Welcome back to irl Media NEWS. The only newsletter bringing you the business behind the news, with a healthy dose of sarcasm.

In today’s newsletter we discuss Ellie the Elephant stealing the cold hearts of New York fans, MrBeast launches moldy Lunchly snack-pack to compete against Lunchables, Nintendo releases quirky Alarmo sleep tracking alarm clock, Tom Holland launches non-alcoholic beer brand Bero, and Prince Harry & Meghan Markle buy a home in Portugal worthy of royalty.

• Mariah Carey’s Fight Against Fluorescent Lighting

• Episode 48

• MrBeast launches moldy Lunchly

• Nintendo releases Alarmo

• Tom Holland launches Bero

• Prince Harry & Meghan Markle buy home in Portugal

• New York fans LOVE Ellie the Elephant & the NY Liberty WNBA team

Scroll on!

FROM THE EDITOR

Last week was an amazing week!

I officially launched irl Media on LinkedIn, and presented in front of 250 techies at Startup Saratoga, which was put on by Startup Tech Vally (which I’m on the executive committee).

Now comes the hard work.

For me it’s “easy” to launch a new product/service or business, but it’s a whole other thing to grow it and monetize it.

As we celebrate our 1st year of irl Media NEWS, for Year 2 I’m focused on growing our brand awareness, expanding our subscriber base on all of our content mediums including this newsletter, YouTube channels, our podcast, and socials, and last but probably most importantly is reaching profitability by the end of 2025.

These are lofty goals, but with amazing subscribers like you anything is possible.

Let’s Go!

YOUTUBE

Mariah Carey’s Fight Against Fluorescent Lighting

PODCAST

BUSINESS

MrBeast Launches Moldy Lunchly Snack-Pack To Compete Against Lunchables

MrBeast’s latest food venture, Lunchly, debuted with a flurry of excitement, and a healthy dose of drama. Lunchly is also backed by a high-profile partnership with YouTube stars Logan Paul and KSI. Lunchly combines a classic snack-pack format with modern elements, such as the inclusion of Prime, an energy drink co-created by Logan Paul and KSI, that already has a cult-like following among younger audiences. Although the launch aimed to create a buzz in the snack world, it encountered a serious issue right out of the gate – reports of moldy food found in Lunchly kits. YouTube star and influencer Rosanna Pansino brought this issue to light, warning consumers and stirring widespread debate about food safety in the era of celebrity-endorsed products. The scandal may affect MrBeast’s push to disrupt the lunch-kit market and carve out a share from Lunchables, a giant that has long dominated the space. Read More

MrBeast’s Lunchables knockoff is already getting customer complaints of mold just one month after launch

TECH

Nintendo Releases Quirky Alarmo Sleep Tracking Alarm Clock

Nintendo’s latest gadget, Alarmo, has brought a fresh spin to the traditional alarm clock by merging it with smart, sleep-tracking features and Nintendo’s unique aesthetic. This $99.99 device, available for purchase exclusively through Nintendo’s online store for Switch Online members, has sparked curiosity and mixed reactions from fans who’ve been eagerly awaiting the next-generation Switch console. Read More

Meet Alarmo, Nintendo’s $100 sleep-tracking alarm clock

ENTERTAINMENT

Tom Holland Launches Non-Alcoholic Beer Brand Bero

Tom Holland has just launched Bero, his new non-alcoholic beer brand, marking a fresh venture for the beloved star best known for his role as Spider-Man. Tom Holland’s foray into the beverage industry is drawing significant attention due to his star power and the strategic timing behind the release. Bero enters a growing market where non-alcoholic beers have seen a surge in popularity, responding to a demand for healthier, lifestyle-oriented drink options. With the buzz around Bero, Tom Holland joins other celebrities embracing the beverage business, using his influence to bring more awareness to a booming market. Read More

Tom Holland's Bero taps into surging non-alcoholic beer market

REAL ESTATE

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Buy A Home in Portugal Worthy Of Royalty

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have expanded their real estate portfolio by purchasing a new home in Portugal, marking another chapter in their journey as high-profile expatriates. The couple plans to use this property as a base in Europe, while maintaining their $14.65 million Montecito, California mansion as their primary residence. The decision to invest in Portugal highlights the couple’s intent to maintain close ties to family, as well as an affinity for luxury properties in exclusive locations. Read More

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘Purchase House in Portugal’—but $14.65 Million Montecito Mansion Is Still Their Home Base

SPORTS

Ellie the Elephant Is Stealing The Cold Hearts Of New York Fans

Ellie the Elephant, the WNBA New York Liberty’s mascot, has captured hearts online and in the stands, adding an exciting layer to the team’s journey under co-owner Clara Wu Tsai. Since Ellie’s debut, her unique energy and dance moves have made her a sensation, with clips of her twerking, “death drops,” and fashion statements becoming viral hits. Her social media presence alone has garnered over 300,000 followers, making Ellie more than just a game-day mascot; she’s now a beloved figure among basketball fans and fashion-forward mascot enthusiasts alike. Read More

She’s a fashion icon and social media star. How a sports mascot took the internet by storm

PROMOTION

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

— Chris Thompson

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