Consumer News: Three reasons your utility bills are rising this year

The EIA estimates how electric, natural gas, propane, and heating oil stack up this season

• If your home is heated with natural gas, your total winter heating bill is expected to be pretty much the same as last year.

• Homes heated by electricity are projected to see higher costs this winter, driven by rising electricity prices.

• If you heat with propane or heating oil, youre in the best position your costs are expected to decline compared with last winter.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), how much youll spend on heating this winter depends a lot on your homes primary heating fuel.

The agency released its 2025-2026 Winter Fuels Outlook, which assesses what the weather is likely to be like throughout the winter season, average energy expenditures, wholesale prices vs. retail prices, and how all of that will affect consumers wallets.

Ultimately, the report concluded that different types of heat will yield different cost outcomes.

Natural gas

The agency found that for households using natural gas, the total winter heating cost is expected to come out right about the same as last year. Thats largely because while natural-gas prices might tick up a bit, consumption is expected to drop, keeping overall costs stable.

Electric heat

For homes heated with electricity, the picture is a bit tougher. The EIA forecasts that these households will pay more this winter than last.

Why? Forecasts show electricity prices rising, and even if you use slightly less because of milder weather, the higher rate more than offsets the savings.

This means if your heat pump or baseboard system runs on electricity, youre likely to feel the pinch more this year.

Propane or oil heat

On the brighter side, for households heated by propane or heating oil, the forecast is good: costs are expected to be lower than last winter.

If youre in a region that relies on these fuels (often in colder parts of the country), this could offer a little relief assuming nothing major happens in fuel supply or weather patterns.

The weather plays a role

The EIA emphasizes, though, that these forecasts assume base-case weather; if winter is much colder than expected, everyones bills could go up.

Bottom line: what you pay this winter depends a lot on which fuel you use natural gas users can expect a repeat of last year, electric-heat homes should brace for higher bills, and those on propane or oil might see a bit of good news. That said, the weather and fuel-price shifts can still surprise us, so it pays to keep an eye on updates from the EIA through March 2026.

From clear communication to online tools, the 2025 results show which companies deliver and where the industry is falling short

• Overall satisfaction with mortgage lenders dropped to 74 out of 100, according to the 2025 ACSI survey.

• Rocket Mortgage led the rankings with a score of 83, followed by Citizens Bank, PNC Mortgage, and Bank of America with traditional banks and credit unions generally outperforming nonbank lenders.

• Experts say human service and transparency matter most clear communication, responsive support, and honest fee breakdowns are the biggest factors separating top performers from the rest.

If youve ever felt like you were chasing down your loan officer after signing papers, or wondered whether your digital mortgage application was just a checklist in disguise, youre not alone.

The latest data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) survey shows that in the world of mortgages, consumers satisfaction hasnt just hinged on interest rates or flashy online portals it still hinges on clarity, responsiveness and the human touch.

To get a better understanding of consumer satisfaction, ACSI randomly selected and emailed customers. Nearly 12,700 surveys were ultimately completed between October 2024 and September 2025.

What the survey found

The ACSI survey found that overall satisfaction with mortgage lenders slipped this year dropping 1% to a score of 74 out of 100. While that may sound small, it signals that many homeowners and buyers are still frustrated with the lending process, even as technology makes it faster and more accessible.

Rocket Mortgage once again topped the list, scoring 83, well above the industry average. Customers rated the company especially high for ease of the loan process, digital experience, and customer care.

Following Rocket were Citizens Bank (82), PNC Mortgage (81), and Bank of America (79), while several smaller lenders and nonbanks fell below the average.

Interestingly, the survey showed that traditional banks and credit unions continue to outperform nonbank lenders in overall satisfaction. Borrowers gave higher marks to institutions that offered clear explanations of loan terms, transparent fees, and personal communication, suggesting that digital convenience still cant fully replace human service.

While digital tools are now standard, the data suggest borrowers still want to feel heard and understood a reminder that even in 2025, the best mortgage experience is equal parts tech and touch.

What are consumers looking for?

To break it all down, and to get a clearer picture of what you should look for when choosing a lender, ConsumerAffairs spoke with Forrest Morgeson, associate professor of Marketing at Michigan State University and director of research emeritus at ACSI.

He explained how the results from ACSIs recent survey highlight whats most important to consumers.

Attributes like complaint handling, customer service, and loyalty are where brands can stand out, Morgeson said. These are the areas where borrowers clearly differentiate between lenders.

For example, when comparing top and bottom performers, we see gaps of 1620 points in areas like call center loyalty, perceived quality, and customer expectations. These differences suggest that human service quality and trust are key battlegrounds. How lenders treat people when things go wrong, how helpful their staff are, and whether customers feel valued are the factors that separate top performers from the rest.

Where should consumers be focused?

Beyond customer service, Morgeson explained that there are some factors consumers need to inquire about when interviewing different lenders.

Consumers should compare not just interest rates but also itemized fees, loan product fit, digital experience, customer service, and time to close, he explained. Research shows that satisfaction is highest when lenders offer transparency, tailored products, and responsive support.

On the other hand, there are some things that should set off alarm bells for consumers when looking at different lenders.

