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Spirit Airlines chaos could be big loss for budget travelers as they fight for answers

Mon, 04 May 2026 15:08:16 -0400

Spirit Airlines' sudden shutdown ahead of the summer travel season is stoking fears of higher fares — and raising questions about what comes next.

The airline, which had more than 4,000 domestic flights scheduled through May 15, abruptly halted all flights on Saturday morning.

"This is tremendously disappointing and not the outcome any of us wanted," Spirit CEO Dave Davis said in a company statement.

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"All flights booked with credit and debit cards are in the process of being automatically refunded," a spokesperson for Spirit previously told FOX Business.

"The majority of guests who booked travel on a credit or debit card were refunded as of Saturday evening, with a small percentage continuing to process. Refunds may take time to appear in a guest’s account."

Travelers who purchased tickets through third-party vendors will need to reach out to those providers to request refunds, the airline said, FOX Business reported.

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Passengers who booked using vouchers, travel credits or loyalty points face looming questions.

The news of Spirit's demise was "a blow to air travelers across the United States," according to Lee Abbamonte, a New York-based travel expert.

Abbamonte told 91�� Digital that Spirit "almost singlehandedly kept pricing competitive in many markets in the country."

US WARNS TRAVELERS TO AVOID PICTURESQUE COUNTRY AS SECURITY RAPIDLY WORSENS

"With Spirit being no longer viable, there is no pressure on legacy carriers to keep prices lower, especially with skyrocketing fuel costs," he said, citing increased fuel prices tied to the war with Iran.

91�� Digital reached out to Spirit Airlines for comment.

"This is going to have a ripple effect across airfare pricing all over the country," he said.

"You may not like Spirit … but you cannot argue with their pricing model," added Abbamonte.

"Without Spirit, there's no reason for airfare to ever come down, especially with fuel costs skyrocketing."

Hunter Shkolnik, a New York-based attorney and aviation expert, told 91�� Digital that he expects fares to go up "across the board."

"Legacy airlines win here, budget travelers lose," he said. "Spirit kept prices honest, and without it, fewer choices and higher baseline fares are almost inevitable."

BUDGET AIRLINE BLASTED IN VIRAL VIDEO AS ‘PERFECT HONEYMOON WEEK’ ENDS IN TRAVEL CHAOS

Michael Boyd, the Colorado-based CEO of aviation consultancy Boyd Group International, disagreed about fare hikes. He told 91�� Digital that the concerns are "absolute nonsense."

"By this point, Spirit is not really a factor," he said. "They’re not in a lot of major markets and the ones they are in are mostly focused in Florida."

Major U.S. airlines — including United, Delta, JetBlue and Southwest — are capping their rebooking fares.

Affected Spirit customers may be eligible for one-way tickets priced at around $200, provided they can verify their original booking, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a Saturday morning press conference.

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"I would recommend that if you have a ticket with Spirit that you actually try to book with these airlines as soon as possible," Duffy said.

American and Delta are also offering reduced fares on high-traffic Spirit routes, while Allegiant has frozen prices on overlapping routes. Frontier is offering up to 50% off base fares through May 10, Duffy wrote on X.

Spirit passengers had mixed reactions to the shutdown.

"My thing with Spirit was your ticket could be $75, but by the time you [added] your bag, seat and gas for the plane, you [were] paying $300 like any other airline," one person said.

"The only thing Spirit was good for is if you were flying with the clothes on your back and nothing else," another chimed in.

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"The way airline prices have doubled overnight because of Spirit shutting down," a third X user wrote. "Legit it's too expensive to literally exist nowadays."

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Sophia Compton of 91�� Digital, as well as Reuters, contributed reporting.

The surprising cost of renting a horse stall at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby

Sun, 03 May 2026 08:59:51 -0400

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — At Churchill Downs, where the Kentucky Derby draws million-dollar horses and global attention, the cost of stabling those prized thoroughbreds is surprisingly modest — a reality that becomes clear beyond the grandstands and away from the pageantry.

Here, in what’s known as the "backside of the Downs," the track operates like a small, self-contained community, with 47 barns housing the horses and as many as 600 workers living and working on site.

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"Want to take a guess how much it costs to rent one of these stalls at the most famous racetrack in the world?" asked Stan Bowling, lead tour guide at the Kentucky Derby Museum.

"$7.50."

That modest daily fee stands in stark contrast to the high-stakes world of thoroughbred racing, where millions can go into preparing a single horse.

"Every morning, from mid-March through the end of the year, the horses are going to be out on the track training between 5:30 and 10 a.m.," Bowling said.

GOLDEN TEMPO WINS 2026 KENTUCKY DERBY

Steering a golf cart around the backside, he added that by mid-March, approximately 1,400 horses are on-site.

The grounds also include dorms, a chapel and even a small school — part of a world that runs parallel to the spectacle just steps away.

The backside stretches across rows of mostly nondescript stalls, punctuated by a few bearing the names of famed horses and their jockeys.

Qualifying horses arrive in early March to adjust to the track and settle into life at Churchill Downs, which hosts roughly 750 races each year. But no race carries the same weight as the Kentucky Derby, affectionately called the "fastest two minutes in sports," the 12th in a 14-race lineup that anchors the day’s events.

That same high-stakes investment carries over to the fan experience, where attending the Kentucky Derby can come at a steep price.

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"It’s an expensive ticket, I will grant you that, but, for most people, coming to see the Kentucky Derby is a bucket list event," Bowling told 91�� Digital.

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Ticket prices range from about $160 for access to the 26-acre grassy infield, where fans watch the race on large screens, to roughly $800 for some of the cheapest grandstand seats — while luxury experiences above the track can top $400,000.

Obama-backed $2.2B green energy 'boondoggle' leaves taxpayers on the hook

Sat, 02 May 2026 12:56:34 -0400

Federal taxpayers helped build a $2.2 billion solar plant — now electricity customers are on the hook to keep it running.

The Ivanpah Solar Power Plant, a sprawling facility near the California-Nevada border built with billions in federal support during the Obama-era economic stimulus program, is stuck in a costly dilemma.

Both the Trump and Biden administrations — along with the utility company that buys its power — have sought to shut it down, saying it underperforms, produces expensive electricity and has been overtaken by cheaper energy sources. But California regulators have refused to allow it to close, warning that closing the plant could strain the power grid.

The result is a costly standoff rooted in years of government decisions: shutting it down could leave taxpayers responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars tied to a $1.6 billion federal loan, while keeping it open means higher electricity costs for consumers.

"This project makes no economic sense to keep afloat, and the market itself has shown that," Daniel Turner, founder of the energy advocacy group Power The Future, told 91�� Digital.

"This is a boondoggle, like most of California's large projects are a boondoggle," he said, arguing it is being kept alive for political reasons, with costs ultimately passed on to customers.

"At some point, you have to stop throwing good money after bad," he added.

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Rising out of the Mojave Desert, the more than 4,000-acre facility still looks like the future. It has roughly 350,000 mirrors — mounted on more than 170,000 heliostats — which stretch for miles and reflect blinding sunlight into three towering structures that glow eerily white against the barren terrain.

But more than a decade after it opened, the technology behind it has been overtaken by cheaper, more efficient solar alternatives — turning what was once a symbol of clean energy progress into a costly problem. The project has also faced scrutiny over its environmental impact, with thousands of birds killed after flying through the plant’s concentrated solar beams — along with the destruction of large areas of desert land and displacement of desert tortoises.

The costly tradeoff

Roughly $730 million to $780 million of the $1.6 billion federally backed loan tied to the project remains outstanding, according to federal data. In addition, the U.S. Department of the Treasury provided a $539 million grant to help build the facility, covering about 30% of construction costs.

At the same time, some analysts estimate the plant’s electricity could cost customers roughly $100 million more per year than power from newer solar alternatives.

That leaves policymakers facing a stark choice: shut it down and risk sticking taxpayers with hundreds of millions in losses tied to the loan, or keep it running and continue passing higher costs on to electricity customers.

Critics argue that without government backing and long-term contracts, the plant would likely struggle to remain economically viable.

Even the federal government and the utility paying for the power have tried to walk away.

Officials under both the Trump and Biden administrations, along with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) — which buys electricity from the plant — have supported shutting it down. PG&E has described the contracts as part of an effort to reduce "uneconomic resources" in its energy portfolio, according to regulatory filings.

California regulators, however, have refused.

The California Public Utilities Commission rejected efforts to terminate the plant’s contracts, citing concerns about grid reliability as electricity demand rises, including increased demand from data centers.

In its decision, regulators warned that shutting down Ivanpah could strand more than $300 million in ratepayer-funded transmission and infrastructure tied to the project, while also creating potential risks for grid reliability — particularly as uncertainty grows around how quickly new energy projects can be built.

PG&E, meanwhile, has argued that terminating the contracts would save customers money compared with continuing to purchase electricity from the facility.

The dispute highlights a broader challenge facing the energy sector — how to balance reliability, cost and past investments as demand rises and technology evolves.

Outdated technology, shifting market

Standing near the site, the scale of the project is unmistakable.

The plant uses a technology known as concentrated solar power, in which computer-controlled mirrors reflect sunlight onto boilers atop nearly 460-foot towers, creating visible beams of concentrated light and causing the structures to glow brightly. The heat is then used to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity.

When it opened in 2014, the technology was considered cutting-edge. However, rapid advances in photovoltaic solar panels and battery storage have since made cheaper, more flexible alternatives widely available.

The project was fast-tracked during the Obama-era stimulus push, prompting concerns about the speed of its environmental review. It was part of a broader federal effort to boost the economy following the 2008 financial crisis and expand renewable energy.

It represented a significant scale-up of relatively new technology, expanding from smaller pilot projects to a nearly 400-megawatt facility — a leap that introduced uncertainties about long-term performance.

But the industry moved on faster than expected.

Cheaper and more efficient photovoltaic solar panels, often paired with battery storage, quickly overtook the concentrated solar technology used at Ivanpah — leaving the plant at a competitive disadvantage.

