Earnest Operations LLC agrees to pay $2.5 million and reform lending practices.
Massachusetts AG alleges AI-driven loan decisions harmed Black, Hispanic, and non-citizen applicants.
Settlement mandates compliance measures and bans discriminatory algorithmic rules.
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has secured a $2.5 million settlement with Earnest Operations LLC, a Delaware-based student loan company, over allegations that its lending practices driven by artificial intelligence (AI) discriminated against marginalized borrowers and violated consumer protection and fair lending laws.
The settlement, filed in Suffolk County Superior Court as an assurance of discontinuance, addresses what the AGs office described as systemic failures in Earnests underwriting process, including the use of AI models that allegedly produced disparate impacts on Black, Hispanic, and non-citizen borrowers.
AI models under scrutiny
According to the Attorney Generals investigation, Earnest used algorithmic models to make critical decisions about loan eligibility, pricing, and terms. However, the company failed to test for discriminatory outcomes and relied on data inputs and training methods that introduced bias amplifying existing inequities in the lending process.
Earnests failure to comply with consumer protection and fair lending laws, including through its AI models, unfairly put historically marginalized student borrowers at risk of being denied loans or receiving unfavorable loan terms, AG Campbell said in a statement.
One key point of contention was the companys use of the federal Cohort Default Rate (CDR) a statistic reflecting average loan defaults at individual schools as an input variable in its algorithms. The AGs office said this disproportionately penalized applicants who attended minority-serving institutions, including historically Black colleges and universities.
Other alleged violations
In addition to algorithmic bias, the AG alleged other unfair practices:
Use of a Knockout Rule to automatically deny loans based on immigration status.
Arbitrary human assessments that led to inconsistent and opaque decisions.
Inaccurate adverse action notices that misinformed applicants about credit decisions.
A lack of internal compliance infrastructure to oversee fair lending risks.
Earnest denied all allegations and maintained that it did not violate state or federal law. The company said it agreed to the settlement solely to resolve the matter without prolonged litigation.
Reforms mandated in settlement
Under the terms of the agreement, Earnest must:
Pay $2.5 million to the state of Massachusetts.
Cease use of the Cohort Default Rate and immigration-based Knockout Rule in its loan decision models.
Establish a robust corporate governance structure to monitor AI use.
Develop written policies for responsible, legally compliant AI deployment.
Regularly report compliance metrics to the AGs office.
The settlement marks one of the first state-level enforcement actions targeting AI-related bias in financial services, setting a precedent for how regulators may respond to emerging technologies that impact consumer rights.
This case sends a strong message, Campbell said, that technology, no matter how advanced, cannot be used as an excuse to sidestep civil rights and consumer protections.
CVS rewards can add up quickly: Combine ExtraCare rewards, ExtraBucks, digital coupons, manufacturer coupons, and weekly sales to save big on everyday essentials.
Avoid paying full price: Shop the weekly ad, earn ExtraBucks on promotional items, and use receipt coupons like "$4 off $20" or "$5 off $25" on future purchases.
Use every savings tool: Check the CVS app before shopping, scan your ExtraCare card at the coupon center kiosk, and always review your receipt for extra offers and rewards.
Walk into CVS and it's easy to experience sticker shock. A tube of toothpaste costs $6. A bottle of shampoo is pushing $10. Womens razors can cost more than a restaurant lunch.
But heres the thing: very few experienced CVS couponers actually pay those prices. In fact, CVS has built one of the most generous rewards programs in retail, and shoppers who understand how to use it can regularly save 50% or more on health, beauty, and household products.
The secret isn't extreme couponing. Instead, you need to understand how the CVS rewards system works and how to combine sales, coupons, and ExtraBucks rewards into a money-saving strategy.
Here's exactly how to do it.
Step 1: Never shop without an ExtraCare account
The first rule of CVS couponing is to never pay full price. To help make that happen, before buying anything, be sure to sign-up for CVS' free ExtraCare rewards program and download the CVS app.
ExtraCare members receive the following:
Sale pricing
Personalized coupons
Digital manufacturer offers
Exclusive promotions
ExtraBucks rewards
Birthday rewards
Without an ExtraCare account, you're missing many of the discounts advertised throughout the store.
To collect your savings just open the CVS app (sign into your ExtraCare account if youre not already) and do the following:
Tap Deals & Rewards or Coupons.
