An annual compensation of $139 million

Today’s topics

• Takeout has shifted from an occasional indulgence to a way of life — with 75% of restaurant orders now being to-go.

• Tesla’s CFO Scores a $139M Payday — More Than Most CEOs

• We're Still Living in a 90s Tech World

• FDA Approves First Blood Test for Early Alzheimer’s Detection

• Tom Cruise Vows to Keep Making Movies Well Into His 100s

  and more…

Takeout has shifted from an occasional indulgence to a way of life — with 75% of restaurant orders now being to-go.

Takeout used to be reserved for lazy days — now, it’s practically a personality trait. A new report reveals that 75% of restaurant orders are for takeout, with nearly everyone demanding it fast, hot, and hassle-free. Speed is king for 95% of consumers. For Gen Z and Millennials especially, value and convenience are the cornerstones of modern dining. In fact, half of all Americans say drive-thru and takeout meals are essential — right up there with air and Wi-Fi.

Tesla’s CFO Scores a $139M Payday — More Than Most CEOs

While typical CFOs are focused on balancing budgets and snack expenses, Tesla’s finance chief Vaibhav Taneja just landed a staggering $139 million compensation package — mostly in stock. That’s a bigger paycheck than many CEOs take home. Taneja has been rising through Tesla’s ranks since 2017 and officially stepped into the CFO role in 2023. As for Elon Musk? He’s sticking around as CEO “for the coming years,” in true Musk fashion.

The Gas-Only RAV4 Is Riding Into the Sunset

America’s best-selling SUV is ditching its gas-only roots. Starting in 2026, the Toyota RAV4 will be available exclusively as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid—no more pure combustion engines. Instead, expect a 2.5-liter four-cylinder teamed up with batteries (and maybe a touch of eco-conscious swagger). With EV sales slowing and full electrics still making drivers nervous, hybrids — the "diet soda" of clean tech — are stepping into the spotlight. Toyota, long the hybrid heavyweight since the Prius era, is seizing the moment while rivals struggle to get their EV act together.

Stay informed. And sane.

Instead of getting your news from increasingly partisan news sources or social media feeds built to inflame, try out Ground News.

Compare how sources from the left, right, and center report the same story, so you can see the full picture.

Proudly trusted by 1M+ readers across the political spectrum.

Start your free trial today

We're Still Living in a 90s Tech World

Old Tech, New Tricks: The World’s Still Running on Windows XP (and Worse)

Believe it or not, a surprising amount of modern life still runs on ancient software. Think elevators, trains, ATMs, art printers—even entire city systems—still quietly powered by Windows XP, MS-DOS, or even Windows 3.11. Some setups are so old they rely on floppy disks. Why? Because upgrades cost money, and if the old stuff still works, no one’s in a hurry to change it.From Germany’s railways to San Francisco’s metro, from hospital elevators to woodshops, outdated Windows systems are everywhere—like glitter or, less glamorously, mold. Microsoft pulled the plug on XP back in 2014, but the world didn’t get the memo. Just ask your ATM, or that one stubborn printer in San Diego still hooked up to a sofa-sized Windows 2000 server.Sure, today’s tech is flashy. But behind the scenes, the ghosts of Bill Gates’ golden era are still running the show.

Heading: Apple Finally Opens the AI Gates—Just a Little

Apple is (cautiously) joining the open AI party. According to Bloomberg, the tech giant is developing a software kit that will allow third-party developers to tap into its proprietary large language models—the same ones powering “Apple Intelligence.” In short, Apple’s finally doing what OpenAI, Google, and much of the tech world did years ago. But in classic Apple fashion, you'll probably love it anyway.

NASA Astronaut Captures Stunning Northern Lights from Space

NASA astronaut Nichole "Vapor" Ayers recently shared a breathtaking video of the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, as seen from the International Space Station. While filming Earth's weather systems, Ayers unexpectedly witnessed the vivid green and purple auroras over the United States and Canada. The phenomenon was caused by heightened geomagnetic activity, with the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center reporting a Kp index of 6—indicating a strong geomagnetic storm. This intensity made the aurora particularly visible not only from the ground across much of the Northern Hemisphere but also from space, creating a remarkable natural spectacle.

Read more

SpaceX Starship Set for Next Test Flight After Previous Explosions

SpaceX is preparing for the next test flight of its Starship megarocket, a key component of Elon Musk's Mars ambitions. The upcoming launch follows two previous test flights that ended in fiery explosions. Despite the setbacks, SpaceX remains committed to advancing the development of Starship, aiming to achieve successful launches that will pave the way for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Read more

FDA Approves First Blood Test for Early Alzheimer’s Detection

The FDA has given the green light to the first-ever blood test that can detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease—no more relying solely on brain scans or spinal taps. This test detects sticky brain plaques through a simple blood draw, allowing doctors to identify symptoms sooner and potentially slow the disease before it takes over. It’s designed for people aged 55 and older who are showing symptoms, and a doctor’s order is still required—no at-home testing just yet. While there’s still no cure, recent medications from 2023 and 2024 are proving more effective when started early, making this test a significant breakthrough.

Earth’s Hidden Hydrogen Could Power Us for 170,000 Years

Scientists have uncovered a massive natural reserve of hydrogen buried in the Earth’s crust—enough to fuel humanity for the next 170,000 years. While almost all hydrogen energy today comes from polluting fossil fuels, only 0.1% is truly “green.” But tapping into this clean, underground hydrogen—found in at least 30 U.S. states—could change the game for sustainable energy. This hidden treasure has been quietly bubbling beneath our feet for over a billion years, and somehow, we just noticed.

Connecticut Secures $209K for Beach Water Quality Monitoring

Connecticut has been awarded $209,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enhance water quality monitoring and public notification at its beaches. This grant is part of over $1.1 million allocated to New England states under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act. The funding aims to safeguard public health and support local economies that depend on beach tourism. The announcement coincides with the start of the summer beach season, highlighted by recent temporary closures in Norwalk due to high bacteria levels following heavy rainfall. 

Read more

Falcons' Offense Transformed: Penix Jr. & London Lead the Charge

The Atlanta Falcons are making waves this offseason with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and wide receiver Drake London at the helm of a revamped offensive strategy. Following a strong finish to the 2024 season, the duo has been working intensively to build chemistry, signaling a potential leap into one of the league's most formidable passing offenses. This transformation positions the Falcons as serious playoff contenders for the upcoming 2025 NFL season. Read more

Tom Cruise Vows to Keep Making Movies Well Into His 100s

Tom Cruise is hitting the press circuit, and he’s not just hyping Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning—he’s selling the idea that he’s basically immortal. At the New York premiere, he made it clear: he’s not stopping in his 80s. Nope, he’s aiming to keep making movies well past 100. “I will never stop,” he declared. The guy ages like a flawless CGI character and refuses to slow down. We get it, Tom—you love the spotlight, you hate sitting still, and you’ll probably be dodging explosions in orthopedic shoes forever.

Take a look at these fantastic newsletters we recommend!

✨🙌✨ We are here to serve you the best

We are glad you taking time to read this.

See you in the next one!

Kind regards,

Team Readiance

P.S. Enjoyed the newsletter? Feel free to pass it along to your friends, family, and colleagues here. Your thoughts and feedback matter a lot.