Current Events in July 2021

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2021

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    Regular physical activity may counteract some negative effects of not getting enough sleep

    Poor sleep can be detrimental to consumers’ overall health

    Several recent studies have highlighted the benefits of both regular physical activity and following a consistent sleep routine. Now, a new study explored the benefits associated with consumers going beyond basic exercise recommendations. 

    According to the researchers, consumers can bypass some of the negative consequences associated with poor sleep habits by exercising regularly. 

    “Physical activity levels at or above the World Health Organization’s guideline (600 metabolic equivalent task minutes/week) threshold eliminated most of the deleterious associations of poor sleep with mortality,” the researchers wrote

    Maximizing the benefits of long-term exercise

    For the study, the researchers analyzed data from more than 380,000 adults enrolled in the U.K. Biobank. The team tracked the participants’ sleep patterns and physical activity over the course of 11 years to see how they impacted overall health and well-being. 

    Ultimately, the researchers learned that participants who had the poorest sleep habits were also at the highest risk of death from any cause. However, exercising regularly helped reduce that risk of mortality. The study showed that engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderately intense activity per week can counteract the negative health risks linked with poor sleep habits.

    Though the findings point towards encouraging consumers to exercise more, the researchers also found some characteristics that may help improve sleep patterns. Participants who only drank alcohol in moderation, avoided cigarettes, and followed healthier diets had the best sleep habits. 

    Several recent studies have highlighted the benefits of both regular physical activity and following a consistent sleep routine. Now, a new study explored...

    Chrysler recalls model year 2021 Ram 1500s

    The rearview camera image may not display

    Chrysler is recalling 14,096 model year 2021 Ram 1500s with a trailer reverse steering module (TRSCM).

    The rearview camera image may not display.

    A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

    What to do

    Dealers will update the TRSCM software free of charge.

    Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 30, 2021.

    Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Y30.

    Chrysler is recalling 14,096 model year 2021 Ram 1500s with a trailer reverse steering module (TRSCM). The rearview camera image may not display. A r...

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      Tyson Foods recalls 8.5 million pounds of chicken

      The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

      Tyson Foods of Dexter, Mo., is recalling approximately 8.5 million pounds of ready-to-eat chicken.

      The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

      A list of the frozen, fully cooked chicken items, produced between December 26, 2020, and April 13, 2021, and shipped to retailers and institutions nationwide, may be found here.

      What to do

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

      Consumers with questions may contact Tyson Foods at (855) 382-3101.

      Tyson Foods of Dexter, Mo., is recalling approximately 8.5 million pounds of ready-to-eat chicken.The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocy...

      UPPAbaby Recalls adapters included with RumbleSeats

      The adapters can detach, posing a fall hazard to the child

      UPPAbaby of Hingham, Mass., is recalling about 86,000 UPPAbaby adapters included with Rumbleseats.

      The adapters can detach, posing a fall hazard to the child in the RumbleSeat.

      The firm has received 135 reports of detachments, including 77 incidents resulting in bumps, scrapes and two reports of broken noses.

      The recall includes RumbleSeat accessory adapters designed to be used with the UPPAbaby RumbleSeat.

      The RumbleSeat accessory attaches to the stroller via two plastic adapters that fit onto the stroller frame. The adapters were only included with RumbleSeat Models 0252, 0917 and 0918.

      Consumers may find these model numbers printed on the law label located on the underside of the Rumbleseat.

      The RumbleSeat accessory adapters, manufactured in China, were sold at juvenile specialty stores from October 2014, through July 2019, for between $180 and $200.

      What to do

      Consumers who own a RumbleSeat accessory, manufactured between September 2014, and July 2019, will be provided with replacement RumbleSeat adapters. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled adapters and contact UPPAbaby to receive free replacement adapters.

      Consumers may contact UPPAbaby toll-free at (844) 823-3132 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday, online at https://uppababy.com/rumbleseat-adapters/ and click on “Submit Info” at the bottom of the page, or go to https://uppababy.com and click on “Click to read more” next to the recall announcement near the bottom of the page.

      UPPAbaby of Hingham, Mass., is recalling about 86,000 UPPAbaby adapters included with Rumbleseats. The adapters can detach, posing a fall hazard to the ...

      Congress considers putting the government in charge of governing credit scores

      Lawmakers may take power away from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion

      Move over Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax -- Congress is thinking about putting the U.S. government in charge of credit scores.

      The big three credit reporting agencies will likely spend their Fourth of July vacation thinking about two game-changing pieces of legislation that could completely overhaul the country’s credit reporting scenario.

      Chi Chi Wu, an attorney with the National Consumer Law Center, turned up the heat on the agencies when she testified earlier this week at a U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services hearing. In the meeting, she discussed a host of problems facing consumers when it comes to credit reporting. At the top of Wu’s problem spots were:

      • Systemic errors in credit reporting, which are a result of deliberate decisions and longstanding failures of the credit bureaus that lead to unacceptable error rates, especially with racial communities;

      • An oppressive automated dispute system used by the credit bureaus; and

      • The need to cushion the punitive impact of a system that characterizes consumers who have fallen on hard times as “irresponsible deadbeats.”

