❌ Trial to ban TikTok begins

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TOP STORY
❌ Trial to ban TikTok begins

Earlier this week, TikTok began its historic court battle against the U.S. government, hoping to remain unbanned in the U.S.

Some background: A few months ago, the U.S. government raised concerns about TikTok’s ties to the Chinese government, warning that if the app didn’t find a non-Chinese buyer, it would be banned in the U.S.

This is a court case, of course, so let’s see what each side is arguing:

TikTok says:

• Banning the app violates the free speech rights of its 170 million U.S. users.

• The Department of Justice (DOJ) hasn’t shown enough proof to justify the ban.

• It’s being unfairly targeted compared to other foreign-owned companies.

• Their "Project Texas" plan should solve the DOJ’s security concerns.

Bottom line: TikTok argues that banning the app violates free speech rights. 

The DOJ says:

• TikTok’s Chinese ownership is a national security risk.

• TikTok could be used to spread pro-China content or misuse U.S. user data.

• China could access data from U.S. TikTok users and do bad things with it.

Bottom Line: The DOJ believes TikTok's Chinese ownership is a national security threat.

How much time do they have to resolve the issue?  

Technically, unless overturned, the law is set to take effect on Jan. 19.  

But as often happens in significant cases, it’ll probably be extended, and my guess is that TikTok isn’t going anywhere.

FOOD & BEVERAGE
🍕 MrBeast, Logan Paul launch ‘Lunchly’

School lunches just got a lot more interesting.

Earlier this week, Mr. Beast's Feastables brand announced that it’s teaming up with Logan Paul’s Prime Hydration to create "Lunchly," a competitor to the infamous Lunchables.

• So far, these " meals” have three variations: Nachos, Pizza, and Turkey "Stack 'Ems."

• Each meal also includes a mini-sized Feastables chocolate bar and a bottle of Prime Hydration.

Talk about a balanced diet!

Here’s a list of what comes in each Lunchly box:

• Fiesta Nachos: Strawberry Banana Prime Hydration and Milk Chocolate Feastables

• The Pizza: Cherry Freeze Prime Hydration and Milk Crunch Feastables

• Turkey Stack ‘Ems: Ice Pop Prime Hydration and Milk Chocolate Feastables

Man, I can only imagine how many lawsuits this tag team will see down the line.

For those still interested, there’s great news: Lunchly will be available in Kroger and Albertsons nationwide in the next few days for around $3.99.

RESTAURANTS
📈 Starbucks' new CEO outlines turnaround plans

Starbucks' new CEO is trying desperately to turn the company around.

About a month ago, Starbucks pulled off one of the greatest heists in restaurant history. 

The world’s largest coffee chain announced it had hired Brian Niccol, the now former CEO of Chipotle, as its new chief executive.

For some brief background, Niccol was the CEO of Chipotle from 2018 until last month and took the Mexican Grill straight to the moon.

• Before Niccol joined the company, Chipotle's annual revenue was about $4.5 billion in 2017; by 2023, it had more than doubled to $9.9 billion.

• Since Niccol took over, Chipotle's stock has surged by over 750%.

Great stuff, but Starbucks hasn’t been so lucky.

In Q2:

• U.S. same-store sales fell 3%, and customer traffic decreased by 7%.

• The highly coveted same-store sales in China fell by 11%.

• Mobile order abandonment during the morning rush was in the mid-teens due to long wait times.

Those bullets don’t sound like a good thing, but not exactly the sky falling.

How does Niccol intend to change this?

In a heartfelt letter this week, he outlined his 100-day plan for Starbucks and highlighted the company’s missteps before his arrival.

Here are some of the main points from the letter:

• Empowering baristas to serve customers better personally.

• Improving morning service to be "on time, every time."

• Elevating the in-store experience by enhancing the ambiance and differentiating between to-go and dine-in service.

• Telling Starbucks' story through marketing, emphasizing coffee expertise and community role.

N-I-C-C-O-L, he’ll guide the ship and steer it well!

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