Hiring has cooled, stock indexes are near records, and artificial intelligence is reshaping office work at the same time. New federal data and company filings show an economy sending mixed signals to workers, investors, and employers.
Grocery bills still sting at checkout, even though Americans are spending a smaller share of their income on food than they did decades ago. Federal data shows both things can be true at the same time because prices, incomes, and shopping habits have all changed.
A new study says just 53% of Americans own homes, far below the long-cited national rate. The number is getting attention because federal data has recently placed U.S. homeownership much higher.
Airlines are still enforcing tight cabin bag rules in 2026, and shoppers are focusing on size, weight, and reliability. Here are seven carry-on luggage picks that stand out this year based on brand specs, warranty terms, and travel-friendly features.
After years of pouring billions into artificial intelligence, several top tech leaders are now backing a government-run emergency stop system for the most advanced models. The push reflects growing concern that a small number of labs could create systems officials cannot quickly contain.
Most Americans still change their clocks twice a year, but the fight over what should replace that system is where the country splits. Federal law, state politics, and competing views on health and convenience have kept the debate unresolved.
Travel etiquette around shared hotel costs varies, but equal bill-splitting after one guest orders far more is not a fixed rule. Hospitality experts and consumer etiquette guides say the normal approach is to divide only shared items unless a group agrees otherwise in advance.
A growing number of young Americans say they have sent hundreds or even 1,000 job applications without landing stable work. Recent federal data and employer surveys show a cooling entry-level market, especially for recent college graduates.
