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
James R. Hood
Jim Hood is a grizzled veteran of the news business. After 14 years at the Associated Press, he founded Zapnews and ConsumerAffairs.com. In his dotage he runs The Outraged Consumer on Substack and ConsumerNews.ai.
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
Money
Vermont moves to protect survivors from coerced debt
Vermont becomes the ninth state to enact specific protections against coerced debt, a growing form of economic abuse
Consumer Protection
Consumer sentiment at a low ebb; nearly half of Americans say they're worse off financially
The New York Fed’s monthly household survey shows the most pessimism since 2022 — and it lines up with the CPI print due Wednesday
Money
DoorDash, Instacart face FTC scrutiny over hidden delivery fees
The move follows a $60 million settlement with Instacart over allegations involving misleading “free delivery” claims and undisclosed fees