS, which was developed by several automakers. To qualify for a bite of the $7.5B in charging subsidies the Biden admin is offering, Tesla agreed in February to add CCS to as many as 7.5K of its chargers.

- __Peer pressure:__ Given the pro-NACS news, the White House could reconsider its CCS-centric ways. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently said one system would win out.

- __Free of charge:__ While Tesla made its NACS design available for competitors to use freely last year, its charging-station revenue should rise when more cars (including *non*-Teslas) can plug in.

Rivals in cars, friends in charge (Osmancan Gurdogan/Getty Images)

Juicy

__There’s (electric) power in numbers…__ Letting others into Club Tesla could accelerate EV adoption. While Tesla owners will lose their exclusive access to its charging stations (a major perk), Piper Sandler estimates that Tesla could generate billions more in revenue from non-Tesla charging. And while GM and Ford risk losing customers (who’ll be surrounded by Model Y’s at stations), they’ll be able to offer a charging experience that Musk has called “fundamentally better.”

Tesla pulls ahead in the EV industry’s “charge-off” as rivals pick its plug

__Hot Strike Summer…__ A historic __UPS__ strike that would wreak havoc on the US supply chain could be seven weeks away. On Friday the 340K-member UPS Teamsters union authorized the use of a strike — which would be the largest in American history against a single employer — as tense negotiations continue ahead of the August 1 contract deadline. A tentative agreement to install AC in most new vans was reached last week; now the focus is pay. UPS delivers a quarter of all US parcels (more than __FedEx__ or __Amazon__), which it says accounts for 6% of GDP. 

__Concerning…__ A commercial real estate crisis is brewing as remote work and high interest rates converge. US office vacancies hit their highest level in *decades* this year, and rent delinquencies are spiking. Building owners are scrambling for tenants as $270B in commercial bank loans come due this year. In San Francisco (where vacancies are highest), mall operator __Westfield__ and a __Hilton__ are throwing in the towel. Meanwhile, retailers from __Nordstrom__ to __Whole Foods__ are closing stores in urban shopping areas where sales are down and retail crime is up.

Zoom out

Stories we’re watching

__Van-life aesthetic…__ RV icon __Winnebago__ thrived during the pandemic as Americans social-distanced while rolling through the heartland (#WorkFromWinnebago). In early 2022, it drove home a record $1.2B in quarterly revenue. But RV sales are down by half this year as folks ditch the open road and return to normal life. Despite cooling demand, Winnebago beat earnings expectations in March as the mobile-home life chugged on. The biz reports Wednesday, and its stock popped last week after RV rival __Thor__ unloaded a big profit beat. 

__Slaps roof of car…__ The nation's largest used-vehicle seller has hit a few speed bumps this year. The last time __CarMax__ reported profit was down 57% on the year, and in the face of loan losses it said it would toughen lending standards. (Americans struggled to make car payments as rates skyrocketed and the repo man showed up.) But when competitors __Carvana__ and __Vroom__ reported last, they both saw narrowing losses on the year. We'll see whether CarMax can drive itself out of the ditch when it reports Friday.

Events

Coming up this week

- __[Juneteenth](https://sherwoodmedia.com/snacks/as-juneteenth-approaches-californias-set-to-release-a-groundbreaking/):__ This month California is set to release a historic reparations report calculating proposed payouts for descendants of Black American slaves in the state. Some estimates suggest it could be as much $1.2M/person.

- __[Curious](https://sherwoodmedia.com/snacks/alcohol-alternatives-are-heating-up-as-gen-z-leans-into-the-sober-curious/):__ The hottest drink of summer could be… a mocktail. As Gen Z leans into the sober-curious lifestyle, bevs like non-boozy beer and botanical spritzes are trending. Zero proof = zero hangover.

- __[Crusted](https://sherwoodmedia.com/snacks/robot-pizza-startup-closes-shop-as-the-shark-tank-economy-dries-up/):__ Robot pizza startup __Zume__ has tossed its last dough. The ex-Silicon Valley darling was once valued at $2.3B for its ’za-delivering robo-trucks, but startup funding has dried up as risk appetites wane.

ICYMI

Last week's highlights

Americans say it takes $2.2M to be considered wealthy in the US

⚡ Tesla’s power play

__150+ years and counting...__ Monday marks the second official celebration of Juneteenth in the US, after President Biden declared June 19 a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery. On that day, in 1865, troops [marched](https://sherwoodmedia.com/snacks/newsletters/46Su1ZofFXtCbYSCgWi2zw/articles/4d3nlP8TApWiNtYGFQbLTh/) into Texas to take control of the state and free the enslaved people. This year more than half of all states and a growing number of companies will recognize Juneteenth as a public holiday. 

- __Last year__ a third of private employers offered Juneteenth as a paid holiday, up from just 8% in 2020, and more said they plan to offer it this year.

