United States news
Read verified news on BetaVoices covering United States, with reporting, context, and related developments.
AI agents are starting to shop for consumers. Experts urge caution
Retailers and payment companies are testing agentic commerce, but specialists warn that autonomous purchases can expose shoppers to costly errors and data risks
Iran war’s economic hit may linger through 2026, economists say
Oil and gas prices have jumped since the conflict began, raising costs for drivers, travelers and households even if fighting eases soon
Bessent defends potential dollar swap lines for Gulf and Asian allies
The Treasury secretary cast the discussions as routine as the Trump administration weighs financial backstops sought by partners during the Iran war
UPS, FedEx and DHL seek tariff refunds. Customers may have to wait
The companies say they will pass along approved IEEPA refunds to customers who paid the duties, but only importers of record can file and CBP processing may take months
Only one Trump ‘gold card’ visa approved so far, Lutnick says
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told lawmakers hundreds of applicants are waiting after the administration opened the $1 million residency program in December
Raising a child in the U.S. now tops $300,000 through age 18, LendingTree finds
A CBS News segment highlights the estimate and shares guidance on navigating the expenses, presented by Kelly O’Grady
Summer airfares are climbing on higher fuel costs. Book now, experts say
Jet fuel prices remain elevated, pushing airlines to raise fares and fees. The average domestic round trip hit $358 as of April 13, up 18% from a year ago, according to Kayak
Blue Origin’s New Glenn grounded after launch ‘mishap’; FAA opens probe
Blue Origin says an engine produced insufficient thrust, leaving an AST SpaceMobile satellite short of its target orbit and unusable. The FAA will oversee the company’s investigation and decide when flights can resume
Infantino says Iran will ‘for sure’ play at U.S.-cohosted 2026 World Cup
The FIFA president argued sport should stay outside politics as war fuels doubts; Iran has two group games slated in Inglewood and Seattle