American workers face a wage-buying power crisis as inflation outpaces salary growth, forcing consumers to borrow at rising interest rates just as the job market slows. Tennessee pauses executions after Christa Pike survives two lethal injections. New York appoints special prosecutor for Cornell rape case after campus police failed to share victim's detailed statement with local district attorney. Average wage growth of 3.1% annually falls short of 3.4% inflation, causing typical workers to lose buying power month after month despite steady employment.