The CPI report was delayed until today by the government shutdown

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Inflation edged up 0.3% in September, driven largely by higher gasoline prices

• Annual inflation rate now stands at 3.0%, up slightly from Augusts 2.9%

• Shelter, recreation, and apparel costs also rose, while car insurance and used car prices declined

U.S. consumer prices continued to climb in September, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rising 0.3% on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to the delayed report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The latest figures show inflation running at a 3.0% annual rate, signaling that while price pressures remain moderate, they continue to affect household budgets, particularly through energy and housing costs.

The sharpest price jump came at the gas pump. The gasoline index surged 4.1%, helping push the overall energy index up 1.5% for the month. Over the past year, however, gasoline prices are still down 0.5%, reflecting earlier declines in 2025. So far in October, gasoline prices have fallen significantly.

Electricity prices fell 0.5% in September, while natural gas slipped 1.2%.

On a yearly basis, the energy index is up 2.8%, driven mainly by higher electricity (+5.1%) and natural gas (+11.7%) costs.

Food inflation remains mild

Food prices rose 0.2% in September, following a 0.5% increase in August. Grocery prices (food at home) were up 0.3%, led by cereals, bakery products, and nonalcoholic beveragesall up 0.7%. Meat, poultry, fish, and eggs rose 0.3%, while dairy products dipped 0.5%. Restaurant prices (food away from home) increased just 0.1%.

Over the past year, the food index is up 3.1%, with grocery costs up 2.7% and dining out costs up 3.7%.

Excluding food and energy, the so-called core CPI rose 0.2% in September, easing from 0.3% in the prior two months. The core inflation rate now stands at 3.0% year-over-year.

Shelter costs one of the biggest components of the index rose 0.2%, marking the smallest increase in owners equivalent rent since early 2021. Prices also increased for airline fares (+2.7%), recreation (+0.4%), household furnishings (+0.4%), and apparel (+0.7%).

At the same time, consumers caught a break in a few areas: the cost of used cars and trucks declined 0.4%, motor vehicle insurance fell 0.4%, and communication services dropped 0.2%.

From overheating laminators to collapsing sauna benches, heres whats being recalled this week plus key safety warnings from the CPSC

3M Company Recalls Thousands of Scotch Laminators for Burn Hazard

Consumers with affected laminators should stop using them and seek a refund from 3M Company.

Key details:

• Product: Scotch Thermal Laminators, model TL909-50

• Units affected: About 13,440

• Hazard: Laminators can overheat, posing a burn risk.

• Action: Stop using immediately and contact 3M for a refund.

• Contact: 3M at 800-772-4337 or via Scotch Brand Recall Info

• Source: CPSC Recall Notice

Bealife 5-Drawer Dressers Recalled for Tip-Over Hazard

Owners should stop using unanchored units and seek a refund.

Key details:

• Product: White 5-Drawer Dressers, model AP23-W

• Units affected: About 410

• Hazard: Violates STURDY Act; can tip over and trap children.

• Action: Stop using unless anchored; contact Bealife for a refund.

• Contact: info@bealifehome.com or Bealife Recall Page

• Source: CPSC Recall Notice

Two Scepter Fuel Container Recalls for Fire and Poisoning Risks

Consumers should stop using recalled dual-chamber B62 containers and request refunds.

Key details:

1. Canada Prep Recall ~1,500 units

   • Hazard: Missing flame mitigation and child-resistant spouts.

   • Contact: info@canadaprepandship.com or Canada Prep Recall Page

2. Pro Recycle Recall ~840 units

   • Hazard: Similar safety failures; fire and poisoning risk.

   • Contact: 514-887-7309 or prorecycle@hotmail.ca

• Source: CPSC Notices

J & D Brush Recalls 357,000 Bio Ionic Curling Irons for Burn Risk

Consumers should stop using and request a free replacement.

Key details:

• Product: Bio Ionic 1-inch Long Barrel Curling Irons, model LXT-CL-1.0

• Hazard: Barrel can detach, causing burns.

• Incidents: 258 detachments, six minor burns.

• Action: Stop use; contact Bio Ionic for free replacement.

• Contact: 877-853-9627 or Bio Ionic Recall Page

• Source: CPSC Recall Notice

Olympia Tools Recalls Utility Wagons for Entrapment Risk

Stop using Pack-N-Stroll wagons immediately and contact company for refund.

