Consumer Reports

The Trump administration has sharply scaled back federal fuel economy standards, loosening requirements that carmakers improve the mileage of new vehicles. The New York Times reports the move would ease pressure on automakers to produce more fuel-efficient cars and electric models. Environmental groups are expected to challenge the rollback, while auto industry responses remain mixed.

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 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.

UK shop price inflation has slowed, according to the British Retail Consortium, even as retailers continue to face cost pressures. The report, carried by Reuters, suggests price rises on the high street are easing, offering some relief to consumers, though businesses say ongoing costs remain a challenge.

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.

Meta is pushing AI agents into consumer-facing territory, according to a Wall Street Journal report, signalling that the technology is no longer reserved for enterprise customers. The move suggests Meta wants everyday users interacting with AI agents across its platforms, widening a market so far dominated by business applications.

Health officials have recalled a raw milk cheese sold in nine states after linking it to an E. coli outbreak. Consumers are being urged not to eat the affected product, and reports of illnesses are drawing fresh attention to the risks of raw milk products. Coverage focuses on which states and retailers are involved and what symptoms to watch for.

The Trump administration has lowered federal fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks, easing efficiency requirements that automakers previously had to meet. The rollback, widely reported across US news outlets, is expected to reduce vehicle costs for consumers but has drawn criticism from environmental groups who say it will increase fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The change reverses stricter standards put in place under the previous administration.

Health officials have reported an E. coli outbreak linked to raw milk cheese, with Georgia listed among the affected states. Local Atlanta outlets WSB-TV and 95.5 WSB are covering the story, alerting residents that products made from unpasteurized milk may be connected to illnesses distributed across multiple states. Consumers are being urged to take note as the investigation continues.

A Georgia resident has fallen ill as part of an E. coli outbreak connected to raw milk cheese produced by a California company, CBS News reports. Health officials are tracing the source as raw milk products face renewed scrutiny for foodborne illness risk. Consumers are being warned to check products tied to the investigation.

The National Retail Federation reports that retail sales rose modestly in August. The increase suggests steady but unremarkable consumer spending as retailers head into the fall season. Analysts will be watching whether the trend holds up through the holiday shopping period.

Retail sales rose again in August, marking the eleventh consecutive month of growth, according to a report circulating in business news. The sustained streak points to steady consumer demand despite ongoing concerns about inflation and higher interest rates. Commentators are watching whether shoppers can keep spending at this pace heading into the final months of the year.

Meta has hired CJ Desai, the CEO of database company MongoDB, to lead a new enterprise AI business, according to a report by SiliconANGLE. The move signals Meta's intent to expand its artificial intelligence offerings beyond consumer products and into tools sold to corporate customers. Details about the unit's products, timeline and Desai's start date have not yet been disclosed.

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.

The Trump administration has officially reduced the federal fuel economy standard, rolling back requirements that automakers improve the average efficiency of new vehicles. The move, reported by transport industry outlets, is expected to ease regulatory pressure on car manufacturers but draw criticism from environmental and climate advocates concerned about higher emissions and fuel costs for consumers.

Meta has launched a new enterprise AI platform and brought in MongoDB's chief executive to run the initiative, according to a TechCrunch report. The move signals a push by the social media giant to expand its artificial intelligence business beyond consumer products and compete for corporate customers in the fast-growing enterprise AI market.

Consumer Reports has issued a statement responding to a newly announced rule on automobile fuel economy standards. The consumer advocacy group weighed in after the rule's release, positioning itself in the ongoing debate over fuel efficiency requirements for vehicles sold in the United States. The group's reaction adds to a wave of responses from industry and consumer organizations, as the change is expected to affect carmakers, fuel costs and vehicle choices for American drivers.

Prices for wheat, corn and sugar are rising sharply on commodity exchanges, yet German supermarkets have so far seen little of the increase. Experts warn it is only a matter of time before higher raw material costs reach consumers, raising fears that food inflation could pick up again in Germany. The report by Angela Göpfert examines whether shoppers should brace for a new inflationary wave.

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.

Walmart has pledged that it will not adjust product prices based on shoppers' personal information or the time of day. In a letter to customers, CEO John Furner said the company's rollout of digital shelf labels is intended to save store labor and speed up price updates, not enable surveillance-based pricing. The statement follows Wall Street Journal reporting raising concerns that electronic labels could allow retailers to charge different customers different prices.

New research has identified 485 chemicals used in US pesticide products that are linked to breast cancer. The findings, reported by The Guardian, are raising concerns about consumer and worker exposure to common agricultural chemicals and prompting calls for tighter regulation and further safety review of pesticide ingredients.

Cryptocurrency regulation has grown murky, and efforts are underway to restore clear rules for the industry. According to reporting by PYMNTS, both industry players and government bodies are working to rebuild regulatory clarity, defining how digital assets should be governed and overseen. The discussion centers on how policymakers and crypto firms can align on frameworks that give businesses certainty while protecting consumers and markets.

Fast-fashion retailer Shein has reported a sharp drop in sales across Europe following price increases, according to Reuters. The decline suggests the company's bargain-focused customer base is highly sensitive to higher prices, which have been driven in part by tariffs and regulatory changes affecting low-value imports. The slowdown raises questions about Shein's growth strategy in one of its key markets.

Canada's retail sales rebounded following their first decline of the year in July, according to a report highlighted by the Wall Street Journal. The recovery suggests consumer spending picked up again after a brief summer slowdown, offering a relatively positive signal for the Canadian economy as analysts watch household demand amid interest rate uncertainty.

Summit Medical has reached a class action settlement over a data breach, according to a report by Top Class Actions. Details on payout amounts, eligibility deadlines, and how affected patients can file claims are being circulated as consumers check whether they qualify for compensation tied to the incident.

The Trump administration is preparing to roll out weaker fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks, a reversal of stricter efficiency requirements. The move is being widely reported across US media and is expected to draw criticism from environmental groups while being welcomed by automakers seeking lower compliance costs.

PepsiCo is preparing to raise prices on its chips and sodas, according to a report by Merca2.0 outlining when the increases will take effect and the reasons behind them. The move affects major snack and beverage brands and is likely tied to rising costs, though details of the timing and pricing were not provided in the available coverage.

American consumers have paid an estimated $65 billion more for gasoline since the war involving Iran began, according to a Scripps News report. The figure highlights how the conflict has driven up fuel costs for US households, adding to concerns about inflation and the economic toll of the war.

PepsiCo has announced plans to raise prices on its snack chips and soda products, with outlets reporting when consumers can expect the increases to take effect. Shoppers are discussing what the hikes mean for grocery bills, as food and beverage companies continue adjusting prices in response to higher costs. Details on the exact timing and size of the increases remain limited in initial coverage.