Consumer News: Gift cards sold at Costco at risk after issuer declares sudden bankruptcy

The agency took action against three companies this week

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• FTC launched a nationwide Made in the USA enforcement sweep targeting deceptive origin claims

• Three companies face law enforcement actions for allegedly misleading consumers about where products were made

• Agency signals intensified crackdown amid growing scrutiny of patriotic marketing claims

The Federal Trade Commission has announced a new enforcement sweep targeting deceptive Made in the USA claims, bringing legal action against three companies it has accused of misleading consumers about the origin of their products.

In a press release, the agency said the cases involve businesses that allegedly marketed or labeled goods as American-made when they were not, violating federal truth-in-advertising laws.

The FTC did not frame the actions as isolated cases but as part of a broader initiative to protect consumers and ensure fair competition for domestic manufacturers. Officials said false origin claims can mislead shoppers who specifically seek to support U.S. workers and businesses.

Made in the USA claims are subject to strict standards. Under FTC rules, products advertised as American-made must be all or virtually all produced domestically, meaning that final assembly and nearly all components must originate in the United States.

Wider crackdown on misleading claims

The sweep comes amid heightened federal focus on country-of-origin labeling. A March 2026 executive order directed the FTC to prioritize enforcement against companies making unsubstantiated Made in America claims, signaling a tougher regulatory environment.

The FTC has increasingly used sweeps and coordinated actions to address deceptive practices across industries, similar to past initiatives targeting misleading claims related to artificial intelligence and other emerging marketing trends.

Regulators say false Made in the USA claims harm not only consumers but also businesses that legitimately manufacture products domestically.

Consumer demand for American-made goods remains strong, making such claims a powerful marketing toolbut also one that can easily be abused. Enforcement efforts are intended to ensure that companies making these claims can substantiate them and that consumers can trust product labeling.

Its part of a restructuring to meet changing consumer expectations

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• 7-Eleven has announced plans to close several hundred underperforming stores across North America.

• The move is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and focus on higher-performing locations.

• Company officials cite shifting consumer habits, inflation, and changing urban traffic patterns as key factors.

It seems there is a 7-Eleven store on every street corner. By next February, there will be a lot fewer.

7-Eleven, one of the worlds largest convenience store chains, has announced plans to shutter more than 600 locations by February 2027 in a sweeping effort to reshape its North American footprint.

The closures, which are expected to roll out over the coming months, mark one of the companys most significant restructuring moves in recent years.

Industry analysts say the company is responding to recent changes what consumers expect from convenience stores. They are no longer a place to gas up and buy a cup of coffee. Theyre larger and have morphed into quick-serve restaurants.

Targeting under-performing locations

The Irving, Texas-based retailer said the decision follows an extensive review of store performance, with a focus on eliminating underperforming locations while investing more heavily in stores with stronger sales and growth potential. While the company has not disclosed a full list of affected sites, executives indicated that the closures will be spread across multiple regions.

Industry analysts say the move reflects broader shifts in consumer behavior. Convenience stores have faced mounting pressure from inflation, evolving shopping habits, and increased competition from grocery chains, dollar stores, and delivery services. In urban areas in particular, reduced foot traffic following pandemic-era changes in commuting patterns has continued to weigh on sales.

Long-term strategy

7-Eleven emphasized that the closures are part of a long-term strategy rather than a sign of financial distress. The company plans to reinvest in technology, store upgrades, and expanded food and beverage offerings at remaining locations. Executives also highlighted growth opportunities in newer formats, including larger stores and locations tailored to electric vehicle charging and delivery services.

Employees at affected stores may be offered opportunities to transfer to nearby locations, according to the company, though some job losses are expected.

Prices are up 4% over the last 12 months

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• U.S. wholesale prices rose 0.5% in March, matching Februarys increase.

• Producer inflation climbed 4.0% over the past year, the largest annual gain since early 2023.

• The data suggest moderate but persistent inflation pressures at the producer level.

Inflation usually shows up at the wholesale level before consumers feel it. Thats why its a good idea to keep an eye on the Producer Price Index. In March, the PPI rose 0.5% from February. While thats significant, economists were expecting a larger increase due to higher energy prices.

The PPI measures prices received by producers for goods and services. The March increase matched Februarys revised increase and followed a 0.6% rise in January, indicating a consistent upward trend in recent months.

On an annual basis, producer prices climbed 4.0% for the 12 months ending in March. That marks the largest year-over-year increase since February 2023, underscoring a pickup in wholesale inflation compared with earlier in 2026.

Within final demand services in March, prices for airline passenger services rose 2.8%.The indexes for food retailing, apparel, jewelry, footwear, and accessories retailing;outpatient care (partial), and truck transportation of freight also moved higher.

In contrast, margins for food and alcohol wholesaling fell 6.0%.

The PPI is closely watched as a leading indicator of consumer inflation, since higher costs for producers can eventually be passed along to households. Recent data suggest that while inflation pressures remain elevated, they are not accelerating sharply.

Why PPI is important to consumers

Economists had been watching the report for signs that rising energy costs and global uncertainties might push wholesale prices higher. However, the latest figures point to a more moderate pace of increase, consistent with recent trends showing inflation easing from peak levels but still above the Federal Reserves long-term target.

