The Headlines The Business Strategy That Could Drive Up Your Grocery Bill, and Trump’s $12 Billion Bailout
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Dec 9, 2025 
Ben Casselman, the Times' chief economics correspondent, dives into the controversial world of dynamic pricing on platforms like Instacart, revealing how the same grocery items can have varying prices for different consumers. He raises concerns about transparency and consumer trust. Adam Rasgon reports from Gaza, discussing Hamas's strong grip on the region and its ongoing governance challenges. Together, they explore economic strategies and geopolitical dynamics that are shaping current events.
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Same Item, Different Prices On Instacart
- Volunteers on a coordinated video call all added the same Safeway eggs on Instacart and saw wildly different prices for the exact same item.
- Consumer Reports and Groundwork Collective found similar discrepancies for items at Target and other stores across the country.
Dynamic Pricing Moves Into Groceries
- Dynamic pricing algorithms are spreading from airlines and ride-hailing into everyday retail and groceries.
- Ben Casselman warns these opaque methods make it harder for consumers to know if they're getting a fair price.
Opacity Makes Price Differences Harmful
- Traditional price differences (coupons, happy hours) are transparent and predictable.
- New algorithmic tests are often opaque, risking consumers unknowingly paying more based on habits or location.