BUSINESS

CryptoQuant says the cash cushion behind Strategy’s STRC has thinned from seven years of coverage to 14 months, and buying BTC at cycle tops has left the company with a $10.6 billion paper loss.

Chip makers Samsung and SK Hynix recover some ground after bout of profit taking

The FAA awarded Air Space Intelligence an $875 million, 12-year contract to modernize America’s air traffic system with artificial intelligence and predictive analytics.

For decades, your favorite sitcoms and soap operas have had hidden sponsors.In fact, the arrangement has been so pervasive that soap operas literally earned their nickname due to the sheer number of Procter & Gamble advertisements that ran between scenes. Now, nearly a century after Procter & Gamble’s first sponsored soap opera, “Ma Perkins,” hit the airwaves, the company is once again trying its hand at using new forms of media to sell its products.But this time the company is teaming up with a surprising partner — Albertsons. Albertson’s and P&G are bringing back the soap operaIn June, Albertsons announced it would be launching a number of scripted microdramas through its Media Collective arm.The project represents “a new lane for brands inside its retail media network” and is pioneering a new category for the industry, “episodic, scripted branded entertainment, co-created with retailer shopper intelligence and distributed across the Albertsons Media Collective platform,” the grocery chain says.Ever at the forefront at the intersection of retail and media, Procter & Gamble will be Alberton’s first partner in the venture. “The brands that will win are the ones that connect with shoppers in relevant, everyday moments,” Lela Coffey, vice president of user growth acceleration at P&G, said in a statement. “What makes this collaboration notable is that the creative was developed with Albertsons Cos. using shopper insights at the outset, rather than applying data only after the work is made. That creates a closer link between the story, the audience, and the commercial outcome.”The companies’ inaugural production, “Rico’s Tacos,” will launch on June 23, on Albertson’s YouTube channel. Each 1-2 minute episode will follow the story of a newly-widowed father, his teenage daughter, and their extended family members as they work to build a taco business and navigate topics like identity and resilience.

Albertsons has teamed up with Procter & Gamble to create a new microdrama, “Rico’s Tacos.”Albertsons Companies

Why microdramas are an advertising forceMicrodramas are a strong bet for organic marketing.In 2026, the miniseries are expected to generate $11 billion in global revenues, according to Digiday. While much of that is coming from China, the over-the-top programs are gaining traction in America, especially on platforms like TikTok.“Micro dramas are catching on in the U.S. because their stories’ outsized emotions, sharp plot twists and short run times are structurally optimized for sharing on social networks,” Max Willens, principal analyst at eMarketer, told Digiday. More grocery news:Kroger’s new CEO reveals the chain’s biggest problemsKroger stock slide reveals bigger grocery problemKroger CEO spots troubling new grocery trend“Scripted content already constitutes a substantial share of time spent on some of these platforms — film and TV clips are the fourth most viewed type of content on TikTok, for example — and so it’s not surprising that micro dramas travel well on them, both organically and inorganically,” he continued.By integrating products directly into these short-form series, P&G may be able to reach consumers at a moment when they are actively choosing to engage. This could give them far more reach than traditional advertisements, which are often barely tolerated or completely skipped.Brands are searching for new ways to advertiseThe strategy arrives as companies search for alternatives to traditional advertising, which consumers increasingly skip, block, or ignore.Nielsen research has found that brand recall is one of the strongest drivers of brand lift, influencing metrics such as awareness and purchase intent.“Nielsen’s experience base shows that on average, a 1-point gain in brand metrics such as awareness and consideration drives a 1% increase in sales,” one 2021 study found. “While it might be easy to dismiss a single percent as immaterial, a 1% return on sales of $1 billion equates to $10 million, which is far from immaterial.”The company has also found that brand recall is the largest driver of brand lift in emerging media, like microdramas, influencing metrics such as awareness and purchase intent.By embedding products inside entertaining and engaging content, brands like P&G and retailers like Albertson’s may be able to create repeated exposure that conventional commercials struggle to achieve in today’s digital age.As retailers increasingly seek to influence purchasing decisions long before shoppers set foot in their aisles, media like “Rico’s Tacos” could become an important new tool for driving awareness, consideration, and ultimately sales.It’s the soap opera effect all over again, reimagined for the TikTok era. Related: 102-year-old supermarket chain quietly shut down

