Consumer News: AI is making smarter ... and more dangerous

In February, the Producer Price Index rose at the fastest level in months

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Wholesale inflation accelerated in February, with the Producer Price Index (PPI) rising 0.7%, the fastest monthly gain in months.

• Goods prices surged 1.1%, driven by sharp increases in food and energy, including a nearly 49% spike in vegetable prices.

• Core producer prices (excluding food, energy, and trade services) climbed 0.5% for the 10th straight month, signaling persistent underlying inflation.

Economists keep an eye on wholesale prices, because they eventually affect the prices consumers pay. The trend is not good.

Wholesale prices picked up momentum in February, reflecting broad-based increases across goods and services, according to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Producer Price Index (PPI) for final demand rose 0.7% for the month on a seasonally adjusted basis, following gains of 0.5% in January and 0.4% in December. On a year-over-year basis, producer prices increased 3.4%, matching the largest annual gain recorded since February 2025.

The February increase was driven by both goods and services, though goods prices showed the strongest acceleration. Prices for final demand goods climbed 1.1%the largest jump since August 2023while services advanced 0.5%.

The biggest drivers

Food and energy played a major role in the goods increase. Food prices surged 2.4%, accounting for roughly 40% of the overall rise in goods. Energy prices also rose sharply, up 2.3%.

A standout contributor was a dramatic 48.9% spike in prices for fresh and dry vegetables, which alone accounted for more than one-fifth of the overall increase in goods. Other notable increases included diesel fuel, gasoline, jet fuel, chicken eggs, and tobacco products. In contrast, prices for jewelry fell 4.0%, while home heating oil and soft drinks also declined.

On the services side, the 0.5% increase marked the third consecutive monthly gain. Much of the rise came from services excluding trade, transportation, and warehousing, which climbed 0.6%.

Trade services and transportation and warehousing services also posted gains of 0.4% and 0.5%, respectively.

Within services, a sharp 5.7% increase in traveler accommodation prices was a key driver, accounting for about one-fifth of the overall services advance. Prices also rose for food and alcohol wholesaling, financial services such as securities brokerage and investment advice, and inpatient care. However, some sectors saw declines, including a 4.5% drop in retail margins for apparel and accessories, as well as decreases in airline passenger services and gaming receipts.

Meanwhile, core producer priceswhich exclude food, energy, and trade servicesrose 0.5% in February. This marked the tenth consecutive monthly increase, pushing the 12-month gain to 3.5%.

The steady climb in core prices suggests that underlying inflation pressures remain persistent, even as some categories show volatility.

Homes that dont sell are increasing rental inventory

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• 2.3% of homes listed for rent on Zillow were recently listed for sale, according to a new Zillow analysis. Only once in Zillow's nearly six-year record has the share of "accidental landlords" been higher nationwide in November 2022.

• Texas and Florida markets, along with Denver, Portland and Nashville, have the largest share of these accidental-landlord properties.

• Would-be sellers resorting to renting instead of accepting a serious price cut indicates these homeowners don't need to liquidate distressed properties.

Home sales have slowed over the last few months, and a growing number of U.S. homeowners are opting to rent out their properties instead of selling them. If youre a renter, thats good news.

Rent prices have already softened over the last 12 months, thanks to stepped-up apartment construction. If a significant number of condos and single-family homes come off the sales market and onto the rental market, it could move the needle in favor of renters.

New research from Zillow shows that 2.3% of homes listed for rent were recently listed for sale, a near-record level that reflects a rise in so-called accidental landlords. The share is approaching the peak of 2.4% recorded in November 2022, and analysts say it could climb higher in the coming months.

No longer a seller's market

The trend highlights a changing housing market in which sellers are no longer firmly in control. Homes are taking longer to sell, and buyers are gaining negotiating power, prompting some homeowners to hold off rather than accept lower offers.

As the market continues to rebalance, sellers are facing a different reality than they did a few years ago, said Kara Ng, senior economist at Zillow. Bargaining power is tilting toward buyers and homes are taking longer to sell, making renting out a property one way to buy time rather than compete aggressively on price.

