CMS Seeks Public Input on Making Hospital Prices Easier to Compare
CMS is seeking public comments on clearer hospital price files, bundled services and online estimates before the August 31, 2026, deadline.
Consumer affairs
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Foreclosure Filings Rose 21% in Early 2026. Why It Is Not 2008
U.S. foreclosure filings rose 21% in the first half of 2026, but the increase reflects a gradual normalization of mortgage distress—not a return to 2008.
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FDA finalizes Orange B removal, weighs Citrus Red No. 2 ban
The FDA has finalized removal of an abandoned sausage-casing color authorization while weighing a separate proposal affecting orange skins.
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What 2026 Concert Data Show About Demand and Ticket Prices
Global touring totals are hitting records, but North American per-show averages and stadium-tour counts are falling, creating a mixed market for fans and venues.
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Why Lower Wholesale Power Prices May Not Mean Cheaper Summer Electric Bills
Wholesale power prices are forecast to fall nationally in summer 2026, but higher retail rates and heavier air-conditioning use could raise household bills.
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SNAP retailers face new USDA stocking standards by Nov. 4
Many inventory-based SNAP retailers must stock 28 qualifying staple-food varieties by Nov. 4, while SNAP shoppers can still buy accessory foods.
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New Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Insurance Rules Change Roof and Condo Coverage
New Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac rules allow actual-cash-value roof coverage and higher condo deductibles, but owners may face larger bills after a loss.
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Proposed FTC-Hopper deal puts hotel-booking fees under scrutiny
A proposed $35 million FTC settlement with Hopper highlights federal rules requiring clearer hotel-booking prices, optional fees and final checkout totals.
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Live Nation Reports Strong Concert Demand as Antitrust Case Moves Forward
Live Nation posted higher revenue, attendance and ticket sales, while a proposed federal settlement could eventually expand ticketing choices at some venues.
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Federal bills target private-equity control of youth sports
Two bills introduced May 13 would restrict defined private-equity practices in youth sports, including stay-to-play rules and hidden fees, but neither is law.
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Why Airlines Are Watching Fuel Costs After United Flags a Sharp Rise in Jet-Fuel Expense
United and American are revising their outlooks as fuel costs rise faster than fares can adjust, putting pressure on ticket prices, schedules and margins.
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Homeowner Assistance Fund Deadline Nears as Relief Program Winds Down
Homeowners should check local assistance programs now: federal HAF funding ends September 30, 2026, and some programs may close sooner.
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FDA food-safety alerts cover eggs, lettuce and frozen berries
Three separate FDA investigations involve recalled eggs, iceberg lettuce and GreenWise frozen berries. Here are the product codes, states and safety steps.
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USDA forecasts higher 2026 grocery prices, led by beef and produce
USDA projects grocery prices will rise 2.7% in 2026, with beef, vegetables and sweets outpacing the average while egg prices are expected to fall.
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Credit-card borrowing slowed in May as U.S. debt stayed high
Federal Reserve data show revolving credit contracted in May, while credit-card balances remained high and borrowing costs continued to pressure households.
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Frozen Blueberry E. coli Outbreak Reaches 12 Cases in Two States
Publix recalled all lots of four GreenWise frozen-berry products as FDA and CDC investigate 12 E. coli cases, four hospitalizations and no deaths.
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Federal Home-Energy Rebates Remain Available, but Rules Narrow Some Upgrades
Federal home-energy rebates remain available in select areas, but a May 29 DOE notice narrows some HEEHR gas-to-electric upgrades in existing homes.
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FDA links recalled eggs to part of 98-case Salmonella outbreak
FDA says recalled eggs are a likely source of part of a 98-case Salmonella outbreak. Check cartons, discard matching eggs and clean contacted surfaces.
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Restaurant prices are rising more slowly than groceries. What that means for diners
Restaurant prices remain higher than groceries year over year, but grocery inflation has run faster in 2026. The gap varies by restaurant type and region.
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Why Lower Summer Power Prices May Not Mean Lower Electric Bills
Wholesale electricity prices are forecast to fall this summer, but higher cooling use, retail rates and delivery costs could still raise household bills.
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South Carolina reports 1.13 million affected residents in first-half breach notices
South Carolina consumer officials say 41 businesses reported breaches affecting 1,131,320 residents from January 1 through June 30, 2026. The figure is not a count of unique people, and two large notices drove about two-thirds of the reported total.
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La Salle podcast explains electric aggregation and solicitor permits
La Salle’s new city podcast breaks down electric aggregation, opt-out basics, and solicitor permits so residents know what to expect next.