The Inquiry

Independent reporting in the public interest

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Finance

Lending fees under the microscope: what borrowers don't see

A review of fee disclosures at consumer lending firms finds wide variation in how costs are presented to borrowers.

August 4, 2026
Law

Billing practices in legal services: the fine print clients rarely read

Lawyers' invoices can be hard to parse. A look at how hourly work is documented and what clients are told.

August 7, 2026
Finance

Late fees: the quiet revenue line

Penalty charges are a growing line item for consumer lenders. We examine how they are disclosed — and when they are not.

August 11, 2026

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