Consumer News: You don’t have to call the IRS to check your tax refund status

New study shows 96% of all U.S. tariff costs are passed straight to American buyers

• Tariffs = higher prices here. About 96% of tariff costs get passed to U.S. shoppers, not foreign countries.

• Everyday goods get hit. Even Made in USA products can cost more if they use imported parts or materials.

• Less competition, fewer deals. Tariffs shrink imports, which means fewer choices and less pressure to keep prices low.

A new report out from the Kiel Instituteconfirms what many shoppers have already felt at the checkout line: U.S. tariffs are largely being paid by Americans, not foreign countries.

After analyzing more than 25 million shipment records worth nearly $4 trillion, the Institute found that roughly 96% of the cost of U.S. tariffs ends up with American importers and consumers, while foreign exporters absorb only about 4%. In other words, tariffs are functioning much more like a domestic tax than a penalty paid overseas.

That directly contradicts long-standing claims from President Trump, who has repeatedly argued that tariffs are paid by other countries. According to the researchers, theres been a near-complete pass-through, meaning import prices rise almost dollar-for-dollar with the tariffs imposed.

Why tariffs hit consumers faster than you think

Tariffs dont usually show up as a separate line item on your receipt. Instead, the cost quietly moves through the supply chain.

First, American importers and wholesalers pay the tariff when goods enter the country. From there, manufacturers and retailers face a choice: eat the extra cost or raise prices.

In most cases, at least part of that cost gets passed on to shoppers. Even products labeled Made in the USA arent immune if they rely on foreign parts, materials, or packaging.

The Kiel Institute also found that tariffs dont just raise prices, but they reduce availability. This meansfewer choices on store shelves and less competition to keep prices in check.

What shoppers can do to limit the damage

While consumers cant control trade policy, there are ways to soften the impact of tariff-driven price increases.

Buy before prices reset.

Retailers dont always raise prices immediately. When tariffs hit, stores often sell through existing inventory first.

If you know youll need products like appliances, electronics, furniture, or auto parts in the next few months, buying sooner rather than later can help you lock in pre-tariff pricing.

Watch imported everyday categories.

Tariffs dont just affect big-ticket items. Household goods, clothing basics, cookware, and even packaged foods can creep up in price.

Keep an eye on the stuff you buy regularly and if you notice a quick price jump, its often tariff-related rather than simply inflation.

Compare private labels vs. national brands.

Store brands sometimes rely on different suppliers and may not be affected the same way as the more expensive name brands.

For this reason, this could serve as a great time to try out some store brands like Kirkland at Costco, Members Mark at Sams Club, and up&up at Target.

Be skeptical of temporary price hikes.

Tariff-related increases have a habit of sticking around even if policies change. If a price spikes and never comes back down, its a sign the cost has been baked into the supply chain. Thats your cue to shop competitors or reconsider the purchase altogether.

Delay nonessential upgrades.

When tariffs affect a stores ability to get a product, they will obviously be less likely to offer a discount on that item.

So, if an item is not an urgent need or want, waiting a little bit can help you avoid paying peak pricing during these supply shortages.

Why this story isnt over yet

Some of these tariffs could still be overturned. The Supreme Court is expected to rule soon on whether certain tariffs imposed under emergency national security authority were legal. A reversal could unwind parts of the policy, or potentially spark new ones.

Until then, tariffs remain a hidden cost that shows up slowly and often without explanation. The key takeaway from the Kiel Institutes research is simple: when tariffs rise, American prices usually follow.

For consumers, the smartest response typically isnt panic buying. Instead, pay a little closer attention to pricechanges, pivot to store brands when possible, and stock up when the price is right.

Researchers have analyzed dozens of human studies examining the microbiome and cognitive decline

• A major new review of human studies finds consistent differences in gut bacterial communities between people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimers disease (AD), and healthy older adults.

• Instead of proving cause and effect, the research highlights unique microbiome signatures at different stages of cognitive decline that might relate to inflammation or immune activity.

• The findings suggest potential for future gut-targeted strategies like diet or probiotics but researchers emphasize that clinical trials are still needed to test if altering the microbiome affects cognition.

Most of us think of gut bacteria in terms of digestion. However, scientists are increasingly interested in a two-way communication network called the microbiota-gut-brain axis, which connects the trillions of microbes in your intestine with your nervous system.

In a recent study, researchers focused on whether patterns of gut bacteria are different in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimers disease (AD), compared with older adults who are cognitively healthy.

