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.
AI is rapidly reshaping how Americans search for homes, apply for rentals, and secure mortgages.
But federal regulators warn that these tools could also amplify discrimination, distort rents, and misuse personal data.
New government reports urge stronger oversight as AI weaves deeper into real estate markets.
Buying or renting a home has never been more digital. Most consumers now start their search on platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin, using tools that surface listings, estimate home values, and even connect them with lenders. Increasingly, these services rely on artificial intelligence to power chatbots, virtual assistants, personalized recommendations, and automated valuations.
AI can make the process faster and cheaper. It can scan vast amounts of data to pinpoint listings that match a buyers preferences, answer questions in real time, or instantly estimate what a property might sell or rent for. But as these tools become ubiquitous, regulators say the risks are mounting.
Concerns about bias and discrimination
The biggest worry is that AI systems could inadvertently steer buyers or renters toward or away from certain neighborhoodsconduct that may violate fair housing and fair lending laws. If an algorithm fails to catch problematic search terms tied to race, ethnicity, gender, age or other protected traits, it could shape results in ways that reinforce discrimination.
Platforms also may collect sensitive personal data to personalize listings or marketing, raising additional privacy concerns.
Possible dangers in mortgage decisions
AI is increasingly being used behind the scenes in mortgage underwriting, reviewing documents such as employment and payroll records. But if these systems expand into decision-makingsuch as approving or denying a loanthey could obscure why an applicant was rejected or reinforce historical biases in lending.
Impact on rental prices
The same AI tools that help forecast home values are being adopted to set rents. Supporters say this makes prices more responsive to market dynamics, allowing landlords to adjust for vacancy and occupancy in real time. But critics warn that algorithms could push rents higher by basing them on ZIP codes rather than individual building conditions, while also weakening renters ability to negotiate.
Regulators step in
Several federal agencies are monitoring how AI is used across real estate markets, and some have already taken action:
The Federal Housing Finance Agency has reviewed AI-powered underwriting tools and valuation models used by lenders.
Other federal agencies have pursued cases against rental platforms accused of misleading or discriminatory advertising.
Regulators have also taken enforcement actions against companies that screen out tenants using outdated or inaccurate data.
While some oversight has begun to shift toward AI-specific compliance, officials say more guardrails are needed to prevent misuse and protect consumers.
What comes next
The federal government and private research organizations have released new reports detailing how AI is reshaping home buying and rentingand where regulation may need to catch up. As digital tools become standard in real estate, consumer advocates and policymakers are urging stronger protections to ensure that innovation doesnt come at the cost of fairness, privacy, or affordability.
A new law is intended to speed up introduction of advanced sunscreens in the United States
The U.S. has fallen behind other countries because of delays in approving new ingredients, critics say
Sunscreenis vital to protect against melanoma and other skin cancers
It. may be cold and overcast where you are now but, sooner or later, the sun will come blazing back and when it does, anew U.S. law aims to bring American sunscreen standards into the 21st century, potentially ending decades of stagnation in the ingredients available to consumers. While the legislation promises faster review of ultraviolet (UV) filters and improved labeling requirements, experts say the move mainly allows the U.S. to catch up to countries that have spent years using more advanced and effective sunscreen technologies.
For now, the gap is real. Europe, Asia, and Australia all approve UV filters that offer stronger, more stable protection against UVA radiation, the wavelength most responsible for premature skin aging and a major contributor to melanoma. Several of these filters including Tinosorb S, Tinosorb M, Mexoryl XL, and Uvinul A Plus have been in overseas products for more than a decade, yet remain unavailable in American sunscreens.
American consumers simply havent had access to the best UV protection science can offer, said one dermatology researcher involved in FDA advisory work. This law doesnt magically bring those ingredients here overnight, but it makes it much more likely they will eventually be approved.
The new law grew out of legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Roger Marshall (R-KS). It requires the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to modernize its process for reviewing and approving new sunscreens, helping Americans access sun protection products that have been safely used in other countries for years.
