News in August 2017

There's growing competition among banks and credit card companies to sign up new customers, and they're rolling out one incentive after another.As a re...

A class action lawsuit, filed in Connecticut, seeks damages from Nestle Waters, claiming its Poland Spring bottled water doesn't actually come from springs...

Renowned business philosopher Jim Rohn once said, “You’re the average of the five people you spend most of your time with.” So where does that leave kids,...

In order to protect the health of an unborn baby, it’s crucial to stop bad habits like smoking and drinking. Now, new research suggests mothers-to-be shoul...

A few days ago, we reported that Americans are still not buckling up when they sit in the back seat. Now, a lawsuit blames the National Highway Traffic Saf...

Consumers who have high levels of insulin resistance are characterized by their body’s inability to properly process glucose, a sign that doctors often see...

Economists tell us that inflation is low and has been for sometime. Officially, that's true.When you look at the things that go into the Consumer Price...

Business professionals and consumers alike have long used Google’s suite of productivity apps to collaboratively work on projects with others. Now, the com...

An analysis of internet rules by the outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas concludes that rolling back Net Neutrality rules would not just hurt co...

Does your partner spend too much money of your hard-earned money, or are they maybe too tight-fisted? A new study shows that regardless of whether they are...

BRIO of Sweden is recalling about 1,700 BRIO soft hammer rattles sold in the U.S. and Canada.The wooden rings on the hammer rattles can crack, posing a...

Photo (c) tashatuvango - FotoliaThe Conference Board's Leading Economic Index (LEI), seen by economists as a forecaster for the performance of the na...

Missa Bay of Swedesboro, N.J., is recalling approximately 1,719 pounds of Chicken Caesar Salads.The product contains wheat, an allergen not declared on...

An Environmental Protection Agency spokesman says that the agency is now “very concerned” about dicamba, an agricultural chemical that regulators had previ...

If there's any remaining doubt that the student loan burden is growing, a report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau should put it to rest. The C...

In past decades, it wasn’t completely uncommon for consumers to be struck by lightning. Nearly 330 people died each year from this tragic, natural phenomen...

Mention speeding and you may think of a BMW blasting down the freeway at 80, but the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) notes that the speeding-re...

If you’ve received spam phone calls congratulating you for winning a free cruise, then you may have an unexpected and lucrative payday coming your way....

Environmental health researchers at George Washington University (GW) are cautioning young women to be aware of the chemical make-up of the beauty products...

Growing up, just about everyone learns that you shouldn’t do something wrong just because you can get away with it. Unfortunately, that lesson may not have...

Many children have a hard time transitioning from one activity to another, but transitions are often much more difficult for children with autism. Parents...

For the first time since 2012, lenders are making fewer subprime loans, according to a new report from TransUnion, one of the three credit reporting agenci...

Traffic deaths have leveled off in the first half of 2017, but the National Safety Council says they are still running 8% higher than the same period two y...

Air travel isn't what it used to be. For one, it's a lot safer. For another, it can be a lot more annoying.The folks at Brandpoint surveyed a group of...

Online aggregator Spokeo has lost the latest round in a long-running legal dispute. The case involves Thomas Robins, a Virginia resident who sued Spokeo in...

A decline in construction of single-family homes and multi-unit buildings sent overall housing starts lower in July.The Commerce Department reports gro...

Another increase in mortgage applications -- the second in as many weeks.The Mortgage Bankers Association reports its Weekly Mortgage Applications Surv...

Dan Post Boot Company of Clarksville, Tenn., is recalling 7,200 pair of safety boots and shoes.The boots and shoes can fail to protect feet when heavy...

Do you prefer Pepsi or Coke? Be careful, because your answer may have important implications for your relationship with your significant other.In a rec...

Choosing a place to retire is a highly personal decision, and it involves a lot of factors.For example, you might prefer a warmer climate, a certain si...

Travel can be tricky for families with children on the autism spectrum. Sensory, safety, and dietary restrictions can limit destination possibilities, but...

Consumers are constantly being reminded to only download apps to their devices that have been thoroughly vetted and published on reputable marketplaces. Ho...

For kids, summer is a time for schedule-free fun and leisure. But as summer vacation draws to a close, it’s time for everyone in the family to start prepar...

A survey by investment firm Charles Schwab concludes there is one simple thing that separates people who are saving for retirement from those who are not....

The disruption that has occurred in the entertainment industry in the last weekend shows no signs of slowing down. Consumers stand to gain.Last week, D...

The Center for Auto Safety has named a new executive director. Jason K. Levine succeeds the late Clarence M. Ditlow III, who headed the organization for de...

Mazda North America Operations is recalling 79,402 model year 2012 CX-7, CX-9 and Mazda6 vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, Calif...

A completely new scam is usually as rare as a solar eclipse. Once they find a scheme that works, scammers usually stick with it.However, scammers const...

After falling in July to its lowest level since last November, builder confidence in the market for newly-built single-family homes is on the rise again....

It's now two increases in a row for retail sales.The Commerce Department reports sales in July, adjusted for seasonal variation and holiday and trading...

For those who have their doubts about the U.S.’ supposed opioid epidemic, a recent study shows just how extensive the problem truly is.Researchers from...

Virginia consumers who get their health insurance through the Obamacare marketplace will now only have one option in some counties.More than 200,000 Vi...

When it comes to keeping your pet healthy, preventative care can go a long way. But some pet health emergencies crop up unexpectedly, giving pet parents li...

With so many hoops to jump through during the process of selling your home, mistakes are bound to be made. But mistakes can be valuable if you learn from t...

By now you probably know about the total solar eclipse on August 21 and the crush of people expected to travel to the 70 mile wide strip crossing the U.S....

A report by Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, shows U.S. consumers are spending more for travel insurance. The authors suggest there's a sim...

Will your next Jeep be a Chinese product? Jeep has an all-American image -- although it is now produced by FCA, a lash-up of all-Italian Fiat and the forme...

Popular grocery retailer ALDI is continuing to expand its operations. Back in June, the company tripled down on a previous investment by promising to devot...

An Oregon TV station reports Amazon has cautioned it against using some of the eclipse-viewing devices it purchased from the site.According to an email...

Automation is great, but it has its downsides. For example, some safety experts worry that highly automated cockpits are robbing airline pilots of the flyi...

Kenosha Beef International of Kenosha, Wis., is recalling approximately 3,960 pounds of beef patties.The products may contain milk, in the form of ched...

North Carolina's Outer Banks are a favorite beach destination for consumers in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.Made up of some 125 miles of barrier...

In the modern era, diseases and health conditions usually become more rare as new drugs and treatments emerge.But there are exceptions. Autism is one....

Your child’s health is in your hands when they’re under your roof, but the torch gets passed when they head off to school. For this reason, it’s crucial to...

Back in the last millennium, Congress tried to increase competition in the telephone industry and passed a gigantic bill that, a few decades later, has cre...

A federal class action lawsuit charges that Walgreens unlawfully conspired with pharmacy benefit managers to gouge customers for generic drugs.The case...

Pet ownership can get expensive, especially if your beloved companion suddenly comes down with an illness. The costs associated with providing proper v...

Many people who use popular messaging services like Facebook Messenger, What’sApp and Viber take for granted that their conversations are private because t...

In healthcare, conventional wisdom holds that seeking treatment for a non-emergency condition in a hospital emergency room is both expensive and highly ine...

Many homeowners pride themselves in their do-it-yourself capabilities, but when an electrical issue arises, most will call in an electrician.A new repo...

Retirees who are trying to make ends meet may be tempted to sign up with a company that promises to turn pension payments into lump-sum cash.Instead of...

Inflation on the consumer level as measured by the Department of Labor's (DOL) Consumer Price Index (CPI) inched up a seasonally adjusted 0.1% in July as t...

You may notice fewer Applebee’s and IHOP restaurants in your travels over the coming year. DineEquity Inc., parent company of both chains, announced on Thu...

Housing affordability dipped in the second quarter as rising home prices offset a quarter-point drop in mortgage interest rates, according to the National...

General Motors is recalling 29,647 model year 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks.The owner's manual may be missing instructions o...

Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A., of Foothill Ranch, Calif., is recalling about 15,000 all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).The fuel tap can leak, posing a fire haz...

In recent years, cable and TV providers have slowly lost subscribers as consumers have cut cords and turned to online streaming services like Netflix. Face...

The Labor Department has served notice that it intends to delay full implementation of the Fiduciary Rule until July 2019.The government revealed the d...

Home sales have slowed in recent months, but not because of a lack of buyers. The problem has been a lack of sellers.In a new report, real estate marke...

Your child’s eyes are a primary vessel for new information. With fuzzy vision, kids may struggle to see the chalkboard, computer, or other reading material...

An online marketing operation has been charged by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of conducting a negative option scam that allegedly fleeced consumers...

There is apparently a dire shortage of video in the world today, but don't worry -- big companies are rushing to fill the imagined void with, you guessed i...

Amidst all the political back-and-forth about drug prices, there's general agreement on one thing: generic drugs can save money. But until recently, the Fo...

A report by card comparison site CreditCards.com has found the average credit card carries six potential fees, which can make a consumer's purchase a littl...

Taking your pooch to a dog-friendly beach can be a great way to beat the summer heat and enjoy a little quality time with your furry sidekick. But seaside...

Antibiotic resistance has quickly become one of the leading medical problems that scientists are trying to tackle. After all, bacteria that are resistant t...

More consumers are traveling thanks to an improving economy, and many are taking advantage of credit card and travel industry loyalty programs that reward...

The cost of the things we buy edged lower on the wholesale level.What the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) calls the Pro...

Polaris Industries of Medina, Minn., is recalling about 2,800 Polaris Scrambler all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).The throttle release switch can fail, posin...

The Comfy Cow is recalling pints of Banana Puddin Y’all, Chocolate Squared2, Cookies and Cream, Cow Trax, Double Fold Vanilla, Georgia Butter Pecan, Intens...

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling 3,002 model year 2017 Jeep Renegades.Due to a software issue, multiple malfunction indicator lamps may illuminate on...

Taylor Farms Retail of Salinas, Calif., is recalling 293 cases of Taylor Farms Creamy Homestyle Coleslaw Kits.The kit's dressing packet contains milk,...

Most technologically savvy consumers know how important it is to have a strong password, but are our current passwords good enough?According to the man...

The total eclipse of the sun, on August 21, is shaping up as big business, especially for the travel industry.While the manufacturers of certified glas...

Nissan is the latest car company to reach a class action settlement regarding defective Takata airbags.A plaintiffs group has filed a settlement agreem...

While the upcoming solar eclipse promises to be an awe-inspiring spectacle for people of all ages, many parents are looking forward to seeing their childre...

While some automakers are moving heavily into electric engine technology, Mazda continues to tinker with the old fashioned internal combustion engine. It s...

Government imposter scams have been around in one form or another for as long as anyone can remember, but the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says that one...

Retirement planning is a hot button issue, with survey after survey showing that more people worry they won't be able to do it.A constant refrain from...

Mortgage applications have bounced back following their first decline in three weeks, rising 3.0% in the week ending August 4, according to the Mortgage Ba...

You might not want to, but sometimes it’s necessary to leave your pet at home. While most cats are perfectly content to spend a few hours in solitude, dogs...

Nissan North America is recalling 44,264 model year 2016-2017 Nissan Titan Crew Cab and Titan XD Crew Cab vehicles.In the event of a crash, the rear se...

Freshtex Produce of Alamo, Texas, is recalling Valery brand Maradol Papayas grown and packed by Carica de Campeche.The product may be contaminated with...

Good Food Concepts of Colorado Springs, Colo., is recalling approximately 1,290 pounds of raw intact and non-intact beef.The products may be contaminat...

For some time, it looked likely that a measure would be passed that would ban the use of forced arbitration agreements in long-term care facilities, which...

A drug therapy that won approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is now available to patie...

A House Financial Services subcommittee has released a staff report that recommends the full House find Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Directo...

Although newer diesel vehicles have been found to be cleaner than regular gas-powered vehicles, there are many studies which demonstrate how harmful their...

When a pet goes missing, the first thing many pet parents do is post about it on social media. But reporting missing pets on Facebook and other social netw...

Different companies have different policies when it comes to sick days and family leave. Some are more generous than others.While debate continues in W...

Whether you’re looking to meet someone who shares your political views or hates the same things you hate, there’s likely a dating app out there to help you...

Two environmental groups have sued the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), charging the agency with allowing hair products with "unsafe levels of formaldeh...

There was a sizable increase in the number of job openings in June.Figures released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics show there were 6.163 million vac...

Hahn Brothers of Westminster, Md., is recalling approximately 115,773 pounds of ready-to-eat ham.The product contains malted barley, an allergen not de...

Nissan North America is recalling 14,192 model year 2016-2018 Infiniti Q50s and model year 2017 Infiniti Q60s equipped with a 2.0L engine.Incorrect Fue...

Agroson’s of Bronx, N.Y., is recalling 2,483 boxes of Cavi brand Maradol Papaya, grown and packed by Carica de Campeche.The product may be contaminated...

The stock market closed at a string of record highs last week, boosted by strong earnings reports and optimism about the economy.The Dow Jones Industri...

Kango, a rideshare and childcare service named “Best Uber for Kids" in 2017 by San Francisco magazine, is joining forces with Chrysler in a partnership tha...

Doctors have long recommended that patients cut down on sugar to lose weight and become healthier. But a recent review conducted by osteopathic physicians...

Lawmakers and regulators have made it abundantly clear how important it is for consumers to wear their seat belts, but a recent survey shows that the messa...

The statistics suggest a large number of students enter college with no idea about what they will do when they get out.As a result, they end up choosin...

Ford Motor Company is recalling 94,605 model year 2014 Ford F-150s and E-350s, model year 2014-2015 Ford Escapes, and model year 2015 Lincoln MKCs.Impr...

You might think that checking in on your Facebook profile is just something to do to pass the time, but two new studies from Michigan State University show...

Toyota and Mazda announced that they will work together on certain automotive ventures that will include jointly building vehicles in the United States. It...

A bullish housing market suddenly hit the brakes last month as Fannie Mae's housing sentiment index dropped sharply from June.The percentage of consume...

Sometimes travel isn't to a single destination. Increasingly, travelers are hitting the road to explore America and are taking their accommodations with th...

Some Democratic members of the U.S. Senate have introduced a bill that would cover more consumers under Medicare.In addition to covering every American...

Facebook has already taken steps in its fight against so-called “fake news.” Back in May, the company downgraded links from sites that feature malicious ad...

Chances are, your child is never far from their phone. But excessive screen time may not be the only potential risk of allowing kids to stay close to their...

For some time, experts have looked to the brain for answers on how to get a good night’s sleep and recover from sleep deprivation. But a recent study shows...

In an effort to keep your family healthy, you try your best to keep a clean home. But in order to stave off symptoms such as sniffling, sneezing, and itchy...

Today's college students can look forward to healthy job prospects when they are ready to enter the job market, according to a new study by CareerBuilder.c...

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has charged a health insurance telemarketer with making over 21 million illegally spoofed robocalls.Officia...

General Motors is recalling 690,685 model year 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles.The vehicles may have a temporary loss of ele...

Some entertainers are so well-known they only go by their first name. Think Beyonce, Cher, or Madonna.Dunkin' Donuts is reportedly considering joining...

Since 2010, banks cannot automatically enroll customers in "overdraft protection." Bank customers now have to specifically "opt-in" for this kind of covera...

The nation's job-creation machinery got cranking in July.The Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports there were 209,000 new nonfarm...

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling 110 model year 2017 smart fortwo and smart fortwo Cabriolet vehicles.Casting imperfections may result in the fai...

Amrita Health Foods is recalling a limited number of protein bars that be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.No confirmed illnesses have been rep...

The Democratic members of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs have signed a letter asking the committee chairman to schedule a heari...

A new study conducted by the Cashlorette.com finds nearly half of Americans in serious relationships butt heads with their partner over finances.For 60...

Summer evenings and backyard gatherings go hand-in-hand, and having an inviting outdoor area can help make entertaining family and friends al fresco even m...

It’s common practice for banks to screen potential customers’ past banking history before enabling them to open a checking account, but one financial insti...

