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Happy Tuesday, July 7th! Hope everyone had as restful and relaxing a holiday weekend as possible (people still in DC… I’m so sorry).
Image credit: NBC News
FYSA, every Tuesday and Friday, I’ll be in your inbox with the latest in politics, tech & social media, culture, and other relevant topics – and I’ll share some notes and tips on what I’m keeping my eye on.
I’M ALSO LOOKING FOR MORE PEOPLE TO DO MINI INTERVIEWS FOR GROUP CHAT CORRESPONDENT :) Tips, thoughts, concerns, good jokes, bad jokes, tea, etc?
And finally, if you enjoy this newsletter and want to share it with your network (and/or your chronically online friends), or buy me a matcha, that would be so appreciated 🙏
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Morning Brew is a free daily newsletter that breaks down what's happening in business, finance, and tech — clearly, quickly, and with enough personality to make it the best email in your inbox.
No yelling. No filler. Just the news, finally making sense.
Democrats want a Platner replacement
Sources close to Nirav Shah, who lost last month’s gubernatorial primary, and Jordan Wood, who lost the primary in the 2nd Congressional District, said they’ve been fielding calls about the nomination, which Maine Democrats could give to another candidate by July 27 if Platner quits by July 13. (Semafor, 7/7)
In Trump’s Second Midterm, Democrats Are Looking for Fighters
Eight years ago, Democrats won the House after elevating scores of candidates calling for good government and incremental health care improvements. This time, many Democratic voters are making clear their hunger for systemic change — charting a course in the first half of the primary season that could point toward a different type of general election in the fall. (NYT gift link, 6/6)
Lucy’s note: Re the story immediately above… I think it’s very important Dems prioritize picking good humans at this point over everything else
Conservatives rage over re-funding of Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood’s beleaguered network of clinics will regain access to hundreds of millions in Medicaid funding this weekend — the fallout of Republicans’ failure to pass an extension of the one-year defunding provision they approved last year. (POLITICO, 7/4)
‘Tip of the iceberg’: nearly 500,000 New Yorkers lose health insurance due to Trump cuts
Nearly 500,000 moderate-income New Yorkers will be dumped from their health insurance plans on 1 July – the first of major coverage losses expected as a result of HR 1, the Republican-led law signed almost exactly one year ago. (The Guardian, 7/1)
Can Partiful keep the party going?
For offering such a straightforward product, Partiful has attracted significant industry attention and more than a few thinkpieces: It’s been called a “vibey nightmare,” with invitation etiquette that’s “out of control.” “Stop sending me Partiful invitations,” GQ pleaded, saying the platform was essentially “yassified Evite.” But Partiful has another perennial PR problem: Murthy and fellow cofounder Joy Tao previously worked at Palantir, the data-mining company whose clients include Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Israeli government, among other public and private entities. (The Verge, 7/6 – free version)
X adds a video editor to encourage creators to post original content, not stolen reposts
X, the social network that can’t seem to win its perennial battle with bots, is introducing new video editing and recording features in hopes of encouraging creators to publish original content on its platform instead of recycling others’ material. (TechCrunch, 7/7)
The Fun Shortage Is Real, and It’s Making America Miserable
Since its 2003 inception, the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ American Time Use Survey shows double-digit percentage drops in the hours spent each year on arts and entertainment activities, attending sports or recreational events, and attending or hosting social events. In a 2024 US Census Bureau survey, almost 80% of respondents said they saw friends or relatives fewer than three times a week. (Bloomberg, 7/2 – free version)
Even fans who don't speak Spanish are watching the World Cup on Telemundo. Here's why
Unlike Fox, which runs commercials during hydration breaks for the players, Telemundo keeps its cameras on the field. That's something very much appreciated by fans like comedian Trevor Noah. "We're seeing the players on the pitch discussing what's happening. You see which coach is more stressed…This is part of the game," Noah said during one of the World Cup parties he hosts on his YouTube channel. (NPR, 7/2)
Bath & Body Works Is on a Quest for Another Billion-Dollar Scent
As the chief “nose” for Bath & Body Works, Ms. Testa-Gough is in charge of finding the next Japanese Cherry Blossom. That single scent has generated more than $1.5 billion in sales over the last 20 years, filling millions of homes with the aroma of Asian pear, white jasmine and basmati rice. (NYT gift link, 7/6)
The travellers who go on holiday to hunt cult sun cream
The most coveted options come from the Asia-Pacific region and the Mediterranean, where summer temperatures can be intense. Rena Kim, Olive Young's global communications lead, told the BBC that foreign visitors from over 190 countries accounted for more than 25% of the company's offline revenue in 2025, with sun care emerging as a standout K-beauty staple, particularly among US and Brazilian shoppers. (BBC, 7/5 – free version)
@meggiebe Contact me for your marketing needs #thirties #dietcoke #fireworks #fridgecig #girltalk
Extra Credit 🤓
The hot-or-nots for this week:
HOT
Staring wistfully across a body of water
Mr. Softee (is this regional??? it’s our soft-serve ice cream truck!)
NOT
People defending indefensible actions!
Sleep deficits
Intentionally non-descriptive headlines (as always)
That’s all for now – I’ll see you on Friday!