For too long, outdated regulations have prevented Americans from accessing the same safe and effective sunscreen products available in other countries,said Senator Hassan. Now, the FDA will finally update its approval process so that American manufacturers can produce modern, user-friendly sunscreens and American families can benefit from the sun protection options that have been safely used around the world for years. Im glad that we were able to work across the aisle to get this done.
Why the U.S. fell behind
Unlike Europe and Asia, which treat sunscreens largely as cosmetics, the U.S. regulates them as over-the-counter drugs. That classification requires additional safety data and longer review times. As a result, no new UV filter has been approved in the U.S. since the 1990s a startling reality in a world where skin cancer rates continue to rise.
The new law instructs the FDA to modernize and streamline its review framework, create clearer pathways for evaluating long-used international filters, and update broad-spectrum testing to better measure UVA protection. Consumer advocates say these steps are essential, given how central UVA exposure is to skin damage.
People assume a high SPF number means complete protection, said a spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology. But SPF mainly measures UVB the rays that cause sunburn. Many U.S. sunscreens still offer weak UVA defense compared to products available abroad.
What other countries are doing better
In the European Union, manufacturers can choose from more than 30 approved UV filters nearly double whats permitted in the U.S. allowing them to formulate sunscreens that are both cosmetically elegant and highly protective. Asias beauty markets, especially Japan and South Korea, emphasize lightweight, transparent formulas with strong UVA ratings using the PA system (PA++ to PA++++).
Australia, which has some of the worlds highest skin cancer rates, enforces some of the strictest sunscreen regulations globally. Its public-health campaigns have helped drive adoption of high-SPF, high-UVA products that have shown measurable impact on reducing melanoma incidence.
With this much innovation abroad, U.S. dermatologists and cancer-prevention groups have been pressing regulators to act for years.
Melanoma risk remains high
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and UV exposure is responsible for roughly nine out of ten cases. While early detection has improved survival rates, incidence continues to climb in the United States.
A long-term Australian study found that daily sunscreen use reduced melanoma rates by about 50%, a figure often cited by cancer-prevention advocates. Many of the formulations used in high-sunlight regions feature robust UVA filters that help prevent not just cancer, but also photoaging and other UV-linked skin disorders.
In addition to melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma far more common but usually less deadly are also tightly linked to UV exposure. UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin, are thought to play a major role in cumulative DNA damage.
What the new law means for consumers now
Consumers wont see immediate changes on store shelves. The FDA must issue new guidance and begin evaluating pending UV filter applications before next-generation sunscreens can be marketed. Industry groups say the research is already available for many of the filters used abroad, meaning the potential pipeline could move quickly once the framework is in place.
In the interim, dermatologists recommend that consumers continue using broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher ideally mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) for stronger UVA coverage and reapply every two hours when outdoors.
This is an important regulatory milestone, said the AAD spokesperson. But for meaningful public-health impact, we need high-performance filters, accurate labeling, and consumer education. Sunscreen only works if people understand how and when to use it.
The bottom line: Better sunscreens are coming, and the U.S. may finally join the rest of the world in offering the full range of UV-filter technology. But until the new system is in place, consumers should stay vigilant and informed about what their sunscreen can (and cant) do.
Consumer Guide How to pick a sunscreen today
Even with regulatory changes coming, heres how to choose the best protection right now.
1. Look for Broad Spectrum
This ensures the product protects against both UVB (sunburn) and UVA (aging, long-term skin damage). UVA protection is where U.S. sunscreens often fall short, so broad spectrum is non-negotiable.
2. Minimum SPF 30
SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays. Higher SPFs offer marginally more protection but help compensate for under-application a common problem.
3. Consider mineral sunscreens for stronger UVA coverage
Mineral filters:
Zinc oxide offers the broadest spectrum of UV protection available in U.S.-approved filters.
Titanium dioxide helps but doesnt cover UVA-1 as well.
Minerals are especially good for sensitive skin, kids, and people seeking robust UVA defense.
4. If using chemical sunscreens, look for these ingredients
While the U.S. lacks the advanced UVA filters used abroad, you can still maximize whats available. Prioritize formulas containing:
Avobenzone (UVA protection; works best when stabilized with octocrylene)
Meradimate (moderate UVA coverage)
Avoid relying solely on octinoxate, homosalate, or octisalate these mainly protect against UVB.
