The U.S. economy grew at a 3.8% annual rate in the second quarter, its fastest pace since the third quarter of 2023 and above the long-term trend.That marked a sharp rebound from the first quarter's 0.5% contraction, when tariff fears curbed business activity. The acceleration contrasts with softer summer labor readings that signaled some cooling.With days left in the fiscal year and no full-year funding or stopgap deal, the government could shut down at 12:01 a.m. Oct. 1, stalling services, furloughing wor ...