June 10, 2026

The Appetizer

“Six months ago, cybersecurity stocks were doomed because AI was going to protect every one of us, and we were all out of a job. Suddenly, we’re hiring more people. AI is not taking jobs away.”

• Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora in his closing remarks on the company’s most recent earnings call.

Now, on to the numbers. Drum roll, please …

• 80%: The chance of an El Niño weather pattern developing between June and August 2026.
• 93 places: The number of spots Polish qualifier and women’s singles finalist Maja Chwalińska surged in the rankings to reach World No. 21.
• 54%: The percentage of women who say they would be extremely or very likely to turn to their mother for emotional support, versus 42% of men.
• Nearly 70%: New York City’s population that was born after the Knicks’ last championship in May 1973.
• 10,500 miles: The distance three Argentina fans cycled over the past 10 months to reach Kansas City to watch Argentina play in the World Cup.

Dig In
Drug Discovery

Since the 1950s, the number of new drugs produced per dollar of R&D has steadily declined. Today, bringing a single drug to market can cost north of $2 billion – and most candidates never make it. Kind of like an expensive first date … only to get the “we’re better as friends” text after.

Enter artificial intelligence. Algorithms are now designing molecules at a pace that would’ve sounded like science fiction not long ago – and early results are encouraging. AI discovered molecules are clearing initial safety trials with reported success rates of limited studies at an estimated 80%-90%, versus a historical average of 40%-65%.

But here’s the catch. That advantage fades deeper into development. By Phase II, success rates fall back toward the industry norm – around 40%. In other words, AI is getting very good at chemistry, but biology – the hard part – is still catching up.

If you want a glimpse of what happens when the science does work, look at GLP-1s. The obesity drug market was about $15 billion in 2024, with industry forecasts pointing as high as $150 billion by 2035.

Bottom line: Real progress is here, but the hardest part is still ahead. AI may speed up discovery, but biology still gets the final vote.

Weekly Specials

Want to stay hip? Same. Here’s the newest thing on the TikTok block as reported by the New York Times: mogging. It’s Gen Alpha slang for completely outshining someone – whether it’s looks, talent, or just winning the group photo. If you got “mogged,” someone clearly stole the spotlight. Harsh? Maybe. Funny? Unfortunately, yes.

Golf’s glow-up isn’t just vibes – it’s numbers. Junior play increased by 58% in 2025 since 2019, and Gen Z is spending more on golf than any other generation. Topgolf, simulators, and TikTok have made the sport way less country club-y and way more social. Swings, memes, and surprisingly strong long-term momentum.

The Queen of the Court is back! After nearly four years away, Serena Williams is returning to professional tennis at age 44. With 23 Grand Slam titles, four Olympic gold medals, and a legacy that changed the sport forever, this comeback feels iconic. Mama, smash, do your thing.

Protein is having a moment – but supply might not keep up. Whey protein prices are climbing as demand keeps growing, and brands are feeling the squeeze. The funny part? Most Americans already get enough protein. Before spending big on powders, remember that eggs, meat, dairy, tofu, and other everyday foods can do the job just fine.

Corporate Lunch

Dell’s AI server revenue jumped 757% this quarter versus last year. A few years ago, that kind of growth would have broken the internet, but nowadays, it is just another company riding on the AI wave.

1-800-Flowers is shifting its marketing strategy from buying clicks to focusing on strengthening its brand. So, expect to see flower “ads” in your social media feed. Consider this your reminder to buy flowers before the algorithm has to parent you.

NBA star Stephen Curry is partnering with Chinese sportswear giant Li-Ning for sports gear and the launch of Curry Brand stores in China and the U.S. Expect stylish kicks, but no improvement in your shooting form.

Reports from Microsoft are exposing AI’s potential cost problem. Good news: The robots can do the work. Bad news: It might be cheaper to hire a human instead.

McDonald’s unveiled a new global development plan that includes improving its McCrispy chicken lineup after years of losing customers to Chick-fil-A. That’s what we call productive competition.

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