5. Choose a formula youll actually use
The best sunscreen is the one youre willing to apply generously and reapply often. Gels, milks, sticks, sprays, and hybrids all work when applied properly.
6. Reapply every two hours (or after swimming/sweating)
Most users apply too little sunscreen and forget reapplication. A shot-glass amount for the body and a nickel-sized amount for the face is a good rule of thumb.
7. Dont Forget Physical Barriers
Hats, sunglasses, UPF clothing, and shade can dramatically reduce UV exposure. Sunscreen should be your last line of defense, not the only one.
Re-check carts, Google exact model names across retailers (including smaller ones), and sort by biggest percent-off to mine quiet Cyber Week leftovers
Use abandoned carts, email sign-ups, and Free Shipping Day (Dec. 14) to trigger extra coupons, free shipping, and one big stacked order
Set a firm walk-away price, let price tools track it, and stay flexible on brands (store brands, dupes, lookalikes) to grab the best deal
Have you noticed that retailers are throwing everything at you this holiday season to try and get your money? Fake limited-time discounts, celebrity denim campaigns, and shiny new flagship stores. Noneof which aregoing to save you any money, quite the opposite actually.
Now that your Black Friday hangover is finally wearing off, here are some highly clever real-life ways to save money on the rest of your Christmas shopping.
Work the quiet Cyber Week leftovers
Retailers blew all their fireworks on Cyber Week but a ton of those prices are still quietly hanging around with way less hype.
Heres how to find the leftovers and save:
I always recommend going back to your online carts and wish lists and re-check prices instead of starting from scratch. Youll often find the same pricing or better.
Google the exact product name and compare at 23 big rivals (Amazon, Home Depot, Walmart, Target, Best Buy). Youll see a lot of still Cyber-ish pricing hiding under boring online deal labels.
When in doubt, sort by biggest % off on sale pages. Leftover doorbusters float to the top even after the banners are gone.
Pro tip: Check out smaller retailers too. Just last night, on Ace Hardwares website, I found a Blackstone Grill Ive been wanting for $100 less than any other store. I found it by doing a Google search for the exact model that I wanted. I did a quick price check on Amazon to verify, and the Ace Hardware price was $50 less than Amazon has ever sold the grill for. I paid for it immediately, chose store pickup to avoid shipping fees, and Ill grab it from Ace this weekend.
Use the abandoned cart trick to shake loose better prices
Online retailers hate it when you leave stuff in your online cart and never complete the purchase. This is especially true in December when theyre chasing every last sale.
Use this information to your advantage and try and get them to send you a discount to come back and complete your purchase.
Heres how it works:
Add any big stuff youre eyeing for Christmas (TV, headphones, laptop, small appliance, toy sets) to your online cart while logged in, then sign-out completely and never complete the purchase. Many stores will nudge you to come back with a reminder email, often including a coupon, extra promotion, or free shipping offer.
Also, before you buy, try toggling back and forth between delivery and in-store pickup. Some retailers quietly offer a lower price or extra discount for pickup because its cheaper for them than shipping.
If you get a come back coupon in your inbox, use it on one big, planned order instead a few random add-ons. That way you get the most bang for your buck.
Think of it this way, youre basically letting the retailer negotiate with you first, then saying yes only when the price is right.
Pro tip: Stores where Ive personally had this work include Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowes, B&H Photo, and Newegg. Also, I recommend a mix and match strategy. Meaning logout of some sites completely, stay logged-in on others, or sign-up for theiremail list first, then log out. Try different things in an effort to trip the "please, come back"automated email with a discount inside.
Treat Free Shipping Day as your real deadline, not Christmas Eve
Free Shipping Day, on December 14th this year, is basically the last realistic day to get gifts delivered by Christmas Eve without paying rush fees.
Its the day when over 1,000 online retailers come together to offer free shipping with guaranteed delivery by December 24th.
Use this day to your advantage by doing the following:
Build one big cart for that day: gifts that are heavy, bulky, or annoying to ship yourself (small appliances, toys, board games, bedding).
