Axios

Around two newspapers in the U.S. are closing every week, according to a new report, suggesting the local news crisis spurred by the pandemic will worsen in coming years.

Why it matters: Hyperlocal communities are being disproportionately impacted by the fall of local newspapers compared to bigger cities, deepening America's economic divide.

Most major retailers and restaurants are open Monday with one bulk-sized exception — Costco Wholesale clubs are closed July 4th.

Why it matters: Despite record-high inflation, 88% of consumers were planning to shop in-store for the holiday with 62% planning to purchase items on sale, according to data and tech company Numerator's Independence Day report.

The White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Sunday responded to criticism from Jeff Bezos about President Biden's call for oil executives to reduce gas prices, saying high gas prices are emblematic of "a market that is failing the American consumer."

Driving the news: After Biden tweeted on Saturday reiterating calls for oil companies to lower prices, Bezos responded by tweeting, "inflation is far too important a problem for the White House to keep making statements like this."

Ttravelers are facing delays and cancellations amid the traditionally busy Fourth of July travel weekend.

Driving the news: More than 1,000 flights have been cancelled so far this weekend within, into or out of the U.S. Fifty-five flights for Independence Day itself have been cancelled, according to the flight tracker FlightAware.

This originally appeared in Axios Finish Line, our evening newsletter focusing on life lessons, leadership, and health and fitness. Sign up here.

In America, we value family and work — but friendship often falls behind. Many of us have few or no close confidants, the data shows.

Why it matters: Friends help us get through the tough times and sweeten the good times. And a thriving society is filled with strong friendships.

• Studies have shown friendship lengthens our lives, improves our performance at work, makes us better parents and broadens our minds.