Amazon Prime Day shoppers spend more than $26 billion
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We are now learning that shoppers on Amazon Prime Day spent over $26 billion during the four-day annual sales event. Reuters previously reported that discounts during the Amazon Prime shopping event spurred consumers to buy expensive goods like electronics, toys, and appliances. LiveNOW’s Shawna Khalafi is learning more about what these spending habits could tell us about consumer behavior with Arriana McLymore, an e-commerce reporter with Reuters. 

AI is helping gas stations collude to raise California fuel prices, lawsuit says

A lawsuit accuses California gas station operators of using artificial intelligence software to illegally coordinate and drive up prices at the pump.

Concern over potential Social Security benefit cuts
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LiveNOW’s Andy Mac is speaking with Zach Cohen, Bloomberg Government's senior budget reporter, as the clock continues to tick for American workers and seniors who are worried about cuts to their Social Security. According to Fox Business, the Social Security Administration’s 2026 Trustees Report confirms that the federal retirement safety net is less than seven years away from fiscal depletion. Experts are saying that the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) trust fund will completely exhaust its accumulated reserves in the fourth quarter of 2032. 

Texas agricultural officials issue emergency quarantines across 21 counties for screwworm parasite

Federal and state agricultural officials have confirmed that the number of New World screwworm cases in the United States has reached 26, as Texas authorities issue a wave of emergency quarantine orders to contain the flesh-eating parasite's expansion into Deep South Texas.

SNAP junk-food purchase restrictions take effect July 1 in Arkansas — See what other states have bans

Arkansas is implementing restrictions on food purchases by SNAP recipients and banning them from using their taxpayer-funded food assistance benefit to purchase junk food, joining other states too.

Trump speaks to farmers, ranchers at White House
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We are watching this Thursday as President Donald Trump hosts farmers, ranchers, cattlemen and agricultural producers from across the country for dinner at the White House. The Trump administration is working to spotlight an industry that has long been a cornerstone of both the U.S. economy and the president's political base. Thursday's gathering will coincide with the first official day of the Great American State Fair that kicked off on the National Mall this week to celebrate the 250th Independence Day. 

Survey shows gas-price pain rising even as economic confidence stabilizes

Rising gas prices are dealing a major hit to household budgets, with most Americans admitting that high gas prices are severely squeezing their finances, according to a new poll.

Trump seeking $11 billion to help farmers with fuel and fertilizer costs

President Donald Trump is asking Congress for billions of dollars in funding to support farmers, who are dealing with a spike in fuel and fertilizer costs tied to the war with Iran.

New World screwworm in Texas: New cases detected

The first case of New World screwworm in the United States was reported on June 3, 2026. Since then, the country has recorded 16 total cases across two states, all found in domestic animals rather than wildlife.

These states have the most million-dollar 'starter homes'

More than half U.S. states now have at least one city with million-dollar starter homes, according to a new study. 

More young adults living with parents, even after finding a job, new report shows

A new report shows that nearly a third of young adults still live at home, despite the fact that many of them, especially those between 25 and 34, are employed.

Government regulations add nearly $132K to cost of new home, builders say

Government regulations now add roughly $132,000 to the cost of a typical newly built home, according to a new study from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), as industry leaders warn that mounting costs are worsening the nation's housing affordability challenges.

Trump administration to cut student loan interest rates

With millions of student loan borrowers in default, the Trump administration announced a plan for a slight reduction in student loan interest rates to provide some relief for borrowers paying back their loans.

Health Department commits over $700 million to mental health and homelessness efforts

The Department of Health and Human Services plans to tackle the root causes of homelessness and mental health with millions of dollars allocated to expand local health clinics, recovery programs, and other initiatives.