Then stack any site-wide promos with any coupon codes you can find, PLUS the free shipping offer, and get a perfect storm of savings.
After the 14th has passed, assume shipping costs are part of the price and shift to more of an in-store clearance and gift cards strategy. By shifting strategies youll save more than if you chase those 40% off banners that get eaten by expedited shipping charges.
Set a walk-away price and makea few tools do the works
Between now and Christmas, your brain is the weak link. Youll see the same item at eight different prices and forget which one was actually a solid price.
To help with this, I like to pick a 'walk-away price' for each big gift (like Ill only buy this tablet under $249 or these headphones under $99) and then let a few online tools do the watching:
If it never hits your number by, say, Free Shipping Day, you either adjust or swap to a cheaper model.
This keeps you from panic-buying at a meh price just because a timer is yelling at you.
Swap brands (not categories) where the deals are best
If youre willing to switch labels and not be tied into a specific brand, December is a great month to find deals. Store brands and second-tier labels are where a lot of the real value is hiding this year.
Here are some smart ways to play it:
Keep the category but drop the brand flex. So instead of having the Dyson or nothing mindset, make the goal a decent stick vac at 40% off or more. Then filter your options by price + reviews and youre going to save a ton of money.
Change your grocery mindset. When shopping for groceries and pantry gifts (coffee, snacks, chocolates, baking stuff), check the store-brand version right next to the name brand. Why? Heres a hintmany are made by the name-brand manufacturer anyway.
Find cheaper holidaydcor dupes on Amazon. One of my favorite ways to shop on Amazon is to find the look I want, but at a major discount.
Instead of buying expensive dcor items from Pottery Barn, Anthropologie or Crate & Barrel, Ill just go to Amazon and search Pottery Barn furniture or Anthropologie holidaydcor.The search results will give me the exact look I want, but from much cheaper manufacturers.
Federal investigators are now probing Honda Odyssey minivans after multiple reports of airbags deploying without any crash or impact
Honda is denying responsibility and refusing to cover repair costs, leaving owners to pay thousands out of pocket
The sudden airbag deployment creates a dangerous distraction that could cause drivers to crash
If you own a Honda Odyssey minivan, you need to know about a terrifying safety issue that's now caught the attention of federal regulators. Multiple drivers report their airbags are exploding without warning and Honda is refusing to pay for repairs.
What's happening with Honda Odyssey airbags
Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into Honda Odyssey minivans after receiving multiple complaints about spontaneous airbag deployment.
Georgia driver Pavan Nanduri experienced this firsthand while driving his 2018 Honda Odyssey. "It was an explosion, right? It was like a bomb," he told investigators. "All the passenger side curtains, airbags, everything popped up, deployed."
The sudden deployment nearly caused Nanduri to crash, putting him and other drivers at serious risk. "I'm lucky, right, and probably the people around me that day. Everybody's lucky," he said.
Honda is denying responsibility
When Nanduri reported the incident to Honda, the company refused to take responsibility. In a written response, American Honda told him their review found "no evidence of defects in factory materials or workmanship."
This leaves affected drivers facing massive repair bills with no help from the manufacturer. "Essentially, you're left with nowhere to turn but your own wallet to pay for the problems," said Michael Brooks from the Center for Auto Safety. "It's incredibly frustrating for owners in that situation."
What you need to do right now
If you own a Honda Odyssey, especially a 2018 model or similar year, take these steps immediately:
Report any spontaneous airbag deployment to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov or by calling 1-888-327-4236
Document everything with photos, videos, and written records if your airbags deploy unexpectedly
Contact Honda customer service to create an official complaint record, even if they deny responsibility
Keep all repair receipts you may need them if Honda is eventually forced to reimburse owners
Consider consulting with an automotive attorney if you've been affected, as this could become a class-action issue
The bottom line
Honda Odyssey owners are facing a dangerous defect where airbags explode without warning, creating crash risks and leaving families with expensive repair bills. While Honda denies fault, federal investigators are now involved meaning this issue is serious enough to warrant official scrutiny. Don't wait for Honda to act; report any problems immediately and document everything to protect yourself financially.