Browse available offers.
When you find one you want, tap "Send to Card," "Add to Card," or the "+" icon. (The wording can vary slightly!)
The coupon is now linked to your ExtraCare account.
At checkout, just enter your phone number or scan your ExtraCare barcode and all eligible coupons will automatically apply to your purchase.
Pro tip: Get in the habit of opening the CVS app before every shopping trip. New coupons frequently appear throughout the month, and many shoppers miss discounts simply because they never check.
Step 2: Learn how ExtraBucks really work
ExtraBucks are the foundation of successful CVS couponing. Think of them as CVS cash.
Throughout the store you'll see signs such as:
Spend $20, get $5 ExtraBucks
Buy 2, get $4 ExtraBucks
Spend $30, earn $10 ExtraBucks
Many shoppers ignore these offers because they focus only on the upfront cost.
Instead, start focusing on the net cost after the reward. For example, if you buy two bottles of shampoo for $20 and receive $8 ExtraBucks, your actual cost is $12.
Then add a few coupons into the mix and the savings become even more impressive.
The biggest mistake beginners make is spending ExtraBucks on random purchases. Instead, think of them as fuel for future savings.
Step 3: Shop the weekly ad, not your shopping list
One of the biggest mistakes consumers make is creating a shopping list and then hoping the items are on sale.
At CVS, the smarter strategy is the opposite. Start with the CVS weekly ad.
Every Sunday, CVS launches new promotions throughout the store. The strongest deals are usually found in the following items:
Toothpaste/toothbrushes
Shampoo
Conditioner
Deodorant
Razors
Cosmetics
Vitamins
Household cleaners
The reason you should focus on these products is because they often have a combination of sale prices, coupons, and ExtraBucks rewards. The overlap is where your biggest savings is going to occur.
Be sure to not chase every deal. Instead, focus on the products that you already use, and stock up when prices hit the lowest point.
Pro tip: If a product isn't on sale this week, wait a little bit if you dont need it right away. CVS promotions rotate constantly and many deals return every few weeks.
Step 4: Stack coupons like a pro
Coupon stacking is where CVS really shines. Many retailers limit how shoppers can combine discounts. CVS is far more flexible than most.
A successful transaction often includes:
A sale price
A CVS digital coupon
A manufacturer coupon
ExtraBucks rewards
New ExtraBucks earned
For example, a bottle of shampoo may be on sale for $6.99. You then apply a $2 CVS coupon and a $1 manufacturer coupon and the shampoo also generates $2 in ExtraBucks.
Suddenly your effective cost is less than $2 for the bottle. That's why experienced couponers spend time matching deals before shopping.
The savings rarely come from one giant coupon, but from multiple discounts working together.
Pro tip: Before checking out, verify that every digital coupon that you want to use says "sent to card." This is critical because if it doesn't, you wont get credit for it when you enter your phone number at checkout. Forgetting this simple step is one of the most common couponing mistakes.
Step 5: Use receipt coupons strategically
CVS receipts are ridiculously long and many shoppers laugh at them and throw them away as they walk out. Thats a mistake, as they provide some real value.
While not all CVS receipts are created equal, the most valuable ones have a threshold coupon printed on them, such as:
$4 off $20
$5 off $25
$10 off $50
These coupons can often be combined with weekly sales, manufacturer coupons, digital offers, and ExtraBucks rewards to create massive savings.
For example: You buy $25 worth of products already on promotion.
Then apply the following:
$5 off $25 receipt coupon
$3 digital coupon
$2 manufacturer coupon
Your $25 purchase suddenly costs $15 before factoring in any ExtraBucks rewards earned.
This is where CVS couponing becomes especially powerful.
Pro tip: Save threshold coupons for those weeks when you're buying multiple sale items. That's usually where you'll get the biggest bang for your buck.
Step 6: Use the coupon center every visit
Many CVS stores still have a coupon center kiosk near the front entrance. Most shoppers make the mistake of walking right past it.
Simply scan your ExtraCare card and the machine will often print:
Store coupons
Category discounts
Product-specific offers
ExtraBucks rewards
Sometimes the savings are small, but other times they're surprisingly valuable.
Many shoppers have received $4 off $20 purchase coupons, beauty coupons, and category discounts simply by scanning their card. It's one of the easiest ways to uncover extra savings.
