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.
Tesla recall for tens of thousands of Powerwall 2 units due to fire risk
Tesla Powerwall 2 battery systems may overheat and catch fire; owners should contact Tesla for free replacement.
Fire and burn hazard from overheating lithium-ion batteries
About 10,500 units sold between November 2020 and December 2022
Tesla offers free replacement; no injuries reported
Tesla, Inc. is recalling about 10,500 Powerwall 2 fully-integrated AC battery systems due to a risk of overheating, fire and burn hazards. These units, used for home energy storage and backup power, may stop functioning during normal use and potentially catch fire. The recall follows 22 reports of overheating, including six cases of smoking and five fires, though no injuries have been reported.
The hazard
The lithium-ion battery cells in certain Powerwall 2 systems can overheat and, in some cases, emit smoke or flames, posing a risk of serious injury or death from fire and burns.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the affected Powerwall 2 units immediately and contact Tesla for a free replacement. The recalled units were sold online and through certified installers between November 2020 and December 2022.
Company contact
Contact Tesla Support at powerwallsupportna@tesla.com or toll-free at 877-961-7652, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT. More details are available online at tesla.com/support/energy/powerwall/own/powerwall-2-replacement or tesla.com (navigate to Energy Support Powerwall Owners).
Zigjoy-US recall of hundreds of childrens sleep sacks for burn risk
Parents should stop using Zigjoy sleep sacks with feet and request a refund due to burn hazard.
Childrens sleep sacks do not meet flammability standards
About 700 units sold in various colors and sizes
Refund available; no injuries reported
Zigjoy-US is recalling about 700 childrens sleep sacks with feet due to a failure to meet flammability standards for childrens sleepwear. The products, available in blue with an excavator print or pink with a bunny print, pose a burn hazard and risk of serious injury or death.
The hazard
The recalled sleep sacks violate mandatory flammability standards for childrens sleepwear, posing a significant burn risk.
What to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled sleep sacks and contact Zigjoy-US for a full refund.
Company contact
Contact Zigjoy-US by email at zjoy-us@outlook.com, or visit zigjoy.com recall page or click Recall at the top of zigjoy.com for more information.
Belkin recall for tens of thousands of power banks and charging stands due to fire hazard
Fire and burn risks prompt recall of Belkin portable power products sold from August 2020 to August 2025.
Overheating lithium-ion batteries can cause fires and burns
About 83,500 units sold in the U.S.; additional units sold in Canada
Refund offered; at least one U.S. fire reported but no injuries
Belkin International is recalling about 83,500 portable power banks and wireless charging stands due to fire and burn hazards from overheating lithium-ion batteries. The products were sold nationwide and online from August 2020 through August 2025.
The hazard
The lithium-ion battery in the recalled power banks and charging stands can overheat, posing serious fire and burn hazards.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the affected Belkin products and contact Belkin for a refund.
Great Lakes Wholesale International recall of thousands of battery packs for ingestion hazard
Consumers should return select battery packs lacking child-resistant packaging to prevent serious injuries.
Button and coin cell batteries lack required child-resistant packaging and warnings
About 32,600 packs sold nationwide through various retailers
Refund available; no injuries reported
Great Lakes Wholesale International is recalling about 32,600 select battery packs due to missing child-resistant packaging and required warning labels. Ingesting button or coin cell batteries can cause serious injury or death.
The hazard
The affected battery packs do not have child-resistant packaging or required warning labels. If a child swallows these batteries, it can lead to internal chemical burns, serious injury or death.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries and contact Great Lakes Wholesale International for a refund.
Company contact
Call Great Lakes Wholesale International collect at 708-597-6000 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, email Recall@Glwholesale.com, or visit glwholesale.com and click Recall at the top of the page.
Trek recall for thousands of bicycles and wheels due to brake failure
Trek and Electra bicycles and replacement wheels may have faulty coaster brakes; stop riding and seek repair.
Coaster brakes may fail, causing crash risk
About 68,000 bicycles and wheels sold in the U.S.
Free repair available; no injuries reported
Trek Bicycle Corporation is recalling about 68,000 Trek and Electra-branded bicycles with coaster brakes and replacement rear wheels with coaster brakes. The recall addresses a potential crash hazard if the brakes fail to engage.
The hazard
The coaster brakes on the recalled bikes and wheels may not engage, causing riders to lose control and increasing the risk of a crash.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the recalled bicycles and wheels immediately and contact Trek for a free repair.
Mobi Games recall for over 100,000 Zippee silicone toys due to choking risk
Parents should stop using Zippee silicone activity toys immediately and request a refund due to choking hazard.
