
McDonald’s bets $8.5 billion on a sweeping restaurant makeover and new protein-focused menu
Read full article: McDonald’s bets $8.5 billion on a sweeping restaurant makeover and new protein-focused menuMcDonald’s said Wednesday it will spend $8.5 billion over the next decade to modernize its restaurants globally.

Wife of detained Chinese American scientist hopes Trump brings up his case in Xi summit
Read full article: Wife of detained Chinese American scientist hopes Trump brings up his case in Xi summitThe wife of a detained Chinese American seismologist hopes President Donald Trump can help bring home her husband, Youlin Chen.

America In Focus: Affordability concerns rise as Fed hikes key rate, mortgage rate reaches nearly 7%
Read full article: America In Focus: Affordability concerns rise as Fed hikes key rate, mortgage rate reaches nearly 7%The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate Wednesday for the first time since 2023 in an effort to quell stubbornly high inflation, and the central bank signaled another rate hike could occur later this year.

The fight over congressional maps put nearly 35 million people into new House districts, report says
Read full article: The fight over congressional maps put nearly 35 million people into new House districts, report saysA new report reveals that mid-decade redistricting for the U.S. House has changed congressional districts for one-tenth of Americans.

On shores of Lake Ontario, the Toronto International Film Festival bristles at Trump's trade war
Read full article: On shores of Lake Ontario, the Toronto International Film Festival bristles at Trump's trade warThe 51st Toronto International Film Festival has unspooled against a backdrop of rising tensions between the U.S. and Canadian governments, though it would be hard to tell it from the convivial atmosphere on the ground.

Fed rate hike likely means more expensive credit cards and mortgages, but savers may rejoice
Read full article: Fed rate hike likely means more expensive credit cards and mortgages, but savers may rejoiceThe Federal Reserve just raised the cost of borrowing money — bad news for borrowers, good news for savers.

Iowa Republicans in battleground House races vote to halt Trump's ability to continue the Iran war
Read full article: Iowa Republicans in battleground House races vote to halt Trump's ability to continue the Iran warTwo Republicans in closely contested congressional districts in Iowa switched their votes on an Iran war powers resolution to halt President Donald Trump’s ability to continue military action without lawmakers' approval.

Retail sales rise a better-than-expected 1.2% in August after shoppers pulled back spending in July
Read full article: Retail sales rise a better-than-expected 1.2% in August after shoppers pulled back spending in JulyConsumers may be griping about higher prices at the pump and elsewhere, but they keep spending, helping to power the economy, according to the latest government snapshot.

There's one issue where Republicans and Democrats are unified before the midterms, a new poll finds
Read full article: There's one issue where Republicans and Democrats are unified before the midterms, a new poll findsA new AP-NORC poll shows Americans are growing more concerned about the environmental impacts of AI.

American incomes finally top pre-pandemic levels, fighting against inflation all the way
Read full article: American incomes finally top pre-pandemic levels, fighting against inflation all the wayU.S. household income finally topped pre-pandemic levels last year, a stark sign of how the past five years of rising prices have limited Americans’ earnings and purchasing power.

Maduro ally Alex Saab pleads guilty in a $195M money laundering case, agrees to cooperate
Read full article: Maduro ally Alex Saab pleads guilty in a $195M money laundering case, agrees to cooperateA close ally of ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has pleaded guilty to bribing officials to secure contracts for importing food during Venezuela's crisis.

US women show some vulnerability ahead of LA Games capturing 5th straight World Cup basketball title
Read full article: US women show some vulnerability ahead of LA Games capturing 5th straight World Cup basketball titleThe names may change, but the results are the same for the U.S. women’s basketball team — another FIBA World Cup title.

Olympic rematch: US and France to meet for women's FIBA World Cup title
Read full article: Olympic rematch: US and France to meet for women's FIBA World Cup titleThe U.S. and France will meet for the women's FIBA World Cup title Sunday in a rematch of the 2024 Paris Olympic final that the Americans won by a point.

The Latest: The US marks 25 years since the Sept. 11 attacks
Read full article: The Latest: The US marks 25 years since the Sept. 11 attacksAmericans are commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11, remembering the shock, the dead and the sweeping consequences of the al-Qaida attacks on symbols of U.S. might and prosperity.

Republicans showcase their 'big beautiful bill' to voters, but the law's impact has been mixed
Read full article: Republicans showcase their 'big beautiful bill' to voters, but the law's impact has been mixedWorking to keep the majority in Congress, Republicans are showcasing their chief legislative accomplishment in this midterm election.

US women storm past Hungary 108-56 to reach FIBA World Cup semifinals
Read full article: US women storm past Hungary 108-56 to reach FIBA World Cup semifinalsNapheesa Collier has scored 19 points and the U.S. has routed Hungary 108-56 to advance to the semifinals of the women’s FIBA World Cup in Germany.

Mistrust of US government information is rising across major issues, a new poll shows
Read full article: Mistrust of US government information is rising across major issues, a new poll showsA new AP-NORC/USA Facts poll finds that Americans are more skeptical of government information than they were a few years ago, with majorities now saying they have little or no trust in federal government information about elections, foreign affairs or the environment.

Jackie Young leads a gritty US escape in a tight 55-52 women's World Cup win over Italy
Read full article: Jackie Young leads a gritty US escape in a tight 55-52 women's World Cup win over ItalyJackie Young scored 10 points and the U.S. survived its toughest test in the women’s basketball World Cup in two decades with a 55-52 victory over Italy.

What's open on Labor Day? Most retailers. Closed? Government, banks and the stock market.
Read full article: What's open on Labor Day? Most retailers. Closed? Government, banks and the stock market.The origins of Labor Day date back to the late 19th century, when activists first sought to establish a day that would pay tribute to workers.

The Latest: Federal judge extends block on Trump’s order seeking to limit midterm mail-in voting
Read full article: The Latest: Federal judge extends block on Trump’s order seeking to limit midterm mail-in votingThe U.S. Treasury has imposed sanctions on the Turkish bank Golden Global Yatirim Bankasi Anonim Sirketi.

Musk launches steering-wheel-free taxi service in bet riders lose 'no control' fears and hop inside
Read full article: Musk launches steering-wheel-free taxi service in bet riders lose 'no control' fears and hop insideElon Musk sent dozens of self-driving Cybercabs missing steering wheels and brake pedals onto Austin, Texas, streets Thursday in a bet Americans will get over their fears of “no control” rides and hop inside.

Unemployment claims tick up to 206,000 but remain at historically low levels
Read full article: Unemployment claims tick up to 206,000 but remain at historically low levelsMore Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week, but layoffs are still rare and jobless claims remain at historically low levels.

Tech stocks lead a rally on Wall Street as bond yields ease some more
Read full article: Tech stocks lead a rally on Wall Street as bond yields ease some moreStocks rose on Wall Street as bond yields eased further and a rally in big technology companies helped the market recoup its losses from earlier in the week.

Crew from USS Abraham Lincoln takes a break in Thailand after long months at sea
Read full article: Crew from USS Abraham Lincoln takes a break in Thailand after long months at seaThe USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has docked in Thailand after nearly nine months at sea supporting U.S. operations against Iran.

Postal Service work to comply with Trump's executive order is rushed, sloppy, whistleblower contends
Read full article: Postal Service work to comply with Trump's executive order is rushed, sloppy, whistleblower contendsA whistleblower for the U.S. Postal Service is warning that a new mail ballot system being hastily built to comply with President Donald Trump's executive order restricting that method of voting could lead to the rejection of huge numbers of mail ballots.

The number of Americans applying for jobless aid slips to 203,000 as layoffs remain low
Read full article: The number of Americans applying for jobless aid slips to 203,000 as layoffs remain lowThe number of people filing for U.S. unemployment benefits fell last week, remaining at historic lows as layoffs are rare and most Americans enjoy job security.

Catastrophic floods kill over 390 in Nepal and Tibet, with more than 1,400 missing
Read full article: Catastrophic floods kill over 390 in Nepal and Tibet, with more than 1,400 missingRescue teams and military helicopters are searching for hundreds of missing people after flash floods on the Nepal-China border.

Key inflation gauge remains elevated during Iran conflict and ongoing US trade fights
Read full article: Key inflation gauge remains elevated during Iran conflict and ongoing US trade fightsAn inflation measure closely watched by the Federal Reserve was unchanged last month in the latest sign that many Americans are still struggling with higher costs.

Release of Marine veteran from Russian custody turns focus to other detainees with health concerns
Read full article: Release of Marine veteran from Russian custody turns focus to other detainees with health concernsRobert Gilman is the latest in a succession of high-profile prisoners freed by Russia going back years, but his release hardly cleared the decks of Americans behind bars there.

US issues security alert in Mexican border city and suspends consular activities
Read full article: US issues security alert in Mexican border city and suspends consular activitiesThe U.S. government issued a travel alert for Americans planning to visit Mexicali in northern Mexico and temporarily suspended consular activities in the border city due to a “potential threat,” without providing details.

