Consumer Reports

The Wall Street Journal reports that the Iran conflict is pushing up prices at US auto shops, with oil changes getting more expensive as crude and lubricant costs climb. The war's impact on global oil markets is filtering down to everyday consumers, adding to household expenses already strained by inflation.

Retail sales increased in August, marking the eleventh straight month of growth, according to a report highlighted by the retail industry publication Hardware Retailing. The streak points to sustained consumer spending across the sector. Commentators are weighing whether continued momentum reflects resilient demand or persistent price increases.

The Trump administration has moved to roll back US fuel economy standards, loosening requirements on how efficient cars and light trucks must be. The change, reported by Spectrum News, is expected to benefit automakers by easing compliance costs, while critics warn it will increase gasoline consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The rollback reverses stricter efficiency rules put in place under previous administrations.

A bipartisan coalition of 44 state attorneys general in the United States has reached a settlement over a data breach. The agreement, reported by GovTech, concludes a multistate inquiry into the incident. Details on the company involved, the settlement amount and the remediation measures have not yet been made public, but state law enforcement officials are presenting the deal as a step toward stronger consumer data protections.

The CDC has confirmed a multistate outbreak of E coli infections linked to raw milk cheese. Health officials are investigating the source and warning consumers about the risks of unpasteurized dairy products. Cases have been reported across several states, though the full extent of the outbreak and whether any hospitalizations have occurred remain unclear. The announcement is likely to renew debate over the sale of raw milk products.

The US Food and Drug Administration has announced a nationwide recall of cheese linked to an E. coli outbreak. The recall covers products distributed across the country, and consumers are being urged to check their purchases. Details on the brands affected and reported illnesses have not yet been fully disclosed.

A cheese product sold across the United States has been recalled after an E. coli outbreak sickened at least 13 people. The recall affects the cheese nationwide, and consumers are being warned to check whether they have the affected product at home. Health officials are investigating the source of the contamination as the number of reported illnesses continues to draw attention.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Meta is positioning AI agents as tools for everyday consumers, not just companies. The piece suggests the technology is expanding into personal use, marking a shift in how AI assistants are marketed and deployed.

The National Retail Federation reports that retail sales increased modestly in August. The figures point to steady but restrained consumer spending across the retail sector. Details on specific categories or drivers were not provided, so analysts are watching whether the modest growth signals resilience or slowing momentum in household demand heading into the autumn season.

Health officials have reported an E. coli outbreak tied to raw milk cheese, with Georgia listed among the states affected. The announcement is drawing attention from local outlets as consumers are urged to check products and watch for symptoms. Investigations into the source and scope of the contamination are ongoing.

Microsoft and PC makers have stopped using the Copilot+ branding on new Windows 11 laptops, retiring the AI PC label less than a year after its launch. Reports describe the brand as tarnished, with manufacturers quietly pulling the marketing from devices rather than announcing the change publicly. The move raises questions about how Microsoft will market AI features in Windows going forward.

Health officials are investigating an E. coli outbreak connected to raw milk cheese produced by a California company, with at least one person in Georgia reported ill. The case adds to ongoing concerns about foodborne illness tied to unpasteurized dairy products, which can carry dangerous bacteria. Consumers are being urged to check whether products they have purchased are affected as the investigation continues.

Seattle's City Council has voted to ban surveillance pricing in the sale of groceries, stopping retailers from setting individualized prices based on customer data such as shopping history, location, or personal profiles. Consumer advocates including Consumer Reports welcomed the move, saying it protects shoppers from hidden discrimination, while retailers may face new compliance costs.

The founder of Instinct says travel activity accounts for roughly half of the volume on the company's app, underscoring how heavily the product depends on people on the move. The claim, reported by travel industry outlet Skift, highlights travel's outsized role in the startup's usage and suggests its growth is closely tied to broader travel demand.

Victor Fontanez, the barber known for grooming high-profile celebrity clients, is launching his own men's grooming brand. The news, reported exclusively by WWD, marks the stylist's move from working behind the chair to building a product business. Details on the product line and launch timing have not yet been disclosed.