Spherical ends can reach back of throat and cause choking
About 117,500 toys sold in the U.S. since November 2019
Refund available; one gagging and choking incident reported
Mobi Games, Inc. is recalling about 117,500 Zippee silicone activity toys due to a serious choking hazard. The flexible toys feature strings with spherical ends that can reach the back of a childs throat.
The hazard
The spherical ends on the strings of the Zippee toy can pose a choking risk as they can reach the back of a childs throat.
What to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the Zippee toys and contact Mobi Games for a refund.
Bettina recall for doll sets with accessible button batteries
Consumers should stop use and return Bettina Doll Sets with Magic Light Unicorn due to battery ingestion danger.
Battery compartment easily accessed by children, posing ingestion hazard
About 380 doll sets sold on Amazon
Refund available; no injuries reported
Shantou Chenghai Xingzigu Toy Industry is recalling about 380 Bettina Doll Sets with Magic Light Unicorn because the battery compartment is easily accessible to children. Swallowing button cell or coin batteries can cause severe injury or death.
The hazard
The battery compartment in the unicorn accessory can be opened by children, exposing accessible button cell batteries that can be swallowed.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the recalled doll sets and contact the company for a refund.
Company contact
Email bettinaaftersales@outlook.com for more information.
CPSC warning: Stop use of Langyi DaGiBayCn infant walkers due to fall hazard
Consumers should immediately dispose of Langyi DaGiBayCn infant walkers sold online due to risk of falls.
Infant walkers can fit through doorways and fail to stop at steps
Sold on Walmart.com and other platforms since March 2022
Stop use and dispose of product immediately
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns consumers to immediately stop using Langyi DaGiBayCn infant walkers. The products pose a significant risk of serious injury or death because they can fit through standard doorways and may fail to stop at the edge of a step.
The hazard
The infant walkers violate mandatory standards by being able to pass through doorways and not stopping at steps, increasing the risk of dangerous falls.
What to do
Consumers should stop use immediately and dispose of the product. Do not sell or give away the infant walker.
Company contact
Report any incidents involving injury or product defect to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov. CPSCs Hotline: 800-638-2772 (TTY 800-638-8270).
CPSC warning: Stop use of NyxQuark portable misting fans due to battery ingestion hazard
Consumers should dispose of NyxQuark fan remote controls immediately; batteries pose a serious ingestion risk.
Remote controls have accessible coin batteries hazardous to children
About 4,490 units sold online from May to September 2025
Stop use and dispose of remote; follow local hazardous waste procedures
The CPSC warns consumers to immediately stop using the remote controls for NyxQuark portable misting fans due to the risk of accessible coin batteries, which can be easily swallowed by children and cause severe injury or death.
The hazard
The remote controls violate mandatory safety standards and contain accessible lithium coin batteries. Swallowing these batteries can result in internal chemical burns, serious injuries or death.
What to do
Consumers should stop using and dispose of the remote controls immediately, following local hazardous waste procedures. Do not sell or give away the hazardous remote controls.
Company contact
Report any incidents involving injury or product defect to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.
A large genetic study found people with gene variants that lower certain cholesterol pathways had a markedly lower chance of developing dementia.
The research methodmimicked lifelong effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs on dementia risk, drawing on data from over one million people across three countries.
The strongest associations were seen for gene targets tied to widely used cholesterol-lowering pathways suggesting potential brain-health benefits.
Dementia is a major public-health concern as our population ages, any clue toward prevention draws attention.
Now, a recent study from the University of Bristol suggests that the same biological mechanisms that control cholesterol might also influence our likelihood of developing dementia.
While weve long known that high cholesterol affects heart health, this research opens the door to thinking about brain health too and raises the question: could keeping cholesterol low help preserve memory and cognitive function down the road?
"What our study indicates is that if you have these variants that lower your cholesterol, it looks like you have a significantly lower risk of developing dementia," researcher Dr. Liv Tybjrg Nordestgaard said in a news release.
The study
Instead of running a long clinical trial, the researchers used peoples genes to understand how cholesterol might affect dementia. Our genes can naturally raise or lower cholesterol throughout our entire lives. Because genes are set at birth, they arent influenced by things like diet, income, or other health conditions.
The team looked at over one million people from several large population studies. They focused on certain gene variants linked to six different cholesterol pathways the same pathways targeted by common cholesterol-lowering medications.
By comparing people with genetic traits that naturally lower non-HDL cholesterol (a type of unhealthy cholesterol) to those without them, the researchers could estimate what lifelong lower cholesterol might do to dementia risk.
The results
The results were striking: people who had genetic traits that lowered non-HDL cholesterol through specific pathways had a much lower chance of developing dementia.
The strongest effects were seen for three key cholesterol-related genes:
HMGCR linked to statins
NPC1L1 linked to ezetimibe
CETP a target of another group of cholesterol drugs
For these pathways, having genes that lowered unhealthy cholesterol was linked to a substantially lower risk of dementia over time.
