New data showed a slight increase in consumer confidence in June, though mixed signals from the economy could mean that’s temporary. Plus, a widening gender wage gap, small business struggles, remote work’s impact on parenting, and natural gas pipelines.

Americans’ attitudes toward the economy improved slightly this month as gas prices declined, but their outlook is still mostly negative by historical standards

US consumer confidence saw a slight uptick in June, buoyed by falling gasoline prices following a Middle East truce. However, this optimism is tempered by a noticeable weakening…