Federal statistical agency under the Commerce Department
Retail volumes have risen in May as hot weather and promotions boosted demand. Online sales and department stores led the gain, while food retailers fell. The three-month trend remains mixed amid shifting consumer behavior.
Major tech firms have announced widespread workforce reductions while reporting record AI spending and rising head counts at heavy AI adopters. Oracle, Microsoft, Meta and others have cut roles and cited AI-driven change even as studies from Ramp/Revelio, SignalFire and Draup show engineering hires and entry-level roles growing at AI‑intensive firms and job listings shifting toward judgment and AI-tool fluency.
Congress has passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act with overwhelming bipartisan majorities to speed construction, restrict corporate buyers and ease federal rules. President Donald Trump has cancelled a planned signing and said he will not sign until Congress passes voter ID and other measures in his proposed SAVE America Act, leaving the legislation’s enactment uncertain.
Bank of America data show US host cities are seeing on-the-ground economic impact from the World Cup, with restaurants and bars leading spending gains and hotel revenues rising in several markets, though results vary by city and broader inflation weighs on sentiment.
The government has proposed ending the affordable housing quotas for new developments of 10 to 49 homes to jumpstart housebuilding. The National Housing Federation warns this could cost up to 32,000 affordable homes over 10 years, hitting rural England hardest. Ministers say the aim is to simplify the process and speed up housing delivery.
A wave of new surveys shows Americans face higher retirement costs and uncertainty about Social Security solvency. People are saving less than they think they’ll need, inflation and healthcare costs are rising, and many expect to work longer or rely on savings strategies to bridge the gap.
Fauci has invoked the Fifth Amendment during a Senate hearing on his COVID-era policies. Rand Paul has moved to refer him to the Justice Department for contempt, arguing the presidential pardon does not shield him from self-incrimination. The diaries raise questions about private misgivings vs public statements, and about the origins of the virus and lockdowns.
The United States has imposed tariffs on Brazilian exports, with duties up to 37.5%, prompting Brazil to seek diplomatic consultations. Lula da Silva says Brazil will defend its position and warns against foreign meddling in the October elections. The dispute follows tensions over visa revocations and ambassador nominations, with both sides signaling potential retaliation but avoiding immediate escalation.
Universities are piloting credential-to-credit programs and adjusting transcript policies to ease transitions for students. Maine launches credentials-for-credit through Jobs for Maine Graduates; U‑M tests a transcript with no-longer-counted grades for first-year students; concerns about practicality surface.
The administration has proposed excluding undocumented immigrants and some non-permanent residents from the 2030 census, a move that could reshape representation and federal funding. The plan also considers dropping race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation questions. Legal challenges are anticipated as debates over constitutional and civil-rights implications intensify.