Good morning. This is 1% Better. Unbiased news and practical life advice that makes you a little better every day.
Today we're covering Trump’s big tech health initiative, a sweet treat decades in the making, and how to be like “The Iceman” in just seven days.
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Top Headlines
Trump Health Data
President Trump announced Wednesday a new program allowing Americans to share personal health data across Big Tech apps and healthcare systems. Over 60 companies including Google, Amazon, Apple, UnitedHealth Group and CVS Health agreed to participate in the data-sharing initiative launching early next year.
The system will focus on diabetes management, weight loss, AI patient assistance and digital tools like QR codes for check-ins. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will maintain the platform, requiring patient opt-in for medical record sharing. Officials promise easier access to portable electronic health records (More).
Privacy advocates expressed concerns about data security and monetization of sensitive medical information. Georgetown law professor Lawrence Gostin warned patients should worry about potential misuse of their records. The initiative expands government access to personal health data beyond Medicare and Medicaid databases.
Texas Autonomous Trucking
Houston doormaker Steves & Sons announced Tuesday its partnership with autonomous truck startup Bot Auto, becoming the company's first official partner. The 159-year-old manufacturer has been piloting Bot Auto's retrofitted Freightliner tractors since June on routes between Houston and San Antonio (previously only in movies).
The partnership expands testing to include Dallas routes, focusing on streamlining plant-to-customer transfers and improving logistics planning. Bot Auto operates a Technology-as-a-Service model offering Level 4 autonomous vehicles that require minimal human interaction but allow manual override when needed.
Industry surveys show 42% of logistics professionals expect widespread autonomous trucking adoption within 15 years, officials said. The collaboration aims to address ongoing hiring challenges in the trucking sector. J.B. Hunt manages logistics for the partnership arrangement. Will this be a nightmare for Texas? (WSJ)
Reese's Oreo Collaboration
Reese's and Oreo announced a partnership launching two new treats next month, the companies said Tuesday. The Reese's Oreo Cup features peanut butter with Oreo cookie crumbs and white creme coating. Oreo Reese's Cookies contain peanut butter creme between chocolate wafers.
This marks the brands' first collaboration since 2014's limited-edition Peanut Cup Oreo. The new cup will be permanently added to Reese's lineup in King, Standard and Miniature sizes. The cookies will be available while supplies last, returning permanently in January (WSJ).
Presales begin August 18 through The Hershey's Store, with nationwide retail availability starting September. Oreo stated the partnership addresses fans' evolving snacking preferences. Early access signup opens July 30 on Oreo's website for interested consumers.
The 16 best brand collaborations of all time here.
Get 1% Better
Wim Hof's 7-Day Cold Shock Protocol
The "Iceman" stumbled onto something revolutionary during his wife's suicide crisis: controlled stress doesn't break you—it rebuilds your nervous system.
Day 1-2: Baby Steps
End your normal shower with 10 seconds of cold water
Focus only on steady breathing—in through nose, out through mouth
Don't fight the shock, just breathe through it
Day 3-4: Build the Foundation
Increase to 20 seconds of cold
Before stepping in: take 10 deep breaths (fill lungs completely, exhale fully)
Your body will scream "get out"—stay calm, keep breathing
Day 5-7: The Breakthrough
Work up to 30 seconds of pure cold
Take 30 deep breaths before exposure
Critical rule: Never time yourself or compete—surrender to the process
What happens: Your stress response flips from panic to power. Inflammation drops. Mental resilience skyrockets. The cold becomes your teacher. Fear becomes your fuel. One man's tragedy became humanity's upgrade.
Maria Popova's #1 Life Lesson
#1 of #18: Allow yourself the uncomfortable luxury of changing your mind. We live in a culture where not having an opinion is social disgrace, so we form superficial "opinions" based on borrowed ideas. We cling to these as anchors to reality. It's disorienting to say "I don't know," but infinitely more rewarding to understand than to be right. Don’t give into the bullsh*t.
Here’s 18 Lessons from 18 years of The Marginalian (formerly Brain Pickings).
Market Pulse
> Paramount's $8B Ellison takeover approved by Trump's FCC after CBS News settlement, canceling Colbert (More). | South Park continues to mock Trump (More).
> Meta shares jump 11% as AI-powered ad tools boost Q3 revenue forecast above estimates (More).
> iPhone maker Foxconn halts trading in Taiwan pending major announcement, sparking speculation about Apple partnership changes (More).
> Starbucks launches protein drinks next year as same-store sales fall 2% for sixth straight quarter (More).
> Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas charged with running illegal gambling ring from California mansion (More).
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