Consumer News: Smoke isn’t just smoke: What researchers found in air after neighborhood fires

Researchers found short-term gains from AI use, but independent performance suffered afterward

• A new study found that AI assistance improved performance in the moment but reduced problem-solving ability once the tool was removed.

• Researchers observed the effect after just 10 to 15 minutes of AI-assisted work on math and reading tasks.

• The findings suggest that how people use AI may matter, with hints and clarification appearing less problematic than asking for direct answers.

Artificial intelligence has quickly become part of everyday life. People use AI tools to write emails, answer questions, brainstorm ideas, and even help with school or work assignments. While these tools can save time and make difficult tasks feel easier, new research suggests there may be a downside to relying on them too heavily.

Researchers from several universities, including Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Oxford, MIT, and UCLA, wanted to understand what happens when people use AI for reasoning-intensive tasks and then have to continue without it.

Their findings suggest that AI can boost performance in the short term, but that benefit may come at a cost when users are later asked to work independently.

The study

The study focused on two abilities that are important for learning and problem-solving: persistence, or the willingness to keep working through a challenge, and independent performance, meaning how well someone can complete a task without assistance.

The research involved more than 1,200 participants across a series of randomized experiments.

In one experiment, participants solved fraction-based math problems. Some completed the work on their own, while others were given access to an AI assistant for about 10 minutes before the assistance was unexpectedly removed.

The results

Not surprisingly, the AI-assisted group performed better while the tool was available. However, once the AI was taken away, their performance dropped noticeably.

Researchers found that participants who had relied on AI solved fewer problems correctly and were more likely to skip questions altogether than those who never had access to AI in the first place. Similar patterns appeared in reading-comprehension tasks.

The researchers also discovered an important distinction. Participants who used AI mainly to obtain direct answers experienced the largest declines. Those who used the tool more as a tutor asking for hints, explanations, or clarification did not show the same level of impairment.

What this means for consumers

The findings do not suggest that AI is inherently harmful or that people should avoid using it. Instead, the study highlights the importance of how these tools are used. According to the researchers, AI may be most beneficial when it supports learning rather than replaces the thinking process altogether.

For consumers, the takeaway may be simple: use AI as a guide rather than a substitute. Asking for explanations, examples, or feedback could help reinforce understanding, while relying on AI to provide complete solutions may make it harder to develop and maintain problem-solving skills over time.

The researchers note that their experiments measured short-term effects, not years of AI use. Still, because the changes appeared after only a brief interaction with AI, they say more research is needed to understand what frequent, long-term reliance on these tools could mean for learning, persistence, and independent thinking.

As costs for food, supplies, and veterinary care climb, pet parents continue to prioritize their furry companions

• The cost of pet ownership continues to rise, with the lifetime cost of a medium-sized dog now exceeding $39,000 and the average cat costing more than $32,000.

• Despite higher prices for veterinary care, food, and supplies, most pet parents consider their pets' needs essential and are willing to make personal financial sacrifices to cover those costs.

• Experts say pet owners can help manage expenses by adopting instead of buying, considering an adult pet, choosing breeds with lower long-term costs, and taking advantage of rewards programs, coupons, and bulk purchases.

From higher veterinary bills to rising prices on food and supplies, owning a pet is becoming more expensive for many Americans.

Rover recently released its 2026 Cost of Pet Parenthood Report, which found that the lifetime cost of caring for a medium-sized dog now tops $39,000, while cat owners can expect to spend more than $32,000 over their pet's lifetime.

Yet despite growing financial pressures, pet parents say the rewards far outweigh the costs.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Philip Tedeschi, a human-animal connection expert with Rover, who described the powerful bond between people and their pets. While many households are adjusting budgets and looking for ways to save on pet-related expenses, most continue to view food, veterinary care, and other pet needs as essential spending.

The report offers a closer look at how Americans are balancing rising costs with their deep commitment to the animals they consider part of the family.

Pet care costs are increasing

Tedeschi broke down the primary factors that are causing increased pet care costs:

• Increased veterinary fees: Have continued to rise beyond the national inflation rate.

• Tariffs: Have pushed prices on everything from pet food to gear and accessories higher.

• More advanced vet care: The veterinary industry is seeing rapid innovation, including improved diagnostics, advanced imaging, specialized surgeries, and chronic disease management that more closely mirrors human healthcare. While these advances improve quality and length of life for pets, they also raise operating costs for clinics and pet parents.

• Inflation: Rising costs affect rent, utilities, wages, fuel, and insurance all of which impact veterinary clinics, manufacturers, and retailers magnifying price increases when layered on top of rising medical complexity and global trade costs.

Pet owners making trade offs to care for their pets

Despite these rising costs, many pet parents arent looking to cut back on their pets needs. Rovers study found that more than half (56%) of pet parents say pet food, supplies, and veterinary care would be the last thing they cut back on.

To make ends meet, half of pet owners in the survey said theyre cutting back on dining out, four out of ten are reducing unnecessary shopping, and more than a quarter are delaying a large purchase, like a new car. Another quarter of pet parents have delayed personal financial goals, like savings and debt repayment.

The decisions about financial prioritization tell another compelling story about the importance of these relationships, Tedeschi said. Our pets offer love and support, which can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness. Research has shown that these relationships also can reduce stress and anxiety dramatically improving mood and a sense of wellbeing and stability.

Our pets are also an integrated part of our wellness strategies, including improved levels of cardiovascular health and of a routine form physical activity and social support.

Strategies to save

Pet costs are high, but there are always ways to save or decrease spending. Tedeschi offered some of the best tips for pet owners to consider:

• Costs vary significantly based on breed, size, and health conditions. Smaller dogs are generally less expensive over time.

• The age of the dog you bring home makes a massive difference. Puppies need a lot of shots and checkups, and they are more likely to get into mischief, such as swallowing a sock or a toy, in their first year. Adult dogs typically only need annual check-ups as part of their preventative care routine.

• Where and how you get your dog is another huge price difference. Adding a specific breed to your family, instead of adopting, can be exponentially higher, and adoption fees often include many of the up-front costs, such as the spay/neuter surgery, a microchip, and the first round of vaccinations.

• Change how you shop. Pet parents are increasingly using rewards programs, buying in bulk, using coupons, and switching regular pet products to more affordable alternatives.

Before you pay for camp, try these budget-friendly ideas

• Skip the pricey camps: Parents spend nearly $900 per child on summer activities, but many of the best memories are made for free.

• Use local freebies: Libraries, outdoor movies, free concerts, and kids' workshops can keep children busy all summer long.

• Let kids be bored sometimes: Bike rides, sprinklers, scavenger hunts, and backyard camping often beat expensive entertainment.

Summer can get expensive really fast. Between costly camps, sports, amusement parks, and other organized activities, a recent survey found that parents spend nearly $900 per child during the summer months.

But before you spend hundreds of dollars trying to keep your kids entertained, experts say some of the best summer memories can be made for little or no money at all.

Here are some of the best free and low-cost summer activities families should consider.

Start with your local library

If there's one place parents shouldn't overlook this summer, it's the public library.

Many libraries offer free summer reading programs complete with prizes, special events, guest performers, science demonstrations, and other family-friendly activities.

A library card can also unlock benefits many families don't realize exist, including free streaming services, digital books, audiobooks, museum passes, and educational resources.

On a hot summer afternoon, it can be one of the cheapest forms of entertainment available.

Look for free community events

Many cities and towns offer free summer programming that often flies under the radar.

These can include:

• Outdoor movies in the park
• Free concerts
• Community festivals
• Museum free-admission days
• National Park fee-free days
• Discount movie programs for kids

Checkyour city's parks and recreation websiteor Facebook page, and see what you can add to your summer calendar without spending much money.

Pro tip: Create a "boredom jar." Fill a jar with free activity ideas like scavenger hunts, bike rides, water balloon games, and library trips so kids can choose their own adventure when boredom strikes.

Bring back the backyard classics

Not every summer activity needs a big ticket price.

Some of the most memorable summer activities are also some of the cheapest especially since you can repeat the ones your kids love every week or two:

• Sprinklers and water play
• Sidewalk chalk
• Scavenger hunts
• Homemade obstacle courses
• Bug hunts and nature walks
• Backyard camping

These activities cost little but can keep kids occupied for literally hours on end.

Turn the kitchen into an activity

Cooking can be both entertainment and educational for kids this summer.

Parents can encourage children to make their own lunches, help bake cookies or treats, create homemade popsicles, or even plan a family dinner.

The cost is quite minimal, but the life skills can last for years.

Take a simple day trip

A memorable family outing doesn't require expensive airfare or hotel reservations.

Many families can create a mini-adventure by packing sandwiches and visiting a nearby state park, hiking trail, small town they've never explored, or a local beach or river.

Oftentimes the biggest expense is simply a tank of gas, which while not cheap these days, sure beats airfare or a hotel.

Don't overlook free kids programs

Several national retailers and organizations offer free or low-cost activities throughout the summer.

Popular examples include:

• Home Depot Kids Workshops
• Lowe's Kids Workshops
• Michaels craft events
• Apple Camp programs
• YMCA financial assistance programs

Many families are surprised to discover how many community programs are available once they start looking.

It's OK for kids to be bored

Perhaps the most important lesson for parents is that every hour of summer doesn't need to be scheduled.

Child development experts have long noted that unstructured play encourages creativity, problem-solving, and independent play.

While it's tempting to fill every day with organized activities, some of the best childhood memories often come from the simplest experiences. A sprinkler, a bike ride, a library card, and a little imagination may go a lot further than many parents realize.

Without action, average benefits will decline by $500 by 2032

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• A projected Social Security insolvency in 2032 would trigger an automatic 24% benefit cut under current law, reducing monthly retirement benefits by an average of about $500 nationwide.

• Every state would be affected, with estimated average monthly benefit reductions ranging from $459 to $556.

• Retirees in Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Delaware, and Maryland would face the largest average monthly cuts.

No state would escape the effects of a looming Social Security funding crisis, according to a new report from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB). The report warns that millions of retirees could face substantial benefit reductions if lawmakers fail to address the program's finances before its trust fund is exhausted.

The report, No State Spared: Mapping the Impact of Social Security's Insolvency, examines how a projected insolvency of the Social Security retirement trust fund in 2032 would affect beneficiaries across the country. Under current law, benefits would have to be reduced by an estimated 24% to align payments with incoming payroll tax revenue.

CRFB estimates that the average monthly benefit cut would total about $500 nationwide. The organization notes that amount exceeds what the average retired household spends on groceries in a month.

Why where you live matters

The projected reductions would vary by state, largely reflecting differences in benefit levels. According to the report, average monthly cuts would range from $459 to $556. Connecticut retirees would experience the largest average reduction at $556 per month, followed closely by New Jersey ($554), New Hampshire ($553), Delaware ($549), and Maryland ($541).

Other states facing some of the largest average cuts include Washington, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Michigan,and Utah, each with estimated reductions exceeding $520 per month.

Social Security currently provides retirement benefits to roughly 63 million Americans and serves as a primary source of income for many older households. The report argues that the program's financial challenges are no longer a distant concern, noting that less than seven years remain before projected insolvency.

Call to action

The CRFB, a nonpartisan fiscal policy organization, is urging Congress and the White House to act sooner rather than later. The group warns that delaying reforms could leave policymakers with fewer options and increase the likelihood of abrupt benefit reductions for current and future retirees.

The report includes state-by-state estimates and interactive maps designed to illustrate how insolvency could affect beneficiaries and local economies nationwide. Its central conclusion is that the consequences would not be limited to a handful of states or regions.

No state would be spared from the potentially devastating effects of insolvency, the report concludes, adding that policymakers should enact changes as quickly as possible to avoid across-the-board benefit cuts.