Designed for blind and low-vision shoppers, this guest-first checkout rollout is more than just techits dignity in motion

• Target is rolling out an accessible self-checkout experience in stores nationwide beginning this holiday season, continuing into early 2026.

• The system was built with and for people who are blind or have low vision, and offers features like braille, tactile controls, audio prompts, high-contrast icons, and a headphone jack.

• Steve Decker, a blind Target UX accessibility manager, helped lead the effortand when he saw his daughter use it independently, he called it joy, independence and change.

Starting this holiday season and rolling out into early 2026, Target is installing what it calls the first-of-its-kind accessible self-checkout in its stores across the U.S.

The new checkout system is specifically designed for guests who are blind or have low vision, though it can also help those with motor disabilities.

Rather than replacing the existing self-checkout setup, Target is layering on enhancements that make the process more intuitive and navigable. This includes braille labels, high-contrast button icons, physical navigation keys (including a dedicated info button), and a custom tactile controller co-developed with Elo.

For audio guidance, a single continuous audio stream walks guests through scanning and payments, and users can plug in headphones and adjust volume.

"This season brings so much joy for our guests, but we know it can be overwhelming, too. That is why even small wins matter like an accessible self-checkout that helps guests shop their way, with confidence," Adrienne Costanzo, executive vice president and chief stores officer, Target, said in a news release. "Shopping with us should be easy, move fast, and feel good period."

The story behind it

This isnt just a tech play Target leaned heavily on lived experience. Steve Decker, a senior manager on Targets user experience accessibility team who is himself blind, helped lead the development.

The emotional payoff became real when he and his daughter (who has low vision) walked through a checkout together using the new system

"Shopping with my daughter and teaching her how to use the self-checkout, that was powerful. It is not just tech. It is joy, independence and change," Decker said in the news release.

"If I could leave people with one thing from this story, it would be that accessibility can drive innovation and growth. I really think this work will enable more people to shop and to work at Target. It truly exemplifies Target's purpose of helping all families discover the joy of everyday life."

Target also partnered with the National Federation of the Blind during development, taking feedback from the blind and low-vision community at every stage.

Why this matters

Accessible design often gets framed as a special case, but this rollout shows how inclusive design can be mainstream. People with vision or mobility impairments often rely on help or skip self-checkout altogether. With this upgrade, Target aims to give more guests independence and confidence during a part of shopping many take for granted.

Over 1,900 Target stores will gradually gain this capability. And while the technology is introduced in time for holiday shopping, its promise extends far beyond advancing a future where everyone can shop on their own terms.

Federal layoffs, student loans, inflation are among the apparent causes

Humans aren't the only ones being affected by the layoffs and firings of federal workers. Dogs and cats are suffering too. Animal shelters around the country say they're seeing a surge in pet surrenders by consumers who can no longer afford to care for their critters. It's not clear that the federal layoffs are entirely to blame; shelters say pet owners also mention student loans and inflation as the culprits.

But whatever the reasons, it's clear that there's a problem.

• Owner surrenders are running nearly 43% higher this year compared to last year at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control in North Carolina.
• Ruff Start Rescue in Minnesota received 1,496 applications for owner surrenders through July 24, 2025, compared to 1,292 during the same period in 2024.
• Pet surrenders to Chicago Animal Care and Control shot up to 352 in November 2024, and if the current pace continues, the number surrendered in 2025 will be six times the number in 2023 and three times what it was in 2024.
• In early July, the Animal Care Centers of New York reached a "breaking point" and suspended intake due to critical capacity issues, with over 1,000 pets in their care.

Housing problems often cited

Simply put, animals are losing their homes because their owners are losing theirs. Many pet owners say they've had to move because of rising rents or because they can't meet their mortgage payments any longer. Often, owners giving up their pets say they have had to move to cheaper apartments that don't allow pets.

The cost of veterinary care is also an issue for many pet owners, especially those who have had to seek emergency veterinary care for their animals. New emergency clinics have been shooting up around the country and, while convenient, they tend to be very expensive and often offer financing at high interest rates.

Adding to the crunch, many federal workers who have resigned or been laid off have been collecting their pay until recently. When that money stops flowing, it's expected to add to the pressure asworkers who were relatively prosperous face unemployment in a shrinking job market.

Basically, shelter operators say, the surge of surrendered pets appears to be a heartbreaking economic indicator reflecting broader financial pressures on American households.

Credit ratings declining

The downward economic trend is also seen in a decline in the national average credit score, whichhas dropped for two consecutive years, falling from 718 in 2023 to 717 in 2024, and now sits at 715 in 2025.This marks a reversal after more than a decade of steady improvement following the Great Recession.

Delinquency rates on credit cards, auto loans and personal loans have reached or exceeded their highest levels since 2009.FICO analysts noted that current delinquency patterns look "more consistent with an economy in recession than one still in expansion."

Some groups are harder hit than others. About 14% of Gen Z borrowers experienced dramatic credit score drops of 50 points or more over the past year, which is double the rate seen in 2021 and represents a higher drop than any other generation

Experts stress the importance of regular hearing tests

• Hearing loss is strongly linked to Alzheimers disease and cognitive decline untreated hearing problems increase dementia risk.

• Regular hearing checks are critical experts recommend baseline testing in your 40s and annual checks after age 60.

• Early treatment makes a difference using hearing aids and managing hearing loss can improve brain health, mood, and overall quality of life.

