Retail & Consumer Demand: Retail sales bounced back with a better-than-expected 1.2% gain in August, even as shoppers pulled back in July—gas-station spending was weaker, but nonstore sales helped lift the overall picture. Rates & Household Budgets: The Fed raised its key interest rate for the first time since 2023, warning inflation is still sticky—another headwind for consumers and savers. Energy Costs: Oil slipped below $105 as supply worries eased, but the broader theme remains: Iran-war disruptions and Middle East tensions keep pressure on fuel prices. Data Centers Backlash: A bipartisan House push would require data centers to shoulder more of their electricity costs, aiming to stop everyday customers from subsidizing AI power demand. Consumer Finance Policy: The House advanced a bill to curb the CFPB’s insurance reach, pushing authority back toward state regulators. Trade & Procurement: Trump signed a memo to remove Canadian-origin goods from federal procurement, escalating a tariff fight that’s also driving Canadian consumer boycotts of U.S. products. Food & Health: Genentech’s Phase III CELESTIMO study reported a statistically significant progression-free survival improvement for a Lunsumio-based regimen in relapsed follicular lymphoma. Chemicals & Safety: A court overturned an EPA methylene chloride protections rule for many uses, sending the issue back for further action. Air Travel Experience: JD Power ranked Minneapolis-St. Paul top among mega airports for passenger satisfaction.