Consumer News: Common farm pesticide tied to higher Parkinson’s risk in new study

Baby items, lawn care tools, and bikes are part of this week's recall roundup

Recall Roundup: New safety alerts from CPSC, FDA and FSIS

This roundup covers newly announced recalls and safety warnings from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service.

ONTHEWEI baby bath seats pose drowning risk

More than 2,000 ONTHEWEI baby bath seats sold on Amazon are being recalled because they can become unstable and tip over during use.

• The bath seats violate the mandatory standard for infant bath seats because they are unstable and can tip over, creating a risk of serious injury or death from drowning.
• About 2,140 units were sold on Amazon.com in April 2026 for between $40 and $50.
• Consumers should stop using the bath seats immediately and contact ONTHEWEI for a full refund after destroying the product as directed.

Hubei Youhong Trading Co., Ltd., doing business as ONTHEWEI, is recalling ONTHEWEI-branded baby bath seats sold in gray, pink, blue and mist green. The seats have detachable restraint arms and suction cups on the underside, and labels on the back show Model No: MY002 and Date of manufacturer: 2026/1/10. Federal regulators said the product can tip over while in use, creating a potentially deadly drowning hazard for children.

The hazard

The recalled bath seats fail to meet the mandatory federal safety standard for infant bath seats because they are unstable. If the seat tips while a child is in it, the child could be submerged and face a risk of serious injury or death from drowning. No incidents or injuries had been reported at the time of the recall notice.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled bath seats immediately. To get a full refund, ONTHEWEI says consumers should write RECALLED in permanent marker on the front of the bath seat, disassemble it by removing the back rest and arm restraints, cut the three suction cups on the underside, and email a photo of the destroyed product to onthewei@outlook.com. After that, the product should be disposed of.

Company contact

ONTHEWEI by email at onthewei@outlook.com.

Source

DR trimmer mowers can catch fire

Generac is recalling tens of thousands of DR Power Equipment trimmer mowers after reports that grass and debris buildup can ignite.

• Grass and debris can accumulate inside the trimmer mowers and catch fire, creating serious burn and fire hazards.
• About 42,860 units were sold in the United States, and the company has received 19 fire reports, including two minor injuries.
• Consumers should stop using the mowers immediately and contact DR Power Equipment for a free repair kit or free dealer installation.

Generac Power Systems Inc., of Waukesha, Wisconsin, is recalling DR Power Equipment Pilot and Premier Trimmer Mowers sold at Ace, TSC, Bomgaars and other retailers nationwide. The recall covers machines sold from November 2022 through July 2026 for between $380 and $550. Regulators said grass and debris can build up inside the mowers and ignite.

The hazard

According to the recall notice, vegetation and debris can accumulate in the trimmer mowers and then catch fire during use. That creates a risk of serious injury or death from fire and burn hazards. The firm said it has received 19 reports of the trimmer mowers catching fire, including two reports of minor injuries such as blisters on hands and feet.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled trimmer mowers immediately. DR Power Equipment is offering a free repair kit, and consumers who do not want to install the kit themselves can contact the company to schedule a free repair installation by an authorized dealer.

Company contact

DR Power Equipment toll-free at 800-854-3194 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, by email at recall@drpower.com, or online at http://drpower.com/recalls or www.drpower.com by clicking Product Recalls at the bottom of the page.

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Avengers medal recall warns of magnets

The Conqueror is recalling a Marvel-themed challenge medal because high-powered magnets can detach and create a deadly ingestion hazard for children.

• The medal violates the mandatory safety standard for magnets because detachable high-powered magnets can be swallowed and cause internal injuries or death.
• About 476 medals were sold online and through The Conqueror App, and the company received three reports of magnets detaching.
• Consumers should stop using the medal immediately, destroy it as directed, and contact The Conqueror for a refund or replacement.

