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Weekly News Quiz

Did you hear about a new sunscreen and store discounts for seniors?


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AARP (Getty Images, 2)

This quiz was created with generative AI. It was reviewed by editors before publication.

Question 1 of 9

The ongoing surge in inflation has been driven largely by a spike in energy prices resulting from the war in Iran, which began Feb. 28. According to recent inflation data, how much did consumer prices climb year over year in May?

Consumer prices climbed 4.2 percent year over year in May, their fastest pace in three years. Gas prices, in particular, rose 40.5 percent in May from a year ago, following a 28.4 percent spike in April. The high cost of living continues to rank as Americans’ top financial problem facing their families.

Question 2 of 9

Add this to the list of things that are now noticeably more expensive: Airline baggage fees have hit record highs. How much did U.S. airlines bring in from passenger baggage fees in 2025?

Data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics show U.S. airlines brought in more than $7.4 billion in passenger baggage fees in 2025 — that’s a 162 percent increase over five years. Baggage fees increase a trip’s overall cost, and cost is the most common roadblock to travel for those 50 and older, according to the 2026 AARP Travel Trends report.

Question 3 of 9

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first new sunscreen active ingredient for U.S. products in more than 20 years, a move dermatologists say could give adults age 50-plus more options for protecting skin that has already been exposed to decades of sun. What is the name of the first new sunscreen active ingredient approved for U.S. products in more than two decades?

The ingredient, called bemotrizinol, protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are linked to wrinkles, dark spots and other signs of skin aging, while UVB rays cause sunburn, according to the American Cancer Society. Both can contribute to skin cancer risk.

Question 4 of 9

AARP recently did the math to provide a broad sense of how far benefits go to cover basic expenses in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, using Social Security Administration payment information and cost-of-living data from the Elder Index. In 2025, in which state did Social Security benefits go the furthest for retirees?

In Indiana, the average monthly benefit of $2,034 amounted to 87.2 percent of basic expenses in 2025. (Where do benefits stretch the least? Washington, D.C., at 58.9 percent.)

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Question 5 of 9

Which scam victims may still be able to deduct their losses in many cases under a long-standing exception?

The federal One Big Beautiful Bill, passed in July 2025, maintained a longtime exception for people who have lost money in Ponzi-style investment schemes. In many cases, this subset of investment scam victims can still deduct their losses. But victims of other types of scams will have to wait for congressional action to experience similar relief.

Question 6 of 9

Keeping your home cool when the mercury rises often means higher electric bills — and things could get worse as residential electricity prices rise amid a growing number of energy-heavy data centers powering AI. The average electric bill covering June through September is projected to rise to what amount this year?

The average electric bill covering June through September is projected to rise 8.5 percent this year, reaching $778, according to a forecast from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, an organization that helps states secure federal funds to help low-income people pay their utility bills.

Question 7 of 9

The arrival of warmer weather means sunny days, longer walks, outdoor adventures and road trips with your four-legged friends. But spending more time outside also puts pets at higher risk of exposure to several health hazards. Which pets are especially at risk of heatstroke because they have restricted airways?

The risk of heatstroke is higher in flat-faced dog breeds, such as pugs, boxers and bulldogs, because they have restricted airways. If you suspect your pet has heatstroke, seek immediate veterinary care.

Question 8 of 9

As AI tools become more widely available, more people are turning to them for quick health answers. What share of adults turn to AI for health information and advice, according to a recent poll?

The poll from the health policy nonprofit KFF found that about a third (32 percent) of adults turn to AI for health information and advice. Studies suggest that in their current form, AI chatbots can fall short in meaningful ways — especially when it comes to health.

Question 9 of 9

Store discounts for older shoppers can be a boon for your budget — and some surprising retailers offer them. Which retailer offers shoppers 60 or older a 15 percent discount on in-store purchases every Wednesday?

On Wednesdays, shoppers 60 or older can snag a 15 percent discount on in-store purchases. Percentage-off coupons can’t be combined with the offer.

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