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The good news: Median household incomes didn't decline in 2012. Bad news: Incomes didn't go up, either.

There were 46.5 million Americans below the poverty line last year, the Census Bureau says, vs. 46.2 million in 2011. In another sign that the economy's recent growth hasn't translated into better times for many Americans, Census said the median household income was $51,017, vs. 2011's $51,100."

While there was a small increase in the number of people filing first-time claims for unemployment insurance, the rise was largely due to annual shutdowns for retooling at car plants. Meanwhile, orders for durable goods rose last month.

More same-sex married couples are likely to avail themselves of federal benefits now that the Supreme Court has struck down the Defense of Marriage Act. But precisely how many may do so is difficult to estimate — because no one knows exactly how many legally married same-sex couples live in the U.S.

It looks like many Americans are feeling better about how the economy is doing. That could translate into more spending, which in turn could help boost job growth.

Energy production, military realignment, Hispanic immigration, student enrollment and changing retirement patterns are among the forces driving population gains in America's fastest-growing counties.

There were fewer people applying for unemployment insurance last week. And in May, consumers spent more — particularly on cars.

The share of households where a mother is the sole or primary source of income is at a record high. A new Pew Research Center survey of public opinion finds that many Americans remain worried about that trend.

There was more of a decline than economists expected, but the weekly pace hasn't really changed much since late 2011.

The good news: Inflation remains in check. The bad news: Jobless claims are up, and housing starts are down.