>>Retail Sales Rise Less Than Expected In June

(Washington, DC) -- Retail sales rose slightly in June. The Commerce Department says retail sales rose two-tenths of a percent last month which is less than expected. Economists had forecast a half-percent increase. Retail sales minus autos and gas rose six-tenths of a percent in June. The data indicates consumer spending continued to grow at a slower pace than last quarter.

 

>>Federal Reserve Expects Another Rate Hike In September

(Washington, DC) -- The Federal Reserve is eyeing another interest rate hike in September. A July rate hike has been taken for granted for some time, but the Fed's decision for a September raise isn't yet clear. The committee will have a chance to analyze new inflation data before a September decision is made. Raising interest rates is thought to be the best way to combat inflation, but it also makes it more expensive to finance a house or car.

 

>>Sen. Warren Calls For Investigation Into Tesla, Twitter Ties

(Washington, DC) -- Senator Elizabeth Warren is calling on federal regulators to investigate Tesla's ties to Twitter. The Massachusetts Democrat sent a letter to the Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission earlier today, urging the agency to look into potential "conflicts of interest, misappropriation of corporate assets, and other negative impacts to Tesla shareholders" related to CEO Elon Musk's buyout of Twitter. Warren argued the two companies may not have informed shareholders about the ways in which they've worked together. She also raised concerns about Tesla's board of directors lacking independence from Musk and suggested he could decide to "run Twitter to benefit Tesla through favorable algorithms or free advertising."

 

>>Hollywood Strikes Have Impact On Panels At Comic Con

(San Diego, CA) -- Attendees of San Diego's Comic Con this week will see some big changes this year due to the actors and writers strikes, but it's not all bad. San Diego Comic Con is the largest comic and pop culture convention in the world. This year, because of the writers and actors strikes, the star-studded presentations showcasing the upcoming blockbuster movies and TV shows, aren't happening. That doesn't mean there's any less to see or do this year, though. The giant spaces of Ballroom 20 and Hall H will now be open to showcase some lesser-known shows and movies. The most up to date schedule is posted on the Comic Con website.