Keeping Up With America

Pentagon Planning Guard for Chicago, Democrat Says ‘Manufactured Crisis’
A Pentagon official told ABC planning is underway to send federalized Guard units to Chicago; House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries blasted the move as political theater. 

First Travel-Linked Human Screwworm Case Confirmed in U.S.
Maryland health officials said a traveler contracted the flesh-eating parasite abroad; CDC urges clinicians to be alert for myiasis symptoms after trips to affected areas. 

European Shippers Cut Off U.S. Parcel Service Amid Tariff Uncertainty
A growing list of EU carriers paused U.S. deliveries while they parse new duties/exemptions — a headache for small sellers and cross-border returns. 

Vance Says New Ohio Map Shouldn’t Favor GOP
In an Axios interview, the VP argued a fair congressional map matters more than partisan advantage as redistricting talks heat up. 

Federal Court Filing System Hit by Sweeping Hack
Politico first reported the breach; concerns include possible exposure of sealed dockets and informant identities while the judiciary assesses scope.

Around the World

France Summons U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner Over Antisemitism Claims
Paris protested Kushner’s WSJ letter alleging France isn’t doing enough to curb antisemitism; tensions flare as Washington, Paris, and Jerusalem spar over rhetoric. 

Russia Says Europe Doesn’t Want Peace; Vance: U.S. ‘Will Keep Trying’
Lavrov praised Trump’s efforts while denying civilian strikes; the U.S. says shuttle diplomacy will continue despite stalled progress. 

WHO Staffer Released After Weeks in Detention in Gaza
The agency said the worker was freed more than a month after being held by Israeli forces; details remain sparse. 

Belarus’s Lukashenko Says He’s ‘Healthy’ After Medical Exam
The longtime leader dismissed speculation about his condition as he reasserts control at home and backs Moscow abroad. 

Lets Talk Business and Tech

​xAI Open-Sources Grok 2.5 Model Weights
Musk said last year’s best Grok is now on Hugging Face; he hinted Grok 3 will follow in ~6 months, upping the open-AI arms race. 

SpaceX Targets 10th Starship Flight With New Heat-Shield Fixes
FAA paperwork and pad prep suggest another “learning launch” is near; expect changes focused on tiles and reentry stability. 

iPhone 17 Watch: ‘Thinnest Ever’ and New ‘iPhone Air’ Rumors
Fresh leaks point to a 5.5-mm profile, redesigned AirPods, and a late-September event, with enterprise AI features looming. 

Bluesky Blocks Service in Mississippi Over Age-Law
The social app says it will geoblock Mississippi rather than comply with a new “age assurance” requirement; digital-rights groups warn more state-by-state blocks could follow.

Richer, Wiser, Happier

Today’s Mortgage Snapshot: Lock or Float?
The 30-yr fixed hovers ~6.66–6.67% APR; if you’re closing within 30–45 days, price a rate-lock that matches your timeline, then compare lender extension fees in case of delays. Floating? Set a target rate and an alert with your loan officer so you can lock intraday. Re-shop homeowners insurance (it affects DTI), and ask lenders for par vs. lender-credit options to minimize cash at close.

CD/HYSA Moves if Cuts Arrive
With big houses (e.g., JPM) warming to multi-cut scenarios into fall/winter, consider: (1) rolling maturing CDs into a 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-month ladder to keep optionality; (2) keeping emergency cash in a no-penalty CD or top HYSA; (3) avoiding long-duration bond funds unless you accept principal swings. Always confirm early-withdrawal penalties and transfer times before you roll. 

Best Used Cars Under $5,000 (Yes, Really)
CR’s updated list prioritizes reliability, parts availability, and safety basics. If you’re buying cheap, budget 15–20% for immediate maintenance (tires, brakes, fluids), run a VIN-based history, and get a pre-purchase inspection before you sign.

Blue Bell Recalls Moo-llennium Crunch for Undeclared Allergens: Check lids/labels if you bought recently; undeclared tree nuts raise serious allergy risk. Don’t eat recalled lots, return or discard and contact the company for guidance. 

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

MLB: Skenes, Rogers, Suárez Dominate
Pitching stars popped across the league — PIT’s Paul Skenes (7 IP, 0 ER), BAL’s Trevor Rogers (7 IP, 1 ER, 9 K), PHI’s Ranger Suárez (7 IP, 11 K). 

Dodgers 8, Padres 2: Freeman Goes Deep Twice
The LA first baseman clubbed a pair at Petco to pace an easy road win. 

Giants 5, Brewers 3: Late Push in Milwaukee
San Francisco closed strong to steal one at American Family Field. 

‘Weapons’ Three-Peats at No. 1: Horror’s Late-Summer Flex
Industry chatter says Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters may have edged it on streaming, but in theaters, Weapons keeps the crown.

Travis Kelce’s ‘The Kingdom’ Premieres in KC
The Chiefs star hit the red carpet with parents Donna & Ed at ESPN’s docuseries debut. 

Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

This No-Cook Pantry Dinner Starts with Tinned Fish
Pros share quick, protein-packed ideas (smoked trout, sardines, mussels) plus easy add-ins to round out the plate.

Make Your Home Actually Relaxing: 5 Design Fixes
Lighting, paint, clutter, and layout tweaks that calm a space, with examples you can copy room-by-room. 

Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs Right Now
CR’s updated picks help you stretch each gallon (or kWh); check real-world mpg/MPGe and warranty coverage before you buy. 

BBQ Sauce Check: 6 Bottles Dietitians Skip
Hidden sugar and additives add up — here’s what to avoid and smarter swaps for Labor Day grilling.