News Roundup: Shutdown Looms, Ticketmaster Targeted, EV Tax Break Ends

By CreditVana Editorial Team | October 2, 2025

From new tariffs to inflation updates and a possible government shutdown, there’s been no shortage of financial headlines this week. Here’s a smart breakdown of what’s going on, why it matters for your money, and what you can do about it.

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📈 The Economy Is Growing — But So Are Concerns

✅ GDP: Solid Growth

The U.S. economy grew at a 3.8% annual rate in Q2 2025, according to a revised GDP estimate released Sept. 25. That’s a strong signal the economy is still expanding, despite ongoing inflation and rising borrowing costs.

📉 Consumer Sentiment Slips

While the economy grows, people aren’t feeling quite as confident. The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index dropped about 5% in September compared to August. Still, we’re above the lows seen in April and May.

📊 Inflation Remains Sticky

The PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures) report — the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge — shows prices were up 2.7% in August compared to a year ago. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, rose 2.9%.

💡 Why it matters: These figures influence the Fed’s decisions on interest rates. Persistent inflation = higher rates for longer = more expensive loans and credit card debt.

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⚠️ Déjà Vu: Another Government Shutdown Looms

Clock’s Ticking

Once again, Congress is on the brink of a government shutdown. Lawmakers have until October 1 at midnight to pass spending bills or approve a stopgap funding measure. So far? No deal.

With House sessions canceled for Sept. 29–30, and Congress on recess, things aren’t looking good.

What Happens If the Government Shuts Down?

• Federal workers: Hundreds of thousands could be furloughed without pay.

• Social Security & Medicare: Payments continue, but processing delays (like new disability claims) may occur.

• SNAP & WIC: Food assistance programs continue for now, but WIC funding could run out after about 30 days.

• Travel disruptions: TSA and air traffic staff are “essential,” but working unpaid could lead to absenteeism and delays.

• National parks: Expect closures or bare-bones service (like no trash pickup).

• IRS delays: No income verification = slower loan approvals and tax refunds.

💡 CreditVana tip: If you’re applying for a mortgage, auto loan, or new credit card, do it before a shutdown hits to avoid potential IRS verification delays.

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🎟️ Ticketmaster Is in Trouble (Again)

Remember the Taylor Swift ticket fiasco in 2022? So do regulators.

This week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed another lawsuit against Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation, accusing them of:

• Coordinating with brokers to let them use bots and bulk-buy tickets

• Hiding real costs from customers at checkout

• Profiting off massively marked-up resale prices

With a 2026 antitrust trial looming and bipartisan frustration building, expect more pressure on the ticketing giant.

💡 CreditVana tip: If you’re planning to attend a big event, use presales (like those from credit card perks) or buy direct from venues to avoid inflated prices.

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🇺🇸 Trump Announces New Tariffs — and They’re Big

In a surprise move, President Trump unveiled a new round of tariffs effective Oct. 1, aimed at boosting U.S. manufacturing:

• 100% tariff on branded pharmaceutical products (except those made in the U.S.)

• 50% on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities

• 30% on upholstered furniture

• 25% on heavy-duty trucks

💡 Impact on your wallet: Expect price hikes on home renovation goods, prescription meds, and certain vehicles. If you’re planning big purchases in these categories, consider shopping sooner rather than later.

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🚗 EV Tax Credit Ends — But Sales Keep Booming

The federal $7,500 EV tax credit expired Sept. 30, sparking a rush in EV sales during August (+17.7% YoY). But without the credit, new EVs could be a tougher sell due to higher sticker prices.

💡 CreditVana tip: Some states still offer EV rebates. Check Kelley Blue Book’s database to see what local incentives are available.

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🎬 Disney+ Raises Prices Amid Kimmel Controversy

Streaming just got more expensive.

Starting Oct. 21, Disney+ subscription plans are increasing:

This price hike follows backlash over Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension from ABC — owned by Disney — after political comments stirred controversy. Though Kimmel returned to air this week, not all networks are airing his show, and investors are demanding answers.

💡 CreditVana tip: With multiple price hikes across platforms, now’s a good time to compare streaming services and cut any subscriptions you’re not using.

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📉 Key Inflation Data Delayed by BLS

The Consumer Expenditures Survey (CES) — a foundational report used to calculate inflation — was unexpectedly delayed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) cited “data discrepancies,” announcing the report will now be released Oct. 30.

This follows staffing struggles and budget cuts at the BLS. Over one-third of leadership roles are vacant, and the agency’s budget has been shrinking relative to inflation for years.

💡 Why it matters: CES data influences how the government calculates CPI (consumer inflation). A delay adds more uncertainty to already confusing inflation signals — and that impacts everything from Fed decisions to your interest rates.

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🧠 The Bottom Line

Here’s what smart consumers should watch right now:

✅ Inflation remains steady, but not falling — meaning the Fed could keep interest rates higher for longer.
⚠️ Government shutdown could cause real headaches for public services, loans, and food programs.
🎟️ Ticketmaster may finally face consequences — but for now, prepare to fight for those face-value seats.
🔧 Tariffs and streaming hikes mean higher prices are coming for essentials and entertainment.
📊 Delayed economic data only adds to the uncertainty — but we’ll keep you updated.

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