AGP Executive Report

Social Media Liability: A U.S. appeals court cleared the way for more than 3,000 lawsuits accusing Meta and TikTok of designing addictive feeds that harmed minors, rejecting a bid to stop the cases under Section 230. Consumer Economy Watch: July inflation cooled to 3.4% year-over-year, easing pressure on the Fed, but retail sales still fell—keeping consumers cautious. Grocery Retail Shake-Up: Safeway closures are expanding as Albertsons rethinks its store footprint after the failed Kroger merger, with closures already hitting sales and costs. Food Safety & Inspections: FDA scrutiny continues across the food supply chain, including inspections tied to the cyclospora outbreak and routine facility checks that can trigger voluntary action. Trade & Tariffs: Negotiations with Canada and requests for tariff relief (including from Colombia after an earthquake) are intensifying as new tariff deadlines loom. Payments & Consumer Data: A proposed open-banking framework could reshape how banks share consumer data—and critics warn it may also open the door to new fees. Marijuana Rescheduling: The next DEA rescheduling deadline arrives Aug. 17, with the outcome potentially reshaping the cannabis market and state programs. Crypto Scams: Regulators warn scammers are impersonating major platforms and exploiting crypto “migration” to target retail investors. E-commerce Groceries: Kroger is overhauling its online shopping leadership, naming a former Walmart eCommerce executive to boost delivery speed and order accuracy. Small Business Funding: The SBA is highlighting record growth in its investment programs aimed at helping small businesses scale.

Social Media Liability: A U.S. appeals court cleared the way for more than 3,000 lawsuits against Meta and TikTok over claims their platforms are designed to be addictive and harmful to minors, rejecting a Section 230 argument that would have blocked the cases. Child Safety Penalty: In a separate case, a federal judge ordered Meta to pay an additional $567 million for failing to protect children online, bringing the total in the matter to $942 million. AI in Consumer Life: Hollywood’s job postings show studios are quietly hiring for AI production tools and IP defense, even as performers and studios clash over how AI is used. Retail & Value: Chili’s reported strong momentum, with same-store sales up 5.6% and a strategy built around everyday value that’s increasingly pulling diners from fast food. Food & Household: Maple Ridge, B.C. expanded recycling to include non-packaging rigid plastics, citing higher oil costs after Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Border Enforcement: U.S. CBP wrapped up FIFA World Cup 2026 counterfeit crackdowns, seizing 476,903 fake items worth $33.1M. Energy & Infrastructure: Data centers are driving a surge in U.S. electricity demand, turning power utilities into AI-linked growth plays as grid buildouts lag.

Social Media Liability: A U.S. appeals court cleared the way for 3,000+ lawsuits against Meta and TikTok over claims their platforms are addictive and harmful to minors, rejecting arguments that Section 230 blocks suits. Retail & Consumer Demand: New data points to a sharp July retail sales drop and weakening consumer sentiment, with shoppers pulling back as inflation worries linger. Tariffs & Trade: The U.S. and Canada are nearing a deal to avert steep 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, with talks also tied to energy, defense, and critical minerals. Tech & Shopping Rules: Amazon reinstated binding arbitration and class-action waivers for many disputes, while Apple’s court fight with Epic is spilling into new external-purchase commission proposals. Household Costs: Gas prices stayed volatile in local markets, with GasBuddy reporting some of the week’s lowest E15/premium/diesel and E85 prices in multiple counties and cities. Health & Safety: Bedbug infestations are rising, and researchers warn about potential links to harder-to-treat infections. AI & Books: Independent booksellers report sudden bulk orders they suspect are tied to AI training demand after a U.S. fair-use ruling. Defense & Logistics: The USS George Washington is heading to the Middle East amid reported supply strain tied to earlier disruptions.