This topic matters because Alzheimers affects millions globally, and understanding early biological changes might point to ways to spot or even slow cognitive decline.

How the study was done

Rather than collecting new data from individuals directly, the team performed a scoping review, which means they systematically gathered and summarized findings from many earlier human studies.

They searched three major scientific databases up to February 2023 and screened thousands of articles, narrowing them down to 58 that met strict criteria focusing only on human research and excluding animals or non-English reports.

Across these studies, investigators looked at the composition and diversity of gut microbiomes in adults with MCI or AD compared with cognitively normal peers. The bacterial profiles were typically assessed using genetic sequencing techniques that identify which groups of microbes are present and in what proportions.

While methods varied widely (different populations, different lab techniques), the goal was to see repeating patterns across the literature rather than isolated findings.

What the review found

Across the human studies, certain trends emerged.

Individuals with Alzheimers tended to have more of some bacterial groups especially members of Pseudomonadota and Actinomycetota and in some cases, lower overall microbial diversity compared with healthy older adults.

Similar but not identical patterns appeared in people with MCI, suggesting that the microbiome changes might shift as cognitive symptoms progress.

The review also noted that beyond whos there, what the bacteria are doing seems to differ: gut microbes in people with AD sometimes showed reduced activity in pathways linked to energy production and immune function. These functional clues dont prove that gut changes cause cognitive decline but they do suggest biological connections worth exploring.

Importantly, the authors emphasized that these findings dont establish direct cause and effect. Instead, they highlight consistent associations across diverse human cohorts and point toward the potential for future studies to test whether interventions from dietary changes to probiotics could influence cognitive health through the gut.

These microbial signatures offer an important starting point for understanding how gut health may influence neuroinflammation and cognitive decline, Leigh Frame, lead researcher and associate professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, said in a news release.

While these early, largely observational results are encouraging, we need clinical trials to determine whether microbiome-targeted interventions can meaningfully alter disease trajectories. These trials are already underway in our lab and labs around the world.

What to know about the retailers nationwide same-day delivery rollout

• Dollar General expands myDG Delivery same-day delivery to over 17,000 stores nationwide.

• Customers can get free delivery on one order with a myDG account through Feb. 28.

• Fast delivery options include under-one-hour service for a small fee.

Shopping at Dollar General just got a whole lot easier especially if youd rather skip the trip to the store.

With its expanded myDG Delivery service now live at more than 17,000 locations across the U.S., the discount retailer is bringing everyday essentials right to your door.

Whether you live in a big city or a more rural area, this move is designed to make it simpler to shop Dollar Generals wide range of items from snacks and household supplies to personal care basics without leaving home. And for a limited time, customers with a free myDG account can enjoy one delivery with no delivery fee through February 28, 2026.

myDG Delivery is helping bridge the digital gap by extending sameday delivery to rural communities nationwide, Lydia Thacher, vice president of digital commerce at DG, said in a news release.

We are proud to offer a service that not only brings convenience to our existing customers but also introduces new customers to the Dollar General brand through a frictionless digital experience.

The details: How it works

Heres how the expanded delivery program works:

• Availability & Access: myDG Delivery is available through the official Dollar General app and website, using your myDG account to place orders.

• Huge Coverage: The service now reaches customers from more than 17,000 Dollar General stores nationwide, tapping into the chains massive footprint.

• Free Delivery Offer: From January 20 through February 28, you can get free delivery on your first myDG Delivery order when signed into your myDG account a great way to try it out.

• Speedy Options: Need your items fast? You can choose an ASAP delivery and get your goods in under an hour for a $1 expedited fee.

• Third-Party Partnerships: Dollar Generals delivery network is powered in part by partnerships with services like DoorDash and Uber Eats, helping ensure quick fulfillment from local stores.

This isnt just about convenience. Its also a nod to shoppers in rural or underserved areas who may have fewer options for same-day delivery something thats becoming increasingly expected in retail.

What consumers should know before you click order

If youre thinking about trying out myDG Delivery, here are a few tips to make the most of it:

• Try it now while delivery is free: If you already have a myDG account, place an order before Feb. 28 to take advantage of Dollar Generals free delivery offer.

• Plan for time windows: The under-one-hour option is great for quick needs, but the cheapest option may still take a bit longer so plan accordingly.