Key details:

• Product: Pack-N-Stroll Folding Utility Wagons

• Units affected: About 530

• Hazard: Openings can trap a childs head; lacks restraints.

• Action: Stop use and request refund.

• Contact: info@olympiatools.com or Coho Outdoors Recall Page

• Source: CPSC Recall Notice

Sauna360 Recalls Halmstad & Kiruna Sauna Rooms for Fall Hazard

Stop using benches and contact company for free repair.

Key details:

• Product: Tyl Halmstad and Kiruna Hybrid sauna rooms

• Units affected: About 1,000

• Hazard: Benches can collapse, causing injuries.

• Reports: 7 bench failures, 1 injury.

• Contact: 888-780-4427 or Sauna360 Recall Info

• Source: CPSC Recall Notice

Cranach Hardware Recalls 55,000 Tip Restraint Kits for Tip-Over Risk

Free replacement offered; stop using recalled restraints.

Key details:

• Hazard: Plastic parts can break; 115 reports of failure.

• Contact: 888-798-9487 or Cranach Recall Page

• Source: CPSC Recall Notice

LEACHOI Bed Rails Recalled for Entrapment & Suffocation Hazard

Stop using recalled bed rails and request refund.

Key details:

• Units affected: About 7,800

• Hazard: Entrapment between rail and mattress.

• Contact: leachoidirect@163.com or LEACHOI Recall Info

• Source: CPSC Recall Notice

Lifepro Fitness Recalls 78,000 Sauna Blankets for Burn Injuries

Free replacement offered; stop using immediately.

Key details:

• Product: Bioremedy Infrared Sauna Blankets

• Hazard: Overheating can cause burns.

• Reports: 65 overheating, 32 injuries.

• Contact: recalls@lifeprofitness.com or Lifepro Recall Page

• Source: CPSC Recall Notice

CPSC Safety Warnings

Wish.com Hair Dryers Electrocution Hazard

Hair dryers lack immersion protection. Stop use, cut cords, and dispose.
Report incidents: SaferProducts.gov

Shein 10-Inch Hybrid Mattresses Fire Risk

Fail flammability standards. Stop use and dispose safely.
Report incidents: SaferProducts.gov

MOEYURO Youth ATVs Crash & Injury Risk

Do not meet safety standards. Stop use immediately.
Report incidents: SaferProducts.gov

Favoto Bike Helmets Head Injury Risk

Fail impact protection standards. Stop use and cut straps.
Report incidents: SaferProducts.gov

Honestcoolstore Magnetic Balls Ingestion Hazard

Magnets exceed strength limits. Dispose immediately.
Report incidents: SaferProducts.gov

Quick Safety Checklist

Stop using recalled or warned products immediately.
Check serial or model numbers where listed.
Contact manufacturer for refunds or repairs.
Dispose of unsafe products responsibly do not resell or donate.
Report any injury or defect at SaferProducts.gov.

The increase will average $56, starting in January

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Social Security benefits to rise 2.8% in 2026, matching inflation trends

• Average retiree will see about $56 more per month beginning in January

• Adjustment affects nearly 75 million Americans receiving Social Security or SSI

The Social Security Administration has announced that monthly benefits will rise by 2.8% in 2026, marking a modest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) aimed at helping retirees and other beneficiaries keep pace with inflation.

Starting in January, retirees will receive an average of about $56 more per month, according to the agency. The adjustment applies to both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), impacting roughly 75 million Americans who rely on these payments.

Keeping up with inflation barely

The COLA is designed to ensure that benefits reflect changes in consumer prices, helping protect the purchasing power of seniors, people with disabilities, and others who depend on the programs. Still, for many recipients struggling with rising costs of housing, food, and healthcare, this years increase may not be enough to fully offset inflation.

The annual cost-of-living adjustment is one way we are working to make sure benefits reflect todays economic realities, said Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. Social Security is a promise kept... and continues to provide a foundation of security.

Historical context and outlook

The 2.8% COLA aligns with economists forecasts, which had projected an increase between 2.7% and 2.8%. Over the past two decades, the average annual adjustment has been 2.6%, according to The Senior Citizens League, a nonpartisan advocacy group for older Americans.

This years increase slightly exceeds the 2.5% adjustment in 2025, continuing a pattern of moderate benefit growth as inflation gradually cools from its pandemic-era highs.