Retail & Consumer Demand: U.S. retail sales fell unexpectedly in July (down 0.6%), dragging consumer sentiment and adding to rate-hike uncertainty. Digital Advertising Policy: Maryland’s first-in-the-nation digital ad tax was struck down, with courts ordering refunds to major tech firms. Hemp Regulation: A federal judge denied a hemp business request to pause new restrictions, while Montana hemp processors praised a Senate delay on a broader floral hemp ban. Tariffs & Costs: Kimberly-Clark won a $45M tariff refund (about half of what it paid), aiming to offset higher input costs. Trade Rules for E-commerce: A trade court upheld Trump’s elimination of the de minimis exemption for imports under $800, keeping pressure on low-cost online shipping economics. Food Safety Recalls: Lidl recalled a spice mix over possible salmonella contamination; Whole Foods also issued recalls tied to salmonella concerns. AI & Consumer Tech: A survey found 77% of U.S. adults use AI answer engines, with many relying on them for shopping and major decisions. Payments & Crypto: Mastercard’s $1.8B BVNK deal signals stablecoins moving toward mainstream payments infrastructure. Energy & Infrastructure: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang warned AI buildouts face hard power constraints as data centers strain grids.

Social Media Accountability: A U.S. appeals court let thousands of lawsuits alleging Meta and TikTok designed addictive features for minors move forward, rejecting a Section 230 “immunity” argument and keeping the fight over platform responsibility alive. Grocery & Retail Deals: C&S Wholesale Grocers is moving to become majority owner of Winn-Dixie, with a deal expected to close in early 2027, while Winn-Dixie keeps its Jacksonville office. Consumer Spending Watch: Retail sales fell 0.6% in July from June (10th straight year-over-year gain still intact), with online sales down 2.3% in the month. Food Safety Oversight: FDA began onsite inspections and sampling at Taylor Farms de Mexico tied to the cyclospora outbreak, as Consumer Reports urges more funding and a stronger traceability system. Health Product News: FDA cleared Bristol Myers Squibb’s Zenbexus (iberdomide combo) for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, with a restricted distribution program. State Health Crackdown: Massachusetts issued an emergency order targeting kratom products, moving them toward Schedule I under state law. Tech in Shopping: A study says AI-powered grocery carts can push shoppers to spend up to 32% more, raising concerns about recommendation-driven buying. Back-to-School Consumer Pressure: Counterfeiters are targeting the season with fake brand listings and social ads, pushing shoppers to watch for online fraud red flags.

Social Media Accountability: A U.S. appeals court cleared the way for more than 3,000 lawsuits against Meta and TikTok over claims their platforms are designed to be addictive and harm minors, rejecting a bid to stop the cases under Section 230. Consumer Safety Recall: Henkel is recalling Schwarzkopf Professional Osis Grip mousse after reports of a can leak that could lead to an explosion; affected lots were sold through salons and retail in multiple states. Food & Pet Safety: Oma’s Pride recalled a frozen raw dog food lot after possible salmonella contamination, urging owners to stop feeding and dispose safely. Healthcare Product Pipeline: Pfizer and Valneva say the EMA validated the marketing authorization application for their Lyme vaccine candidate, moving it into review based on Phase 3 results. Retail & Label Claims: A new lab analysis found 98% of personal care and cleaning products contained chemicals not listed on labels, including many with known or suspected health hazards. Trade & Prices: Trump signed tariffs on imported drones and components (up to 100%), with an onshoring push for domestic manufacturing. Energy Costs: Gas prices remain elevated as Middle East tensions and shipping disruptions keep pressure on fuel supplies. Tech & Retail AI: Reuters reports Apple trained a China-specific AI model with Alibaba support, aiming to launch Apple Intelligence in China despite access limits to U.S. AI models. Infrastructure Manufacturing: Dexco expanded U.S. busbar production with a new epoxy insulation line rated up to 38 kV for data center and utility projects.

