EXPLAINER: Mixed US inflation signs. Where are prices going?
Consumers struggling with skyrocketing prices for food, gas, autos and rent got a tantalizing hint of relief last month, when prices didn’t budge at all from June after 25 straight months of increases. With gas prices continuing to fall, inflation is probably slowing further this month. So has the worst bout of inflation in four decades possibly peaked? Economists say it’s way too soon to know for sure. Even if some prices should keep declining, others — housing costs, for example — are almost sure to remain painfully high. And that means there’s likely still a long way to go before inflation will get anywhere close to the 2% annual pace that Americans were long accustomed to.
Gas prices have fallen. Here's why inflation hasn't
Gas prices have been trending downward for more than 50 consecutive days, giving drivers some much-needed financial relief at the pump. But nobody's popping the champagne just yet. While gas prices have played a large role in the current bout of historic inflation, analysts warn that a number of factors remain that will keep overall prices from falling any time soon.
Equifax issued wrong credit scores for millions of consumers
Credit giant Equifax sent lenders incorrect credit scores for millions of consumers this spring, in a technology snafu with major real-world impact.
BP earnings soar as energy firm profits from rising prices
BP said its earnings from April to June almost tripled from a year earlier, increasing pressure on governments to intervene as energy companies profit from high oil and natural gas prices that are fueling inflation and squeezing consumers. London-based BP said Tuesday that net income jumped to $9.26 billion in the second quarter from $3.12 billion in the same period a year earlier. It says it expects oil and gas prices to remain high due to disruptions in supply caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. BP’s earnings come as energy companies worldwide scoop up record profits, including Shell, Exxon Mobil and Chevron.
Viroqua coffee company: Climate change reduces access to certain coffee flavors
According to Nicholes, certain types of coffee no loonger are being grown to the extent they once were because of climate change.
Gov't: US Bank workers opened fake accounts for sales goals
For more than a decade, US Bank pressured its employees to open fake accounts in their customers’ names in order to meet unrealistic sales goals, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said Thursday, in a case that is deeply similar to the sales practices scandal uncovered at Wells Fargo last decade. The CFPB alleged that US Bank accessed consumers credit reports to open checking and savings accounts, credit cards and lines of credit without their permission. Employees were encouraged to do so, in order to meet the bank’s goals of selling multiple products to each customer with the bank.
Walmart is slashing prices on clothing and other products
Many shoppers have pulled back on buying clothing and other discretionary items as the highest inflation in four decades pinches their pocketbooks.
How to cool down your car quickly without wasting gas
When your car has been parked outside on a hot day, you know that feeling of opening your car door and getting hit with a blast of hot, humid air. Getting a quick cooldown with your car’s air conditioning is what you need, but what’s the most efficient and effective way to get it? The experts at Consumer Reports share some tips for fast, fuel-efficient car cooling.
Mega Millions $480 million jackpot is among the largest in its history
Friday's Mega Millions prize is the 10th largest in its 20-year history with an estimated $480 million jackpot. No need to grab the calculator, that's about $276 million in cash.
Grill up these best-tasting hot dogs with Consumer Reports
It wouldn’t be summer without an argument over the grill—not about how to cook the food but about the best fuel source: charcoal or gas. CR’s testers share some top grill picks, and we have results of taste tests from different hot dog brands, including Nathan’s and Oscar Mayer.
Consumers' inflation expectations hit record high
Consumer expectations for prices to continue rising over the next year increased to the highest level on record, according to the latest Survey of Consumer Expectations from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, released on Monday.
SCAM ALERT: Scammers tempt drivers with phony gas station gift cards
Even if high gas prices are draining your budget, don’t fall for this scam. Scammers are tempting drivers with phony gas station gift cards. It's really a way to get your credit card details and other personal information.
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Four winning lottery tickets sold on same day in Cashton and Elroy
Four winning tickets for the Wisconsin Lottery's "SuperCash!" drawing were sold on the same day.
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Bangor schools may ask taxpayers for more money this fall to tackle facility upgrades
The Bangor School District will consider asking taxpayers for support through a referendum this fall.
Consumer Reports warns using peer-to-peer payment apps could put your money at risk
Cash is king, as the saying goes, but not many of us carry it around anymore. Instead, peer-to- peer payment apps, such as PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle, give the convenience of cash right on our phones. But what happens when something goes wrong—for example, a type of scam?
La Crosse mechanic shares recommendation for making tank of gas last longer
Mechanic Tim Marcou, the owner of Northside Automotive & Fleet, recommends checking your tires. Make sure they're filled to the right tire pressure and rotated regularly. If your spark plugs have more than 80 thousand miles on them, replacing them can help your engine run efficiently.
