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Besides soccer, many visitors are fans of barbecue and ranch dressing

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• International soccer fans visiting the U.S. for the World Cup say Americans are friendlier and more curious than expected, often stopping to ask about their teams and countries.

• Visitors are embracing distinctly American experiences from oversized restaurant portions and tailgate parties to road trips between host cities.

• While some fans praise the country's convenience and entertainment options, others cite concerns about transportation, healthcare costs, and the visible gap between wealth and poverty.

As hundreds of thousands of international soccer fans descend on the United States for the FIFA World Cup, many are finding that their biggest discoveries have little to do with what happens on the field.

Instead, conversations in bars, rideshares, restaurants, and stadium parking lots are giving visitors a firsthand look at American culture especially American consumer culture one that often differs from the image many carried with them before arriving.

For many fans, one of the biggest surprises has been the friendliness of ordinary Americans.

Visitors from Europe and South America frequently describe Americans as approachable and eager to talk, particularly when they notice national team jerseys or flags. Several fans said strangers struck up conversations in airports, restaurants, and public spaces, asking about soccer traditions in their home countries.

The tournament is also exposing international visitors to uniquely American sporting customs. Tailgate parties outside stadiums have become a major attraction for fans accustomed to pre-match gatherings in pubs or city centers.

American-size portions

Food has become another common topic of conversation among visitors. Many say they were unprepared for the size of restaurant portions, the prevalence of drive-through restaurants, and the variety of regional cuisines available across host cities, and have expressed their amazement on social media.

Fans traveling between matches have reported seeking out Texas barbecue, Southern comfort food, New York-style pizza, and Mexican cuisine, turning the tournament into a culinary tour as much as a sporting event.

That is properly scrumptious! one European fan said in a YouTube video after taking his first bite of Texas Barbecue.

In another YouTube video, a father and son from Europe are overwhelmed by their first visit to Waffle House, where they budgeted $100 for a meal but only could spend $35.

Getting around could be a challenge

The country's sheer scale has also left an impression.

For supporters accustomed to traveling between World Cup venues by train in relatively compact countries, the distances between American cities can be eye-opening. Some fans have incorporated domestic flights and cross-country road trips into their tournament itineraries.

Transportation remains one of the most frequently-cited challenges. While fans praise airport infrastructure and highway networks, many visitors from Europe note the relative lack of public transportation in some metropolitan areas.

Several supporters said renting a car became necessary in places where they expected trains or other transit options to be more readily available.

The World Cup has also exposed visitors to broader aspects of American society. Some international fans expressed surprise at the visible contrasts between affluent neighborhoods and areas struggling with homelessness and poverty.

Sticker shock

Others mentioned sticker shock when learning about healthcare costs or discussing insurance with local residents.

Yet many visitors say the country's diversity has become one of its most memorable features. In host cities, fans often encounter communities speaking dozens of languages and representing cultures from around the globe.

Business owners near World Cup venues say the cultural exchange is working both ways. Restaurant managers, hotel operators, and local residents are gaining exposure to soccer traditions from around the world, while visitors are learning about American customs and lifestyles.

Tourism officials hope those interactions will leave a lasting impression long after the tournament ends.

Meta, TikTok and Snap remain defendants in the case

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• YouTube and Google have reached a confidential settlement with a teenage plaintiff in a major social media addiction lawsuit.

• The settlement removes YouTube from an upcoming bellwether trial that will proceed against Meta, TikTok and Snap.

• The case is part of a broader litigation involving nearly 2,500 plaintiffs who allege social media platforms harmed minors' mental health.

Google, and its subsidiary Google, have settled a lawsuit brought by a Florida teenager who alleged the platform's design contributed to mental health problems. The confidential agreement removes the video platform from an upcoming bellwether trial in a closely watched social media addiction case.

The settlement leaves Meta, TikTok and Snap as the remaining defendants in the trial, which is scheduled to begin later this summer and is one of a series of test cases that could shape the outcome of broader litigation involving nearly 2,500 plaintiffs.

The plaintiff, identified in court filings as R.K.C., is a 15-year-old Florida resident who began using social media platforms, including YouTube, at age 8. Attorneys for the teen allege that features such as autoplay and infinite scroll encouraged excessive use during critical developmental years and contributed to worsening mental health symptoms.

Statements from the parties

"YouTube's decision to resolve this case before having to face a jury speaks for itself," attorneys John Morgan and Emily Jeffcott said in a statement announcing the settlement. The attorneys contend that social media companies have long relied on engagement-driven design features aimed at increasing usage among young users.

Google confirmed the agreement but did not disclose financial terms.

"This matter has been amicably resolved and our focus remains on building age-appropriate products and parental controls that deliver on that promise," Google spokesperson Jos Castaeda said in a statement.

According to the plaintiff's legal team, R.K.C.'s use of social media intensified over time and was followed by increasing symptoms of depression and anxiety. The teen eventually entered mental health treatment and was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.

A case against social media

The lawsuit is part of a sweeping legal battle against Google, Meta, TikTok and Snap. Plaintiffs claim the companies knowingly designed platforms with addictive features that contributed to depression, anxiety, body image issues and other mental health challenges among minors.

