BlackRock imposes restriction on use of company devices for China travel, Bloomberg News reports

Investors are keeping a close eye on the markets as S&P 500 futures dip slightly, signaling cautious trading ahead. The focus is split between corporate earnings reports and the Federal Reserve’s next moves, with economist Karen Bessent pushing for a review of the Fed’s policies. Meanwhile, the White House hints at more tariff announcements before August 1, adding another layer of uncertainty.

If you've noticed your grocery bill climbing lately, beef is a big reason why. Prices are hitting all-time highs, and industry analysts don't see relief coming soon—whether you're buying ground beef or premium cuts, expect to pay more.

Microsoft says a group of Chinese hackers has been exploiting vulnerabilities in its SharePoint software to target US government agencies, universities, and energy companies. The breach highlights ongoing cyber-espionage risks, with sensitive systems potentially compromised.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another tech security alert—it’s a reminder that state-backed hackers are constantly probing critical infrastructure. When big players like Microsoft call out foreign actors, it signals serious concerns about national security and corporate defenses. If you work in government, education, or energy, this one’s worth paying attention to.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has abruptly adjourned the US House of Representatives until September, effectively dodging a Democratic-led vote that aimed to scrutinize Donald Trump’s connections to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Critics see this as a blatant move to shield Trump from political fallout, while Johnson’s camp likely views it as a tactical retreat to avoid a messy public debate.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just procedural maneuvering—it’s a high-stakes political sidestep. By shutting down the House, Johnson avoids forcing Republicans to take a public stance on Trump’s ties to Epstein, a topic that could alienate voters or deepen party divisions. It also fuels perceptions that GOP leadership is prioritizing Trump’s legal and political shields over transparency. For Democrats, it’s fresh ammunition to paint Republicans as obstructionist, especially with the election looming. The move underscores how deeply Epstein’s shadow still lingers in DC power circles.

The Trump administration is pushing back against a recent court order that would reinstate FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, filing an appeal to block it. Essentially, they're trying to keep her from returning to her role, though the legal reasoning behind their move isn't fully detailed here.