      Requested changes

      Wu wasn’t shy about sharing how she would want Congress to change the credit reporting system. She said the following points would be a good place to start:

      • Prohibit the use of credit score information for anything that’s not related to credit decisions. “This means most employers could no longer use credit reports in their candidate screening process,” she said.

      • Cut the amount of time negative information remains on a credit report. “Information like missed payments and collections would fall after 4 years instead of 7. Bankruptcies would continue to stay on for 7 years,” Wu stated.

      • Limit the reporting of medical-related debt. Two things in this department: prohibit the reporting of medical debt for medically necessary services; and delay the reporting of unpaid medical bills for one year to give consumers time to resolve issues with hospitals and insurance carriers.

      Wu said many of these issues stem from the fact that Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax are private, profit-seeking companies that are publicly traded, “which means their highest duty is to shareholder profit, not the public good or the American consumer.”

      Congressional buy-in

      Wu was certainly preaching to the choir in her testimony, especially with Committee Chair Maxine Waters. 

      "Good credit is a gateway to wealth. Yet, for far too long, our credit reporting system has kept people of color and low-income persons from access to capital to start a small business; access to mortgage loans to become homeowners; and access to credit to meet financial emergencies," Waters said.

      In fact, an overhaul of the credit reporting system might be close to reality thanks to the House passing two bills out of the committee -- the Comprehensive CREDIT Act and the Protecting Your Credit Score Act of 2021

      If enacted, those bills would do everything from giving consumers a right of appeal for credit reporting disputes to providing consumers with a right to seek injunctive relief so that credit bureaus would be compelled to fix a credit report.

      “We need big, bold legislative solutions to transform this broken system,” Waters emphasized. “So, I encourage my colleagues to join me in re-evaluating how we determine creditworthiness and learning how we can harness new technologies to build a fairer and equitable credit system.”

      Move over Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax -- Congress is thinking about putting the U.S. government in charge of credit scores.The big three credit r...

      Coronavirus update: U.S. cases jump this week, why some vaccinated people die from the virus

      Officials say vaccinated consumers are safe to celebrate the Fourth of July

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

      Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 33,681,328 (33,666,914)‌

      Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 605,062 (604,738)

      Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌  182,763,721 (182,330,997)

      Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 3,957,898 (3,949,408)‌

      U.S. COVID-19 cases rise 10% in a week

      The number of people testing positive for the coronavirus this week jumped by 10%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said many of the new cases involve the Delta variant.

      At a White House briefing, Walensky said the combination of the “hypertransmissible” variant and many Americans’ refusal to be vaccinated is causing the increase. Cases are rising the fastest in states with the fewest vaccinations.

      The Delta variant is now responsible for a quarter of all new cases and has been detected in all 50 states. Walensky said it’s likely to become the dominant U.S. strain within the coming weeks.

      Why some vaccinated people still die from COVID-19

      A British study of COVID-19 deaths found that nearly half of the fatalities had been fully vaccinated. But a closer look at the data provides some reassurances about the effectiveness of the vaccines currently in use.

      For starters, the vaccines are not 100% effective. They’re about 95% effective against the original COVID-19 strain and around 70% effective against the variants. 

      Scientists say deaths are generally occurring among the most vulnerable population. They say patients who are elderly or have compromised immune systems are more likely to die from a COVID-19 infection than someone who is younger and healthier.

      Officials give the OK to celebrate the 4th

      Last Independence Day, a COVID-19 vaccine seemed like a pipe dream, and celebrations were subdued if they existed at all. So what about this year? White House and government health officials say with nearly half the country vaccinated, most gatherings should be fine as long as people use common sense.

      "It's an appropriate time to step back and celebrate the progress we've made," White House coronavirus response coordinator Jeff Zients said at a White House briefing. Dr. Antony Fauci, President Biden’s chief health adviser, agreed but said some people can safely celebrate more than others.

      “If you were vaccinated, you have a high degree of protection,” Fauci said. “If you are not, you should wear a mask, and you should think very seriously about getting vaccinated." 

      Around the nation

      • Arkansas: Arkansas has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the nation. It is also seeing a surge in new cases of the virus. “We are now going in the wrong direction yet again with COVID-19 infections here in the state of Arkansas," said Dr. Cam Patterson, chancellor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. 

      • Illinois: After lifting most COVID-19 restrictions three weeks ago, the state is seeing a sharp rise in new cases. The Illinois Department of Public Health reports that daily COVID-19 infections reached 457 Thursday, the most in nearly a month.

      • Colorado: Public school children will not be required to wear masks when they return to the classroom in the fall. Education officials have released a new public health order removing the requirement that schools enforce masking.

      • Maine: The State of Civil Emergency declared 15 months ago ended this week. "The fully vaccinated can now regard COVID 19 as they would other respiratory viruses: something to be aware of but not something to be afraid of," said Maine’s top health official Dr. Nirav Shah.

