U.S. retail sales rose by 0.6% in August, surpassing expectations and driven in part by back-to-school shopping. Yet this positive trend unfolds against a backdrop of mounting tariffs, which are beginning to hurt job growth and drive up prices. Experts watch closely to see whether these gains can continue under ongoing trade pressures.

Most schools in North Jersey begin classes soon after Labor Day, but a few districts opt for earlier start dates. The differences span Bergen, Essex, Morris, Passaic, and Sussex counties, where families are gearing up for the academic year.

Pasadena Unified School District reopened Monday, welcoming hundreds of children who only weeks ago watched the Eaton Fire consume their homes. Administrators describe the return as emotional yet hopeful, trusting in what they call the students’ remarkable resilience.