
Good morning. This is 1% Better. Unbiased news and practical life advice that makes you a little better every day.
Today we're covering Gavin Newsom’s latest attempt to end Trump Presidency, the latest in the SpaceX fights, and one method to drastically improve your relationship.
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Top Headlines
California Redistricting Fight
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday the state will draw new congressional maps aimed at helping Democrats retake control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Newsom said the maps would "end the Trump presidency" in a social media post mimicking President Trump's writing style.
The move comes as retaliation against Texas Republicans' redistricting efforts that could gain the GOP three to five House seats. California lawmakers plan to cut five Republican-held seats through their redistricting process, with draft maps expected Friday (More).
The redistricting battle has national implications for control of Congress in next year's midterm elections. Newsom has suggested holding a special election in November to approve the new maps if needed. See redistricting explained, here.
Walmart Grocery Discount
Walmart announced Wednesday it will extend its 10% employee discount to nearly all grocery purchases, effective immediately (WSJ). The country's largest private employer previously limited the discount to fresh produce and general merchandise, excluding items like milk, pasta, and meat year-round.
The expanded benefit affects roughly 1.6 million U.S. workers who receive the discount after 90 days of employment. Store managers gave the announcement a standing ovation at a Houston gathering, with one manager citing how the change will help associates struggling with meal costs.
The move aligns Walmart with competitors like Target and Whole Foods, which offer similar grocery discounts. It represents Walmart's latest effort to recruit and retain workers amid persistent food inflation and competition for hourly employees.
See employee benefits here.
Musk Wins Deregulation
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday reducing regulations for the private space industry, including eliminating some environmental reviews. The order aims to "substantially" increase U.S. space launches by 2030, potentially benefiting companies like Elon Musk's SpaceX despite their recent public falling out.
SpaceX dominates the global launch market with over 130 launches last year using various rocket sizes. The company's massive Starship rocket, designed for Moon and Mars missions, has faced setbacks including a fiery explosion during testing in June.
Environmental groups criticized the order as "reckless," warning it could harm protected wildlife and communities near launch sites. The changes could accelerate SpaceX's "fail fast, learn fast" approach to rocket development and Mars colonization plans.
SpaceX catches rocket booster on launch pad, here.
Get 1% Better
Relationships Are Never 50/50
"Everyone says marriage should be 50/50. It's the biggest crock of bullsh*t I've ever heard," says Brené Brown, renowned vulnerability researcher and bestselling author.
Relationships are never truly equal, and that's okay. The key is quantifying where you are emotionally. Instead of assuming equal contribution, honestly assess your current capacity for energy, patience, and kindness on a scale of 1-100:
"I'm at 20% today" means you're running on empty
"I can cover you—I'll pull the 80%" means you have abundance to give
"I've got 10, what do you have?" opens honest dialogue
The 20% represents your depleted state—whether from work stress, illness, or life challenges. When your partner is at 20%, they need you to step up, and vice versa. When you're both low, create a plan of kindness to avoid hurting each other. True partnership works when you can carry each other's burdens without keeping score.
“There is No Tomorrow.”
Apollo Creed told us this decades ago, but few listened. "Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have," says Eckhart Tolle, spiritual teacher and author of The Power of Now. Yet we waste mental energy reliving the past or rehearsing the future. Your mind tricks you into believing thinking about problems equals solving them. Meanwhile, the only moment where actual change can happen—right now—gets completely ignored.
Market Pulse
> AI poll finds 45% of workers trust AI technology more than coworkers, CalypsoAI survey reveals (More).
> Schools brace for MAHA lunch changes as Trump administration targets ultraprocessed foods in cafeterias (More).
> Amazon launches same-day perishable food delivery to compete with Instacart and Walmart+ in grocery wars (More).
> Cowboys owner Jerry Jones battled stage 4 melanoma for 10 years, undergoing four surgeries (More).
> US national debt hits record $37 trillion, accelerating faster than pre-pandemic projections anticipated (More).
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