Treat Yo' Self... to the News 📰

Because knowing what’s going on is a form of self-care.

Drug prices are dropping, Fortnite might be rising, and Diddy’s trial just started? And it’s barely Monday!? 2025 is doing the most. Let’s break it down.

P.S. Tap any title to read more. Quick hits, no fluff!

1. Trump Signs Executive Order to Lower Drug Prices

President Trump has signed an executive order directing pharmaceutical companies to reduce drug prices to align with those in other countries. The order sets price targets for the next 30 days, with further actions planned if significant progress isn’t made within six months.

2. US and China Agree to 90-Day Tariff Pause

The US and China have agreed to reduce tariffs and implement a 90-day pause on new trade restrictions. This development led to a surge in global markets and is seen as a step toward easing the ongoing ‘Trade War’.

3. Trump Faces Criticism Over Qatar’s Gift of Luxury Jet

President Trump is under bipartisan scrutiny for indicating he might accept a luxury Boeing jet from the Qatari royal family, potentially for future use as Air Force One. Critics argue this move raises ethical concerns, security risks, and potential conflicts of interest.

4. Apple Warns of 30% Price Hike Due to Tariffs

Apple anticipates a $900 million increase in costs this quarter due to tariffs, potentially leading to a 31% rise in smartphone prices and a 34% increase for laptops and tablets. In response, Apple is shifting production to countries like India and Vietnam to mitigate the impact.

5. Toyota to Begin Manufacturing EV Batteries in North Carolina

Toyota announced plans to start manufacturing electric vehicle batteries at its North Carolina plant in spring 2025. This initiative is part of the company’s efforts to expand its electrified vehicle lineup.

6. Fortnite Poised to Return to Apple App Store

Epic Games’ popular title Fortnite is awaiting approval to re-enter the Apple App Store. This follows a prolonged legal battle over app store policies and revenue sharing.

7. Mexico Sues Google Over Renaming of Gulf of Mexico in Maps

Mexico has filed a lawsuit against Google for renaming the Gulf of Mexico in its mapping services. The move follows an executive order by President Trump directing the change, leading to this tension.

8. Hamas Releases Last American Hostage Edan Alexander

Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli soldier raised in New Jersey, has been released by Hamas after being held captive since October 7, 2023. He is believed to be the last living US citizen held by Hamas in Gaza.

9. Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Sex Trafficking Trial Begins

Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial officially commenced on May 12, 2025, with jury selection and opening statements. The case has reignited conversations about power, accountability, and ethics in the entertainment industry, as fans and insiders alike watch closely.

10. McDonald's to Hire 375,000 Workers for Summer 2025

McDonald's announced plans to hire 375,000 employees across the United States for the summer season. The fast-food giant aims to bolster its workforce to meet increased demand during the warmer months.

The Last Atom: a Mind Shift

Every day, we spend our attention. On headlines, scrolling on our phones, or things we endlessly worry about. Unfortunately, unlike money, we don’t get a receipt. But what if we did?

60 minutes: TikTok
1.5 hours: worrying about stuff that didn’t happen
45 minutes: replaying that weird conversation in your head

= 3 hours, 15 minutes, gone.

It adds up. What we give our attention to, shapes the reality we experience. So this week, spend it like it matters, because it does.

Life doesn’t come at us, life comes from us.

I want to make the news human again. I believe staying informed helps us create a better future for ourselves and others.

If you believe that too, I’d love your support as a paid subscriber. I can’t do this without you!

As always, thanks for reading. 📚

-Adam