US retail sales rose 0.5% in July from the previous month, topping economists' forecast for a 0.1% rise, and sales were up 6.4% from July 2017, according to the Commerce Department. Spending was up strongly in several sectors including food retail, apparel and restaurants, and Amazon Prime Day helped fuel a 0.8% jump in online and mail-order sales.
The University of Maryland says it is investigating the culture and coaching tactics of its football program after the death of freshman offensive lineman Jordan McNair. Some players report abuse and humiliation from strength and conditioning coach Rick Court, who has resigned, but others say these tactics aim to eliminate "the soft and the weak-minded."
A study from RAND Corp. showed that math teachers who used at least one book in line with the Common Core State Standards said they were able to engage their students on key concepts. However, according to survey data of 625 math teachers across the country, few teachers are using such books.
Turkey will retaliate against US sanctions by boycotting electronic products from the US, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says. Deterioration of relations between the countries is among factors that have sent the Turkish lira to a record low against the US dollar.
Discount grocer Lidl still has plans to build several stores in the Philadelphia/South Jersey area, even if other projects are on hold, according to local government officials. Three planned projects are continuing while two others seem to be on pause as the company reevaluates its growth plans, the officials said.
Integrating an EHR system with practice management software would allow health care practices to make fewer mistakes, reduce the risk of data breaches and save time and money, experts say. "There are really no downsides to integrating your systems," said Tammie Olson of Management Resource Group.
Amazon's ad business will surpass Amazon Web Services to become the company's most valuable asset by 2021, analyst Michael Olson predicts. Revenue from advertising is projected to reach $16 billion by 2021, compared with the cloud computing division's $15 billion, Olson states.
ESL Investments, the hedge fund controlled by Sears CEO Edward Lampert, has bid to buy the retailer's Kenmore appliance brand for $400 million in cash, according to regulatory filings. Additionally, ESL has offered to acquire Sears' Home Improvement business for between $70 million and $80 million.
Verizon has reached deals with Google and Apple for the deployment of its 5G residential service in four markets: Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles and Sacramento, Calif. Sources say that new subscribers will receive either a free Apple TV box or a subscription to Google's YouTube TV.
The FDA received additional reports of canine heart disease cases linked to pet diets that contain legumes, legume seeds or potatoes as main ingredients. Prior to its public notice on July 12, there were 30 dogs and seven cats involved in reports to the agency over a three-year period.
Virtual multichannel video programming distributor service subscribers are "super users" who stream an average of 128 hours of content each month, per comScore data. That is more than twice the 54 hours streamed by the average household, the data show.
Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh has a history of opposing environmental regulations, and that worries environmental groups. Kavanaugh's supporters insist he opposes overreach from the Environmental Protection Agency and not environmental policies.
Caesars Entertainment has committed to reduce carbon emissions by 95% of 2011 figures by 2050. Meanwhile, 60% of Caesars' suppliers will set science-based emissions reduction targets by 2023, according to the company.
Educators in Massachusetts will soon work to create a science, technology, engineering and math curriculum that integrates storytelling and students' imaginations into lessons for middle-schoolers. Using a $1.1 million National Science Foundation grant, a school district, Springfield Technical Community College and Smith College will partner on the four-year project with the goal of being the "Harry Potter of STEM education," according to one official.
Walt Disney World can be an unforgettable experience for families if they have the inside scoop on its parks. Visitors can customize an itinerary with the Disney VIP Tour, gain easier access to hot rides by using FastPass+ reservations and enjoy longer park hours by staying at a Disney Resorts property.