Good morning readers. In a world obsessed with economic markers, Vox throws a curveball: What if we chased happiness instead of dollars? It's a bold pitch, spotlighting the unsung heroes of well-being over wealth. Imagine choosing therapy over a cash windfall, a concept gaining traction from Africa to the UN. The catch? Happiness is messier to measure than bank accounts. But as global players start to keep score with smiles, it begs the question: Could joy be the new gold standard? Buckle up dear readers, we're on the brink of redefining what "rich" really means.

Let’s jump into today’s storylines.

In today’s digest:

• Walmart revamps retail

• Headline Hustle: Jim Jordan falls short again in speaker vote, Pfizer sets price for Covid-19 vaccine at $1,390, Household net worth surged post pandemic

• NBA’s digital fastbreak

• Pulse Points: What’s Trending

RETAIL

Retail giant Walmart takes a digital turn

Walmart's latest chess move in the e-commerce game is like inviting the whole neighborhood to a backyard barbecue. They're rolling out the red carpet for third-party sellers with perks like zero storage fees and VIP support, diversifying their online shelves way beyond what you'd find wandering their store aisles. CEO Doug McMillon isn't just overseeing this from his corner office; he's in the trenches, reminding small businesses that Walmart itself started as a single discount store in Rogers, Arkansas. And with inflation turning even the fanciest shoppers into bargain hunters, Walmart's digital aisles could become the new hotspot.

Redefining retail therapy

But it's not just about adding a splash of luxury to their catalog. Walmart's online sales are staying buoyant, especially in those "want, not need" categories, while other retail giants are watching their digital carts gather dust. Behind the scenes, they're turbocharging this e-commerce sprint with tech upgrades, slick app interfaces, and turning their stores into express shipping hubs. Sure, they're not the first name you think of for online shopping, but with Amazon sellers feeling the heat from legal battles, Walmart's throwing open its doors as the next best hangout spot.

Walmart's not playing it safe, either. They're swapping their old playbook of brand acquisitions for a nimbler game, partnering up without the messy commitment of ownership. It's like speed dating with brands, and it's already turning heads. This isn't just a facelift for Walmart's image; it's a shake-up waiting to happen in the e-commerce club. If they pull it off, we might just see the retail underdog become the belle of the online ball.

Headline Hustle

🇺🇸 Jim Jordan falls short again in speaker vote. In the latest episode of "House of Cards: GOP Edition," Jim Jordan's quest for the Speaker's gavel hit another snag, leaving the House in what can only be described as political limbo. Amidst a backdrop of internal squabbles and a Congress more jammed than the LA freeway, Jordan, known for his hardline stance and a penchant for obstruction, couldn't muster the votes. The plot thickens with whispers of empowering Patrick McHenry as a congressional pinch-hitter, while centrists are practically begging for some semblance of normalcy. As the GOP telenovela unfolds, stay tuned to see if Jordan can rally the troops or if fresh faces enter the fray.

💉 Pfizer sets price for Covid-19 vaccine at $1,390. Pfizer has set the commercial price for its antiviral COVID-19 treatment, Paxlovid, at $1,390 per course, significantly above the $529 paid by the U.S. government. This decision has sparked concern among healthcare professionals and patient advocates, who caution that the elevated price may impede patient access. Pfizer defends its pricing strategy by highlighting the drug's value in reducing hospitalizations and fatalities, asserting that negotiations with pharmacy-benefit managers will ensure broad accessibility through substantial discounts.

💰 Household net worth surged post pandemic. In the economic aftermath of Covid-19, households are bathing in wealth like never before, with a 37% surge in median net worth from 2019 to 2022 - the most significant prosperity uptick since 1989. Even the Fed's interest rate hike hasn't dampened the consumer spending spree, keeping recession worries at bay. Particularly, our seniors are enjoying a financial renaissance, less worried about penny-pinching for the future. Notably, Black families are leading the wealth ascent, marking a 60% rise, although racial wealth gaps are stubbornly persistent. Amidst modest income growth, top earners are, unsurprisingly, the big winners. So, what's the secret sauce? A mix of market booms, government stimuli, and perhaps, a renewed zest for life post-pandemic.

SPORTS

Beyond the hardwood: the NBA's strategy in the streaming showdown

The NBA, known for its slam dunks and buzzer-beaters, is about to make some game-changing plays off the court. As the league dribbles into its first media negotiations in a decade, ESPN and TNT are playing defense, hesitant to up their annual $2.6 billion ante. Why? Blame it on the financial full-court press they're facing. But the NBA has an ace up its sleeve: it's eyeing tech giants like Amazon and Apple, hinting that future games could be just a click away on our favorite streaming services.

Switching up the game plan

But this isn't just about who airs LeBron's next triple-double. The league is shaking up the playbook, considering bundling national TV rights with local-market rights. And with Diamond Sports stumbling into bankruptcy, the NBA sees a fast break opportunity. They're not just playing for higher bids; they're strategizing for a digital future where they control the ball. And with whispers of the league demanding a tripling of fees, citing its slam dunk status in pop culture, this negotiation is more heated than a finals game 7.

Looking ahead…jersey-wearing, popcorn-munching fans, brace for a shift. We might be cheering from different platforms soon, potentially juggling subscriptions like they're basketballs. And if the NBA nets those high fees, it could redefine the game for sports leagues everywhere, possibly hiking up our costs to tune in. Amidst all this, the NBA's moves are a clear signal: in today's rapidly changing media game, adaptability isn't just the name of the game; it's how you win championships.

SNIPPETS

Pulse Points

Peter Easton, the accounting expert known for assisting in the Enron case, testified that FTX misappropriated customer deposits for investments, real estate, political activities, and charitable donations.

The hacker responsible for the recent 23andMe data breach has disclosed millions more user records.

Amazon's Prime Air drone service is now launching drone deliveries for medications bought through Amazon Pharmacy, the company's online prescription drug store.

Microsoft's upcoming Windows 11 update will enable certain users with hearing aids to make calls, enjoy music, and stream audio directly from their PCs.

Netflix intends to raise the price of its basic plan, no longer available to new customers, from $9.99 to $11.99 in the U.S. and increase the cost of its premium plan from $19.99 to $22.99.

Elon Musk is considering removing the X platform from Europe due to new regulations in the region.

Was this email forwarded to you? Feel free to sign up using the following link: https://www.pulseofprogress.info/