Walgreens’ downfall as a publicly traded company ends with $10B take-private deal: We think Walgreens’ retail pharmacy will eventually get back on track. The company's aggressive push into healthcare delivery was its undoing.

Most US adults don’t want cuts to Medicaid funding: Broad support for the program among Republicans and Democrats runs counter to Republican lawmakers' proposed steep budget cuts that experts say can’t avoid Medicaid.

Pfizer rolls out genAI search tool for patients’ common health questions: The drugmaker wants to be a trusted destination for consumers at all stages of their health journeys. We explore if Pfizer can pull it off.

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss why Netflix viewers are spending less time on the platform, how the free ad-supported streaming players are getting on, and how a less discussed social platform has fast become one of the places Americans spend most of their social media time. Tune in to the episode with Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Principal Forecasting Writer Ethan Cramer-Flood, Senior Forecasting Analyst Zach Goldner, and Senior Director of Forecasting, Oscar Orozco. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.

Twitch expands sponsorship opportunities: While the change might attract creators, whether brands will buy in is debatable.

As DOGE forces agencies like Accenture and Deloitte to justify their contracts, diversifying revenue streams could be their saving grace.

Senators urge DOJ probe into X’s advertising efforts: The group of five Democratic senators allege that Elon Musk leverages his political power to bully advertisers into returning.

Gap Inc expects its brands to be “the winners in any challenging market”: The retailer is confident its focus on product innovation, newness, and social buzz will insulate it from economic pressures.

This week, marketers look beyond Google Search to YouTube, ChatGPT, and Amazon, while dealing with an influx of consumer data. Meanwhile, women’s sports are on the rise as advertisers invest more in leagues, teams, and athletes.

Apple’s delay underscores how hard on-device AI is to get right. Meanwhile, Alexa+ and Gemini also stumble, proving voice assistants aren’t an easy win.

Half a decade out from the pandemic, retail has firmly established its “new normal,” one where consumers seek spaces they can relax, people return to the office, and wellness remains a focus. Here are four trends illustrating where consumers are spending their time and how those changes impact retail.

Apple's recent release of an event-planning app exposes an opportunity for brands and marketers to engage with social consumers.

Ultra-thin phones return—but will they last? MWC showcased a new wave of ultra-thin smartphones, but thinner designs may sacrifice battery life, storage, and cameras—key factors driving upgrades.

Homeownership literacy is lacking in the US, and banks can help fill the gap.

After its banking partner’s regulatory issues, fintech Dave aligned with Coastal Financial.

Publicis strengthens AI and first-party data strategy: The Lotame acquisition enhances its identity solutions, adding 4 billion customer profiles and expanding Epsilon’s AI-powered ad targeting.

Higher prices could impede volume growth and raise credit card issuers’ delinquencies

Trump’s tariff reprieve exacerbates uncertainty: The stop-and-start nature to the administration’s economic policy keeps retailers—and consumers—on edge.