Current Events in December 2018

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2018

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    Elon Musk unveils a bumpy concrete tunnel to skeptical reporters

    ‘We kind of ran out of time,’ Musk said of the tunnel

    When Elon Musk approached officials in Hawthorne and Los Angeles last year for permits to build a subterranean travel tunnel, he pitched a system that sounded something like the subway but more futuristic.

    The Boring Co. wanted to build a tunnel for zero-emission, autonomous pods that would be capable of carrying 16 people at a time and traveling up to 150 miles per hour.   

    On Wednesday, Musk unveiled to the public the 1-mile prototype of said tunnel, and the results were completely different

    Rather than pods, the system instead uses a Model X car. In the test ride, the car was driven manually by an employee.

    The tunnel itself was too narrow to fit more than one car at a time. It was helmed up by two concrete shelves “which were so uneven in places that it felt like riding on a dirt road,” reported Los Angeles Times’ Laura Nelson

    And the system only allowed for speeds of up to 53 miles per hour. Musk responded to skeptics that that the finished product would be “smooth as glass.” 

    “We kind of ran out of time,” Musk reportedly explained of the prototype’s shortfalls.

    When Elon Musk approached officials in Hawthorne and Los Angeles last year for permits to build a subterranean travel tunnel, he pitched a system that soun...

    Researchers discover new way to treat ALS using an old drug

    The medication was found to drastically slow the progression of the disease

    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that is both progressive and incurable. For those suffering from it, finding physical comfort from the symptoms, or a viable treatment plan, can be incredibly difficult.

    Now, researchers from the University of Alberta have found a new way to use an old drug that can help thousands of ALS sufferers.

    “SOD1 is a protein that is known to misfold and misbehave in most cases of patients with ALS,” said researcher Ted Allison. “We showed that [the drug] can greatly reduce the toxic properties of SOD1, including improving the health of the subject’s motor neurons and improving movement.”

    Figuring it out

    The researchers started by running tests on animals to try to identify a medication that could target the SOD1 protein, and telbivudine -- a drug currently used to treat hepatitis -- came out as the winner. 

    “It is already proven safe to use in patients, and it has very good potential for repurposing to use in a new clinical setting against ALS,” Allison said.

    The researchers believe the most promising result from using the drug would be the improvement to patients’ quality of life, since the drug would hopefully perform beyond what is typical for most other ALS treatments.

    The researchers saw this as a positive breakthrough, as a great deal about ALS continues to be unknown, and it is through trials like these that experts can gain new insights that can benefit thousands of patients down the line.

    “We don’t yet know exactly what goes wrong first in the motor neurons or how the misbehaving SOD1 causes toxicity,” said lead author Dr. Michele DuVal. “Because there is still much to learn about the disease, the ALS research community focuses on both understanding ALS and on developing promising therapies.”

    Continued efforts

    Many researchers have dedicated their work to trying to help ALS sufferers, despite its many challenges.

    Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new treatment -- the first in over two decades -- to treat ALS. Researchers found that RADICAVA, an intravenous drug made by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc., slowed the progression of ALS by 33 percent.

    “After two decades without a new treatment, people with ALS finally have access to a new clinically meaningful treatment option for this horrible, progressive, and incurable disease,” said company president Atsushi Fujimoto.

    In a separate study, researchers found that consuming high levels of mercury in fish is linked to developing ALS.

    Of over 500 people tested, those that consumed more mercury-heavy fish were twice as likely to develop ALS. The researchers do warn that not all seafood should be avoided, as different fish contain different levels of mercury. However, consumers should be aware of their mercury intake for this and other health reasons.

    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that is both progressive and incurable. For those suffering from it, finding physical comfort from the sym...

    Social media ads shown to help increase screenings for patients with cancer

    The platform could allow healthcare providers to reach a wider variety of patients

    For many consumers, it can be hard to keep track of various doctors’ appointments or tests, even though they are beneficial to overall health.

    To help combat this issue, researchers from Colorado’s Cancer Screen Program (CCSP) are looking to attempt a different tactic. They’ve tried targeting patients using a more modern approach.

    The group was hoping they’d get more people in for colonoscopies and other pre-cancer screenings if they used various advertising avenues, including Facebook, radio ads, and text message reminders that encourage patients to follow through with these critical appointments.

    Seeing what works

    The researchers began by spreading the word about the text message reminders through Facebook ads, local fliers, and radio bits. “The idea was to start a text messaging campaign for cancer prevention,” said CCSP Director Andrea Dwyer.

    The advertisements urged consumers to sign up for text message updates about when they should be making appointments for cancer screenings -- specifically, colonoscopies. While the researchers found that both fliers and radio ads were unsuccessful, they did have better luck with Facebook.

    Over 95 percent of users that signed up for the text message updates via Facebook advertisements actually utilized the service being offered. They kept their phone numbers enrolled and were seeing the reminder messages.

    “Facebook was a good mechanism,” Dwyer said. “Engagement was high with Facebook ads, and those who viewed ads clicked through to the sign-up page, an indication of intent to enroll.”

    Moving forward, the group is hopeful this initiative can be helpful for people -- particularly those in more rural areas. They would also like to see patients automatically signed up for these reminders at their primary care offices, and then have the choice to opt out, rather than the other way around.

    Facebook under fire

    Despite the positive results these researchers received from utilizing Facebook ads, it hasn’t always been positive for the social media giant -- especially where ads are concerned.

    Earlier this year, the company rolled out a new identification process for anyone trying to advertise a political message.

    Amidst the massive scrutiny following the Cambridge Analytica scandal, Facebook is trying to get back on its users’ good sides and ensure that their data remains private. This move explicitly notifies users of any ad that is political, and makes the authorization process stricter for anyone looking to advertise anything political.

    For many consumers, it can be hard to keep track of various doctors’ appointments or tests, even though they are beneficial to overall health.To help c...

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      TerraTrike recalls adult tricycles

      The trike may power forward unexpectedly

      TerraTrike of Grand Rapids, Mich., is recalling about 450 TerraTrike Rambler E.V.O adult tricycles.

      The torque sensor in the wheel can activate unexpectedly and cause the trike to power forward, posing crash and injury hazards.

      The firm has received five reports of the torque sensor activating while not pedaling. No injuries have been reported.

      This recall involves yellow TerraTrike Rambler Electrical Vehicle Option ( E.V.O.) recumbent pedal-powered trikes with an electric assist wheel.

      The trikes have two wheels in the front and one wheel in the back with a large black hub motor. “Terra Trike” is printed on the front of the back rest area. The model name “Rambler E.V.O.” is located on the front outrigger tube that connects to the front left wheel.

      The serial numbers included in this recall are listed on the firm’s website at www.terratrike.com and are located under the main tube on a barcoded sticker near the rear wheel. The serial numbers are also stamped into the head (vertical) tube of the outrigger.

      The trikes, manufactured in Taiwan (frame) and India (torque sensor), were sold at authorized TerraTrike dealers, independent bicycle dealers and recumbent bicycle specialty stores nationwide and online at www.TerraTrike.com from August 2017, through October 1, 2018, for about $3,500.

      What to do

      Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled trikes and return them to the place of purchase for a free speed sensor installation and a software upgrade.

      Consumers may contact TerraTrike at (800) 945-9110 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday or online at www.terratrike.com and click on “Important Falco E.V.O. Recall” near the bottom of the page for more information.

      TerraTrike of Grand Rapids, Mich., is recalling about 450 TerraTrike Rambler E.V.O adult tricycles.The torque sensor in the wheel can activate unexpect...

      Adam Bros. Farming recalls red & green leaf lettuce and cauliflower

      The products may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 bacteria

      Adam Bros. Farming of Santa Maria, Calif., is recalling red leaf lettuce, green leaf lettuce and cauliflower harvested from November 27 – 30, 2018.

      The products may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 bacteria.

      None of the recalled products have tested positive for E. coli O157:H7 and no illnesses have been reported.

      The following products are being recalled:

      Red Leaf Lettuce – Adam Bros. Family Farms Label: Carton Tag Numbers:

      204-27245 331-18, 253-27267 331-18, 204-27267 331-18, 203-27267 331-18, 253-27267 332-18, 204-27267 332-18

      Pallet Tag Numbers:

      1635961, 1635962, 1635977, 1635978, 1635979, 1635980, 1635981, 1635982, 1635983, 1635984, 1635985, 635986, 1635988, 1635989, 1635990, 1635991, 1636104, 1636105, 1636106, 1636107, 1636108, 1636109, 1636110, 1636111, 1636120, 1636121, 1636173, 1636174, 1636175, 1636176, 1636177, 1636178, 1636179,  636187, 1636188, 1636189, 1636190, 1636234, 1636235, 1636236, 1636237, 1636238, 1636239, 1636240,  1636241, 1636242, 1636243, 1636297, 1636298, 1636299, 1636300, 1636301, 1636302, 1636303, 1636304, 1636305, 1636306, 1636376, 1636377, 1636378, 1636379, 1636380, 1636381, 1636382, 1636492, 1636493, 1636494, 1636495, 1636496, 1636497, 1636498, 1636499, 1636500

      Green Leaf Lettuce – Adam Bros. Family Farms Label: Carton Tag Numbers:

      204-27247 331-18, 253-27268 331-18, 204-27268 331-18, 204-27268 331-18, 204-27268 332-18

      Pallet Tag Numbers:

      1635842, 1635843, 1635844, 1635845, 1635846, 1635847, 1635848, 1635849, 1635850, 1635851, 1635872,  1635873, 1635874, 1635875, 1635876, 1635877, 1635878, 1635879, 1635880, 1635881, 1635951, 163 5952, 1635953, 1635954, 1635955, 1635956, 1635957, 1635958, 1635959, 1635960, 1635963, 1635964, 1635965, 1635966, 1635967, 1635968, 1635969, 1635970, 1635971, 1635972, 1635973, 1635974, 1635975, 1635976, 1636062, 1636063, 1636064, 1636065, 1636066, 1636067, 1636068, 163606, 1636070, 1636071, 1636101, 1636102, 1636103, 1636112, 1636113, 1636114, 1636115, 1636116, 1636117, 1636118, 1636119, 1636180, 1636181, 1636182, 1636183, 1636184, 1636185, 1636186, 1636373, 1636374, 1636375, 1636501, 1636502, 1636503, 1636504, 1636505, 1636506, 1636507, 1636508, 1636509

      Cauliflower – Adam Bros. Family Farms Label:

      Carton Tag Numbers:

      203-27263 331-18, 203-27263 333-18, 203-27263 334-18, 204-27268 332-18, 203-27268 334-18, 203-27263 332-18, 203-27263 334-18

      Pallet Tag Numbers:

      1635882, 1635883, 1635884, 1635885, 1636072, 1636073, 1636074, 1636075, 1636076, 1636140, 1636141, 1636142, 1636143, 1636307, 1636308, 1636309, 1636310, 1636314, 1636593, 1636594, 1636595, 1636596, 1636597, 1636598, 1636599, 1636600, 1636601, 1636716, 1636717, 1636718, 1636719, 1636720, 1636924, 1636925, 1636926, 1636927, 1637046, 1637047, 1637170, 1637171, 1635886, 1635887, 1636077, 1636078,  1636144, 1636145, 1636311, 1636312, 1636602, 1636603, 1636604, 1636605, 1636721, 1636722, 1636928, 1636929, 1637048, 1637049, 1637172, 1637173, 1635888, 1636079, 1636146, 1636313, 1636606, 1636607, 1636723, 1636930, 1637050, 1637174

      The cauliflower was distributed to wholesalers in Arizona, California, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tijuana, Mexico, and Canada.

      The red and green leaf lettuce was distributed to wholesalers in California, Colorado, Oregon, Texas, Pennsylvania, Washington and Canada. The red leaf lettuce only was distributed to a wholesaler in Minnesota and Tijuana, Mexico.

      What to do

      Customers who purchased the recalled products should return them to the place of purchase or destroy them.

      Consumers with questions may contact the company at (805) 925- 0339.

      Adam Bros. Farming of Santa Maria, Calif., is recalling red leaf lettuce, green leaf lettuce and cauliflower harvested from November 27 – 30, 2018.The...

      Manhattan Toy recalls children’s books

      A metal grommet attaching a fabric flap to a page in the book can detach

      The Manhattan Toy Company of Minneapolis, Minn., is recalling about 1,200 children’s soft books sold in the U.S. and Canada.

      A metal grommet used to attach a fabric flap to a page in the book can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

      The firm has received one report of the metal grommet detaching from the page. No injuries have been reported.

      This recall involves “Find the Bear” soft fabric books with a variety of fabric flaps sewn or attached to the pages.

      The front cover has blue and purple horizontal stripes and a panda bear’s face sewn on. The Manhattan Toy logo is printed on a sewn-in label on the side of the book.

      Lot code “208150 AJ” is printed on another sewn-in label.

      The books, manufactured in China, were sold at independent specialty retailers nationwide and online at Amazon.com, Buybuybaby.com, Manhattantoy.com and other websites from March 2017, through July 2018, for about $18.

      What to do

      Consumers should immediately take the recalled books away from children, stop using them and return them to the place of purchase or contact Manhattan Toy for a full refund.

      Consumers may contact Manhattan Toy at (800) 541-1345 Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CT) and Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (CT) or online at www.manhattantoy.com and click on “Recalls” for more information.

      The Manhattan Toy Company of Minneapolis, Minn., is recalling about 1,200 children’s soft books sold in the U.S. and Canada.A metal grommet used to att...

      Toyota recalls model year 2018-2019 Toyota Tacomas

      The vehicle may suffer reduced braking performance

      Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing is recalling 44,121 model year 2018-2019 Toyota Tacomas.

      Improper machining of the brake master cylinder may result in internal damage of one of the seals, affecting brake performance.

      Reduced brake performance can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

      What to do

      Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge.

      The recall is expected to begin January 21, 2019.

      Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J16/J06.

      Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing is recalling 44,121 model year 2018-2019 Toyota Tacomas.Improper machining of the brake master cylinder may re...

      Flying over the holidays? Be ready for stronger security screening

      There have been lots of airline-related changes in 2018, so make sure you’re on top of everything

      It’s the holiday season, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is expecting a sleighful of flyers. Between December 19 and January 5, the agency estimates more than 40 million passengers will go through its security screening checkpoints, an increase of 6 percent from 2017.

      "TSA’s layered approach to security and its dedicated screening workforce will be hard at work securing the aviation system, from the moment travelers make their flight reservation to when they arrive at their destination this holiday season,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske in the agency’s holiday travel advisory.

      Pre-airport checklist

      If the holidays are the first time you’ve flown this year, you should know that stronger security measures were put in place earlier in 2018. As a result, flyers may experience a more thorough screening process.

      To make your trip through security as stress-free as possible, the TSA recommends...

      • Arriving at the airport at least two hours early;

      • Putting all electronics in a place where you can get to them quickly and easily for scanning;

      • Separating foods, powders, and any other materials that might clutter bags and raise security questions;

      • Making sure all liquids meet the 3-1-1 standard (3.4 oz bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger); and

      • Noting that there are special requirements for formula, breast milk, and juice if you are traveling with an infant.If you’re traveling with an infant.

      While it’s too late now, consumers should consider applying for a TSA Pre-Check to dramatically reduce their security clearance time on future flights. On top of shorter lines, Pre-Check flyers also gain the benefit of not having to remove shoes, the 3-1-1 liquids bag, laptops, light outerwear jackets, or belts.

      Catch up on all the airline changes

      If you’re flying through Denver over the holidays, you might get to try out a new screening system.

      In partnership with the TSA, Denver International Airport (DEN) -- named a favorite in a recent consumer satisfaction survey of airports -- is the first U.S. airport to try out a new breed of checkpoint security screening called Enhanced Advanced Imaging Technology (eAIT).

      The new system has several pluses, like easier screening for flyers with mobility issues, but the one passengers will probably like most is that instead of holding their arms over their heads, they can keep them down and close to their sides when going through the body scanner. The new technology reduces scan time to under a second.

      If the Denver test run is successful, TSA might add the new screening technology at other airports.

      Airlines have gone through a lot of changes in 2018 -- from how service animals are dealt with to new standards for seats. To catch up on all airline-related consumer news, check out ConsumerAffairs Airline and Airport News section.

      It’s the holiday season, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is expecting a sleighful of flyers. Between December 19 and January 5, the ag...

      Facebook gave tech giants access to user data, report alleges

      The company says no access was granted without users’ consent

      The New York Times reports that Facebook allowed some large tech companies like Amazon to access users’ private messages. In response, Facebook says it never did so without its users’ consent.

      In an investigative report, the newspaper cited internal Facebook documents that it said showed the tech giant gave partners like Amazon, Microsoft, and Spotify far wider access to users’ data than it had previously disclosed.

      The Times reports Facebook exempted its major business partners from privacy rules that are designed to shield users’ data. The report says the exchange -- allowing partners access to data -- is one reason the social media company has become so profitable. In an age of personal, highly targeted marketing, user data is a prized -- and extremely valuable -- commodity.

      ‘Clearing things up’

      Facebook’s reaction to the Times piece was nearly instantaneous. In a blog posting this morning entitled “Let’s Clear Up A Few Things About Facebook’s Partners,” Konstantinos Papamiltiadis, director of Developer Platforms and Programs at Facebook, said the grant of access was designed to help users accomplish certain tasks.

      By sharing the data, Facebook said users were able to access their Facebook accounts or specific users on other platforms built and maintained by Facebook partners, such as Apple, Amazon, Yahoo, and Blackberry.

      Facebook says the sharing also enabled Facebook users to see recommendations from Facebook friends on other platforms, something the company contends enhances the social experience.

      “To be clear: none of these partnerships or features gave companies access to information without people’s permission, nor did they violate our 2012 settlement with the FTC,” Papamiltiadis wrote.

      Conflict

      The Times report is in conflict with the company response on one key point. The newspaper investigation said Facebook allowed Microsoft’s Bing search engine to see the names of nearly all of a user’s friends without consent.

      The report also alleges Facebook gave its partners the ability to read, rewrite, and even delete users’ private messages. In many cases, users’ consent was granted when they chose to sign into another account using their Facebook login.

      The Times also quotes executives at major Facebook partners -- such as Netflix, Spotify, and the Royal Bank of Canada -- as being unaware they had been granted this access. The newspaper concludes that Facebook is sharing personal data on a scale that far exceeds what it has disclosed.

      For its part, Facebook insists that no user data was shared without that person explicitly giving consent, but that consent could have been something as routine as signing into a partner’s platform with their Facebook account.

      The New York Times reports that Facebook allowed some large tech companies like Amazon to access users’ private messages. In response, Facebook says it nev...

      Experian says it can help consumers instantly raise their credit scores

      Experian Boost counts bills not currently part of the FICO formula

      Experian has launched an initiative that it says will help many consumers instantly raise their credit score. It’s called “Experian Boost,” and the credit bureau says it will significantly influence how consumers get access to credit.

      There are several ways consumers can raise their credit scores. First and foremost, they should pay all of their bills on time, but some bills count more than others.

      For example, if you own a home and pay a mortgage, the mortgage lender reports your payment history to the credit bureaus. But if you rent your home, it’s likely you don’t get a similar credit from paying your rent on time.

      Experian says consumers who sign up for Experian Boost will be asked to grant the platform access to their online bank accounts used to pay their bills. Specifically, Boost will look for timely payments on utility and telephone bills, which are currently not included in most credit score formulas.

      Recalculated FICO score

      The consumer is then asked to verify the data and confirm they want it included in their Experian credit file. After that, Experian delivers a recalculated FICO score.

      "Globally, we are constantly innovating and leveraging technology to find new ways to help consumers gain access to quality credit while promoting fair and responsible lending," said Experian Global CEO Brian Cassin. "We are committed to financial inclusion, and Experian Boost is the latest example of our efforts to increase consumer awareness of credit's impact and value while giving them greater control."

      Experian said there is no charge to use the Experian Boost platform. Admittedly, it will help some consumers more than others.

      The company says consumers with lower scores -- 580 to 669 -- will see the most potential improvement. Based on an early analysis, the company says two out of three credit scores improved when utility and phone bills were included.

      Helps those with little credit history

      Furthermore, 10 percent of consumers with “thin” credit files -- meaning they haven’t had much access to credit -- became “scorable” for the first time. Seventy-five percent of consumers with a score below 680 experienced an improvement in their credit score.

      The improvement for consumers in this score range could be valuable since the rise in score could potentially give them credit options other than expensive subprime loans. The Credit Builders Alliance estimates that a subprime credit score will cost a consumer an additional $200,000 over their lifetime.

      For example, having a 720 FICO score instead of 500 will save you $4,020 on a $10,000, 5-year auto loan – lowering the payment by $67 a month.

      Experian has provided this link for consumers who want to sign up for Experian Boost or to get more information.

      Experian has launched an initiative that it says will help many consumers instantly raise their credit score. It’s called “Experian Boost,” and the credit...

      Surgeon general issues warning about teen use of e-cigarettes

      Health officials are ramping up their attacks on ‘vaping’

      The federal government is stepping up its war against e-cigarettes, used by some smokers to wean themselves off cigarettes but feared by public health professionals because they are exposing teens to nicotine.

      U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams has issued a public health warning, saying he is concerned that there has been a large increase in teenagers using the products. E-cigarettes create vapor from liquid that contains nicotine, the addictive substance in cigarettes.

      Public health officials are concerned that young people who get hooked on nicotine from their use of e-cigarettes will eventually begin smoking. They also worry about other chemicals in the vapor they say is harmful.

      In his advisory, Adams said he is concerned about the increase in teen “vaping” because it isn’t clear what nicotine will do to a developing adolescent brain.

      “Brain development begins during the growth of the fetus in the womb and continues through childhood and to about age 25,” Adams warned. “Nicotine exposure during adolescence and young adulthood can cause addiction and harm the developing brain.”

      Rapid growth in use by teens

      Adams said he is concerned that e-cigarette use has become popular among young people, noting its use has become exponentially widespread over the last five years. Adams says the use of e-cigarettes is higher among high school students than adults and that more young people use e-cigarettes than smoke cigarettes.

      Adams singled out the e-cigarette product Juul for special condemnation because it appears to be highly popular with teenagers. In his advisory, Adams said Juul’s sleek design is easy to conceal and doesn’t emit much of an odor. Adams says parents should be vigilant and look for signs that teens are using e-cigarettes.

      In October, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) documented a huge increase in sales of Juul products, noting that sales increased from 2.2 million devices sold in 2016 to 16.2 million devices sold in 2017. The study found that Juul was found to contain more nicotine than any other brand of e-cigarette.

      ‘No redeeming benefits’

      “There are no redeeming benefits of e-cigarettes for young people,” Corinne Graffunder, director of the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health, said at the time. “The use of certain USB-shaped e-cigarettes is especially dangerous among youth because these products contain extremely high levels of nicotine, which can harm the developing adolescent brain.”

      Last month, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced plans to restrict the sale of fruit and candy-flavored e-cigarettes at convenience stores and gas stations. FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said expressed alarm at what he called the “disturbing and accelerating trajectory of use we’re seeing in youth and the resulting path to addiction.”

      The federal government is stepping up its war against e-cigarettes, used by some smokers to wean themselves off cigarettes but feared by public health prof...

      Fed raises interest rates again

      The increase was expected but controversial

      The Federal Reserve Open Market Committee voted to raise a key interest rate for the fourth time in 2018. The decision, while expected, is also controversial.

      The Fed boosted its federal funds rate -- the interest rate at which it loans money to member banks -- by a quarter point. That means the rate will float between 2.25 percent and 2.5 percent.

      The Fed voted to increase the rate despite public, vocal criticism from President Trump, who said repeatedly that the Federal Reserve is unnecessarily increasing the cost of capital at a time when economic growth at home and abroad may be slowing.

      The stock market has slumped into a bear market in recent weeks, with major averages 20 percent or more below recent highs. Some analysts have said concerns about rising interest rates are making investors nervous.

      Concerns about an escalating trade war with China, along with uncertainty about divided government in Washington in 2019, are also weighing on the market.

      Though it raised rates this month, there is a growing consensus that the Fed will step back in 2019 and wait to see what the economy does before increasing rates again.

      A breather would not only be good for the stock market but also consumers who carry a large credit card balance. Credit card interest rates are determined by the Fed’s federal funds rate. With the average credit card interest rate at a record high, any increase by the Fed increases interest on credit card balances.

      The Federal Reserve Open Market Committee voted to raise a key interest rate for the fourth time in 2018. The decision, while expected, is also controversi...

      UPS dubs today ‘National Returns Day’

      For the first time, consumers will return more packages ahead of Christmas than after it

      Holiday returns typically spike after Christmas, but UPS says this year will be different. UPS says the busiest day for returns this holiday season will be Wednesday, December 19, not January 3 as in previous years.

      The carrier says it expects around 1.5 million packages to be returned ahead of Christmas on December 19, compared with 1.3 million expected on January 3, 2019. UPS chalks up the change to the increase in the number of consumers making purchases online.

      Consumers who started shopping online in the days before Black Friday are expected to begin returning more than 1 million packages each day in December.

      Surge in returns before Christmas

      The holiday returns season has been pushed earlier this year due to retailer promotions, express shipping for deliveries and returns, simplified returns processes, and advanced re-stocking and management systems, according to UPS

      "UPS understands the essential and evolving role that package returns play in e-commerce. As a result, UPS has helped our customers get ahead of the curve with a portfolio of technology-driven returns services," said Kevin Warren, UPS's Chief Marketing Officer.

      "We help retailers deliver a premium experience that manages the cost of the returns process while meeting the needs of today's discerning consumer."

      UPS says the option to buy online is reshaping the retail sector. Earlier this year, Walmart rolled out changes to its online marketplace intended to make it easier for customers to return purchases, and Amazon teamed up with Kohl’s to allow customers to return items at kiosks at certain Kohl’s stores.

      “National Returns Day” used to occur in early January, and returns are still expected to spike on January 3. However, UPS says that day will lag behind December 19 in terms of the volume of consumer returns.

      Holiday returns typically spike after Christmas, but UPS says this year will be different. UPS says the busiest day for returns this holiday season will be...

      Uber to resume autonomous vehicle tests in Pennsylvania

      The state’s Department of Transportation has cleared the company to resume testing following its fatal accident in March

      Nine months after one of its autonomous vehicles struck and killed a pedestrian in Tempe, Arizona, Uber has been granted permission to test its autonomous vehicles in the state of Pennsylvania.

      The authorization, which came Monday in the form of a letter from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, gives the ride-hailing giant clearance to test its vehicles on Pennsylvania roads.

      Although Uber has been cleared to resume its autonomous vehicle testing in the state, the company hasn’t said when it will officially begin doing so.

      In November, while the firm was lobbying to test its cars on Pennsylvania roads, Uber executive Noah Zych told the Washington Post that the company hopes to regain the public’s trust by placing two human backup drivers in each test vehicle.

      “Our goal is to really work to regain that trust and to work to help move the entire industry forward,” Zych told the Post. “We think the right thing to do is to be open and transparent about the things that we are doing.”

      Resuming self-driving car tests

      Uber halted testing of its driverless vehicles in March after one of its autonomous SUVs hit and killed a pedestrian in Tempe, Arizona. Investigators later determined that the backup driver, Rafaela Vasquez, had looked down at a phone 204 times during a 43-minute test drive.

      Following the fatal accident, Uber suspended its autonomous vehicle operations in Pittsburgh, Toronto, San Francisco, and Phoenix.

      In its authorization letter, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation emphasized that safety precautions will be taken as the ride-hailing giant resumes testing of its self-driving vehicles.

      "Pennsylvania is significantly invested in the safe and efficient development of automated technology," the authorization stated. "Uber's application met the requirements of our guidance that we issued this year."

      The news of Uber’s green light to test in Pennsylvania comes the same month that Waymo announced the launch of its self-driving car service in a limited capacity in Phoenix.

      Nine months after one of its autonomous vehicles struck and killed a pedestrian in Tempe, Arizona, Uber has been granted permission to test its autonomous...

      Kroger introduces fully autonomous grocery delivery in Arizona

      The grocery chain is testing vehicles that are completely unmanned

      Back in June, Kroger announced that it was partnering with self-driving startup Nuro to introduce a grocery delivery service. The autonomous delivery service, which delivered items via a self-driving Toyota Prius with safety drivers on board, was piloted two months later in Arizona.

      On Tuesday, Kroger and Nuro announced that they would deliver groceries in the Scottsdale, Arizona area using an autonomous vehicle called the R1. The vehicle does not have a steering wheel or any seats for people

      “It was very cool to see it pull up. It was a lot smaller than I thought it would be,” Shannon Baggett, who lives in a Phoenix suburb of Scottsdale, told the Associated Press. “I told my husband, ‘We just got our groceries delivered by a robot.’”

      The R1 can operate on public roads, does not require a driver, and doesn’t have room for passengers. The vehicle’s sole purpose is to transport goods. At this point in time, Kroger is using the R1 to make deliveries from one Fry’s Food Store location in Scottsdale.

      “A world without errands”

      Customers can place orders online or via Kroger’s mobile app, then schedule same-day or next-day delivery for their groceries. Orders will be delivered either by Nuro’s R1 vehicle or a self-driving Prius.

      A text message is sent to customers once the delivery has arrived outside of their residence. The message contains a code to punch in to open the doors of the delivery vehicle.

      "Nuro envisions a world without errands, where everything is on-demand and can be delivered affordably," President Dave Ferguson said in a statement. "Operating a delivery service using our custom unmanned vehicles is an important first step toward that goal"

      Although the vehicles are unmanned, they will be followed by a “shadow car” for safety purposes during the early stages of the program. Inside each shadow car will be a driver with the ability to stop or control the autonomous vehicle. The use of shadow cars will eventually be phased out completely.

      Arizona has been the setting of several companies’ autonomous vehicle program pilots, including Uber and Waymo.

      Earlier this year, Uber halted its self-driving car program after one of its vehicles struck and killed a pedestrian as she was crossing the street in a Phoenix suburb. Waymo, Google’s self-driving car division, recently launched a ride-hailing service available to about 200 people in Arizona that will have a backup driver behind the wheel as a precaution.

      Back in June, Kroger announced that it was partnering with self-driving startup Nuro to introduce a grocery delivery service. The autonomous delivery servi...

      Antibiotic resistance linked to widespread, low-dosage use

      The study explored the antibiotics trends happening across the country

      It’s not uncommon to hear more sniffling and sneezing during the colder winter months. Though flu season tends to have everyone on high alert, a quick trip to the doctor and a prescription for antibiotics could help smooth things along.

      While many consumers don’t think twice before filling a prescription, a recent study conducted by Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health discovered some interesting things about consumers’ antibiotic habits.

      According to the researchers, our body’s tendency to resist antibiotics is more likely to occur when more people are using low-dosage antibiotics, as opposed to a smaller group of people using higher-doses of antibiotics.

      “We know that efforts to reduce inappropriate use of antibiotics are critical to addressing the problem of antibiotic resistance,” said researcher Yonatan Grad. “Our results show that most antibiotic use is occasional -- by people taking just one antibiotic course in a year -- and that this occasional use is more closely linked with antibiotic resistance than intense, repeated use.”

      Looking at the figures

      The researchers analyzed data that explored both antibiotic use and resistance from 2011 through 2014.

      Using both Medicare and the Truven Health MarketScan Research Database, the researchers were able to access prescription information of large quantities of the population. They used ResistanceOpen for statistics on antibiotic resistance.

      One of the study’s key findings showed that when specific antibiotics were used more often to treat specific illnesses, people were more likely to be resistant to them. Over the course of the study, the researchers found some consistent trends. Ten percent of people were found to use nearly 60 percent of all antibiotics, and roughly 35 percent of people received prescriptions for antibiotics.

      Overall, resistance to antibiotics was more likely when larger groups of people used lower doses of antibiotics, as opposed to smaller groups using higher dosages.

      “Our findings suggest that combatting inappropriate antibiotic use among people who don’t take many antibiotics may just be as important, or more important, to fighting resistance than focusing on high-intensity users,” said lead author Scott Olesen.

      Fighting antibiotic resistance

      With antibiotic resistance becoming a growing problem across the country, government agencies are planning to crack down nationwide.

      Because thousands of people die each year from antibiotic-resistant infections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said earlier this year that it would be creating “some new programs” aimed at tackling this issue. Researchers have also been working to develop a new method that would more accurately diagnose patients and provide them with the proper antibiotic.

      The group is hoping to speed the process up and potentially help avoid the use of antibiotics if possible.

      “The hope is that, in [the] future, the method could be used in hospitals and health centres to quickly provide correct treatment and reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics,” said researcher Dan Anderson.

      It’s not uncommon to hear more sniffling and sneezing during the colder winter months. Though flu season tends to have everyone on high alert, a quick trip...

      Second- or third-hand smoke exposure could be worse for kids in low-income and rural areas

      Parents should be most concerned about infants and toddlers

      Children are oftentimes most affected by second- or third-hand smoke, as they aren’t the ones lighting up themselves but are touching or breathing in the remnants of other people’s cigarette smoke.

      Now, researchers from Penn State University say that children living in rural or low-income areas are at greater risk of being exposed to second- or third-hand smoke when compared to those living in other areas.

      “This is one of the first studies to explore the risks of very young children, especially infants, for second- or third-hand exposure to smoking,” said lead author Lisa M. Gatzke-Kopp. “Our findings suggest that moving frequently, having more adults in the home, and spending less time in center-based, daycare facilities may increase a child’s exposure to smoke or smoke residue.”

      Being aware of risks

      To test the effects of second- and third-hand smoke on young children in rural areas, the researchers tested the saliva of over 1,200 children from North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

      The children’s saliva was tested at six months, 15 months, two years, and four years, and the researchers assessed their levels of cotinine -- the aftermath of the body breaking down nicotine, which typically happens in those exposed to cigarette smoke.

      From there, the researchers placed the children in different groups depending on how much cotinine was found in their systems. They found that, overall, the totals were higher than what was recently reported in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

      Nearly 50 percent of children made it into the moderate exposure group, while 15 percent were classified as high exposure, and 37 percent were low exposure. The researchers suggest that the numbers were so high because they started testing the children from infancy.

      “Because infants often put objects into their mouths and crawl on floors, they may be more likely to ingest smoke residue or get it on their skin, compared to older children,” said Gatzke-Kopp.

      Children were at a greater risk when they moved frequently, were in lower income areas, or had adults moving in and out often. Risk went down when they spent more time in public daycare facilities. The researchers wanted parents to know that their are tangible risk factors, and they want adults to be as knowledgeable as possible to help keep the children in their lives safe and healthy.

      Keeping people healthy

      For children living with smokers, it can be difficult to avoid smoke residue on furniture, clothing, or in the air. A recent study found that children of smokers have a considerable amount of nicotine on their hands just from coming into contact with regular household items.

      Nicotine can pass through the air and onto various surfaces, and children can experience a number of health problems as a result, including asthma attacks and ear infections. To help protect residents in public housing, it is now illegal to smoke in federal public housing units.

      Because these units typically house large numbers of people, banning smoking can help keep larger numbers of people safe from second- or third-hand smoke -- particularly because the units are so close together.

      Children are oftentimes most affected by second- or third-hand smoke, as they aren’t the ones lighting up themselves but are touching or breathing in the r...

      Mercedes-Benz USA recalls vehicles with possible steering issue

      The steering may become stuck in one position

      Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling 6,162 model year 2015-2016 Mercedes Benz C300' model year 2017-2019 C300 Cabrio, C300 Coupe, C63 Cabrio; model year 2015 C63S AMG; model year 2018-2019 C300, C350e, C63 AMG, C63S AMG Cabrio; model year 2018 C63 AMG Cabrio, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG, C63S AMG Coupe, E300, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe; and model year 2019 CLS450, E450 Cabrio, and E450 Coupe rear-wheel drive vehicles.

      A locknut in the steering rack may break under high load, possibly causing the steering to become stuck in one position.

      A car that cannot be properly steered has an increased risk of a crash.

      What to do

      MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge.

      The recall is expected to begin January 25, 2019.

      Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

      Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling 6,162 model year 2015-2016 Mercedes Benz C300' model year 2017-2019 C300 Cabrio, C300 Coupe, C63 Cabrio; model year...

      Inspired Organics recalls Organic Sunflower Butter

      The product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

      Inspired Organics is recalling Organic Sunflower Butter that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

      No illnesses have been reported to date.

      Inspired Organics, distributed exclusively by Lipari Foods in Warren, Mich., to food service and retail stores throughout Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Ontario, Canada, is being recalled:

      • Product: Organic Sunflower Butter
      • Lipari Item #: 967064
      • Size: 16oz
      • Best By Date: 10/2019
      • Lot #: 099
      • UPC: 863669742526

      What to do

      Customers who purchased the recalled products should not consume them, but discard them or return them to the point of purchase.

      Consumers with questions may call the company's customer service at (800) 729-3354, 8:15 am – 4:30 pm (EST) Monday through Friday.

      Inspired Organics is recalling Organic Sunflower Butter that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.No illnesses have been reported to date....

      Ford recalls F-250, F-350 and F-450 Super Duty trucks

      The park pawl assembly may not be be secured

      Ford Motor Company is recalling four model year 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty and F-450 Super Duty trucks.

      An incorrect transmission case casting may cause the park pawl assembly to not be secured, possibly resulting in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.

      What to do

      Ford will notify owners and dealers will inspect the transmission case, replacing the transmission as necessary, free of charge.

      The recall was expected to begin December 3, 2018.

      Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S36.

      Ford Motor Company is recalling four model year 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty and F-450 Super Duty trucks.An incorrect transmission case...