US Domestic Developments: A Week of Policy Shifts, Economic Signals, and Legal Battles
The U.S. headlines this week highlighted retail sales' resilience despite economic uncertainties and spotlighted President Trump's controversial maneuvers across various sectors. From revising renewable subsidy criteria to a potential overhaul of D.C.'s police oversight, these developments depict an administration actively reshaping policy amidst domestic and international tensions.

This week's U.S. news cycle underscored the complexity of the current economic and political landscape. Retail sales saw a boost in July, driven by vehicle demand and retail promotions, even as rising consumer prices and a weakening job market threatened to stall spending growth.
Meanwhile, President Trump engaged in high-level talks with Ukrainian and European leaders post-summit with Russian President Putin, amid ongoing disputes over Washington's police control and emissions standards in California. Additionally, new subsidy guidelines for wind and solar projects were unveiled as part of the administration's phased tax reforms.
Significant legal and policy shifts included a federal court ruling against Maryland's digital ad tax law, an investigation into utility companies linked to Texas wildfires, and ongoing visa restrictions for Gaza visitors. Capping the week was news that ESPN won't release Spike Lee's Kaepernick docuseries due to creative differences.
(With inputs from agencies.)