Unlike the spike in accidental landlords seen in 2022when mortgage rates surged rapidly and shocked the marketthe current trend appears to be more deliberate. Many homeowners are choosing to rent their properties rather than sell at a price they feel undervalues their investment.

Occurring most often in the South and West

The phenomenon is especially pronounced in parts of the South and West. Denver leads the nation, with 4.9% of rental listings recently pulled from the for-sale market. Texas cities dominate the list, including Houston (4.2%), Austin (4.1%), San Antonio (3.9%) and Dallas (3.4%). Florida markets such as Tampa (3.7%), Miami (3.5%) and Jacksonville (3.3%) also rank high, along with Portland (3.7%) and Nashville (3.2%).

These areas tend to be more favorable to buyers, where homes linger on the market longer and price cuts are more common.

By contrast, markets with the lowest share of accidental landlordssuch as Providence, Boston and New Yorkare among the most competitive in the country. In these areas, strong buyer demand makes it easier for sellers to close deals without resorting to renting.

Property type also plays a role. Single-family homes make up the largest share of accidental rentals, accounting for 3.4% of such listings. Townhomes follow at 2.2%, while condos are lowest at 1.1%. However, condo conversions into rentals have risen the fastest compared to historical averages, suggesting a shift in that segment as well.

Good for stability

The increase in accidental landlords may also signal relative financial stability among homeowners. According to Zillow, only 4.1% of homes are currently valued below their last sale pricefar lower than the 11.2% seen before the pandemic. That suggests most owners are not under pressure to sell and can afford to wait for better conditions.

Seasonal patterns indicate the trend could intensify. Historically, the share of unsold homes turning into rentals peaks in November, when sellers who fail to close deals during the busy spring and summer seasons reassess their options.

With October 2025 already matching previous highs for that month, Zillow analysts say a new record could be within reach by years end.

Seven cases have been confirmed in three states so far

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Federal and state officials are investigating a multistate E. coli outbreak linked to raw cheddar cheese.

• Seven cases across three states have been reported, with two hospitalizations and no deaths.

• Health officials say Raw Farm brand raw cheddar cheese is the likely source and advise consumers to avoid it.

U.S. health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli infections that may be tied to raw cheddar cheese produced by Raw Farm, LLC, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC, working alongside the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state health agencies, has identified seven confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7 infection across three states. Two people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported.

Illnesses linked to the outbreak began as early as September 1, 2025, with the most recent case reported on February 13, 2026. Officials caution that the true number of infections is likely higher, since many people recover without seeking medical care or undergoing testing.

Reporting delays also mean additional cases may still be identified.

Young children among those affected

Preliminary demographic data show that the outbreak has disproportionately affected very young individuals. The median age of those infected is just 3 years old, with patients ranging in age from 1 to 28. About 71% of reported cases are male.

Among patients with available racial data, most are white, while a smaller portion are African American. The majority of those infected are non-Hispanic.

Raw cheddar cheese identified as likely source

Investigators are focusing on Raw Farm brand raw cheddar cheese as the likely source of contamination. Of the three patients interviewed so far, all reported consuming the product in the week before becoming ill.

Laboratory analysis supports this link. Using whole genome sequencing, scientists found that bacterial samples from infected individuals are closely related genetically, indicating a common source of exposure.

The CDCs PulseNet system, which tracks DNA fingerprints of foodborne bacteria nationwide, played a key role in identifying the outbreak.

Health officials urge caution

While the investigation continues, public health officials are advising consumers to avoid eating Raw Farm raw cheddar cheese.

Consider not eating affected raw cheddar cheese produced by Raw Farm, LLC, while this investigation is ongoing, the CDC said.

E. coli O157:H7 can cause severe illness, including stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious complications.