Actionary Limited, doing business as The Conqueror, is recalling its Avengers Infinity Gauntlet medal from the Avengers virtual challenge series. The gold medal features colorful gems on the front and was sold in black Marvel Avengers packaging to customers who completed the Infinity Gauntlet virtual challenge on the Conqueror App. Regulators said magnets in the medal can detach, making the product unsafe around children.

The hazard

The recall notice says the medal violates the mandatory federal standard for magnets because high-powered magnets may detach. If a child swallows more than one magnet, or swallows a magnet with another metal object, the items can attract inside the digestive system and cause perforations, twisting, blockages, blood poisoning and death. The company said it has received three reports of the magnets detaching, though no injuries were listed.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the Avengers Infinity Gauntlet medal immediately. The Conqueror says consumers should cut the ribbon from the medal, write RECALLED in permanent marker on both the medal and ribbon, throw the product away, and email a photo of the disposed medal and ribbon to support@theconqueror.events to receive instructions for a full refund or replacement medal.

Company contact

The Conqueror toll-free at 833-799-0368 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, by email at support@theconqueror.events, or online at www.theconqueror.events/recall-inf or www.theconqueror.events by clicking Recall at the bottom of the page.

Source

Van Rysel bicycles face crash hazard

Decathlon America is recalling four models of Van Rysel gravel bicycles because a front lock nut can loosen and let the front wheel dislodge.

• The bicycles can develop a loose front lock nut, which can allow the front wheel to loosen or come off and cause a crash.
• About 1,150 bicycles were sold at REI Co-op stores and online at REI.com for between $1,400 and $2,300.
• Consumers should stop riding the bicycles immediately and take them to REI for a free inspection and repair.

Decathlon America LLC is recalling adult multi-terrain gravel bicycles sold under the Van Rysel GRVL AF name. The recall includes the Sword Brown CN FR, Apex Beige CN FR, Sword Pink CN FR and GRX Black models sold from March 2025 through August 2026. The company and regulators warned that the front lock nut can loosen during use.

The hazard

If the front lock nut loosens, the front wheel can gradually loosen or dislodge altogether while the bicycle is being ridden. That creates a serious crash hazard that could lead to severe injury or death. No incidents or injuries had been reported at the time of the recall announcement.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled bicycles immediately. Decathlon says riders should take the bicycles to the nearest REI Co-op location for a free inspection and repair of the front fork assembly; people who cannot get to an REI location should contact Decathlon customer service directly for help.

Company contact

Decathlon America at 415-408-5494 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, by email at support.america@decathlon.com, or online at https://www.decathlon.com/pages/product-safety-recalls or https://www.decathlon.com/ by clicking Recalls in the footer.

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Giant lock keys risk battery ingestion

Giant Bicycle is recalling LED-light keys included with certain SureLock bike lock sets because children can easily access the button batteries inside.

• The LED-light keys violate the mandatory standard for products with button cell batteries because the batteries are easily accessible and can be swallowed.
• About 3,630 units were sold in the United States, and regulators said the packaging and product also lack required Reeses Law warnings.
• Consumers should stop using the LED-light keys and contact Giant Bicycle for a refund.

Giant Bicycle, Inc., of Newbury Park, California, is recalling LED-light bike lock keys that were included with certain SureLock Bicycle Lock sets. The products were sold at authorized Giant Bicycle stores nationwide and online from March 2023 through August 2026 for between $25 and $65. Regulators said the battery compartment can be accessed too easily by children.

The hazard

The recall notice says the LED-light key violates the mandatory safety standard for consumer products containing button cell or coin batteries. If a child swallows one of the batteries, it can cause internal chemical burns, serious injuries and death. The notice also says the packaging and product did not include the warnings required under Reeses Law. No incidents or injuries had been reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled LED-light keys immediately and contact Giant Bicycle for a refund. Owners should keep the keys away from children while arranging the remedy.

Company contact

Giant Bicycle at 866 458-2555 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, by email at Recall@GiantBicycle.com, or online at https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/recall-information or https://www.giant-bicycles.com/ by clicking Recall Information at the bottom of the page.

