In today’s newsletter we discuss my favorite Hostess Twinkies finding a new home, Apple plugs into USB-C, dreaming of a self sustainable ecosystem on Mars, Beastie Boys Square in NYC, and Gen Z and Millennials can’t catch a break.

Business

Why is it my favorite business stories always include food? Well today's especially sweet (pun intended). Smuckers is buying Hostess, home to my favorite Twinkies. It's been about 11 years since since one of the darkest times in our country's history - when Hostess declared bankruptcy and ceased production of Twinkies. Since emerging from bankruptcy the brand was acquired by Apollo Global Management in 2013. And now with the acquisition of Hostess this story has a sweet ending (I couldn't resist).

Smuckers Buying Hostess Brands In $5.6 Billion Snack Food Deal

Tech

Once a tech renegade, Apple is quietly switching the remainder of their products to USB-C cables. It was really only a matter of time after the EU ruling that effective in 2024 all smartphones and other electronic devices will be required to have a USB-C port by the end of. I'm calling this a clear win for consumers, and for Apple they're able to appease the EU while giving what their consumers have been asking for. So win-win? Somehow I doubt that's how they view this in Cupertino.

iPhone 15 and USB-C: Expect a Cable Mess, but It Might Not Bug You

Space

Ever find yourself wondering what it would take to build a self sustainable ecosystem on Mars? (I can't be the only one). It turns out Elon Musk's not the only one thinking about this either. Both NASA and the European Space Agency have been working on various projects for decades, but sounds like they're getting a lot closer. Sounds good to me, as long as I don't have to eat Soylent Green when I get to Mars.

What would it take to build a self-sustaining astronaut ecosystem on Mars?

Entertainment

Can I just be one of the first to say it's about time! On Saturday, September 9, the corner of Ludlow and Rivington Streets in New York were renamed “Beastie Boys Square” to honor the location of the Paul’s Boutique album cover. In physical attendance we're Michael “Mike D” Diamond and Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz, with Adam “MCA” Yauch there in spirit.

Mike D and Ad-Rock Unveiling “Beastie Boys Square” in New York on Saturday

Real Estate

Gen Z and millennials just can't seem to catch a break in this economy, and there's a new story out about their struggles in the housing market. With student loan repayment resuming in October it's getting even more difficult for them to afford to buy a house. Add into the equation generationally high mortgage rates, and it looks like we can't blame millennials for still living with their parents anymore.

The housing market is about to get a lot more expensive for millennials and Gen Z

So much news, so little time. Until tomorrow we’re signing out.

— Chris