US consumer confidence falls to lowest level in 7 months with gas stuck above $4
Read full article: US consumer confidence falls to lowest level in 7 months with gas stuck above $4Americans’ confidence in the economy declined this month as the ongoing Iran conflict has kept gas prices elevated at more than $4 a gallon.

New evidence prompts trial delay for Libyan man charged in 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103
Read full article: New evidence prompts trial delay for Libyan man charged in 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103A federal judge has postponed a trial in the U.S. for a Libyan man charged in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, citing the discovery of new evidence that defense attorneys want to examine.

Trump announces plan to lower beef prices, but ranchers and some Republicans are already balking
Read full article: Trump announces plan to lower beef prices, but ranchers and some Republicans are already balkingPresident Donald Trump has announced his administration will temporarily allow more beef imports into the U.S. without triggering higher tariffs.

US unemployment claims dropped to 206,000 last week with layoffs still sparse
Read full article: US unemployment claims dropped to 206,000 last week with layoffs still sparseFewer people applied for U.S. unemployment benefits last week, another sign that layoffs remain low and that most Americans enjoy job security.

Canadian provincial leader says Trump is a ‘bad person’ as Canada weighs concessions for trade deal
Read full article: Canadian provincial leader says Trump is a ‘bad person’ as Canada weighs concessions for trade dealThe premier of a Canadian province launched a blistering attack on U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, calling him a “bad person” and “not to be trusted” and urging Canada to keep fighting rather than rush to make concessions in trade talks with Washington.

Nearly half of workers worry they may never fully retire, survey finds
Read full article: Nearly half of workers worry they may never fully retire, survey findsFor millions of Americans, retirement is supposed to be the finish line after decades of work. But a new survey suggests many workers aren’t sure they’ll ever make it there.

Justice Department creates a new pathway to restore gun rights for some convicted of felonies
Read full article: Justice Department creates a new pathway to restore gun rights for some convicted of feloniesThe Justice Department has finalized a rule that will pave the way for people who’ve been barred from owning firearms because of criminal convictions to apply to have their gun rights reinstated.

US retail sales slump unexpectedly and sharply after a summer tax-refund boost fades
Read full article: US retail sales slump unexpectedly and sharply after a summer tax-refund boost fadesAmericans unexpectedly cut their spending in July by the biggest drop since May 2025, raising doubts about the resiliency of consumers who have kept spending and powering the economy despite the rising costs of daily expenses.

Longstanding limits on certain firearms, silencers lifted in Texas after judge’s order takes effect
Read full article: Longstanding limits on certain firearms, silencers lifted in Texas after judge’s order takes effectThe Trump administration declined to immediately appeal a ruling by a federal judge in Lubbock that invalidated parts of the 1934 National Firearms Act.

Americans near record credit card debt — strategies to lower your balance
Read full article: Americans near record credit card debt — strategies to lower your balanceAmericans are nearing record levels of credit card debt, with balances reaching $1.26 trillion and a significant rise in seriously delinquent accounts. High interest rates are making it difficult for

The Latest: Kennedy Center board votes to close for renovations and add Trump’s name to the building
Read full article: The Latest: Kennedy Center board votes to close for renovations and add Trump’s name to the buildingThe Kennedy Center will move forward with a two-year closure of the performing arts venue to allow for substantial renovations.

Protein-packed rice for easy weeknight meals with SunRice Protein+
Read full article: Protein-packed rice for easy weeknight meals with SunRice Protein+As many Americans rethink how they get protein, the trend isn’t about restrictive diets — it’s about smarter swaps. SunRice is answering that call with SunRice Protein+, a ready-to-heat rice that delivers 10 grams of protein per serving.

Senate passes sweeping Russia sanctions bill negotiated by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham
Read full article: Senate passes sweeping Russia sanctions bill negotiated by the late Sen. Lindsey GrahamThe Senate has approved a punishing Russian sanctions bill that was a top priority for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham.

US job market stalled in July as employers cut 23,000 jobs, delivering political setback to Trump
Read full article: US job market stalled in July as employers cut 23,000 jobs, delivering political setback to TrumpU.S. employers unexpectedly cut 23,000 jobs last month, and Labor Department revisions shaved 103,000 jobs off payrolls in May and June.

US filings for jobless benefits rise to 199,000 last week, but layoffs remain historically low
Read full article: US filings for jobless benefits rise to 199,000 last week, but layoffs remain historically lowThe number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week but layoffs remain in the historically healthy range of the past few years.

Testing is underway on vaccines to intercept brewing colon cancer before it takes root
Read full article: Testing is underway on vaccines to intercept brewing colon cancer before it takes rootScientists are creating a new kind of vaccine that teaches the immune system to intercept a type of brewing colon cancer before it turns into a full-fledged tumor.