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Broccoli sprouting seeds recalled for Salmonella

Gardeners Basics has recalled Waltham 29 Broccoli Sprouting Seeds sold online nationwide because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.

• The seeds may be contaminated with Salmonella, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
• The recall covers Gardeners Basics Waltham 29 Broccoli Sprouting Seeds with UPC 848137042889 and bags marked Packed for 2027.
• Consumers should stop using the seeds, avoid eating the seeds or any sprouts grown from them, and discard the product in a sealed bag.

Gardeners Basics is recalling its Waltham 29 Broccoli Sprouting Seeds after discovering a possible Salmonella contamination risk. The product was distributed nationwide through online sales, including Amazon, www.gardenersbasics.com, TikTok Shop, Walmart, eBay and Etsy, and shipped directly to consumers.

The hazard

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people infected with Salmonella often develop fever, diarrhea that may be bloody, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rarer cases, the organism can enter the bloodstream and lead to more severe illnesses such as infected aneurysms, endocarditis and arthritis.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled seeds immediately and should not eat the seeds or any sprouts grown from them. The company says consumers should seal the recalled seeds and any sprouts in a bag and discard them; no return is required. Consumers can contact Gardeners Basics for recall assistance or a refund if their affected purchase has not already been refunded.

Company contact

Gardeners Basics at 801-769-6181 or info@gardenersbasics.com.

Source

Baby Sleep Gripe Water contains alcohols

Pacific Health Sciences has voluntarily recalled one lot of Babies' Magic Tea brand Baby Sleep Gripe Water because testing found undeclared ethanol, methanol and isopropanol.

• The dietary supplement contains undeclared alcohol compounds that can impair the central nervous system and pose particular risks to infants.
• The recall applies to lot 25122bw distributed to Secrets of Tea for online sales, including www.secretsoftea.com and Amazon.
• Consumers, parents and caregivers should stop using the product from the affected lot and either discard it or return it for a refund.

Pacific Health Sciences is recalling one lot of Babies' Magic Tea brand Baby Sleep Gripe Water, a dietary supplement marketed for infants. The affected lot, 25122bw, was distributed to Secrets of Tea and sold through online retailers. The company said the product contains undeclared ethanol, methanol and isopropanol.

The hazard

FDA said organic alcohols such as ethanol, methanol and isopropanol are known to impair normal functioning of the central nervous system. In infants, ethanol exposure has been linked to long-term developmental consequences. Exposure to the amounts recommended on the product label can cause drowsiness, incoordination, behavioral changes, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, while higher exposures can raise the risk of respiratory depression and other serious health effects.

What to do

Consumers, parents and caregivers should stop using any product from lot 25122bw immediately. The company says the product should either be discarded or returned to the place of purchase for a refund.

Company contact

Pacific Health Sciences at 310-457-1775 or myorder@pacifichealth.com.

Source

Frozen berry recall expands over E. coli

An expanded recall now covers additional lots of frozen organic berries sold under Great Value and Trader Joes brands because of potential E. coli O145 contamination.

• The recalled berries may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O145, which can cause severe gastrointestinal illness and, in some cases, kidney complications.
• The expanded recall includes specified lots of Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend, Great Value Organic Blueberries and Trader Joes Organic Mixed Berry Blend shipped to stores across multiple states and Washington, D.C.
• Consumers should not eat the products and should discard them or return them to Walmart or Trader Joes for a full refund.

Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. has expanded its recall to include additional lots of Great Value Frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend 10 OZ, Great Value Frozen Organic Blueberries 10 OZ and one lot of Trader Joes Frozen Organic Mixed Berry Blend 12 OZ. The products were shipped to select Walmart stores in 30 states and Puerto Rico and to select Trader Joes stores in 26 states and Washington, D.C.

