iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Michael Hudson

Guardian US @us.theguardian.com · 20/08/2026

“Ratio utility billing system” fees – known within the apartment industry as “Rubs” – are an emerging problem nationwide, charged on top of rent and rarely given prices in apartment listings or leases. Co-published with the @economichardship.bsky.social:

theguardian.com

‘It kept adding up’: how add-on utility fees can lead to eviction for tenants

Tenants can be evicted for not paying utilities even if they have paid rent – tenants and their allies are fighting back

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

George Joseph @georgejoseph94.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

NEW @us.theguardian.com investigation into allegations that Amazon pushed smaller companies into raising prices: “They’d say, ‘You need to go to Target. You need to go talk to Walmart to get them to raise their price.’” www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...

theguardian.com

‘We were at their mercy’: inside the Amazon tactics that hiked prices across the internet

Internal emails revealed in court and interviews with ex-employees describe how Amazon’s practices drove up prices for competitors like Walmart and Target. Amazon denies price-fixing claims and says i...

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

Tracie McMillan @tmmcmillan.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Renters at apartment buildings operated by industry giant Greystar complain they’re deluged by ‘unfair’ and ‘inflated’ fees. The company denies these claims. We found 125 different fees in US listings, from pet fees for DNA testing of dog poop to "variable refrigerant flow."

theguardian.com

‘Extremely overwhelmed’: apartment renters face rising tide of fees

Guardian investigation: Renters at apartment buildings operated by industry giant Greystar complain they’re deluged by ‘unfair’ and ‘inflated’ fees. The company denies these claims

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

Michael Hudson @michaelwhudson.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

‘Extremely overwhelmed’: apartment renters face rising tide of fees Guardian investigation: Renters at apartment buildings operated by industry giant Greystar complain they’re deluged by ‘unfair’ and ‘inflated’ fees. The company denies these claims. www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...

theguardian.com

‘Extremely overwhelmed’: apartment renters face rising tide of fees

Guardian investigation: Renters at apartment buildings operated by industry giant Greystar complain they’re deluged by ‘unfair’ and ‘inflated’ fees. The company denies these claims

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

Guardian US @us.theguardian.com · 24/06/2026

Guardian investigation: Renters at apartment buildings operated by industry giant Greystar complain they’re deluged by ‘unfair’ and ‘inflated’ fees. The company denies these claims

theguardian.com

‘Extremely overwhelmed’: apartment renters face rising tide of fees

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

Barry Yeoman @barryyeoman.com · 24/06/2026

The 1 million U.S. households who live in Greystar apartments don’t just pay rent. They pay “boiler management fees,” “variable refrigerant flow fees,” “solar rebill” fees, “lifestyle fees,” and even fees for genetically testing dog poop. @tmmcmillan.bsky.social investigates. @theguardian.com

theguardian.com

‘Extremely overwhelmed’: apartment renters face rising tide of fees

Guardian investigation: Renters at apartment buildings operated by industry giant Greystar complain they’re deluged by ‘unfair’ and ‘inflated’ fees. The company denies these claims

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Michael Hudson @michaelwhudson.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

theguardian.com

‘Extremely overwhelmed’: apartment renters face rising tide of fees

Guardian investigation: Renters at apartment buildings operated by industry giant Greystar complain they’re deluged by ‘unfair’ and ‘inflated’ fees. The company denies these claims

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

Guardian US @us.theguardian.com · 16/04/2026

Investigation of Family Dollar and Dollar General prompts lawmakers to double penalties for retailers that repeatedly charge more at checkout than prices listed on shelves

theguardian.com

Utah passes new law to combat overcharges at dollar stores after Guardian investigation

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

Barry Yeoman @barryyeoman.com · 16/04/2026

My stories rarely spark immediate tangible reforms. So it was gratifying when our investigation of the dollar-store industry, published by @theguardian.com, led the Utah legislature to pass a new law cracking down on chronic overchargers. With @jocelynzuck.bsky.social, @michaelwhudson.bsky.social.

theguardian.com

Utah passes new law to combat overcharges at dollar stores after Guardian investigation

Investigation of Family Dollar and Dollar General prompts lawmakers to double penalties for retailers that repeatedly charge more at checkout than prices listed on shelves

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

Barry Yeoman @barryyeoman.com · 26/03/2026

.@sabew.bsky.social's judges: "These stories...go deep into a topic that impacts thousands of people and bring out details that could make a difference to the lives and households of people who have little power to protect themselves." Here's the story, edited by @michaelwhudson.bsky.social. (2/2)

theguardian.com

How the dollar-store industry overcharges cash-strapped customers while promising low prices

A Guardian investigation reveals Dollar General and Family Dollar stores often fail to honor their shelf prices – charging more at checkout for everything from frying pans to Frosted Flakes

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

Estelle Tang @estelletang.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

Chronic pain remakes you - it can make you a smaller, more fearful version of yourself. At the same time, it can also make you more present and connected and grateful. I spoke to Darcey Steinke, whose book details her encounter with that very strange beast www.theguardian.com/wellness/202...

theguardian.com

‘I could barely think because it was so bad’: why Darcey Steinke wrote a book about pain

Darcey Steinke wanted to write a book that wasn’t just about trying to get over pain. Her memoir, This Is the Door, explores how chronic pain changes us

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

tjbarb.bsky.social @tjbarb.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

I’m sorry you have to deal with that. Only once I did when I had an autoimmune disease. Gratefully an Rx for 2 years cured it. I can barely imagine having to deal with that pain indefinitely. I hope you can find some answers or ways to manage it.

