Hello, N2K’ers!

It’s time to vote for this week’s winner in Cheddar’s world-famous News Haiku™ competition, in the poll of the week 👇🏻

Now, let’s talk about the news you Need2Know?

—Matt Davis, Need2Know Chedditor

News You Need2Know

• Fed official won’t be ‘bullied’ into resigning

• McDonald's lowers prices after backlash

• Google reveals new Pixel 10 smartphones

• Microsoft will deliver AI stats for NFL game day

• Trump has made $100m in bond purchases

What’s the stock market up to, eh?

$SPX ( ▼ 0.4% ) $DJI ( ▼ 0.34% ) $NDX ( ▼ 0.34% )

Companies mentioned in today’s newsletter

$MCD ( ▲ 0.05% )  $GOOGL ( ▲ 0.22% )  $MSFT ( ▼ 0.13% )  $WFC ( ▼ 0.42% )  $META ( ▼ 1.15% )  $C ( ▼ 0.62% )  

Fed official won’t be ‘bullied’ into resigning

Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook took a firm stand after former President Donald Trump called for her resignation on social media. Trump’s claims were based on accusations of mortgage fraud raised by one of his appointees, Bill Pulte, who alleged that Cook violated mortgage rules by claiming two primary residences in 2021 to secure better loan terms.

Refusing to back down, Cook issued a defiant statement saying, “I have no intention of being bullied to step down from my position because of some questions raised in a tweet.” Cook, who was appointed by President Joe Biden and has a term lasting until (checks notes) 2038, assured the public that she would provide accurate information to address any legitimate concerns.

The accusations appear to be part of a broader strategy by Trump to increase his influence over the Federal Reserve. By replacing Cook with a loyalist, he could tip the balance of the Fed’s governing board more towards his favor.

Cook has received support from Senate Democrats like Chuck Schumer, who urged her to “stand tough” against Trump’s intimidation. Senator Elizabeth Warren also criticized Trump’s actions as a calculated attempt to undermine the Fed’s independence.

Song of the day: Cassandra Jenkins, ‘Only Relaxation’

"Only Relaxation" is an instrumental track by Cassandra Jenkins, featured on her new album “My Light, My Massage Parlor.” The song incorporates city sounds and a familiar guitar melody, serving as a calming piece from her otherwise chaotic album.

McDonald's lowers prices after backlash

As a young reporter, my favorite hangover meal was a sausage and egg McMuffin breakfast with hash browns. My second favorite thing about it was the affordable price.

So, it’s good news that McDonald’s $MCD ( ▲ 0.05% ) is slashing prices on its combo meals by 15% on the heels of CEO Chris Kempczinski’s acknowledgment that the menu had drifted into prohibitively expensive territory.

Kempczinski highlighted the importance of menu pricing during a recent earnings call, stating, “The single biggest driver of what shapes a consumer’s overall perception of McDonald’s value is the menu board.” He admitted that high combo meal prices, often exceeding $10, were driving negative perceptions, adding, “We’ve got to get that fixed.”

These pricing adjustments will be complemented by the revival of the “Extra Value Meals” branding, which includes a $5 breakfast deal and an $8 Big Mac and McNugget special.

Today on the ‘gram: Fast

Post of the day: Cracker Barrel is basic now

Quote of the Day

Google reveals new Pixel 10 smartphones

Google $GOOGL ( ▲ 0.22% ) has unveiled its latest Pixel 10 smartphones, taking AI to new heights. The devices are packed with features designed to make life easier, from smarter photo enhancements to on-the-spot translations in users’ voices.

One standout feature is the “Magic Cue,” a digital assistant that predicts and delivers useful information at just the right time. For instance, while calling an airline, Magic Cue can instantly display flight details stored in Gmail or Google Calendar. Additionally, the “Camera Coach” feature offers real-time guidance for framing and lighting, ensuring you capture the perfect shot.

The premium Pixel 10 Pro models come equipped with “Super Res” technology, allowing up to 100x zoom with AI-driven detail enhancement. Google executive Rick Osterloh described the Pixel 10 as “a game-changing phone with game-changing technology,” although evidently he didn’t use its AI capacities to come up with a second compound adjective to describe it.

Beyond photography, the Pixel 10 also includes instant multilingual translations during phone conversations.

Should you check your 401(k) today?

👎️ 

Nope.

Microsoft will deliver AI stats for NFL game day

Microsoft $MSFT ( ▼ 0.13% ) and the NFL are set to redefine the game day experience with a new multiyear stats partnership, aiming to streamline analysis and decision-making.

“Enhancing the league is a responsibility we take seriously, and Microsoft has been a trusted sideline technology partner for over a decade,” said NFL Chief Information Officer Gary Brantley. “With Microsoft’s AI technologies, including Copilot, we see tremendous opportunities to elevate the game day experience for our clubs and deliver an even more compelling product to our fans.”

Using AI during live games helps players and coaches process vast amounts of data faster. Microsoft Azure AI was used at the 2025 NFL Combine to evaluate prospective players. Azure AI will soon assist teams in player scouting, salary cap management, and even practice optimization using advanced video analysis tools.

Human coaches, of course, will still make all the difference, I’m sure.

Trump has made $100m in bond purchases

President Donald Trump has purchased over $100 million in corporate and municipal bonds since returning to the White House, disclosures show.

The purchases span high-profile issuers such as Wells Fargo $WFC ( ▼ 0.42% ) , Meta $META ( ▼ 1.15% ) , and Citigroup $C ( ▼ 0.62% ) . He also bought municipal bonds funding hospitals, schools, and infrastructure projects in states like Texas, Florida, and New York.

Government ethics experts are raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Richard Painter, who served as the chief White House ethics lawyer under President George W. Bush, highlighted how Trump’s decisions could align with his financial interests. “When interest rates go down, bond prices go up,” Painter told Al Jazeera, noting that Trump has repeatedly pressured the Federal Reserve to cut rates. “No wonder he’s leaning on the Fed for a rate cut!”

Unlike previous presidents, Trump has not set up a blind trust for his assets, opting instead to transfer his business operations to a family-run trust.

Poll of the Day: It’s haiku of the week time!

We asked you to write a haiku about the news that only 54% of American adults drink alcohol these days. Here are the top five for you to choose from. Who wins?

Poll of the Day: Home Depot price rises? Meh…

We asked: Are you worried about higher prices at Home Depot?

You answered:

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ No. I don't mind. It doesn't bother me. (42)

 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Are you kidding? Of course, it concerns me. But not, like, A LOT. (375)

 🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ It concerns me A LOT. (311)

728 Votes via @beehiiv polls