- __Corporate titans__ [including](https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/what-companies-are-closed-on-juneteenth-2022/429409) __[Nike](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/NKE/)__, __[Target](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/TGT/)__, __[Apple](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/AAPL/)__, and __[Best Buy](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/BBY/)__ have participated in setting the Juneteenth standard.

__Reparation nation…__ While lawmakers have talked about how to make amends for the financial effects of slavery, more attention is being paid to reparations — compensating descendants of Black American slaves for their labor, an idea that dates to the Civil War. In May, House lawmakers passed a historic bill that established a committee to develop reparations proposals. This month, committee leader California will release the extensive proposal, which calculates payouts for qualifying people in the state. (FYI: some reports say it could be as much $1.2M/person).

- __Up next:__ CA lawmakers will review the report and decide whether to adopt, amend, or dismiss the suggestions. From there, CA’s government would need to pass it.

- __FYI:__ Cities including Boston, Detroit, and St. Louis have approved their own programs or are considering proposals. Last week New York lawmakers passed a bill considering reparations for slavery.

A Juneteenth celebration in San Francisco (Tayfun Coskun/Getty Images)

Impact

__Mind the gap…__ White families, on average, have 8X the wealth of Black families, a gap perpetuated by the legacy of slavery. Progress is being made: during the pandemic, Black families’ net worth grew more than that of any other racial group, and Black homeownership also rose, but the gaps remain wide. Some reports suggest it would take $15T to eliminate the racial wealth gap.

As Juneteenth approaches, California’s set to release a groundbreaking reparations report

__Having a moment…__ __[bitcoin](https://robinhood.com/us/en/crypto/BTC/)__. While the OG crypto's current market cap of $487B+ represents a three-month low, bitcoin's *share* of the total cryptocurrency market has [climbed](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-15/bitcoin-tightens-its-grip-on-the-crypto-market-as-traders-avoid-smaller-tokens) to nearly 46%. That's the highest level in nearly two years, and suggests that traders are selling their altcoin bags (like: __[solana](https://robinhood.com/us/en/crypto/SOL/)__, __[cardano](https://robinhood.com/us/en/crypto/ADA/)__) more quickly than their BTC holdings. A changing regulatory landscape may be at play.

__Who's at faultcoins…__ After __FTX__'s blowup last year, the SEC has hit industry players like __[Coinbase](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/COIN/)__ and __Binance__ with [lawsuits](https://sherwoodmedia.com/snacks/the-sec-sues-the-2-biggest-crypto-exchanges-in-a-one-two-punch-for-the/). As part of the crackdown, the regulator identified 19 additional cryptocurrencies as securities, meaning they’d need to follow the SEC's rules. (FYI: the SEC has said that, in total, nearly 70 tokens are securities.) If the courts agree, those altcoins could become much harder to trade in the US. The suits could take years to resolve, but we may already be seeing the fallout:

- __This month eToro__ and __[Robinhood](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/HOOD/)__ said customers would soon no longer be able to purchase some altcoins on their platforms. (Snacks is part of Sherwood Media, a subsidiary of Robinhood.)

- __Bitcoin__ has managed to stay mostly out of the fray because many regulators (even the SEC) agree it's a commodity. A possible reason: it's considered sufficiently decentralized.

BLOCKCHANGE

__Risk appetites aren't stable…__ The crypto market is fairly new, and investors and regulators are still dialing in their positions. When bitcoin launched over a decade ago, it was seen as a risky place to park $$. While bitcoin still has a volatile rep, the risk spectrum may be shifting as regulators spotlight altcoins, and US crypto cos look [overseas](https://sherwoodmedia.com/snacks/coinbase-and-gemini-expand-offshore-as-crypto-heads-for-the-us-exits-and/).

Bitcoin grabs crypto market share as US regulators put a spotlight on altcoins

📸 __Flashy…__ Miami "bitcoin mayor" Francis X. Suarez [filed](https://fortune.com/2023/06/14/miami-mayor-francis-suarez-presidential-campaign-trump-indictment/) paperwork to run for US president. The pro-crypto Republican, who said that he takes his salary in BTC, made headlines promoting the now failed MiamiCoin. 

🤹‍♀️ __Quirky…__ Metaverse Beauty Week [kicked off](https://decrypt.co/144327/metaverse-beauty-week-aims-showcase-branding-potential-metaverse) with brands like Neutrogena dipping their blush brushes into “Decentraland,” an __[ethereum](https://robinhood.com/us/en/crypto/ETH/)__-based digi world. Despite waning hype, businesses continue to explore web3 ways to reach customers. 

🌶️ __Spicy…__ Famed VC __a16z__ said it’s [opening](https://www.wsj.com/articles/andreessen-to-open-london-office-for-crypto-startups-amid-scrutiny-in-u-s-ab802233) a crypto-focused office in London, touting what it says are the UK's friendlier regulations. The move adds to an industry-wide crypto exod-US as companies look abroad.

