Consumer News: Major egg producers settle multistate price-fixing allegations

After a huge increase, falling gas prices lifted spirits

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• U.S. consumer confidence edged higher in June, ending a recent slide as lower gasoline prices eased inflation concerns.

• Americans felt slightly better about current business conditions but grew more pessimistic about the job market.

• Despite the modest improvement, confidence remains below historical norms, suggesting households are still wary about the economy.

U.S. consumer confidence improved modestly in June, offering a tentative sign that Americans are feeling slightly better about the economy after weeks of easing gasoline prices, though concerns about jobs and the broader outlook continue to weigh on households.

The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index rose to 91.2 in June, up from a revised 90.6 in May. While the increase was modest and below economists' expectations it marked a reversal after recent declines.

Dana Peterson, chief economist at The Conference Board, said lower oil prices helped reduce consumers' fears about inflation.

Consumers reported a slightly more favorable view of current business conditions, but confidence in the labor market weakened. The Present Situation Index, which measures perceptions of current economic and employment conditions, fell to 116.4, while the Expectations Index, which gauges consumers' outlook for the next six months, climbed to 74.4.

Recession risk?

Although the Expectations Index improved, it remains below the threshold of 80 that has historically been associated with recession risks.

The survey found growing concern about employment. The share of respondents who said jobs are "hard to get" rose to 22.5%, the highest level in more than five years, while the labor market differential a closely watched measure comparing those who say jobs are plentiful with those who say they are hard to find continued to narrow.

The report comes as other economic indicators paint a mixed picture. Separate government data released Tuesday showed job openings remained steady in May, suggesting employers are still hiring despite signs of a slowing labor market. Investors are now awaiting the Labor Department's June employment report later this week for a clearer reading on hiring trends.

Lower fuel costs appear to have played an important role in improving consumers' moods. After surging during the Iran conflict earlier this year, gasoline prices have retreated, easing pressure on household budgets and helping temper inflation worries.

However, consumer confidence remains below pre-pandemic levels and below where it stood a year ago, reflecting continued unease over the economy, inflation, and employment prospects. Economists note that while consumers often express pessimism in surveys, their actual spending has remained relatively resilient, helping support economic growth.

The research adds to the reasons to shed some pounds

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• A new JAMA review concludes that excess body weight contributes to about 10% of new cancer diagnoses in the U.S. each year by triggering biological changes that promote tumor growth.

• Researchers say chronic inflammation, hormone changes, immune system suppression, and alterations in the gut microbiome are among the key mechanisms linking obesity to cancer.

• The review suggests losing more than 10% of body weight may help reduce obesity-related cancer risk, although preventing obesity remains the most effective strategy.

A new scientific review published in JAMA is shedding new light on why obesity substantially increases cancer risk, detailing the complex biological processes that allow excess body fat to create an environment where cancer can develop and thrive.

The review, authored by researchers from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the University of Kansas Cancer Center, and Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute, concludes that overweight and obesity account for roughly 10% of all new cancer diagnoses in the United States each year. The findings synthesize evidence from laboratory research, clinical trials, and large population studies.

The researchers say obesity is far more than an issue of excess weight. It represents a widespread disruption of normal metabolism that affects nearly every system in the body.

"When we think about obesity, we need to think beyond body size," said Dr. Kristy Brown, co-leader of the Obesity, Metabolic Health, and Cancer research program at the University of Kansas Cancer Center and a co-author of the review. "We have the epidemiological data, we have the mechanistic data, and we have the clinical data that show the impact of obesity on outcomes for patients."

How obesity promotes cancer

According to the review, obesity alters the body's fat tissue, causing it to become chronically inflamed. That inflammation produces chemical signals that can stimulate tumor growth, while weakening the immune system's ability to detect and destroy emerging cancer cells.

The researchers identified several key mechanisms behind the increased risk:

• Persistent, low-grade inflammation that promotes tumor development.

• Increased production of estrogen and other hormones that can fuel hormone-sensitive cancers.

• Elevated insulin and altered metabolism that encourage cancer cell growth.

• Oxidative stress that damages DNA.

• Changes in the gut microbiome that may further promote inflammation and cancer development.

• Suppression of immune cells that normally eliminate abnormal cells before they become cancerous.

These biological changes have been linked to at least 13 cancers, including colorectal, pancreatic, liver, kidney, ovarian, thyroid, and postmenopausal breast and endometrial cancers. The strongest associations are seen with endometrial and certain liver and biliary tract cancers.

Weight loss may reduce risk

The review also examined evidence on whether losing weight lowers cancer risk.

Observational studies involving patients who underwent bariatric surgery or used GLP-1 receptor agonist medications found modest reductions in obesity-related cancer incidence among people who lost more than 10% of their body weight. The authors caution that additional research is needed, but the findings suggest meaningful weight loss may help reverse some of the biological changes associated with obesity.

Researchers noted that preventing obesity in the first place is likely to provide the greatest benefit because some obesity-related biological changes become more difficult to reverse after years of excess weight.

A growing public health concern

The findings come as obesity rates continue to climb in the United States and worldwide. The review notes that nearly half of U.S. adults are projected to have obesity by 2030, while global obesity rates are also expected to rise sharply over the next decade. At the same time, cancer diagnoses are increasing worldwide, making obesity prevention an increasingly important component of cancer prevention efforts.

The authors conclude that addressing obesity should be viewed not only as a strategy for improving cardiovascular and metabolic health, but also as an important opportunity to reduce future cancer risk.

Damage may occur to the transmission, preventing it from being put in park

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Ford is recalling more than 741,000 SUVs, trucks, and luxury vehicles because of a transmission defect that could increase the risk of a vehicle rolling away.

• The problem can cause the transmission's park pawl to engage while the vehicle is moving, potentially damaging the parking system.

• Owners will begin receiving interim notification letters in August, but a permanent software remedy is not expected to be available until April 2027.

Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than 741,000 vehicles in the U.S. because a transmission defect could increase the risk of a crash by allowing a vehicle to roll away.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall affects 741,195 vehicles, including certain model-year 2018-2021 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs, 2020-2021 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs, and 2021 Ford F-150 pickup trucks.

The safety agency said the transmission park pawl the mechanical component that locks the transmission when a vehicle is placed in "Park" may engage while the vehicle is still in motion. If that happens, it can damage the vehicle's parking system.

A damaged park system may not properly hold the vehicle once it is parked, creating a risk that it could roll away unexpectedly and increasing the likelihood of a crash.

What to do

To address the issue, Ford dealers will update the vehicles' powertrain control module software. Dealers also will inspect the transmission for damage and replace any damaged transmission components at no cost to owners.

Because the final repair is still being developed, Ford will first mail interim notification letters beginning Aug. 3, 2026, informing owners of the safety risk. The company expects to have the permanent remedy available by April 2027, at which time owners will receive a second letter instructing them to schedule the repair.

Owners can determine whether their vehicle is included in the recall by entering its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA recall website. VINs for affected vehicles became searchable on June 26, 2026.

Owners with questions may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and reference recall number 26S48, or contact NHTSA and reference campaign number 26V402000.

The warehouse club where couponing really pays off

• BJ's is built for couponers: Unlike Costco and Sam's Club, BJ's lets shoppers stack manufacturer coupons with BJ's digital coupons for even bigger savings.

• The app is your best savings tool: Clip digital coupons, browse the Smart Saver coupon book, and take advantage of Instant Savings before every shopping trip.

• Shop smarter, not just bigger: Buy store brands, compare unit prices, plan around major sales, and avoid impulse purchases to maximize your warehouse savings.

Warehouse clubs already offer lower prices than many grocery stores, but if you're shopping at BJ's Wholesale Club without using coupons, you're probably leaving money on the table.

Unlike some competitors, BJ's actually encourages couponing. The retailer lets shoppers combine manufacturer coupons with its own digital offers, creating opportunities for significant savings on everything from groceries and household essentials to electronics and seasonal merchandise.

Whether you're a longtime member or just signed up, here's how savvy shoppers maximize every trip to BJ's.

Start with the BJ's app

Before you even walk into the warehouse, be sure to download the free BJ's app.

It's the easiest place to find digital coupons, weekly promotions, personalized offers, and your membership card. Instead of clipping paper coupons, simply tap the offers you want, and they'll automatically apply when you scan your membership at checkout.

The app also lets you:

• Clip digital coupons

• Browse the weekly ad

• Search warehouse inventory

• Build shopping lists

• Check gas prices

• Order online for pickup or delivery

Many members never realize how many coupons are available each week until they install the app and start using it.

Stack digital and manufacturer coupons

This is where BJ's separates itself from other warehouse clubs as Costco and Sams Club do not accept manufacturer coupons of any kind.

BJ's absolutely accepts paper manufacturer coupons (even on many bulk items) and allows shoppers to combine them with BJ's own digital coupons on eligible products.

For example, say a bulk package of paper towels has a $4 BJ's digital coupon attached in the app. If you also have a $2 manufacturer coupon for that same item, you can stack both discounts at checkout.

Pro tip: Before heading to BJs, check coupon websites like Coupons.com, LOZO.com, or even the manufacturer's website to see whether additional printable or digital coupons are available for products already discounted at BJ's.

Don't ignore the monthly coupon book

Every month, BJ's releases a new collection of warehouse-wide coupons and instant savings called the Smart Saver.

Unlike old-fashioned coupon books, you usually don't need to bring anything with you. Most offers can simply be clipped digitally through the app.

Some of the biggest discounts often include products like:

• Laundry detergent

• Paper towels

• Coffee

• Pet food

• Frozen foods

• Cleaning supplies

And the coupon savings are pretty darn significant , oo. For example, right now they have a $7 coupon for All laundry detergent, and $4 off a 40 oz. jar of Nature Nates raw honey. We're not talking 50 cents off here and there; we're talking real savings.

Pro tip: Shop early in the coupon cycle. Newly released monthly coupons often coincide with fully stocked shelves. Waiting until the final week of a promotion increases the chances that popular sale items will be sold out.

Watch for Instant Savings

Not every deal requires a coupon. Specifically, BJ's frequently offers "Instant Savings," which are automatic discounts taken at checkout.

You'll usually see a shelf tag showing the savings amount, and no clipping is necessary. You buy the item and automatically collect the savings.

These instant promotions are most often seen with seasonal products, snacks, beverages, and household essentials.

Pro tip: Save your receipts for price adjustments at BJs. If an item goes on sale shortly after you purchase it, ask customer service whether it qualifies for a price adjustment. Policies can vary, but many locations will give you a price adjustment for seven days after you buy an item. Its definitely worth asking before assuming you've missed out on the lower price.

Buy BJ's Wellsley Farms and Berkley Jensen brands

Warehouse brands like Kirkland at Costco usually deliver the biggest savings, and the same can be said for the store brands at BJs.

BJ's private labels Wellsley Farms and Berkley Jensen are typically priced well below national brands while maintaining strong quality.

Many shoppers discover they can cut their grocery spending simply by substituting these store brands whenever possible.

Pro tip: Always compare the unit price instead of focusing only on the package price. A national brand on sale may occasionally beat the warehouse brand.

Don't automatically buy everything in bulk

Buying bigger doesnt always translate into buying cheaper. Specifically, some fresh produce, dairy products, and baked goods can spoil before a smaller household uses them.

Before grabbing the largest package available, ask yourself if youll actually finish this before it spoils. Or maybe you can freeze it?

Throwing away food is never a bargain, even when you used a coupon to get it for less.

Pro tip: Add your membership renewal date in your calendar. BJ's frequently offers discounted membership renewals before your current membership expires. By making a reminder, it gives you time to watch for promotions instead of paying full price.

Compare prices before assuming it's the best deal

Warehouse pricing has a reputation for being unbeatable, but that's not always true.

Drugstores, grocery stores, Target, Walmart, and Amazon occasionally run promotions that beat warehouse pricing, particularly when coupons, loyalty rewards, or clearance markdowns are involved.

Use a price comparison app or quickly check online before making expensive purchases. The few extra seconds can save you far more than the membership fee.

Pro tip: Scan every clearance shelf at BJs. While they are not known for huge clearance sections, discontinued flavors, seasonal products, and overstocked merchandise can be deeply discounted and are often overlooked by shoppers heading for the center aisles.