Good morning readers. Move over, feedback. The corporate world is buzzing with a fresh new trend: "feedforward." Instead of dwelling on past mistakes, "feedforward" is all about looking ahead and fostering growth. Think of it as a kinder, forward-focused approach to employee development. While traditional feedback often feels like a heavy anchor, "feedforward" is the wind in your sails, pushing you towards improvement. But as with all trends, there are skeptics. Some see it as mere rebranding while others fear it might dilute constructive criticism.

So dear readers, I ask you this. Are you ready to "feedforward"?

Let’s jump into today’s storylines.

In today’s digest:

• US government takes on Google

• Headline Hustle: Coke uses AI to create their new flavor, Amazon increases wages for DSP workers, child poverty climbs in the US

• The congestion question: is your pill pulling its weight?

• Pulse Points: What’s Trending

TECHNOLOGY

US and Google face off in landmark antitrust trial

In a courtroom filled with anticipation, the U.S. Justice Department has initiated a landmark antitrust trial against tech giant Google. Accusations fly thick and fast with the primary charge being that Google has used its immense influence to suppress competition and innovation in the world of internet search.

What happened?

The core of the Justice Department's case revolves around Google's alleged monopolistic maneuvers. Responsible for handling an overwhelming 90% of global search queries, Google stands accused of shelling out vast sums to ensure its search engine remains the go-to choice on web browsers and mobile devices. These strategic agreements, the Department says, have not only solidified Google's dominant position but have also systematically denied competitors a fair chance in the market. Google, however, remains steadfast in its defense, asserting that they are simply the people's choice and that users have the freedom to switch search engines whenever they wish.

Diving deeper. The spotlight shines on Google's partnerships with tech titans like Apple and Samsung. By setting its search engine as the default option on their devices, Google allegedly maintains an illegal monopoly. The Justice Department likens this to a digital fortress, where Google's contracts act as barriers, effectively sidelining competitors. These contracts, they suggest, furnish Google with a continuous influx of advertising revenue and invaluable search data which creates a self-sustaining loop that further cements its dominant stance. Google’s response? Don’t hate the player, hate the game. They counter the governments narrative claiming their top-tier position is well-earned and that their collaborations with other corporations are transparent and fair.

Looking ahead…an adverse ruling could compel Google to undergo significant operational changes or even face the possibility of a breakup. But such a verdict would necessitate a subsequent trial to pinpoint the exact corrective measures. As the tech world watches on, it's evident that the outcome of this trial could redefine the digital landscape.

Headline Hustle

🥤Sipping the future. AI meets fizz in Coca-Cola's latest concoction: the Y3000, a taste from the future molded by machines and human taste buds. Decoding our future flavor fantasies, Coke has brewed up not just a new drink but a pixel-perfect, futuristic can design. Can't quite pin down that flavor? Neither can Coke in their descriptions, but hey, there's both sugary and sugar-free. And if drinking the future isn't enough, brace yourself for a splash of fashion futurism as Coca-Cola pairs up with luxury streetwear brand, Ambush. Drink up today; wear tomorrow.

🚚 Amazon’s wages go Prime. Injecting a whopping $440 million into its DSP program, Amazon hints at a pay hike for its blue-van brigade. Though the exact number is wrapped tighter than a Black Friday deal, whispers suggest around $20.50/hour, maybe more. And while the DSPs are their own bosses, Amazon's playing the watchful parent and that’s because the Teamsters union has been knocking at their doors with picket signs. Whatever the motive, better pay for faster deliveries? Prime move, Amazon.

🇺🇸 Child poverty soars in the US. In the U.S., child poverty rates made a dazzling dip in 2021, but by 2022, they rebounded higher than a tech stock post-pandemic. As financial aid evaporated and living costs soared, families felt the pinch. And as politicians play ping-pong with relief funds, the scoreboard reads: Poverty 1, Progress 0.

HEALTH AND SCIENCE

The cold hard truth

Ever had one of those days? Nose blocked, head foggy, and that all-important meeting just hours away. You grab your go-to cold pill only to realize…it’s doing nothing for you.

In a move that's left many with a nose still running, an FDA advisory panel has thrown shade at phenylephrine, the darling of cold meds like Benadryl and Mucinex. Their claim? It's not quite the nasal knight in shining armor we thought it was. While the FDA's final verdict is still up in the air, a potential shake-up could see big brands heading back to the drawing board. And with a cool $1.8 billion in sales last year, that's no small sneeze.

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association has voiced its concerns, urging the FDA to see the bigger picture. But with studies suggesting these pills might be on par with placebos, it's a story worth noting.

SNIPPETS

Pulse Points

Google unveils $20 million fund for academics. Google unveiled the Digital Futures Project, a program designed to further the dialogue on AI's benefits and challenges—dedicating a $20M fund to provide grants to esteemed think tanks and academic institutions worldwide.

Canada’s EV bet may take 20 years to pay off. Canada's making a hefty investment in the electric future, handing over C$28.2 billion to Volkswagen and Stellantis-LG Electric to jump-start two EV battery plants. The catch? We'll be waiting two whole decades for that money to come full circle.

Smurfit Kappa buys WestRock for $11.15 billion. Ireland's Smurfit Kappa is snapping up the U.S.-based WestRock for a cool $11.15 billion making them a global giant in the paper and packaging game.

You can argue about a rent increase. You can’t always avoid a rent increase, but you may be able to find ways to reduce it. Find out how.

Missed Apple’s 2023 event? Here’s a recap of what happened.

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