"The technology used at Ivanpah is no longer really competitive with a new solar farm that uses conventional solar panels," Severin Borenstein, an energy economist at the University of California, Berkeley, told 91�� Digital.

Borenstein said the project reflects the risks of investing in emerging energy technologies at scale.

"When this plant was planned, solar thermal looked like a promising approach," he said. "But photovoltaic costs fell much faster than anyone anticipated, and that changed the economics entirely."

Borenstein explained the project was part of a broader wave of experimentation in early clean energy development, noting that while some technologies — including solar panels, batteries and wind power — became dramatically cheaper over time, Ivanpah "fell into the latter category," with costs failing to drop as expected.

"That doesn’t mean it was a bad idea to build it originally," he said.

Borenstein added that once those shifts occur, large infrastructure projects can be difficult to unwind.

"These are long-lived assets with long-term contracts," he said. "Even if they no longer make economic sense, you can’t easily just walk away."

Mark Jacobson, a Stanford University energy systems expert, contended the technology itself is not inherently flawed but lacks key features used in newer systems.

"There’s no role for a concentrated solar plant without storage," Jacobson told 91�� Digital, noting that modern systems typically store energy for use at night — something Ivanpah cannot do.

Jacobson added that while the plant may no longer be competitive with new projects, that does not necessarily mean it should be shut down.

"It’s already built," he said. "So the question is whether it’s cheaper to keep it running than to replace it."

In addition to the $1.6 billion federal loan guarantee, the project received a roughly $539 million Treasury grant covering about 30% of construction costs, along with tax credits, accelerated depreciation and other federal incentives.

California’s renewable energy mandates also required utilities to purchase power under long-term contracts, helping ensure demand even as newer technologies emerged.

Ivanpah is not the first federally backed clean energy project to face scrutiny. Solar company Solyndra collapsed in 2011 after receiving $535 million in federal loan guarantees.

The Ivanpah project drew backing from major private investors, including NRG Energy and Google, which invested hundreds of millions of dollars in its development.

But the project’s financing structure spreads risk unevenly. Federal loan guarantees, taxpayer-funded grants and long-term power contracts help stabilize returns for investors, while leaving taxpayers and electricity customers exposed to potential losses and higher costs.

Operational challenges have also been documented. A 2025 audit by California regulators identified recurring forced outages and equipment issues that could affect reliability.

NRG Energy, which operates the facility, told 91�� Digital it remains committed to running the plant under existing agreements and providing renewable energy to California.

Although Ivanpah has a nameplate capacity of nearly 400 megawatts, solar plants typically operate below full capacity because they only generate electricity when the sun is shining. Even so, the facility has underperformed.

In 2023, it operated at roughly a 17% capacity factor, according to data from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory — well below the 25% to 30% levels originally expected.

Pat Hogan, president of CMB Ivanpah Asset Holdings, which invested in the project, has argued the plant remains a viable energy source despite falling short of early projections, noting it generated about 726,000 megawatt-hours of electricity in 2024 — enough to power roughly 120,000 homes in California.

Real-world impact

While the facility spans thousands of acres in a remote stretch of desert, it feeds electricity into the broader grid rather than a specific community and has drawn relatively limited public attention despite its scale and cost. The town of Baker, for example, is the nearest town to the facility on the California side, but it is about 50 miles away from the plant.

For some residents and business owners in the region, however, rising electricity prices remain a growing concern.

"During the summer it can be anywhere from $10,000 to $12,000 … in the winter anywhere from $6,000 to $8,000," said Lazarus Dabour, owner of the Mad Greek restaurant in Baker.

"It still restricts your bottom line when your overhead from more electricity goes up. It’s a big factor," he said.

"Our electricity is too high here in Baker," said Eddie Bravo, a local store worker who said his bills can reach between $650 and $750 in the summer.

He said he notices the plant when he travels to Las Vegas, but "[doesn't] know much about it."

Despite the scale of the project, many people passing through the area said they were largely unaware of the facility or the controversy surrounding it.

Some expressed frustration with rising energy costs, while others took a more neutral view.

"It seems like it’s doing its job … it’s definitely working," said Gregory Simons, a truck driver from Rancho Cucamonga who was stopped at a gas station near the Nevada state line.

Just across the road, newer solar facilities sit quietly on the desert floor, using photovoltaic panels to generate electricity more simply and at lower cost — highlighting how quickly the industry has shifted away from Ivanpah’s technology.

More than a decade after it opened, the plant now stands as a symbol of how quickly energy technology can evolve — and the cost of getting it wrong when a project becomes too expensive to shut down and too costly to justify keeping it running.

Safe sex is about to get more expensive, world’s largest condom maker warns

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:49:46 -0400

The Iran war could hit consumers where they least expect it: condom prices.

Karex, the world’s largest condom manufacturer, told Reuters it may soon hike prices by as much as 30% as the Middle East conflict strains global energy and supply chains.

The warning underscores how the war is driving up costs, delaying shipments and squeezing supply. And the impact on condom prices highlights how even niche consumer goods are caught up in broader global disruptions.

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It all traces back to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy supplies, where shipping has slowed sharply. The shipping lane is surrounded by Iran, Oman and the United Arab Emirates and is widely disputed amid the conflict as ships — especially those carrying oil and other fuel — are prevented from traversing through the contentious waterway.

The bottleneck is also driving up the cost of petroleum-based products like plastics and rubber, which are found in everything from medical supplies to household items to clothing and beauty products.

That’s creating a one-two punch — higher costs and shipping delays that are shrinking supply and raising prices.

Amid those pressures, Karex CEO Goh Miah Kiat said the energy crunch has him weighing a price increase.

THE MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT MIGHT DISRUPT YOUR SUMMER BBQ PLANS THIS YEAR

Kiat says the conflict has pushed aluminum used in foil packaging to a four-year high and silicone oil, a key ingredient in condom manufacturing, is up about 30%. Shortages of synthetic rubber used in some non-latex condoms are further adding to the strain.

Karex, a Malaysia-based firm that produces more than 5 billion condoms every year and exports to more than 130 countries, is struggling to keep up as demand outpaces supply. Karex supplies to the world's largest condom brands, including Trojan and Durex.

Shipping delays are worsening the crunch on getting these products to customers, with more inventory stuck at sea than reaching shelves. Karex products going to the U.S. and Europe are taking up to two months to arrive, while developing countries already facing shortages are seeing even longer delays.

There are growing concerns that these disruptions could hit some of the world’s most vulnerable populations since Karex helps supply United Nations aid programs.

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Karex also manufactures personal lubricants, catheters, probe covers and gloves, underscoring the broader impact supply disruptions could have beyond condoms.

For consumers, that could mean paying more at the checkout counter for a basic health product.

I’m a university president. Trump is right to make colleges deliver for students

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:00:36 -0400

Washington just sent a shockwave through the higher education establishment and American families are the clear winners. For years, traditional colleges and universities have operated like untouchable monopolies. They skyrocketed tuition costs, increased their administrative budgets, and happily pocketed federal financial aid checks. They did all of this without ever proving that their degrees lead to meaningful careers.

Colleges and universities will no longer escape with zero accountability.

Recently, the Department of Education under the Trump administration proposed a new accountability system. It is designed to eliminate the low return on investment that has burdened students and their parents for generations.

Under this new Student Tuition and Transparency System, institutions must pass a basic earnings premium test. Colleges and universities must prove that graduates from their undergraduate programs earn more money per year than a typical high school graduate. If they cannot meet this metric, the institution will lose access to federal student loans and potentially Pell Grants.

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This proposal is not a radical political idea. It is economic common sense. As Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent correctly noted, if postsecondary education programs do not leave graduates better off, taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize them. More importantly, parents should not have to empty their retirement accounts to pay for them.

Higher education has told high school seniors to blindly chase campus prestige for too long. We handed young adults tens of thousands of dollars in student loans to pursue degrees that the modern labor market simply does not value or need. The devastating result is a generation drowning in student loan debt, moving back into their childhood bedrooms, and holding diplomas that cannot secure a livable wage.

As the president of Southeastern University, I see this proposed regulation as the reset American higher education desperately needs.

WHY ELITE COLLEGES FEAR TRUMP AND MCMAHON'S NEW ACADEMIC COMPACT TYING FUNDING TO FREE SPEECH

This is a victory for the family sitting around the kitchen table trying to figure out how to afford college. It is a victory for the 18-year-old being told to borrow without being told the consequences. And it is a victory for the taxpayer who has been subsidizing broken institutions for too long.

A degree is only valuable if it equips a young adult to build a stable life, support a family, and contribute meaningfully to the economy. At Southeastern University, we understood this shift years ago. We did not wait for a federal mandate to hold ourselves accountable. We intentionally built an educational model designed for the modern workforce, partnering directly with employers, aligning academic programs with real economic demand, and ensuring students gain practical, career-ready experience long before they cross the graduation stage.

Education must function as a bridge to economic mobility. It should not be a trapdoor into years of insurmountable debt.

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The higher education establishment will fight this proposal. Count on it. The very institutions that fueled this crisis will be the loudest voices against this change. They will dress their opposition in the language of academic freedom and institutional independence. But protecting institutions that consistently fail their students is not academic freedom. It is institutional cowardice.

We cannot bend to that pressure. This policy is a direct defense of the American family and the American student. The federal government is finally demanding that colleges deliver on their expensive promises. For too long, institutions have been rewarded simply for existing rather than for producing results. That model is broken, and this proposal begins to fix it.

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The future of American higher education belongs to the schools willing to be held accountable, the schools that offer affordable, practical degrees and actually prepare graduates to succeed in the workforce.

It is time to stop protecting broken institutions and start protecting the students they were built to serve.

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Trump vows to 'get to the bottom' of Fed's multibillion-dollar building renovation after probe shift

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 18:26:55 -0400

A day after U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro announced she had directed her office to close its investigation into the Federal Reserve over a building project, President Donald Trump said he wants to know what happened.

"Well, I want to find out," the president told reporters before boarding Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport in Florida on Saturday after a reporters asked if he agreed with Pirro’s decision.

