Consumer News: New Social Security claims rules took effect today

Research finds that heavy use of multiple AI tools can overload workers cognitive capacity

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Brain fry is a new workplace phenomenon linked to heavy AI use, defined as mental fatigue caused by excessive interaction with or oversight of AI tools.

• About 14% of AI-using workers report experiencing it, with symptoms including mental fog, headaches, and slower decision-making.

• Researchers say the risk rises when workers juggle multiple AI tools or agents, creating cognitive overload that can increase mistakes and even raise employees intentions to quit.

Artificial intelligence is widely marketed as the ultimate productivity booster automating tedious tasks, drafting documents, and accelerating decisions. But new research suggests that for some workers, too much AI may actually strain the brain rather than lighten the workload.

Researchers writing in the Harvard Business Review have coined a new term for the phenomenon: AI brain fry. The phrase describes mental fatigue that occurs when workers interact with or oversee AI tools beyond their cognitive capacity.

The condition appears to be an emerging side effect of the rapid adoption of generative AI across workplaces, where employees often juggle multiple chatbots, coding assistants, and automated systems simultaneously.

When productivity tools become cognitive burdens

The study, conducted by researchers from Boston Consulting Group and the University of California, Riverside, surveyed 1,488 full-time U.S. workers about their use of AI on the job. About 14% said they had experienced brain fry, reporting symptoms such as mental fog, difficulty concentrating, headaches, and slower decision-making.

While the percentage might seem modest, researchers describe it as an early warning sign as more companies push employees to adopt AI tools and even measure their usage as a performance metric.

The core problem, researchers say, is not simply using AIbut managing it. Supervising AI outputs, checking for errors, and coordinating multiple systems can create a heavy cognitive load.

Workers often find themselves bouncing between toolsusing one AI to generate drafts, another to analyze data, and yet another to make recommendationswhile still verifying the accuracy of each output. That constant switching and oversight can overwhelm the brains processing capacity.

A paradox of the AI workplace

Ironically, the workers most affected appear to be high performers and early adopters of AI. These employees are often the first to integrate multiple AI systems into their workflow, increasing both productivity and mental strain.

The research also highlights the paradox of AI productivity. Moving from one to two AI tools may boost efficiency, but productivity gains declineand can even reverseas more tools are added.

As a result, the supposed time savings from AI can turn into more work at a faster pace, with workers constantly reviewing and refining machine-generated outputs.

The business costs of mental overload

The effects of brain fry extend beyond employee well-being. The study found that workers experiencing the condition reported 33% more decision fatigue and significantly higher rates of major mistakes compared with colleagues who did not report it.

Researchers also found a troubling link to retention: employees suffering from brain fry were more likely to consider quitting their jobs.

For companies embracing AI at scale, that could translate into costly errors, reduced productivity, and higher turnover.

Is AI the problem?

Despite the risks, researchers emphasize that AI itself is not the problem. In fact, the study found that using AI to automate repetitive tasks can actually reduce burnout, lowering stress levels among workers.

The researchers say the key difference lies in how AI is integrated into workflows. Systems designed to eliminate routine tasks tend to help employees, while those that require constant supervision or coordination among multiple tools are more likely to produce cognitive overload.

As companies rush to embed AI into everyday work, the findings suggest leaders may need to rethink how they measure and encourage AI use. Incentivizing employees simply to use more AI could backfire by increasing mental strain and reducing decision quality.

The broader lesson may be that while AI can accelerate work, human brains still have limits. In the race to automate tasks, companies may need to ensure that the people overseeing the machines arent the ones getting overloaded.

The protein trend is invading the snack sector

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Babybel launches Babybel PRO, a new snack cheese combining protein and probiotics in a single serving.

• Each mini cheese contains 5 grams of protein, 1 billion live LGG probiotics, and 50 calories.

• The product is available now at Target and select retailers, with expansion to Walmart and Kroger beginning in March.

When it comes to food, protein is all the rage now. When it comes to snacks, theyre mostly ultraprocessed and unhealthy.

But what if you could merge the two make a snack thats high in both protein and probiotics? Babybel, maker of snack cheese, is betting it can and that consumers will embrace it.

The company has launched Babybel PRO, a new snack cheese with both protein and probiotics, created to meet growing consumer demand for intentional and convenient snacks. Made with 100% real cheese and just four real ingredients, each individually wrapped Babybel PRO delivers 5g of protein and 1 billion live and active LGG probiotics, with just 50 calories.

The product combines protein and probiotics in a single, mini-sized cheese. This taps into the growing consumer demand for functional foods, which offer benefits beyond traditional formats like protein bars, shakes, probiotic beverages, and yogurts (Mintel, 2025).

"As shoppers increasingly seek out snacks that deliver both protein and probiotics, we recognized an opportunity to expand the Babybel portfolio, so consumers don't have to choose between goodness and enjoyment," said Jessica Dillon, senior brand director for Babybel. "To meet consumers' desire for both benefits in one snack, we brought them together in the playful, perfectly portioned format only Babybel can offer."

