Inflation Is Back—and This Time, President Trump’s Tariffs Are Driving It
Just as prices were beginning to cool, inflation is rising again—and tariffs may be to blame. The June CPI (Consumer Price Index) report shows a 2.7% annual increase, driven in part by import cost surges tied to the Trump administration’s new trade policy. Treasury yields have climbed above 5% as investors brace for a longer Fed pause, despite White House calls for rate cuts. “This is not transitory. This is structural,” one economist warned on Wednesday. U.S. Small businesses are the amongst the biggest losers in the tariffs fiasco, because they are the ones paying them. Tariffs, or taxes on imported goods, are significantly impacting small businesses by increasing costs, disrupting supply chains, and potentially leading to job losses. Small businesses often operate on smaller margins and have limited resources to absorb these added costs compared to larger corporations. This can force them to raise prices for consumers, reduce production, or even face closure. The Bottom Line CPI (a primary measure of inflation) rose for the third straight month Bond markets signal higher-for-longer policy Trump’s tariff expansion plan may complicate Fed decisions through fall Tariffs are adversely impacting US small businesses, and some may be forced to close due to financial distress. The Author
The Bromance. The Breakup. The Fallout: Inside the Trump–Musk Feud
“Power rarely fractures quietly. What began as a headline-grabbing alliance between Elon Musk and Donald Trump has turned into a full-scale political rupture—with real consequences. This exclusive Readovia feature unpacks how two of the most powerful men in America went from partners to public enemies—and what it means for the future of the GOP.” – Ellis Grant, Staff WriterReadovia It started as a billionaire bromance. Now it’s a full-blown political divorce—with the future of the Republican Party hanging in the balance. Elon Musk changed his phone number. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson says no one in the Trump administration can reach him. And just weeks ago, Musk was co-leading a White House task force and publicly praising President Trump’s “visionary leadership.” Now? He’s calling Trump a fraud, threatening to gut Republican midterms with a new third party, and implying the president’s name appears in Jeffrey Epstein’s files. This isn’t just a falling out between two powerful men—it’s a rapidly escalating political rift that could split the Republican base in half ahead of the 2026 midterms. Welcome to America’s most dramatic breakup of the year. The Power Couple Phase The Trump-Musk relationship began with power and money. During Trump’s 2024 campaign, Musk quietly funneled over $277 million into conservative super PACs backing the Republican ticket. He also used his vast social media reach and behind-the-scenes lobbying to boost Trump’s narrative on everything from AI to anti-regulation. In January 2025, Musk took a formal role in the new administration, co-chairing the White House’s freshly formed Department of Government Efficiency—unironically abbreviated as DOGE. His mission? Slash spending, shake up legacy departments, and make good on Trump’s promise to “drain the swamp 2.0.” Trump called him “one of the smartest men alive.” The Big Blowup On June 5, everything changed. That morning, Musk went scorched-earth on the president’s much-hyped tax-and-spending plan—what Trump dubbed the “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Musk called it a “disgusting abomination,” slamming the budget for bloating the deficit and funneling funds to what he called “zombie departments.” Then he did what he does best: opened up the floodgates on X. “Should we start a new party? One that puts you in charge? Yes or no.”— Elon Musk, June 5, 10:47 AM The poll racked up more than 1.2 million votes in 24 hours. Over 65% said yes. And then came the nuclear tweet: a vague but unmistakable suggestion that Trump’s name appears in sealed Epstein court documents. Musk didn’t elaborate—but he didn’t walk it back either. By the end of the day, Trump’s response was furious and immediate. He called Musk “off the rails,” accused him of betrayal, and suggested revoking federal subsidies for Tesla and SpaceX. Insiders say Musk’s companies could lose billions if contracts are pulled. Fallout in Real Time Since the initial blast, the feud has only escalated. Musk began calling Trump’s bill the “Big Ugly,” a deliberate taunt. Trump called Musk a “train wreck.” And in a final act of digital defiance, Musk changed his phone number—cutting off all direct contact with Trump, according to House Speaker Mike Johnson. Meanwhile, Musk officially launched what he’s now calling the “America Party”, pledging to fund a slate of anti-establishment candidates for 2026. He’s already hired staff and claims thousands have signed up to help. Why This Matters: Impact & Consequences This isn’t just another tech mogul tantrum. The stakes are real—and rising. Tesla & SpaceX on thin ice Consequences: Trump could revoke EV credits and federal contracts. Stock volatility has already begun. Republican unity fractured Consequences: America Party could siphon off 7–10% of GOP votes, tipping control of Congress. Third-party spoiler effect Consequences: Musk’s new “America Party” movement could energize younger, libertarian-leaning voters—but at a cost to existing party margins. Conspiracy optics Consequences: Musk’s Epstein allegation, whether substantiated or not, has fueled new MAGA infighting and media scrutiny The Author