The Crypto Catch-Up…

Nearly 6 in 10 Americans with health insurance say they’ve had at least one problem with their coverage in the past year

💵 California’s reparations proposal

__We’re soarin’, flyin’...__ The next gen of single-aisle planes could have super-long and -skinny wings to cut fuel consumption by 30%. That’s the design of the new jet being built by NASA and __[Boeing](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/BA/)__, which the US Air Force [welcomed](https://www.vox.com/recode/2023/2/2/23582152/nasa-x-plane-boeing-air-force-sustainable-aircraft) to the legendary ranks of “X-planes” this week. X-planes = basically the concept cars of the sky.

- __X-perimental:__ They feature ambitious, often wacky designs (picture: an uncrewed stealth fighting [aircraft](https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20121218-stealth-drone-targets-life-at-sea)). The US gov’t has been funding companies’ X-plane projects since the 1940s. NASA and Boeing’s jet is the first to focus on the climate.

- __In-fly-ential:__ Though most X-planes don’t get commercially produced, elements of Boeing’s X-plane’s CO2-slashing design could be integrated into airliners in the 2030s.

__Feeling the “flygskam”…__ That’s “flight shame” in Swedish. The pressure to go green is rising (with callouts from activists like [Greta Thunberg](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/13/greta-thunberg-not-phasing-out-fossil-fuels-is-death-sentence-for-worlds-poor)). Planes account for about 4% of all US greenhouse-gas emissions, and the Biden admin says it wants to bring that down to net-zero by 2050. Airlines are making some efforts:

- __Fuel’s gold:__ Big carriers like __[United](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/UAL/)__, __[American](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/AAL/)__, and __[JetBlue](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/JBLU/)__ buy renewable jet fuel. __[Delta](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/DAL/)__ plans to replace a tenth of its fuel with sustainable substitutes by 2030. Airlines also buy carbon credits to offset their emissions.

- __Discredits:__ __Delta__ [was sued](https://sherwoodmedia.com/snacks/deltas-carbon-neutrality-lawsuit-highlights-issues-with-companies-trying-to/) last month for calling itself the “the world’s first carbon-neutral airline” (plaintiffs said its offsets are “junk”). United’s CEO has called offsets “greenwashing.”

New window-seat view on the way (Boeing)

Takeoff

__Moonshot solutions may be necessary…__ for goals of astronomical proportions. __United__ is backing a project to build electric air taxis and __[Airbus](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/EADSY/)__ plans to fly a hydro-powered triangular plane by 2035. Meanwhile, X-planes have made some of the aviation industry’s biggest dreams a reality ever since the first X-plane broke the sound barrier in ’47. NASA expects its X-plane to “skip a generation” of design, speeding the US toward its ambitious climate goals.

NASA and Boeing’s jet gets “X-plane” status as airlines feel pressure to go green

__When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie…__ that’s a startup? After eight years in business, robot pizza startup __Zume__ has pepped its last ’roni and is [liquidating assets](https://gizmodo.com/zume-softbank-ai-pizza-delivery-stellar-pizza-1850529465). A one-time Silicon Valley darling, Zume sought to automate pizza making by having robots quickly assemble pies that were cooked in mobile kitchens en route to customers. The problem: the cheese kept sliding off the pies in transit.

- __All crust:__ Pizza tech issues led the company to park its vehicles, and then ultimately shutter its pizza biz. It pivoted to selling compostable food packaging, and then decided to shut down altogether.

- __Pie in the sky:__ Zume has become something of a mascot for the exuberant era of venture-capital investing that peaked in 2021. Despite its niche concept, Zume raised nearly half a billion dollars from investors like __[Softbank](https://robinhood.com/us/en/stocks/SFTBY/)__ and once had a $2.3B valuation. 

__It’s a startup extinction event…__ Zume isn’t the only company shutting the ovens down. At least 72 startups have failed so far this year, including fintech __Plastiq__ (which had raised $142M), biotech firm __Goldfinch__ (which had raised $100M+ in 2020), and wine-tech upstart __Underground Cellar__, which was corked in April. Others are struggling to raise cash: US VC funding in the first quarter was just $37B, down from $95B in the fourth quarter of ’21.

Crusty

__Venturers don’t love rough country…__ Startups are risky, even during boom times. Now: inflation, high rates, and recession jitters have led VCs to be more scrupulous about where they put their $$. The spigot hasn’t fully turned off. It’s just become more focused — particularly on AI. Nearly a quarter of this year’s new unicorns are AI companies.

Robot pizza startup closes shop as the “Shark Tank” economy dries up

Beyoncé’s recent Stockholm concerts apparently contributed to higher-than-expected inflation in Sweden

✈️ Boeing & NASA’s “X-plane”

__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

Inter Miami FC ticket prices jumped 28X on secondary markets after news that Messi was joining

🍹 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").

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.

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.

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

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