"You know, it's not dropped," he continued. "They're looking into the whole thing about the crisis. What I want, with the IG, what I want to look at is how can a building that I could have done for $25 million cost $4 billion? That's a big thing."

Trump also mentioned Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, saying, "He was in charge."

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"So, we'll get to the bottom of it," he added. "Yeah, I think Jeanine is fantastic. And she worked with other people on that. I tell you, I want to find out. I have an obligation to find that — this was done during Biden, but I have an obligation to find out how does it — I would have done that building for $25 million and had money left over. And it would have been open a long time ago."

The Fed had an approved budget of $2.46 billion for the renovations but went over budget because of issues like more asbestos than expected and costs rising during the course of the renovation, the Fed says on its website.

Pirro said Friday the Fed's inspector general, Michael Horowitz, would take over the investigation, moving it from the hands of federal prosecutors into those of a longtime government watchdog.

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Powell was under investigation over statements he made to Congress related to the management of the renovation costs.

Powell revealed in a video announcement in January that the Department of Justice had opened an investigation into the Fed, calling it an unprecedented attempt to use "intimidation" to force him to lower interest rates.

In the lead-up to the investigation, Trump and Powell's relationship had grown increasingly rocky as Trump became frustrated over interest rates and began targeting Powell, whom he nominated in 2017. Trump called Powell a "fool" and demanded in March that he drop rates "immediately."

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., who has a background in finance and sits on the Senate Banking Committee, had vowed to block Kevin Warsh's confirmation because of the DOJ's investigation after Trump nominated Warsh to replace Powell, whose term expires May 15.

Tillis had claimed the DOJ's investigation was political and would improperly interfere with markets, and he accused Pirro of seeking "brownie points" with Trump by opening it.

"It’s not cute," Tillis said during a television interview in February.

During Warsh's confirmation hearing this week, Tillis told Warsh, who previously served on the Fed's Board of Governors, that he had "extraordinary credentials" but that he could not vote to advance his nomination in the Senate until the DOJ ended its investigation.

Horowitz, who will now investigate the Fed building renovation costs, has drawn a mix of praise and criticism from Republicans while serving as DOJ inspector general for more than a decade.

He was one of the few high-profile inspectors general spared during Trump's historic cull of government watchdogs last year and has found allies in key figures like House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio.

Pirro closing the investigation could pave the way for Warsh’s nomination.

Trump said he wanted to see the investigation through "for the country."

"It’s much tougher, much more expensive to build a hotel than an office," the president said, mentioning his Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C., that he sold in 2022 and was renamed the Waldorf Astoria.

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"I want to find out how can a building of that size cost for whatever it's going to be. Nobody knows, by the way, what it's going to be. Kevin is going to be fantastic. Kevin Warsh, he may never get to be in that building."

Trump told reporters that his nomination should now go smoothly, "but whether it is or not, somebody has to find out why that building that should have cost $25 million is costing billions of dollars. And you know why they have to find it out? For other buildings, because that's not the only one. I think that's the most egregious example."

91��' Ashley Oliver and Alex Nitzberg contributed to this report.

Airline CEO sparks backlash after revealing what’s really driving sky-high ticket prices

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 18:24:53 -0400

Air travelers hoping for some relief on soaring ticket prices may not get it anytime soon — even if fuel costs drop, according to reports.

One airline CEO in particular is facing backlash after suggesting the company may not lower the high fares even if oil prices stabilize, comments that quickly sparked anger among travelers online.

During an earnings call earlier this month, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian indicated the airline would "retain any of the pricing strength" gained amid the current environment, even if fuel prices decline.

He added that lower fuel costs would "help us boost our margins this year and clearly into next year," according to multiple reports.

HIGHER FARES COULD SLAM FLIGHT PASSENGERS TO POPULAR REGION AS AIRLINES SHIFT COSTS: 'NOT A FAN'

He also said "it’s hard to call anything temporary" given the current fuel levels, The Guardian reported.

The ongoing war in Iran has disrupted a key global oil supply route, spiking airfare in recent weeks. About 20% of the world’s oil usually passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which is now under a U.S. naval blockade that has sharply reduced ship traffic, making it a key factor driving up airline fuel costs, according to industry reporting.

Analysts say some airline carriers have already tacked fuel surcharges onto longer routes, while others have raised baggage fees to offset rising expenses.

FLIGHT PASSENGERS WARN NEW BOARDING OVERHAUL COULD TRIGGER MORE CHAOS AT THE GATE

Delta alone expects its fuel bill to jump by about $2 billion this quarter after jet fuel prices have spiked dramatically since late February, according to CNBC.

But Bastian’s remarks about what happens next quickly sparked outrage across social media.

"Delta CEO saying the quiet part out loud," one widely shared post on X said, accusing the airline of using the crisis to permanently raise prices.

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Others were more blunt.

"If you give them an inch, they will rob you," one commenter wrote.

Another user criticized the broader airline industry, writing that companies "never miss a chance to price gouge," while others pointed to past government bailouts and consolidation among major carriers.

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The backlash comes as airlines navigate high travel demand paired with volatile costs.

Despite higher fares, Delta says bookings remain strong, with demand — particularly for premium seats — continuing to rise, according to CNBC.

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91�� Digital reached out to Delta for comment.

The airline, however, is not the only one warning of steep fare hikes.

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United Airlines said it is raising ticket prices by as much as 20% to offset soaring jet fuel costs tied to the Iran war, with executives noting customers are already booking future travel at significantly higher prices, FOX Business reported this week.

CEO Scott Kirby said the airline aims to "recover 100%" of increased fuel costs, while other executives indicated fares may need to stay elevated and could become more permanent if high fuel prices persist.

Costco sparks bagel backlash among customers as downsized packs ignite pricing debate

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:30:44 -0400

Costco is known for supersized everything, but a new product downsizing in its bakery section is getting some big attention from shoppers, and some say it may actually be better.

The warehouse giant is now offering its popular Kirkland Signature bagels in a single, eight-count pack at some locations, rather than requiring customers to purchase two packs at once as it previously did.

The shift, which was spotted by shoppers and highlighted in a recent post by Instagram account @costcobuys, is being welcomed by many who say the old bulk requirement often led to wasted food.

COSTCO FANS CLASH OVER FOOD COURT FAVORITE FOUND IN FREEZER AISLE: BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL?

"Big news for bagel lovers because the Costco bakery now sells their Kirkland Signature Bagels as a SINGLE 8-pack!" said the Instagram post, which garnered over 1 million views in a day.

Majed Kassis, who runs the account, noted a reported price of $4.99.

"No more bagels going bad before you can finish them," the Michigan-based content creator said in the video.

Kassis told 91�� Digital that while some people claimed the bagels are now smaller, there was mostly "positive feedback" about not having to buy two packs and wasting or freezing bagels.

MOST COSTCO SHOPPERS NEVER CHECK ONE PART OF THE STORE, A MISTAKE THAT COULD BE COSTING THEM HUNDREDS

"I never buy them for home because I don't want 12 bagels, so love the single pack option!" one person commented.

Others said a dozen was "just too much" for them.

Shoppers have long pointed out that some Costco bakery items can be difficult to finish before they go stale, especially for smaller households. The new offering provides more flexibility without requiring freezer space or excess meal planning.

Others simply exclaimed: "Finally!"

But not everyone is convinced the change is a win.

FAMILIES CAN SAVE $100 A MONTH ON FOOD BY DOING THIS: OREGON MOM

Some commenters questioned whether the shift is less about convenience and more about pricing.

"So before, you got 12 for $5.99. Now, you get 8 for $4.99. They raised prices without raising prices," one user claimed.

Another echoed the concern: "So now it is more expensive per pack."

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Others pushed back on that narrative, pointing out the per-unit math.

"It’s just a slight price difference per unit … $0.66/bagel [before] … $0.62/bagel [now]," one commenter calculated, suggesting the value may still be comparable depending on location and pricing.

Others argued the move goes against the retailer's bulk-buy identity.

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"This is what Costco is about, isn't it? Buying in bulk," one person wrote.

Nonetheless, many shoppers said they would still buy multiple packs, especially now with more variety available.

One person recalled being able to mix and match flavors under the old two-pack system.

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The conversation also spilled into broader critiques of Costco's bakery, including questions about ingredient transparency.

"You can have your fake blueberry bagels, Costco. … No, thanks," one user wrote in response to Kassis' post, referencing separate online discussions about "simulated blueberry" ingredients.

"Do they come with real blueberries?" another commenter asked.

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The blueberry bagels have drawn criticism recently after some shoppers noticed the label indicates the fruit component is made from flavored and colored ingredients rather than real blueberries.

91�� Digital reached out to Costco for comment.

Hotel guest says 'free' amenities are a hidden fee trap costing travelers tons of extra money

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:23:33 -0400

Travelers are being warned to double-check their hotel room bills after a man on social media discovered items that he and his wife thought were complimentary actually carried a fee if they were used and gave specific examples of what happened to him.

In a TikTok video that went viral, Jaden Warren said he was surprised to learn that several bathroom items on display in his hotel room at the Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk by Hyatt were not free at all.

"We were super excited about the amenities they have," Warren said in the video, pointing to items such as shower steamers and face masks displayed in the bathroom.

He said the catch became clear, however, after noticing a minibar menu tucked behind the products.

"You open up the minibar menu, and it turns out all of those things are chargeable instead of included amenities," he said.

Warren argued the elaborate setup could easily confuse guests, noting that toiletries are often complimentary at hotels.

He also said the menu was partially hidden behind the luxury items, making it less obvious that the products were for sale.

TRAVELERS MAY BE SLAPPED WITH 'RIDICULOUS' NEW FEES AS POPULAR CITY SEEKS MILLIONS PER YEAR

"This is annoying and, unfortunately, very common," New York-based travel expert Lee Abbamonte told 91�� Digital.

Abbamonte said guests should review in-room menus carefully before using any items, especially when products are displayed separately from the main minibar.