For the other cholesterol pathways the team studied, the genes did not show a clear effect on dementia risk. This means how cholesterol is lowered not just how much may matter.
Its important to note what the researchers didnt conclude: They did not say that taking cholesterol-lowering drugs will definitely prevent dementia. Their study only shows what happens when cholesterol is lower throughout a persons entire life due to genetics. But the findings suggest that the biological pathways targeted by some cholesterol drugs could have protective effects on the brain something future clinical trials will need to test directly.
It would be a really good next step to carry out randomized clinical trials over 10 or 30 years, for example, where you give the participants cholesterol-lowering medication and then look at the risk of developing dementia, Dr. Nordestgaard said.
Cancer patients who quit smoking had a two-year survival rate of about 85%, compared with 74% for those who kept smoking.
Among patients with advanced-stage (stage III/IV) cancer who smoked, those who quit reached 85% survival at ~540 days versus ~210 days for those who didnt quit nearly a full year of extra life.
Only about one in five smokers in the study managed to quit within six months of their initial oncology visit, highlighting the challenge and the need for integrated cessation support.
When someone is diagnosed with cancer, its easy to feel that smoking cessation might no longer make a meaningful difference.
However, recent research from Washington University School of Medicine and Siteman Cancer Center shows that this isnt the case.
Across cancer types and stages, patients who stopped smoking after beginning cancer care went on to live significantly longer than those who continued.
The takeaway? Its never too late to quit, and doing so can meaningfully improve survival.
By showing that its never too late, even for the sickest patients, we hope to inspire all cancer centers and patients to include smoking cessation support as part of routine cancer care to improve survival, researcher Li-Shiun Chen, M.D., said in a news release.
The study
The research team conducted an observational study involving 13,282 adults receiving outpatient oncology care at Siteman.
At their first visit, smoking status was recorded and patients who reported smoking were observed over the next six months to see whether they quit. About 1,725 participants identified as current smokers at that initial visit.
The primary outcome: overall survival (OS) over the next two years. The study tracked who quit within six months and compared survival outcomes between those who quit and those who kept smoking. They also looked across cancer stages (stage I/II vs. III/IV) and cancer types.
A key feature: the cessation program was integrated into cancer care through electronic health record tools and on-site support (counselling, apps, medications) at Siteman.
The results
The survival advantage for those who quit was clear. Among all cancer patients in the study, two-year survival was about 85% for quitters compared to 74% for those who continued smoking.
For patients with advanced stage (III/IV) cancer, the difference was especially striking: 85% of quitters were alive at ~540 days, whereas those who kept smoking reached that 85% survival mark only at ~210 days. Thats nearly one additional year of life on average.
Bottom line: For anyone diagnosed with cancer who smokes, this study sends a clear message: quitting mattersno matter how far along the diagnosis. Quitting smoking isnt just a quality-of-life decision, it may extend survival in meaningful ways.
Advanced-stage cancer patients often feel hopeless, researcher Steven Tohmasi, M.D. said in the news release. If they feel they have limited time, some doctors might not actively encourage patients to quit smoking or may prioritize patient comfort over cessation efforts.
But when weve shown patients our data, it gives them hope and motivates them to want to quit. An extra year of life is a long time for patients who may have been told they only had months to live.
Sold-out Starbucks Bearista cups are reselling for $200$300, pushing fans toward cheaper dupes on Walmart, Amazon, Etsy, and DIY honey-bear cups
For look-alikes, confirm safe materials, read seller reviews, and avoid listings using Starbucks logos or stock photos to appear official
Check return windows, who pays return shipping, and whether the cup is hot- or cold-onlyespecially since more Starbucks holiday drinkware is coming soon
Fans shut out by Starbucks sold-out Bearista Cold Cup are turning to look-alikes on Walmart, Amazon and Etsy, often for a fraction of the price. Here are the trade-offs, safety checks, and return rules to keep in mind.
The 20-oz glass Bearista Cold Cup hit Starbucks stores on Nov. 6 after a social tease the day prior and it vanished almost instantly. Starbucks apologized for the rollout, saying it shipped more Bearista cups than almost any other merchandise item, but demand still far outstripped supply. Part of the problem was that many employees were accused of buying them for themselves before the doors opened.
Resale listings popped up within hours, with many still selling in the $200-$300 range on eBay.
The dupe market: whats out there
Walmart: Theyre selling a bear-shaped glass with a beanie-style lid in-store for $12-$14, and online for $29. These are clearly not a Starbucks product as they lack the logo.
Amazon & Etsy: Many similar bear-inspired cups popped up on Amazon and Etsy. Prices vary wildly, anywhere from $30 to $75. Again, these are third-party designs without the Starbucks branding.
