4.13.2023

Facts, without motives.
 

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Good morning. It's Thursday, April 13, and we're covering a slowdown in rising prices, a dangerous new street drug concoction, and much more. First time reading? Sign up here.

 

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Need To Know
 

Inflation Continues, Pace Slows

US inflation rose 5% year-over-year in March, the smallest 12-month increase in nearly two years (see chart), according to government data released yesterday. The figure is lower than the 6% rate in February and marks the ninth consecutive year-over-year decline in the consumer price index—a measure of inflation that tracks the change in prices of a basket of goods and services (see 101). 


Still, core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, rose 5.6% year-over-year, up from 5.5% in February and the first increase since September. Housing costs, which make up roughly one-third of the calculation, were the largest contributor to the annual inflation rate, rising 8.2% year-over-year. The costs of energy and used vehicles declined. See data here.

 

While inflation remains above the Federal Reserve's 2% target, analysts say the report shows continued signs of decelerating. The Fed has raised interest rates nine times since 2022 to slow down the economy and is due to consider what might be the last of its rate hikes in May. 

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Feds Target Xylazine

The US Office of National Drug Policy designated an animal tranquilizer when combined with fentanyl as an "emerging threat," initiating a 90-day timeline for the Biden administration to coordinate a national response to the drug. It is the first use of the category created in 2018 to alert the public to a dangerous new drug.

 

Xylazine, also known as "tranq," was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1972 for use as a sedative in animal care; it has never been approved for human use. It is often blended with illicit substances as a cheap means of extending their effects, though many users aren't aware of it. Human use of the drug is associated with severe skin ulcerations and tissue death, conditions which may require amputation. Since xylazine is not an opioid, opioid overdose-reversing medications, like naloxone, do not counter its sedative effects.

 

The Drug Enforcement Administration reported in March that xylazine had been detected in the drug supply in 48 US states, an exponential rise over the last five years. 

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Juul Settlement

Electronic cigarette maker Juul Labs Inc. has agreed to pay $462M to settle a number of multiyear lawsuits brought by New York, California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and the District of Columbia, alleging the company aggressively marketed its products to underage consumers. The move nearly brings an end to a long legal saga involving suits by 47 states and territories and thousands of individuals, which has cost the company a reported $3B in litigation and payouts. 

 

The company, launched in 2015, once controlled roughly 75% of the e-cigarette market but came under scrutiny for allegedly marketing directly targeting minors. Early practices reportedly included purchasing ad space on websites for outlets like Seventeen Magazine, Cartoon Network, Nick Jr., and elsewhere. 

 

The company is still awaiting a decision from US regulators on whether it can sell its products in the US market at all—an initial ban was put on hold while health officials re-reviewed the company's application. 

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In partnership with Monogram

A Surgical Robotic Company Eyeing Nasdaq

 

The problem: Knee replacements have remained relatively unchanged for ~40 years. Between one-size-fits-all implants, hand saws, and bone cement, up to 20% of all knee replacements can leave patients with chronic pain.

 

A solution: Monogram is hoping to redefine this $19.4B industry with first-of-its-kind robotic surgical assistants and personalized 3D implants. Current knee replacement surgeries can cause misalignment, but Monogram uses minimally-invasive, maximally customized solutions, which could lead to better patient outcomes.

 

It's not just patients—investors could potentially benefit as well. Estimates state that 50% of knee replacements will be robotically assisted by 2027 and Monogram hopes to capture some of this market. Invest in Monogram before their planned Nasdaq listing.

