Good morning. This is 1% Better. Unbiased news and practical life advice that makes you a little better every day.
Today we're covering a massive fireworks-related fire, Nvidia’s recent stock surge, and wine rules hidden in Season 4 of The Bear.
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Top Headlines
Nvidia China Sales
Nvidia announced it will "soon" restart sales of its H20 AI processor in China after receiving U.S. government approval. The chipmaker stated it is "filing applications to sell" and Washington "has assured that licenses will be granted." Semiconductor stocks surged on the news.
The move follows improved U.S.-China trade relations after CEO Jensen Huang met with officials from both sides (More). Washington previously imposed stricter licensing requirements earlier this year, effectively blocking Nvidia's H20 chip sales in China. Nvidia had forecast at least $5.5 billion in charges from the restrictions.
Regional chipmakers including ASML, Infineon, and STMicroelectronics rose in European trading. Morgan Stanley analysts noted the developments show "early signs" that trade relations are on the "right track," though uncertainty remains around the August 12th tariff truce expiration date. China’s economy after Trump, here.
Grand Canyon Fires
A wildfire destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and over 70 structures on the North Rim after being allowed to burn for days. The fire ignited from lightning on July 4 and was initially permitted to burn naturally before erupting over the weekend with no containment.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs called for a federal investigation into the National Park Service's response. The agency said July 8 the fire posed "no threats to infrastructure or public safety" and was benefiting the land. Three days later, officials issued immediate evacuation warnings as the fire grew eight times larger (More).
The blaze consumed a visitors center and several cabins along the canyon's isolated North Rim, where most tourists don't visit. No injuries were reported, but the fire continued burning quickly with zero containment as of Monday, fire officials said. See map rendering of the fire here.
Ice Cream Dyes
Ice cream manufacturers representing over 90 percent of U.S. sales pledged to eliminate artificial dyes by 2027, the International Dairy Foods Association announced Monday. The commitment targets seven certified artificial colors including Red 40, Blue 1, and Yellow 5 in retail dairy products made with real milk.
The voluntary move supports Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s campaign to remove artificial additives from food. Kennedy announced in April a voluntary "understanding" with the food industry to eliminate petroleum-based dyes by 2026, citing health concerns including obesity and heart disease. Everything RFK has done so far here.
Companies like Kraft Heinz and Nestlé have already committed to removing artificial dyes, with about 40 percent of the food industry participating in voluntary phaseouts, according to Health and Human Services. The FDA approved gardenia as a natural blue food coloring the same day. However, M&Ms may be RFK’s roadblock (NYT).
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5 Wine Rules from The Bear's Sommelier
Stop following rules. Start understanding wine's true language. After training thousands of servers and sommeliers, Master Sommelier Alpana Singh discovered most people's wine knowledge actively sabotages their dining experience.
Singh's Tannin Test: Low tannins create harmony, high tannins create conflict, regardless of color
The versatile hero: Pinot Noir becomes your "best friend" because it pairs with almost everything
The mushroom rule: "What grows together, goes together"—regional ingredients naturally complement each other
The fish revelation: Light reds with low tannins work beautifully with fish, breaking traditional boundaries (can you see through it? Good to go)
The time capsule concept: Wine captures a "liquid snapshot of time," reflecting the exact year's climate and conditions
Why conventional wisdom fails: People memorize outdated rules instead of understanding wine's fundamental chemistry. Singh's revelation: "Tannin levels matter more than color. A light red can be gentler on fish than a heavy white wine."
These lessons, and more, are in The Bear S04E02 (trailer).
3 Health Rules That Actually Matter
Stop overcomplicating it. Every diet, every study, every wellness guru is dancing around the same three fundamentals.
Calories determine your body weight. Eat more than you burn, you gain. Eat less, you lose. It's thermodynamics, not magic.
Macronutrients determine your body composition. Protein builds muscle. Carbs fuel workouts. Fats support hormones. Get the ratios right.
Micronutrients determine your performance. Vitamins and minerals are your metabolic spark plugs. Skimp here, and you'll drag despite doing everything else right.
Master these three dials, and you'll cut through the noise forever.
Market Pulse
> Starbucks orders remote workers to return to office four days weekly starting October or take buyout (More).
> Bitcoin briefly hits $123,000 record as House prepares three crypto bills during "Crypto Week" legislation push (More).
> Trump eliminated clean energy incentives but investors say market forces still favor renewables despite policy uncertainty (More).
> RFK Jr. denies Medicaid cuts despite Trump's law slashing $1 trillion through work requirements and funding reductions (More).
> Air India crash victims' families demand justice after investigation reveals fuel switches set to "cutoff" killing 260 (More).
Speed Read
MLB All-Star game tonight.
Are you likable? Take the test.
The most luxurious airport hotels.
Can your brain run out of memory?
Wimbledon winner’s favorite dish: pasta and strawberries.