Get in the habit of scanning your card every time you visit, even if you're only stopping in for one item.
Step 7: Roll your ExtraBucks forward
This is where serious savings begin. Many shoppers earn ExtraBucks and immediately spend them on snacks, drinks, or impulse purchases.
Experienced couponers "roll" their rewards. Here's how it works:
Week one: Spend $25 and earn $10 ExtraBucks.
Week two: Use the $10 ExtraBucks reward on another promotion and earn another $10 in rewards.
Week three: Rinse and repeat. Over time, your rewards begin funding future purchases.
This dramatically reduces how much cash you need to spend out of pocket.
It's also why many couponers keep small stockpiles of toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and razors. They're buying products when rewards are strongest rather than waiting until they run out.
Pro tip: Think of ExtraBucks as an investment. In other words, whenever possible, spend them on the products that will generate new rewards.
More than 900 cases of Alfredo sauce have been recalled due to a potentially contaminated ingredient.
The recall stems from a dry milk powder supplier's recall involving possible Salmonella contamination.
The affected product was distributed to dozens of states and has been classified as a Class I recall.
A large recall involving Alfredo sauce is underway after a supplier identified a potential food safety issue with one of the product's ingredients. The recall affects Alfredo Sauce sold in sealed bags weighing three pounds seven ounces and packed 12 bags per case.
According to information posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recall was initiated by The Coffee Connexion Co., Inc., based in Lebanon, Tennessee.
The company voluntarily recalled the product after learning that a dry milk powder ingredient used in the sauce had been recalled by its supplier because of possible Salmonella contamination.
The recall remains ongoing and has not been terminated.
What products are affected?
The recall involves 913 cases of Alfredo sauce bearing UPC 0039954921963. Multiple production batches and lot numbers are included, with best-by dates ranging from January through April 2028.
Affected batches include:
Batch numbers 046188 through 046193, Lot 0126, Best By 01/12/2028
Batch numbers 047290 through 047296, Lot 0476, Best By 02/16/2028
Batch numbers 048029 through 048034, Lot 0686, Best By 03/09/2028
Batch numbers 049089 through 049094, Lot 1106, Best By 04/20/2028
The FDA classified the event as a Class I recall, which is the agency's most serious recall category. The recall was initiated on May 6, 2026, and received its FDA classification on June 4, 2026.
The affected product was distributed across a wide portion of the United States, including New York, California, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Washington, Wisconsin, and dozens of other states.
What this means for consumers
For consumers, the main takeaway is that the recall was not triggered by contamination discovered in the finished Alfredo sauce itself, but by concerns involving a recalled dry milk powder ingredient supplied to the manufacturer.
Anyone who may have purchased or received the affected Alfredo sauce should compare the batch, lot, and best-by information with the recall notice. Because the recall has been classified as Class I and remains active, consumers should avoid using affected products until they can determine whether their sauce is included in the recall.
The FDA notes that the recall is ongoing, meaning additional updates could be issued as the situation continues to be monitored.
The FDA has approved Rextovy, a new over-the-counter naloxone nasal spray for opioid overdoses.
Consumers will be able to purchase the product without a prescription in stores and online.
The agency says additional OTC options could improve availability, increase competition, and potentially lower costs.
As opioid overdose deaths remain a major public health concern, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved another over-the-counter naloxone nasal spray designed to reverse opioid overdoses in emergency situations.
The newly approved product, called Rextovy, joins a growing list of naloxone products that consumers can purchase without a prescription. According to the FDA, expanding access to these medications is part of a broader effort to ensure more people can quickly respond when an overdose occurs.
Naloxone is considered the standard treatment for opioid overdose because it works rapidly to reverse the effects of opioids. The FDA notes that people do not need medical training to administer naloxone, making it a valuable tool for family members, caregivers, bystanders and others who may witness an overdose.
Reducing opioid overdose deaths is a top priority for FDA, Mike Davis M.D., Ph.D., acting director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), said in a news release. Todays approval of an additional over-the-counter naloxone nasal spray helps broaden access and offers an additional option for consumers. Empowering people without medical training to take immediate action with these products has been proven to save lives.
What the FDA approved
The newly approved product, Rextovy, is a 4-milligram naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray intended for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose.