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

Sandy F @sandyf2000.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

I’m in the same boat when it comes to pain. I have arthritis and I have to have both shoulder joints replaced. I used to do needlework but my hands hurt so bad that I can no longer do that. Many days I just hurt so bad. My main comfort is my kitty. I’m sorry you are suffering.

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

Jay Beeman @waywardfelines.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

One of the things my chronic pain journey has taken from me is the ability to sit and read like I used to. Nonetheless, Steinke is one of my fave authors, I loved Suicide Blonde. Anyways, I gotta get this book to read soon. www.theguardian.com/wellness/202...

theguardian.com

‘I could barely think because it was so bad’: how pain changes us

After living with chronic pain, Darcey Steinke wanted to know how it affected others. Her memoir, This Is the Door, explores both isolation and freedom

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Michael Hudson @michaelwhudson.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

From January 2020 to December 2025, data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis shows, the average price of beef steaks soared from $7.65 a pound to $12.51 a pound – an increase of just over 63%, while the general rate of inflation rose roughly 25% over that period. 2/

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Michael Hudson @michaelwhudson.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

From @thefern.org and the Guardian: ‘Big Four’ meatpackers under fire as beef prices soar McDonald’s and other food industry players accuse the big beef packers of collusion and price-gouging. The packers deny these allegations. www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i... 1/

theguardian.com

‘Big Four’ meatpackers under fire as beef prices soar

McDonald’s and other food industry players accuse the big beef packers of collusion and price-gouging. The packers deny these allegations

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Michael Hudson @michaelwhudson.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

"a growing number of small investors may be at risk in the months and the years to come – thanks to a push by the financial industry, federal lawmakers and the Trump administration to loosen protections for small investors."

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Michael Hudson @michaelwhudson.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

ICYMI: great reporting by @susanantilla.bsky.social, one of the best financial reporters in the business

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

Guardian US @us.theguardian.com · 17/02/2026

Trump says everyday Americans deserve a chance to buy higher-risk ‘alternative’ investments. Critics say this could lead to big losses for small investors

theguardian.com

‘I feel like I’m in a financial prison’: Trump Wall Street plan puts ‘mom and pop’ investors at risk, advocates say

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

Michelle R. Smith @bymichellersmith.com · 06/02/2026

RFK Jr said during his Senate confirmation hearings that his trip to Samoa in 2019 ahead of a devastating measles outbreak had “nothing to do with vaccines." Documents obtained by @us.theguardian.com and @apnews.com undermine that testimony. Details here, by me and @aliswenson.bsky.social ⬇️

theguardian.com

Newly revealed emails undermine RFK Jr testimony about 2019 Samoa trip ahead of measles outbreak

Kennedy later said the purpose of his trip had nothing to do with vaccines. US embassy and UN staff at the time said otherwise, emails show

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

Prof Gavin Yamey MD MPH @gavinyamey.bsky.social · 08/02/2026

In 2023 @enirenberg.bsky.social & I wrote about RFK Jr's role in the deadly measles outbreak in Samoa (time.com/6289037/robe...) Turns out, Samoa was a trial run for the horrific, deadly anti-vaxx activism he's now inflicting worlwide 😔 Thx to @bymichellersmith.com & colleagues for their reporting

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Michael Hudson @michaelwhudson.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

The documents have prompted concerns from at least one US senator that RFK lied to Congress over the visit. Samoan officials later said his trip bolstered the credibility of anti-vaccine activists ahead of the measles outbreak that sickened 1000s and killed 83 people, mostly children under age five.

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Michael Hudson @michaelwhudson.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

The Guardian and the AP: Newly revealed emails undermine RFK Jr testimony about 2019 Samoa trip ahead of measles outbreak Kennedy later said the purpose of his trip had nothing to do with vaccines. US embassy and UN staff at the time said otherwise, emails show www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...

theguardian.com

Newly revealed emails undermine RFK Jr testimony about 2019 Samoa trip ahead of measles outbreak

Kennedy later said the purpose of his trip had nothing to do with vaccines. US embassy and UN staff at the time said otherwise, emails show

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

Dylan Tusinski @dylantus.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

Video shows ICE leaving behind an infant and broken glass after arresting a man with no criminal history. “There was a car seat in the back... There were broken glass shards all over it... There was just this tiny peanut of a baby. He was crying.” My latest: www.pressherald.com/2026/01/28/i...

pressherald.com

ICE agents shatter window, leave 1-month-old baby, mother in car after Portland arrest

Video shows federal immigration agents leaving behind an infant and broken glass after detaining a Guinean immigrant with no known criminal history.

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

brittnymejia.bsky.social @brittnymejia.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

Five of the six cases were charged as assault on a federal officer. One of the cases was charged as theft of government property, after a man towed an ICE vehicle during an immigration arrest.

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

brittnymejia.bsky.social @brittnymejia.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

Federal prosecutors have lost yet another immigration protest related trial in the Central District of California. This is the sixth trial that’s ended in an acquittal. By my count, they have yet to secure a guilty verdict from a jury. Feds had charged Isaias Lopez w/ assault on a federal officer.

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

Bill Grueskin @bgrueskin.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

Tuesday morning: New CBS boss promises “huge emphasis on scoops.” Tuesday evening: CBS Evening News anchor interviews his mom. www.yahoo.com/entertainmen...

yahoo.com

‘CBS Evening News’: Tony Dokoupil Under Fire for Interviewing His Own Mom

Viewers accuse CBS News of 'dumbing down.'

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

Kyle Clark @kylec.bsky.social · 25/01/2026

Journalists, please remember that repeating obviously false statements is not balance or fairness. It is actively participating in deception.

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

Bill Grueskin @bgrueskin.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

The headline writers at The Guardian are having quite a night.

White House accuses reporter of lying for accurately reporting that Trump called Greenland 'Iceland'

US court allows ICE to arrest and pepper-spray peaceful protesters in Minnesota

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

Ben Klaus @looserooster.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

It feels especially good to pay them because it’s optional! Since they don’t have a paywall.

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

Rebecca McQ @rebeccamcq.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

The Guardian has become the US paper of record. I really need to start paying them.

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

Don Moynihan @donmoyn.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

One court decision, two different headlines. Guardian on the left, NY Times on the right. Which one more directly conveys information and the stakes to the reader?

US court allows ICE to arrest and pepper-spray peaceful protestors in Minnesota

Appeals Court Stays Restrictions on Federal Tactics in Minnesota
The Eighth Circuit granted the Trump administration’s request to block, at least for now, a lower court’s injunction limiting how federal agents interact with protesters in the state.

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

Ron Filipkowski @ronfilipkowski.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

Why did CBS delete this promo and cancel this from airing in full?

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

Clint Combs @combs0294.bsky.social · 20/12/2025

"I've arrested dozens upon dozens of human traffickers, human smugglers, child molesters, you name it. I've never dragged a suspect one-handed across a street," Eric Balliet told @wcconews.bsky.social

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

Michael Hudson @michaelwhudson.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

Guardian dollar-store investigation sparks Congressional inquiry Lawmakers demand answers on overcharges/price disparities at Dollar General and Family Dollar -- questioning questioning ‘how seriously’ the two national chains prioritize ethics and affordability www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025... /1

theguardian.com

Congress members demand answers on price disparities at dollar-store chains

A letter from 30 lawmakers criticizes recurring overcharges at Dollar General and Family Dollar stores – questioning ‘how seriously’ the companies prioritize ethics and affordability

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Reposted by Michael Hudson

Barry Yeoman @barryyeoman.com · 20/12/2025

MY LATEST: Dollar General will pay at least $15 million to settle claims that it overcharged shoppers at many of its 20,000 stores. Earlier, @jocelynzuck.bsky.social and I reported that the chain failed 4,300+ price-accuracy inspections over four years. @theguardian.com @michaelwhudson.bsky.social

theguardian.com

Dollar General agrees to pay $15m to settle price-gouging claims

Company settles allegations it failed to honor shelf prices in multiple states, and customers anywhere in US may be eligible for repayments

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Michael Hudson @michaelwhudson.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

For more of the Guardian's reporting on the high cost of living, see the home page of our series, The price we pay: www.theguardian.com/us-news/seri... More stories to come in the coming weeks and months.

theguardian.com

The price we pay | The Guardian

<p>A series investigating the higher costs Americans pay for almost everything and why</p>

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Michael Hudson @michaelwhudson.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

“Corporations cannot be allowed to screw over consumers without accountability,” said Public Citizen's Joshua Miller. “. . . The last thing people need is to be walking into stores that are advertised as being affordable only for them to get the switcheroo.” /10

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Michael Hudson @michaelwhudson.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

The demand for info from the dollar-store chains comes amid what lawmakers describe as an American affordability crisis driven by stagnant household incomes and rising consumer prices, including a surge in grocery costs. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025... /9

theguardian.com

Congress members demand answers on price disparities at dollar-store chains

A letter from 30 lawmakers criticizes recurring overcharges at Dollar General and Family Dollar stores – questioning ‘how seriously’ the companies prioritize ethics and affordability

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Michael Hudson @michaelwhudson.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

Family Dollar told the Guardian “we take customer trust seriously and are committed to ensuring pricing accuracy across our stores”. Dollar General said it was “committed to providing customers with accurate prices on items purchased in our stores”. /8

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Michael Hudson @michaelwhudson.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

The lawmakers' letter says "the scale of documented violations seems to be the result of systemic failure within your corporate operations, leading to customers overpaying for their groceries, potentially w/o knowing, at a time in our history when they can least afford it.” /7

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