Axios

Firework associations expect a massive boom in backyard fireworks this July 4, a surge that collides with dry conditions and a blistering heatwave that could drastically increase the risk of fires.

Why it matters: Climate change is increasing the likelihood and severity of wildfires, and large chunks of the U.S. are under burn bans because of severe drought.

The average regular U.S. gasoline price is $3.85 as of Thursday morning, per AAA data.

Why it matters: That's lower than it was, but it's by far the highest price heading into the July 4 weekend since 2022, when the national average was $4.80 on the holiday itself.

The U.S. economy added 57,000 jobs in June, while the unemployment rate ticked down to 4.2%, the government said Thursday.

Why it matters: Hiring lost momentum after months of surprising strength — a sign that economic uncertainty might be weighing on employers.

ASPEN, Colo. — Colorado's Democratic governor, Jared Polis, defended data centers, touted oil and gas rules and bemoaned climate change in a recent interview in this mountain town.

Why it matters: Colorado has long been a microcosm of the nation's debates on energy, AI and the effects of a warming planet.

Amazon's greenhouse gas emissions rose sharply last year as the company raced to expand AI infrastructure.

Why it matters: Amazon's annual environmental report, released a day after Google's report unveiled similar increases, adds to mounting evidence that AI growth is making it harder for tech giants to maintain climate ambition.

Wait, what? The ink is barely dry on the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, and somehow the market is swimming in oil.

Why it matters: Middle East oil transit and production have resumed faster than many analysts predicted, helping push down prices.