United States news
Read verified news on BetaVoices covering United States, with reporting, context, and related developments.
Automation at the order window
AI chatbots move into fast-food drive-thrus as chains test the next order taker
U.S. restaurants are expanding voice AI at drive-thru lanes, with vendors eyeing Canada next and labour advocates warning about entry-level job losses
2026 FIFA World Cup
Messi breaks World Cup scoring record as Mbappé and Haaland hit doubles
Argentina advanced after Messi’s 17th and 18th tournament goals, while France and Norway got braces from Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland in a star-heavy Monday slate
Energy prices
U.S. gas prices dip below $4 for first time in nearly three months
AAA’s national average for regular gasoline fell to $3.99 as crude prices eased and more ships moved through the Strait of Hormuz
Saudi Arabia
Al-Amri’s first Saudi goal caps comeback against Uruguay
The Al Nassr defender, once cut from camp and under pressure from club fans, scored in the 41st minute after earning a place in Saudi Arabia’s World Cup squad
Saudi Arabia football
Al-Amri turns Saudi recall into historic goal against Uruguay
The defender, recently dropped from the national team, scored his first Saudi Arabia goal after a turbulent spell at club level and a late return to the World Cup squad
World Cup health preparedness
Ebola risk at World Cup is very low, experts say, but US hospitals are on alert
Health officials are watching an outbreak in the DRC as millions travel for the tournament, while experts say measles, COVID-19 and flu remain more likely crowd-related threats
Food safety
Nara organic infant formula recalled after 3 botulism cases
The voluntary recall covers whole milk powdered infant formula sold in the U.S. through Target, Target.com and Nara.com, according to an FDA notice
Media consolidation
Fox to buy Roku in $22 billion streaming deal
The cash-and-stock agreement would pair Fox’s live news and sports business with Roku’s streaming platform and is expected to close in the first half of 2027
Inflation
Wholesale prices jump 1.1% in May as energy costs surge
The producer price index rose faster than economists expected, lifting annual wholesale inflation to 6.5%, its highest rate since November 2022
Inflation
U.S. inflation rose to 4.2% in May, highest in three years
The consumer price index matched forecasts as energy prices jumped, while core inflation came in softer on a monthly basis