Good morning readers. It’s official. The House has given a thumbs-up to a bill demanding ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, to sell off the app or face a U.S. ban. Coined the "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act," (say that three times fast) it sailed through with a resounding 352-65 vote, now making its way towards the Senate for a final go, no-go decision. For all you die hard fans out there, this doesn’t mean mean the app is banned as of today. It still has a ways to go. But with Biden likely to sign the bill, investors (and the millions of people that use the app) are on edge, wondering what's next for TikTok.

Let’s jump into today’s storylines.

In today’s digest:

• RFK Jr. taps Aaron Rodgers to be his running mate

• Headline Hustle: Elon Musk cancels partnership deal with Don Lemon after their interview, AU approves landmark AI law, security footage of quality checks for Max 9 Boeing jets has gone missing

• The steep climb of car insurance premiums

• Pulse Points: What’s Trending

SPORTS/POLITICS

Aaron Rodgers for VP is now a possibility

You might want to get used to the idea that the future Vice President of the United States was, at one point, a quarterback in the NFL.

Aaron Rodgers, the current QB for the New York Jets has been tapped by JFKs brother and independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be his VP, if he’s elected president.

A (very) bold play

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., straying far from the conventional, is considering aligning his independent presidential run with the charisma and controversy of Aaron Rodgers. Known for his critical stance on the COVID-19 vaccine, Rodgers' alignment with Kennedy's views is not just about shared ideologies but also about adding a dash of celebrity allure to the campaign trail. With Jesse Ventura, retired professional wrestler also in the mix, Kennedy's strategy seems clear: increase his outsider appeal by teaming up with figures who resonate with the American public beyond traditional political or business figures.

The Jets now find themselves at the heart of a genuine political storyline.

• The potential of Rodgers swapping the gridiron for the campaign trail throws not just a playbook but an entire season into uncertainty.

• The team's management, perhaps recalling the days when owner Woody Johnson ventured into politics, must now prepare for a scenario where their starting quarterback is juggling touchdowns and town halls.

Let the countdown begin. With the presidential election in November and the start of the NFL season in September, the logistics of a dual career in politics and sports present somewhat of a challenge for Rodgers. His commitment to a presidential campaign could sideline him from crucial preseason activities, testing the Jets' adaptability and depth chart. As Kennedy and Rodgers work against deadlines to cement their political partnership, the Jets might be drafting contingency plans of their own.

The Jets have already taken precautions. The team has already bolstered their roster by signing veteran QB Tyrod Taylor to a two-year contract, preparing for the off-chance that Rodgers runs. Regardless of the outcome, the Jets don’t want to do anything too drastic. This could be about nothing in the end.

IN THE KNOW

Headline Hustle

📺️ Elon Musk cancels partnership deal with Don Lemon after their interview. Former CNN anchor Don Lemon revealed that Elon Musk has abruptly pulled the plug on a partnership deal, wherein Lemon was set to host a new show on X, Musk's social media platform. Lemon expressed disappointment, stating Musk's commitment to free speech apparently doesn't extend to questions about himself. Musk countered, alleging lack of authenticity in Lemon's interview, claiming it was essentially CNN's Jeff Zucker speaking through Lemon. Despite the setback, Lemon affirmed his show's continuation, vowing to air the Musk interview on various platforms. While Lemon expects compensation, X remains silent on contract details.

✅ EU approves landmark AI law regulating the new technology. European Union lawmakers have passed a groundbreaking law governing artificial intelligence, positioning the EU as a leader in AI regulation ahead of the United States. The law prohibits certain "unacceptable" uses of AI, including social scoring systems and biometric tools for determining personal characteristics like race or political affiliation. It also imposes strict guidelines for high-risk AI applications in areas such as education and government services. Set to take effect in two years, the legislation underscores the EU's proactive approach to AI regulation compared to the U.S., which lags behind in enacting federal AI laws despite recent efforts.

✈️ Boeing’s security camera footage on quality checks for Max 9 jets was overwritten. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy disclosed crucial security footage related to a Boeing Max 9 door plug incident has been overwritten, hampering the investigation. Boeing's inability to provide maintenance records or worker names adds to the scrutiny. Amid a DOJ criminal probe and a whistleblower's death, Boeing faces FAA audit findings and operational impacts on major carriers like Southwest Airlines.

AUTO

People are feeling squeezed by car insurance premiums lately

Just when you thought your wallet could take a breather, car insurance rates hit the gas, accelerating to speeds not seen in nearly half a century. This uptick in costs isn't just a speed bump on the road to financial freedom; it's shaping up to be a significant hurdle in the race against inflation.

Driving up the costs

In the last year alone, car insurance rates have increased by a staggering 21%, marking the steepest climb since 1976. This surge is throwing a wrench in the gears of household budgets and inflating the overall inflation rate by a notable half percentage point. There are two main reasons why:

• Firstly, fixing your ride has become pricier, with repair costs accelerating by 6.7% annually due to the rising cost of parts and a shortage of skilled mechanics demanding higher wages.

• Secondly, the roads are getting riskier; more severe and frequent accidents have led to a surge in insurance claims, thanks in part to a mix of speeding, distracted driving, and substance influence.

A patchwork of premiums. The rate at which your insurance premium might increase can feel like a lottery, largely dependent on where you park your car at night. Nevada drivers hit the jackpot with a whopping 38% increase, while North Carolinians saw a more modest hike of 5.5%, thanks to the state's unique regulatory framework that helps keep increases at bay.

Another major reason insurance has gone up? Car manufacturers are apparently sharing drivers’ data with insurance companies, without the driver’s knowledge, per the NYT. Companies like Honda, Kia and GM have been sharing everything from speeding, hard breaking and quick accelerations. Drivers have recently reported their insurance rates have nearly doubled as of late.

SNIPPETS

Pulse Points

• SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, is set to launch its third Starship test flight on Thursday morning, following approval from federal regulators.

• EV maker Fisker saw their stock plummet over 40% due to growing concerns about its viability, amid reports of potential bankruptcy preparations and a warning about its financial stability.

• A judge dismissed six counts in a Georgia election interference case against Donald Trump and five others, citing insufficient explanation in the indictment, while other charges remain.

• Family Dollar announced it will close nearly 1,000 stores, primarily serving low-income urban customers, due to struggles.

• Neil Young announced his music will return to Spotify, two years after withdrawing it due to issues with the platform's relationship with Joe Rogan.

• OpenAI's CTO Mira Murati announced that the much-anticipated text-to-video generator, Sora, will be available to the public within a few months this year.

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