The settlement comes months after the first bellwether trial ended with a California jury awarding a 20-year-old plaintiff $6 million in damages. In that case, the jury assigned 70% of the liability to Meta and 30% to Google. TikTok and Snap reached confidential settlements before the trial began.

Gas-X Extra Strength Softgels were recalled in early June for possible contamination

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The FDA has raised the recall of four lots of Gas-X Extra Strength Softgels to Class I after discovering potential contamination from a packaging machine coolant leak.

• Consumers who purchased affected products after April 13, 2026, are urged to stop using them immediately and seek reimbursement.

• No adverse events have been reported, but contaminated capsules could cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

In early June, Haleon recalled four lots of Gas-X Extra Strength Softgels sold nationwide after discovering that some capsules may have been contaminated during the packaging process. Now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raised the recalls threat level to Class I, the highest level.

The FDA has reported that another 35,000 boxes of the drugs have been added to the recall, citing: Chemical Contamination: contamination with a diluted propylene glycol-based coolant from a machine leakage during the packaging process.

The original recall affects Gas-X Extra Strength Softgels 125 mg in 120-count and 72-count packages distributed to consumers beginning around April 13, 2026. Haleon said the affected products may have been exposed to a diluted propylene glycol-based coolant that leaked from a packaging machine.

The threat

According to the company, swallowing contaminated capsules could result in gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. However, Haleon said it has not received any reports of injuries or illnesses related to the recall.

The recall covers the following lots:

• Gas-X Extra Strength Softgels, 120-count (UPC 300674350419), lot numbers TL8K, YH9X, and YH9Y

• Gas-X Extra Strength Softgels, 72-count (UPC 300439005721), lot number X78N

All affected products have expiration dates of Nov. 30, 2028.

What to do

Haleon emphasized that the recall applies only to the specified lots of Gas-X Extra Strength Softgels. Other Gas-X products, including Gas-X Ultra, Gas-X Maximum, and Gas-X Ultimate, are not affected.

Consumers who purchased the recalled products should check the lot number on the package and stop using the medication if it matches one of the affected lots. The company is offering returns and reimbursement for recalled products.

Haleon said it has identified and repaired the source of the contamination and implemented corrective measures to prevent a recurrence. The recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the FDA.

Consumers who believe they experienced a reaction related to the recalled products should contact a healthcare provider and report the incident to Haleon or through the FDA's MedWatch adverse event reporting program.

A Zillow analysis found buyers are turned off by safe choices

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Zillow's 2026 Paint Color Analysis found that the right paint colors can boost home offers by as much as $2,277, while the wrong colors can reduce offers by more than $18,000.

• Buyers are increasingly favoring warm, nature-inspired, and moodier tones over stark white interiors, signaling a shift away from the minimalist aesthetic that dominated in recent years.

• Sage green emerged as the most universally appealing color across multiple rooms, while ochre yellow ranked as the worst-performing color for resale value.

Homeowners preparing to sell may want to think twice before reaching for a can of white paint.

A new Zillow analysis suggests that interior paint colors can have a significant impact on how much buyers are willing to pay for a home, with some shades adding thousands of dollars to offers, while others may drive them down. Zillow surveyed more than 4,400 recent and prospective homebuyers to measure how paint colors affected their perceptions of a home's value and desirability.

The study found that today's buyers are gravitating toward warmer, more expressive colors rather than the all-white interiors that have long been considered a safe choice for resale.

Zillow's home trends expert Amanda Pendleton said the findings reflect a broader design shift, noting that "playing it safe" may now be riskier than incorporating color and personality into a home.

Best choices

Among the strongest performers was chocolate brown in bedrooms, which Zillow found could increase offer prices by as much as $2,277 compared with white walls. Pale blue living rooms also scored highly with buyers, boosting offers by up to $1,723, while charcoal gray and dark plum performed well in kitchens.

Sage green emerged as the standout color overall. Zillow found it was the only shade that consistently ranked near the top across every major room in the house, making it a versatile option for sellers looking to appeal to a broad range of buyers.

Colors to avoid

The analysis also identified several colors that could hurt a home's marketability. Ochre yellow was the biggest offender, with Zillow estimating that homes painted in the shade could receive offers more than $18,000 lower than comparable homes with more buyer-friendly colors. Kitchens painted ochre yellow alone could reduce offers by more than $6,600.

Other poorly performing colors included fire-engine red bathrooms and pale pink rooms, both of which generated less enthusiasm from buyers.

The findings reflect a growing preference among buyers for interiors that feel warm, comfortable, and move-in ready. Zillow said richer colors can create stronger emotional connections during both online browsing and in-person tours, potentially translating into higher offers.

For sellers looking for an affordable way to increase appeal, a strategic paint refresh may offer one of the highest returns on investment. Zillow's research suggests that while paint remains one of the least expensive home improvements, choosing the right color palette could make a meaningful difference when it comes time to negotiate a sale.

Prices may be cooling, but many household budgets still feel stretched

• Inflation isn't the whole problem: Housing, childcare, and healthcare costs continue to strain household budgets.

