Current Events in May 2020

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2020

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    Netflix will start canceling inactive subscriptions soon

    The company will send out confirmation requests over the next couple of weeks

    Word came down from Netflix corporate on Friday that inactive subscriptions run the risk of being canceled. The company is asking subscribers who haven't used the service in a year or more to let them know that they still want to be a member -- even if they're going to keep their membership turned off until further notice.

    According to Netflix' Eddy Wu, the inactive accounts represent less than half of one percent of its overall member base -- about a few hundred thousand.

    Expect a nudge

    Netflix will be sending out email and in-app nudges over the next few weeks to find out what the dormant subscribers want to do. If the service doesn't receive a user's confirmation, their service will be canceled with no penalties or fees.

    "If anyone changes their mind later, it's really easy to restart Netflix," Wu said. "As always, anyone who cancels their account and then rejoins within 10 months will still have their favorites, profiles, viewing preferences and account details just as they left them. In the meantime, we hope this new approach saves people some hard-earned cash."

    CNBC's Jessica Bursztynsky called Netflix move "extremely unusual among companies that charge an annual subscription, and shows a measure of confidence in Netflix's value proposition for customers." 

    Bursztynsky also thinks a little "hello, remember us" nudge may help Netflix retain some top-of-mind recall -- especially as new competitors like Disney+ and NBCUniversal's Peacock continue elbowing in for a piece of the streaming service action.

    Word came down from Netflix corporate on Friday that inactive subscriptions run the risk of being canceled. The company is asking subscribers who haven't u...

    Survey finds new credit card accounts have plunged 73 percent

    As unemployment spikes, consumers are losing access to credit

    Credit card companies slammed on the brakes in March as millions of consumers lost their jobs. The number of new credit card accounts plunged 73 percent between March 15th and April 15th, according to a survey by CompareCards.

    While it’s not surprising that lenders would try to reduce their risk in the face of rising unemployment, the speed in which they acted is unprecedented. Then again, the economic disaster from the coronavirus (COVID-19) shutdown happened virtually overnight. 

    Prior to the pandemic, credit card companies aggressively sought to open new accounts because of a robust economy. In the new environment, consumers may find it will be much harder to get all types of credit.

    Economic uncertainty

    Compared to the March-to-April periods from 2017 to 2019, the number of new cards slowed to a trickle this year. When lenders did issue cards, the credit limits were on average $700 lower.

    “When the economy is uncertain, as we are currently witnessing, plans change and lenders get nervous,” CompareCards wrote in a blog post. “When lenders become wary, they resort to reducing credit limits on existing accounts, or even close those accounts altogether, because all that available credit just looks like unnecessary risk to the bank.”

    Even if you already have a credit card, it doesn’t mean you’re going to keep it. As unemployment surged in late March, credit card companies moved quickly to close some customers’ accounts. 

    At the end of April, about 25 percent of consumers reported that their credit card company had closed an account or lowered their credit limit.

    ‘High risk of failure to pay’

    ConsumerAffairs has received scores of complaints from consumers like Robert, of Houston, who told us he had several credit cards with Synchrony, which he said had continued to increase his credit limits over the years.

    “Then, in one single day, Synchrony closed every single account without notice,” Robert wrote in his ConsumerAffairs post. ”Received a letter stating ‘Activity on accounts indicative of high risk of failure to pay.’ How is that possible when there was less than $3k total on just 2 of the several accounts I had with them?”

    Robert also said his credit score dropped by more than 100 points because of the loss of credit, which he says significantly increased his debt ratio.

    Credit card companies are often quick to react to perceived risk because credit card debt is not secured by any kind of collateral. If an account holder doesn’t pay, there is no means to secure payment without going to court.

    But in the wake of the coronavirus, some lenders are even worried about secured debt. Earlier this month, Wells Fargo announced it was temporarily suspending new home equity lines of credit (HELOC), joining other major banks moving to reduce their credit exposure.

    Consumers whose credit card accounts have been closed by their lender may be able to restore access by applying for a secured credit card. ConsumerAffairs has researched the best secured credit card companies here.

    Credit card companies slammed on the brakes in March as millions of consumers lost their jobs. The number of new credit card accounts plunged 73 percent be...

    Zuckerberg believes half of Facebook employees will work remotely in the next five to 10 years

    However, employee compensation could change depending on their location

    On Thursday, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said he anticipates that half of the company’s employees could be working remotely on a permanent basis within the next five to 10 years. 

    "We are going to be the most forward-leaning company on remote work at our scale, with a thoughtful and responsible plan for how to do this," Zuckerberg said on his weekly livestream with employees. "We're going to do it in a measured way over time."

    The executive said Facebook will begin allowing some employees to work remotely full time and will request that they notify the company if they move to a different location by Jan. 1, 2021. For accounting and tax reasons, the executive said employee pay could be adjusted in cases where employees change locations.

    “We’ll adjust salary to your location at that point,” said Zuckerberg. “There’ll be severe ramifications for people who are not honest about this.”

    Opening up opportunities 

    Going forward, Zuckerberg says Facebook will be “aggressively” increasing hiring of remote workers and gradually allowing existing employees to fill remote work positions. 

    He also said he predicts that opening up more remote work positions will help improve employee retention and make it possible to bring on talented people who don’t live near Facebook’s offices and wouldn’t have considered moving. 

    “When you limit hiring to people who either live in a small number of big cities or are willing to move there, that cuts out a lot of people who live in different communities, different backgrounds or may have different perspectives,” Zuckerberg said. "It doesn't seem that good to constrain hiring to people who live around offices.”

    Expanding permanent work-from-home positions

    Due to the coronavirus pandemic, nearly all of Facebook’s employees are working remotely. Zuckerberg said Facebook employees were recently asked to respond to a survey about the change, and 50 percent said they were as productive working from home as they were at the office. 

    Existing employees will be offered the option of working remotely permanently if they meet certain criteria. The company will consider the strength of recent performance and experience level, among other things. New hires with less experience will need to work from offices once they reopen. 

    Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey said recently that his platform will be adopting a long-term remote work policy even after the threat of the virus has abated. 

    “Opening offices will be our decision,” a company spokesperson said in May. “When and if our employees come back, will be theirs.”

    On Thursday, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said he anticipates that half of the company’s employees could be working remotely on a permanent basis within th...

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      Adding certain spices to a meal can help reduce inflammation

      Researchers found that spices can do more than just add flavor

      Inflammation throughout the body can increase the risk for any number of health conditions, and now experts are exploring how a simple dietary adjustment can reduce that risk. 

      A new study conducted by researchers from Penn State found that spicing up food could be a great way for consumers to reduce inflammation. Their work revealed that balancing out meals that are high in fats or carbs with a blend of different spices can work to lower inflammation. 

      “Ultimately the gold standard would be to get people eating more healthfully and to lose weight and exercise, but those behavioral changes are difficult and take time,” said researcher Connie Rogers. “So in the interim, we wanted to explore whether a combination of spices that people are already familiar with and could fit in a single meal could have a positive effect.” 

      Adding spice

      The researchers had a dozen men participate in the study, all of whom were overweight and between the ages of 40 and 65. 

      Over the course of three days, the researchers gave the participants three variations of the same meal with different variations of spices; all of the meals were high in carbs and fats. The first meal had no added spices and the second had just two grams of spices; the final meal had six grams of spices. 

      For the blend of seasonings, the researchers combined ginger, bay leaf, parsley, thyme, black pepper, oregano, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, red pepper, cumin, rosemary, and basil. 

      The study revealed that the combination of spices was effective in reducing the participants’ inflammation following the heavy meals, and the dish with the most spices correlated with the lowest inflammatory response. 

      While the researchers couldn’t pinpoint which of the spices contributed the most to these results, the combination of them was successful. The researchers recommend that consumers still do their best to follow healthy diets and engage in physical activity, but these findings can help consumers prepare when they know they’ll be eating heavier meals. 

      “If spices are palatable to you, they might be a way to make a high-fat or high-carb meal more healthful,” said Rogers. “We can’t say from this study if it was one spice in particular, but this specific blend seemed to be beneficial.”

      Inflammation throughout the body can increase the risk for any number of health conditions, and now experts are exploring how a simple dietary adjustment c...

      Memorial Day travelers will find rising gas prices this weekend

      Gas prices jump eight cents a gallon in the last week

      While it’s true that far fewer motorists are expected to be on the road this Memorial Day weekend, those who are traveling will probably face rising gasoline prices. Still, the prices will be a lot lower than at this time last year.

      The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gas is $1.94 a gallon, eight cents higher than last weekend. But that’s 90 cents less per gallon than last Memorial Day weekend. The average price of premium gas is $2.54 a gallon, five cents higher than last Friday. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.41, about the same as last week.

      Even though gas prices have started to move higher in the last 10 days as coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions have begun to be lifted, prices are still historically low.

      “Gas prices around Memorial Day have not been this cheap in nearly 20 years,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA’s spokesperson. “However, as the country continues to practice social distancing, this year’s unofficial kick-off to summer is not going to drive the typical millions of Americans to travel. Despite inexpensive gas prices, AAA anticipates this year’s holiday will likely set a record low for travel volume.”

      AAA says motorists can expect gas prices to continue to rise and perhaps go back over $2 a gallon in the next week. As states reopen, demand for gas will increase. At the same time, stations will switch over to summer blends of gasoline, which will cost more.

      But consumers shouldn’t face sudden spikes in prices since oil prices remain low and demand may be slow to reach pre-shutdown levels.

      The states with the most expensive gas

      These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

      • Hawaii ($3.18)

      • California ($2.83)

      • Washington ($2.48)

      • Oregon ($2.41) 

      • Nevada ($2.37)

      •  Pennsylvania ($2.20)

      • Illinois ($2.18)

      • New York ($2.17)

      • Utah ($2.14)

      • Alaska ($2.11)

      The states with the cheapest regular gas

      The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

      • Mississippi ($1.55)

      • Arkansas ($1.58)

      • Oklahoma ($1.59)

      • Texas ($1.59)

      • Alabama ($1.60)

      • Missouri ($1.61)

      • Louisiana ($1.63)

      • Kansas ($1.64)

      • South Carolina ($1.64)

      • Tennessee ($1.66)

      While it’s true that far fewer motorists are expected to be on the road this Memorial Day weekend, those who are traveling will probably face rising gasoli...