The Federal Reserve monitors producer prices alongside other inflation gauges, including the Consumer Price Index, as it weighs future interest rate decisions. While recent data show inflation cooling compared with prior years, policymakers have signaled caution amid ongoing economic uncertainty.

The next PPI report, covering April data, is scheduled for release in mid-May.

Patients say you have to invest the time to learn how to use it

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Mobile app use among commercial health plan members rose to 38%, while Medicare Advantage usage fell to 20%.

• Customer satisfaction increases significantly with familiarity and long-term use of digital tools.

• High-quality digital experiences strongly drive member loyalty and continued app usage.

Nearly every industry offers an app to deal with customers, but some are more effective than others. The health insurance industry continues to develop digital tools, and a new survey shows customer satisfaction is growing.

But there is a caveat customers must invest the time necessary to learn how to use them.

J.D. Powers2026 U.S. Healthcare Digital Experience Study found that repeated use of mobile apps and websites leads to a noticeably better overall customer experience, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges for insurers trying to modernize digital engagement.

Health care can be an incredibly complex world to navigate, said Eric McCready, director of digital solutions at J.D. Power, noting that members approach digital tools with varying levels of comfort and a wide range of needs.

Adoption rises, but unevenly

Mobile app adoption is growing among commercially insured members, with 38% now using their plans app, up from 31% a year ago. However, adoption among Medicare Advantage members has slipped to 20%, continuing a decline after a pandemic-era surge.

The divergence underscores a key challenge for insurers: reaching older or less digitally engaged populations, even as younger or employer-based members increasingly rely on mobile tools.

Familiarity drives satisfaction

The study shows a strong link between experience and satisfaction. Members who have used their health plans digital tools for longer periods report significantly higher satisfaction scores.

For example, Medicare Advantage members with more than five years of tenure scored their app experience 102 points higher (on a 1,000-point scale) than those with less than one year.

This suggests that onboarding and education may be critical weak points. Many users do not immediately benefit from digital tools, but satisfaction improves once they become familiar with features and navigation.

Digital performance also plays a major role in customer retention. Among members who rate their digital experience highly (scores of 800 or above), roughly three-quarters say they definitely will continue using their plans app.

By contrast, poor digital experiences significantly reduce the likelihood of continued use, signaling a direct connection between usability and long-term engagement.

Whos the best?

Cigna Healthcare ranked highest in digital experience among commercial health plans, while UPMC Health Plan led in the Medicare Advantage category.

The study based on responses from more than 7,600 members and conducted in late 2025 evaluates digital performance across five key areas: visual appeal, navigation, information/content, speed, and telehealth.

For insurers, consumers are sending a clear message. Investing in simpler design, stronger onboarding, and targeted education could be just as important as adding new digital features.

New research explores fruit pigments as a potential ally against hard-to-treat tumors

• Compounds in dark sweet cherries were studied for effects on aggressive breast cancer.

• Researchers tested both prevention and treatment approaches in a mouse model.

• Results showed slower tumor growth, reduced spread, and changes in cancer-related genes.

A new study from Texas A&M University is taking a closer look at an unexpected place for cancer research: dark sweet cherries. Specifically, researchers focused on anthocyanins, the natural pigments that give these cherries their deep red color.

These compounds were studied in relation to triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), one of the most aggressive forms of the disease. TNBC lacks common hormone receptors, which makes it harder to treat and more likely to spread to other parts of the body.

The goal of the research wasnt just to see if these cherry-derived compounds could shrink tumors, but also whether they could influence how cancer spreads and responds to treatment two factors that play a major role in patient outcomes.

Triple-negative breast cancer is considered the worst because it is more aggressive, higher grade, and has a higher mitotic index, meaning the cancer cells divide quickly, researcher Dr. Giuliana Noratto said in a news release. All these characteristics make it more likely to spread to distant organs and recur compared to other breast cancer types.

How the study was designed

To explore this, researchers used a mouse model designed to mimic aggressive breast cancer. The animals were divided into four groups: a control group, one that received anthocyanins before tumor development, one treated with chemotherapy after tumors formed, and a final group that received both anthocyanins and chemotherapy.

This setup allowed scientists to look at anthocyanins from multiple angles as a preventive strategy and as a potential complement to standard treatment.

In addition to tracking tumor growth, the team also examined metastasis, or how cancer spreads to other organs. They analyzed gene expression within tumors to understand how these compounds might be influencing cancer at a molecular level, including genes tied to metastasis and resistance to therapy.

What the researchers found

The results pointed to several notable effects. Mice that received anthocyanins before tumor implantation showed slower tumor growth without signs of toxicity. When combined with chemotherapy, the treatment appeared to slow tumor growth earlier compared to chemotherapy alone, while also allowing the animals to maintain body weight.

The study also found that anthocyanins reduced cancer spread to multiple organs, including the lungs, and lowered the incidence and extent of metastases in other areas.

On a molecular level, the compounds were linked to decreased activity in genes associated with metastasis and therapy resistance. This suggests they may influence how cancer cells grow, spread, and respond to treatment.

While the findings highlight a promising area of research, the study was conducted in animals, and further investigation is needed to understand how these results might translate to humans.