While the adjustment offers a welcome boost to millions of households, advocates caution that many seniors remain financially vulnerable, particularly as healthcare and housing costs continue to outpace overall inflation.

The alert is currently limited to Texas and no illnesses have been reported

Here are todays major U.S. foodsafety alerts:

• Product: Select cans of CocaCola Zero Sugar, CocaCola Classic and Sprite
  Hazard: Potential contamination with metal fragments in the cans. (People.com)
  Affected states/retailers: Currently limited to Texas (distributed by CocaCola Southwest Beverages, LLC) but may expand. (Houston Chronicle)
  Illnesses/injuries: No specific illnesses reported yet; risk is mainly from ingestion of metal fragments (laceration/injury hazard). (People.com)
  Full notice: FDA Recall Select CocaCola, Sprite and Coke Zero cans recalled in Texas over possible metal risk note: link to FDA recall list posted 20Oct2025. (Houston Chronicle)
  Company notice: Initiated October3,2025 by CocaCola Southwest Beverages; product lists and codes referenced via media coverage. (The Sun)

• Product: Readytoeat/ frozen prepared pasta meals & deli pasta salads containing precooked pasta by Nates Fine Foods, Inc. (ingredient)
  Hazard: Possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
  Affected states/retailers: Many states across the U.S.; e.g., recalls by The Kroger Co. in AK,AL,AR,AZ,CA,CO,GA,ID,IL,IN,KS,KY,LA,MI,MO,MS,MT,NE,NM,NV,OH,OR,SC,TN,TX,UT,WA,WV. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
  Illnesses/injuries: As of latest update: 20people infected across 15states, 19 hospitalized, 4 deaths, and 1 fetal loss. (CDC)
  Full notice: FDA Outbreak Investigation ofListeriamonocytogenes: Prepared Pasta Meals (June 2025) (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
  Company notice: Several brands (via Kroger, GiantEagle, Albertsons, etc.) recall products that used the recalled pasta ingredient. (Allrecipes)

It hit its lowest level in more than a year this week

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 6.19% this week, down from 6.27% the prior week, marking its lowest level in more than a year.

• The 15-year fixed mortgage rate also declined to 5.44%, from 5.52% a week earlier and 5.71% a year ago.

• The downward trend in mortgage rates has been driven by softer Treasury yields and increased investor expectations of additional cuts by the Federal Reserve, bolstering the outlook for home-buyers and refi-seekers alike.

In its latest weekly release, the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey revealed a modest yet meaningful retreat in U.S. mortgage rates, offering a glimmer of relief for buyers and homeowners facing elevated borrowing costs. The average 30-year fixed rate slipped to 6.19 % for the week ending October 23, the lowest reading since early October 2024.

According to Freddie Mac economist Sam Khater, the rate drop reflects consistently lower rates which have helped to catalyze a pickup in refinance inquiries and slightly improved conditions for prospective home-buyers.

Why rates are falling

The decline in mortgage rates comes as investors increasingly anticipate further cuts to the federal funds rate by the Fed, which is influencing the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasurya key benchmark for mortgage pricing. As Treasury yields dip, lenders are able to reduce offered rates.

Its also worth noting that the economy is showing signs of cooling in certain sectors, which diminishes inflation concerns and lessens pressure on interest ratesanother factor helping mortgage rates to ease.

What it means

• For first-time home-buyers: The rate drop is a welcomed trend, but affordability remains tightdespite the fall to ~6.19 %, monthly payments and home-price levels still pose challenges.

• For homeowners considering refinancing: The opportunity window is slightly wider, though many borrowers are still locked into lower rates from previous years, limiting the pool of beneficial refi candidates.

• For the housing market overall: The rate relief may help spur incremental activity in an otherwise sluggish market. But analysts caution that a more robust pickup in sales likely requires deeper rate cuts or notable price adjustments.

While the direction of mortgage rates is favorable for buyers, the broader environment remains uncertain. Rates could remain elevated if inflation reaccelerates or fiscal/deficit concerns worsen. Some forecasters project mortgage rates may hover above 6% through 2026even with Fed cuts.

Because the current rate is still significantly higher than the ultra-low levels seen during the pandemic, the full benefit to home-buyers and the housing market may be muted unless rates drop further.