Vaccines & Consumer Logistics: A Trump executive order would unbundle combo childhood shots like MMR into separate injections, forcing more doctor visits, new manufacturing, and higher costs—public health experts say there’s no scientific basis. Retail & Food Safety: Salmonella-linked jalapeño recalls expanded after nearly 350 illnesses, pulling prepared foods sold at major grocers; Consumer Reports also urges the CPSC to investigate the whole “squishy toys” category for chemical burns and odors. Payments & Credit: JD Power finds financial stress is widening among U.S. credit card users, with 60% now “financially unhealthy,” while Equifax faces a $100M settlement over misreported credit scores. Tech & Shopping Behavior: Apple’s Siri is reportedly moving toward paid publisher deals to improve real-time answers; a survey finds consumers increasingly trust AI tools for shopping discovery, even as many still want humans to review purchases. Energy & Affordability: Gas prices remain volatile but easing; meanwhile, Americans report cutting back on essentials as living costs stay high. Auto & Brand Moves: Ford plans to ramp Lincoln production in the U.S. and phase out China imports; McDonald’s adds Red Bull and new crafted sodas nationwide starting Aug. 17. Cybercrime & Fraud: Trump authorizes vetted private firms to conduct offensive cyber operations against foreign scammers after Americans lost $20.8B to fraud.

Food & Drug Policy: Federal data says ultra-processed foods make up 55% of Americans’ daily calories (nearly 62% for youth), as HHS and former FDA chief David Kessler push to crack the 1958 GRAS loophole that lets companies self-certify additives. Consumer Safety: Oma’s Pride voluntarily recalls a 6-lb lot of Woof Complete Canine Chicken Recipe due to possible Salmonella contamination. Retail & Tech: Target names its first chief AI officer, signaling a bigger push to use AI in merchandising and operations. Shipping & Prices: Ocean freight rates from Asia to the U.S. East Coast hit a new high, with spot rates rising to $9,144 per FEU, adding pressure to summer import costs. Workplace Rights: Apple will pay $150,000 to settle an EEOC case over allegedly denying a Jewish worker Sabbath accommodations. Social Platforms: Bluesky’s monthly active users keep sliding, with Similarweb data showing a sharp drop from late-2024 levels. Inflation Watch: July CPI rose 0.1% for the month and 3.4% year over year, keeping rate-hike odds in focus for consumers and retailers. Automotive Manufacturing: Ford plans to increase Lincoln production in the U.S. starting in 2030 and phase out Lincoln imports from China for U.S. sales.

Food Policy Shake-Up: HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former FDA chief David Kessler are pushing to rein in the 1958 GRAS loophole, arguing ultra-processed foods now make up 55% of adult calories and nearly 62% of kids’ calories. Homebuying Cost Pressure: Borrowers are feeling higher “credit costs” on top of mortgage rates, including credit-check fees that have jumped to $30+ in some cases. Consumer Finance: U.S. credit card debt is near a record, while inflation eased to 3.4% in July—good news, but prices still bite. Retail & Brand Moves: Domino’s is rolling out a new “Domino” rectangular personal pizza, and Mondelēz is doubling down on premium cookies with Tate’s. Payments & Tech: Flywire and Trustly expand open-banking “Pay by Bank” payments across the U.S. and Canada. Sun Care Supply: BASF launches Tinosorb S (bemotrizinol) in the U.S. after FDA approval, aiming to boost sunscreen formulation options. Sports Betting Trend: Gen Z investors increasingly treat sports betting as part of long-term wealth plans. Local Consumer Impact: Air Products drops plans for a massive data center in Upper Macungie, Pa., after zoning rejection and community pushback.

