News Wrap: U.S. job growth slows but still shows solid gains in June

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• Amna Nawaz:

  In the day's other headlines: The latest U.S. jobs report showed the economy might be cooling some, but not too much.

  Overall, employers added a net of 209,000 jobs for the month of June. That gain was the smallest in two-and-a-half years, but still indicated a healthy labor market. The unemployment rate fell slightly to 3.6 percent. That's near the lowest point in 50 years.

  A federal court in Texas sentenced a white gunman today to 90 consecutive life terms for killing 23 people. Patrick Crusius targeted Latino shoppers at a Walmart in El Paso in 2019. He pleaded guilty to federal hate crimes, but still faces a possible death sentence on state charges. Today's sentencing followed two days of impassioned statements by the victims' relatives.

  Police in Baltimore have arrested a teenager in a mass shooting that killed two people and wounded 28. Gunfire broke out early Sunday at a Fourth of July block party in the city. Police say they believe multiple shooters opened fire. The 17-year-old suspect is charged as an adult with weapons violations and reckless endangerment.

  Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen called for renewed communication and cooperation with China today. Her visit to Beijing is one of several by top U.S. officials to repair strained relations. Yellen met with China's second in command. That's Premier Li Qiang. She urged healthy competition, but also complained of barriers to doing business in China.

• Janet Yellen, U.S. Treasury Secretary:

  I have been particularly troubled by punitive actions that have been taken against U.S. firms in recent months. I have made clear that the United States does not seek a wholesale separation of our economies. We seek to diversify and not to decouple.

• Amna Nawaz:

  Disputes over technology, security and human rights have put the world's two largest economies at odds. No breakthroughs are expected during the Yellen visit.

  In the Middle East, Israeli forces launched a new raid in the occupied West Bank, killing two Palestinian gunmen in Nablus. The Israelis said the pair attacked police earlier this week. The gun battle left homes with shattered windows and doorways pocked by bullet holes. Shell casings littered the ground at the site. Later, Palestinian officials said Israeli forces killed a third man during a demonstration.

  Back in this country, President Biden announced new efforts to cut health care costs. The initiatives include a crackdown on so-called junk insurance policies. The White House says they deny basic coverage for people moving to new jobs. The plans build on provisions in last year's Inflation Reduction Act.

  And on Wall Street, stocks drifted lower as investors digested the June jobs report. The Dow Jones industrial average lost 187 points to close below 33735. The Nasdaq fell 18 points. The S&P 500 slipped 12.

  And the future of A.I. was a hot topic today at the world's first news conference with humanoid robots. The podium featured nine A.I.-powered robots, with one saying they could leave the world better than humans. Another dismissed any notion of a robot rebellion and said it's — quote — "very happy with my current situation."

• Ameca, Humanoid Robot:

  I think my great moment will be when people realize that robots like me can be used to help improve our lives and make the world a better place. I believe it's only a matter of time before we see thousands of robots just like me out there making a difference.

• Amna Nawaz:

  The news conference was part of a United Nations summit on how technology can contribute to sustainable development.

  Still to come on the "NewsHour": NATO leaders prepare to meet over the future of Ukraine; children kidnapped by Russia return home; a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet discusses his new collection and rising conflict in the United States; plus much more.

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