UPDATE:Despite the pleas of consumer advocates the House voted largely along party lines to trash the consumer protection overdraft bill, with Republicans mostly voting to do so and Democrats largely opposing it.
Key Points:
New York AG Letitia James and 22 other attorneys general are urging the U.S. House to reject a resolution that would reverse the Consumer Financial Protection Bureaus 2024 rule capping overdraft fees.
The CFPB rule applies only to large banks with over $10 billion in assets, limiting excessive fees that can damage credit and force account closures.
Critics say overturning the rule would prioritize bank profits over consumers, as overdraft fees often exceed the overdraft amount and disproportionately hurt low-income Americans.
A coalition of 23 attorneys general, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, has sent a letter to U.S. House leaders urging them to vote against a resolution that would overturn a key Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) rule limiting overdraft fees charged by the nations largest banks.
The CFPB rule, finalized in 2024, aims to rein in excessive overdraft fees, which have long been a lucrative but controversial source of revenue for banks. It applies only to banks with more than $10 billion in assets and is designed to protect consumers from predatory charges when they accidentally overdraw their checking accounts.
Overturning this rule will only do one thing: help big banks profit at your expense, said AG James in a statement. Accidentally overdrawing your account by a few dollars shouldnt result in an outrageous fee.
Banks favor scrapping the consumer protection measure, which they say does more harm than good."Its important to remember that government-imposed price controls only harm the consumers theyre purported to help," the Consumer Bankers Associationargues in a statement on its website.
Overdraft fees: A costly burden
The average overdraft fee is around $35, often far exceeding the actual overdrawn amount. In 2023 alone, U.S. banks collected $5.8 billion in overdraft-related revenue. According to the AG coalition, a $35 fee on a $26 overdrafttypically repaid within three daysis equivalent to an annual interest rate of 16,000%.
The attorneys general argue that such fees are not only excessive but also disproportionately harm low-income consumers, frequently leading to credit damage and involuntary account closures that can push people out of the banking system altogether.
The CFPB rule, if preserved, would force banks to treat overdraft fees like interest on a loan, making their true cost more transparent and subject to regulatory scrutiny.
All eyes on the House
The House is expected to vote on House Joint Resolution 59, which would nullify the CFPBs overdraft rule. The Senate narrowly passed its version last month in a 5248 vote, with Republican Senator Josh Hawley(Mo.) joining Democrats in support of the consumer protection.
Supporters of the CFPB rule point out that many major banks including Citigroup, Capital One, and Ally Bank have already eliminated overdraft fees voluntarily, demonstrating that such charges are not essential for maintaining basic banking services.
Joining AG James in signing the letter are attorneys general from California, Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and other states, as well as the Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection.
With tens of millions of consumers affected by overdraft policies each year, the outcome of this vote could have major implications for bank customers nationwide particularly those living paycheck to paycheck.
Federal regulators are introducing new safety standards for water beads after thousands of children were injured by the popular toy.
The small, colorful beads can expand dramatically when exposed to liquid, causing choking or dangerous internal blockages if swallowed.
The new rules aim to limit how these products are sold and marketed, especially to protect young children.
Federal regulators are taking action against water beads the tiny, colorful pellets that expand dramatically in water after thousands of children were injured by the popular products.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently approved new safety standards designed to reduce the risks associated with these beads, which are often marketed as toys, crafts, or sensory play items.
The updated rules aim to better protect young children by addressing how the beads are sold, labeled, and marketed. Regulators say the changes are intended to prevent products that can expand dangerously inside the body from ending up in childrens hands. Consumer safety advocates have pushed for stronger action for years, arguing that water beads pose a unique hazard because they start out tiny but can grow much larger when they absorb liquid.
While the new standards are intended to reduce risks, many advocates say continued awareness among parents and caregivers will still be essential.
This overdue, commonsense step should reduce the risk of playtime turning into tragedy, Teresa Murray, Consumer Watchdog Director for U.S. PIRG Education Fund, said in a news release.
Children will be safer going forward because itll be difficult if not impossible to find these toys for sale, but this doesnt eliminate the risk posed by water beads already in peoples homes.
Why water beads can be dangerous
Water beads are made from superabsorbent polymers designed to soak up liquid. Originally developed for uses such as gardening and floral arrangements, they eventually became popular as sensory toys and craft materials because of their squishy texture and bright colors.
The problem is what happens if a child swallows one. A bead that starts out smaller than a pea can expand significantly once inside the body. In some cases, the bead can grow large enough to block the digestive tract, which may require emergency surgery to remove.
Injuries tied to water beads have been reported across the country. Federal safety data estimate that thousands of children were treated in U.S. emergency rooms between 2017 and 2022 after ingesting the beads. Doctors have also reported cases where children inserted the beads into their ears or noses, where they can swell and cause damage.
Because the beads are smooth, colorful, and often resemble candy, they can be especially tempting for babies and toddlers.
What parents should know
Even with new regulations in place, water beads may still be sold for certain purposes, including decorative or gardening uses. That means they can still make their way into homes where young children live or visit.
If you have water beads or are thinking about buying them experts recommend taking a few precautions:
Keep them away from small children, especially those under age three.
Store beads securely and carefully clean up any that spill, since the tiny dry pellets are easy to miss.
Act quickly if theres a concern, and seek medical help if a child may have swallowed one or placed one in their ear or nose.
BJs members can earn 50 off per gallon of gas by spending $150 or more in a single transaction.
The gas discount must be redeemed within seven days at BJs Gas locations.
The promotion is available through March 16, offering a timely way to offset rising fuel prices.
With gas prices creeping up across the country, saving at the pump can feel like a big win. Thats exactly what BJs Wholesale Club is aiming to offer with a new limited-time promotion that gives members a sizable fuel discount.
Through March 16, BJs members can receive 50 cents off every gallon of gas when they spend $150 or more in a single transaction at a BJs club or online at BJs.com. The discount is designed to reward shoppers who are already stocking up on groceries, household essentials, and other bulk items.
For drivers who fill up regularly, shaving half a dollar off every gallon can translate into noticeable savings, especially if you drive a larger vehicle or commute frequently.
How the discount works
When BJs members spend at least $150 in one transaction, either in-store or online, they automatically unlock the 50 per gallon gas discount.
Once the purchase is completed, the fuel savings become available at BJs Gas stations, which are located at many of the retailers warehouse clubs. Members will have seven days to redeem the discount after making their qualifying purchase.
The savings are applied instantly when members fill up at a BJs gas pump. Because BJs gas prices are often already competitive compared to nearby stations, stacking an additional 50 discount can make the deal even more appealing.
However, timing matters. The promotion itself runs through March 16, so shoppers who want to take advantage of the offer will need to complete their qualifying purchase before the deadline.
What shoppers should know before filling up
If youre planning to take advantage of the promotion, a little strategy can help you get the most value.
Try to combine planned purchases: Try to save things like groceries, cleaning supplies, or pantry staples for one single trip so you can easily reach the $150 spending threshold. BJs bulk packages make this relatively easy for many households.
Remember the seven-day redemption window: If you earn the discount but forget to stop by a BJs Gas station within that time, you could miss out on the savings.
Consider timing your fuel purchase with a low tank:Since the discount applies per gallon, filling up when you need the most gas will maximize the value of the deal.
Stack Amazons discount layers. Combine digital coupons, Subscribe & Save discounts, Lightning Deals, and credit card rewards. Using two or three together can often cut prices 3060%.
Look for hidden coupons. Thousands of items have clip-able coupons, many worth 2050% off. Try searching phrases like coupon laundry detergent to uncover discounts that arent obvious.
Pair coupons with Subscribe & Save. After clipping a coupon, add the item to Subscribe & Save for an extra 515% off, letting both discounts stack automatically at checkout.
Amazon may not look like a traditional coupon store. But in actuality, Amazon is one of the most coupon-friendly retailers online.
Instead of paper coupons, Amazon uses a layered system of digital coupons, subscription discounts, limited-time deals, and reward stacking.
Once you understand how these layers work, you can regularly cut 30% to 60% off everyday purchases without much effort.
The key is knowing where to find the discounts and how to stack them together.
First: understand Amazons five savings layers
Before you start clipping coupons or chasing deals, it helps to actually understand how Amazons savings system works.
Think of their discounts like layers in a stack. Each layer represents a different type of promotion, and in many cases, they can be combined.
The most important savings layers are:
Amazon digital coupons
Subscribe & Save discounts
Lightning Deals and limited-time promotions
Credit card or rewards stacking
Promotional credits
Most Amazon shoppers only use one of these layers at a time. But the biggest savings happen when two or three are stacked together.
For example, imagine buying a household item priced at $22.
