A Northern Virginia county on the Potomac, across from Washington, D.C.
US consumer prices have fallen 0.4% in June, pulling annual CPI down to 3.5% after a 4.2% rate in May. The monthly decline has been driven by a 5.7% drop in energy and a near 10% fall in gasoline; core inflation excluding food and energy remains sticky at 2.6% year‑on‑year. Rising oil prices since July threaten the relief.
Two buses have collided at the Pentagon Metro Station's south parking lot this morning. Eighteen people have been transported to hospitals, and five received treatment on-site. The incident caused significant transit disruptions, with operations resuming around 11 a.m. The cause remains under investigation.
The Pentagon has activated shelter-in-place protocols following reports of an air-quality issue detected by building systems. Hazmat teams are assessing the situation while tests determine the significance of the alert. No hazards have been confirmed and operations are resuming as tests proceed.
The United States marks 250 years since independence amid tensions with allies, domestic political divisions, and concerns over civil rights and freedom of expression. Public sentiment ranges from cynicism to cautious optimism as the nation reflects on its future.