Keeping Up With America

U.S. Mulls Taking Stakes in Big Defense Contractors
Commerce says equity stakes could back munitions production; markets took note.

Trump Renews Bid for Denuclearization Talks With Russia & China
Pitch ties to New START’s 2026 expiry and stalled North Korea diplomacy.

Federal Police Surge in D.C. ‘Alienating the City,’ Commanders Say
Community trust “will have to be rebuilt,” local leaders warn.

Appeals Court: Pa. Mail Ballots Can’t Be Tossed for Envelope Date Errors
Third Circuit says the rule burdens voters with little anti-fraud benefit.

DOJ Asks Supreme Court to Let White House Withhold Foreign Aid
Emergency appeal seeks green light to pause billions through Sept. 30. 

Around the World

Trump to Chair White House Gaza Meeting Wednesday
U.S. and Israeli diplomats set talks amid renewed fighting.

Estonia Blames Russian Jamming After Stray Ukrainian Drone Explodes
Incident raises cross-border EW concerns in NATO’s northeast.

Russia Says Key Drone-Hit Refinery Will Restart Ahead of Schedule
Lukoil aims to ease fuel tightness after repeated strikes.

EU Stands Firm on Digital Rules Despite U.S. Tariff Threats
Brussels says DSA enforcement won’t bow to pressure. 

Lets Talk Business and Tech

​Framework Teases TrackPoint-Style Nub, eGPU as It Rolls Out Upgradable GPU Laptop
Modular PC maker keeps tinkerer cred with new ideas.

Stocks Edge Higher After Fed Firestorm; Eyes on Nvidia
Dollar dips as long yields rise amid central-bank drama.

S&P 500 Closes Up; Nvidia, Eli Lilly Lead
Fed independence worries linger after Cook ouster move.

Consumer Confidence Slips to 97.4
Jobs, tariffs, prices weigh; expectations gauge stays below recession line. 

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Richer, Wiser, Happier

Today’s Mortgage Call: Lock or Float?
30-yr fixed avg ~6.67% (Aug 26). Closing in ≤30–45 days? Lean lock and ask for a float-down, verify lock length/extension fees, and run a points break-even before buying the rate. Longer runway? Set alerts with your lender and pre-shop homeowners insurance (DTI impact).

Consumer Confidence Dips — What It Means for Your Budget
A softer labor view (jobs “hard to get” up to 20%) often precedes belt-tightening. Action steps: pad cash buffer to 3–6 months, delay non-essential big purchases, and review variable-rate debt for refinance/BT options.

Social Security Reality Check: Demographics vs. Benefits
With fertility around 1.6 and the OASI trust fund on track for a 2033 shortfall absent reform, model retirement with reduced SS, max any employer match, and keep 6–12 months’ cash if you’re within five years of retiring. 

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

US Open R1: Tsitsipas Survives in Four
Tight breaker closes out Muller; night crowd eats it up.

MLB Condensed: Reds @ Dodgers
Late-night West Coast tilt, all the key swings in 10 minutes.

Market Watch: Indexes Finish Green
S&P +0.41%, Nasdaq +0.44%, Dow +0.30%.

Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Are Engaged
Pop + NFL power couple drop the news; brands pile on with winks.

Zoë Kravitz Turns Heads at N.Y.C. Premiere
Red-carpet moment as promo tour rolls. 

Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

11 High-Protein Foods to Build Lean Muscle in 30 Days
Dietitian-backed picks you can slot into breakfast, lunch, and snacks.

5 At-Home Fitness Tests to Gauge Your Health After 45
Simple balance/strength checks to baseline your fitness.

Beat Text-Message Toll Scams
Consumer Reports’ quick steps to block/report fake “missed toll” dings.