Reimagining snack cheese

From the companys standpoint, its meeting a growing demand. Its a nourishing bite after a daily walk, or a much-needed afternoon snack, the company said in a press release introducing the product.

Babybel PRO joins Babybel's existing lineup of cheeses and snack cheese alternative offerings, which are now available in nine varieties.

Babybel PRO is available now at Target and select retailers, with rollout to Walmart and Kroger beginning this month and broader nationwide distribution planned throughout 2026.

New guidance explains how parents and guardians can open accounts for children

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The Treasury Department and IRS issued proposed regulations outlining how Trump Accounts will be opened, managed, and administered.

• Parents, guardians, and other authorized individuals could open the accounts for eligible children using a new IRS Form 4547, with elections due before the child turns 17.

• The proposal also explains who can open the accounts, who controls them while the child is a minor, and how a $1,000 federal pilot contribution could be requested.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have released proposed regulations detailing how newly created Trump Accounts would operate, offering the first guidance for families interested in opening the accounts for children.

The proposal establishes general requirements for the accounts, definitions tied to eligibility, and rules governing how an initial account may be opened by an authorized individual on behalf of a child. It also clarifies who will be responsible for managing the account until the beneficiary reaches legal capacity.

Trump Accounts are a pro-family initiative that will help millions of Americans harness the strength of our economy to lift up this generation and generations to follow and unlock the American Dream, IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano said in a statement announcing the proposal.

The accounts were created as part of President Donald Trumps One, Big, Beautiful Bill, which the IRS said included the provision as a way to encourage long-term savings and financial investment for younger Americans.

How families could open accounts

Under the proposed rules, an authorized individual would open an initial Trump Account by filing Form 4547, Trump Account Election(s). The election could be submitted along with a federal tax return or through a separate IRS online portal.

The election must be made by Dec. 31 of the calendar year in which the eligible child turns 17.

The form also allows families to request a $1,000 pilot program contribution from the federal government for qualifying children under section 6434 of the Internal Revenue Code.

The Treasury and the IRS said they designed the process to be as simple as possible, allowing individuals to complete a single-page election form rather than navigating a more complex application process.

Who can open the account

The proposal outlines who qualifies as an authorized individual to open an account for a child.

If the authorized individual is requesting the $1,000 pilot program contribution at the same time as opening the account, that person automatically has authority to make the election.

If the federal contribution is not requested at the same time, the proposed regulations establish a priority order for who may open the account:

1. A legal guardian

2. A parent

3. An adult sibling

4. A grandparent

Who controls the account

In most cases, the person who opens the initial Trump Account would become the responsible party for the account while the child is still a minor.

That individual would have authority to manage the account, including selecting among eligible investments, requesting certain rolloversor transfers,and designating a successor responsible party if needed.

The IRS said it is requesting public comments on all aspects of the proposed regulations before final rules are issued.

The guidance is intended to help parents, guardians, and financial institutions understand how the accounts will work and how families can participate once the rules are finalized.

Limited-time promos are popping up across major chains this month

• Five Guys is offering a rare BOGO burger deal from March 1012, when you order through the app or website.

• Chipotle is offering a BOGO entre from 34 p.m. on Friday the 13th with a tattoo, while Shake Shack has a BOGO K-Shack promotion through March 16.

• Tropical Smoothie Cafe rewards members can get a free smoothie with purchase (March 915), Portillos has $1 cake slices with a $5 purchase, and Olive Gardens Buy One, Take One entre deal runs through May 3.

Several national chains are running limited-time March promotions that can score diners free food or deep discounts.

Here are some of the most notable deals right now.

Five Guys

This week, Five Guys is offering a BOGO deal where youll get a free burger with the purchase of any other burger.

• Deal runs March 1012.
• You must order through the Five Guys website or app.
• Use promo code FGAFTERPARTYat checkout.
• Get one free burger of equal or lesser value.
• Limit one redemption per account.

This promotion celebrates the chains 40th anniversary and is one of the rare discounts the brand offers.

Chipotle

Get a free entre at Chipotle on Friday the 13^th when you show a tattoo (real or fake) from 3-4 pm.

Here are the details:

• Free entre when you buy one and show some ink, fake or real (a Sharpie tattoo will work too).
• Valid in the U.S., Canada, U.K., France, and Germany.
• Valid on Friday 3/13/26, from 3-4 pm local time only.

Don't overthink the tattoo.It's safe to assume they'll accept just about anything written on your body.

Shake Shack

Shake Shack is offering a BOGO deal on their K-Shack Korean menu.

• Use promo code SPICYSWEET at checkout.
• Valid through 3/16/26.

To qualify, you must add at least two of these items: K-Shack BBQ Burger, K-Shack Fried Chicken Sandwich, K-Shack Fried Chicken Bites, K-Shack Spicy BBQ Fries, K-Shack Spicy BBQ Cheese Fries, or the K-Shack Spicy Caramel Shake.

Olive Garden

Olive Garden is offering a buy one entre in-store, and take another entre home for FREE.

• Valid for dine-in, to-go, and online ordering
• Included entres are Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Angel Hair with Marinara, Four-Cheese Manicotti, Fettuccine Alfredo, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Lasagna Classico, and Chicken Parmigiana.
• Valid until 5/03/26.

