BUSINESS ABOVE THE FOLD
U.S. Small-Business Job Growth Holds the Line
The Main Street hustle kept humming: the Small Business Jobs Index clocked in at 99.82 for July — basically flat. Despite all the doom and gloom, the corner coffee shop and local HVAC crew are still kicking.
Read more →
Wall Street Takes a Breather
After a record-setting run, the S&P and Nasdaq finally eased up July 29 as mixed earnings hit the brakes. Even bull markets need to catch their breath — and maybe grab a Gatorade.
Read more →
Tariffs Tighten, Shoppers Brace for Impact
From diapers to denim, brands are testing how much price pain consumers can handle. Translation: that “everyday low price” might soon come with a cover charge.
Read more →
Census Bureau Debuts New Business Pulse Survey
The feds just launched a bi-weekly check-in with 1.2 million U.S. businesses to track confidence and hiring in near-real-time. Finally — government data that doesn’t feel like it’s written in hieroglyphics.
Read more →
Small-Business Optimism Creeps Up
The NFIB Optimism Index ticked to 100.3 in July — a smidge above average — with owners feeling cautiously hopeful. They’re not exactly popping champagne, but maybe they’re keeping it chilled just in case.
Read more →
THE DIXIE DUST RUFFLE
Simply a rite of passage for every man (and probably woman) from Oklahoma.
PARTY BELOW THE FOLD
Robert Deitch Finds His Groove Late in the Game
The Nashville-by-way-of-life veteran dropped Legacy, a record built on patience and second winds. Proof that sometimes your best tracks come after everyone else’s encore.
Read more →
The longtime guitarist revealed Ozzy’s last message — a simple “Love you, buddy.” It’s a reminder that even in metal, the loudest sound is loyalty.
Read more →
The Mullet Times — We Mean Unserious Business.