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Why we love this dealAs the winter clouds begin to clear and the spring flowers bloom, there’s no better way to take in the change of season than by relaxing on comfortable patio furniture. Luckily, Target has one of the best selections of patio sets on the internet, and one of them is currently on sale for an incredible price. We’re sure you’ll snap this one up as soon as you see how versatile it is. We’re thinking about doing so ourselves.The Costway Patio Loveseat with Built-In Table is on sale for only $106. That’s a discount of 50% off the regular price of $210. If you want a seat at the table, though, you’ll need to put one in your cart now rather than waiting until later. Deals this good usually fly off the shelves faster than you can say “low stock”.Costway Patio Loveseat with Built-In Table, $106 (was $210) at Target

Courtesy of Target

Shop at TargetWhy do shoppers love it?Most patio sets look pretty similar. Two chairs and a small table seems to be the norm, which can lead to a bit of a dull result. After all, when I go to a friend’s barbecue, I’d rather not sit on the exact same set I have at home. As the saying goes, variety is the spice of life. Fortunately, this set is one of the spiciest we’ve seen in a while. It’s designed as a loveseat with a built-in cocktail table in the center. That makes it perfect for drinks, snacks, or even your current book club obsession. It’s the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon with a friend or loved one without following the same tired script as everyone else.The loveseat is made of powder-coated stainless steel. It’s weatherproof, rust- and corrosion- resistant, and lightweight enough to move wherever you see fit in an instant. The center table has a shatter-resistant tempered glass top that’s attractive and easy to clean with simple soap and water. The woven mesh seatback and cushion have just enough give to be comfortable, while still offering the support needed for those who may have lower back issues. While those who prefer softer seating may prefer cushioned chairs, the quick-drying woven fabric is far more practical for outdoor exposure. One major benefit of this set is that, despite the conjoined nature of the chairs, the overall footprint of the loveseat remains relatively small. The overall dimensions are 54 inches long by 26 inches wide by 34 inches high. This means that the loveseat can function as a foundational piece on a small balcony or patio, or it can be a nice accent piece to a larger set in open space. It’s a bit of a chameleon, which is exactly what you want in your outdoor furniture. Related: Walmart is selling a 3-piece patio set for $70 just in time for summerPros and cons of the Costway Patio Loveseat with Built-In TableProsConstruction: The powder-coated stainless steel frame is lightweight and weather-resistant.Tabletop: The tempered glass that covers the small central table is shatter-resistant and easy to keep clean.Fabric: The tightly-woven fabric that covers the seats and seatbacks dries quickly in the sun. ConsCushions: Some users may prefer to have thick cushions on the seats and backs rather than woven fabric.Instructions: One reviewer suggested that the assembly instructions should be more clear.Target shoppers were very pleased with this set. One called it a “great outdoor loveseat.” The only criticism offered was that the instructions could be slightly more detailed in order to ensure the quickest possible assembly. Shop more deals Costway 4-Piece Patio Furniture Set, $150 (was $410) at TargetCostway 3-Piece Rattan Patio Set with Cushions, $150 (was $390) at TargetCostway 3-Piece Cushioned Rattan Set, $135 (was $400) at TargetThe Costway Patio Loveseat with Built-In Table could be the best patio furniture deal you see all year. It’ll only cost you $106 at the moment to give you that blissful oasis feel all year long. 

Dustin Poirier broke his silence after his viral airport arrest video, saying he is at the point where he needs help with alcohol and life after fighting.

Senate Democrats call for hearings into whether a $500 million investment by UAE officials in World Liberty Financial influenced Trump’s policy decisions.

The results are a big boost to the progressive wing of the party as the Mamdani-backed challengers successfully ousted two incumbent lawmakers.

Bitcoin “OGs” have slashed their selling activity to the lowest levels in nearly two years.

KCON LA 2026 announced exclusive special stages featuring NCT’s Taeyong collaboration with Anderson .Paak, TREASURE unit HYUNHAYO, and world-renowned beatboxer, WING.