Like other over-the-counter naloxone nasal sprays already on the market, it can be purchased directly by consumers without a prescription. The FDA said consumers will be able to buy it at locations such as pharmacies, convenience stores, and online retailers.
Rextovy contains the same active ingredient found in other naloxone nasal sprays. FDA officials emphasized that having multiple approved products available gives consumers additional choices while helping expand overall access to overdose-reversal medications.
The agency also noted that more products on the market can encourage competition, potentially leading to lower costs and providing alternative sources of supply.
What this means for consumers
For consumers, the approval means there is now another nonprescription option available for responding to an opioid overdose.
People no longer need a prescription to purchase Rextovy, which could make it easier to obtain and keep on hand for emergencies. The FDA says broader availability of naloxone products can help ensure that individuals are prepared to act quickly when an overdose occurs.
Immediate access to naloxone nasal sprays is essential when a person is experiencing an overdose, and FDA remains committed to ensuring nonprescription options are widely available, Karen Murry, M.D., director of the Office of Nonprescription Drug Products in CDER, said in the release.
We are proud of the dedicated work our review divisions put into making this approval possible, and we encourage any manufacturer seeking to market a nonprescription naloxone product to contact the agency to initiate a conversation.
Package theft often increases around major shopping events like Prime Day, as thieves take advantage of the surge in home deliveries.
Experts recommend using pickup lockers, secure delivery options, or scheduling deliveries when someone is home to reduce the risk of theft.
If a package is stolen, act quickly by checking tracking information, reviewing camera footage, contacting the retailer and carrier, and filing a police report.
As shoppers gear up for Prime Day, millions of packages will soon be making their way to doorsteps across the country.
New data from e-commerce marketing platform Omnisend shows that 55% of consumers plan to shop this year's sale, up from 45% last year, while two-thirds expect to spend the same amount or more than they did in 2025.
But while bargain hunters focus on scoring discounts, security experts say there's another concern worth keeping in mind: package theft.
Research suggests that millions of deliveries are stolen each year, costing consumers, retailers, and delivery companies billions of dollars. In fact, some experts report that theft activity can spike in the weeks following major online shopping events as criminals take advantage of the surge in deliveries.
The good news is that a few simple precautions can significantly reduce the chances of a package disappearing from your porch.
To help shoppers protect their purchases this Prime Day season, ConsumerAffairs spoke with Marty Bauer, an ecommerce expert at Omnisend, and Gene Petrino, a security expert with Security.org, about the risks consumers face and the steps they can take to keep their deliveries safe.
A prime opportunity for porch pirates
The time before and after Prime Day is particularly lucrative for porch pirates and Petrino explained why.
Package thefts spike dramatically in the week after Prime Day, and thieves are paying attention to delivery surges because they know there will be more unattended boxes sitting on more porches, he said. Amazons 2025 Prime Day was a record $24.1 billion sales event, so the delivery wave is real and the opportunity is obvious.
Taking extra precautions
If youre planning on ordering things during Prime Day, Bauer recommends taking a few extra steps to ensure you get what you paid for.
The best way to avoid having your Amazon packages stolen is to utilize services the company offers, including Amazon Key, Amazon Day delivery, and pickup lockers, Bauer said. Each of these is useful in ensuring the package is received by the unintended recipient.
Other steps shoppers can take are the old-fashioned method of having items shipped to their office or asking a neighbor to collect packages when they know theyll be unavailable to personally do so.
Petrino said that he recommends shoppers opt for a more secure option once the item is valuable enough that they would not want to replace it out of pocket.
As a practical rule, I would say somewhere around the $100 to $200 range, or sooner if it is a gift, electronics, or anything irreplaceable, he said. The average stolen package is about $222, which is a good reminder that porch pirates are often after higher-value items.
What do you do if youre a victim of a porch pirate?
If a package is stolen off your porch, the best thing to do is act fast.
Verify that the package was actually delivered, save and review the camera footage, contact the retailer and the shipping company, and file a police report so there is an official record, Petrino suggested.
We recommend checking tracking and camera footage first, then contacting the retailer. You can also contact the seller, the shipping company, and local police once you know the item was delivered and is missing.
If a retailer refuses to refund you after a package is stolen, Bauer explains that its a complicated situation.
This can be challenging because companies arent inherently responsible for packages, Bauer said.