"It can be a little deceptive by hotels, but that's just kind of the way it is right now," he said.

"Deceptive practices are acceptable, and high prices are even more acceptable."

Another industry expert had a different take altogether.

"Context matters. This has nothing to do with a bar of soap, shampoo, conditioner or body wash," said Sarah Dandashy, a travel and hospitality expert based in California who runs the Ask a Concierge website.

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"Those are the industry-standard complimentary toiletries. … This hotel [is offering] luxury products that go well above and beyond what any standard hotel room provides: boutique skincare lines, bath bombs, face masks. These are elevated extras that most hotels don't stock. Guests weren't being charged for the basics. They were being given access to a luxury upgrade."

She agreed guests could be "momentarily confused" if "clear distinctions" weren't made in the signage.

She added, "Hotels are operating under enormous cost pressure right now. … The fix is clearer communication, not outrage."

Online, the video quickly drew reactions from other travelers, many of whom said they would have made the same assumption as the husband who posted his thoughts.

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One person wrote, "An unexpected $35 charge for hand soap on my bill would ensure that I never stayed there again, no matter if it was the best hotel stay of my life."

Others shared similar experiences with unexpected hotel charges.

"I stayed at a $350-a-night hotel recently that charged for the instant coffee and tea bags they left out. I’ll never go back," a different commenter said.

Others emphasized that hidden or unclear fees would chase them away forever.

"This should be illegal," a person wrote.

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Yet another commenter said, "I travel almost weekly for work and frequently for personal travel. I would have absolutely assumed the bath products were free."

A different user put it this way: "No way would I think things on a tray in the bathroom were additional charges. Very gross."

One person tried sharing practical advice.

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"Businesses will never learn. A quick one-time charge can lead to never staying there again and telling friends and family to avoid the business. A gift with the room will almost always lead to another stay and spreading the word to friends and family," the person wrote.

91�� Digital reached out to Hyatt and the American Hotel and Lodging Association, which is based in Washington, D.C., for comment.

Mark Cuban shoots down presidential bid as he teams up with Trump admin to cut healthcare costs

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:12:22 -0400

Billionaire investor Mark Cuban shot down a presidential run Wednesday while detailing his broader efforts to team up with the Trump administration to lower drug costs for all Americans.

"It's not going to happen," he said of a presidential bid on "Fox & Friends."

"My dream has not been to be president, but my dream, and truly, as an entrepreneur, I think I can have an impact and really change the economics of healthcare in this country. I think that's something that can have as big an impact as any political position."

During his live morning walk with 91��' Steve Doocy in Pittsburgh, Cuban elaborated on how he plans to use those aspirations in conjunction with TrumpRx, the Trump administration's effort to connect U.S. consumers with lower-cost drugs, to bring about positive change in the healthcare industry.

5 STEPS THE NEW TRUMP ADMINISTRATION MUST TAKE TO MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN

"We're working really close with TrumpRx," he shared.

Cuban owns the direct-to-consumer prescription platform CostPlusDrugs.com, which cuts out middlemen like pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that can contribute to higher drug costs in the marketplace.

He emphasized that the nonpartisan appreciation for cheap medications means Republicans, Democrats and independents like himself can all get on board with the joint effort to bring down costs.

"We're going to be integrating our list of medications there. We're looking to bring manufacturing from overseas for generics to Dallas, so there's so many things we're doing with the administration that I think will really accelerate [cost reduction]," he added.

Cuban said the mission is simple — to make all aspects of maintaining good health inexpensive, starting with medications and then going "across the board" to all healthcare.

Cuban also shared how his platform is revolutionizing the drug business as is, explaining that the medications' dramatically lower costs compared to market rates stem from a basic manufacturing cost, a 15% markup to keep the business running, a $5 pharmacy labor fee and a roughly $5 shipping cost.

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"You can save a lot of money, particularly if you have cancer, multiple sclerosis, [or] kidney disease," he said.

"There's a lot of really expensive drugs out there that, because we only mark it up 15%, we can save people hundreds if not thousands of dollars per month and we've really changed people's lives, and that's important to me at this time."

BBQ lovers beware: Middle East conflict might disrupt your summer plans this year

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 07:00:57 -0400

Burger lovers take warning: neighborhood cookouts could be more expensive this summer, thanks to conflict in the Middle East.

Global tensions are pushing up energy prices, resulting in higher costs for beef and the propane used to fuel backyard grills — just in time for Americans getting ready for barbecue season.

"The impact of ongoing challenges in the Middle East on energy prices impacts nearly every facet of the U.S. economy and beef-cattle are not immune," Glynn Tonsor, a professor of agricultural economics at Kansas State University, told 91�� Digital.

THE SINGLE CRUSHING PROBLEM AMERICAN CATTLE RANCHERS WISH TRUMP WOULD FIX INSTEAD

Ranchers rely on energy at nearly every step of their process, from fueling tractors in the field to using trucks to transport cattle, and those higher costs are often passed on to consumers, Tonsor explained.

Those pressures are showing up at the pump. The national average for a gallon of gas now stands at approximately $4.09, up roughly 93 cents from just one month ago, according to AAA, with costs climbing across nearly every region.

Diesel, a key fuel for freight and shipping, has climbed to $5.61, up about $2.03 over the past year, making it more expensive to move cattle and beef across the country.

The ripple effects go far beyond beef.

Propane, the fuel powering many backyard grills, is also getting more expensive as global energy markets tighten, in part, because countries in the Middle East are such major suppliers to the world.

U.S. propane prices at the Mont Belvieu hub, the industry benchmark for this type of power, have surged nearly 19% since the conflict began in late February.

BEEF PRICES ARE CLOSE TO RECORD HIGHS — BUT AMERICANS AREN’T CUTTING BACK

But higher energy costs are only part of the story.

Cattle supply remains slow to respond. Unlike oil or metals, where supply can be increased relatively quickly, cattle production takes years to ramp up after a dip.

The U.S. cattle herd is now at its smallest size in 75 years, which is keeping the supply tight following years of drought, rising costs and an aging ranching workforce resulting in producers needing to cut back.

That tight supply is already pushing prices higher — and the Iran conflict is only proliferating the issue.

According to U.S. Department of Agriculture data, the average price of beef in grocery stores climbed from about $8.70 per pound in March 2025 to $10.08 a year later — an increase of roughly 16%.

Subsequently, even if energy prices ease, beef prices likely won't be quick to follow.

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For shoppers, that means prices may remain high — or climb further — depending on whether consumers keep coughing up cash for steak and burgers or opt to switch to cheaper alternatives.

Much of that comes down to forces far beyond Americans' backyard that continue to shape the cost of firing up the grill this summer.

FIFA says NJ Transit fare hikes for World Cup will have 'chilling effect,' again rips NJ Gov Sherrill

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 17:05:46 -0400

FIFA is not fond of the NJ Transit plan for the World Cup.

The public transportation system, along with the FIFA New York New Jersey Host Committee, released their "Regional Stadium Mobility Plan" on Friday, which includes $150 train tickets and an $80 shuttle bus from New York to MetLife Stadium, limited rideshare opportunities, and Penn Station closures to non-gameday commuters.

With the plan now officially in place, FIFA World Cup COO Heimo Schirgi issued the following statement to 91�� Digital:

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"Ever since the host city agreements were signed in 2018, FIFA has worked in collaboration with the Host Committees and their partners to develop a transportation plan that provides efficient and accessible mass transit options for ticketed fans attending the eight matches at NY NJ Stadium. The goal is to minimize congestion, reduce reliance on private vehicles, and ensure the fan experience is positive and memorable, defined by the action on pitch, not delays on the roads.

"The NJ Transit current pricing model will have a chilling effect. Elevated fares inevitably push fans toward alternative transportation options. This increases concerns of congestion, late arrivals, and creates broader ripple effects that ultimately diminish the economic benefit and lasting legacy the entire region stands to gain from hosting the World Cup."

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has implored FIFA to foot the bill for those going to games, a request that Schirgi criticized.

FIFA FIRES BACK AT NEW JERSEY GOV MIKIE SHERRILL OVER DEMAND TO PAY FOR WORLD CUP TRANSIT TICKETS

"Furthermore, to arbitrarily set elevated prices and demand FIFA absorb these costs is unprecedented. No other global event, concert or major sporting promoter has faced such a demand. While FIFA is projected to generate approximately $11 billion in revenue, not profit, as the Governor incorrectly claims, FIFA has always been a not-for-profit organization as per our statutes. Revenues from the FIFA World Cup are reinvested into developing the game of football, particularly for youth and women, worldwide.

"Lastly, we applaud our host city partners across the country who embraced this opportunity to showcase their region to visitors by providing low cost and often unchanged rates for mass transit to and from match venues, FIFA Fan Festival locations, airports and other areas critical to a positive fan experience. One Host City lists a mass rail ticket for $1.25, ultimately costing ticketed fans $2.50 for roundtrip transportation to a FIFA World Cup 2026 match."

A normal train ticket from Penn Station to MetLife Stadium is $12.90, making this increase roughly a dozen times higher than what it normally is.

NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri said the prices had to be increased, given the $48 million cost to NJ Transit and to avoid regular commuters subsidizing the cost in the future.

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MetLife Stadium will host eight matches, beginning on June 13 and ending with the July 19 final.

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Long lines form at tribal gas stations as drivers chase steep discounts amid high fuel costs

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:28:20 -0400

Many drivers across the U.S. are flocking to tribal gas stations as a way to save money, amid high fuel prices during the ongoing Iran conflict.

In Washington state, one driver said she went out of her way to fill up her car's gas tank on tribal land after noticing a significant price difference.

"I purposely drove here just for the gas," traveler Junelle Lewis told The Associated Press while filling up her SUV at a station on the Tulalip Reservation.

'GAS STATION HEROIN' BANNED IN ANOTHER STATE AMID NATIONWIDE CRACKDOWNS

The Tulalip Tribes is a federally recognized Indian tribe in the mid-Puget Sound region of Washington state, according to its website.

Lewis paid about 75 cents less per gallon than nearby stations, she told AP.

