Record diesel prices raise risk of higher grocery costs
Diesel reached nearly $6.06 a gallon on Sept. 11, adding pressure across food production and delivery even as official grocery prices remained stable in August.
consumer costs
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PPA voids 23,195 Philadelphia speed-camera violations and refunds $1,252,798.75
A missing 25-mph speed-limit sign and speed-camera enforcement sign invalidated 23,195 southbound violations near 6500 N. Broad Street.
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Census survey shows business cost pressure despite cautious outlook
A new Census survey shows elevated input-cost pressure alongside cautiously positive expectations for business performance, demand and staffing.
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Waller leaves Fed’s September rate decision unusually open
Mixed August inflation data, Waller’s conditional stance and a prior Fed split leave the September 15-16 decision open, with borrowing costs in focus.
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Grocery prices stayed flat in August but remain above last year
Grocery prices were unchanged in August but remained 2.2% above a year earlier, while restaurants rose faster and USDA sees uneven food costs ahead.
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U.S. Productivity Rose in Q2, but Real Compensation Fell
Revised federal data show stronger output per hour in the second quarter, but inflation-adjusted compensation fell, leaving household purchasing power under pressure.
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U.S. Home Sales Fall Below 4 Million Pace as Rates and Prices Rise
Existing-home sales fell to their slowest pace in more than a year in August as higher prices and mortgage rates outweighed a modest gain in inventory.
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Trump Promises $500 ACA Refunds, but Many Higher-Cost Enrollees May Not Qualify
The White House says nearly 1 million ACA enrollees could receive $500 refunds in October, but the proposed payments may exclude many facing higher 2026 premiums.
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Philadelphia water bills rise 7.5% as September rate increase takes effect
Philadelphia’s new water, sewer and stormwater rates took effect Sept. 1, raising PWD’s typical residential bill example from $89.42 to $96.16. The department later corrected an outdated formula in a printed bill insert.
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EPA gasoline waiver starts early winter-fuel transition Sept. 1
EPA’s temporary waiver allows higher-volatility gasoline two weeks early to expand supply, but it does not guarantee lower pump prices for drivers.
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25 states challenge Trump’s Section 301 tariffs in federal court
A 25-state lawsuit challenges tariffs on imports from 60 economies. The duties remain in effect as the trade court weighs executive authority and refunds.
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New-home sales fell sharply in July as affordability stayed strained
U.S. new-home sales fell 10.5% in July as inventory rose to 9.6 months of supply, but mortgage rates near 6.66% limited the benefit of lower prices.
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U.S. Import Prices Rose 5.9% Over the Year as Fuel Costs Drove the Increase
U.S. import prices rose 5.9% from July 2025 to July 2026, led by fuel, even as prices fell 0.4% in July. The data are not retail inflation.
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Fed Chair Warsh keeps September rate hike in play as inflation stays high
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh said inflation remains well above the Fed’s 2% target, keeping a September rate hike possible but far from decided.
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50% Canada Tariff Puts Pressure on Youth Hockey Costs
A new 50% U.S. duty on specified Canadian goods includes some hockey equipment, adding uncertainty for families and youth programs this fall.
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California wildfire liability deal could shift costs to homeowners as lawmakers face Aug. 31 deadline
California lawmakers are weighing a proposed wildfire liability package that could speed survivor payments but raise insurance costs and change who pays after future utility-caused fires.
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Black Hills Energy customers could face a 45% electric-bill increase if regulators approve two requests
Two pending Black Hills Energy requests could add about $44.83 monthly for a typical 650-kWh customer, but South Dakota regulators have not approved either increase.
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Rhode Island Energy customers will begin seeing temporary bill credits in October
Rhode Island Energy electric customers are scheduled to receive fixed monthly credits beginning in October, while gas credits begin in December after deferred gas-cost balances are addressed.
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Orlando’s parking system is going cashless, with more rate changes planned for fall
Orlando began removing parking meters July 1 and plans to complete its cashless transition by Oct. 1. Drivers should expect digital payments now and additional rate and enforcement changes during the fourth quarter.
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Southcentral Alaska utilities warn gas shortages could raise heating and power costs this winter
Enstar and regional electric utilities warn that tightening Cook Inlet gas supplies and low storage margins could raise energy costs and trigger conservation measures during extreme winter demand.
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California Insurers Plan More Wildfire-Risk Home Coverage
California regulators say 11 insurers will expand or stay active, but homeowners still face high premiums, deductibles and heavy FAIR Plan reliance.
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La Crosse Water Utility proposes rate increase after 2024 review
The La Crosse Water Utility proposed a rate increase July 21 after a review that began in 2024. The amount and timing remain unspecified.