Costco experienced record demand for its gasoline in the quarter ending May 10, as Americans seek cheaper fuel amidst rising prices. The retailer's low gas prices, averaging 9-24 cents below competitors, are a strategic move to encourage more frequent warehouse visits, increased in-store spending, and higher membership renewals.
Taco Bell leadership scrambled to contain a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Taylor Farms lettuce, removing affected produce and reassuring customers. The outbreak has led to thousands of illnesses and a significant drop in foot traffic at restaurants.
In 1938, Orson Welles's radio adaptation of "The War of the Worlds" presented a fictional alien invasion as urgent news bulletins, causing confusion among some US listeners who missed the opening disclaimer. The incident became a seminal case study in misinformation, highlighting how public trust in new media can blur the line between entertainment and reality, influencing broadcasting standards and remaining relevant in discussions about disinformation today.
A Pew Research Centre survey reveals over one-third of Americans view China as the global leader in AI, surpassing the US. President Trump confirmed AI will be a key topic during his planned September summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasizing the US's goal to dominate the technology.
A new poll reveals over 60% of Americans are critical of President Trump's Washington D.C. construction projects, with 42% of those believing his primary motivation is ego. Projects include a White House ballroom, Kennedy Center changes, and National Mall renovations, costing taxpayers over $1 billion.
A new report details Taco Bell leadership's efforts to manage a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce from supplier Taylor Farms, which led to thousands of illnesses. The chain removed affected lettuce, saw a drop in foot traffic, and launched a social media campaign to reassure customers.
China achieved a stunning upset victory over top-seeded USA in a five-set thriller at the Women's Volleyball Nations League Finals in Macau, advancing to the last four for the first time since 2023 amidst a roaring home crowd.
The Trump administration plans to reallocate federal R&D funding, directing money to individual scientists and agile research organizations instead of traditional institutions like Harvard and MIT. This strategy, outlined in the 'Science: A New Golden Age' report, aims to accelerate technological discovery, particularly in AI, to secure US dominance against China. Universities may face challenges as funding priorities shift.
After China's 2023 crackdown on online scams in Southeast Asia, criminal syndicates shifted their primary targets from Chinese nationals to Americans, leading to significant financial losses for US victims and creating a global "whack-a-mole" challenge.
US President Donald Trump stated his belief that Americans do not oppose a military campaign against Iran, despite recent polls showing minority support for such action. He also threatened new strikes against Iran, asserting they would "pay a big price."
The article argues that the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina transcended sports, becoming a commentary on values and silence. It criticizes Lionel Messi's silence on racist incidents involving Argentina's fanbase and contrasts it with the outspokenness of Spain's diverse, younger generation, highlighting how social issues increasingly intersect with sports.
President Trump promotes "Trump Accounts" offering $1,000 in seed money to children, but some parents report delays in receiving the funds. The program, aiming to boost stock market investment, faces criticism amid economic concerns and upcoming midterm elections.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced intense questioning from senators regarding the rising costs and lack of clear strategy for the Trump administration's war in Iran. Hegseth requested $67 billion in urgent funding, clashing with Democrats who criticized his leadership and the war's direction, citing troop deaths and unspent funds.
A new Economist/YouGov poll reveals 52% of Americans describe President Donald Trump as "dangerous," with other significant percentages calling him "corrupt" or "racist." His net approval is -24%, lower than previous terms, potentially hindering Republican midterm prospects.
The Trump administration's policy to extend the life of aging Midwest coal plants could cost Americans billions, including $117 million in Wisconsin, according to Gov. Tony Evers. He urged the DOE to focus on clean energy, while critics have sued over the use of emergency powers.
Two Greek American tourists were stabbed near the Acropolis Museum in Athens on Tuesday morning. A man sustained serious arm wounds and a woman light leg injuries. Police detained one person, who reportedly suffered from psychological problems, while the popular tourist site remained open.
Rodri, the cerebral midfielder, was named the World Cup's defining player despite lacking celebrity appeal, contrasting with the tournament's marketing of individual stars and the US youth system's focus on physicality over tactical skill. His redemption story highlights the value of less measurable attributes in elite football.
The US launched its ninth consecutive attack on Iran, targeting military sites, after a US soldier died in Iraq from an Iranian drone's unexploded ordnance. Iran claimed to have struck US assets in Jordan and shot down a US drone, while also warning about unsafe transit in the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States is experiencing converging crises in election security, public health, and environmental protection. The Trump administration's policies, including federal workforce cuts, reduced funding for agencies, and rollbacks of environmental regulations, are exacerbating these issues, leading to disease outbreaks and increased vulnerability to environmental disasters.
Donald Trump's recent speech, alleging widespread election fraud, has been debunked by factcheckers but serves as permission for federal intervention. The FBI is investigating Fulton County, Georgia, and the DHS is directing states to remove alleged noncitizens from voter rolls, raising concerns about voting rights and election legitimacy.
US economic data, including retail sales and inflation reports, presents a mixed picture. While headline inflation fell due to cheaper energy and retail sales appeared soft, underlying consumer spending remains steady. This ambiguity complicates the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions and impacts assets like Bitcoin, as real economic strength is questioned.
California voters will decide on a one-time 5% tax on fortunes over $1bn, sparking debate on wealth taxation. The article argues against new wealth taxes, citing global abandonment, instead advocating for closing loopholes, restoring estate taxes, and raising capital gains and corporate rates to boost US revenue and address inequality.
A survey suggesting 1 in 10 Americans experience financial bullying by their partners sparks reader debate, with many distinguishing between responsible budgeting and coercive behavior.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren's report claims the Trump administration's changes to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) have cost Americans up to $26.5 billion, primarily through rolled-back rules on credit card late fees and overdraft charges.