Food Safety & Regulation: Acting FDA chief Kyle Diamantas urged Americans to trust the food supply after Cyclospora cases were traced to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, with FDA saying the source was identified “in record time” and recalls followed. Consumer Product Transparency: A new study found nearly all personal care and cleaning products contain undisclosed chemicals; 85% included unlabeled substances with known or suspected health hazards, undermining “clean” label claims. Household Costs & Inflation: Reuters reports July U.S. consumer prices likely rose moderately, keeping rate-hike expectations cautious as the Iran conflict continues to pressure energy markets. Energy & Everyday Prices: U.S. oil supply disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz are expected to last through 2027, and gas prices remain sensitive to refinery and shipping conditions. Retail & Value Pressure: DoorDash’s “cheeseburger index” says the $15 quick-meal is disappearing as the three-item average climbed 3.2% year over year. Food Industry Impact: Taylor Farms expanded salmonella-related jalapeño recalls, adding to a summer of produce and meat safety alerts. Consumer Credit: U.S. household debt dipped $13B in Q2 as mortgage balances fell, while auto loans and credit cards rose. Policy & Appliances: A Fifth Circuit ruling struck down Biden’s gas stove efficiency rule, siding with states that said the standards could raise costs and reduce reliability. SNAP & Grocery Demand: USDA data show SNAP enrollment fell by 5.3M after new work requirements, a hit that’s already showing up in grocery sales growth. Tech & Consumer Markets: Nvidia is partnering with Wall Street to raise $500B for AI infrastructure, stoking “circular deal” concerns as big tech cash tightens.

Consumer Tech & Retail Marketing: A new report says AI-driven “conversational commerce” is helping shoppers find products faster, but consumers still lean on the human touch for loyalty—especially as AI search use rises and traditional SEO discovery slips. Social Media Regulation: A Reuters/Ipsos poll finds 61% of Americans back tighter social media rules and 66% support age-verification laws for kids under 16, even as concerns grow about unreliable facial checks and the risk of sensitive ID data. Auto & Household Finance: The New York Fed reports record auto-loan originations in Q2, while credit card delinquency appears to have stabilized; overall consumer debt edged down slightly. Food Safety: The Justice Department filed to stop a Washington pet food maker from selling adulterated products, citing unsafe manufacturing practices. Robotics & Warehousing: The FCC added foreign-made advanced mobile robots to its covered list, which could affect imports and approvals for warehouse automation gear. Product Launches: HARIO rolled out a U.S. matcha latte frother designed to reduce clumping, and Epic Gardening introduced a new raised garden bed line.

Social Media Liability: A U.S. appeals court let thousands of lawsuits move forward against Meta, Google, TikTok and Snap over claims their platforms were designed to be addictive for young users, rejecting an early bid to block the cases. Food Safety: USDA FSIS issued a public health alert for meat and poultry products that include FDA-regulated jalapeños potentially contaminated with Salmonella, warning consumers to check for updates as downstream products are identified. Gas Prices: Wyoming gasoline rose 0.7 cents to average $4.10/g, while the national gas average fell 10.7 cents to $3.94/g, per GasBuddy. Tech & Consumer AI: Perplexity blocked Time’s “markdown” ads meant for AI agents, calling them deceptive and warning publishers could lose trust with its search index. Trade & Tariffs: Nevada and other states sued over new Trump tariff increases, arguing they’ll raise prices on Americans. Space for Consumers: Vietnam’s VinSpace signed a SpaceX launch contract for its first satellites in 2027, aiming to build local aerospace capability. Energy Shipping: Trump extended a 90-day Jones Act waiver allowing foreign ships to haul certain energy and agricultural goods between U.S. ports.

Food Safety Alert: USDA FSIS issued a public health alert for meat and poultry products containing FDA-regulated jalapeños that may be contaminated with Salmonella, warning consumers to check frequently as the recall expands and to not eat affected items. Outbreak Watch: CDC/FDA link a Salmonella outbreak across 27 states to jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico, with hundreds of cases and dozens hospitalized; FDA says restaurants like Chipotle stopped using the products, while more downstream items are expected. Food Policy: FDA proposed making “GRAS” food additive notifications mandatory to boost transparency after years of self-affirmation by manufacturers. Retail Seasonality: Hershey research says Halloween shopping is starting earlier via “Summerween,” pushing retailers to merchandise and promote themed treats sooner. Grocery Tech: Trig’s Markets in Wisconsin rolled out RSA America’s unified loyalty, fuel rewards, and digital promotions platform across five stores. Consumer Finance: Achieve survey finds 56% of consumers say paying off short-term debt would take more than six months. Social Media Liability: A U.S. appeals court let thousands of lawsuits proceed against major platforms over claims they designed products to be addictive to young users. Auto Service Expansion: Mavis Tires & Brakes opened a new Houston, Texas location with tire and maintenance services. Shipping Signals: NRF’s Global Port Tracker forecasts a slowdown in August U.S. imports through major ports, with modest pickup into fall.