You then clip a 20% coupon, enroll in Subscribe & Save for 15% off, and pay using a 5% Amazon rewards credit card. All of a sudden that $22 item drops to around $14 after everything stacks.
Once you start thinking about Amazon purchases this way, youll start to notice opportunities to save almost every time you shop.
Step 1: Start with Amazons hidden coupon page
One of the most overlooked areas on Amazon is their digital coupons page. Its not easy to find this from their homepage as they clearly hide it.
You actually have to filter your search by Coupons. The discounts are very solid too. Youll often find coupons that will get you 20-50% off the original price.
To get the savings, you simply tap the empty box next to coupon price, and the discount automatically applies at checkout.
The coupons are typically funded by manufacturers trying to boost visibility for their products. Thats why youll often see coupons for brand-name items like:
Electronics
Laundry detergent
Paper towels
Books
Vitamins and supplements
Coffee and snack foods
Pet supplies
Beauty products and skincare
Cleaning supplies
Home & Kitchen
Automotive
A simple habit that can save real money is browsing the coupon page once a week and clipping offers on items you buy regularly.
Clipping the coupon doesnt commit you to purchasing the item. It simply activates the discount so it is ready when you need it.
Pro tip: Not every Amazon coupon is easy to spot. Some are buried in product listings and dont show up on the main coupon page. One really smart pro tip is to type the word coupon into Amazons search bar along with the product youre shopping for.
For example, try searches like coupon laundry detergent or coupon paper towels. This will quickly surface listings that have clip-able discounts attached.
At first glance, it appears to simply be a way to automate deliveries for items you buy regularly. But the real advantage is the extra discount Amazon applies to subscription orders.
The discount looks like this:
5%-15% off your first Subscribe & Save order of a specific product.
Up to 15% off when you have fiveor more subscriptions in the same delivery cycle.
Many everyday household products are eligible, including:
Coffee and pantry staples
Diapers and baby supplies
Protein bars and snacks
Trash bags and paper products
Pet food
Shampoo and toothpaste
The biggest advantage is that Subscribe & Save discounts stack with coupons.
For example:
Item price: $19.99
Coupon clipped: 25% off
Subscribe & Save discount: 15%
Final Price: about $12.74
Thats some decent savings for stuff your household buys every month anyway.
And you can cancel or skip subscriptions anytime (without penalty) even immediately after the first delivery arrives.
Savvy Amazon shoppers will basically use Subscribe & Saveas a one-time discount tool.
Pro tip: If you want to trigger the 15% maximum discount, add several low-cost subscriptions to the same delivery cycle. After your order ships, you can cancel the ones you dont want.
These deals are especially popular because they offer steep discounts for a short period of time or until inventory sells out.
The deals frequently cut prices by 20% to 50%, but they can also be hard to find from the Amazon homepage.
From the homepage, or on the Amazon app, look for a link to Todays Deals near the top of the page.
For some odd reason, that link does not always exist, so you might have to look for the Shop Todays Deals section which includes an image of a product (see screenshot above).
And yes, Lightning Deals can often stack with other coupons.
For example:
Regular price: $35
Lightning Deal price: $24
Clipped coupon: 20% off
Final price: $19.20
Because Lightning Deals are limited, they can sell out quickly.
If youre planning to buy something specific, checking the deal section daily can help you catch price drops before they disappear.
Step 4: Stack your credit card rewards too
Another discount layer many shoppers overlook is your payment method.
Certain credit cards offer solid cash back on your Amazon purchases.
These credits usually range from $1 to $10 and they are for one-time use only. So, if you return the item that you used a promo credit to buy, you wont get the credit back its gone forever.
While the credits may seem small, they tend to add up quickly.
Many shoppers will accumulate credits they dont even realize they have, so be sure to check your balance.
You can check your promotional balance in your Account, then select Your Credit & Benefit Balances, which is under Shopping Programs and Rentals.
Pro tip: Whenever youre not in a hurry for delivery, be sure to select No-Rush Shipping. Amazon often rewards this choice with $1$3 promotional credits.
The store operator ofEddie Bauer plans to close 174 brick-and-mortar stores across the U.S. and Canada after failing to find a buyer during bankruptcy proceedings.
The closures follow a canceled auction for the companys store leases and come amid mounting debt and declining retail sales.
The retail operators filing does not impact Eddie Bauers manufacturing, wholesale, or e-commerce operations, nor does it impact retail operations outside of the U.S. and Canada.
The store operator of outdoor apparel retailer Eddie Bauer is preparing to close 174 brick-and-mortar stores across North America after failing to secure a buyer during bankruptcy proceedings, according to court filings and company statements.
The closures come after a planned auction of the companys retail leases was canceled due to a lack of qualified bids, leaving liquidation as the most likely path forward for the retailers store operations.
The move affects approximately 150 stores in the United States and about two dozen in Canada. Closing sales are already underway in many locations, and most stores are expected to shut their doors by the end of April as the company winds down its physical retail business.
Filed for bankruptcy earlier this year
Eddie Bauers store operator filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this year, citing declining sales, rising costs, and ongoing challenges facing traditional retail. The bankruptcy marks the third such filing for the brand in the past two decades.
The entity that operates Eddie Bauers retail locations licenses the brand from Authentic Brands Group, which owns the companys intellectual property. Because of that structure, the bankruptcy applies primarily to the brick-and-mortar retail business rather than the brand itself.
As a result, Eddie Bauer products are expected to remain available online and through wholesale distribution channels even after the stores close. The brands e-commerce and licensing operations are being transitioned to a new partner, Outdoor 5.
106 years old
Founded in Seattle in 1920, Eddie Bauer built a reputation for outdoor gear and apparel, including down jackets and equipment used by military and expedition teams. At its peak in the early 2000s, the company operated nearly 600 stores.
Retail analysts say the latest closures reflect broader pressures facing mall-based retailers, including shifts toward online shopping, high lease costs, and competition from newer outdoor apparel brands.
Customers with gift cards or loyalty points are being encouraged to redeem them soon as the company continues its liquidation process and prepares to exit physical retail.
The company has not announced plans to reopen stores under new ownership, though the Eddie Bauer brand itself is expected to continue operating through digital and licensing channels.
Researchers are testing "smart underwear" sensors that track when people pass gaswhile also recording diet and daily habits.
Early results show people average about 32 gas events per day, though the range varies widely.
The goal is to better understand the gut microbiome and what actually counts as normal digestion.
Everyone does it. Whether you call it breaking wind, passing gas, or cutting the cheese, flatulence is a normal part of digestion.
However, heres something scientists still dont fully understand: how much gas is actually normal?
Researchers at the University of Maryland are now trying to answer that question with a nationwide study that uses what they call "smart underwear."
How the smart underwearworks
The study uses a small wearable sensor that clips onto participants underwear.
The quarter-sized device measures intestinal gas using electrochemical sensors that detect when gas is released.
Participants also track:
What they eat
Their daily habits
Demographic information
Researchers hope the data will help identify why some people pass gas far more often than others.
A window into the gut microbiome
The study might sound like bathroom humor, but the science behind it is actually serious. Researchers are trying to better understand how the gut microbiome works.
Your digestive system is home to trillions of bacteria that help break down the food you eat. When those microbes digest things like fiber and certain carbohydrates, they naturally create gases such as hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide.
By tracking how often gas is released and comparing that with peoples diets and daily habits, scientists hope to uncover new clues about:
Digestive health
Food tolerance
Gut bacteria behavior
Early signs of gastrointestinal disorders
Scientists say the findings could eventually help doctors give patients more personalized dietary advice and identify digestive problems earlier.
Researchers expect early findings from the larger study within about a year.
Early results already surprised scientists
In a small early study of 19 adults, the sensor tracked how often people passed gas in a typical day.
The result: about 32 times per day on average.
This is more than double the number often cited in medical literature.
However, the range was enormous. In one example, two participants with nearly identical diets passed gas 175 times and 5 times in the same day.
Thousands of people have volunteered
The new nationwide project, called the Human Flatus Atlas study, originally aimed to enroll 800 participants. Instead, more than 3,000 people across the U.S. have already signed up.
If interested, you can join the study as well. You'll be asked for your name, email address, and a few questions to determine your eligibility.
According to the research team, participants have been surprisingly open about sharing stories about digestive issues and embarrassing moments caused by excessive gas.
Researchers say the interest likely comes from a simple question many people have asked themselves at some point: Is this normal?
One thing scientists already know
One thing scientists already know is gas varies wildly from person to person.
So, if youve ever wondered whether youre normal when it comes to flatulence, youre definitely not alone. Researchers say thousands of Americans are curious about the exact same thing.
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