Consumer News: Grocery shoppers need a strategy if they hope to stay within their food budget

The wiper arms may break, rendering the wipers inoperable

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Ford is recalling more than 422,000 vehicles due to potential windshield wiper arm failure

• Affected models include 20212023 Lincoln Navigator and Expedition, and several 20222023 Super Duty trucks

• Wiper failure could reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash

Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than 422,000 vehicles in the U.S. over a defect that could cause windshield wipers to fail, raising the risk of crashes in poor weather conditions.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall (Campaign No. 26V204000) covers certain 20212023 Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition SUVs, along with 20222023 Ford Super Duty trucks, including F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550 and F-600 models.

The issue stems from windshield wiper arms that may break, preventing the wipers from functioning properly. If the wipers fail during rain, snow or other adverse conditions, drivers could experience reduced visibility, increasing the likelihood of an accident.

What to do

Ford dealers will inspect and replace the wiper arms as needed at no cost to owners. The company plans to begin notifying affected customers about the safety risk starting April 13, 2026. A second notification will be sent once replacement parts and the full remedy are available.

Owners can check whether their vehicle is included by searching their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website, where recall information became available on April 1. They can also contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and reference recall number 26S24 for more information.

The recall falls under the visibility category, underscoring the importance of maintaining clear sightlines for safe drivingparticularly in inclement weather.

Offerings include an Under $3 menu

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• McDonalds will launch a new Under $3 Menu with at least 10 items available all day.

• A $4 breakfast meal deal bundles a sandwich, hash browns and coffee.

• The changes expand the companys McValue platform as it pushes affordability nationwide.

With food costs and everything else rising, expect fast food restaurants to step up the competition for the value-oriented consumer. Its already started.

McDonalds is expanding its value offerings with a new Under $3 Menu and a $4 breakfast meal deal, part of a broader effort to attract price-conscious consumers and build on its McValue platform.

The fast-food giant said the updated menu will roll out at participating U.S. locations starting April 21, trying to entice customers with more low-cost options across breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Under $3 menu

The centerpiece of the announcement is the new Under $3 Menu, which will include at least 10 items available throughout the day, allowing customers to mix and match items at a consistent low price.

Breakfast options willinclude staples such as the Sausage McMuffin, Sausage Biscuit, Sausage Burrito, hash browns and medium McCaf coffee. Lunch and dinner items will feature the McChicken, McDouble, four-piece Chicken McNuggets, small fries and a medium soft drink.

In addition, McDonalds plans to spotlight select items at even lower promotional prices throughout the year, starting with a Sausage McMuffin priced at $1.50 and a McDouble at $2.50 for a limited time.

$4 breakfast meal deal

Alongside the new menu, the company is introducing a $4 breakfast meal deal that includes a choice of a Sausage McMuffin or Sausage Biscuit, served with hash browns and a small McCaf coffee.

McDonalds will also continue offering other bundled meal deals later in the day, including options starting at $5 and $6 that combine an entre with McNuggets, fries and a drink.

Company executives said the initiative is designed to give customers more flexibility and control over how they build meals, while reinforcing the brands long-standing focus on value.

The move comes as fast-food chains across the industry emphasize affordability amid consumer concerns about rising prices, with McDonalds positioning the revamped McValue menu as a long-term strategy rather than a limited-time promotion.

Motorists shouldnt expect immediate relief

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Oil prices have fallen sharply since the ceasefire, but gasoline prices remain elevated and are unlikely to drop quickly.

• The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is partial and uncertain, limiting immediate supply relief.

• Analysts expect volatile but gradually easing prices over the next several weeksif the ceasefire holds.

A two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran -- and the conditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz -- has eased immediate fears in global energy markets. Oil prices dropped by roughly 1314% following the announcement, reflecting expectations that one of the worlds most critical oil transit routes will resume operations.

But the short-term outlook for gasoline prices tells a more complicated story: relief at the pump is likely to lag, and may be modest at best.

The war, with the interruption of oil from the Persian Gulf, has sent the average U.S. gas price well past $4 a gallon. But much of the damage will not be quickly undone, analysts caution.