Deals like this tend to appear through email or the Olive Garden eClub, so signing up can unlock some surprise offers.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Rewards members can get a free smoothie every dayyes, every day, with purchase.

• Part of the chains Tropic Fan Fest.
• Rewards members get a free 24-oz smoothie.
• Must purchase a Tropic Bowl or food item.
• Limit one per day.
• Runs March 915.

Portillos

The folks at Portillos are offering a $1 slice of cake for rewards members, a small $5 purchase is required.

• Available to Portillos Perks rewards members.
• Buy $5 or more and get a $1 slice of birthday cake.
• Valid from March 915.

Thispromotionis celebrating the chains 63rd anniversary and the first birthday of its rewards program.

Oil price spike tied to conflict involving Iran raises fears of supply disruptions

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The nations average price of gasoline has risen 51.1 cents over the last week and stands at $3.45 per gallon, according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 12 million individual price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations nationwide.

• The national average is up 54.1 cents from a month ago and 41.6 cents higher than a year ago.

• The national average price of diesel jumped 85.9 cents in the last week to $4.599 per gallon.

U.S. motorists are facing one of the sharpest weekly increases in fuel prices in years as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East send shockwaves through global energy markets.

According to GasBuddy data, gasoline prices surged more than 50 cents per gallon in just a week after oil prices spiked following U.S. strikes on Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane for global oil supplies. The sudden escalation has injected significant uncertainty into energy markets and raised concerns about prolonged supply disruptions.

In just a week, consumers have seen gasoline prices surge at one of the fastest rates in years after oil prices spiked following U.S. strikes on Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

With additional attacks across the Middle East over the weekend pushing oil above $100 per barrel for the first time in years, fuel markets are now rapidly recalibrating to the risk of prolonged disruption to global supply flows.

De Haan warned that prices may climb even further in the coming days. Gasoline prices in many states could rise another 20 to 50 cents per gallon this week, while diesel could jump by as much as 35 to 75 cents as global distillate markets react to the heightened risk.

Oil prices surge on Middle East tensions

Crude oil prices climbed over the past week as escalating tensions between Iran and Israel heightened fears of a broader regional conflict. Traders are particularly focused on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which a large share of the worlds oil shipments pass.

In early Monday trading, West Texas Intermediate crude rose $5.39 per barrel to $72.41, up from $66.85 a week earlier. Brent crude increased $6.42 to $79.29 per barrel compared with $72.08 last Monday.

Energy markets had already been supported by geopolitical concerns and inventory data earlier in the week, but the latest escalation added a new risk premium and increased volatility. Analysts say developments involving Iran, especially any threat to production or shipping routes, are likely to remain the primary driver of oil prices in the near term.

Mixed signals in U.S. fuel supply data

The latest Weekly Petroleum Status Report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows mixed trends in domestic fuel inventories.

U.S. crude oil inventories rose by 3.5 million barrels in the week ending Feb. 27 but remain about 3% below the seasonal average for this time of year. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve remained unchanged at 415.4 million barrels.

Gasoline inventories declined by 1.7 million barrels but are still roughly 3% above the five-year seasonal average. Distillate inventories which include diesel edged up by 0.4 million barrels but remain about 3% below typical seasonal levels.

Refinery utilization increased slightly to 89.2%, while implied gasoline demand fell by 442,000 barrels per day to 8.292 million barrels per day.

Gas price patterns across the country

Despite the rapid national increase, prices vary widely depending on location.

The most common price motorists encountered nationwide was $3.19 per gallon, followed by $2.99, $3.49, $3.29, and $3.39. The median U.S. gas price stood at $3.29 per gallon, about 16 cents below the national average.

Stations in the top 10% of prices averaged $4.93 per gallon, while those in the lowest 10% averaged $2.88.

The lowest average gasoline prices were reported in Kansas ($2.90), Oklahoma ($2.95), and Arkansas ($2.98). The highest prices were in California ($5.14), Washington ($4.58), and Hawaii ($4.33).

Several states saw particularly large weekly increases, including Indiana (+57.8 cents), Florida (+57.2 cents), Michigan (+55.3 cents), Ohio (+54.6 cents), and California (+51.1 cents).

Diesel prices spike even more

Diesel prices have climbed even faster than gasoline in the past week, reflecting tighter global distillate supplies and strong freight demand.

The most common diesel price nationwide rose to $4.99 per gallon, followed by $4.49, $4.69, $4.59, and $4.29. The median diesel price reached $4.59 per gallon, about six cents below the national average.

The lowest average diesel prices were found in Texas ($3.93), Kansas ($3.95), and South Dakota ($3.99). The highest averages were in California ($5.87), Washington ($5.46), and Hawaii ($5.18).

States experiencing the largest diesel price spikes included Texas (+$1.11), North Carolina (+$1.10), Tennessee (+$1.10), Georgia (+$1.07), and Mississippi (+$1.04).

With tensions in the Middle East continuing to evolve, analysts say motorists should brace for additional volatility at the pump in the weeks ahead as global energy markets react to the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.