Patients can use the information to select the best health care facility for their needs

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Healthgrades has released its 2026 rankings of the safest hospitals in the U.S., highlighting facilities with the lowest rates of preventable complications and errors

• The analysis evaluates patient outcomes across dozens of measures, including infections, surgical complications and in-hospital mortality

• Experts say the rankings can help consumers make more informed decisionsbut caution that safety can vary within hospital systems and regions

Consumers who would like to reduce their risk of medical errors or complications may want to pay close attention to a new report from Healthgrades, which identifies the hospitals across the country that perform best on patient safety measures.

The annual rankings evaluate hospitals based on real-world patient outcomes, focusing on preventable complications such as infections, falls, and surgical errors. Facilities that earned top marks demonstrated consistently lower-than-expected rates of these events.

Healthgrades analyzed data from millions of Medicare patient records, applying risk-adjusted models to compare hospitals on a level playing field. The goal, the company says, is to give consumers clearer insight into where they are most likely to receive safe care.

The complete list of award winners is here.

What patient safety means

The rankings are based on a wide range of indicators tied directly to patient outcomes. These include:

• Hospital-acquired infections

• Post-surgical complications

• Pressure injuries (bedsores)

• Sepsis and respiratory failure rates

• In-hospital mortality for certain procedures

Hospitals that outperform national averages across multiple categories are recognized as top performers.

Patient safety is one of the most important factors consumers should consider when choosing where to receive care, Healthgrades said in its announcement, noting that preventable errors remain a leading cause of harm in U.S. healthcare.

Why it matters for consumers

Studies have consistently shown that where a patient is treated can significantly affect their risk of complications or deathsometimes more than their underlying condition.

Healthgrades estimates that if all hospitals performed at the level of the top-ranked facilities, thousands of adverse events could be avoided each year.

For consumers, the rankings can serve as a starting point when planning elective procedures or comparing hospitals in their area. However, experts caution against relying on a single list.

Limitations to keep in mind

While the report offers valuable insights, it doesnt capture every aspect of care quality. For example:

• It relies heavily on Medicare data, which may not reflect outcomes for younger patients

• It does not account for patient experience or staffing levels

• Performance can vary within hospital systems or even between departments

Healthcare advocates recommend using safety rankings alongside other tools, such as patient reviews, physician referrals, and accreditation status.

The release of the 2026 rankings comes amid increasing scrutiny of hospital safety nationwide. Regulators and consumer groups have pushed for greater transparency as preventable medical errors continue to be a concern.

For patients and families, the takeaway is straightforward: not all hospitals deliver the same level of safetyand doing some research ahead of time could make a meaningful difference in outcomes.

How turning 55 can instantly unlock hundreds in savings

• Turning 55+ unlocks real savings across retail, groceries, restaurants, travel, and insurance often adding up to hundreds of dollars per year.

• Most senior discounts are hidden, not advertised, meaning you often have to ask or show ID to get 1030% off at many places.

• The biggest savings come from stacking senior discounts with AARP perks, weekly sale days, coupons, and special pricing to maximize every purchase.

For many Americans, turning 55, 60, or 65 unlocks a long list of senior discounts that most consumers never fully take advantage of.

Retail stores, restaurants, entertainment venues, financial institutions, and even national parks offer special pricing for older customers. However, the tricky part is that many of these deals are not heavily advertised, or advertised at all. In some cases, you have to specifically ask for the discount or show proof of your age.

Savvy consumers who know where to look can easily save hundreds of dollars per year simply by using senior discounts consistently.

Heres a handy breakdown of some of the most useful savings opportunities available today.

Retail senior discounts

• Kohls For those 60+, they give you 15% off every Wednesday.
• Michaels Get 10% off your order (even sale items) if youre 55+. You must register first to get the discount.
• Ross Dress for Less Score 10% off every Tuesday for shoppers aged 55+. Just show your I.D. at checkout to get the discount.
• Walgreens For those 55+, get 20% off on the first Tuesday of every month, both online and in-store. Use code SENIOR20 to save 20% online.
• Goodwill Most locations offer specific senior days, often Tuesday or Wednesday, that will get shoppers 55 or older a 10-15% discount.
• The Salvation Army They offer senior discount days (1530%) at some locations. Ask for details.
• Savers Savers offers a 55+ senior discount of 30% off every Tuesday.
• PetSmart For those 55+, they offer a 10% grooming discount every Tuesday.

Pro tip: Be sure to get yourself an AARP membership. It only costs $20 per year ($11/year with a five-year membership) and unlocks a ton of senior discounts.

Grocery store senior discounts

• Harris Teeter Every Thursday, shoppers aged 60+ can get a 5% discount, via their Club 60 program. Just tell your cashier that you qualify and get the discount.
• Hy-Vee Many locations offer 5% off on specific senior discount days. Be sure to ask atyour local store.
• Weis Markets Weis rewards members get a 10% discount on Weis branded products every Tuesday.
• Albertsons Many locations offer a 10% discount to those 55 or older, typically on the first Wednesday or Thursday of the month. Ask for details at your local store.
• Kroger Kroger occasionally offers a 5-10% senior day discount. Your best bet is to follow them on social media, as they typically announce the discount weeks in advance.

Restaurant senior discounts

• Dennys They offer a discounted 55+ senior menu with a 15% AARP discount already built into the price.
• IHOP They also offer a discounted senior menu for customers 55+.
• El Pollo Loco They offer a 10% discount for those 60 or older, with a maximum discount of $1. In other words, you get 10% off the first $10 off your bill.
• Outback Steakhouse They offer a 10% off discount on your entire bill for AARP members.
• Chilis Many Chilis locations offer a 10% senior discount. Be sure to ask your server.
• Applebees Many locations offer 1015% off for diners 60 or older.
• Dairy Queen For those 55+, many locations offereither 10% off or a free small drink.
• Jack in the Box Many locations offer a 1020% senior discount on your entire meal.
• Krispy Kreme Many locations offer 10% off just ask.
• Subway Some locations offer either 10% off or a free small drink.
• White Castle They offer a 10% discount for those 62 or older.

Pro tip: Always ask if a restaurant or retailer offers a senior discount, even if you dont see signs advertising it. Many stores do not advertise their discount the onus is on you to ask.

Entertainment discounts

• AMC Theatres Get discounted senior ticket pricing every day. If youre 60+, just select "senior pricing"when checking out online.
• Regal Cinemas There aresenior ticket discounts for those 60 or older.
• Cinemark Ther earereduced ticket prices for seniors aged 62 or older.

Also, be aware that most museums, aquariums, and cultural attractions across the U.S. also offer 1030% lower admission prices for seniors.

Pro tip: Be sure to always check weekday showtimes, as many theaters offer even deeper senior discounts during daytime screenings.

Insurance and wireless discounts

• State Farm They offer discounts for drivers who are 55+. The savings oftenequates to $90/year.
• GEICO They offers discounts for those 50+ who complete a defensive driving program.
• Allstate In many states, they offer a senior discount for drivers age 55+. Be sure to ask when getting an auto quote from them.

Pro tip: If youre a senior, get in the habit of reviewing your insurance policies every few years. Many seniors qualify for discounts they never claim simply because they havent asked.

Cell phone providers also have senior-focused plans, they include:

• T-Mobile They offer exclusive plans for those 55 or older.
• AT&T They offer a senior plan (55+) that gets you two unlimited lines plus home internet for just $99/month.
• Consumer Cellular They offer senior-focused plans starting at just $20/month, plus they offer a 5% AARP discount on top of that.

These plans often cost $20$40 less per month than standard plans.

National parks and travel discounts

National Park Service Get a Lifetime Senior Pass ($80) for Americans age 62+, which includesaccess to 2,000+ recreation sites and parks.

Hotel discounts:

• Marriott International Senior rates are typically 1015% off.
• Hilton There are senior travel discounts.
• Best Western They offer a 1015% senior rate savings.

Transportation discounts:

• Amtrak Score 10% off rail fares for travelers age 65 or older.
• Hertz They offer a program called "50+ Car Rentals" that gives those 50 or older a 20% discount on specific cars.

Pro tip: When booking your travel plans online, be sure to check the special rates or discounts section. Many booking websites hide their senior pricing unless you specifically select it.