International

Will the US-Iran Ceasefire Hold?

That’s the million-dollar question. After Israel’s fresh wave of attacks and Iran’s strikes on its Gulf neighbors, the world wants to know: What did Washington and Tehran agree to? Each side has a different story. 

What Iran wants: The country released details of its 10-point proposal yesterday. The fine print: Iran wants to keep full control of the Strait of Hormuz, a US troop withdrawal from the region, an end to sanctions, and to continue its nuclear enrichment program. 

What the US says: Many of Tehran’s terms conflict with the US’s own demands. Per Reuters, Trump wants Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium and ballistic missiles gone, the Strait reopened, and an end to its support of regional allies. There’s just one problem…

Which is?: Israel’s continued strikes in Lebanon. Tel Aviv launched a fresh round of attacks yesterday in Beirut that killed nearly 200 people and put the ceasefire at risk. Pakistani officials say the deal also pauses fighting in Lebanon, but Tel Aviv and the US disagree.

What’s next?: Vice President JD Vance will head the American delegation for peace talks scheduled to begin on Saturday. But The Wall Street Journal reports that Tehran is prepared to call off negotiations if Israel’s attacks continue. Meanwhile, Iran re-closed the Strait of Hormuz until Israel stops its strikes. At this point, the two sides seem incredibly far apart.

Related: Here’s When You Can Expect Gas Prices To Drop (Axios)

Chipping Away

F*ck Around With Our Snacks and Find Out

What’s going on: It’s a cautionary tale of humble carb lover vs. Big Snack. In just three years (between 2021 and 2024), PepsiCo nearly doubled the prices on our favorite salty snacks like Doritos and Cheetos. And by 2024, a family-sized bag (ahem) cost an average of nearly $6 — if not more (a betrayal worthy of its own Summer House plotline). Turns out that people’s loyalty to sour cream and onion has a limit. Sales and revenue faltered, but prices didn’t come down. Instead, PepsiCo tried a different approach. It appealed to health-conscious shoppers by switching to organic ingredients and even rolled out new products. It put fewer chips in bags, and fewer bags in bulk packs. (We’ve heard “shrinkflation” is great for brand loyalty.) Surprising absolutely no one, none of that worked, and PepsiCo finally lowered prices by up to 15% last month.

What it means: If you feel like your dollar doesn’t go as far anymore, you’re right. Higher insurance premiums for less coverage, customer service reps replaced by AI chatbots, candy with less cocoa (and more of something else) — the decrease in value feels unavoidable at this point. But the case of the $6+ Doritos shows that consumers still have leverage. PepsiCo isn’t the only company to learn this expensive lesson: Newell Brands (of Rubbermaid and Sharpie fame) lowered price tags after consumers said no to higher ones. And the tool makers Stanley Black & Decker may do the same. We’ll raise a bag of back-to-$4.99-thank-you-very-much Cool Ranch to that.

Related: Next, Shrinkflation Is Coming for Your Protein (Men’s Health)

Money

A Risky Bet 

What’s going on: It seems President Donald Trump may finally get his wish. Last week, the Labor Department proposed a rule that, if approved, would allow Americans to invest their 401(k)s into riskier alternative assets like private credit, private equity, real estate, and crypto. The move is a boon for Wall Street and allows firms to put their hands straight into Americans’ pockets (all $12 trillion worth). Advocates argue it could be a cash cow, but critics worry that risky investments could make 401(k) holders more vulnerable than ever. If you bet big and lose, your company may not be liable. One leader called it a “ticking time bomb” for tens of millions of accounts. That’s not exactly how we pictured our retirement. 

Check the fine print: Nothing will change overnight. The proposed rule enters a public comment period next (godspeed to whoever has to read them), so you still have plenty of time — and options. Start by checking your retirement account, if you have one. Ask questions — there’s no such thing as a bad one. Get familiar with your goals and your risk tolerance. If making money fast sounds good to you, find out if your company offers private equity assets. But if you’re more the set-it-and-forget-it type (hi), stick with traditional stock and hybrid funds — they’re popular for a reason. Above all, remember: You choose where your funds go, no matter how you invest. You’ll be O(401)K. 

Related: How Trump and His Family Have Cashed In on His Second Term — So Far (NPR)