Shoppers may choose not to do business with the company that refused the refund or replacement, and can take additional steps with future orders, such as providing special delivery instructions, like delivering to an out-of-sight side porch.
Strategies for keeping packages safe
Petrino has some tips for consumers to keep their packages safe:
Use Amazon Hub Lockers, UPS Access Points, or another pickup location when possible
Schedule deliveries for when someone is home
Use a lockbox or parcel box so the package never sits exposed
The biggest misconception is that a camera alone solves the problem, he said. Cameras and motion lighting still matter, but they work best as part of a layered approach that reduces opportunity first.
They help with deterrence and evidence, but if the box is still sitting on the porch, the thief still has an opportunity. The goal is to make the package harder to access in the first place.
There's a new fast food king: Jersey Mike's ended Chick-fil-A's 11-year reign atop the ACSI rankings, thanks to strong marks for freshness, consistency, and value.
Chick-fil-A still dominates chicken: While it lost the overall title, Chick-fil-A remains America's highest-rated chicken chain.
Diners want more than low prices: Customers increasingly reward restaurants that deliver quality food, accurate orders, and a consistently good experience.
For the first time in more than a decade, Chick-fil-A is no longer America's highest-rated fast food chain.
According to the 2026 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), sandwich chain Jersey Mike's has claimed the top spot, ending Chick-fil-A's impressive 11-year run at number one.
The rankings are based on feedback from more than 16,000 restaurant customers nationwide and offer a fascinating look at what matters most to diners right now.
Why Jersey Mike's came out on top
Jersey Mike's earned an ACSI score of 84 out of 100, narrowly edging Chick-fil-A's score of 83.
According to the report, the things that diners valued the most were consistency, reliability, freshness, and overall value. These were all valued higher than just chasing the lowest price for a meal.
This trend definitely appears to have worked in Jersey Mike's favor. On a personal note, when grabbing a sandwich from Jersey Mikes, my freshness meter definitely rises when I see the employee slice the meat and cheese for my sandwich right in front of me.
The chain has also been expanding rapidly, adding hundreds of new locations while surpassing $4 billion in annual sales.
For consumers, the clear takeaway is that restaurants who consistently deliver a quality experience are winning customer loyalty, even as food prices remain high.
What happened to Chick-fil-A?
Before Chick-fil-A fans start to panic, the chain is still performing exceptionally well on all metrics. While it lost the overall crown, Chick-fil-A remains the top-rated chicken chain in America.
The chicken category rankings were:
Chick-fil-A
KFC
Raising Cane's
Wingstop
Popeyes
In other words, customers still love themselves some Chick-fil-A, just not on Sundays. Jersey Mike's simply managed to earn slightly higher marks overall this year to take the crown.
Some surprising category winners
Several of the results may surprise fast food diners.
In the burger category, Burger King and Culver's topped the list, while McDonald's failed to crack the top five.
Specifically, the top burger chains were:
Burger King
Culver's
Sonic
Wendy's
Five Guys
You may notice that In-N-Out Burger is missing from the list. That's likely because the California-based chain still operates primarily in the western U.S. and isn't as nationally distributed as many of the brands included in the survey. Had it been eligible, it's hard to imagine it wouldn't have been a contender near the top of the burger rankings.
For pizza lovers, Papa Johns and Pizza Hut tied for first place, ahead of Domino's.
And in the coffee category, Starbucks remained the clear leader.
What diners care about the most
The report found that food quality, order accuracy, and employee friendliness continue to drive customer satisfaction more than anything else.
Digital ordering and tech innovation also played a larger role this year. Customer satisfaction with restaurant mobile apps improved significantly, suggesting chains are getting better at online ordering, curbside pickup, and delivery experiences.
That's definitely good news for consumers who increasingly order through apps rather than standing in line.
Smart tips for getting the best fast food experience
Don't focus solely on price. The highest-rated chains earned strong marks because customers felt they received good value, not necessarily because they were the cheapest.
Use restaurant apps. Most major chains now offer exclusive coupons, loyalty rewards, and personalized offers through their mobile apps.
Check category winners. If you're craving a burger, sandwich, pizza, or chicken meal, these rankings can help point you toward chains that consistently satisfy customers.
Pay attention to consistency. The biggest theme in this year's rankings was reliability. Customers increasingly reward restaurants that deliver the same quality experience every visit and at every location.
of ConsumerAffairs