Gas prices nationwide have risen by more than $1 since late February, reaching an average of about $4.15 per gallon, according to AAA, although prices have been stabilizing somewhat since then.

For some drivers, the savings at tribal stations can add up quickly.

In parts of California and New Mexico, fuel has been reported to cost 50 to 60 cents less per gallon compared to nearby locations.

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The difference often comes down to taxes.

Tribal gas stations typically do not pay state fuel taxes when selling on tribal land, allowing them to offer lower prices in many cases. Federal fuel taxes still apply, but the exemption from state taxes can create a noticeable price gap.

The U.S. has hundreds of tribally owned gas stations — many located along major travel routes, making them accessible options for drivers looking to cut costs.

Savings, however, are not guaranteed everywhere.

Some drivers say the price difference depends heavily on location and state tax rates.

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On Reddit, travelers shared a variety of experiences, with some reporting significant savings and others saying the difference was minimal.

"Filled up on [a reservation] last weekend for $3.50 while the average is around $4," one user wrote.

Some drivers said they go out of their way to take advantage of the lower prices.

"If I can save a buck every two gallons, you bet I am driving out … to refill," one user wrote.

Others noted that in areas with lower fuel taxes, the savings may be smaller or nonexistent.

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"Price isn't much, if any, better than Costco," one user commented.

Experts say consumers can benefit from comparing prices before filling up, using apps or local knowledge to find cheaper options.

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The Associated Press contributed reporting.

Didn’t file your taxes on time? Here’s what a tax expert says you should do next

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:30:06 -0400

If you missed the April 15 tax deadline, the clock is already ticking on penalties and interest — but there are still steps you can take to reduce the damage.

Experts say taxpayers should file immediately, even if they can’t pay their full bill, and pay as much as they can to avoid the steepest penalties. Those who still owe can apply for a payment plan to manage the remaining balance.

TAX DAY IS THIS WEEK: AVOID THESE 5 COMMON MISTAKES THAT CAN COST YOU MONEY

The IRS says most applicants receive immediate approval or denial when applying for a payment plan online.

"You can still file your return and at least eliminate the failure-to-file penalty, which can reach up to 25% of any tax owed, with interest compounding," said Mark Steber, chief tax officer at Jackson Hewitt Tax Services.

The IRS can impose multiple penalties, including failure-to-file, failure-to-pay and underpayment penalties, which are assessed separately and can accrue interest daily, Steber said.

He added that consulting a tax professional early can help taxpayers navigate their options and potentially reduce the total cost.

THE SIMPLE TAX HABIT THAT COULD SAVE YOU THOUSANDS OVER YOUR LIFETIME

"In many cases, the total cost — including taxes, penalties, interest and professional fees — ends up being higher than if you had sought help earlier," Steber said.

"The worst thing you can do is ignore the deadline," he added. "Many people think they’ll deal with it later, but that can lead to mounting penalties and unnecessary financial risk."

Filing as soon as possible and exploring IRS payment options can help taxpayers regain control of their situation and minimize added costs.

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Steber said taxpayers should view filing as part of a long-term financial strategy, not just a once-a-year obligation.

"Your tax return is one of your largest financial transactions each year," he said. "Giving it proper attention can pay dividends over time."

New Jersey Gov Mikie Sherrill rips FIFA after reports that NJ Transit tickets to World Cup will be over $100

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:44:14 -0400

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill spoke about reports NJ Transit tickets from MetLife Stadium to New York Penn Station will cost over $100 on World Cup game days.

In a video posted to social media, Sherrill, who took office in January, wanted to tell those attending "exactly where things stand" amid the "recent headlines about transportation costs for World Cup games in New Jersey."

"Our administration inherited an agreement where FIFA is providing $0 for transportation to the World Cup — zero. That leaves New Jersey Transit with a $48 million bill to safely get 40,000 fans to and from every game," Sherrill said in the video.

"At the same time, FIFA is making $11 billion off of this World Cup and charging fans up to $10,000 for a single ticket for the final.

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"I won't stick New Jersey's commuters with that tab for years to come — that's not fair. So here's the bottom line: FIFA should pay for the rides, but if they don't, I'm not going to let New Jersey commuters get taken for one."

MetLife Stadium will host eight matches, including the July 19 final. Penn Station will also have severe restrictions on game days, when only game attendees will be permitted to enter the NJ Transit portion of the Manhattan station.

Parking has also been banned at MetLife Stadium despite thousands of spots in the Meadowlands Sports Complex because the lots will be used for fan activation and security.

Current prices from East Rutherford to Penn Station are just under $13.

US SOCCER CAPTAIN'S BREAKUP WITH GOLFER GETS MESSY AFTER DATING PROFILE ALLEGATIONS

The Athletic also reported that there will be no price differences for seniors, children or passengers with disabilities, and a final decision on the pricing is expected in the next few days.

Last week, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority announced $80 tickets from Boston to Gillette Stadium, and the Boston Host Committee announced Tuesday that there will be $95 Yankee Line bus tickets to Foxborough.

Tailgating is banned at both Gillette Stadium and MetLife Stadium.

New Jersey lawmakers have proposed a bill that would impose "surcharges on certain transactions to support preparations for [the] hosting of special events," according to the N.J. Legislature. The bill's primary sponsor is Sen. Paul Sarlo, D-N.J.

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If passed, a 3% sales tax would be added to retail goods, food and drink and event tickets in the Meadowlands District during the dates of the World Cup, according to the bill’s text.

91��' Ashley J. DiMelia contributed to this report.

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Over a dozen state officials rally behind game-changing Trump admin rule cracking down on fraud: 'Essential'

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:23:38 -0400

FIRST ON FOX: Financial officers from 12 states are backing a proposed Department of Labor rule that targets healthcare "middlemen" by demanding more transparency, rallying behind the Trump administration’s waste, fraud, and abuse crackdown as well as the goal of lowering healthcare costs.

In a letter to the Labor Department obtained by 91�� Digital, over a dozen state financial officers in the State Financial Officers Association (SFOF) offered their support of a proposed rule being evaluated by the Labor Department targeting pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that would expose hidden fees, conflicts of interest and overcharging that drive up costs.

"Healthcare purchasers are operating in the dark, paying inflated costs because hidden pricing and middlemen obscure where every dollar goes," OJ Oleka, CEO of the State Financial Officers Foundation, told 91�� Digital. "By bringing those hidden prices into the light, companies can finally identify waste, negotiate better deals, and redirect those savings toward higher wages, more jobs, stronger benefits for workers, and increases to shareholder value."

Oleka went on to explain that on a state level, the transparency brought on by the new rule is "essential to safeguarding taxpayer resources and fulfilling fiduciary responsibilities."

LABOR DEPT DEPLOYS ‘STRIKE TEAM’ TO CALIFORNIA OVER $21B UNEMPLOYMENT DEBT, FRAUD CONCERNS

"Transparency isn’t just about accountability; it’s critical to detecting waste, preventing fraud, and ensuring that healthcare spending delivers value to the workers, businesses, and taxpayers who ultimately bear these costs."

If implemented, the rule would require full disclosure of these "middlemen" revenue streams, expand beyond pharmacy benefit managers to insurers and third-party administrators, and allow access to claims and pricing data, which SFOF says will be a key tool in combating fraud while outlining in the letter that the administration shouldn’t stop there.

"As the guardians of billions of taxpayers' hard-earned dollars, we support the Labor Department's proposed rule and hope the administration goes even further," Tina Cannon, Utah’s state auditor, told 91�� Digital.

"Enforcing price transparency is essential for us to perform our fiduciary duties effectively," she said. "Greater oversight and accountability for employer-based health plans will help prevent waste, fraud, and abuse in federal healthcare programs, such as the $463.7 million in inappropriate hospital payments my office uncovered in Utah last year. Expanding this rule would help us do our jobs, root out fraud and waste, and reduce the cost of healthcare for all Americans."

A "complex web" of hidden rebates, fees, and incentives, driven by pharmacy benefit managers, has allowed fraud to go undetected for years, according to the letter.

SENATE DOGE LEADER MOVES TO FORCE ‘RECEIPT’ FOR EVERY TAX DOLLAR AFTER MINNESOTA FRAUD SCANDAL

The push follows months of action from the Trump administration and SFOF to crack down on waste, fraud, and abuse across government. Trump recently named Vice President JD Vance the nation’s "fraud czar" to lead an anti-fraud task force, and in February the SFOF uncovered billions in taxpayer waste.

Treasurers and auditors from 12 states — including Nebraska, Louisiana, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, North Dakota, Indiana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah, Mississippi and Kansas — signed onto the effort.

More than $50 billion annually in undisclosed rebates and fees is retained by top pharmacy benefit managers, which has "prevented effective oversight," according to the letter. The letter details methods used to generate this hidden fraud.

"Healthcare overcharging in the United States erodes shareholder value by driving up costs for employers (and patients)," the letter states.

VANCE REVEALS $19B FRAUD UNCOVERED IN MINNEAPOLIS, HINTS CALIFORNIA IS NEXT TARGET

One major concern is that pharmacy benefit managers charge more for a drug than they pay at the dispensing pharmacy "to keep the difference or ‘spread’ as profit." In turn, money hidden from regulators drives price spikes.

The letter also states that pharmacy benefit managers are buying more expensive drugs from manufacturers for higher rebates without those incentives ever being disclosed.

"These arrangements are generally not made public, so plan sponsors often do not have insight into how much pharmacy benefit managers are actually paying for drugs on their formularies," according to the letter.

It adds that pharmacy benefit managers are steering patients away from cheaper pharmacy options to their own affiliated pharmacies to boost profits.

In 2023, U.S. healthcare spending reached nearly $5 trillion, about 17.6% of GDP, while employers spent roughly $1.3 trillion in 2024, with costs rising more than 5% annually, according to the letter.

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The letter builds on recent pressure from these same officials on Fortune 500 companies to more closely examine healthcare spending data, signaling a growing investor-driven push for cost transparency.

It also follows a recent SFOF report showing that financial officers prevented $28 billion in waste and abuse in 2025 alone, along with new polling indicating that Americans view fraud as a major driver of rising living costs.

Stolen IDs sold for ‘Happy Meal’ prices fuel billions in US benefit fraud

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:50:20 -0400

Buying a stolen identity can cost less than a fast-food meal, enabling criminals to use AI and internet tutorials to file fraudulent benefit claims from anywhere in the world, a former inspector general warned Congress on Wednesday.

Lawmakers are already ramping up scrutiny of fraud in major federal aid programs — including unemployment, Medicaid and food assistance — as criminals leverage AI, stolen identities and online tools to exploit systems and drain billions in taxpayer dollars.

Federal watchdogs previously estimated that more than $100 billion in pandemic-era unemployment benefits alone may have been lost to fraud, much of it tied to weak identity verification and oversight gaps.

VANCE ANTI-FRAUD TASK FORCE SUSPENDS 447 HOSPICES IN LOS ANGELES OVER MORE THAN $600M IN SUSPECTED FRAUD

"The internet has reduced barriers to fraud," said retired inspector general Bob Westbrooks during a House Oversight Committee hearing on fraud in federally funded state programs.

"Offenders can find free tutorials online, purchase stolen identities for the price of a Happy Meal, and file claims from anywhere in the world. With automation tools, they can even submit multiple claims across multiple states," added Westbrooks, who spent nearly three decades in public service focused on anti-fraud efforts.

He warned that "the prevalence of fraud discussions online normalizes this behavior and reduces the fear of getting caught and punished."

Massive fraud schemes in recent years have underscored the scope of the problem, including a $250 million "Feeding Our Future" case in Minnesota that resulted in dozens of convictions, and a roughly $100 million welfare scandal in Mississippi that led to criminal charges and high-profile prosecutions.

The issue has become so glaring that President Donald Trump appointed Vice President J.D. Vance as the new 'fraud czar' and tasked him with addressing taxpayer theft – especially in blue states where local officials refuse to cooperate with the administration.

MINNESOTA’S ANTI-FRAUD SPENDING HAS QUIETLY BALLOONED, LEAVING TAXPAYERS TO PAY FOR FAILURE TWICE

Other auditors and federal officials have pointed to systemic weaknesses in benefit programs, including payments to deceased individuals, duplicate claims filed across multiple states and limited real-time verification of eligibility.

"There’s no one-size-fits-all solution," Westbrooks said, noting the complexity of policing massive federal programs.

"To be frank, it is simply impossible or impracticable to design a 100% fraud-proof program," he added.

Still, Westbrooks emphasized that fraud should not be accepted as a cost of doing business.

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"The American public should reasonably expect that public money is not used to pay dead people, incarcerated individuals, or duplicate claims in the same state or across states, and that public funds are otherwise appropriately safeguarded," Westbrooks said.

"Officials should aggressively but responsibly adopt new technology tools in the fight against fraud."

He added that safeguarding taxpayer dollars will require "a coordinated and comprehensive, risk- and data-driven approach" to reduce losses and restore public trust.

Your favorite fast-food app is playing mind games and charging you for the privilege

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:00:03 -0400

Fast-food junkies. You didn’t suddenly get hungrier. You just got charged more.

Somewhere between tapping your phone and hearing that familiar "order complete" chime, your $8 fast-food meal quietly ballooned into $20 or more. And no, it’s not just inflation, it’s something far more calculated by the fast-food giants.

Welcome to the age of fee stacking. Yes. Just like Ticketmaster.

Let’s start with the latest and most egregious offender: the "small order fee." Sounds harmless, right? Almost reasonable. A "small" fee. If you don’t spend enough, there’s a little extra charge. No big deal.

RESTAURANTS WARN TIPPED WAGE CHANGES COULD RAISE PRICES, CUT JOBS, RESHAPE DINING EXPERIENCE

Except it is a big deal. For all hard-working Americans.

Because that "small order fee" doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It sits on top of a growing pile of charges including delivery fees, service fees, higher menu prices, taxes and tips. Before you know it, you’re paying steakhouse prices for a burger and fries.

And here’s the twist! There’s no actual minimum order anymore.

LIVE NATION EMPLOYEES CAUGHT CALLING FANS 'SO STUPID' IN SHOCKING PRICE GOUGING MESSAGES

Instead, companies have flipped the script. Rather than telling you that you must spend $12 or $15, they let you order whatever you want and then penalize you if you don’t spend enough. It’s almost like the ridiculous 3% convenience fee, which isn’t convenient at all.

It’s not a minimum. It’s a psychological nudge.

"Go ahead and order that $6 meal," the app tells you. "But if you want to avoid the fee, maybe add a milkshake or some nuggets or a drink." It’s the trick online shoppers use psychologically to get you to spend more to get the FREE shipping.

EATING OUT GETTING MORE EXPENSIVE AS AMERICANS HIT 'MENU PRICE FATIGUE' NATIONWIDE

Congratulations, you just spent $15 to "save" $3. Does that sound like a smart money move?

This isn’t random. It’s behavioral economics on steroids.

The reality is that delivery economics are tough. Drivers need to be paid. Platforms need margins. Restaurants want their cut. Small orders simply don’t generate enough revenue to make the system work.

BUFFETS MAKE OLD-SCHOOL COMEBACK AS AMERICANS HUNT FOR DINING VALUE: 'FINANCIAL GENIUS'

So instead of being upfront about it, the industry created a workaround called death by a thousand fees.

And consumers are feeling it.

What used to be a quick, convenient indulgence has turned into a financial guessing game. You don’t really know what you’re paying until the very end of checkout and by then, you’re already committed. Fast-food has taken a page out of sporting and concert tickets. You’ve picked your meal. You’ve entered your address. You’re hungry. Your emotions are running high.

So, you click "submit" anyway. Even if you know you are willingly being ripped off.

That’s not an accident. That’s design.

The delivery apps and, increasingly, the restaurants themselves have mastered the art of friction pricing. Keep the upfront number low. Add the real costs later. Make it just annoying enough to notice but not annoying enough to cancel.

It works until it doesn’t. Because we’re now entering the era of fee fatigue and tip fatigue.

Consumers are starting to push back. They’re realizing that convenience is no longer a luxury. It’s a trap. That quick fast-food run is suddenly cheaper, faster and more predictable than navigating a maze of digital charges. And when that realization hits at scale, it becomes a problem.

And here’s where it gets even more interesting.

NO TIPS, WORSE SERVICE? RESTAURANT OWNERS WARN TREND IS 'DEGRADING' DINING EXPERIENCE

These fees are technically legal. They’re disclosed somewhere in the process. But let’s be honest. If consumers don’t understand the true cost until the final screen, are we really talking about transparency?

Or just compliance? There’s a difference.

At some point, regulators may step in. We’ve already seen scrutiny around hidden fees in industries like airlines and ticketing. Food delivery could be next.

If enough consumers decide that the math doesn’t make sense, they’ll opt out. They’ll drive. They’ll pick up. They’ll cook at home. And suddenly, all those carefully engineered fees won’t matter because the customer is gone.

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Here’s the bottom line: this isn’t about fast-food. It’s about a broader shift in how companies price convenience in America.

We’re being conditioned to accept higher costs in smaller, less noticeable increments. A dollar here. Two dollars there. A "small order fee" that doesn’t feel so small when everything else is added in.

DOORDASH DATA OFFERS SNAPSHOT OF ECONOMY VOTERS ARE FEELING AHEAD OF MIDTERMS

And if you’re not paying attention, it adds up fast and, in part, why people are slowly falling behind.

So, the next time your $8 meal turns into $22, don’t just shrug it off.

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Ask yourself a simple question. Am I paying for the food or am I paying for the system?

Because in today’s economy, those are two very different things.

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Airline sparks anger as it demands extra fees from already booked passengers as oil prices spike

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:10:34 -0400

A Spanish budget airline named Volotea is sparking flight passengers' anger after reportedly asking them to pay extra charges for fuel after their tickets have already been purchased.

At first glance, the added charge — which will be $8 to $11 per passenger, per the "Simple Flying" aviation blog — does not sound high. But travelers are concerned the fee could herald higher prices for additional airlines as fuel prices continue to skyrocket.

The airline has a clause similar to clauses on some cruise lines — which allows the company to tack on charges based on the cost of oil. Volotea refers to the rule as its "Fair Travel Promise."

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"The Fair Travel Promise has been introduced for bookings made from the 16th of March 2026 onward, an exceptional and temporary measure, designed to protect travelers and ensure operational stability," Volotea, which is based in Barcelona, told 91�� Digital in a shared statement.

"Volotea will use fuel market prices, from publicly available sources, seven days before departure as a reference and, if necessary, adjust ticket prices up or down accordingly," the airline said.

Volotea stressed that the charge would be a limited and temporary adjustment to the ticket price, according to the website.

"The exact amount of any such adjustment will be communicated to passengers prior to departure, once the applicable fuel cost variation has been determined," the website also says.

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"Such adjustments will only apply to passengers who have been informed of this possibility during the booking process, allowing them to make an informed decision before completing their purchase," the website notes.

Since news broke of the company's extra charges, travelers have been reacting online.

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"Pity to see a funky airline like Volotea resort to such a gritty survival instinct. I understand the 'why' behind the fuel costs, but charging for already booked seats is a bold move that risks a lot of goodwill," one reader wrote on the blog "Simple Flying."

"A loophole in the conditions of carriage allows them to do this? Who ever reads the conditions of carriage?" a second reader added.

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A third commenter disagreed, saying, "Airlines could, of course, just cancel flights, as some apparently already have. Next thing, there'll be a shortage of seats, and guess what — prices will really rise."

The same person also wrote, "$10 seems a small price to keep flights operating as normally as possible."

The much bigger concern is that Volotea's surcharge could be a sign of things to come.

Popular travel guide The Points Guy recommended that people not wait to book flights.

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"If you're planning to fly this summer, go ahead and lock in your airfare now," The Points Guy wrote.

"As experts noted, prices could surge any day now. That's especially true if you're hoping to fly in June or July, which in recent years have been the busiest and most expensive months of the summer to travel."

Volotea added in its statement to 91�� Digital, "Passengers can find full details on Volotea’s website and are informed of the Fair Travel Promise during the booking process."

The simple tax habit that could save you thousands over your lifetime

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:20:29 -0400

It’s April 13, and if you haven’t filed your taxes yet, you’re not alone — but waiting until the last minute could be one of the most expensive financial habits you have.

The difference comes down to timing. Early filers tend to receive refunds weeks sooner and are less likely to rush into errors or miss out on credits. That extra time — and cash — can be used to pay off bills, build savings or earn returns, creating small financial gains that add up significantly over the course of a lifetime.

"I would simply say your tax return is your single largest financial transaction each year, and you'll be developing it for the next 30, 40, 50 and in some cases 60 or more years," Mark Steber, chief tax officer at Jackson Hewitt Tax Services, told 91�� Digital.

TAX DAY IS THIS WEEK: AVOID THESE 5 COMMON MISTAKES THAT CAN COST YOU MONEY

"It's probably a good idea to start to develop some best practices, one of which is not to wait to the last minute to start trying to do your tax return," he added.

Filing early won’t change how much you owe, but it can shape what you do with your money next. Getting a refund sooner gives taxpayers more time to pay down high-interest debt, build emergency savings or invest — moves that can compound over time.

AVERAGE TAX REFUND TOPS $3,700, TREASURY SAYS, TOUTING NEW TRUMP TAX BREAKS

The IRS issues more than 100 million refunds each year, totaling over $400 billion, underscoring how significant that money can be — and how much timing matters for those who receive it.

It can be even more important for those who owe money to the IRS.

"If you're gonna owe, you should have found that out several months ago, so you can start allocating money aside, and you won't run the risk of refund shock or disappointment or balance due trauma," Steber said.

Filing early can also help protect taxpayers from fraud. Once a return is submitted, it becomes much harder for identity thieves to file a fraudulent return in someone else’s name.

"You file early you get your money early, but more important than getting your refund early. You lock up your data, you lock up your personal information with the IRS and your state. That protects you from ID thieves, from refund thieves and a whole lot of other bad things that creep into the system," Steber added.

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Last-minute filers are also more likely to rush, increasing the chances of errors or missed deductions and credits — mistakes that can directly reduce a refund or increase what’s owed.

"Give some attention to your tax return each and every year. Can't really do it this year at the last hour, but some best practices will save you money, lower your stress and put more tax refund dollars in your pocket over time," Steber said.

Navy scraps Biden-era submarine contract as overhaul costs surge toward $3B

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:47:41 -0400

The Navy is canceling a long-delayed overhaul of the USS Boise after costs ballooned to nearly $3 billion, with Secretary of the Navy John Phelan saying the submarine no longer made financial or strategic sense to repair.

The Los Angeles-class attack submarine already had consumed roughly $800 million and would require another $1.9 billion to complete — despite offering only about 20% of its remaining service life, Phelan said in an interview with 91�� Digital. Instead, the Navy plans to redirect funding and skilled labor toward building and delivering newer Virginia- and Columbia-class submarines, part of a broader push to accelerate ship production and overhaul troubled acquisition programs.

"At some point, you just cut your losses and move on," Phelan said.

The Navy originally awarded a roughly $1.2 billion contract in 2024 under the Biden administration to overhaul the submarine, nearly a decade after it was first slated for repairs, but updated estimates later showed the total cost to complete the work had surged far beyond initial projections.

"The Boise has been pier-side since 2015, cost nearly $800 million already, and it's only 22% complete — the math really does not work," he added.

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The decision comes as the Navy faces mounting pressure to expand and maintain its fleet amid growing competition with China, which has built the world’s largest navy by number of ships. U.S. officials have increasingly emphasized the need to speed up shipbuilding and submarine production to keep pace with rising global demands.

Boise’s problems long predate the canceled contract.

The submarine last deployed in 2015 and was slated to begin a routine overhaul the following year, but delays at Navy shipyards left it waiting years for an available dry dock.

As maintenance was pushed back, the situation worsened. The submarine lost its full operational certification in 2016 and its ability to dive in 2017, effectively sidelining it from combat operations.

Despite being a frontline attack submarine, Boise remained tied up at port for years as the Navy struggled with a growing backlog of repairs across its fleet, driven by limited dry dock space, workforce shortages and competing maintenance priorities.

The overhaul originally was planned to begin in 2016 but was repeatedly delayed for nearly a decade before the Navy finally awarded a contract in 2024 — by which point the submarine had already spent years out of service.

US TO EXPEDITE NUCLEAR-POWERED SUBS TO AUSTRALIA THAT WILL SIT NEAR CHINA’S DOORSTEP

Even after work began, the timeline stretched further, with repairs not expected to be completed until 2029 — meaning the submarine would have spent roughly 15 years inactive by the time it returned to sea.

Over time, Boise became one of the clearest examples of the Navy’s broader maintenance and shipyard challenges, frequently cited by lawmakers and defense analysts as a case study in delays, rising costs and declining readiness.

Phelan said a key factor in the decision was freeing up scarce shipyard labor and engineering talent currently tied up in the Boise overhaul, which he said could be better used to accelerate construction of newer submarines.

"One of our big constraints in our shipyards, particularly in submarine building, is labor and engineering talent," Phelan said. "We have a lot of that dedicated to this, which we could free up and put onto the Virginia-class submarine or Columbia and try to shift the schedule left on those."

He argued the overhaul no longer made sense from a return-on-investment perspective, comparing the cost of repairing the aging submarine to building a new one.

"The Boise represents 65% of the cost of a new Virginia-class submarine, yet it only delivers 20% of the remaining service life," Phelan said, adding that equates to roughly three deployments.

The Boise, commissioned in 1992, is a Cold War-era attack submarine designed primarily for open-ocean combat, while newer Virginia-class submarines are quieter, more versatile and better suited for modern missions, including intelligence gathering, special operations and operating in contested coastal environments.

"Is it time we just simply pull the plug on that one?" Sen. Mike Rounds, R-N.D., asked during a confirmation hearing in June 2025.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle called the situation "an unacceptable story" and "like a dagger in the heart" for the submarine force.

No public criticism immediately surfaced after the decision was announced Friday.

Phelan described the program’s failure as the result of multiple factors over more than a decade, including engineering challenges, shifting priorities and strain on the Navy’s industrial base.

"I can’t point to one thing that killed it," he said. "I think it was a combination … the complexity of the engineering, COVID impacts, and pressure on the industrial base."

The cancellation is part of a broader effort by Navy leadership to reevaluate underperforming programs and change how the service approaches acquisitions, Phelan said.

"We’re reviewing every program," he said, adding the Navy is pushing for "radical transparency" and a shift away from what he described as a culture of accepting delays and rising costs.

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Phelan said the decision reflects a broader push to prioritize speed and efficiency in delivering war-fighting capability to the fleet.

"We need to be more disciplined and move out faster," he said. "The president wants things yesterday."

DoorDash data offers snapshot of economy voters are feeling ahead of midterms

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 05:00:03 -0400

A new DoorDash report tracking millions of purchases shows inflation cooling ahead of the midterms, though the cost of everyday essentials still varies widely across the country.

The findings offer a closer look at how those shifts are playing out for consumers, with affordability still shaped largely by where they live.

The State of Local Commerce report highlights evolving spending patterns as price pressures ease in key categories.

To track those changes, DoorDash analyzed affordability trends using three key measures: the Everyday Essentials Index, the Cheeseburger Index and the Breakfast Basics Index, which reflect price movements across household goods, restaurant meals and groceries.

DOORDASH ROLLS OUT EMERGENCY GAS RELIEF AS PRICES SQUEEZE DRIVERS

The analysis shows inflation easing across several categories, with some posting notable year-over-year declines. Egg prices have dropped significantly, lowering breakfast costs, while household goods prices have remained relatively stable.

"There’s really no single story across local economies," Jessica Lachs, DoorDash’s chief analytics officer, told 91�� Digital. "National averages are a useful benchmark, but economic conditions can vary significantly at the local level."

Lachs said the company designed its indexes to go beyond raw data and help illustrate what price changes mean in everyday life for consumers.

ONE LITTLE-KNOWN MEETING HELPS DECIDE WHAT AMERICANS CAN AFFORD — AND WHAT THEY CAN’T

The Everyday Essentials Index, which monitors staples like toothpaste, shampoo, toilet paper, laundry detergent, pain medicine and diapers, found that the average cost of these items has remained largely flat over the past 12 months. The most affordable city is Memphis, Tennessee, where the basket costs $51.93.

While household costs have held steady, fast-casual spending has climbed slightly higher.

DoorDash’s Cheeseburger Index, which tracks the cost of a classic meal of a burger, fries and a soda, found prices up just 3.7% over the past year, rising from $17.70 to $18.35 nationally. The index closely mirrors government data, tracking alongside the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ food-away-from-home consumer price index, which rose 3.9% in February.

But that national figure masks wide variation at the local level.

"When you look at the top 100 cities, you see some pretty stark differences in how much a cheeseburger meal can cost," Lachs said.

For example, in Lincoln, Nebraska, the meal averages $12.47, while in Anchorage, Alaska, it jumps to $26.96.

In an analysis of its Breakfast Basics Index – which tracks items like eggs, a glass of milk, a bagel and an avocado – DoorDash found that prices fell 22.3% in the past year, due in part to declining egg prices.

THE COST OF THIS GROCERY STAPLE IS NEARING RECORD HIGHS — AND AMERICANS CAN’T GET ENOUGH

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The cities with the best deals for these food items are Greensboro, North Carolina, at $2.60, Richmond, Virginia, at $2.67 and Fort Worth, Texas, at $2.81.

While national trends provide a helpful benchmark, the data shows that economic conditions still differ widely across local areas, where unique factors can influence prices in ways national averages may not capture.