 

Disclosure: This is a paid advertisement for Monogram Orthopedics’ Regulation A+ offering. Learn more at invest.monogramorthopedics.com/disclaimers

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In The Know
 

Sports, Entertainment, & Culture

> Music by Madonna and Mariah Carey among 25 recordings added to the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry (More) | See complete Library of Congress registry list (More)

> Disneyland's iconic Splash Mountain ride to permanently close May 31, will be replaced with a "Princess and the Frog"-themed attraction (More)

> "Harry Potter" series based on each of the seven books confirmed at HBO (More) | "Game of Thrones" prequel series tapped for HBO (More)

 

Science & Technology

> Newsletter publisher Substack rolls new Notes feature out to all users; capability functions similar to Twitter, but leverages Substack's existing writers and audiences (More) | Twitter reportedly exploring a generative AI project, with specific applications unknown (More)

> Aging study comparing five different animal species finds similar breakdowns at the cellular level as organisms grow older, with the rate at which genetic information is copied becoming faster but more error-prone (More)

> New study details how octopuses are able to taste with their arms; receptors on the animals' suckers allow them to sense chemicals on surfaces they touch independently from sensing chemicals in the water (More)

 

Business & Markets

In partnership with The Ascent

> US stock markets close lower (S&P 500 -0.4%, Dow -0.1%, Nasdaq -0.9%) on recession concerns (More)

> NPR to stop posting content on Twitter, after Twitter designated media outlet as “state-affiliated media” (More)

> Luxury giant LVMH—whose brands include Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, and Moët & Chandon, among others—sees first quarter revenues up 17% over last year (More)

From our partners: A cash rewards dream. This card offers 2% cash rewards on purchases (no more tracking categories) and a generous welcome bonus. It's no wonder The Ascent's independent team of experts consider it one of the best all-around cards they’ve seen. Learn more.

 

Politics & World Affairs

> Federal appeals court suspends Texas court decision removing abortion pill mifepristone from the market while legal challenges are heard, declines to stay part of Texas decision banning its delivery via mail (More)

> Delaware judge sanctions Fox News for withholding evidence in Dominion Voting Systems' lawsuit (More) | Former President Donald Trump sues his former attorney Michael Cohen for alleged breaches of contract (More)

> Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) launches exploratory committee for 2024 presidential run, becoming latest Republican to consider entering the race (More) | See all 2024 presidential candidates so far (More) | State Rep. Justin Pearson (D) reinstated to Tennessee Legislature on an interim basis (More

 

In-Depth

> Adrift at Sea

AP | Renata Brito, Felipe Dana. An interactive story featuring photos and videos depicting the fatal journey of a group of West African migrants found adrift and deceased off the coast of Tobago without food or water, across the Atlantic Ocean. (Read)

 

> A Strange Alabama Kidnapping

Garden & Gun | Charles Gaines. An audacious pair of criminals and their kids kidnap a 75-year-old wealthy Birmingham businessman, taking him on a wild ride in an ultimately failed ransom attempt. (Read)

In partnership with Monogram

Coming To A Surgical Table Near You

 

As seen on Inc., Fast Company, and Newsweek, Monogram created a first-of-its-kind robotic surgeon that aims to replace antiquated knee replacement practices. While today’s surgeries involve hand saws and bone cement, Monogram has received FDA approval to make customized 3D implants, hoping to couple them with their robotic surgical assistants to create a complete personalized knee replacement system.

 

One hundred thousand knee replacement surgeries fail each year and Monogram is working to address that problem. Invest in Monogram before their planned Nasdaq listing.

 

Disclosure: This is a paid advertisement for Monogram Orthopedics’ Regulation A+ offering. Learn more at invest.monogramorthopedics.com/disclaimers

Please support our sponsors!

Etcetera
 

1440 Lists: Twelve of our favorite animal photo galleries.

 

Today marks the 150th anniversary of the Colfax massacre.

 

Michael Jordan's “Last Dance” sneakers sell for record $2.2M.

 

Maine museum offering $25K reward for meteorites.

 

You can soon play the world’s largest Donkey Kong arcade game.

 

The changing climate is helping baseball players hit more home runs.

 

A game of Monopoly ends in a sword fight.

 

New York City now has a “rat czar.”

 

Clickbait: The Terminator terminates potholes.

 

Historybook: President Thomas Jefferson born (1743); New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art founded (1870); Author Eudora Welty born (1909); Sidney Poitier becomes first Black male to win Best Actor at Oscars (1964).

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