Hearing loss doesnt just affect how well we connect with loved ones it may also play a surprising role in brain health.

In fact, research has found a strong link between hearing loss and an increased risk of developing Alzheimers disease.

To better understand this connection and what people can do to protect both their hearing and their memory, ConsumerAffairs spoke with Dr. Rachel Artsma, senior audiologist at hear.com. In this article, she shares her expert insights in a way thats easy to understand, offering practical advice for anyone curious about how ears and brains are more connected than we might think.

The risk of developing dementia increases with the severity of the hearing loss, making it a crucial health concern that should be addressed, Dr. Artsma said.

Understanding the cognitive load

Dr. Artsma shared what the latest research has said about the link between hearing loss and Alzheimers disease.

The connection between hearing loss and dementia/Alzheimer's disease is significant and well-documented, she said. Research has shown that untreated hearing loss is a major risk factor for cognitive decline.

One theory behind this link is cognitive load. When you have hearing loss, your brain has to work much harder to process sounds and fill in missing information. This overtime work uses up valuable cognitive resources that are normally dedicated to other functions, like memory and thinking.

Protecting against hearing loss

Dr. Artsma explained that consumers can take steps to protect themselves from noise-induced hearing loss, but age-related hearing loss is a bit different.

Its a natural part of aging for many people, and while you cant stop it entirely, you can manage it by staying proactive, she said. Regular hearing checks are important, especially as you get older. Managing chronic health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can also help, since theyre linked to hearing health.

And if hearing loss does start to show up, using hearing aids early can make a big difference not just in communication, but in brain health and quality of life. Some studies suggest that treating hearing loss with hearing aids may help slow cognitive decline. So, protecting your hearing isnt just about your ears, its about your overall well-being.

Hearing checks are critical

For optimal health outcomes, Dr. Artsma recommends that consumers get regular hearing checks. This can help them stay on top of their hearing and get started in treatment as early as possible.

Consumers at any age should be monitoring their hearing, especially if exposed to loud noise, she said. In terms of catching age-related hearing loss, consumers should start checking their hearing ideally, in their 40s. Thats a good time to get a baseline hearing test.

After that, every few years is smart, and annually once youre over 60. It is honestly never too late. Even older adults who start using hearing aids later in life report better communication, improved mood, and more engagement with the world around them.

Early intervention is key

As with most health concerns, Dr. Artsma says that the sooner you start intervention, the better results youll see.

Hearing loss is incredibly common, but its also incredibly treatable, she said. The earlier you address it, the better the outcomes.

Whether its for yourself or someone you care about, dont wait. A simple hearing test can be the first step toward better health, better connection, and a better life.

Luxury badges Porsche, Lamborghini, Audi make an appearance with fuel pump leaks that could start a fire

Ford Takes the Wheel Auto Safety Recall Derby, Week of Sept. 29, 2025

Each week, NHTSA recalls roll in, and we round them up in one place. This weeks spotlight: Ford dominates the list with fire risks, steering failures, and more.

Grabber Recall of the Week

Ford F-Series Super Duty (20202021)
Steering columns may detach, causing a total loss of steering control (25V626). For one of Americas best-selling trucks, thats a dangerous and embarrassing fumble.

Other Notable Mentions

• Luxury Fire Club: Porsche, Lamborghini, and Audi all recalled 20242026 models for fuel pump leaks that could spark fires. Even six-figure rides arent safe from the flames.

• Embarrassing Repeat Offender: BMW (plus Toyota Supra) recalled multiple 20192022 models for starter corrosion that can overheat.

• EV Fleet Jolt: MCI and New Flyer electric buses recalled for battery systems at risk of short-circuiting.

Full Recall Roundup

Electronics & Visibility

• Land Rover Range Rover Evoque (2023): Rearview camera may fail (25V645).

• Genesis GV60 (20232025): Windshield molding may detach (25V624).

Trim & Body

• Jeep Grand Wagoneer (202224); Jeep Wagoneer (202224): Window trim may detach (25V642).

Fire Hazards Fuel & Engine

• Audi SQ7 (2025): Fuel pump leak/fire risk (25V637).

• Porsche Cayenne, Panamera, Panamera E-Hybrid (202426): Fuel pump leak/fire risk (25V634).

• Lamborghini Urus (2025): Fuel pump leak/fire risk (25V633).

• BMW 230i, 330i, 430i, 530i, X3, X4, Z4 (201922); Toyota Supra (202022): Starter corrosion/fire risk (25V636).

• Chevrolet 6500XD, 7500XD; Isuzu FTR/FVR (202226): Fuel heater fire risk (25V630).

• Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator (2020): Engine compartment fire (25V628).

• Ford Bronco, Ranger (2024): Fuel pump leak/fire risk (25V597).

High-Voltage Battery Systems

• MCI D45CRTe, D45CRTele (2024); J4500e (2025): Battery short-circuit risk (25V632).

• New Flyer XE35 (2019, 202125); XE40/XE60 (202125): Battery short-circuit risk (25V631).

Recall Leaderboard (Year-to-Date)

         Ford (3)
    BMW (2)      Porsche (2)

Takeaway

Ford steals the show this week with multiple recalls across trucks and SUVs, including a dangerous steering defect. Luxury brands didnt escape either, with Porsche, Lamborghini, Audi, and BMW all fighting fires of their own.

Owners should check their VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls to confirm if their vehicle is affected.