AFFORDABLE FUTURE. FEDERAL REGULATORS ARE TRYING TO STOP A SUPERMARKET MERGER THAT COULD IMPACT THE ENTIRE INDUSTRY. THE HEARING STARTED TODAY IN FEDERAL COURT IN OREGON INVOLVING ALBERTSONS. THE OPERATOR OF SHAW'S ALBERTSONS WANTS TO MERGE WITH STORE. THE STORE KROGER. AND WHAT WOULD BE THE BIGGEST SUPERMARKET MERGER IN THE HISTORY OF THE U.S. THE COMPANIES SAY THE MOVE WILL HELP THEM COMPETE AGAINST RIVALS LIKE COSTCO AND WALMART. BUT THE FTC, THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION, ARGUES IT WOULD ELIMINATE COMPETITION AND RAISE GROCERY PRICES.