Context:

Central Texas has been devastated by flash flooding, resulting in at least 82 deaths, with 68 reported in Kerr County alone, raising questions about the lack of evacuation warnings. Concurrently, President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu are set to discuss a potential ceasefire in Gaza, with talks indicating Hamas may release hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The U.S. is preparing to implement new tariff rates on August 1st, following a brief pause intended to encourage trade deals, though markets have been volatile in response. Meanwhile, FICO plans to incorporate data from buy-now, pay-later loans into credit scores, potentially impacting millions of consumers. Lastly, continuous glucose monitors approved for non-diabetics reveal that sugar fluctuations can influence eating behaviors and weight management, offering insights into healthier dietary habits.

Dive Deeper:

• Flash flooding in central Texas has claimed the lives of at least 82 individuals, with Kerr County reporting a significant number of victims, including children from youth camps along the Guadalupe River. The incident has prompted scrutiny over the absence of timely evacuation warnings, despite earlier alerts issued by the National Weather Service.

• President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu's meeting aims to address a ceasefire in Gaza, with ongoing negotiations involving the release of hostages by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners by Israel. The discussions are part of broader efforts to conclude the conflict, with a 60-day ceasefire being a potential starting point for peace.

• The Trump administration is set to impose new tariff rates on August 1st, following a temporary halt intended to spur trade agreements. The initial announcement of a 10% tariff on imports led to market instability, and the impending implementation may further influence international trade dynamics.

• FICO will soon begin incorporating buy-now, pay-later loan data into credit scores, reflecting a shift in consumer financing habits. This change aims to provide a more comprehensive view of individuals' financial behaviors, with the potential to affect credit ratings based on timely repayments.

• Continuous glucose monitors, now approved for use by non-diabetics, have revealed that many individuals experience significant blood sugar fluctuations after meals. These variations, often characterized by rapid rises and subsequent drops, can lead to overeating and challenges in weight management, highlighting the importance of balanced diets.