Trump is making a rare Western trip to raise cash for Republicans and talk about the economy
Read full article: Trump is making a rare Western trip to raise cash for Republicans and talk about the economyPresident Donald Trump is making a rare visit to California and Nevada to try to draw contrasts with Democrats on the economy and other issues.

US dollar weakens sharply against the Japanese yen after market interventions
Read full article: US dollar weakens sharply against the Japanese yen after market interventionsThe U.S. dollar has weakened sharply against the Japanese yen after U.S. President Donald Trump and Japan's finance minister confirmed both sides had intervened in markets.

Trump says Mideast allies have reached outlines of deal to end Iran war, says US to stop new strikes
Read full article: Trump says Mideast allies have reached outlines of deal to end Iran war, says US to stop new strikesPresident Donald Trump is claiming that Mideast allies have reached the parameters of a deal to end the Iran war and says that he would hold off on ordering new strikes in the five-month old conflict for now.

The Trump administration is ending a Medicare drug subsidy program. Here's how it could affect costs
Read full article: The Trump administration is ending a Medicare drug subsidy program. Here's how it could affect costsMillions of older adults on Medicare prescription drug coverage could face higher monthly costs in 2027.

Palestinian authorities ask Supreme Court to halt $656M judgment pending appeal
Read full article: Palestinian authorities ask Supreme Court to halt $656M judgment pending appealPalestinian authorities have asked the Supreme Court to halt a $656 million judgment in favor of Americans killed or wounded by attacks in Israel.

US filings for jobless benefits rise to 197,000 last week, but layoffs remain historically low
Read full article: US filings for jobless benefits rise to 197,000 last week, but layoffs remain historically lowThe number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week but layoffs remain in the historically healthy range of the past few years.

US launches strikes on Iranian targets a day after it foiled missile attack on American forces
Read full article: US launches strikes on Iranian targets a day after it foiled missile attack on American forcesThe U.S. military says it has completed what it describes as “a heavy wave of strikes against Iran” conducted in response to an earlier Iranian missile attack on a U.S. base in Jordan.

Recent fighting with Iran further draws down key US air defense stockpiles, analysis says
Read full article: Recent fighting with Iran further draws down key US air defense stockpiles, analysis saysA Washington think tank says recent fighting with Iran has used up more of the U.S. military’s stockpiles of advanced air defense systems.

Americans' confidence in US economy falls as Iran conflict sends gas prices higher
Read full article: Americans' confidence in US economy falls as Iran conflict sends gas prices higherAmericans’ confidence in the economy fell this month as gas prices resumed their climb after the U.S. and Iran stepped up their fighting.

Republicans decry a new Democratic Socialists of America platform as Dem primaries split the party
Read full article: Republicans decry a new Democratic Socialists of America platform as Dem primaries split the partyA new platform from the progressive Democratic Socialists of America is sparking Republican attacks.

Airstrikes have paused and talks are pressing forward. But can the US and Iran take the off-ramp?
Read full article: Airstrikes have paused and talks are pressing forward. But can the US and Iran take the off-ramp?The U.S. military has paused its airstrikes on Iran after nearly two weeks of intensifying bombing.

Americans rewire their grocery shopping routines while digesting the biggest price jump in 50 years
Read full article: Americans rewire their grocery shopping routines while digesting the biggest price jump in 50 yearsLiving through the biggest jump in grocery prices in a half-century has many Americans changing their eating and food shopping habits.

Divorce can take a major toll on mental health. Experts share ways Houstonians can cope
Read full article: Divorce can take a major toll on mental health. Experts share ways Houstonians can copeFor many people, the end of a marriage is one of life’s most emotionally difficult experiences, even as divorce rates in the U.S. have declined over the past several decades.

US military says it fired on another merchant vessel trying to breach its blockade of Iranian ports
Read full article: US military says it fired on another merchant vessel trying to breach its blockade of Iranian portsThe U.S. military says it has fired on a merchant vessel attempting to breach its blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran targeted American strongholds around the Persian Gulf.

Gas, groceries and back-to-school items are where shoppers might see higher oil prices surface
Read full article: Gas, groceries and back-to-school items are where shoppers might see higher oil prices surfaceConsumers already feeling pinched since the Iran war started may feel more pain after oil prices pushed past $100 a barrel.

US filings for unemployment aid fall to 187,000 last week, fewest since 1969
Read full article: US filings for unemployment aid fall to 187,000 last week, fewest since 1969U.S. applications for jobless benefits tumbled to the lowest level in decades last week as layoffs remain historically low despite global economic uncertainty.