The hazard

The concern is potential contamination with E. coli O145:H28, a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli known as STEC. FDA said infections can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that may be bloody, and vomiting. While many healthy people recover within a week, some cases can progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, a serious complication that is especially dangerous for young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

What to do

Consumers should not consume the recalled frozen berry products. The affected items should be thrown away or returned to Walmart or Trader Joes for a full refund. Consumers should check lot codes carefully against the recall notice: Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend 10 OZ lots 6 031 01 and 6 041 01; Great Value Organic Blueberries 10 OZ lots 6 019 01, 6 040 01 and 6 163 01; and Trader Joes Organic Mixed Berry Blend 12 OZ lot 6 051 01.

Company contact

Joshua Weiss at Info.foodsafety@comfrut.com or 336-899-5612, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.

Source

WinCo dip tied to peperoncini recall

WinCo Foods is recalling certain salsa bean dip trays because they may contain recalled peperoncini linked to a potential pest inclusion issue.

• The dip trays may include recalled peperoncini associated with a potential pest inclusion concern that surfaced after a social media video from another grocery chain.
• The recall covers products with UPC 2-67173-##### and UPC 2-67240-##### and Best If Used By dates from Aug. 14, 2026 through Sept. 25, 2026.
• Consumers should avoid using affected product and check with WinCo because the company says all potentially affected items have been removed from stores.

WinCo Foods of Boise, Idaho, is recalling salsa bean dip trays sold in retail stores across Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington. The recall was issued because the trays may contain recalled peperoncini from G.L. Mezzetta.

The hazard

FDA said the reason for the recall is potential pest inclusion tied to recalled peperoncini, after a video from another grocery chain circulated on social media. The notice did not list any illnesses or injuries, but consumers are being alerted because some trays may have been made with the affected ingredient.

What to do

Consumers should check any salsa bean dip trays in their refrigerators for the listed UPCs and Best If Used By dates. WinCo said all product that may have been made using the recalled peperoncini was removed from retail stores, and consumers with questions should contact the company for guidance.

Company contact

WinCo Foods Customer Service Desk at 1-800-824-1706; CustomerSupport@Mezzetta.com.

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Imported pork cracklings deemed ineligible for sale

Inexport Logistics is recalling imported mixed chips containing pork cracklings because the meat component came from Colombia, which is not eligible to export meat products to the United States.

• The product is being recalled because it contains meat imported from a country not eligible to ship meat products into the U.S.
• The recall covers 60-gram foil bags of YUPI GOLPE CON TODO SABOR BBQ mixed chips shipped to distributors and stores in eight states.
• Consumers should not eat the product and should throw it away or return it to the place of purchase.

Inexport Logistics LLC is recalling 60-gram foil bags of YUPI GOLPE CON TODO SABOR BBQ mixed chips containing Clsicas, PLATANOS, and Chicharrn Fred. FSIS said the pork cracklings products were produced in the Republic of Colombia, a country that is not eligible to export meat products to the United States.

The hazard

FSIS classified the recall as High - Class I, though the notice said there have been no confirmed reports of illness or injury from consumption of the products. The issue is not a labeling technicality alone; it concerns imported meat entering U.S. commerce from a country not authorized to export such products to the United States.

What to do

Consumers who purchased these products should not consume them. FSIS says the products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. The products were shipped to distributors and retail locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota and Texas.

Company contact

Mauricio Caro, Sales Manager of Inexport Logistics LLC, at (786) 670-4750 or sales@inexportlogistics.com.

Source

A battery-free sneaker could help doctors monitor changes in movement and recovery

• Rutgers researchers developed a prototype smart shoe that analyzes walking patterns without needing a rechargeable battery.

• The shoe uses artificial intelligence to classify movements, including walking at different speeds, running, and climbing stairs.

• The technology achieved 95.4% accuracy in testing, but more research is needed before it can be used to monitor patients with movement disorders.

Smartwatches and fitness trackers can help people keep tabs on their activity, but Rutgers University engineers are exploring another way to monitor movement: putting the technology directly into a shoe.

The researchers developed a prototype sneaker that analyzes how people walk and uses energy generated by their own footsteps to power its electronics. The design could eventually help doctors monitor changes in walking patterns among people with Parkinsons disease, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other conditions that affect movement.

Walking patterns, also known as gait, include details such as speed, balance, stride, and rhythm. Changes in these patterns can offer clues about a person's health, risk of falling, or progress during rehabilitation.

Currently, doctors often assess gait by watching patients walk during relatively short appointments. A wearable device that collects information over longer periods could eventually provide a more complete picture of how someone moves in everyday life.

How researchers developed and tested the shoe

The team, led by Rutgers biomedical engineering professor Simiao Niu, designed a system that combines movement sensors, a small processor, and artificial intelligence. The findings were published in the journal Science Advances.

The shoe contains a device in its sole that generates electricity from the pressure and friction created with each step. A specially designed circuit converts that energy into a usable form, allowing the electronics to operate without a conventional rechargeable battery.

When you are walking or running, you automatically have biomechanical energy available, so you can harvest this energy, Niu said in a news release.

We want to solve the fundamental bottleneck in current wearable devices. We are developing a smart wearable with integrated AI functionality that can harvest energy on its own, so you dont need to worry about charging. Once you put it onto the charger, you typically forget about it, and then you dont wear it.

An accelerometer measures foot movement along three axes, while an AI algorithm analyzes the measurements. The system classifies activity in 15-second intervals, identifying slow walking, fast walking, running, or climbing stairs. The results appear on a screen attached to the shoe.

Researchers initially developed an AI model that examined 21 movement characteristics. However, it required more memory than the shoe's processor could accommodate. By focusing on variations in movement along the three axes, they created a smaller model that ran faster and required less power.

The researchers developed and evaluated the system using data from four healthy volunteers between the ages of 23 and 26.

What the findings could mean for consumers

The streamlined AI model classified movements with 95.4% accuracy. It also ran about 15 times faster and used approximately one-sixth as much current as the original model. Laboratory testing showed that even slow walking generated enough electricity to power the system.

If further research supports its use, the technology could eventually help healthcare providers track changes in patients' movement, assess rehabilitation progress, or identify unusual walking patterns that may warrant closer attention.

The prototype is still in its early stages. It has not been tested in older adults, people with movement disorders, or patients undergoing rehabilitation. It also cannot currently diagnose medical conditions, predict falls, or determine whether a treatment is working.

The findings offer an early look at how everyday footwear might eventually help people and their healthcare providers understand changes in movement without adding another device to charge.

New research finds elementary and middle school students are increasingly affected, while teens face more severe outcomes

• Reported intentional substance exposures at school rose 77.5% between 2000 and 2024, according to a new study.

• Elementary school students saw the biggest increase in reported exposure rates, followed by middle school students.

• High school students continued to experience more serious medical outcomes, highlighting the need for earlier prevention and stronger support.

Substance-related incidents at school aren't just a concern for teenagers. New research suggests elementary and middle school students are increasingly involved in intentional substance exposures, raising questions about how schools and families can help prevent these incidents.

Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital and the Central Ohio Poison Center examined reports made to U.S. poison centers over a 25-year period. Their findings, published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, showed that reported intentional substance exposures at school increased overall, with the sharpest increases occurring among younger children.

One of the most striking findings was how the age pattern changed over time, researcher Hannah Hays, MD, said in a news release. By about 2015, the reported exposure rate among middle-school-aged children had surpassed that among high-school-aged youth. At the same time, high-school-aged adolescents continued to experience the most serious medical outcomes. These findings tell us that prevention needs to begin earlier, while older adolescents also need ready access to clinical and mental health support.

How researchers examined school-related exposures

For the study, researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of data from the National Poison Data System, a database maintained by America's Poison Centers. They reviewed reports involving children ages 6 through 18 from 2000 to 2024.

