Keeping Up With America

FBI Warns of Russian Hacks on U.S. Infrastructure: Federal officials said Russian state-linked actors have probed critical systems and urged heightened cyber hygiene.

White House to screen immigration applicants for “anti-Americanism.” New USCIS guidance expands social-media vetting; critics warn the standard is vague.

Vance & Hegseth greet returning troops in D.C. The vice president and defense secretary welcomed U.S. personnel at Joint Base Andrews.

Court says Elon Musk must face “election lottery” suit. A judge let a case proceed over a $1M giveaway; Musk denies wrongdoing.

U.S. orders amphibious squadron to the southern Caribbean. Added naval presence as Washington reassesses regional security.

Around the World

Israel Signals Expanded Gaza City Operation: Officials said initial steps are underway ahead of a larger push; reservist call-ups are planned. 

Japan Pitches an ‘Indian Ocean–Africa Economic Zone’: At TICAD in Yokohama, Japan pledged about $5.5B in loans and plans to train 30,000 AI specialists to boost investment and jobs across Africa.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

Pixel 10 goes all-in on on-device AI (and content labels).
Google’s Pixel 10 lineup debuts with the Tensor G5 chip, heavier on-device Gemini features, and C2PA content credentials baked into the camera so AI-touched images carry verifiable tags. Google also highlighted new “Magic” editing tools and deeper voice/translation tricks across phones, Watch, and Buds. Why it matters: rivals are racing to prove what “AI phones” actually do—Google is planting a flag on privacy and provenance. 

Hertz teams with Amazon Autos to sell used cars (starting in 4 cities).
Hertz Car Sales listings are now live on Amazon Autos, with online purchase and local pickup rolling out first in Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, and Seattle before expanding to 45 locations. Analysts framed it as competitive pressure for online car marketplaces; Hertz pitched quicker inventory turnover. 

Estée Lauder trims outlook, warns $100M tariff hit; shares fall ~4%.
The beauty giant guided below estimates and flagged a $100 million annual tariff impact, citing soft demand in U.S./China and travel retail. Q4 organic sales fell 13%; the company is cutting promos and inventory to protect margins. 

Claire’s finds a lifeline: sells NA business to Ames Watson to keep 795–950 stores open.
In Chapter 11 since Aug 6, Claire’s agreed to sell its North America operations and IP to Ames Watson for $104M cash + $36M seller note, pausing many liquidations while the court reviews the deal. Why it matters: a likely save for hundreds of mall stores heading into holiday. 

FTC sues LA Fitness over “exceedingly difficult” cancellations.
Regulators say Fitness International routed members through maze-like in-person/mail processes and obscure online paths, leading to unwanted recurring fees. The agency seeks refunds and simpler cancel flows; the operator disputes the claims.

Tesla’s long-wheelbase, six-seat Model YL launches—in China.
The Model YL stretches wheelbase and adds a 2nd-row captain’s-chair layout and a third row; pricing sits modestly above base Model Y. Don’t expect a U.S. launch soon—this variant targets China’s appetite for roomier back seats.

Richer, Wiser, Happier

If your CD matures soon, don’t sleep on the switch. Futures still put high odds on a Sept. 16–17 Fed cut, so plan before your bank auto-renews at a lower rate. A simple playbook: (1) Park cash short-term in a top HYSA (best rates today top out around 4.4–4.5%), (2) consider a no-penalty CD so you can lock a fixed rate ~4.1–4.3% and still bail if you need the funds, or (3) build a 3-rung ladder (e.g., 3/6/9 months) so part of your cash rolls over frequently. Always confirm FDIC/NCUA coverage, your grace period/penalties, and transfer times before you move.

Taming expensive plastic. Average card APRs are still ~20%+, and banks aren’t quick to cut individual rates—even when your profile improves. Try this sequence: ask for a fee waiver first (approval rates tend to be higher), then request a lower APR; if that stalls, move balances to a 0% intro balance-transfer card and set a payoff date that beats the promo window (watch the 3–5% transfer fee). Many issuers have tightened ad-hoc APR cuts, so be persistent and compare offers. 

Teachers: claim what’s yours. The Educator Expense Deduction remains up to $300 for eligible educators ($600 if both spouses qualify), covering unreimbursed classroom supplies, certain PD, and some tech. The IRS’ back-to-school reminder dropped today—save receipts and don’t confuse this with education credits (AOTC/LLC). 

Weather Watch

Hurricane Erin: big surf, coastal flooding risks, even without landfall. Storm-surge warnings from Cape Lookout to Duck; dangerous rip currents up the East Coast. Check local advisories if you’re beachbound.

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

Yankees 6, Rays 4 (10): Stanton’s pinch-hit 2-run blast and an Austin Wells shot sealed it in extras.

Aces edge Dream 74–72 for 8th straight: A’ja Wilson went 32-12 with five blocks.

Kirsten Dunst eyes ‘Minecraft 2’: “Maybe I can make a movie where I don’t lose money.”

Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

Skip These Frozen Oysters (Food Safety Alert): FDA says all half-shell & IQF oysters processed by JBR, KR-15-SP harvested Dec 30, 2024–Aug 7, 2025 shouldn’t be sold or eaten. Check lot codes; toss or return.

New TSA/FAA Rule: No Cordless Gas Hair Tools in Checked Bags: Butane/gas-cartridge curling irons/straighteners are banned in checked luggage; carry-on is OK only with a safety cover and protection against activation. 

32,000 lbs Meat Recall (Multi-State): Sabrositos Hondureños, LLC recalled assorted ready-to-eat meats produced without federal inspection. Don’t serve; discard or return. 

Park Cash Smartly (Today’s HYSA Leaders): Top high-yield savings accounts are still posting ~4.3–5.0% APY as of Aug 20—handy if you want liquidity before potential rate cuts. Compare requirements and transfer

Spot Wedding Scams Before You Book: Today’s guides flagged red flags: insist on a written contract, pay with a credit card (not cash/wire), verify the business license/insurance, and cross-check reviews and contact details before deposits.