      Model year 2019 Audi Q3s recalled

      The passenger airbag may not deploy properly

      Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 3,024 model year 2019 Audi Q3s.

      The passenger air bag may not deploy properly through the instrument panel tear seam.

      The passenger air bag may not properly deploy and inflate in a crash, and small plastic parts may enter the cabin, increasing the risk of injury.

      What to do

      Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the instrument panel and replace it -- if necessary -- free of charge.

      The recall is expected to begin June 12, 2020.

      Owners may contact Audi customer service at (800) 822-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 70H7.

      Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 3,024 model year 2019 Audi Q3s. The passenger air bag may not deploy properly through the instrument panel tear...

      New Hoque and Sons recalls Radhuni Curry Powder

      The product maybe contaminated with Salmonella

      New Hoque and Sons of Maspeth, N.Y., is recalling Radhuni Curry Powder.

      The product maybe contaminated with Salmonella.

      No illnesses have been reported to date.

      The recalled product, which comes in 400-g clear, plastic bottles, with an expiration date of 01/02/2022 on the side of the container, was sold in grocery stores in New York City including Jamaica, Jackson Heights and the Bronx, from April 17 – 21, 2020.

      What to do

      Customers who purchased the recalled product should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

      Consumers with questions may contact the company at (718) 391-0992 from Monday - Friday between 9am and 5pm (EST).

      New Hoque and Sons of Maspeth, N.Y., is recalling Radhuni Curry Powder. The product maybe contaminated with Salmonella. No illnesses have been report...

      7 magazine subscriptions that open your mind

      Whether science, history or travel is your thing, a magazine subscription is a great way to lift your spirits and expand your thinking

      There’s not much better than receiving your favorite magazine in the mail, rushing inside and sinking into a cushy armchair with your favorite beverage while you flip through the pages. Check out our top 7 magazine picks for recreational and educational reads.

      National Geographic

      National Geographic is an excellent magazine with beautiful nature photography and interesting articles. Kids are in awe of the pictures (okay, we are, too), and older readers enjoy the unique editorial content covering topics as diverse as spelunking, Sputnik or an inside look at the life of a key-keeper in the Vatican.

      • Nature, science and technology
      • $24 a year, 12 issues

      Buy on Amazon

      Condé Nast Traveler

      The name “Condé Nast” is reasonably well known, but not many people know the secret behind the Condé Nast Traveler magazine. Its writers travel anonymously to stunning locales around the world and pay their own way — no company credit cards here. As a result, writers must find affordable, accessible sights to see and places to eat. The magazine reads like a sleuth revealing his or her mission findings, and the pictures are something to behold.

      • Written by travelers visiting covertly
      • $5 a year, 8 issues

      Buy on Amazon

      Popular Science

      Science is a fascinating subject, but we’ve found some magazines are too technical for everyday readers. However, Popular Science is a good option for a more laidback read. The magazine covers the latest in gadgets and technology while remaining down-to-earth, focusing on products families and ordinary people might purchase someday.

      • Covers new, cool technology
      • $3 a year, 6 issues

      Buy on Amazon

      Popular Mechanics

      Popular Mechanics appeals to more than just those interested in tinkering with electronics and household appliances. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How does that work?” then Popular Mechanics is for you. The magazine explains how everyday products function and has recommendations for several household items.

      • Discusses cars, electronics and health
      • $12 a year, 6 issues

      Buy on Amazon

      Smithsonian

      Smithsonian is an excellent choice for exploring general interests, covering topics like science, pop culture and the arts. Recent subjects include how other cultures celebrate Mother’s Day, how to virtually adopt a plant and the world’s most fascinating insects. One cool perk of subscribing to Smithsonian is receiving dining discounts for when you visit the Smithsonian Museum in person.

      • Covers popular culture, arts and sciences
      • $12 a year, 11 issues

      Buy on Amazon

      Discover

      Our favorite thing about Discover is its monthly columns — one recently included a doctor explaining a real-life medical emergency and how it was resolved. Other sections involve quick write-ups of the latest scientific breakthroughs, and the Blinded by Science column mixes humor and scientific inquiry for an amusing but enlightening read. It’s the priciest mag on our list, but we like its human touch and whimsical approach to learning.

      • Good for political and science fans
      • $29.95 a year, 8 issues

      Buy on Amazon

      Ask

      If you ask us, Ask is a great option for kids, especially those 6 - 9 years old and interested in science and learning. Topics include the solar system, animal behavior and ecology. The reading level is challenging but not overwhelming, and we also like that the magazine is ad-free.

      • Fun for kids 7 - 10
      • $24.95 a year, 9 issues

      Buy on Amazon

      Whether science, history or travel is your thing, a magazine subscription is a great way to lift your spirits and expand your thinking...

      Great Memorial Day deals you should consider this weekend

      Memorial Day is a spectacular time to save money on a wide range of items! Check out our list for some of the best deals

      Memorial Day is a holiday we all appreciate. It is a time to remember our fallen soldiers, and it unofficially marks the beginning of summer. As with most holidays, some industries use it as a time to mark down their products and services, and we’ve scouted out some of the best deals for you.

      Mattresses

      Mattress sales have become a hallmark of memorial day weekend. Most people spend a third or more of their time in bed reading, watching TV, working on their laptops or sleeping. However, not too many of us know you should replace your mattress every 8 years, so treat yourself to a new one! Here are some of the best mattress sales we see this weekend.

      Awara

      • $300 off every mattress
      • Free organic sheets
      • 10 trees planted with mattress purchase
      • Ends Sunday, May 31

      Shop Now

      Level Sleep

      • Save 20% with code MDAY20
      • 365-night home trial
      • Forever warranty

      Shop Now

      Dream Cloud

      • $200 off mattresses
      • Free weight blanket & pillow combo
      • Code MEMORIALDAY auto-applied at checkout
      • Ends June 2

      Shop Now

      Mattress Firm

      • King size bed for queen price
      • Queen size bed for twin price
      • Code ELEVATE: free adjustable base with purchases of $699+
      • 50% off Serta Perfect Sleeper, Sealy Maplewood and Sleepy’s memory foam queen mattresses
      • Ends May 26

      Shop Now

      Leesa

      • $100 off Studio by Leesa (New!)
      • $200 off Leesa Original
      • $300 off Leesa Hybrid
      • $400 off Leesa Legend

      Shop Now

      Tempur-Pedic

      • Sale on adjustable mattresses
      • Up to $500 off select mattress sets

      Shop Now

      Casper

      • Save 10% on mattresses
      • Ends June 1

      Shop Now

      Nectar Sleep

      • $399 of free accessories with every mattress
      • Ends Monday, June 1

      Shop Now

      Craftmatic Beds (Authorized partner)

      • Memorial weekend closeout event
      • Several deals

      Shop Now

      PlushBeds

      • $1,250 off organic latex mattresses
      • Up to $400 in free bedding
      • Ends May 25

      Shop Now

      Athletic and outdoor gear

      Mattresses are not the only thing on sale this Memorial Day weekend. If you’re looking to get fit or save on athletic or outdoor gear, then these deals are for you.

      Orgain

      • Free shipping for limited time
      • 20% off first order
      • $5 off any organic protein powder jug

      Shop Now

      LA Weight Loss Center

      • 50% off MAX plan
      • $50 in free gifts

      Shop Now

      Academy Sports and Outdoors

      • 10% off for military, first responders, and healthcare workers
      • Offer ends May 25
      • Curbside pickup

      Shop Now

      Technology and small business needs

      Whether your dad loves keeping up with the latest technology as a hobby or runs a small business, you’ll find great Memorial Day weekend deals on tech and office supplies.

      Office Depot

      • Electronics and supplies for school and office
      • 30% off sale

      Shop Now

      GoDaddy

      • Web hosting and domain services
      • .com web address for $4.99

      Shop Now

      AVG anti-virus

      • Anti-virus software
      • For computers and mobile devices
      • Save 44% on anti-virus software

      Shop Now

      123inkjets

      • Printers, ink and toner
      • 15% off ink & toner with code 123MDS

      Shop Now

      Paychex

      • HR solutions for small and medium-sized businesses
      • 3 months free

      Shop Now

      Neat

      • Business expense tracking software
      • 4 free months on Neat Complete plan

      Shop Now

      Identity Guard (Authorized partner)

      • Identity theft protection services
      • 33% off identity theft protection

      Shop Now

      Entertainment and communication products

      We found some surprisingly good discounts on great entertainment and phone services that you have been on your list of must-haves. You should definitely see these TV and phone options.

      Sling TV

      • Live TV streaming service
      • Free 1-month premium pass
      • Includes Showtime, Starz and Epix

      Shop Now

      Net10 Wireless

      • Wireless phone service and mobile phones
      • Up to 30% off

      Shop Now

      Tracfone

      • Wireless phone service and mobile phones
      • 30% off select devices

      Shop Now

      Furniture, decor, and home improvement

      Furniture, decor and home improvement are often major industries with their biggest sales over Memorial Day weekend. Don’t miss out on these deals — you may not see sales like this for months!

      Pier 1

      • Furniture and home decor
      • 40% off outdoor furniture and wall decor

      Shop Now

      Overstock

      • Furniture and home decor
      • 70% off thousands of items

      Shop Now

      The Bouqs Company (Authorized Partner)

      • Flower delivery service
      • Code 2XBOUQS for discount pricing on deluxe sizes

      Shop Now

      Renewal by Andersen (Authorized Partner)

      • Window replacement products and services
      • 0% interest financing for five years
      • 60% off on labor costs

      Shop Now

      Pelican Water (Authorized Partner)

      • Water filtration and softener products
      • Up to 60% savings on filters and softeners

      Shop Now

      Total Home Protection (Authorized Partner)

      • Home warranty services
      • $50 off all home warranty plans
      • 1 month free

      Shop Now

      American Residential Warranty (Authorized Partner)

      • Home warranty services
      • $75 off bundle home warranty plans
      • $50 off other home warranty plans

      Shop Now

      For pets

      Does Dad have pets he likes to spoil? We found excellent deals so he can save on toys, food and other pet supplies.

      BudgetPetCare.com

      • Pet supplies, toys, and food
      • 10% off all orders with coupon code SUMMER10

      Shop Now

      Medical alert devices

      Medical alert devices are an excellent way for seniors to maintain independence and give their loved ones' peace of mind. Here are some great discounts on some of our favorite medical alert devices.

      Medical Guardian (Authorized Partner)

      • 1-month free service
      • Free activation and ground shipping
      • Free lockbox

      Shop Now

      Bay Alarm Medical (Authorized Partner)

      • 20% off select plans
      • Free shipping

      Shop Now

      Medical Alert (Authorized Partner)

      • Prices starting at $19.95 per month
      • 1 month free
      • Free shipping

      Shop Now

      Memorial Day is a spectacular time to save money on a wide range of items! Check out our list for some of the best deals...

      Amazon reportedly shelves Prime Day due to COVID-19 concerns

      If the coronavirus returns sooner rather than later, the 2020 version of the promotion might not happen at all

      Amazon has decided not to risk its prized Prime Day on any iffy recovery from COVID-19. 

      According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, the online giant is postponing the annual event by a few months when consumers will, hopefully, be in a better position to spend and it can honor its commitment to fulfillment.

      Risk vs. Reward

      Usually reserved for mid-July, Amazon Prime is the company’s favorite from-me-to-me gift, allowing the company to rake in more money than it does any other time of the year. 

      But the company is just now starting to heal from the situation the pandemic has put it in, not only in on-time delivery and availability of goods but with workers who felt the company bailed on its duty to protect their safety. 

      Things are so tentative at Amazon that company CFO Brian Olsavsky told analysts earlier this month that he couldn't predict when the platform's oft-flaunted one-day Prime shipping feature would resume.

      “Consumers are pushing off big-ticket purchases right now because things are so uncertain,” said Android Central’s Jared Dipane.

      “This could have a huge impact on Prime Day sales as people may not be as willing to drop $300+ on a new TV or a hundred bucks on a new set of headphones. As things open back up and people feel more comfortable with everything happening, they are more likely to begin spending money on the extra items that they want instead of need.”

      What if COVID-19 returns before Prime Day’s new date?

      Some reports say Prime Day will happen in August; some say September. Either way, Amazon is playing it safe by not promoting a specific day. When ConsumerAffairs gave a thorough go-over at Amazon’s corporate website, there wasn’t any mention of the promotion or the date.

      But if the coronavirus rears its ugly head again, Dipane thinks it’s possible that the company may just ditch all hopes for a 2020 version of Prime Day.

      “Beyond August it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to have Prime Day, mainly because then it's simply too close to Black Friday and the holiday shopping season,” he said. “Sure, Amazon could try and push it into September, but then parents will likely be navigating the struggles of getting kids back into schools, and whatever else could be happening then.”

      Amazon has decided not to risk its prized Prime Day on any iffy recovery from COVID-19. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, the online gi...

      Coronavirus update: New rules for air travel, jobless claims still high but slowing

      Home sales plunged by 17.8 percent in April

      Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally as compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (Previous numbers in parentheses.)

      Total U.S. confirmed cases: 1,555,537 (1,532,212)

      Total U.S. deaths: 93,606 (92,128)

      Total global cases: 5,034,458 (4,931,057)

      Total global deaths: 329,186 (324,240)

      TSA issues new rules for summer travel

      The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a package of guidelines for summer travel, and the regulations make big changes to adapt to the coronavirus (COVID-19). In one of the biggest changes, passengers will retain control of their boarding passes at all times with no TSA agent touching them.

      Passengers are also encouraged to wear face masks, especially since some airlines now require them for all passengers. TSA says passengers may be asked to adjust their masks during the screening process.

      “In the interest of TSA frontline workers and traveler health, TSA is committed to making prudent changes to our screening processes to limit physical contact and increase physical distance as much as possible,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “We continue to evaluate our security measures with an eye towards making smart, timely decisions benefiting health and safety, as well as the traveler experience.”

      New unemployment claims still slowing

      The Labor Department reported today that initial claims for unemployment benefits increased in the previous week by 2.43 million -- still an extremely large number but a slowdown from previous weeks.

      In fact, it’s a decrease of 249,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised down by 294,000 from 2,981,000 to 2,687,000. 

      The four-week moving average was 3,042,000, a decrease of 501,000 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised down by 73,500 from 3,616,500 to 3,543,000.  

      April home sales plunge

      Sales of existing home sales sank 17.8 percent in April as the coronavirus lockdown kept buyers on the sidelines. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that all of the four major regions of the country experienced a decline in month-over-month and year-over-year sales, with the West seeing the greatest dip in both categories.

      “The economic lockdowns – occurring from mid-March through April in most states – have temporarily disrupted home sales,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist. “But the listings that are on the market are still attracting buyers and boosting home prices.”

      New testing centers in Arizona

      CVS Health has announced plans to expand its COVID-19 testing program in Arizona by opening 16 additional test sites at select CVS Pharmacy drive-thru locations across the state.

      The new centers will open tomorrow and increase the number of CVS testing locations in Arizona to 25.

      The testing locations will use self-swab tests and will mark the next phase of the CVS’s nationwide COVID-19 testing strategy announced last month. The pharmacy retailer expects to have nearly 1,000 locations across the country offering this service by the end of May.

      "As we move into a new phase of combatting the pandemic and as communities begin to safely open up their local economies, we need testing to be easily accessible," said Dr. Troyen Brennan, chief medical officer and executive vice president at CVS Health. "By further expanding the number of drive-thru test sites available across our retail network, more people can be tested closer to home in a familiar setting."

      COVID-19 may delay Amazon’s Prime Day

      Amazon’s highly successful Prime Day shopping spree, typically staged in mid-July, is reportedly being pushed back to September. The Wall Street Journal reports that the online retailer is still trying to keep up with the avalanche of orders from home-bound consumers seeking basic supplies. 

      The reported postponement would allow Amazon to be able to more quickly fill orders for a wider variety of products. Currently, non-essential items can take a week or more to receive.

      Amazon has declined to comment on the report.

      Around the nation

      • Indiana: To accommodate consumers during the Memorial Day weekend, state officials are lifting COVID-19 restrictions tomorrow, two days early. Gov. Eric Holcomb said a new state order will allow social gatherings of up to 100 people and retail stores and malls to operate at 75 percent capacity.

      • Oklahoma: The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) reportedly plans to restart high school activities in three phases. The Oklahoman reports the OSSAA board will meet tomorrow to discuss the plan before sending it to school administrators and coaches.

      • Tennessee: The Tennessee Economic Recovery Group has updated its guidelines for restaurants and retail stores to reduce capacity restrictions. It also issued new guidance to help attractions and large venues to reopen while remaining safe. Gov. Bill Lee’s office says the new guidelines will go into effect tomorrow.

      Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally as compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (Previous numbers in parentheses.)Total U.S. confirmed cases: 1,555,537 (1,532,21...

      Roads and airports may be empty this Memorial Day weekend

      AAA isn’t even bothering to put out a travel forecast

      This Memorial Day weekend, the official kickoff to summer, will be unlike almost any other, with the coronavirus (COVID-19) still keeping most people at home.

      There are expected to be so few cars on the road and passengers in airports that AAA has decided -- for the first time in 20 years -- not to issue a Memorial Day weekend travel forecast. Even though a growing number of states have slowly lifted restrictions, AAA expects fewer people will travel.

      “Last year, 43 million Americans traveled for Memorial Day weekend – the second-highest travel volume on record since AAA began tracking holiday travel volumes in 2000,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president, AAA Travel. “With social distancing guidelines still in practice, this holiday weekend’s travel volume is likely to set a record low.”

      To do that, holiday travel volume would have to be lower than Memorial Day 2009, when it hit a record low of 31 million. That came months after the financial crisis and at the tail end of the Great Recession.

      Cars.com forecast

      Digital automotive marketplace Cars.com has done its own research and estimates that only 36 percent of people will take a trip over the holiday weekend, with about 75 percent planning to travel by car.

      The survey found that those who do plan to take a trip don’t plan to go very far from home and will likely adhere to local safety guidelines. The research also found that a third of consumers who said they are in the market for a car will plan to purchase one this weekend.

      "Americans love the freedom and safety that personal car ownership provides, especially in the current environment," said Jenni Newman, Cars.com editor-in-chief. "We are seeing more people considering purchasing a car to use as an extension of their home, a much-needed escape and safe mode of transportation.”

      It could be a busy weekend at car dealers

      Dealerships have reopened for visits in many states, but sales have continued during the lockdown. Dealers are finding ways to sell cars without coming face to face with buyers by offering virtual test drives and appointments with home delivery options.

      Karl Brauer, executive editor at Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader, believes pent up demand from the last two months could mean Memorial Day weekend will be busy at the nation’s car dealers, which are eager to get consumers back into their showrooms.

      “There are some unprecedented offers available to buyers, such as 0 percent for 84 months and deferred payments for two to three months,” Brauer told ConsumerAffairs in a recent interview.

      Brauer says everything is in place, short of a booming economy, to have active car-buying through the Tuesday after Memorial Day.

      This Memorial Day weekend, the official kickoff to summer, will be unlike almost any other, with the coronavirus (COVID-19) still keeping most people at ho...

      T-Mobile offering free service for first responders

      The carrier wants to help first responders stay connected for free over the next decade

      T-Mobile’s new CEO Mike Sievert has announced that the wireless carrier’s offer of free service for first responders is now available. 

      Members of state and local public and nonprofit law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies can get ten years of free mobile service through T-Mobile’s “Connecting Heroes” program. 

      “We know first responder agencies face tough budget decisions, but they shouldn’t have to decide between critical equipment and wireless services,” T-Mobile said

      The carrier has pledged $7.7 billion over the next decade to fund the program for first responders. Those who receive free service will get unlimited talk, text, and 4G / 5G data.

      T-Mobile unveiled its plan to offer free service for first responders when it was pushing to receive regulator approval for its merger with Sprint. The carrier has now completed the merger and plans to eliminate Sprint’s brand name by mid-summer. The combined company will operate under the T-Mobile brand name. 

      In addition to the Connecting Heroes plan, T-Mobile also plans to offer a $15-per-month Connect wireless plan with unlimited talk, text, and 2GB of data now that the merger has been completed. The carrier has also promised free internet for 10 million households to increase internet access among children in the U.S. and help close “the homework gap.”

      T-Mobile’s new CEO Mike Sievert has announced that the wireless carrier’s offer of free service for first responders is now available. Members of state...

      CDC issues new guidance on school and summer camp reopenings

      The bottom line is it’s too soon to throw caution to the wind and stop doing all the healthy changes we’ve made in our routines

      With COVID-19-related restrictions being eased, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is getting out in front of the likely scenarios of parents going back to work and sending their children back to school, daycare, or off to camp.

      The cornerstones of the CDC’s newly released interim guidance to anyone in this boat is simple. “Implementation should be guided by what is feasible, practical, acceptable, and tailored to the needs of each community,” the agency said. 

      CDC officials also went on record saying that their suggestions are just that -- suggestions -- and aren’t meant to replace any local or state laws that schools and camps have to comply with.

      Scale up

      The CDC suggests that all of the players in a school or camp setting start slowly scaling up. Here are the progression of steps the agency suggests straight from its new playbook:

      Step 1: Schools that are currently closed should remain closed. E-learning or distance learning opportunities should be provided for all students. Support provision of student services such as school meal programs, as feasible. Camps should be restricted to children of essential workers and for children who live in the local geographic area only. 

      Step 2: Schools and camps should remain open with enhanced social distancing measures and for children who live in the local geographic area only. 

      Step 3: Schools and camps should remain open with distancing measures. Restrict attendance to those from limited transmission areas only.

      Keep it clean

      The CDC says no one should let up on any of the health practices we’ve all grown used to during the pandemic. These include:

      • Reinforcing the washing of hands and covering coughs and wearing face coverings;

      • Continuing the intensity of cleaning and sanitizing;

      • Avoiding the use of items (for example, soft or plush toys) that are not easily cleaned, sanitized, or disinfected;

      • Ensuring safe and correct application of disinfectants and keeping products away from children;

      • Ensuring that ventilation systems operate properly and increasing circulation of outdoor air as much as possible, such as by opening windows and doors; and

      • Not opening windows and doors if doing so poses a safety or health risk (for example, allowing pollen in or exacerbating asthma symptoms) to children using the facility.

      Don’t let up on social distancing

      School rooms, playgrounds, and camps are close to a perfect storm for spreading germs, but the CDC doesn’t think anyone in charge of managing these situations should take any chances. To that end, here are some of the Centers’ suggestions:

      • Make sure that classes include the same group of children every single day and, if possible, that the same child care providers remain with the same group each day.

      • Restrict mixing between groups. That means cancelling field trips, inter-group events, and extracurricular activities.

      • If a cafeteria or a group dining room is where people normally eat their meals, it would be smart to serve those meals in classrooms instead. 

      • When it comes to taking children to school and picking them up, the wise thing to do would be to stagger arrival and drop-off times. If that’s not possible, put in place other protocols to limit direct contact with parents as much as possible. 

      • Space out seating and bedding (head-to-toe positioning) to be six feet apart.

      • Unless it’s necessary, try and keep communal use spaces closed, such as game rooms, playgrounds, and cafeterias.

      Sharing is not caring

      The most important advice the CDC passes on might be the hardest to accomplish -- make sure everyone’s stuff is kept to themselves. Here’s the agency’s advice in that regard:

      • Keep every child’s belongings separated and put them in individually labeled storage containers, cubbies, or areas. Also make sure that those items are taken home each day and cleaned.

      • When it comes to things like art supplies and equipment -- things that more than one child might come in contact with -- try to minimize the sharing of those materials or limit use of supplies and equipment by one group of children at a time and clean and disinfect between use.

      • Avoid sharing of foods, utensils, electronic devices, toys, books, games, and learning aids.

      • Prevent risk of transmitting any virus by avoiding immediate contact. Examples would be holding or shaking hands, and hugging.

      With COVID-19-related restrictions being eased, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is getting out in front of the likely scenarios of par...

      Democratic lawmakers raise concerns about merger of Uber and Grubhub

      Uber Eats and Grubhub would have a lion’s share of the market in many cities if they merged

      Democratic lawmakers said Wednesday that Uber purchasing Grubhub would “raise serious competition issues” in many cities. 

      In a letter to the nation’s top antitrust enforcers, a handful of democratic lawmakers -- led by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D - Minn.) -- said that if Uber bought Grubhub, the newly combined company would each get 48 percent of the U.S. market, while Doordash would have 42 percent. 

      Combined, Uber Eats and Grubhub would have almost 80 percent of the market in New York, 68 percent in Boston, 65 percent in Miami, 60 percent in Chicago, and 51 percent in Atlanta. Klobuchar said that a merger of Uber and Grubhub would combine two of the three biggest food delivery providers in the nation.  

      “We have been hearing about the exorbitant fees that these online delivery app companies charge to restaurants, which are then forced to pass these excessive costs on to consumers,” the lawmakers wrote. “It is particularly troubling that this merger is being contemplated during a pandemic, when consumer demand has increased and when restaurants are more desperate for revenue than ever.”

      Might eliminate competition

      Klobuchar and her colleagues added that the market shares the two entities stand to gain by merging are “staggering, particularly in light of the leverage that these online delivery companies already wield over restaurants, delivery workers, and consumers, especially during this pandemic.”

      “We urge the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission to closely monitor the negotiations of this potential transaction and to initiate an investigation if the parties reach an agreement to merge,” the lawmakers added. 

      In their letter, the regulators said the competitive effects of the merger would be felt most prominently at the local level. 

      “Consumers should be able to look forward to a future in which online food delivery is more efficient, more innovative, and less expensive,” they said. "A merger of two of the three biggest rivals in an already concentrated market risks depriving consumers of that outcome by potentially eliminating competition between the existing market participants.”

      “We urge you to keep track of this potential acquisition and initiate an investigation if the parties reach a merger agreement to ensure that competition is preserved,” the lawmakers concluded. 

      Democratic lawmakers said Wednesday that Uber purchasing Grubhub would “raise serious competition issues” in many cities. In a letter to the nation’s t...

      AT&T to change its controversial ‘5GE’ marketing strategy

      The carrier has agreed to drop the slogan

      AT&T will stop labeling its LTE network as “5G Evolution” in response to a recommendation from the National Advertising Review Board (NARB), a board run by the Better Business Bureau. 

      The carrier had previously said its “5GE” label was intended to show consumers that it was on the road to 5G, saying in a slogan that it signified “5G Evolution, the First Step to 5G.” The NARB has found that the addition of the word “Evolution” wasn’t transparent. Consumers might believe that AT&T's network had evolved into an early stage of 5G, the Board said. 

      AT&T says it “respectfully disagrees” with the Board’s decision but will comply with the recommendation to change the slogan. 

      “AT&T respectfully disagrees with the reasoning and result reached by the Panel majority. AT&T’s customers nationwide continue to benefit from dramatically superior speeds and performance that its current network provides,” the company said in a statement. “As a supporter of the self-regulatory process, however, AT&T will comply with the NARB’s decision.” 

      The company didn’t say whether the 5GE icon will still appear on consumers’ devices. 

      AT&T’s 5GE slogan has drawn a significant amount of criticism from carriers and consumers alike, with many saying the marketing term is misleading. The carrier said the “E” stands for evolution, meaning that it's moving toward the speed of 5G but not there yet. 

      However, critics have argued that the term is misleading and could make consumers believe their phone is capable of connecting to 5G networks even though it’s still using 4G connections.

      AT&T; will stop labeling its LTE network as “5G Evolution” in response to a recommendation from the National Advertising Review Board (NARB), a board run b...

      Mortgage delinquencies surge by a record 1.6 million in April

      More than 3 million homeowners were behind on their payments last month

      Homeowners hammered by the economic fallout from the coronavirus (COVID-19) are already having trouble making their mortgage payments.

      Mortgage delinquencies increased in April by 1.6 million, the largest one-month increase ever. Black Knight, the data analytics firm that compiled the report, says it’s more evidence that the millions of people thrown out of work by the virus-related economic shutdown are struggling to pay bills.

      The April numbers pushed the mortgage delinquency rate from 3.06 percent in March to 6.45 percent last month. According to Black Knight, no other single month on record comes close to that increase, not even in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.

      The number of homes that were 30 or more days past due in April, but not in foreclosure, totaled 3,400,000. That’s 1,588,000 more than in April 2019.

      Where delinquencies are highest

      According to Black Knight, the five states with the largest percentage of delinquent mortgages in April were:

      • Mississippi -- 11.90 percent

      • Louisiana -- 10.91 percent

      • New York -- 9.79 percent

      • New Jersey -- 9.36 percent

      • Connecticut -- 8.94 percent

      April delinquencies include homeowners who have enrolled in mortgage forbearance plans, established under the CARES Act. Borrowers with loans backed by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae can defer mortgage payments for up to a year, with the missed payments added to the end of the loan.

      Last month, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reported that the percentage of mortgage loans that were placed in forbearance rose from 2.73 percent during the last week of March to 3.74 during the first week of April.

      Struggling homeowners interested in enrolling in a forbearance program should contact their loan servicer to see if they qualify.

      Worst on record

      In an interview with USA Today, Black Knight Director of Market Research Andy Walden said it took a year and a half before the financial crisis produced a 1.6 million increase in mortgage delinquencies.

      “The impact of COVID-19 on the housing and mortgage markets has already been substantial," Walden says. "It will be some months before we can gauge the full extent of that impact. Whatever the ultimate scope, it is almost certain the effects will resonate for many months to come.”

      The damage may not be over, as the Labor Department reports that an additional 2,438,000 people filed initial claims for unemployment benefits in the previous week. The report shows more than 25 million people continue to draw jobless benefits.

      Homeowners hammered by the economic fallout from the coronavirus (COVID-19) are already having trouble making their mortgage payments.Mortgage delinque...

      Volkswagen recalls model year 2020 Audi Q8s

      The transmission oil pipe may leak

      Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 531 model year 2020 Audi Q8s.

      An insufficient weld on a transmission oil pipe may cause the vehicle to leak automatic transmission fluid.

      If transmission fluid leaks while the vehicle is being driven, the road surface may become slippery, increasing the risk of a crash.

      What to do

      Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission oil pipe and replace it -- if necessary -- free of charge.

      The recall is expected to begin July 10, 2020.

      Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at (800) 253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 38C7.

      Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 531 model year 2020 Audi Q8s. An insufficient weld on a transmission oil pipe may cause the vehicle to leak aut...