The team used U.S. Census Bureau population estimates to calculate exposure rates per 100,000 children, allowing researchers to compare trends across different age groups and over time. They also examined the substances involved, the circumstances surrounding exposures and the resulting medical outcomes.

After excluding certain records that did not meet the study's criteria, researchers identified 122,700 reports of intentional substance exposures occurring at school during the study period. Because the analysis relied on poison center reports, the findings reflect reported cases rather than necessarily capturing every incident that occurred in schools.

What the findings mean for families and schools

The overall rate of reported intentional substance exposures at school increased 77.5%, from 7.5 per 100,000 children in 2000 to 13.3 in 2024. Among elementary school students ages 6 to 10, the rate climbed 287.4%. For middle school students ages 11 to 13, it increased 111.9%. Meanwhile, the rate among high school students ages 14 to 18 declined 4.2%.

The substances involved also varied by age. Elementary school exposures commonly involved cosmetics and personal care products, arts and crafts supplies, and plants. Among middle schoolers, cosmetics and personal care products were also common. High school reports more frequently involved pain relievers, stimulants and street drugs, and certain prescription medications.

Although many cases did not require treatment at a healthcare facility, 10% were associated with serious medical outcomes, including two deaths. Pharmaceutical exposures were particularly concerning: They were about 10 times more likely to result in a serious medical outcome than exposures involving non-pharmaceutical substances.

For families and schools, the findings underscore the importance of age-appropriate substance education, safe storage practices, and early identification of students who may need help.

The increasing rate of reported intentional substance exposures at school among elementary school- and middle school-aged children, combined with the greater severity observed among high school-aged children, underscores the need for targeted and coordinated prevention and early identification strategies that integrate substance use education and mental health screening and intervention, researcher Gary Smith, M.D., DrPH, said in the release.

Collaboration among school officials and educators, clinicians, poison centers, and public health professionals is important for reducing intentional substance exposures in schools, especially those associated with suspected self-harm and suicidal intent and substance abuse.

For immediate concerns about a possible poisoning, the national Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 offers free, confidential guidance around the clock.

Target's price-match policy has changed, but shoppers can still get money back if prices drop

• No more competitor matching: Target no longer matches prices from Amazon or Walmart, following a policy change in July 2025.

• You still have 14 days: If an eligible item drops in price at Target within two weeks of purchase, you can request a refund of the difference.

• Check before you buy: Target.com prices can differ from in-store prices, and asking for a price match could save you money at checkout.

If you've ever bought something at Target only to see it go on sale a week later, you might be able to get that money back.

But there's a catch.

Target quietly made a significant change to its price-match policy in July 2025, eliminating its longstanding practice of matching prices from Amazon and Walmart.

That means finding a $79 blender on Amazon that costs $99 at Target won't get you a $20 discount anymore.

However, Target's own "Price Match Guarantee" still offers shoppers a way to save, both before and after making a purchase.

The 14-day rule shoppers should know

Here's where the savings opportunity comes in.

Let's say you buy a coffee maker at Target for $89.99. Eight days later, Target drops the price to $69.99.

Under Target's policy, you can request a $20 price adjustment, provided the item qualifies and the lower price is still available when you make your request.

The same rule applies to qualifying Target Circle deals that automatically apply when you identify yourself as a member.

But the timing does matters, as once that 14-day window closes, Target won't honor the lower price.

How to actually get your money back

The process is fairly straightforward, but it depends on where you made your purchase.

• If you bought it in a store: Bring your original receipt (paper or digital) and show the current lower price at Guest Services. You can also request a match at checkout before purchasing.

• If you bought it online: Contact Target through its online chat or call 1-800-591-3869. Have your order number and the current lower price ready.

Keep in mind that Target doesn't accept screenshots as proof of a lower price. You'll need to show the live price on Target.com, in the Target app, or in a digital ad.

Target employees must be able to verify the price themselves.

Don't overlook Target's online prices

Here's another savings opportunity that's easy to miss.

