Grocery Value Shift: Bain & NIQ say U.S. grocery unit demand kept sliding through June as prices rose 2–3% and budgets tightened, with shoppers trading down to lower-priced brands and buying fewer items. Back-to-School Spending: Optimove reports families start earlier (42% before June) and plan to spend more, but cost pressure still tops worries. Consumer Sentiment: The University of Michigan index jumped to 54.4 in July as gas pressures eased, though expectations remain fragile with Middle East tensions. Recall Watch: CPSC recalled Madewell women’s sweaters for burn hazard (flammability standard violation) and Target recalled 211,000 Cat & Jack toddler sandals after decorative pearls could detach and choke kids; separate lead-cup recall hits a Flashgitz “Space King” lunch box. Food Safety: CDC/FDA linked Taco Bell iceberg lettuce to a multistate cyclospora outbreak, urging consumers to avoid affected lettuce. Scams & Consumer Protection: Saskatchewan warned about “Profit Rings” fake endorsements; Texas AG urged flood-scam vigilance and anti-price-gouging reporting. Digital Dark Patterns: India’s CCPA fined SpiceJet Rs 1 lakh for deceptive booking design, including pre-ticked loyalty and consent tactics. Travel Costs: LendingTree says high gas and airfare are reshaping summer plans, with many skipping trips. Retail Tech: Repsly launched “Territory Advisor” AI to optimize field coverage for consumer goods teams.