Personal Tradelines charged upfront fees for unauthorized user schemes that violated Colorado law
Company made false claims about improving credit scores through "sharing" others' credit history
Settlement forces company to stop operating in Colorado and pay $20,000 in penalties
If you've been promised a quick credit score boost by being added as an "authorized user" on someone else's credit card, you need to know about a deceptive practice that just cost one company big time.
What happened in Colorado
On December 4, 2024, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser announced a settlement with PersonalTConsulting LLP, which operated as Personal Tradelines, for running an illegal credit repair scheme.
The Denver-based company was marketing "piggybacking" services to consumers desperate to improve their credit scores. Here's how the scam worked: They charged people upfront fees to add them as authorized users on credit card accounts belonging to strangers with better credit.
The company falsely advertised this as "one of the best methods for potentially improving your credit score" and claimed consumers could "share the credit history" of another person's account. But there was a catch consumers were explicitly prohibited from actually using these accounts or contacting the account owners.
The red flags you should watch for
Personal Tradelines violated multiple consumer protection laws by charging advance fees, making misleading claims about results, and failing to provide required legal disclosures, Weiser said.
While this specific case happened in Colorado, similar credit repair operate nationwide. Here's what to watch out for:
The company promised unrealistic results and charged money upfront before delivering any services. They also failed to explain the risks and limitations of their approach.
How to protect yourself from credit repair
Never pay upfront fees for credit repair services legitimate companies work on a pay-as-you-go basis
Be suspicious of any company promising to add you as an authorized user on strangers' accounts
Avoid services that claim you can "share" someone else's credit history
Research any credit repair company through your state attorney general's office before paying
Remember that anything a credit repair company can do legally, you can do yourself for free
Report suspected credit repair to your state attorney general and the Federal Trade Commission
What this means for consumers nationwide
While Personal Tradelines specifically violated Colorado's Credit Services Organization Act, similar laws exist in most states to protect consumers from predatory credit repair practices.
The "piggybacking" practice itself isn't necessarily illegal, but charging upfront fees and making false promises about results violates consumer protection laws across the country.
If you've been harmed by a credit repair company, you can file complaints with both your state attorney general's office and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
The bottom line: Credit repair prey on people's desperation to improve their financial situation. This Colorado settlement should serve as a warning if a company demands upfront payment for vague promises about boosting your credit score, walk away. Legitimate credit improvement takes time and doesn't require paying strangers to add you to their accounts.
Related Bing News Results Consumer Reports Revives “Bread & Butter” to Guide a New Generation on Substack Mon, 24 Nov 2025 06:47:00 GMT YONKERS, NY – Consumer Reports (CR) has launched the “Bread & Butter” newsletter on Substack as part of a broader effort to engage new audiences. Bread & Butter is a free, weekly newsletter that ... Consumer Reports |Experts warn against daily use of protein supplements Mon, 20 Oct 2025 22:57:00 GMT Protein powders and shakes are more popular than ever, often touted as workout fuel or even meal replacements. But a new Consumer Reports investigation reveals a hidden risk: some of these supplements ... Your Daily Protein Shake Might Be Exposing You to Lead, Consumer Reports Finds Tue, 14 Oct 2025 03:10:00 GMT Plant-based powders, particularly those made with pea protein, were found to have the highest lead levels — and only a handful of brands were deemed safe for regular use in the nonprofit’s analysis. A ... Your Daily Protein Shake Might Be Exposing You to Lead, Consumer Reports Finds Mon, 13 Oct 2025 17:00:00 GMT A Consumer Reports investigation found that more than two-thirds of tested protein powders and shakes contained more lead per serving than what food safety experts deem safe for daily consumption. Consumer Reports: Save money at the gas pump Mon, 22 Sep 2025 08:17:00 GMT TONIGHT. WELL, THIS IS A CHORE MANY PEOPLE DREAD, AND IT’S FILLING UP AT THE PUMP. YEAH, NO DOUBT ABOUT IT. AND GAS PRICES ARE UP ONE MONTH AGO FROM FROM ONE MONTH AGO IN WISCONSIN AND ACROSS THE ...