Target acknowledges that prices can vary between its website and physical stores. That means the item sitting on the shelf in front of you could potentially cost less on Target.com.

Before checking out, pull up the exact item on Target's website and compare prices. If the website shows a lower eligible price, ask the cashier to match it.

Just be aware that Target won't match the lower price offered at a different Target store. And if you're using the Target app, it must display the price for your current store location.

What Target won't price match

Not every discount qualifies.

Target excludes clearance and liquidation items, certain gift card promotions, refurbished merchandise, and several other categories.

You also can't combine a price match with Target coupons or certain personalized Target Circle bonuses.

However, shoppers can still use their Target Circle Card to receive the usual 5% discount on eligible price-matched purchases.

The takeaway: Check your purchases twice

Target's decision to stop matching Amazon and Walmart prices makes comparison shopping more important than ever.

But its remaining price-match policy offers a simple opportunity that shoppers shouldn't overlook.

My best advice is whenever you make a significant Target purchase, set a reminder to check the price again about 10 to 12 days later. If the price has dropped, request an adjustment before your 14-day window expires.

It takes only a minute to check, and you might get back $10, $20 or more without having to return a thing.

A European study finds that energy efficiency is already influencing lending decisions, with extreme weather potentially playing a bigger role

• Homes with better energy ratings may qualify for more favorable mortgage terms, while less efficient properties could face financing challenges.

• Researchers interviewed 25 financial and real estate experts to understand how sustainability factors into European property lending.

• Flooding, wildfires, and other climate risks could increasingly influence financing decisions, potentially making affordable housing harder to access.

When shopping for a home, buyers usually focus on the purchase price, monthly mortgage payment, and neighborhood. But a propertys energy efficiency could also affect how easily buyers secure financing and what terms they receive.

A new study from researchers at Aalto University in Finland found that European banks are already considering properties energy performance when making lending decisions. Looking ahead, climate-related risks, including flooding and wildfires, could become increasingly important.

The research highlights a growing connection between a homes environmental performance and its financial prospects. A property with a strong energy rating may qualify for a green mortgage or other financing advantages. Meanwhile, a home with poor energy efficiency could require costly upgrades, potentially making it a riskier investment for lenders.

For people taking out a mortgage, or considering buying a home, it is important to understand that the environmental performance of the property already affects banks lending decisions and loan terms, researcher Seppo Junnila, Professor of Real Estate Economics at Aalto University, said in a news release.

How researchers examined mortgage lending

Published in the Journal of European Real Estate Research, the study explored how sustainability affects residential property financing across Europe.

Researchers Maria Holopainen, Anniina Saari, and Seppo Junnila began by gathering preliminary information through industry interviews and workshops, then compared those insights with existing research to develop questions for further investigation.

They subsequently interviewed 25 lending and sustainability experts from 14 organizations, including 10 banks and four real estate advisory firms. Participants represented Northern and Central Europe, with some specializing in residential mortgages and others in commercial property lending.

The researchers analyzed the interviews alongside publicly available documents outlining banks green financing policies. This approach helped them identify common practices, differences between markets, and the factors lenders consider when evaluating properties.

What the findings mean for homebuyers

The researchers found that energy performance certificates, which document a buildings energy efficiency, are already a central part of European green property lending. However, the financial benefits of owning an energy-efficient home vary by market and lender rather than following one consistent formula.

The study also found that banks often favor financing new buildings because they can more easily meet green lending requirements. Older homes that need energy improvements may face a disadvantage, even when renovations could improve their environmental performance.

Climate risks are another concern. Banks are increasingly paying attention to hazards such as floods and wildfires, although their importance varies depending on a property's location. These risks could eventually play a larger role in financing decisions.

For consumers, the findings suggest that a homes energy efficiency and exposure to climate hazards may deserve closer attention during the buying process. Asking lenders about green mortgage options and researching potential renovation costs could help buyers better understand their choices.