The eBay DIY honey bear workaround: Another trend also popped up in the days following the craze. Many clever fans are turning the classic honey-bear bottles (yes, the Kirkland ones from Costco) into look-alike cups with a lid and straw. TikTok creators have posted how-to videos using empty honey bottles, framing it as a free dupe if you already have the bottle at home.
Consumer check-list before you buy a look-alike
Verify materials & capacity. Look for tempered glass, BPA-free lid/straw, and dishwasher guidance. Third-party listings should disclose this; if they dont, skip. (Marketplace product pages usually list materials and care, ask for them if they dont)
Check seller history and photos. When shopping on eBay be sure prioritize sellers with many positive reviews and real photos. Always avoid listings using Starbucks stock photos or implying that theyre somehow affiliated with Starbucks.
Know return windows. Walmart, Amazon, eBay, and Etsy policies vary by seller. Confirm the return period and who pays return shipping before you purchase. (Policies should be posted on each product page.)
Check hot vs. cold. Starbucks Bearista is a cold cup. Many dupes are as well. If the listing claims hot safe, look for explicit temperature ratings in the description.
Will Starbucks restockor offer alternatives?
Starbucks says more holiday merchandise is coming. The company also announced a Roller Rabbit limited collection slated for Dec. 2, giving fans another shot at seasonal drinkware without turning to the resale market.
If you missed the drop, dupes can capture the vibe for much less. Just make sure you dont pay top dollar thinking youre getting the real deal when clearly, youre being duped. Protect yourself by scrutinizing materials, reviews, and returns and remember that splashy resale prices are list prices, not guaranteed sale prices.
Federal appeals court upholds Colorados right to apply its interest rate limits to loans made by out-of-state banks to state residents
Decision could reshape bank-fintech partnerships that rely on state-chartered banks to bypass local lending caps
National banks, which arent subject to state rate limits, may become preferred partners for fintech lenders
A federal appeals court has ruled that Colorado can enforce its own interest rate caps on loans made by state-chartered banks from other states to Colorado residents, a landmark decision that could ripple through the consumer lending and fintech industries, making it harder for predatory lenders to operate across state lines.
In a 21 ruling on Nov. 10, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit overturned a lower court injunction that had blocked Colorado from applying its 2023 lending law to out-of-state banks. The decision means that banks based elsewhere must now comply with Colorados lower rate limits when lending to people who live in the state.
Judge Gregory A. Phillips, writing for the majority, said Congress gave states the power to opt out of federal rate allowances under a 1980 law, allowing them to ensure that loans made in the state meet local standards. We acknowledge that this decision may cause some immediate uncertainty, Phillips wrote, but concluded that Colorado acted within its rights under federal law.
Fintech partnerships face new scrutiny
The ruling could have major implications for bank-fintech partnerships arrangements in which technology firms team up with state-chartered banks to issue loans nationwide. Many of those loans carry interest rates that would be illegal under the borrowers home-state laws but are allowed under the banks charter state.
By upholding Colorados authority, the court opened the door for other states to assert similar powers, potentially upending how fintech lenders price and issue credit.
The banks interpretation robs the state of one of its oldest police powers, creating a race to the bottom, Colorado Senior Assistant Attorney General Brian Urankar argued before the court earlier this year.
Industry groups, including the National Association of Industrial Bankers, warned the decision could push banks to seek national charters, which are exempt from state interest rate limits. That shift could concentrate more lending power in federally chartered institutions and reduce flexibility for smaller state-chartered banks. "Industrial" banks are generally chartered in states without strict interest rate caps.
Dissent warns of patchwork lending rules
Judge Veronica S. Rossman dissented, saying the majoritys interpretation created a practical problem by making loan regulation inconsistent across states. I struggle to see how this patchwork approach which abides a level of disuniformity Congress never intended will be administrable in our world of interstate, online banking, she wrote.
Rossman argued that the law was originally meant to regulate banks, not protect borrowers, and that loans made in a state should refer to the lenders location, not the borrowers.
What happens next
Colorados law, known as House Bill 1229, was enacted in 2023 to stop out-of-state banks from bypassing local lending caps. The state joined Iowa and Puerto Rico as the only jurisdictions to use the federal opt-out provision.
For now, the decision applies only to loans made to Coloradans, but observers say other states could soon follow Colorados lead. The caseNational Association of Industrial Bankers et al. v. Weiser et al.marks the first time a federal appellate court has sided with a state on this issue, setting the stage for potential challenges in other circuits or even the U.S. Supreme Court.
As Judge Phillips noted, Congress could have focused on the lender but chose instead to allow states to decide whether loans made to their residents should reflect their own interest rate standards.
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