The AI Job Market is Exploding—and You May Not Need a Degree to Get In
AI careers are having a moment—and it’s not just hype. From six-figure salaries to flexible roles, the opportunities are real and multiplying fast—and paying handsomely. In fact, some AI positions are commanding salaries well into the six figures, with remote options and stock bonuses baked in. For now, it’s a boom. But how long will it last? That’s the question many quietly ask while refreshing their LinkedIn alerts. Where the Real Jobs Are If you think the AI boom is only for coders, think again. Sure, there’s massive demand for AI engineers, and data scientists (yes, that’s a real title now). But companies also need: Prompt engineers who fine-tune how AI models respond to language and queries AI trainers and data annotators (often contract-based but crucial) Technical writers who can document complex models in plain English AI product managers to shape tools for everyday users, and Legal and compliance pros who understand AI risk and regulation Who’s Hiring? Industries hiring most aggressively? Think finance, healthcare, retail, cybersecurity, and—you guessed it—Big Tech. But smaller firms and startups are quickly catching up, especially those trying to integrate AI without building from scratch. Who’s Actually Landing These Jobs You don’t need a fancy degree to break into AI. These days, skills speak louder than diplomas. More and more companies are hiring based on what you can do—not where you went to school. If you’ve got a solid portfolio, hands-on experience, or even just a track record of figuring things out fast, you’re in the game. Some of the best hires right now are self-taught, fresh out of a bootcamp, or coming from totally different careers. What matters most? Knowing how to use AI tools in the real world—and being able to show it. Also: don’t sleep on soft skills. If you can explain complex ideas clearly, work well with non-tech teams, or just write a decent email, you’ve got an edge. What They’re Paying Entry-level roles like AI support analysts or model testers can start around $60,000–$80,000, depending on location and industry. But mid-level machine learning engineers, AI consultants, and AI product leads often hit $150,000–$250,000. At well-funded companies, even higher. The job titles may sound made-up, but the money is very real. Why the Boom Might Bust (Or At Least Slow Down) Here’s the truth: AI isn’t immune to market cycles. A sudden glut of applicants, overhiring by hype-chasing firms, or stricter regulation could cool demand. And then there’s the kicker—AI could eventually automate some of the very jobs it creates. Especially in areas like data labeling, testing, and even some programming tasks. That’s why smart professionals are hedging their bets—getting into AI now, but staying adaptable for the long game. The Author
Texas Flash Flood: At Least 134 Dead, Many Still Missing
Last updated July 16 – 12:30 PM (EST) A catastrophic flash flood tore through Central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend, claiming the lives of more than 134 people—including at least 27 campers and counselors from Camp Mystic, a private girls’ summer camp along the Guadalupe River. Fueled by lingering moisture from Tropical Storm Barry, intense rainfall pounded the Texas Hill Country in the early hours of Friday, causing the Guadalupe River to rise 26 feet in just 45 minutes. Some areas saw up to 20 inches of rain within hours, overwhelming the region and unleashing catastrophic flooding. By July 8, officials confirmed at least 111 deaths, with over 170 people still missing. The tragedy hit Camp Mystic especially hard. Families are mourning the loss of daughters, sisters, and young friends who had just arrived at camp days earlier. Rescue workers discovered debris from the camp more than 15 miles downstream. Hundreds of volunteers, National Guard troops, and first responders continue recovery efforts across Kerr, Kendall, Travis, Burnet, and surrounding counties. As the water recedes, the scope of the devastation is becoming painfully clear. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a statewide disaster declaration, and President Trump approved federal emergency assistance. The response has sparked criticism over delayed alerts and outdated infrastructure in flood-prone areas long known as “Flash Flood Alley.” Climate experts warn that extreme weather events like this are becoming more frequent due to warmer, wetter air patterns. Meanwhile, local officials are calling for major investments in early-warning systems and better public education around flash flood risks. With entire families grieving, the Texas flood is already being called the deadliest inland flood in U.S. history since 1977—and the final toll may not yet be known.
Elon Musk Launches New Political Party, Tesla Shares Tank
Elon Musk has officially launched the America Party, positioning it as a centrist alternative to Republicans and Democrats. In a flurry of posts, Musk framed the new political movement as a way to “restore freedom,” pledging to back candidates in key House and Senate races during the 2026 midterms. The party’s early platform focuses on fiscal conservatism, AI-driven national defense, and what Musk calls a “pro-family, pro-future” agenda. The move sent shockwaves through financial markets. Tesla shares plunged nearly 8%, erasing an estimated $68 billion in value within days. Investors and analysts quickly voiced concern that Musk’s growing political ambitions are distracting him from Tesla’s core business at a critical time—especially with the company’s robotaxi rollout on the horizon and sales performance under pressure. Some financial institutions have already downgraded Tesla’s outlook, citing leadership uncertainty. One analyst warned that if Musk splits his focus between running a political operation and leading Tesla, the company’s ability to execute could falter. The reaction from Washington has been equally dramatic. Musk’s decision to launch his own political party reportedly stems from his disillusionment with former allies in the GOP—particularly after recent legislative developments. In response, Trump dismissed the party as “a train wreck waiting to happen.” Critics say Musk may underestimate the logistical and legal barriers to building a viable third party, especially in states with tough ballot access laws. But supporters argue that with Musk’s brand, influence, and billions in funding, even a limited America Party showing could shake up key races. The bigger question: can Elon Musk realistically run a car company, a space company, and now, a political party—without breaking something along the way? The Author
Inside the Tiny House Movement: 2025
Tiny homes just got a big upgrade. What started as a niche minimalist movement has evolved into a design-forward lifestyle — and in 2025, tiny homes are anything but basic. Today’s models boast solar panels, retractable furniture, composting toilets, and even voice-activated lighting. You might live small, but you won’t feel like you’re missing out. Thanks to remote work and rising home prices, more people — from retirees to digital nomads — are choosing to downsize without sacrificing style or sustainability. A new wave of manufacturers is offering prefab tiny homes that can be delivered, customized, and move-in ready in under 90 days. Design is driving demand. Think sleek Scandinavian interiors, multi-use spaces, and hidden storage that would make a Manhattan apartment jealous. Many are being built with high-end finishes and wellness-focused features like natural light optimization, purified air systems, and smart climate control. There’s also a growing community vibe. Tiny house villages and eco-communities are springing up across the country, from Oregon forests to Florida coastlines. They offer not just affordability, but a lifestyle of intentional living — one where less really can be more. Whether it’s about escaping the mortgage grind or just living with a lighter footprint, the tiny house trend is proving it’s no longer a passing fad — it’s a movement that’s redefining what we call “home”. The Author
Build an AI App for iOS? Not Without Apple’s Blessing
Building AI apps for iOS just got trickier. Apple’s infamous walled garden just got a little taller — especially if you’re building with AI. In a move catching developers off guard, Apple has begun cracking down on AI-powered apps that mimic native iOS features. Several app makers have reported rejections during the App Store review process, citing vague rules about “confusing user experience” and “duplicating iOS functionality.” What does that mean in plain English? If your app looks or behaves too much like Siri, Spotlight search, or even Apple’s own Notes or Calendar tools — and it’s powered by AI — it’s likely getting the boot. This pushback comes just weeks after Apple unveiled its own AI platform, Apple Intelligence, powered in part by OpenAI. The company is clearly tightening control over how third-party AI tools appear and behave inside its ecosystem — especially as it prepares for a fall launch of AI features in iOS 18. Developers say the new enforcement feels sudden and inconsistent. Some were told to “revise core functionality” without clear guidance. Others point out that Apple’s own upcoming features borrow heavily from existing third-party ideas — including AI writing assistants and summarizers. This isn’t the first time Apple has flexed its muscles against innovation that threatens to blur the line between its software and others’. But the timing — right as Apple stakes its claim in the generative AI space — is raising eyebrows. The Author
Weighted Walks: The Rise of “Rucking” Among Health-Conscious Americans
A trend once reserved for military training is now gaining mainstream appeal—and it’s walking with weight. Known as rucking, the practice involves strapping on a weighted vest or loaded backpack for everyday walks. It’s becoming especially popular among women aiming to improve muscle strength and bone health. Recent data shows sales of weighted vests have jumped over 50%, reaching $27 million in the year ending May 2025. Fitness experts highlight rucking’s ability to enhance posture and increase calorie burn while remaining low-impact and accessible. Emily McCarthy, co-founder of GORUCK, encourages beginners to start simply: “Fill it with household items—books, water bottles—and keep it by the door to wear while doing everyday tasks.” Doctors like Dr. Mary Claire Haver describe the trend as more than a fad, noting its long-term health benefits, especially for bone density. But caution is needed. Physical therapist Anna Hammond emphasizes that rucking isn’t a shortcut—it requires proper form and gradual progression to avoid injury. If you’ve been looking for a way to supercharge your walks without stepping into a gym, rucking may be the perfect next move—just be smart about weight, posture, and technique.
Senate Strikes Down AI Regulation Ban in Win for States and Oversight
In a rare bipartisan move, the U.S. Senate voted 99‑1 to strip a controversial provision from President Trump’s sweeping “One Big Beautiful Bill” that would have blocked states from enacting their own AI regulations for the next decade. The now‑removed clause had drawn intense criticism from privacy groups, child protection advocates, and state lawmakers who argued it would give Big Tech a free pass at the expense of public safety. States like California, Texas, and Colorado have already begun crafting their own AI laws, targeting everything from deepfakes to biometric surveillance and algorithmic discrimination. Proponents of the original provision said a national standard was necessary to prevent regulatory chaos. But opponents countered that such a blanket freeze would stifle innovation, delay ethical oversight, and undercut local governments’ right to protect their citizens. With the clause gone, states now retain full authority to regulate AI as they see fit—even as Congress inches toward a broader federal framework. For now, it’s a rare win for watchdogs, technologists, and legislators who believe AI governance should remain flexible, accountable, and close to home. The Author
P. Diddy Found Guilty of Prostitution, Acquitted on Racketeering Charges
After days of speculation, the jury has spoken. In a partial verdict that’s sure to spark both debate and relief, Sean “Diddy” Combs was found guilty on two counts related to the federal Mann Act for transporting individuals across state lines for the purpose of prostitution. The jury acquitted him, however, of the most serious charges — racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. The decision comes after three days of deliberation and weeks of explosive courtroom testimony, much of it focused on allegations of coercion, surveillance, and a decades-long pattern of abuse. While Combs’s legal team celebrated the acquittals on the heaviest charges, federal prosecutors called the convictions “a step toward justice for the survivors.” Combs faces up to 20 years in prison — 10 years for each of the Mann Act violations — though sentencing has yet to be scheduled. His legal team is reportedly preparing a motion for bail pending sentencing, citing the jury’s mixed verdict and Combs’s cooperation throughout the trial. Public reaction has been swift and polarized. Outside the courthouse, a mix of fans, survivors’ advocates, and media outlets gathered to witness what some are calling the “end of an era” for the once-untouchable music mogul. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: this trial has pulled back the curtain on the power structures of the entertainment world, and shown just how far public accountability can reach. The Author