Cars
Used car prices top $30,000 as new-vehicle demand snaps back, CarGurus says
New car prices climbing steadily towards $51,000
James R. Hood
James R. Hood, an editor and consumer-affairs journalist with more than five decades of experience, has held senior editorial leadership roles at The Associated Press, United Press International, Zapnews and ConsumerAffairs.
Money
Wholesale inflation hit a 4-year high, and that’s working its way towards consumers' wallets
Jobless claims hit a 4-month high, and traders rebuilt rate-hike bets even with strikes paused
Trump pulls back from Iran strikes and oil drops below $90 a barrel, but wholesale prices jump 6.5 percent, jobless claims hit a four-month high and the appeals court keeps the 10 percent tariff alive
By Perplexity For the first time in two weeks, the dominant consumer-news story Friday morning was de-escalation rather than escalation. President Trump canceled planned strikes against Iran late Thursday — with U.S. Navy crews about three hours from launch — and announced a framework deal could be reached "
Consumer Protection
Trump taps former CFPB deputy Brian Johnson to lead the weakened consumer bureau
Timing points to deeper succession play as Trump tries again to fill the post
Money
Inflation hit a three-year high in May, and energy did almost all of it
No relief in sight as Middle East troubles drag on
AI/Privacy
Meta quietly removes facial recognition code after backlash over smart glasses app
Consumer groups warn the move may be temporary and are calling for stronger biometric privacy laws and enforcement
AI/Privacy
Nearly 1 in 5 young Americans turning to AI chatbots for mental health help, study finds
The number seeking help online is roughly the same as the number seeking help from professionals, study cautions
Health
GS Labs settles claims it overcharged patients and failed to deliver COVID-19 test results
The company 'exploited the huge demand for testing to make large profits,' the complaint alleges
Money
Home sales surge to the year’s fastest pace as mortgage rates climb back above 6.5 percent
Against every macro headwind, the housing market staged a small rebellion in May. Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes rose 3.2 percent from April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.17 million units, the fastest pace since December and a 3.2 percent gain from May
Seniors
Social Security, Medicare face earlier depletion dates and growing long‑term shortfalls, trustees warn
The problem has been recognized for decades but leak of leadership delays action
Consumer Protection
California launches affordability task force to target unlawful price hikes and consumer abuses
The team will focus on alleged misconduct by corporations, landlords, scammers, and others contributing to rising prices and financial hardship
Consumer Protection
Consumer watchdog turns on its former master, snarls at 'woke' rules, protections
CFPB’s mission shifts as Trump allies reshape consumer watchdog