Aviation Workforce Push: The FAA says it’s hit 94% of its goal to recruit gamers as air traffic controllers, aiming to widen the talent pool and keep U.S. airspace safe. Fuel Costs: AAA reports gas and diesel are at record seasonal highs for this late in the year, with diesel especially painful for trucking and logistics. Port/Shipping Shock: Strait of Hormuz traffic is down sharply to a one-week low as Iran rejects U.S. claims of “total control,” keeping energy supply uncertainty front and center for shippers. Tariff Refunds Flow Through: After a Supreme Court tariff rollback, UPS/FedEx and other customs brokers are starting to pass tariff refunds to customers, a direct hit to the cost math for cross-border e-commerce. Rail/Competition Watch: Seven state AGs warn a proposed UP-NS merger could raise shipping costs, putting freight pricing and service levels in the spotlight. Local Mobility & Safety: Spokane’s fire preparedness and recovery planning drew attention, while Colorado’s “Liam’s Law” expands school zones to 1,000 feet—both matters that affect traffic patterns and road risk. Supply Chain Disruption (Auto): Ford plans to shift more Lincoln production to the U.S. and phase out imports from China, signaling continued reshoring pressure.