• Check item availability: Not every store stocks the same products, so some items may not be available for delivery at your selected location. Its a good idea to browse early or try substitutions if offered.

• Compare delivery partners: If youre using services like DoorDash or Uber Eats, be sure to review fees and delivery times in their apps these partners may have slightly different experiences and pricing.

With millions of Americans living within a few miles of a Dollar General store, this expanded delivery service aims to turn a quick trip to a local discount retailer into a seamless online experience and maybe even save you some time along the way.

Thousands of flights were canceled on Sunday

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Airlines are working through widespread delays and cancellations as crews and aircraft remain out of position following a major winter storm that swept across large parts of the country over the weekend.

• Major hub airports are gradually recovering, but ripple effects continue to snarl schedules well beyond the storm zone.

• Travelers are being urged to check flight status frequently as carriers balance recovery efforts with the threat of additional winter weather.

U.S. air travel was slowly stabilizing Monday after a powerful winter storm disrupted flights nationwide over the weekend, stranding passengers and overwhelming airport operations from the Midwest to the East Coast.

The storm brought a mix of heavy snow, ice, and high winds, forcing airlines to cancel thousands of flights as safety concerns mounted. Even as weather conditions improved in many areas, the aviation system remained under strain due to displaced aircraft, crews who exceeded federally mandated duty limits, and backlogs at major hubs.

FlightAware reports airlines canceled more than 11,000 U.S. flights, at airports that covered the length of the country.

Airports in cities such as Chicago, Denver, New York, and Boston reported improving conditions, but long lines, delayed departures, and missed connections remained common. Industry experts note that recovery from a storm of this magnitude can take several days, especially when it coincides with high seasonal travel demand.

Making adjustments

Airlines said they activated their irregular operations plans, repositioning planes and crews overnight and issuing travel waivers to give passengers flexibility to rebook. Still, many travelers reported frustration with limited seat availability on rebooked flights and long hold times when contacting customer service.

Federal officials emphasized that safety remained the top priority and warned that lingering winter conditions could continue to affect operations. The Federal Aviation Administration reported staffing challenges at some air traffic control facilities, further complicating recovery efforts.

For now, airlines are advising passengers to allow extra time at airports, monitor airline apps closely, and be prepared for last-minute changes. With more winter weather possible in the coming weeks, the weekend storm serves as another reminder of how vulnerable the nations air travel system remains to extreme weather.

For recalls more than 120,000 vehicles over fire risk

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Ford is recalling more than 121,000 vehicles due to a defect involving engine block heaters that can crack, leak coolant, and short circuit when plugged in.

• Thousands of additional vehicles and accessory parts are also affected, including certain Ford and Lincoln models equipped with 2.0L engines.

• Owners are being warned not to plug in block heaters until repairs or replacements are completed, with interim notices expected in February 2026.

Ford Motor Company has announced multiple safety recalls affecting more than 121,000 vehicles and thousands of engine block heaters due to a defect that could increase the risk of an electrical short circuit and potential fire.

The largest recall covers 116,672 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, including 20132018 Ford Focus, 20132019 Ford Escape, and 20152016 Lincoln MKC models equipped with 2.0-liter engines. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the engine block heater installed in these vehicles may crack and leak coolant. If coolant enters the electrical components, the block heater can short circuit when plugged in.

Ford is advising owners not to plug in their engine block heaters until repairs are completed. Dealers will replace the block heater free of charge. Interim notification letters are expected to be mailed February 13, 2026, with follow-up letters planned once the final repair is available, which Ford anticipates in April 2026. Ford has assigned recall number 26S01 to this action.

Ford Focus and Explorer recall

A second recall affects 2,403 vehicles, including certain 20162018 Ford Focus, 2019 Ford Explorer, and 2024 Ford Explorer models. The defect and safety risk are the same, involving engine block heaters that may crack, leak coolant, and short circuit. This recall, identified by Ford as 25SA4, expands a previous recall and also includes free replacement of the block heater. VINs for affected vehicles became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.

In addition to vehicle recalls, Ford is recalling 2,633 engine block heaters sold as accessory parts for certain 20132019 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines. The affected block heaters carry part numbers CV6Z-6A051-CA and CV6Z-6A051-AA. Owners are advised not to use the heaters and will be offered either a full refund or a free replacement once a redesigned part becomes available. This recall is identified as 26S02.

Owners with questions can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or check their vehicle identification number on NHTSA.gov to determine whether their vehicle or accessory is affected.