• Big bills are the real budget killers: Many families are spending more on necessities even as overall inflation cools.

• Look for bigger savings: Shop insurance, negotiate bills, and tackle high-interest debt before worrying about small daily expenses.

Inflation may no longer be making headlines every day, and gas prices are decreasing, but millions of Americans are still asking the same question: Why does everything still feel so expensive?

According to a recent analysis by The Dispatch, the answer has less to do with rising prices at the grocery store and more to do with the soaring cost of life's biggest necessities. While inflation has cooled significantly from its peak, many families continue to struggle with housing, healthcare, childcare, and education costs that have risen much faster than incomes over the past two decades.

In other words, even if eggs and gasoline stabilize, many households are still getting crushed by expenses that consume a huge chunk of their monthly budget.

Here's a closer look at what's driving the affordability crunch and what consumers can do to fight back.

Housing remains the biggest obstacle

For most Americans, housing is their largest monthly expense.

Whether you're renting or buying, housing costs have surged in many parts of the country. Home prices remain historically high, mortgage rates are far above pandemic-era lows, and rents continue climbing in many markets.

As The Dispatch notes, much of the problem stems from a long-running shortage of housing. Simply put, there aren't enough homes being built to meet demand.

The result is basic economics, with limited supply and strong demand continuing to keep prices high.

Pro tip: If you're house hunting, don't focus solely on the monthly payment. Compare property taxes, insurance costs, utility expenses, and commute costs as well. Sometimes a slightly more expensive home can actually cost less overall.

Childcare has become a second mortgage

Ask parents of young children what strains their budget and childcare will almost certainly come up.

In many cities, full-time childcare now costs thousands of dollars per month. Some families spend nearly as much on childcare as they do on housing.

The Dispatch highlights childcare as one of the fastest-growing expenses facing working families.

The challenge is that parents often have limited flexibility. Unlike streaming services or restaurant spending, childcare isn't an expense that can simply be eliminated.

Pro tip: Check whether your employer offers a dependent care flexible spending account (FSA). These accounts allow families to pay for eligible childcare expenses with pre-tax dollars, creating meaningful tax savings.

Healthcare keeps getting more expensive

Healthcare remains another major contributor to household financial stress.

Even consumers with insurance often face rising deductibles, copays, prescription costs, and out-of-pocket expenses.

One of the frustrations consumers face is that healthcare prices are often difficult to compare before receiving treatment. That lack of transparency makes it harder to shop around and control costs.

Pro tip: Before scheduling a non-emergency procedure, always ask for a price estimate. The exact same service can vary dramatically in cost depending on the provider.

Why people still feel broke

One of the most interesting points raised by The Dispatch is that inflation isn't the whole story. Even when inflation slows, prices will not magically return to those previously low levels.

A family that paid $1,200 a month for rent several years ago may now be paying $1,800. Childcare that once cost $800 per month may now cost $1,300. Those higher costs become part of the household budget permanently.

That's why many Americans continue feeling financially stressed despite positive economic indicators. Their biggest expenses remain elevated.

The smartest ways to respond

When money starts to feel tight, the tendency is to focus on cutting out some small expenses in your life. Maybe skip coffee runs, cancel streaming subscriptions, or clip a few extra digital coupons at the grocery store.

While those strategies absolutely help, they rarely solve the bigger underlying problem. The biggest savings opportunities are usually found by looking at the bigger spend categories in your life.

Here are a few to consider:

• Negotiate your biggest bills - Many of us don't realize that some of are largest monthly expenses are 100% negotiable. Internet service, cell phone plans, and even certain medical bills can often be reduced with a simple phone call.
  
  Before renewing a service, check competitor pricing and ask your current provider if they can match or beat it. If the first person you speak with says no, ask to speak to the loyalty or retention department, as theyre usually the ones who have the authority to lower your bill.

• Review your insurance annually - Many consumers stay with the same auto and homeowners insurance company for years without ever shopping around. A 30-minute review could potentially save hundreds of dollars annually. Dont be afraid to pick up the phone and shop around for the best rate and policy discounts.

• Audit recurring subscriptions - Most households underestimate how much they spend on recurring charges. Review every subscription at least once every three months and be honest with yourself about what you actually use and get rid of the rest.

• Take advantage of workplace benefits - Many employees overlook valuable benefits including:

  • Retirement matches

  • Health savings accounts (HSAs)

  • Dependent care FSAs

  • Tuition assistance programs

  • Wellness incentives

• Focus on debt reduction - High-interest credit card debt remains one of the biggest threats to financial stability. Paying down balances often produces a better return than many investments.
  
  If you're carrying credit card balances, be sure youre directing any extra income toward the highest-interest debt first. This strategy will typically save you the most money over time.

• Think long term - One mistake many consumers make is focusing only on this month's budget. The affordability challenges highlighted by The Dispatch developed over years, not months.
  
  That means meaningful financial improvement often requires long-term thinking as well. Things like building an emergency savings, paying down debt, improving job skills, and reducing major expenses that can create lasting financial flexibility.

Small daily savings matter, but the biggest financial wins often come from improving the largest categories of spending.