Borrowers should watch for hidden fees, vague cost breakdowns, unrealistic rate promises, and high-pressure sales tactics, Morgeson said. Lenders should provide clear estimates and encourage or be responsive to questions; lack of transparency could be a warning sign.

Lawsuit contends U by Kotex Click tampons contain unsafe levels of lead and mislead consumers

Plaintiffs say independent lab testing found substantial lead in all sizes/configurations of the product.
The class-action alleges KimberlyClark Corporation failed to disclose the lead content, depriving consumers of informed choice.
The case spotlights growing scrutiny of feminine hygiene products and corporate disclosure practices.

A proposed class action lawsuit brought in Illinois federal court accuses Kimberly-Clark of selling its U by Kotex Click tampons with undisclosed levels of lead. According to the complaint, lab testing revealed that the lead content in the tampons exceeded Californias Proposition 65 maximum allowable dose for reproductive toxicity (0.5 micrograms per day) for example, the suit alleges that some tampon sizes contained 0.437-0.560 micrograms of lead each, according to ClassAction.org

The plaintiffs argue that because the product is used vaginally providing direct, unfiltered access to the bloodstream the presence of lead is particularly concerning.

The lawsuit seeks to represent U.S. consumers (excluding California) who purchased the tampons for personal use, alleging economic injury (i.e., the value of the product was diminished by the undisclosed contamination).

Industry research

A peer-reviewed study published by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that lead and other toxic metals were present in all 30 tampons tested across 14 brands, CBS Newsreported.

However, the study and regulators note that while presence of metals is documented, there is not yet conclusive evidence that levels found in tampons pose a proven health risk when used as directed.

According to regulatory analysis, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies tampons as medical devices, but currently does not require pre-market testing for heavy metal contamination or mandatory disclosure of all ingredients.The litigation comes amid rising consumer scrutiny of menstrual products: some states have begun requiring full ingredient disclosure of feminine hygiene items or limiting chemical contaminants such as PFAS.

Company response

Kimberly-Clark has not admitted wrongdoing in the matter. The companys public statements stress that its Kotex products are formulated with safety in mind and prohibit certain substances including heavy metals. However, the petitioning groups say independent testing contradicts these assurances.

Notably, in February 2025 a California federal judge dismissed related fraud claims against Kimberly-Clark and competitor Procter & Gamble but without prejudice, meaning the complaint may be amended and re-filed.

Key legal challenges for the plaintiffs include proving that the lead levels in the tampons caused a health risk or injury, and demonstrating that the company knew (or should have known) of the contamination and intentionally withheld disclosure. Previous heavy-metal and PFAS tampons lawsuits faced dismissals on factual and causation grounds.

What consumers should know

• If you use U by Kotex Click tampons (or other tampon brand), you may wish to review purchase records and product packaging, and consider switching to an alternative product if you have concerns.

• While the presence of lead has been documented in tampons generally, at this time there is no regulatory recall or mandated warning specific to Kotex for lead contamination.

• Users experiencing unusual symptoms (e.g., irritation, infection, systemic signs) after tampon use should consult a healthcare provider but current science has not established a direct link between tampon-based lead exposure and specific health outcomes.

• For those who feel they bought a product under misleading claims (e.g., safe, free from harmful elements), the lawsuit may offer a path for potential economic-loss recovery though timing, jurisdiction, and proof requirements vary.

• Keeprecords of product lots, box packaging, and purchase dates can aid if you plan to monitor legal developments or potential future claims.

This case signals an elevated focus on consumer goods disclosure and menstrual product safety particularly around internal-use items that may bypass regular metabolic filtration. As legal and scientific developments progress, it may force manufacturers to enhance transparency and regulatory bodies to strengthen oversight of feminine hygiene items.

Simple steps to verify and use the offer twice

• When & who: 10% discount runs Oct 26Nov 11, 2025; valid for active duty, Guard, reserves, veterans, and eligible family; 2 uses per verified person
• Get it: Join Target Circle Settings Discount verification Military verify (may need ID/DD-214)
• Use it smartly: Works in-store & online on entire purchase; stacks with category promos and 5% Circle Card; usual exclusions (gift cards, some premium electronics/brands)

Twice a year as a thank-you to those who serve, Target offers a 10% discount to all active duty, National Guard, reserves, veterans, and eligible family member.

The first window lands around the Fourth of July and the second lands right now, lining up with Veterans Day. The discount started October 26th and runs through November 11th, 2025 and can be usedtwice during that timeframe.

How to make it happen

First, youll need to create a free Target Circle account if you dont already have one.

Next, in your Target account, youll tap on Settings, then under Discount verification tap on Military.

Youll then pick Service member or Dependent. Theyll then ask you about your military status, branch of service, and service members first name, last name, and date of birth.

Be prepared to potentially upload proof via a document like a Veteran ID, DD-214, dependent ID, drivers license with Veteran endorsement, or military pay stub.

Once verified (it usually takes less than 1 hour), a 10% Circle discount offer will show up in your account and you can use it twice before November 11^th.

