WASHINGTON — Americans could begin seeing lower gasoline prices in the coming weeks as crude oil prices continue to fall, according to economic analysts monitoring global energy markets.

Oil prices have dropped to their lowest levels in roughly four months as negotiations involving Iran continue and commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains largely uninterrupted following recent tensions in the region.

Analysts say those lower crude oil prices have not yet fully reached consumers because of the time it takes for fuel costs to move through the supply chain. However, motorists could begin noticing lower prices at the pump over the next month.

The expected decline comes as millions of Americans prepare to travel for the busy Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Lower energy prices could also help ease inflation by reducing transportation and fuel costs throughout the economy. Some economists believe continued declines could strengthen the case for the Federal Reserve to consider interest rate cuts later this year if inflation continues to cool.

Economic analyst Steve Moore also said recently enacted federal tax policies could continue supporting economic growth by extending tax relief for families and businesses while encouraging investment.

Moore also addressed the growing role of artificial intelligence in the U.S. economy, saying the technology has the potential to improve productivity and create new types of jobs despite concerns about automation replacing some positions.

While economists continue to debate AI’s long-term impact on employment, many agree the technology will reshape the workforce over the coming years, creating new industries even as others evolve.

For now, consumers may soon see the first benefit of improving energy markets in the form of lower prices at the gas pump as summer travel reaches its peak.

WASHINGTON — Artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries across the country as lawmakers debate whether new federal regulations are needed to balance innovation with public safeguards.

The discussion comes as AI technology expands rapidly into workplaces, schools and everyday consumer products, while businesses increasingly use automation to improve efficiency.

According to a recent report, artificial intelligence has been linked to nearly 200,000 layoffs since 2023 as some employers replace or streamline certain job functions with AI-powered tools.

The rise of the technology has sparked concern among many workers, particularly younger Americans who worry about how artificial intelligence could affect future career opportunities and long-term job security.

On Capitol Hill, members of both major political parties continue to discuss how AI should be regulated. Some lawmakers argue the United States should move cautiously to ensure the technology develops safely and responsibly, while others warn that excessive regulation could slow innovation and reduce America’s competitiveness in the global AI race.

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, policymakers face the challenge of encouraging technological advancement while addressing concerns surrounding employment, privacy, security and consumer protection.

WASHINGTON — Hiring slowed significantly in June as the U.S. labor market continued to show signs of cooling, according to the latest report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Employers added 57,000 jobs during the month, well below economists’ expectations of roughly 115,000 new positions. The government also revised April and May employment figures downward by a combined 74,000 jobs.

Despite the slower hiring pace, the national unemployment rate remained relatively stable at 4.2%, down slightly from 4.3% over the previous three months.

Economists described the report as a mixed picture. While job growth has weakened, many believe the current pace is still enough to keep unemployment from rising significantly as both hiring demand and labor force growth continue to slow.

Over the past year, the U.S. economy has added roughly 500,000 jobs, marking one of the slowest periods of employment growth outside of the pandemic.

Wages continued to rise in June, with average earnings increasing at an annual rate of 3.5%. However, that growth continues to trail inflation, which remains above 4%, meaning many workers are still losing purchasing power as everyday costs outpace pay increases.

Several industries continued adding jobs, including health care, social assistance, and professional and business services. Manufacturing posted only modest gains, while the leisure and hospitality sector lost approximately 61,000 jobs after stronger hiring earlier this year.

The report also highlighted ongoing challenges in the labor market. Nearly two million Americans have been unemployed for 27 weeks or longer, more than six million people remain outside the labor force despite wanting a job, and about 4.5 million workers are employed part-time because they have been unable to find full-time positions.

Economists say the latest employment figures are unlikely to change the Federal Reserve’s focus on inflation. With price increases continuing to outpace wage growth, many analysts expect the central bank to leave interest rates unchanged when policymakers meet later this month.