Airline crashes, once almost commonplace, are now pretty rare. Better training, better equipment, and enhanced safety protocols have saved countless lives...

Back in June, Google announced that it was going to be taking a tougher stance on terrorist and extremist content on platforms like YouTube.Among the c...

Gasoline prices have risen in the last four weeks, pushed higher by a rise in oil prices and a larger than expected drop in gasoline stockpiles.The AAA...

Panelcraft of Dearborn, Mich., is recalling about 2,000 children’s magnetic building sets.The building sets corner welds can break, allowing the panels...

One of the biggest challenges to buying a first home is coming up with the down payment. Garden State Home Loans, a mortgage lender, says it has an answer...

Although the rate of growth was slower, the services, or non-manufacturing sector expanded in July for the 91st straight mo...

The shortage of homes for sale suggests more homeowners are staying put. But while they might not be moving, they are spending money on making improvements...

Employers in the U.S. announced plans to eliminate 28,307 jobs in July -- the lowest monthly total since last November, according to outplacement consultan...

JBS USA of Lenoir, N.C., is recalling approximately 4,922 pounds of ground beef that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically shredded p...

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling 5,061 model year 2016 smart fortwo vehicles.The lock nut that secures the parking brake cable to the parking bra...

Consumers who rushed to buy an Amazon Echo in 2015 or 2016 may be at risk of having their conversations and commands recorded.According to a report fro...

"Air rage" is a recently-coined term for people on airliners who go a little crazy, cause a disturbance, and sometimes pose a threat to other passengers an...

Following up on its promise to create 100,000 U.S.-based jobs by mid-2018, Amazon will today be attempting to hire 50,000 workers in some of its largest op...

Summer vacations with the family can yield plenty of warm memories, but logging air miles with little ones can be stressful. Asking small children to s...

Despite previous studies to the contrary, there are still many pregnant women who choose not to get their flu shot for fear of harming their unborn child....

When you answer the phone, you sometimes know the person on the other end of the line is a scammer in the first few seconds of conversation.But if you'...

A nationwide survey of 2,800 teen drivers conducted by Liberty Mutual Insurance and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) finds that teens become r...

Perhaps nothing underscores the divide between consumers and businesses than feelings about the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a consumer wat...

Sales of solar energy equipment have increased in recent years, so it's not that surprising that consumer complaints related to these sales have also risen...

Another 178,000 private sector jobs were created in July, according to the ADP National Employment Report.While that's a decline of 13,000 from the Jun...

Mortgage applications are lower after posting gains in the two previous weeks.The latest survey by the Mortgage Bankers Association shows applications...

Once again, home prices across the U.S. were on the rise in June.Property information provider CoreLogic reports its Home Price Index (HPI) shows price...

Amazon has temporarily suspended the sale of phones made by Blu from its site after learning of a “potential security issue” involving alleged spyware....

The House of Representatives has approved a measure that essentially repeals a consumer's right to sue a financial services firm. As the measure heads to t...

Americans are smoking fewer cigarettes and health researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine and Moores Cancer Center think e...

As another summer vacation draws to a close, parents must tackle a range of to-dos, from buying school supplies to making sure kids are up-to-date on shots...

From decluttering your home to having it professionally staged, there are a number of ways to potentially decrease the amount of time it spends on the mark...

One possible reason U.S. gasoline demand has nearly flatlined in recent months is the increasing number of electric and hybrid vehicles on the road.Des...

It goes without saying that exercise is good for our health, but findings from the University of Auckland show that those who pick up this healthy habit at...

Congress appears to be speeding toward streamlining the process of putting self-driving cars on the road.The House Energy & Commerce Committee has give...

For years, Baby Boomers have been the controlling demographic in American politics, but a new study shows that torch is being passed.According to new f...

It's now eleven straight months of growth for the manufacturing sector of the economy.According to the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), the July...

Spending by consumers in June rose while their incomes dipped slightly.Figures released by the Commerce Department show personal incomes during the mon...

The string is broken. After declining for three straight months, pending home sales rose in June, with all geographic regions but the Midwest contributi...

BMW of North America is recalling 2,158 model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, and 550i vehicles equipped with the Sport Seat...