Gas surge tied to Iran conflict hits swing states, testing Trump’s low-price pitch

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 11:46:21 -0400

For voters feeling the sting of rising gas prices, a trip to the gas pump is becoming a daily flash point as midterm elections loom.

President Donald Trump touted low gas prices during his February State of the Union address, saying they had fallen "below $2.30 a gallon in most states and in some places, $1.99."

Now, an escalating conflict with Iran is sending prices sharply higher — particularly in battleground states like Virginia, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Ohio. That surge is undercutting a central economic message that helped power Trump’s return to office and could reshape the political landscape as fuel costs rise in key states.

"I used to put $30 worth of gas in my car for the week — now it’s $45," said Zafar, an Uber driver who typically fills up in Virginia, where gas prices are more than $1 higher than a year ago.

WHERE GAS PRICES ARE RISING THE FASTEST AS TRUMP’S IRAN DEADLINE LOOMS

"I have no choice — I have to support my family," he said, adding that he can't afford to cut back on driving despite rising gas prices.

Just weeks ago, the outlook looked very different.

The national average has climbed to $4.16 per gallon, up about 91 cents from a year ago, according to AAA, with prices rising across nearly every region.

West Coast drivers are seeing the highest costs, with prices reaching $5.93 per gallon in California and $5.39 in Washington. Meanwhile, on the East Coast, gas prices have surpassed $4 in several areas, including $4.29 in Washington, D.C., and $4.18 in Pennsylvania.

Meanwhile, in the Midwest, Illinois stands out at $4.36 per gallon, while much of the region remains in the mid-$3 range. While Southern states remain comparatively cheaper, prices are climbing there as well, with Georgia at $3.73, Texas and Alabama at $3.84, and Florida higher at $4.18.

Oklahoma and Kansas have the lowest gas prices in the nation, at $3.34 and $3.39, respectively.

Beyond gasoline, other fuel costs are rising even faster. Diesel has climbed to $5.66, up about $1.15 over the past month. As a key fuel for freight, shipping and public transportation, it is especially sensitive to supply disruptions — and its rising cost can quickly ripple through the broader economy, pushing up prices on everything from groceries to goods.

DEMS WHO RAN ON AFFORDABILITY NOW FACE BACKLASH AS COSTS CLIMB IN NY, VIRGINIA

That kind of pocketbook pressure is exactly what Democrats have been eager to exploit. Last fall, Democrats leaned heavily on affordability themes in state and local elections, and it paid off.

In places like Virginia, New York and New Jersey, where voters have been squeezed by high housing costs and utility bills, Democratic candidates seized on Trump’s early economic moves, including his trade policy, to argue that the Republican agenda was worsening the affordability crisis rather than easing it.

That same playbook is now reemerging on a national scale, as rising fuel costs tied to the Iran war give Democrats a fresh opening to hammer Republicans on kitchen-table costs.

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Campaigns are leaning in, tying higher fuel costs to Republican policies in ads, speeches and appearances across key battleground states.

In central Pennsylvania, Janelle Stelson, a Democrat challenging Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., campaigned Monday at a Mobil gas station where prices were $4.24 for regular unleaded and more than $6 for diesel. She argued Perry, a Trump ally, bears some responsibility for worsening the cost-of-living crisis, according to The Washington Post.

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In Iowa, the left-leaning veterans group VoteVets is running a new $825,000 ad campaign backing state Rep. Joshua Turek’s Senate bid that highlights rising gas prices.

The message is also playing out in Michigan, where Abdul El-Sayed, a liberal Democrat in a competitive Senate primary, is airing ads focused on rising gas prices. "You know why gas is so expensive? Donald Trump’s $200 billion war with Iran," he says in one ad.

With prices rising, the cost of gas is quickly becoming a central political battleground — and a potential liability for Trump and his allies in the months leading up to the midterms.

Popular cruise line selling tree house suite for jaw-dropping price: 'Rather buy a house'

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:58:46 -0400

Vacationers can soon merge land and sea with a startling new tree house suite on the Royal Caribbean — as long as they cough up six figures. Online debate is already robust about the offering.

The Hero of the Seas vessel is rolling out the "Ultimate Family Treehouse" suite, which has a private whirlpool, game room and rooftop terrace.

The triple-deck suite can sleep up to 12 guests with four full bathrooms, according to the Royal Caribbean website.

CRUISE LINE JACKS UP MANDATORY GRATUITIES FOR TRAVELERS AS 9 IN 10 AMERICANS BLAST TIPPING

The tree house can cost families over $200,000 for a week’s stay, according to the Royal Caribbean blog.

In the "r/royalcaribbean" forum on Reddit, one user shared a post about "tree house suite pricing" — sparking lots of discussion.

"Shocking to me," said one user in response. "I feel like people with this kind of money would charter a yacht instead of doing this."

Another person wrote, "Clearly, this isn’t meant for 99.99% of cruisers."

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Another user said, "I’m wondering how often it will sit empty [and] what their break-even is for providing the elevated services/cleaning time, etc., vs. just letting it sit empty for a sailing."

A different Redditor added, "I am sure it will still be booked. Absolutely bananas, though. There's more and more of the travel industry taking aim at fat wallets. Everything is pay to play now."

Said another person, "Good on you if you can afford this. But I’d like to travel the world [for] that price."

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One person chimed in with this comment: "I would rather buy an actual house."

"That pricing feels correct, and honestly, if I could afford it, I would potentially book this over a yacht, especially with family of all ages," said another person. "I could also potentially see it as worthwhile for a bucket list trip. … Doesn't matter because I can't, but someone out there can, and good for them."

This year, 21.7 million Americans are expected to go on an ocean cruise, according to AAA.

Stewart Chiron, a Miami-based cruise industry expert known as "The Cruise Guy," told 91�� Digital that cruising continues to gain in popularity.

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"Cruise lines are constantly desiring to push the limits of ship designs to increase interest in cruising and wanting to come up with new features," he said. "Constant tweaking of cabin and suite designs is always being considered."

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He added, "Royal Caribbean's upcoming three-story tree house will be talked about for years to come. What will they think of next?"

Newsom's California rail project now expected to cost $126B, official admits, with still no tracks laid

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 08:52:21 -0400

California's delayed, over-budget high-speed train from Los Angeles to San Francisco is running fast in only one direction: Rising costs to even get rolling, which are now estimated to be $126 billion.

"Today, we estimate with the right optimization just over $125 billion," California High Speed Rail Authority board member Anthony Williams told CBS's "60 Minutes" on Sunday. "I think $126 billion is the current estimate for that."

That is nearly four times the $33 billion price tag presented to voters in 2008, making the long-delayed project a black eye for Democratic-run California, derided as the latest political example of "waste" in deep-blue America and a "train to nowhere."

"We’re now in 2026: There are no trains; there’s no track laid; it was a complete bait and switch," Rep. Vince Fong, R-Calif., told "60 Minutes," saying the project "needs to stop."

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"The California high-speed rail nightmare is the probably quintessential example of government waste and mismanagement."

California’s long-troubled high-speed rail project is facing renewed scrutiny after state Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin acknowledged that many of its critics have a point.

"There were mistakes made," Omishakin told CBS. "Some of the criticisms on this project, I think, are very fair."

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"I don't think the voters fully understood, and neither did we in the public sector, what it was going to take to actually get this project delivered," Omishakin added.

Taking aim at California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, President Donald Trump called California's project "the worst cost overrun, I've ever seen," a statement he has in the past reserved for Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome Powell's Federal Reserve Building in Washington, D.C.

"This administration is working to usher in a Golden Age of Transportation," Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told CBS in a statement. "That vision includes high speed rail and we're exploring opportunities to efficiently build that infrastructure in America.

NEWSOM’S FAILED LEADERSHIP HAS LET CALIFORNIA BECOME A LAND OF FRAUD AND SCAMS

"What this administration won't stand for is boondoggle projects like Newsom's Train to Nowhere that wasted billions in taxpayer dollars yet delivered nothing to the American people," Duffy said. "Under President Trump, America is building again. We defunded Newsom's disaster and created the first Trump Infrastructure Dividend. Those dollars will now actually fund critical projects that enhance safety on rail networks across America."

Newsom himself cast doubt on the full San Francisco-to-Los Angeles plan in 2019, and the project now faces a funding gap of roughly $90 billion.

"For $10 billion, Elon Musk put 300 rockets in orbit; for $11 billion, the state of California has built 1,600 feet of elevated rail with no rail," Palantir CTO Shyam Sankar said in 2024.

State officials say they remain confident more money can be found to dump into the project, but for now California’s high-speed rail stands as a costly symbol of ambition, delay and deep public skepticism.

'THE DAILY SHOW' ROASTS GAVIN NEWSOM ON HOMELESSNESS, HIGH-SPEED RAIL IN SATIRICAL 'LEADING MAN' VIDEO

"The ultimate 494 miles of building this out without the federal government's help will be challenging: There's no doubt about that," Omishakin said.

Nearly two decades since the start of the project, no track has been laid, and the only major visible progress is on a Central Valley segment between Bakersfield and Merced, according to the report.

The project’s earliest projected opening is now 2033, far later than originally promised. Critics, including Bakersfield's Fong, a member of the House Transportation Committee, want the project completely "stopped."

CALIFORNIA IS BROKE, BUT IT’S NOT TOO LATE FOR THE REST OF US

"The business plan that was put out in 2008 was very theoretical," Fong said. "You know, 'This is what we think is gonna happen.'

"And it became very clear that they didn't have the specifics worked out."

Fong has sought oversight and accountability on the waste, including 597 change orders that have cost more than $2.3 billion alone as of November 2025, which is nearly 7% of the initial $33 billion project estimate.

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"Taxpayers deserve full transparency and accountability," Fong wrote in a statement in February. "The high-speed rail nightmare is a glaring example of structural mismanagement.

"Reckless, repeated contract amendments have squandered resources and precious tax dollars. Hardworking California taxpayers cannot afford to let this continue. This project should be canceled before even more money and time are wasted."

Latest Costs News | 91����

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