Good Morning! 🌞 

2022 saw the lowest level of child mortality ever recorded, thanks to advancements in healthcare and increased access to medical resources in developing countries. This achievement is a testament to the progress we've made in improving the lives of children around the world.

Here’s to hoping this trend continues!

Economy

The New McDonald’s?!

McDonald’s is set to unveil the first location of its new brand extension, CosMc’s, in Bolingbrook, Illinois, this week. The fast-food powerhouse plans to initiate a testing phase by opening 10 CosMc’s outlets, including nine in Texas, by the end of 2024. Post this test phase, McDonald’s will spend a year reviewing data to determine the future expansion of this small-format chain.

CosMc’s menu will feature McDonald’s classics like Egg McMuffins and M&M McFlurries, along with new offerings such as Churro Frappes and pretzel bites. The brand is positioned as a quick and convenient option for snacks and coffee. With an emphases on customizable drinks and coffee which will feature add-ons like popping boba, flavor syrups, as well as energy and vitamin C shots. 

“This is a $100 billion category growing faster than the rest of the [informal eating-out segment] and with superior margins,” said McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski.

The name 'CosMc’s' is inspired by CosMc, a character from McDonaldland who featured in McDonald’s commercials during the late 1980s and early 1990s. CosMc was an alien with a penchant for McDonald’s food.

McDonald’s announced the creation of the CosMc’s spinoff in July, keeping specific details under wraps until recently. The first images of the Bolingbrook location appeared on X (Twitter) earlier in the week.

The CosMc’s outlets will be smaller in size compared to traditional McDonald’s restaurants. They are experimenting with different layouts, including multi-lane drive-thrus, and will offer credit card payment options at drive-thru speakers to expedite service.

Entertainment

The Best Adventures are Narrated

This is definitely one of the most entertaining and enjoyable things I have seen this week.

This great father mic’d up his adorable 4 year old daughter while snowboarding as a family. The self commentary superb! Definitely check it out.

World News

Scientists Shed Light on Ancient Egyptian Baboon Mummies

Millions of animal mummies have been discovered in Egypt including rare primate mummies. Studies done shed light on their significance in ancient rituals. Scientists have been analyzing baboon bones from the Valley of the Monkeys and found these non-native baboon species were imported and likely played a big role in Egyptian ceremonies.

The study also revealed the mummies dated back to 803-520 BC, older than previously thought.

Sports

Lakers Face Pacers on Saturday’s Inaugural NBA Cup

LeBron James scored 30 points in under three quarters, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a dominating 133-89 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, securing their spot in the NBA In-Season Tournament championship game against the surprising Indiana Pacers. The Pacers secured their place in the final with a 128-119 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Notably, this final won't affect regular-season standings.

Mind Stretchers

Poor people have it. Rich people need it. If you eat it you die. What is it?

Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
The letter “R”

Be the first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to [email protected]

If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured.