Current Events in May 2016

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    Hy-Vee recalls six trail mix products

    The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

    Hy-Vee, Inc., of West Des Moines, Iowa, is recalling six trail mix products across its eight-state region.

    The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

    No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with these products.

    The following products are being recalled:

    • Hy-Vee Caramel Cashew Honey Crunch Trail Mix — sold in 24 oz. bags with the UPC number 75450040586 and with a “best by” date of April 5, 2017
    • Hy-Vee Dark Chocolate Cranberry Trail Mix — sold in 24 oz. bags with the UPC number 75450041354 and with a “best by” date of April 14, 2017
    • Hy-Vee Mountain Trail Mix — sold in 26 oz. bags with the UPC number 75450016796 and with a “best by” date of April 5, 2017, and April 15, 2017
    • Hy-Vee Mountain Trail Mix To Go — sold in 1.75 oz. bags with the UPC number 75450040739 and with a “best by” date of March 23, 2017
    • Hy-Vee Berry Trail Mix — sold in 7 oz. bags with the UPC number 75450040593 and with a “best by” date of March 19, 2017
    • Hy-Vee Santa Fe Trail Mix — sold in 6.5 oz. bags with the UPC number 75450041101 and with a “best by” date of March 31, 2017

    What to do

    Customers who purchased the recalled products should discard or return them to their local Hy-Vee store for a full refund.

    Consumers with questions may contact Hy-Vee customer care representatives 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-772-4098.

    Hy-Vee, Inc., of West Des Moines, Iowa, is recalling six trail mix products across its eight-state region. The products may be contaminated with Li...

    Dodge Journeys recalled

    The power steering return hose may rupture at engine start-up in cold weather

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling 10,944 model year 2009-2016 Dodge Journeys manufactured July 31, 2007, to November 12, 2016.

    After exposure to cold temperatures, the power steering return hose may rupture at engine start-up causing a loss of power steering assist.

    A loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

    What to do

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler, free of charge. The recall began on May 24, 2016.

    Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S08.

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling 10,944 model year 2009-2016 Dodge Journeys manufactured July 31, 2007, to November 12, 2016. After exposure to c...

    E-cigarettes blamed for blowing up in smokers' faces

    Serious injuries occurred in some cases; one man lost an eye

    Traditional cigarettes are really bad for you, but at least they don't blow up in your face, as e-cigarettes have been doing lately. In one of the most recent cases, an Albany, N.Y., man said his e-cig blew up and knocked him to the ground.

    “Like a M80 bomb went off in my mouth,” Kenneth Barbaro said. “When I hit the button, I saw a huge yellow light. The next thing I know, I’m on the floor and my arms are paralyzed.”

    Barbaro was hospitalized with burns to his hands, knocked-out teeth, and a splt tongue, he said in a televised report.

    “When it blows up in your face, you’re not having a good time,” he said in a televised news report.

    More serious

    In an even more serious case, an e-cig exploded on April 15, tearing through a man's eye, smashing two cheekbones, and starting a fire. Joseph Cavins, now blind in one eye, has filed a lawsuit against vaping retailers and distributors, Courthouse News Service reported.

    He said he was working at his computer when his vaping device exploded, hitting him in the eye, then hitting the ceiling, and finally landing on top of the computer, where it started a fire.

    Cavins, a public school counselor, underwent seven hours of surgery. Doctors removed his left eye and performed surgery to fix broken bones in his face and to repair his sinus cavity.

    The problem, according to Cavins' lawsuit, is that the batteries in vaping devices have "an inherent risk of fire and explosion," exacerbated by what it says is the cheap construction and poor design of many of the devices. 

    If the temperature inside the lithium-ion battery builds up high enough, it can cause an explosion that propels the battery "like a bullet or rocket," Cavins' suit says. 

    Several similar cases have been reported in recent months. 

    Traditional cigarettes are really bad for you, but at least they don't blow up in your face, as e-cigarettes have been doing lately. In one of the most rec...

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      Portion control: is it the key to weight loss?

      California researchers say this simple concept seems to work

      Amid all the fad diets and weight control programs, there is one very simple way to lose weight: eat less.

      Easier said than done, however. Over the years, the portion sizes consumers expect – and get – have gotten significantly larger. That might be fine for a portion of steamed broccoli, less fine for a portion of meatloaf.

      When you look on a food nutrition label, it will tell you how many servings the product contains. But once on a plate, chances are the serving will look pretty small to some consumers who are accustomed to larger portions. Sticking to the serving size, however, could make it easier to lose or maintain weight.

      Prepackaged portions

      New research published in the scientific journal Obesity has confirmed what diet product companies have long known – when you package food in small, controllable portions, it is easier to lose weight.

      “Participants who were prescribed twice-daily prepackaged meals lost about 8% of their initial weight, compared to participants in the control group – who could select their own diets – who only lost about 6%,” said lead researcher Cheryl Rock, of the University of California San Diego School of Medicine.

      The real key, she says, is removing the guesswork involved in planning and preparing low-calorie meals.

      It all sounds simple enough, but Martin Binks, a spokesperson for The Obesity Society, says it may be hard for someone who is overweight or obese to put it into practice. He notes that it is important to reduce the body's energy intake for weight loss, but a body accustomed to large amounts of energy will crave it when it's denied. Still, he notes this strategy is a step toward reducing obesity.

      Encouraging trend

      According to research published in Food Technologists magazine, consumers may be slowly moving away from giant-sized portions. Among the trends uncovered by the research, there was a conscious shift to smaller portion sizes reported by one-third of the consumers in the survey.

      Many restaurants, however, still serve up huge portions – more than a human being should eat in a day, in some cases. The reason is competition. Restaurants know consumers can choose to dine out anywhere. They conclude that their chances are better of attracting consumers if they provide a generous spread – and in many cases, they are correct.

      Food products that come in prepackaged portions are an easy way to both control portion size and keep track of calories. The downside is these meals often contain large amounts of sodium. A steady diet might expose you to excessive amounts of salt.

      The National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers a number of tips for controlling portions when cooking from scratch, including using smaller plates and cups and sticking to suggested serving sizes. If you're still hungry, eat more vegetables but skip dessert.

      Amid all the fad diets and weight control programs, there is one very simple way to lose weight: eat less.Easier said than done, however. Over the year...

      Wells Fargo launches new loan program for first time homebuyers

      Aims to help low-to-moderate income consumers become homebuyers

      Today, Wells Fargo launched yourFirstMortgage: a new home loan program that will offer first-time home buyers a down payment of as little as 3% for fixed-rate mortgages.

      The program also offers lower out-of-pocket costs, expanded credit criteria, and incentives for homebuyer education to help first-time homebuyers (and others) enter the realm of sustainable homeownership.

      TheStreet reports that Wells Fargo (WFC) shares are up 0.21% to $50.61 following Thursday’s launch of the new home loan program.

      Breaking down barriers

      Other loans offer low down payment options, but Wells Fargo says their program is different. Barriers related to complex criteria often prevent qualified borrowers from moving forward with the loan process, but yourFirst Mortgage aims to make things easy.

      “We wanted to provide access to credit and simplify the experience while maintaining responsible lending practices,” said Brad Blackwell, executive vice president of Wells Fargo Home Lending in a statement.

      Blackwell explains that teaming up with credit experts such as Fannie Mae and Self-Help is enabling Wells Fargo to provide homebuyers with a loan option that is as affordable as it is easy to understand.

      Expanding sustainable homeownership

      In addition to lower down payments and out-of-pocket costs, the yourFirst Mortgage program will encourage buyers to make informed decisions.

      Prospective homebuyers who have a down payment of less than 10% can earn a ⅛-percent interest rate reduction after they complete a homebuyer education course.  

      In addition, the loan program will expand credit history to include nontraditional sources like tuition, rent, or utility bill payments. The income of others in the household will also be considered.

      “For people of modest means, homeownership is the most effective path to building wealth and stability,” said Martin Eakes, Self-Help CEO and co-founder. “We are eager to partner with Wells Fargo and Fannie Mae to spur more homeownership opportunities for deserving borrowers.”

      Today, Wells Fargo launched yourFirstMortgage: a new home loan program that will offer first-time home buyers a down payment of as little as 3% for fixed-r...

      Pending home sales hit 10-year high

      April's increase is the third in a row

      Pending home sales advanced in April for the third time in as many months and are now at their highest level since February 2006.

      The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports its Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI), which is based on contract signings, jumped 5.1% last month and is 4.6% higher than it was in April 2015. The PHSI has now increased year-over-year for 20 consecutive months.

      "The ability to sign a contract on a home is slightly exceeding expectations this spring even with the affordability stresses and inventory squeezes affecting buyers in a number of markets," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. "The building momentum from the over 14 million jobs created since 2010 and the prospect of facing higher rents and mortgage rates down the road appear to be bringing more interested buyers into the market."

      Regarding mortgage rates, which have been below 4% in 16 of the past 17 months, Yun says it remains to be seen how long they will stay this low. For now, he foresees rates continuing to hover around 4% in coming months, but inflation could potentially surprise the market and cause rates to increase suddenly.

      Even if rates rise soon, added Yun, “sales have legs for further expansion this summer if housing supply increases enough to give buyers an adequate number of affordable choices during their search."

      Regional breakdown

      Gains in the South and West helped fuel the advance.

      • The PHSI in the West soared 11.4% in April to 106.2, and is now 2.8% above a year ago.
      • Pending home sales in the South jumped 6.8% to an index of 133.9 and is up 5.1% from April 2015.
      • The index in the Northeast climbed 1.2% to 98.2, and is now up 10.1% year-over-year.
      • In the Midwest the index dipped 0.6% to 112.9, but is still 2.0% higher than it was at the same time last year.

      Jobless claims

      From the government this morning, we have word of another sizable decline in the number of people filing first-time applications for state unemployment benefits.

      The Department of Labor (DOL) reports initial jobless claims fell by 10,000 from the previous week's unrevised level to a seasonally 268,000 in the week ending May 21. This marks 64 consecutive weeks of initial claims below 300,000, the longest streak since 1973.

      The four-week moving average, which lacks the weekly tally's volatility and is seen as a more accurate gauge of the labor market, was up 2,750 to 278,500.

      The full report is available on the DOL website.

      Pending home sales advanced in April for the third time in as many months and are now at their highest level since Febr...

      House prices up for 19th consecutive quarter

      The year-over-year gain was more than 5%

      Prices for houses across the U.S. were up during the first three months of the year, marking the 19th consecutive quarterly increase.

      According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) House Price Index (HPI), prices rose 1.3% in the first quarter of 2016 and were up 5.7% from the period a year earlier.

      The HPI is calculated using home sales price information from mortgages sold to, or guaranteed by, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

      "While the overall appreciation rate was robust in the first quarter, home price appreciation was somewhat less widespread than in recent quarters," said FHFA Supervisory Economist Andrew Leventis. "Twelve states and the District of Columbia saw price declines in the quarter -- the most areas to see price depreciation since the fourth quarter of 2013. Although most declines were modest, such declines are notable given the pervasive and extraordinary appreciation we have been observing for many years."

      Report highlights

      • Home prices rose in every state between the first quarter of 2015 and the first quarter of 2016. The top five states in annual appreciation were Oregon (11.8%), Florida (11.2%), Washington (10.9%), Nevada (9.4%), and Colorado (9.0%).
      • Among the 100 most populated metropolitan areas in the U.S., annual price increases were greatest in the West Palm Beach-Boca Raton-Delray Beach, Fla., where prices increased by 16.7%. Prices were weakest in El Paso, Texas, where they fell 2.8%.
      • Of the nine census divisions, the Pacific division experienced the strongest increase in the first quarter, posting a 1.9% quarterly increase and an 8.1% increase since the first quarter of last year. House price appreciation was weakest in the Middle Atlantic division, where prices rose 0.6% from the last quarter.

      The complete report is available on the FHFA website.

      Prices for houses across the U.S. were up during the first three months of the year, marking the 19th consecutive quarterly increase.According to the F...

      Papa John’s recalls ready-to-eat salad with chicken products

      The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

      Papa John’s Salads and Produce of Tolleson, Ariz., is recalling approximately 373 pounds of ready-to-eat salad with chicken products.

      The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

      There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions.

      The following item, produced from May 10 – 17, 2016, is being recalled:

      • 7.5-oz. plastic packages of “Signature Café Citrus Kale Salad with Chicken – Dress with Lemon, Salt and Pepper” with “Use By” dates of May 17 through May 24, 2016. The packages will have the following UPC code of 2113008148.

      The recalled products bear establishment number “P-40280” inside the USDA mark of inspection, and were shipped to retail locations in Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota and Wyoming.

      What to do

      Customers who purchased the recalled products should not consume them, but thrown them away or return them to the place of purchase.

      Consumers with questions regarding the recall may contact Brandy Rousselle at (480) 894-6885 ext. 125.

      Papa John’s Salads and Produce of Tolleson, Ariz., is recalling approximately 373 pounds of ready-to-eat salad with chicken products. The products ...

      TreeHouse Foods expands recall of foods containing sunflower kernels

      The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

      TreeHouse Foods is expanding its earlier recall of products containing sunflower kernels following word that it's supplier has expanded its recall of sunflower kernels.

      The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

      The following products, distributed nationwide through retail stores, have been added to the recall:

      DescriptionUPCBest by Date
      Southern Grove Adventure Trail Mix0414982001903/28/2017
      Southern Grove Chopped Walnuts0414981315003/22/2017
      Southern Grove Cranberry & Nut Trail Mix0414981609823/24/2017
      Southern Grove Cranberry & Nut Trail Mix0414981609824/15/2017
      Southern Grove Mountain Trail Mix0414981484474/4/2017
      Southern Grove Mountain Trail Mix0414981484474/26/2017
      Southern Grove Nuts, Seeds & Raisins Trail Mix0414981778293/23/2017
      Southern Grove Nuts, Seeds & Raisins Trail Mix0414981778294/13/2017
      Southern Grove Oven Roasted Almonds with Sea Salt0414981322483/16/2017
      Southern Grove PB & Pretzel Trail Mix0414982110043/28/2017
      Southern Grove PB & Pretzel Trail Mix0414982110044/5/2017
      Southern Grove Roasted & Salted Sunflower Kernels0414982066803/2/2017
      Southern Grove Roasted & Salted Sunflower Kernels0414982066803/15/2017
      Southern Grove Roasted & Salted Sunflower Kernels0414982066803/28/2017
      Southern Grove Roasted & Salted Sunflower Kernels0414982066804/29/2017
      Southern Grove Roasted & Salted Sunflower Kernels0414982066804/29/2017
      Southern Grove Roasted & Unsalted Sunflower Kernels0414982067654/28/2016
      Southern Grove Roasted & Unsalted Sunflower Kernels0414982067653/1/2017
      Southern Grove Roasted & Unsalted Sunflower Kernels0414982067653/14/2017
      Southern Grove Roasted & Unsalted Sunflower Kernels0414982067653/28/2017
      Southern Grove Sliced Almonds0414981216863/21/2017
      Southern Grove Sunny Cranberry Trail Mix0414982020573/28/2017
      Southern Grove Tuscan Trail Mix0414982053794/28/2017
      Southern Grove Unwind Trail Mix0414982001833/28/2017
      Amport Foods Cranberry Nut Trail Mix0717257061333/18/2017
      Amport Foods Cranberry Nut Trail Mix0717257061334/14/2017
      Amport Foods Sunflower Seeds Roasted07172524141211/26/2016
      Amport Foods Sunflower Seeds Roasted07172524150412/2/2016
      Amport Foods Sunflower Seeds Roasted07172524150412/25/2016
      Amport Foods Sunflower Seeds Roasted07172524150412/11/2016
      Amport Foods Sunflower Seeds Roasted & Salted07172524135112/3/2016
      Amport Foods Sunflower Seeds Roasted & Salted07172524135112/26/2016
      Amport Foods Sunflower Seeds Roasted & Salted07172524135112/12/2016
      Amport Foods Sunflower Seeds Roasted & Salted07172574801012/26/2016
      Amport Foods Sunflower Seeds Roasted & Salted07172574801012/31/2016
      Amport Foods Sunflower Seeds Roasted & Salted0717257480101/14/2017
      Amport Foods Sunflower Seeds Roasted & Salted0717252414051/7/2017
      Amport Foods Trail Mix Raisin & Nut0717257410424/4/2017
      Amport Foods Chocolatey Nut Trail Mix0717257131241/8/2017
      Amport Foods Dark Chocolate Almond0717257123871/7/2017
      Amport Foods Dark Chocolate Cranberry Trail Mix0717257118541/2/2017
      Amport Foods Milk Chocolate Peanuts0717257119391/7/2017
      Amport Foods Raisin & Nut Trail Mix0717257146881/14/2017
      Amport Foods Sunflower Seeds Roasted & Unsalted07172574800312/3/2016
      Amport Foods Sunflower Seeds Roasted & Unsalted0717257480031/6/2017
      Amport Foods Yogurt Almonds0717257480341/8/2017
      Fresh Finds Dried Tropical Mix4110149379073/17/2017
      Gold Emblem Roasted & Salted Sunflower Kernels0504283532401/14/2017
      Naturally Select Chocolate & Nut Trail Mix6392774314173/23/2017
      Naturally Select Fruit & Nut Trail Mix6392774314553/15/2017
      Naturally Select Indulgent Trail Mix6392771875673/24/2017
      Salted Sunflower Seeds in Shell distributed by Greenbrier International, Inc.6392772862082/25/2017
      Salted Sunflower Seeds in Shell distributed by Greenbrier International6392772862082/28/2017
      Salted Sunflower Seeds in Shell distributed by Greenbrier International6392772862083/17/2017
      Salted Sunflower Seeds in Shell distributed by Greenbrier International6392772862083/21/2017
      Salted Sunflower Seeds in Shell distributed by Greenbrier International6392772862084/13/2017
      Family Gourmet Tropical Mix0322510465063/16/2017
      Clover Valley Chocolatey Peanut Butter Trail Mix0717257501673/25/2017
      Hy-Vee Berry Trail Mix0754500405933/19/2017
      Hy-Vee Dark Chocolate Cranberry Trail Mix0754500413544/14/2017
      Hy-Vee Mountain Mix Trail Mix0754500167964/5/2017
      Hy-Vee Mountain Mix Trail Mix0754500167964/15/2017
      Hy-Vee Mountain Trail Mix0754500407393/23/2017
      Hy-Vee Santa Fe Trail Mix0754500411013/31/2017
      Hy-Vee Caramel Cashew Honey Crunch Trail Mix0754500405864/5/2017
      K&G; Cranberry Trail Mix70861511048912/3/2016
      Smart Sense Roasted Salted Sunflower Kernels8839673000133/16/2017
      American Importing Company, Inc. Roasted No Salt Seeds0717257480031/6/2017
      Delish Blueberry Nut Blend Premium Trail Mix0490228806413/17/2017
      Delish Tropical Blend Premium Trail Mix0490228806343/17/2017
      Nice! Peanut Lovers Trail Mix0490228465244/19/2017
      Nice! Sunflower Salted in Shell0490228322754/15/2017
      Delish Almond Berry Pistachio Premium Trail Mix0490228806273/18/2017
      Nature's Harvest Dark Chocolate Cranberry Trail Mix0717257490623/28/2017
      Nature's Harvest Southwest Trail Mix07172571153312/27/2016
      Nature's Harvest Southwest Trail Mix07172571153312/30/2016
      Nature's Harvest Southwest Trail Mix0717257115331/17/2017
      Nature's Harvest Sunflower Kernels Honey Roasted07171572751012/20/2016
      Nature's Harvest Sunflower Kernels Honey Roasted0717157275101/21/2017
      Nature's Harvest Sunflower Kernels Ranch Flavored0717257280743/31/2017
      Nature's Harvest Sunflower Kernels Ranch Flavored0717257280744/27/2017
      Nature's Harvest Afternoon Trail Mix0717257281661/14/2017
      Nature's Harvest Almond Dry Roasted Sea Salted0717257287913/16/2017
      Nature's Harvest Dark Chocolate Covered Cashews0717257493141/6/2017
      Nature's Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Salted07172572749712/19/2016
      Nature's Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Salted07172572749712/20/2016
      Nature's Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Salted07172572749712/25/2016
      Nature's Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Salted0717257274971/2/2017
      Nature's Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Salted0717257274971/3/2017
      Nature's Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Salted0717257274971/16/2017
      Nature's Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Salted0717257274971/20/2017
      Nature's Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Unsalted07172572750311/25/2016
      Nature's Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Unsalted07172572750311/26/2016
      Nature's Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Unsalted07172572750312/4/2016
      Nature's Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Unsalted07172572750312/18/2016
      Nature's Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Unsalted07172572750312/23/2016
      Nature's Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Unsalted0717257275031/2/2017
      Nature's Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Unsalted0717257275031/14/2017
      Nature's Harvest Sunflower Kernels Roasted & Unsalted0717257275031/15/2017
      Nature's Harvest Sweet Nut & Berry Munch Trail Mix07172572820312/27/2016

      Consumers can find UPC codes and Best By/Date Codes on each package.

      What to do

      Customers who purchased any of the recalled products should dispose of or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

      Consumers with questions may call 1-800-756-5781, Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (CST).

      TreeHouse Foods is expanding its earlier recall of products containing sunflower kernels following word that it's supplier has expanded its recall of sunfl...

      Jeep Wrangler JK vehicles recalled

      The air bag circuit may fail

      Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling 394,258 model year 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler JK vehicles manufactured March 2, 2006, to August 13, 2010.

      The clockspring assembly may become contaminated with dust and cause the air bag circuit to fail.

      Failure of the air bag circuit may prevent the driver's frontal air bag from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

      What to do

      Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule.

      Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S33.

      Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling 394,258 model year 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler JK vehicles manufactured March 2, 2006, to August 13, 2010. The clock...

      Toyota recalls model year 2015 Yaris vehicles

      A front upper shock assembly bearing could be damaged

      Toyota Motor Sales, USA is recalling approximately 3,100 model year 2015 Yaris hatch back vehicles.

      There is a possibility that a front upper shock assembly bearing could be damaged. If this occurs, the driver may experience an abnormal noises while driving on rough road surfaces or when turning the steering wheel.

      If the vehicle continues to be operated in this condition, a front shock absorber piston rod could separate, causing a loss of vehicle stability and increasing the risk of a crash.

      What to do

      Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by first class mail and Toyota dealers will replace the strut mounting bearings with improved ones. If a strut mounting bearing is found to be damaged, the dealer will replace the strut and front suspension support sub-assembly with a new one.

      Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331 and Lexus customer experience at 1-800-255-3987.  

      Toyota Motor Sales, USA is recalling approximately 3,100 model year 2015 Yaris hatch back vehicles. There is a possibility that a front upper shock...

      Report says banks still generate billions in overdraft fees

      Millions of consumers have opted-in to still get hit with the high fees

      A new federal law implemented six years ago was supposed to resolve the issue of bank overdraft fees, which often blindsided consumers with unexpected expenses.

      Before the law was passed, a consumer making a debit card purchase, and not having sufficient funds to cover the purchase, would be automatically “loaned” the funds to cover the purchase. The bank would then charge the consumer a fee of $30 or so for that service.

      The consumer not only had to pay back the money used for the purchase but pay the fee as well. If the consumer made three or four other purchases before becoming aware that he or she was overdrawn, the fees could be well over $100.

      Congress passed a law in 2010 that, among other things, required consumers to “opt-in” if they wanted to continue that “service.” Otherwise, if a point of sale debit card purchase would overdraw the account, the purchase would be denied, with no resulting fee.

      A new report from the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) claims abusive overdraft practices in the banking industry are alive and well. It finds that consumers paid nearly $14 billion in overdraft fees last year.

      'Overdraft abuses continue'

      “CRL’s analysis confirms that overdraft abuses continue, carrying an enormous annual price tag for consumers as a whole, and with devastating effects on individuals,” Peter Smith, a Senior Researcher at CRL and the report’s co-author, said in an email to ConsumerAffairs.

      After the new law went into effect, posing a threat to banks' lucrative fee revenue, most banks launched aggressive marketing campaigns to persuade consumers to “opt-in” for overdraft coverage. Many have done so, even though it probably costs them money.

      The report claims that some consumers who have not opted in are getting hit with overdraft fees as well. A year ago, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) fined Regions Bank $7.5 million, saying it levied overdraft fees on thousands of consumers who had not opted-in for overdraft coverage.

      The fine was in addition to a consent order requiring the bank to pay back all consumers who had been affected by the unauthorized overdrafts.

      Analyzed complaints

      For its report, CRL said it analyzed consumer complaints filed with the CFPB and found that even consumers who worked hard to avoid overdrawing their accounts were charged “disproportionately harsh overdraft fees.”

      The report also looked at data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and determined that 778,000 households that once had bank accounts no longer do. The report suggests high or unpredictable fees are a primary reason.

      “Financial institutions take advantage of consumers fighting desperately to stay afloat,” said Rebecca Borné, report co-author and CRL Senior Policy Counsel. “CFPB should require that overdraft fees be reasonable and proportional to the cost to the institution, much the same way that credit card penalty fees are regulated.”

      CLR goes a step further, saying overdraft fees should be regulated as “extremely high cost credit products,” like payday loans.  

      A new federal law implemented six years ago was supposed to resolve the issue of bank overdraft fees, which often blindsided consumers with unexpected expe...

      Unlocking the potential of Natural Killer cells could be key to fighting cancer

      Researchers believe they can harness the body's natural defenses to fight the disease

      It’s a fact that not too many people realize, but the ability to fight and beat diseases like cancer is already inside of us. In fact, under normal circumstances, the body is constantly fighting and killing off cells that would form tumors if left to their own devices.

      Cancer develops when the body encounters a problem that inhibits its natural killer (NK) cells from doing their job and killing off these dangerous cells.

      With this framework in mind, researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, with colleagues from the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, are conducting a study to see if they can “turn on” these NK cells in order to fight cancer.

      Boosting the immune system

      The study is being led by Dr. Sandra Nicholson and Dr. Nicholas Huntington, who believe that NK cells are a key part of the body’s defenses when it comes to fighting dangerous diseases.

      “Natural Killer cells are a key part of our immune system that locate other cells posing a danger to health either because they are infected or because they are becoming a cancer cell,” said Nicholson.

      The problem is that NK cells can often become immobilized if they are not able to stop cancer from developing in the body. The researchers discovered that the cause of this immobilization is a “protein brake” inside of the NK cells which stop them from being able to respond to a protein that is necessary for destroying cancer cells.

      However, the researchers found that the NK cells were able to resume killing cancer cells when they removed this protein brake. They theorize that providing this boost to the immune system could go a long way towards fighting the disease and giving patients a chance to beat it.

      Providing new drugs and therapies

      In time, the researchers hope that a new class of drugs may be able to be created that would allow NK cells to work efficiently to fight cancer and other diseases. They also posit that their work could lead to new therapies that could be beneficial.

      “We are hopeful our research will lead to new immunotherapies that supercharge the body’s Natural Killer cell, and maintain it in a highly active state to more efficiently and specifically fight cancer,” said Huntington.

      The full study has been published in the journal Nature Immunology.

      It’s a fact that not too many people realize, but the ability to fight and beat diseases like cancer is already inside of us. In fact, under normal circums...

      Office-sharing company, WeWork, gets in on the co-living trend

      WeLive takes a dorm-style approach to apartment dwelling

      WeWork, an early purveyor of the co-working space movement, is taking the concept of shared office space and applying it to apartments.

      In April, the office-sharing company launched WeLive: an apartment complex with an abundance of shared, open spaces. Renters can have their own private space, as well -- but the draw of WeLive is the sense of community.

      Founding partner, Rebecca Newman, explains that WeLive is centered on community and “the belief that we’re basically as good as the people we surround ourselves with.”

      The fully-furnished apartments are part of a concierge-staffed complex -- one that boasts free coffee and beer, events, and hotel-like bonuses such as free housekeeping. Young urban dwellers might also appreciate the lack of commitment required to set up home base at WeLive.

      Furnished and flexible

      The units aren’t cheap; shared spaces start at $1,375 while private units begin at $2,250. But for those looking to skip the long-term apartment commitment, WeLive may be just right. Renters can live month-to-month in the shared space, which teems with opportunities to be social.

      The dorm-style residences might also appeal to those who lack the time or motivation to go out and decorate their apartment, especially if they will only be there for a short time. Each residence comes decked out in the type of decor you might find at a trendy hostel.

      "Simply show up and begin your life without the hassle,” says a statement from WeLive.

      The first WeLive location was recently unveiled on Wall Street in New York. Others are slated to pop up soon near Washington, D.C., and in Arlington, Va.

      WeWork, an early purveyor of the co-working space movement, is taking the concept of shared office space and applying it to apartments. In April, the o...

      Study: artificial sweeteners may have negative health effect for obese consumers

      Researchers suggest some can interfere with glucose management

      Artificial sweeteners have come a long way over the years, now closely mimicking natural sweeteners but without the calories.

      The sweeteners are effective tools to help obese consumers reduce calorie consumption, but researchers at York University's Faculty of Health say that weight management may come at a price.

      "Our study shows that individuals with obesity who consume artificial sweeteners, particularly aspartame, may have worse glucose management than those who don't take sugar substitutes," Professor Jennifer Kuk, obesity researcher in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science, said in a release.

      Artificial sweeteners lack caloric content because they are not digested by the body. If they can make food taste better without adding calories, it can help consumers manage their weight. But the York University study found that in some cases, bacteria in the stomach may be able to break down the artificial sweetener. When that happens, researchers say there can be negative effects on health.

      No adverse effect from saccharin

      Kuk said the research team didn't find this adverse effect in people consuming saccharin – an early artificial sweetener – or natural sugars. The findings, however, left them with more questions than answers.

      "We will need to do future studies to determine whether any potentially negative health effects of artificial sweeteners outweigh the benefits for obesity reduction," Luk said.

      This is hardly the first research to suggest there could be some downside to using food and beverage products containing artificial sweeteners. A 2008 study by psychologists at Purdue University found that compared with rats that ate yogurt sweetened with sugar, rats given yogurt sweetened with zero-calorie saccharin later consumed more calories, gained more weight, put on more body fat, and didn't make up for it by cutting back later.

      Later that same year a Duke University study that focused on the artificial sweetener Splenda concluded the product contributes to obesity, destroys beneficial intestinal bacteria, and could even interfere with absorption of prescription drugs.

      Pepsi dumps aspartame

      Last year Pepsi announced it would remove aspartame from its beverages sold in the U.S., reacting to research that suggests the artificial sweetener – while not imparting calories – might creating sugar cravings among people who consume too much, thus negating the benefits of a no-calorie beverage.

      Today, food manufacturers have many options when it comes to new sugar substitutes. The York researchers says more investigation should be carried out to determine if there are any health effects of using these sweeteners.

      Artificial sweeteners have come a long way over the years, now closely mimicking natural sweeteners but without the calories.The sweeteners are effecti...

      Memorial Day weekend gas prices well below last year

      AAA reports the national average price is down 44 cents from last Memorial Day

      Gasoline prices are rising and have reached their highest level so far in 2016. But despite that, motorists hitting the road this Memorial Day weekend will encounter pump prices well below last year.

      The national average price of self-serve regular is $2.30 a gallon, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey. But at this time last year, it was 44 cents higher – $2.74 a gallon.

      Gasoline prices have risen over the course of the late winter and early spring as they have each year, as refineries perform routine maintenance and switch over to production of summer gasoline blends. The rise has been slower this year, thanks to soft oil prices.

      Oil prices have spiked a bit in recent weeks, due to production slowdowns in some oil producing nations. But industry analysts say any increase will likely be temporary since the world remains oversupplied with oil.

      Peaking around Memorial Day

      Prices normally peak around Memorial Day, the start of the summer driving season. AAA says drivers are likely to pay the least amount for gasoline since 2005 this year.

      An estimated 38 million Americans will travel over the holiday weekend, which would be an increase of 700,000 compared to a year ago. Even more consumers are likely to travel by car, since long lines at the nation's busiest airports have discouraged air travel.

      Here are the states where motorists will find the cheapest gasoline:

      • Mississippi ($2.06)
      • Texas ($2.07)
      • South Carolina ($2.08)
      • Arkansas ($2.08)
      • Missouri ($2.08)
      • Louisiana ($2.08)
      • Oklahoma ($2.10)
      • Alabama ($2.10)
      • New Jersey ($2.14)
      • Kansas ($2.15)

      Here are the states where motorists will pay the most for gasoline:

      • California ($2.80)
      • Hawaii ($2.66)
      • Washington ($2.59)
      • Alaska ($2.58)
      • Michigan ($2.51)
      • Ohio ($2.51)
      • Nevada ($2.49)
      • Idaho ($2.45)
      • Illinois ($2.44)
      • New York ($2.43)

      AAA reports this is the first time since last August that drivers in every state and Washington, D.C. are paying averages above $2 per gallon.

      Gasoline prices are rising and have reached their highest level so far in 2016. But despite that, motorists hitting the road this Memorial Day weekend will...

      Mortgage applications reverse course, move higher

      Contract interest rates were on the rise

      Mortgage applications are rising again following a decline the previous week.

      According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, applications were up 2.6% during the week ending May 20, with the average loan size hitting a survey high of $307,700.

      The Refinance Index inched ahead 0.4%, with the refinance share of mortgage activity slipping to 53.7% of total applications from 54.6% the previous week.

      The adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) share of activity came in at 5.7% of total applications, the FHA share rose to 12.7% from 12.5%, the VA share slipped to 11.5% from 12.1%, and the USDA share of total applications was unchanged at 0.7%.

      Contract interest rates

      • The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages (FRMs) with conforming loan balances ($417,000 or less) rose three basis points -- from 3.82% to 3.85%, with points increasing to 0.37 from 0.34 (including the origination fee) for 80% loan-to-value ratio (LTV) loans. The effective rate increased from last week.
      • The average contract interest rate for 30-year FRMs with jumbo loan balances (greater than $417,000) jumped to 3.82% from 3.74%, with points decreasing to 0.27 from 0.29 (including the origination fee) for 80% LTV loans. The effective rate increased from last week.
      • The average contract interest rate for 30-year FRMs backed by the FHA was up seven basis points to 3.70%, with points decreasing to 0.27 from 0.28 (including the origination fee) for 80% LTV loans. The effective rate increased from last week.
      • The average contract interest rate for 15-year FRMs inched up to 3.06% from 3.02%, with points increasing to 0.40 from 0.38 (including the origination fee) for 80% LTV loans. The effective rate increased from last week.
      • The average contract interest rate for 5/1 ARMs shot up 15 basis points to 3.09%, with points increasing to 0.31 from 0.30 (including the origination fee) for 80% LTV loans. The effective rate increased from last week.

      The survey covers over 75% of all U.S. retail residential mortgage applications.

      Mortgage applications are rising again following a decline the previous week.According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, applications were up 2.6% d...

      SunOpta expands sunflower kernel products recall

      The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

      SunOpta is expanding its recall sunflower kernel products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

      No illnesses have been confirmed related to the consumption of this product.

      The initial recall was limited to sunflower kernel products produced at SunOpta’s Crookston, Minn., facility between February 1 – 19, 2016.

      The expanded recall includes products produced February 20 – April 21, 2016, the date on which the facility ceased production of the products.

      The following items, sold in clear printed plastic packages and marked with Best By Dates located on the front or back of the packages, have been added to the recall:

      Product DescriptionSizeUPCLot #Best By Date
      Sunrich Naturals Sunflower Kernel1 oz.810304032122

      37216074
      37216075
      37216076
      37216077
      37216078
      37216081
      37216082
      37216083
      37216084
      37216085
      37216088
      37216090
      37216091
      37216092
      37216095
      37216096
      37216098
      37216099

      14MAR17
      15MAR17
      16MAR17
      17MAR17
      18MAR17
      21MAR17
      22MAR17
      23MAR17
      24MAR17
      25MAR17
      28MAR17
      30MAR17
      31MAR17
      01APR17
      04APR17
      05APR17
      07APR17
      08APR17

      Planters Sunflower Kernels3 oz.0290000127147072A3, 7072B3, 7072C3
      7073A3, 7073B3, 7073C3
      7074A3, 7074B3, 7074C3
      7075A3
      03/13/17
      03/14/17
      03/15/17
      03/16/17

      The recalled products were sent to distribution centers during March and April 2016, in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Texas, and may have been be redistributed to other states nationwide.

      What to do

      Customers should not consume these products, but return them to the store where purchased for a refund, or simply discard them.

      Consumers with questions may call 1-888-886-4428 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CDT), or email the firm at contactus@sunopta.com.

      SunOpta is expanding its recall sunflower kernel products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. No illnesses have been confirmed re...

      Ford recalls Flex, Taurus, Taurus X, Mercury Sable and Lincoln MKS vehicles

      The driver front air bag may inflate improperly during second-stage deployment

      Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Flex; 2008 and 2010-2012 Taurus; 2008-2009 Taurus X; 2008 Mercury Sable; and 2009 & 2011 Lincoln MKS vehicles.

      The driver front air bag may inflate improperly during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

      An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

      What to do

      Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driver's front air bag module, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 13, 2016.

      Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C06.

      Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Flex; 2008 and 2010-2012 Taurus; 2008-2009 Taurus X; 2008 Mercury Sable; and 2009 & 2011 Linco...

      Various Dr. Praeger's and Ungar's products recalled

      The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

      Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods is recalling various not-ready-to-eat frozen food items.

      The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

      The company says no illnesses have been reported to date.

      The following products, distributed throughout the U.S. in both retail and foodservice packaging, are being recalled:

      Product NameItem NumberCase LotRetail LotBest By DateGTIN/Case UPCRetail Unit UPC
      Dr. Praeger's Black Bean Burger (CN Labeled) Vegetarian 3.3oz (Foodservice)SVB-SWIN33-CNH16AI-06A3/8/2018 0100080868066165
      Dr. Praeger's Black Bean Burger (Vegetarian) 3.3oz (Foodservice)SVB-SWIN33F16AE-03C5/4/20180100080868066172
      N16CI-03A1/28/2018
      Dr. Praeger's Black Bean Burger (Vegetarian) 4.25oz (Foodservice)SVB-SWIN4H16AI-05A3/8/20180100080868066196
      Dr. Praeger's Black Bean Veggie Burger (Retail)SVB-BB12N16CH-04AN16CH1/27/2018080868060194080868060194
      N16CH-04ZN16CH1/27/2018
      Dr. Praeger's Black Bean Slider (Foodservice)VBBBSL165IH16AI-08A3/8/20180100080868066158
      N16CB-05A1/21/2018
      Dr. Praeger's Bombay Veggie Burgers (Retail)VBBY06N16CH-02AN16CH1/27/20180160080868000505080868000505
      N16CH-02BN16CH1/27/2018
      Dr. Praeger's California Veggie Balls (Vegan) 1oz (Foodservice)VBBINH16CB-02B3/21/20180100080868013107
      H16CB-02C3/21/2018
      H16CB-02D3/21/2018
      Dr. Praeger's California Veggie Burger Sliders (Vegan) 1.5oz (Foodservice)VBIN-SLR16BJ-03A4/19/20180100080868010151
      R16BJ-03B4/19/2018
      T16AJ-04C2/9/2018
      T16CE-03D2/24/2018
      T16CE-03G2/24/2018
      Dr. Praeger's California Veggie Burgers (Retail)VB12
      VB26
      VBCA06
      H16AI-04AH16AI3/8/2018080868000107
      (VB12 and VB26)

      0160080868000109
      (VBCA06)
      080868000107
      H16AI-04BH16AI3/8/2018
      H16AJ-01AH16AJ3/9/2018
      H16BG-02AH16BG3/16/2018
      H16BG-02NH16BG3/16/2018
      H16CD-02AH16CD3/23/2018
      H16DA-01AH16DA3/30/2018
      N16CH-01AN16CH1/27/2018
      N16CH-01BN16CH1/27/2018
      N16CH-01ZN16CH1/27/2018
      R16AH-01AR16AH4/7/2018
      R16BD-01AR16BD4/13/2018
      R16BD-01BR16BD4/13/2018
      T16AD-01AT16AD2/3/2018
      T16AD-01BT16AD2/3/2018
      T16AD-01ZT16AD2/3/2018
      T16AJ-02AT16AJ2/9/2018
      T16AJ-02BT16AJ2/9/2018
      T16AJ-02CT16AJ2/9/2018
      T16BI-02AT16BI2/18/2018
      T16BI-02BT16BI2/18/2018
      T16BI-02DT16BI2/18/2018
      T16CD-02BT16CD2/23/2018
      T16CD-02AT16CD2/23/2018
      T16CE-03AT16CE2/24/2018
      Dr. Praeger's California Veggie Burger (Vegan) 4oz (Foodservice)VBIN4
      VBIN-C
      H16BF-03B3/15/201801000808680100106
      H16BF-03C3/15/2018
      H16BF-03D3/15/2018
      H16CD-02B3/23/2018
      H16CE-01A3/24/2018
      H16CE-01B3/24/2018
      R16AF-03A4/5/2018
      R16AF-03B4/5/2018
      R16AF-03E4/5/2018
      R16CB-01A4/21/2018
      R16CB-01B4/21/2018
      T16AJ-04A2/9/2018
      T16CE-03B2/24/2018
      T16CE-03C2/24/2018
      Dr. Praeger's Chipotle Black Bean Burger 4.25oz (Foodservice)SVB-CBBIN425H16AI-07A3/8/20180100080868066219
      Dr. Praeger's GF California Veggie Burger 4oz (Foodservice)GLVBIN4H16CJ-01A3/29/20180100080868010601
      Dr. Praeger's Jumbo California Veggie Burger (Vegan) 5.5oz (Foodservice)JVBINH16BF-03A3/15/201801000080868010113
      R16AF-03D4/5/2018
      R16AG-02A4/6/2018
      R16AG-02B4/6/2018
      T16CE-03E2/24/2018
      Dr. Praeger's Organic Harvest Veggie Burgers (Retail)LCOVB-R10
      LCOVB-R10-UK
      E15CG-03AE15CG10/26/2016080868301105080868301105
      F15CG-04AF15CG5/26/2016
      F15CG-04BF15CG5/26/2016
      F15CG-04CF15CG5/26/2016
      G15BA-02AG15BA8/10/2016
      H16AI-07BH16AI3/8/2018
      H16CI-02AH16CI3/28/2017
      L14CG-03AL14CG11/26/2015
      L14CG-03BL14CG11/26/2015
      L15AC-03AL15AC11/2/2016
      L15CD-01AL15CD11/23/2016
      L15CD-01BL15CD11/23/2016
      N15CC-03AN15CC1/22/2016
      R15CA-02AR15CA4/20/2016
      V15AG-02AV15AG7/6/2016
      W14BB-01AW14BB12/11/2015
      W14BB-01BW14BB12/11/2015
      Dr. Praeger's Tex Mex Veggie Burgers (Retail)VBTM06H16AI-03AH16AI3/8/2018 0160080868000482080868000480
      Season's Choice Black Bean Chipotle Burger (Retail)AL-47198-R24ALDI-04AH16CE3/24/2018041498209124
      ALDI-04BH16CE3/24/2018
      Season's Choice Veggie Burger (Retail)AL-47198-R24ALDI-04AH16CE3/24/2018041498209261
      ALDI-04BH16CE3/24/2018
      Simply Nature Kale Veggie Burgers (Retail)AL-50206-R30H16AH-02AH16AH3/7/2018041498211080
      H16AH-02BH16AH3/7/2018
      H16CC-01AH16CC3/22/2018
      Trader Joe's Quinoa Cowboy Veggie Burgers (Retail)TJQCB26H16AE-01AH16AE3/4/201800532761
      H16BA-02AH16BA3/10/2018
      H16BA-02CH16BA3/10/2018
      H16BH-01AH16BH3/17/2018
      N16CI-02AN16CI1/28/2018
      N16CI-02BN16CI1/28/2018
      N16CI-02DN16CI1/28/2018
      R16AG-01AR16AG4/6/2018
      R16AG-01BR16AG4/6/2018
      R16CA-06AR16CA4/20/2018
      T16AE-01AT16AE2/4/2018
      T16BB-01AT16BB2/11/2018
      T16CF-01AT16CF2/25/2018
      Ungar's Veggie Balls (Vegan) 1oz (Foodservice)UVBBINH16CB-02A3/21/2018010008086813103

      What to do

      Customers who purchased the recalled items should not eat them , but dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund or exchange.

      Consumers with questions may call the firm's consumer affairs hotline at (877) 772-3437 from 8 am – 5 pm (ET), Monday through Friday, or email the company at info@drpraegers.com.

      Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods is recalling various not-ready-to-eat frozen food items. The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes....