AI chip startup Groq discusses $6 billion valuation, The Information reports

Brace yourself—sending letters is about to get pricier. Stamp costs are climbing again this weekend, just months after a brief pause in January. That break was the first time since 2022 that prices didn’t jump twice a year like clockwork.

Editor’s Note: For anyone still relying on snail mail—whether it’s birthday cards or bill payments—this pinch adds up. It’s another small but frustrating sign of how everyday expenses keep creeping higher, even for things that feel timeless. And with postal hikes now a near-annual ritual, it’s a reminder that digital alternatives might keep looking more appealing.

A former top economic advisor, Jared Bernstein, is throwing cold water on the crypto hype, calling it a high-risk asset with no real-world utility. He’s especially skeptical about stablecoins, warning they could destabilize the financial system. Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers are gearing up to debate stablecoin regulations next week, with a potential bill in the works.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another crypto skeptic rant—it’s a sharp critique from someone who’s been inside economic policymaking. With Congress eyeing stablecoin rules, Bernstein’s warning adds weight to the debate over whether crypto is a financial innovation or a ticking time bomb. If regulators take his concerns seriously, we could see tighter rules that reshape the crypto landscape.

The US dollar is taking a brief pause after recent fluctuations, while Brazil's real takes a hit due to new tariff threats—likely stirring concerns for traders and businesses tied to the region. Meanwhile, bitcoin is flirting with record highs again, keeping crypto investors on the edge of their seats.

Brazilian President Lula is pushing back against Trump’s latest tariffs but isn’t slamming the door on diplomacy. He’s signaling that Brazil won’t take the hit lying down—retaliation is on the table—but he’s also leaving room for negotiation, avoiding an all-out trade war.

Editor’s Note: Trade tensions between the U.S. and Brazil aren’t new, but Lula’s response shows a careful balancing act. He’s defending Brazil’s interests without burning bridges, which matters because these two economies are deeply linked—especially in agriculture and manufacturing. If this escalates, it could hit prices and supply chains globally. But for now, it’s more posturing than panic.

Criminals are going big—literally—by stealing entire truckloads of copper as prices for the metal skyrocket. It’s not just a few wires here and there anymore; thieves are swiping industrial-scale hauls, creating headaches for businesses and law enforcement alike.

Editor’s Note: Copper theft isn’t new, but the brazen scale of these heists shows how rising commodity prices can fuel crime waves. When copper becomes more valuable, thieves get bolder—and the fallout can disrupt supply chains, drive up costs, and even put workers at risk. This isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a sign of how economic shifts ripple into real-world chaos.