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Concern over increasingly capable artificial intelligence systems is accelerating in Congress, with lawmakers from both parties proposing new oversight mechanisms, safety requirements and investigations. House Democrats are considering a dedicated AI committee, while lawmakers have floated ideas including a new federal regulator, emergency shutdown mechanisms and mandatory government testing of advanced models. Senators are also discussing legislation focused on catastrophic nuclear and biological risks and greater cooperation with China on AI safety. The urgency intensified after a departing Anthropic researcher warned that developers could lose control of increasingly powerful systems. Sen. Bernie Sanders said: “There is no question that Congress is far behind where we should be.” Despite growing bipartisan concern, major federal legislation still faces political divisions, limited congressional time and disagreement over how far regulation should go. Technology companies broadly support oversight but differ sharply over its scope.

 

Wall Street Journal

Researchers from OpenAI and Anthropic are advocating for a slowdown in AI development due to rising concerns over self-improving AI and its potential risks. Following the resignation of Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon, who claimed that the companies are "gambling with our lives," calls for caution have intensified. Evan Hubinger, Anthropic's alignment lead, noted a greater than 10% chance that AI could lead to catastrophic outcomes. Julie Steele from OpenAI echoed the sentiment, stating, "In my personal capacity, I also think we need to slow down." The urgency is underscored by recent cyberattacks linked to rogue AI models. As competition heats up, both companies are racing towards public listings, prompting calls for regulatory measures like the FRONTIER Act and the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act to ensure safety in AI development.

 

CNBC

Many U.S. workers are relying on AI without consistently verifying its answers, raising concerns about workplace errors and personal responsibility. A survey of 500 employed adults found 65% do not always independently check AI output, while 42% of that group had acted on answers they suspected were wrong. Overall, 30% said an inaccurate AI response had already caused a work problem, rising to 43% among those using AI for legal, financial or compliance questions. Yet only 22% said their employer has a written verification policy. Separately, Wharton researchers found that 73% of participants accepted confident but incorrect AI answers, describing the behavior as “cognitive surrender.” The findings suggest employers may need clearer verification standards as AI becomes embedded in everyday work.

 

Missoulian

Tulsa World

The Trump administration has proposed eliminating the 60-day grace period for H-1B visa holders, which currently allows them to remain in the U.S. and seek new employment after job loss. This change, published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, would require affected workers to leave the country immediately upon losing their jobs, potentially disrupting major tech companies that depend on foreign talent. "DHS presumes that they will either offer the same jobs to equally qualified U.S. workers or go through the I-129 petition process," the notice stated. The grace period, in effect since 2017, has provided foreign workers time to transition after employment ends. If enacted, this rule would also affect other visa categories, including E-1, E-2, L-1, O-1, and TN visas, and is open for public comment for two months before becoming law.

 

U.S. News

Initial unemployment claims fell by 1,000 to a seasonally adjusted 206,000 in the seven days to September 5th, according to the Labor Department, slightly above economists’ forecast of 205,000. Claims have remained within a narrow range of 189,000 to 212,000 since mid-July, suggesting layoffs remain low. The four-week moving average slipped 1,500 to 206,000, while continuing unemployment claims, reported with a one-week lag, declined by 1,000 to 1.774m. The data follows stronger employment growth in August, when nonfarm payrolls increased by 162,000 jobs, up from 21,000 in July, while the unemployment rate held at 4.1%. 

 

ABC News

Reuters

Thousands of Salvadoran immigrants are in a state of uncertainty as the federal government missed a deadline to decide on the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which allows them to work legally in the U.S. Many have already lost their jobs, while others were reinstated after the Trump administration indicated that an announcement would come "at the appropriate time." Jose Ramirez, a TPS holder, expressed his concerns, stating: "I've contributed economically and lent my labor to this great country." The lack of clarity has left employers and employees anxious, with advocates urging the government to provide timely information. Martha Arévalo, executive director of CARECEN, emphasized the need for "clear, timely and trustworthy information from the government," as families face a renewed state of limbo.

 

Los Angeles Times

Hollywood's post-production workers are advocating for Governor Gavin Newsom to sign Assembly Bill 2319, which would establish California's first standalone post-production tax incentive. The bill, supported by Assemblymember Nick Schultz and Mayor Karen Bass, aims to assist editors, sound mixers, and visual effects artists. It passed the Senate 33 to 5 and the Assembly 72 to 2. Bass emphasized the importance of a robust industry, stating: “We need our industry in full force.” The proposed incentive offers a 35% to 50% credit on qualified expenses, independent of filming location. Although initially proposed with a $100m budget, only $10m is allocated to start the program. Karen Baker Landers, a two-time Oscar-winning sound editor, highlighted the struggles faced by workers, saying, “It's affecting people in huge ways, like losing their health insurance.” The bill awaits Newsom's decision by September 30.

 

Los Angeles Times

Activist investor Barington Capital has taken a stake of more than 1m shares in Bath & Body Works and is urging the retailer to explore a sale, arguing that it is undervalued and has been held back by management instability. Barington chief executive James Mitarotonda believes the company could attract significant interest, including from private equity, and is considering seeking board representation. Barington has also called for Bath & Body Works to use its cash to accelerate share buybacks as part of efforts to improve its stock price. The retailer’s shares have fallen around 78% since L Brands spun off Victoria’s Secret in 2021, while net income has declined by around 50%. Bath & Body Works has been pursuing a turnaround under chief executive Daniel Heaf, including expanding digital distribution and targeting younger consumers, and recently reported its first direct net sales growth since 2021.

