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US economy grows at sluggish rate
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. economy expanded at a sluggish 1.5% pace from April through June as rising imports weighed on growth.
But consumer spending rose. And the Federal Reserve's favored measure of inflation grew more slowly last month, but remained above the central bank's 2% target. The Commerce Department reported Thursday that growth in U.S. gross domestic product -- the nation's output of goods and services -- decelerated from 2.1% in the first three months of 2026 and came in below economists' expectations. But consumer spending -- which accounts for about 70% of U.S. economic activity -- increased at a 3.2% annual clip.
High school shooter's father sentenced
A man who gave his son the gun he used in a deadly high school shooting in Georgia has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Colin Gray was convicted of charges including second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter after his then 14-year-old son, Colt Gray, used the weapon to kill two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School in September 2024.
Colt Gray was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Prosecutors say Colin Gray gave his son the rifle as a Christmas gift.
Robotaxis sans steering wheels cleared
LAS VEGAS -- Federal regulators are clearing the way for robotaxis to operate without steering wheels or eventually even brake pedals.
Amazon's fully autonomous Zoox vehicles got approval Thursday to begin charging customers for rides in the specially designed cars that feature four inward-facing seats once they secure state and local approval.
Zoox has already been offering free rides in Las Vegas and San Francisco since last fall. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposed a rule last month to allow robotaxis to operate without brake pedals, but that proposal is still pending. Zoox and Tesla are working to catch up to the industry-leading Waymo that already operates in multiple cities.
The Associated Press