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Happy Friday, Future Party. If you’re feeling charitable, have you considered giving the federal government a little cash to help pay down its debt? Probably not — but since 1996, the Treasury Department has offered a program called “Gifts to Reduce the Public Debt.” Amazingly, Americans have donated $67.3 million over the past 30 years… which barely makes a dent in the $36.7 trillion the US owes. But hey, good news: the department now accepts Venmo.

The tech industry is starting to embrace a work schedule called “996” — 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week.

Why It Clocks: The 72-hour workweek has long been a controversial staple of China (although activists are trying to change that), and it seems the American tech industry views that intense work culture as a key reason behind the country’s massive gains, especially in AI. Now, Silicon Valley is looking to compete on that front, too.

Behind the Schedule: Some startups are throwing out any notion of work-life balance.

The Future: The last couple of years have been rough on workers, as a contracting economy, mass layoffs, and expectations of an “extremely hardcore” work culture take hold in tech, finance, and many other competitive industries. As the post-COVID push against burnout fades and workplace pressures ramp back up, the standard 40-hour workweek may soon be considered a perk at some companies.

Prediction: To really stay ahead, it’s possible that some companies will just adopt a rotating shift of employees, allowing them to operate 24/7.

Before touchdown dances and million-dollar deals, football was about heart, grit, and hometown dreams.

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Inspired by 1940s practice gear, this no-fluff, all-guts lineup lets you wear what your gridiron heroes wore (minus the sweat stains, obvi).

These threads are for diehards who know football isn’t a “vibe” — it’s a friggin’ lifestyle, Doug. So, skip the flashy jersey on Sunday and reach for something historic.

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An app called Neon Coat has become a key platform for models, influencers, and content creators to get free food, services, and experiences in exchange for sharing a pic or video with their followers.

The Big Picture: Brands are always looking for ways to break through the noise — so by introducing a bartering system with the people who wield influence, they may be hoping that not-so-organic virality can recoup the cost of giving away their products or services for free.

Behind The App: Every brand has an influencer budget these days, so Neon Coat is seemingly just eliminating the middleman.

Final Reservation: According to The WSJ, former model Larissa Drekonja came up with the idea for Neon Coat after moving to NYC from Slovenia to sign with a modeling agency and realizing she really couldn’t afford to be there. The agency gave her a $300 weekly stipend, and she had to constantly rely on her agents and promoters to get free stuff. She figured she could be more entrepreneurial about getting that free stuff and help other young, struggling models do the same.

So, in 2017, Drekonja and co-founders Dan Berger and Noah Siegel launched the platform.

Picture This: As Neon Coat reintroduces a bartering economy in the US, some companies could decide to offer similar perks to marketers, videographers, and even construction workers in exchange for their services.

Surprise vet bills can certainly bite.

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88.4% of you voted Yes in yesterday’s poll: Do you listen to rock music?

“All the time. Classic rock never gets old.”

“I wish 90s alternative music would make a comeback, also.”

“Nothing better than a guitar riff or drum solo! 🎶🎵”

“The first record I purchased was Toys in the Attic at a Korvette’s after seeing a band at a campground in VA play a cover of ‘Walk this Way.’ I also saw Ozzy on his first solo tour in August of ‘81. First show I saw was Blue Oyster Cult, the year before they had The Jam (!) warming up for them.”

“Just saw Creed (awesome live), Daughtry (eh), and Mammoth (eh) in concert.”

Let’s keep the conversation going. Join our Poll Of The Day newsletter, so your opinions can shine. Discover how your views line up with your peers’, check out cool insights, and have some fun. It’s data with personality.

🎬 The FCC has finally approved the $8 billion merger between Skydance and Paramount Global.

🎤 Former Spotify exec Jeremy Erlich is launching a record label and management firm called Alta Music Group, with Jennie as its first client.

🎮 Sony is acquiring a 2.5% stake in Pac-Man owner Bandai Namco for $464 million, as the two companies link up to create more global-facing Japanese content.

🤖 OpenAI is set to launch its newest model, GPT-5, sometime next month.

🛒 Walmart has tapped Instacart’s chief product officer, Daniel Danker, as its head of AI.

🚗 Lyft will start allowing riders to save their favorite drivers, so they can ride with them again when available.

📈 Opendoor, Krispy Kreme, Kohl’s, and GoPro are the latest meme stocks… and traditional investors are paying attention this time.

🛍️ Walmart turned out to be the biggest winner of Amazon extending its Prime Day deals, so customers could browse more.

💸 Crowdfunding platform Indiegogo is being acquired by board-game crowdfunding company Gamefound… but it’ll remain a separate site.