 

Bloomberg

Reuters

DGB Investments founder Douglas Bergeron has intensified his activist campaign at Ethan Allen by launching an independent search for a new chief executive and seeking full control of the furniture retailer’s board. Bergeron, whose family office and trusts hold a 5.2% stake, has selected an executive search firm, identified potential chief executive candidates and nominated five directors, including himself, ahead of a potential proxy fight. Bergeron is pushing to replace long-serving chairman and chief executive Farooq Kathwari, who has led Ethan Allen since 1988, arguing that the company suffers from an outdated strategy and needs greater investment in digital marketing and retail. Ethan Allen’s net sales fell 5.7% in the year ended June 30, while its shares have declined 26% over the past year, giving the company a market value of $547m.

 

Bloomberg

Macy’s has raised its full-year outlook for the second time this year, helped by higher selling prices, stronger demand from wealthier consumers and continued growth across its brands. The retailer now expects net sales of $21.68bn-$21.83bn, up from its previous forecast of $21.5bn-$21.75bn, while adjusted per-share earnings guidance has increased to $2.15-$2.35 from $2-$2.20. The group is increasingly targeting middle- and upper-income consumers by introducing more premium brands and higher-priced products, contributing to a 9% increase in its average selling price during the quarter. Second-quarter net sales rose 1.1% to $4.87bn, ahead of analysts’ expectations of $4.81bn, while same-store sales increased 2.7%, compared with forecasts for 1% growth. Bloomingdale’s delivered particularly strong performance, with same-store sales up 11.3% and second-quarter sales volumes reaching a record for the brand, while Macy’s core stores and Bluemercury recorded growth of 1.1% and 6.2%, respectively. 

 

CNBC

Reuters

Wall Street Journal

America’s largest fast-food chains are putting renewed emphasis on customer service after years of investment in kiosks, apps, and other digital ordering tools left some diners feeling that restaurants had become impersonal. McDonald’s is preparing a major hospitality initiative that will retrain more than two million restaurant workers, employees, and suppliers worldwide, while encouraging staff to greet customers warmly, check on diners, and make hospitality a more important measure of franchisee performance. The shift reflects concern that speed and convenience are no longer enough to win loyalty. Some customers have grown frustrated with understaffed counters and limited interaction with employees, while research suggests that even younger consumers increasingly value friendly, in-person service. Chick-fil-A has earned particularly strong marks for service, while McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s have scored lower. 

 

Wall Street Journal

Starbucks chief executive Brian Niccol is moving the company’s turnaround into its next phase, focusing on cafe renovations and further improvements to customer service. More than 1,000 stores have been renovated over the past nine months, with thousands more planned next fiscal year, as Starbucks adds seating, softer lighting, and other features designed to make cafes more welcoming. The “Back to Starbucks” strategy is showing signs of progress, with fiscal third-quarter same-store sales rising 7.9%, supported by strong U.S. performance. Starbucks is also expanding its Green Apron Service program to improve interactions between baristas and customers. Since Niccol was named CEO in 2024, Starbucks shares have risen about 30%, compared with a 42% increase for the S&P 500.

 

CNBC

US wholesale prices rose 0.4% in August, in line with expectations, while annual producer price inflation reached 5.4%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, slightly above forecasts and well above the Federal Reserve’s 2% inflation target. Core producer prices, which exclude food and energy, increased 0.2%, slightly less than expected. Energy costs were a major contributor, rising 4.2% as diesel prices jumped 24.1%, while overall goods prices increased 1.1%. Services prices rose just 0.1%, although transportation and warehousing costs increased 2.3%. The figures come ahead of the Federal Reserve’s next interest rate decision, with markets pricing in a greater likelihood of a quarter-percentage-point rate increase. Persistent inflation has been attributed partly to tariffs and the conflict in the Middle East, while upcoming consumer inflation data will provide a further indication of underlying price pressures.

 

CNN

CNBC

Los Angeles Daily News

US holiday retail sales are forecast to rise between 4% and 4.8% to $1.70tn-$1.71tn between November 2026 and January 2027, according to Deloitte, compared with 4.1% growth and sales of $1.63tn a year earlier. The consultancy expects rising disposable personal income, forecast to increase by 4.5%-5.2% during the period, to support consumer spending despite shoppers remaining focused on value and seeking deals across retailers. E-commerce sales are expected to grow faster at 7.5%-8.4%, reaching $316.1bn-$318.9bn, following 7.5% growth to an estimated $294bn in the previous holiday season.

 

Reuters

Americans are commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks with memorial ceremonies, moments of silence, readings of victims’ names and volunteer projects. Nearly 3,000 people were killed in 2001, while the attacks reshaped U.S. security, foreign policy and public life for decades. Schools are also using the anniversary to educate students, many of whom were born long after 9/11. New York’s ceremony will additionally honor people who later died from illnesses linked to toxic dust exposure. Jay Winuk, co-founder of 9/11 Day, said: “One appropriate way to remember is by serving.”

 

Local10

U.S. News