Following a near-record peak this summer as retailers stocked up before tariff increases, import cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports is expected to steadily decline for the remainder of the year. That’s according to the most recent Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates. The report follows the implementation of reciprocal tariffs across the globe, with a number of key trading partners being subjected to tariffs higher than the earlier 10% tariffs, noted the NRF. Also, more and more sectoral tariffs are impacting a wider scope of products “Tariffs have had a significant impact on trade,” said Hackett Associates founder Ben Hackett said. “The trade outlook for the final months of the year is not optimistic.”

Last summer, a record-low 58% of U.S. adults said they were “extremely” or “very” proud to be an American, per a Gallup poll. That figure was down nine points from the previous year, and down nearly 30 points from when the firm first polled Americans about their pride in January 2001. While Gallup has yet to reveal this year’s findings, 2026 so far has delivered month after month of political polarization and economic strain, which has taken a toll on consumers. But even as the culture wars that have ensnared brands like Bud Light and Target continue — this time with a red, white and blue facade —  there is still value in being associated with America. For example, Brand Keys’ 25th annual index of patriotic brands includes a top 10 featuring institutions like Coca-Cola, Ford, Disney, Amazon and Walmart — companies with big marketing footprints and bigger market values. “As we gear up for the 250th party, more brands are viewed through a political lens — and authentic patriotism is more important than ever,” Robert Passikoff, president of research firm Brand Keys, said in a press release.

The PepsiCo brand embraces transparency with no artificial ingredients, new colors, and storytelling that starts with the humble farm-grown potato. PepsiCo announced the most significant brand redesign to Lay's potato chips in the brand's history, preparing it for its “next chapter.” Messaging focuses on “honoring” its farm-grown potatoes, natural ingredients, and the consumer appeal that made it the world’s top potato chip brand. Funny thing about that appeal, though: PepsiCo says 42% of “people who enjoy Lay’s don’t realize they’re made with real, farm-grown potatoes.” After refocusing on its roots, the company went to the branding mountaintop and came up with two underlying pillars that led to the visual cues now rolling out: