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AI is driving up consumer prices. That won’t stop anytime soon, experts say.

The torrent of corporate spending on artificial intelligence in the U.S. is driving up consumer prices, working against efforts to cool inflation.  AI requires enormous computing power, driving demand for the semiconductors that enable it. Rising chip costs are also prompting electronics manufacturers to raise prices on smartphones, computers, software and other tech accessories. Consumers are…

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Reese’s Halloween pumpkins return to store shelves unchanged after Hershey won lawsuit

Last year, Hershey prevailed in a lawsuit that claimed Reese’s featureless Halloween pumpkins were a consumer letdown. Starting this month, the spooky treats will return to store shelves, though without any changes to their smooth, oval shapes.  “We know what consumers love,” said Katie DeCapria, senior brand manager for Halloween at Hershey, in a press…

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New York City Council probing Kalshi, Polymarket and other prediction markets over marketing claims

The New York City Council said Wednesday that it is investigating four prediction markets over allegations that the companies engage in deceptive marketing. The probe will examine the advertising practices of Gemini Titan, Kalshi and Polymarket, all of which are based in New York, as well as Texas-based Coinbase. “Prediction markets aggressively entice consumers to…

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Why Taylor Farms is facing scrutiny over salmonella and cyclospora outbreaks

Taylor Farms, whose lettuce public health officials have identified as the source of this summer’s widespread cyclosporiasis outbreak, now faces another serious food safety issue. The Salinas, California, produce supplier recently recalled several food items made with jalapeños suspected of being contaminated with salmonella.  But Jennifer McEntire, founder of food safety consulting firm Food Safety Strategy,…

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Nevada energy company sues data center in first-of-its-kind fight over who should pay for AI buildout

The largest energy provider in Nevada, NV Energy, is suing data center developer Tract Capital Management, accusing the company of trying to pass costs onto consumers.  At issue is who pays to expand energy infrastructure when a data center needs as much electricity as a midsize city.  Tract’s two planned campuses near Reno would together…

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