Food Safety Recalls: Taylor Farms is pulling more than a dozen jalapeño products from U.S. grocery shelves after salmonella concerns tied to Coast Citrus Distributors; the recall spans dips, salsas and guacamole sold nationwide. Retail & Consumer Trust: A viral Shake Shack tipping clip claims “no tip” triggers a price increase at airport kiosks; Shake Shack denies the link, but the debate over “no-tip surcharges” is exploding online. Food Safety Fallout: USDA/FDA updates keep expanding the jalapeño salmonella problem, with additional meat and poultry alerts circulating as stores remove impacted items. Corporate Accountability: Meta is set for another U.S. trial over allegations it made Instagram and Facebook addictive for children, following prior damages and convictions. Supply Chain Security: Verisk reports cargo theft losses hit $304.6M in Q2 as organized groups use cyber tactics like business email compromise to target high-value shipments. Tech & Hardware: Apple is testing China’s CXMT memory chips for iPhones and MacBooks amid component shortages. Fast Food Competition: Burger King has reclaimed the No. 2 spot from Wendy’s as Wendy’s U.S. sales keep sliding. Energy & Infrastructure: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries won a record $673.8M order to supply 1,000 MW of power generation systems for U.S. data centers. Consumer Costs & Policy: Construction demand is picking up, but supply chains face project-driven spikes, labor limits and transport bottlenecks.

Food Safety Alerts: USDA warned consumers about meat and poultry products made with recalled jalapeños that may carry salmonella, with the outbreak tied to Mexican peppers and already reaching 27 states and 345 reported cases. Retail Impact: The Cyclospora outbreak is turning into a consumer-confidence problem for grocers and restaurants, with fresh lettuce sales down and chains like Taco Bell and Sweetgreen cutting outlooks. Policy & Consumer Goods: The Senate voted to delay a federal hemp THC ban until December, giving lawmakers more time to regulate the $28B-a-year hemp market. Tech Supply Chain: Apple is testing China’s CXMT memory chips for iPhones and MacBooks as AI-driven component shortages pressure suppliers. Energy & Utilities: California’s grid hit a record 12.99 gigawatts from battery storage in one July evening, underscoring how storage is reshaping power bills. Business & Jobs: U.S. employers cut 23,000 jobs in July, a cooling signal that could feed into consumer spending and pricing. Aviation: FAA cleared Boeing’s 737-7 for commercial service, a potential tailwind for airline capacity planning.

Food Safety Alerts: USDA/FSIS issued a public health alert for Missouri-distributed products that may contain recalled jalapeños linked to Salmonella, including Deli Kitchen Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Wraps (Kroger/Dillons) and Marketside Southwest Style Salad with Chicken (Walmart), with no confirmed illnesses yet. More Recalls: City Foods, Inc. recalled ready-to-eat pastrami and corned beef products due to possible Listeria contamination, shipping to foodservice locations in IL, IA, and MI; no confirmed illnesses reported. Public Health/Outbreak Watch: USDA also flagged additional meat and poultry items as the jalapeño ingredient recall investigation expands, urging consumers to check updates. Consumer Tech & Service: Verizon said it resolved a voice-services outage affecting customers in parts of the U.S. Energy & Household Costs: Kansas corn growers pushed for year-round E-15 as the Farm Bill stalls over SNAP rules. Retail & Lifestyle: A seasonal produce guide highlights how regional growing seasons can cut costs and improve freshness. Business/Finance: Berkshire Hathaway’s Greg Abel ended a long streak of net stock sales as the firm reported strong earnings.