That said, Patrick DeHaan, head of Petroleum Analysis at GasBuddy, sees some slow relief at the pump. In a post on X Tuesday night, DeHaan said gas prices could start falling by a few cents a day in the next 48 hours.

Diesel prices may lag slightly- but where things stand now, diesel is NO longer likely to reach a record, he wrote. National average gasoline could fall below $4 in ~1-2 weeks, diesel >$5 in 6-8 weeks.

Shipping companies remain cautious

Even with the ceasefire in place, oil flows through the Strait of Hormuznormally responsible for about 20% of global oil shipmentsare not returning to normal overnight.

Shipping companies remain cautious about reentering the region, and some may require explicit security assurances before resuming operations.

At the same time, major Persian Gulf producers cut output significantly during the conflict, meaning supply chains must be rebuilt before markets stabilize.

As a result, the reopening is expected to be gradual and controlled, rather than a full restoration of pre-war flows.

Why gas prices arent falling yet

Despite falling crude prices, retail gasoline prices remain near multi-year highs. U.S. averages are hovering around $4.14 per gallonthe highest level since 2022.

There are several reasons for the delay:

• Lag effect: It typically takes weeks for lower crude costs to filter through refining, distribution, and retail pricing.

• Tight inventories: The conflict caused a severe drawdown in global oil and fuel supplies.

• Ongoing risk premium: Markets are still pricing in the possibility that the ceasefire could collapse.

Officials and analysts warn consumers not to expect immediate relief. Even in countries seeing improved supply outlooks, fuel prices have continued to rise in the short term.

You cant rule out volatility

Economists largely agree that gasoline prices may begin to ease later this springbut only if the ceasefire holds and shipping through Hormuz steadily increases.

Key factors to watch include:

• Durability of the ceasefire: A breakdown could quickly reverse recent oil price declines.

• Shipping confidence: Full tanker traffic is essential to restoring supply.

• Production recovery: OPEC and Gulf producers must ramp output back up.

In the near term, the most likely scenario is continued volatility with a slight downward trend. Prices may have already peaked or could hover near current levels before gradually declining over the coming weeks.

When booking a flight, dont just consider the fare

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Several major U.S. airlines have raised checked baggage fees in recent months, citing higher operating costs driven by rising jet fuel prices.

• The increases affect both domestic and international routes, with some fees climbing by $5 to $15 per bag.

• Industry analysts say the move reflects broader cost pressures across aviation, though consumer advocates warn of growing frustration among travelers.

U.S. airlines are once again increasing checked baggage fees, pointing to surging jet fuel prices as a key factor behind the latest round of price hikes. The changes, which have rolled out across several major carriers, are expected to affect millions of travelers heading into the busy summer and fall travel seasons.

United Airlines said the cost of the first checked bag is going up to $45 if passengers prepay. The fee is $50 if they pay within 24 hours oftheir flight.

"United Chase credit card holders, MileagePlus Premier members, active military members,and customers traveling in premium cabins can still check a bag for free," the airline said in a statement.

Fuel expenses have risen sharply

Airline executives say the increases are necessary to offset escalating fuel expenses, which remain one of the industrys largest and most volatile costs. Jet fuel prices have risen significantly over the past year due to a combination of geopolitical tensions, supply constraints, and fluctuating global oil markets.

The move underscores a broader trend in the airline industry toward unbundling services charging separately for amenities that were once included in ticket prices. Checked baggage fees alone generate billions of dollars annually for U.S. carriers, making them a critical revenue stream.

However, the increases are drawing criticism from consumer advocates, who argue that travelers are already facing higher ticket prices and additional fees across the board. Some warn that continued hikes could erode customer loyalty, particularly as budget-conscious passengers look for ways to cut travel expenses.

Why airlines charge for checked bags

So, why dont airlines just raise the ticket price to include the cost of checking bags? Chalk it up to competition.

Studies have shown that consumers are extremely price-sensitive when booking a flight. A fare difference as small as $2 will cause them to choose a different carrier.

That means it is very important to know what an airline charges for checked bags when booking a flight. A cheap fare might not be so cheap if youre checking a couple of bags. Consider strategies such as packing lighter or using airline-branded credit cards that may waive baggage fees.