Republicans in Congress continue to back Iran war despite the political risk
Read full article: Republicans in Congress continue to back Iran war despite the political riskRepublicans on Capitol Hill are walking a cautious election-year line on the Iran war as the future of the conflict seems increasingly uncertain and as polls show that most Americans oppose it.

Hegseth estimates Iran war has cost $37.5 billion as he defends funding request at fiery hearing
Read full article: Hegseth estimates Iran war has cost $37.5 billion as he defends funding request at fiery hearingDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. war against Iran has cost $37.5 billion so far.

US military completes 11th night of strikes on Iran as attacks overshadow diplomacy
Read full article: US military completes 11th night of strikes on Iran as attacks overshadow diplomacyThe U.S. military says it completed the 11th night of strikes on Iran as attacks across the Middle East overshadowed diplomatic efforts to salvage an interim ceasefire deal that has collapsed.

17 US service members have died in the Iran war, reflecting a conflict fought largely in the air
Read full article: 17 US service members have died in the Iran war, reflecting a conflict fought largely in the airThe U.S. military reports that another service member has been killed in the conflict with Iran, bringing the total to 17.

Houston drivers feeling the pinch as gas prices rise again; see how much more you’re paying
Read full article: Houston drivers feeling the pinch as gas prices rise again; see how much more you’re payingAmericans are once again paying more at the pump as gasoline prices climb amid continued U.S. military strikes on Iran.

US producer prices drop 0.3% from May to June on lower energy prices, but outlook is cloudy
Read full article: US producer prices drop 0.3% from May to June on lower energy prices, but outlook is cloudyU.S. wholesale inflation fell from May to June on plunging energy prices but intensifying hostilities with Iran are clouding the outlook.

US jobless claims dip modestly to 215,000 last week as layoffs remain at historically healthy levels
Read full article: US jobless claims dip modestly to 215,000 last week as layoffs remain at historically healthy levelsThe number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits dipped slightly last week as layoffs in the U.S. remain historically low.

Ukrainian drones batter Russian oil facilities and set more oil tankers ablaze
Read full article: Ukrainian drones batter Russian oil facilities and set more oil tankers ablazeUkrainian drones hit more Russian oil facilities and set two oil tankers ablaze in the Sea of Azov, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to grant Ukraine a license to manufacture the Patriot air defense systems.

Obamacare premiums surged this year. A new analysis shows it's likely to happen again in 2027
Read full article: Obamacare premiums surged this year. A new analysis shows it's likely to happen again in 2027A new analysis of early rate filings shows that Affordable Care Act insurers are proposing another year of double-digit premium increases.

Polymarket is in a high-stakes race to win back trust as it recommits to the US market
Read full article: Polymarket is in a high-stakes race to win back trust as it recommits to the US marketAfter four years in exile, the prediction market platform Polymarket has begun a well-funded campaign to sell a new version of itself to the American public.

Moving this summer? Here’s how to avoid costly moving scams in Houston
Read full article: Moving this summer? Here’s how to avoid costly moving scams in HoustonSummer is the busiest time of year for Americans to move, but consumer advocates say it’s also prime time for moving scams that can cost victims thousands of dollars.

Trump rings Wall Street's opening bells as he ties his presidency to stock market gains
Read full article: Trump rings Wall Street's opening bells as he ties his presidency to stock market gainsPresident Donald Trump has rung the opening bells for the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq from the Oval Office.

Nonprofits and brands are navigating the partisan air of the 250th in search of a unifying tone
Read full article: Nonprofits and brands are navigating the partisan air of the 250th in search of a unifying toneNonprofits and companies want to unite Americans behind community service drives and patriotic brand activations in the nation's 250th year.

U.S. filings for jobless aid fall to 215,000 as layoffs remain at historically healthy levels
Read full article: U.S. filings for jobless aid fall to 215,000 as layoffs remain at historically healthy levelsU.S. applications for jobless aid inched down last week as layoffs remain at historically healthy levels.

U.S. beats Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 to advance to round of 16 and keep its World Cup dreams alive
Read full article: U.S. beats Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 to advance to round of 16 and keep its World Cup dreams aliveFolarin Balogun scored his third goal of the World Cup before being sent off with a red card in the second half, and Malik Tillman converted on a free kick to give the 10-man United States squad a 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina to advance to the round of 16.

US employers still reluctant to add many jobs as hiring slows in June
Read full article: US employers still reluctant to add many jobs as hiring slows in JuneU.S. employers pulled back on hiring last month and added only 57,000 jobs, less than half the previous month’s total and a sign companies still have a cautious economic outlook.





















