Good morning. This is 1% Better. Unbiased news and practical life advice that makes you a little better every day.

Today we're covering Disney’s wrestling deal, advice from John Cena on living each day to the fullest, and the adult Happy Meal.

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Top Headlines

FBI Texas Redistricting

Sen. John Cornyn requested FBI assistance Tuesday to help apprehend Texas Democrats who fled the state to block new GOP-favored congressional maps. President Trump told reporters federal law enforcement "may have to" get involved.

Over 50 Democratic lawmakers scattered to blue states including Illinois and New York, preventing Republicans from passing redistricting plans during the special session. The proposed maps would give Republicans five additional House seats in midterm elections (More).

Gov. Greg Abbott ordered arrests Monday and sued to remove Democratic lawmakers from office. California and New York signal potential counter-redistricting efforts, while Rep. Kevin Kiley plans legislation blocking mid-decade map changes before 2030 census. FBI responds to request.

Disney Buys WWE

Disney's ESPN unit announced a $1.6 billion, five-year agreement with WWE for exclusive streaming rights to major events including WrestleMania and SummerSlam. The deal begins in 2026, with ESPN paying $325 million annually (WSJ).

The agreement represents a significant increase from WWE's current $900 million Peacock deal. Events will stream on ESPN's new service launching this fall at $29.99 monthly, with select coverage simulcast on cable channels.

ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro called the acquisition crucial for the company's streaming future. The deal follows WWE's $5 billion Netflix agreement for "Raw" and comes as ESPN prepares its direct-to-consumer launch with expanded sports content.

Why is wrestling so popular again? See clip.

McDonald's Nostalgic Return

McDonald's announced the return of its McDonaldland brand after a 20-year hiatus, launching the McDonaldland Meal starting August 12. The meal features collectible tins with postcards and stickers showcasing characters like Grimace and Birdie.

Each order includes a Quarter Pounder or 10-piece McNuggets, fries, and a mystery-flavored Mt. McDonaldland Shake inspired by the fictional universe's volcano. McDonald's partnered with Pacsun and Away for limited-edition merchandise including luggage tags and sweat sets. See the adult happy meal here.

The McDonaldland universe, created in 1971 and featuring Ronald McDonald, Hamburglar, and Mayor McCheese, entertained fans for decades before being phased out. The revival follows 2023's successful "Grimace Birthday Meal" which boosted customer traffic.

McDonald’s earnings climb after value meal return (More).

Get 1% Better

John Cena: “Earn Your Sunset”

THE DAILY QUESTION: "When the sun goes down I look at what I did for the day... did I earn the sunset?"

Pro wrestler and actor John Cena: "I have been given lottery tickets after lottery ticket after lottery ticket. I am lucky." Every breath, every opportunity, every chance to improve—that's your lottery ticket. Most people miss this. They think they're entitled to success instead of grateful for the chance to earn it.

"I try to live each day grateful for the luck," says John Cena, because recognizing your fortune, however small, changes how you show up.

YOUR 1% BETTER CHECKLIST:

  • Help someone - be useful to another human being

  • Learn something - expand beyond yesterday's limits

  • Push forward - even when relaxing, stay purposeful

THE HONEST TRUTH: "Some days I don't and I motivate myself to try to do it again, but most days I do." That's your sense of purpose. That's "what makes the ride super fun."

Stop chasing significance. Start earning sunsets. Watch this clip here.

Secret Service Spy Trick Revealed

Former Secret Service agent Evy Poumpouras reveals the ultimate persuasion technique: stop talking and start listening. "The biggest mistake people make is they talk a lot," she explains. By giving others space to speak, you discover their core motivators—money, status, relationships, safety. Understanding what drives someone lets you influence them naturally and ethically (More).

Market Pulse

> Howard Stern Show faces cancellation after nearly 20 years as $100M SiriusXM contract expires fall 2025 (More).

> Trump announces Apple's $100B investment pledge, boosting total US commitment to $600B over four years (More).

> Detroit automakers embrace gas guzzlers as Trump's EV rollback extends internal combustion engine lifespans indefinitely (WSJ).

> United Airlines resumes flights after technology glitch grounded operations at major hubs for several hours (More).

> Phoenix hits record-breaking 120°F as dangerous heat wave grips Arizona's largest city this week (More).

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