Who qualifies for the military discount

The following people qualify:

• Active duty
• National Guard
• Reservists
• Veterans
• Eligible family members (spouses and dependents)

If you and your spouse both qualify and verify separately, you each get two transactions per window. Thats a sneaky way to stretch the deal across more items.

Target typically repeats the playbook every year: a summer window straddling the Fourth of July and a fall window leading into Veterans Day. If youre a planner, that rhythm is your friend.

How the discount works at the register

Its 10% off your entire purchase, not just one item. So obviously a larger purchase means bigger dollar savings.

This is why I like to use this on stock up runs. Think kitchen gear, sheets, laundry stuff, cleaning supplies, and nonperishable pantry items.

Once you add the offer to your Circle account, the discount is automatically applied when shopping online.

When in-store, the easiest way to get your discount is to use the Target app and under Wallet, tap Show my barcodeand have the cashier scan thebarcode that pops up.

Heads up: Target does not have a posted max cart value in the fine print that Ive seen, but the usual list of excluded categories applies. More on that below.

Real-world stacking that saves

A few easy combos can turn a good discount into a great one:

Toy stack in Oct/Nov: Target often runs a 25% off one toy or kids book Circle offer during this same window. Because thats a category coupon and the military discount is storewide, they stack. Clip the toy coupon in Circle, then apply the 10% military discount.

Target Circle Card: If youve got it, the 5% Circle Card savings still applies after the 10%. The extra category promos applies first, then the 10%, then the 5%.

Watch for bonus offers: Target occasionally drops extra military-only Circle perks throughout the year. If youre verified, you can snag those too when they pop.

Discount exclusions worth knowing

Typically excluded items from their military discount include:

• Gift cards, prepaid cards, pharmacy/clinic services
• Select big-ticket electronics and brands like Sony PlayStation consoles and Samsung TVs
• Some premium brands: Bose, Beats, Sonos, select LG OLED/QNED models, etc.
• Select toys and collectibles: certain LEGO sets, trading cards, and a handful of branded hot sellers
• Optical purchases and certain personal care items (think specialty power dental/shave)

Nice surprises: Ive seen Ninja, Shark, and Xbox not allowed in prior military discount days, so its not all doom and exclusions.

Quick FAQs

Do I have to use both discounts in one day?

No. You get two separate transactions to use anytime within the window.

Does it work online and in-store?

Yes. Clip the offer in your Circle account and itll apply both online and in-store.

Can my spouse use it too?

Yes, if they verify under their own Circle account. That effectively doubles your households shots at the 10% during the window.

Atorvastatin pills may not dissolve properly, reducing effectiveness

Nearly 142,000 bottles of atorvastatin calcium tablets recalled nationwide
Faulty dissolution may limit drug absorption and cholesterol control
Seniors urged to check bottles and consult doctors before stopping medication

Pills may not deliver full benefit

The Food and Drug Administration has announced a nationwide recall of atorvastatin calcium tablets, a generic version of the widely used cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor, after lab tests showed the pills may not dissolve properly potentially reducing their effectiveness.

The recall covers multiple strengths (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg) and approximately 141,984 bottles distributed by Ascend Laboratories, LLC, and manufactured by Alkem Laboratories, Ltd. in India. The issue affects bottles with expiry dates ranging from mid-2026 to early 2027.

Regulators said a large quantity of the tablets failed to meet dissolution specifications, meaning the pills did not break down as expected in lab testing. As a result, the body may absorb less of the active ingredient, lowering the drugs cholesterol-fighting impact.

The FDA classified the incident as a Class II recall, indicating that while serious harm is unlikely, temporary or medically reversible health effects are possible.

Why seniors are at greater risk

Older adults are among the most frequent users of statin therapy, and experts warn that any loss of potency in atorvastatin could undermine cardiovascular protection:

• High reliance on statins: Many seniors use atorvastatin to lower cholesterol, reduce plaque buildup, and prevent heart attacks or strokes. If the drug doesnt dissolve properly, the risk of heart events could rise.

• Compounded health factors: Seniors often take multiple medications. An underperforming statin could complicate treatment plans and increase the need for closer monitoring.

• Silent danger: Because cholesterol control doesnt produce immediate symptoms, patients might not realize their medication isnt working until a major event occurs.

• Prescription confusion: Those using mail-order refills or multiple pharmacies may need to double-check bottles for affected lot numbers and NDC codes.

What to do if your tablets are affected

Health officials stress that patients should not stop taking their statin without first consulting a healthcare provider.

• Check your bottle: Compare your medications lot number and expiration date against the recall list, available through pharmacies and the FDA website.

• Consult your doctor or pharmacist: If your bottle is part of the recall, ask for a replacement or alternative statin from a different manufacturer.

• Continue monitoring: Keep watch for symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath and report changes promptly.

• Keep records: Maintain a simple list of your medications, manufacturers, and refill dates to make future recalls easier to verify.

A quiet but serious issue

While this recall is not considered a medical emergency, it highlights a critical vulnerability in generic drug quality control and a reminder for millions of seniors who depend on statins to verify that their medication is working as intended.

For full recall details, consumers can review the FDA notice or the official Ascend Laboratories recall letter available through state pharmacy boards and the companys website.