      • Alabama: State health officials are reporting that a majority of counties in North Alabama have been declared “high risk” or “very high risk” for the spread of COVID-19. “Getting vaccinated is the single most effective way to help end the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is disappointing that Alabama ranks near the bottom of the states in vaccine uptake,” said State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris.

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

      TSA forecasts huge spike in Fourth of July travel for 2021

      The agency is offering tips to help travelers avoid any extra hassle

      Airlines and airports are gearing up for what is going to be the biggest travel weekend since COVID-19 hit the U.S., with close to 3.5 million Americans taking to the skies. 

      Several airports across the U.S. are witnessing travel returning to -- or exceeding -- pre-pandemic levels. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is seeing the biggest travel spikes on morning flights, when flight schedules tend to be compressed, and at airports that are popular summer travel destinations, such as Nashville, Myrtle Beach, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Phoenix.

      What to be ready for if you’re flying

      Many of the TSA’s travel tips fall in line with recent experiences that ConsumerAffairs covered in our return to pandemic travel. Here are the specific recommendations that the agency is giving when it comes to Fourth of July travel:

      Arrive early. Arrive at the airport with plenty of time for ticketing, checking baggage, and security screening. Allotting yourself three hours is a good rule of thumb, especially in the morning hours when more flights are departing.

      Wear a mask. Regardless of your personal or state stance on face masks, they are still mandatory for all passengers. That includes when you’re on board a plane and going through airport security screening checkpoints. 

      Enroll now in TSA PreCheck. Of all the travel-related apps you should have on your phone, an especially important one for fliers is TSA PreCheck. The app allows airline passengers to avoid removing shoes, belts, liquids, food, laptops, and light jackets at a TSA checkpoint. Note: If you haven’t registered yet, you might not get approval by the Fourth of July weekend. However, it would come in handy for future trips.

      Pack smart. It’s not something most people think about, but the TSA says airline passengers who begin packing for travel with empty bags are less likely to bring prohibited items through a TSA checkpoint. Before you start packing, it would be smart to check for prohibited items by using the “What Can I Bring?” page on TSA.gov.

      Get things organized before you enter the security checkpoint. Prior to entering the line for the agency’s checkpoint, TSA says travelers should take a few minutes to prepare and organize their personal belongings. You can put your jewelry, keys, and other pocked items in a carry-on bag so they can be scanned with other items instead of being put in additional bins. You should also have a valid ID card readily available and follow the liquids rule of 3.4 ounces or less -- with the exception being hand sanitizer, which has a temporary 12-ounce limit in carry-on baggage.

      Follow rules when traveling with firearms. If you’re taking an unloaded firearm on your trip, remember these three things: 

      1. Firearms have to be transported in a locked, hard-sided container and in checked baggage only.

      2. Firearms and ammunition have to be declared to the airline when checking your bag at the ticket counter. 

      3. The container must completely secure the firearm so that it can’t be easily accessed. Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted. The TSA added in a special note: travelers should be aware that the container the firearm was in when it was purchased may not adequately secure the firearm when it is transported in checked baggage.

      Contact TSA for help if there are questions or concerns. If you have any doubts or questions, TSA says to contact it at (855) 787-2227. Travelers can also submit questions to @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on weekends/holidays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET.

      Don’t act up. “It’s heartening to see the country taking to travel again and traveling to enjoy the weekend and celebrate our nation’s independence,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “We continue to remind passengers to pack their patience and remain calm through the security checkpoint and onboard aircraft. TSA will not tolerate aggressive actions toward our officers; please help us make travel safe, secure and pleasant on this holiday weekend.”

      Airlines and airports are gearing up for what is going to be the biggest travel weekend since COVID-19 hit the U.S., with close to 3.5 million Americans ta...

      American Express adds benefits and bumps annual fee for Platinum Card

      The annual fee is $145 higher, but the value of the benefits may help offset the price difference

      American Express has announced that owners of its Platinum Card will get to enjoy several new permanent travel and retail benefits in addition to its existing benefits. 

      The new everyday perks will come at the cost of a higher annual fee of $695 -- up from $550. However, American Express estimates that the new suite of benefits represents a value of up to $1,400 each year. 

      The company is also offering new cardholders a bigger welcome bonus that may help offset the cost of the higher annual fee. Consumers can earn 100,000 Membership Rewards Points when they spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.

      New benefits

      Effective immediately, the following new credits and discounts are available to both new and existing card members:

      • Up to $200 hotel credit. An annual $200 statement credit for prepaid bookings at Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection properties made through American Express Travel. Fine Hotels and Resorts bookings include perks such as free breakfast, guaranteed late checkout, room upgrades, and early check-in when available. 

      • An annual $179 credit for a Clear membership. Clear is an expedited security screening program that can cut down on the time spent waiting in lines at U.S. airports and stadiums. A membership typically costs $179 per year, but Platinum Card members will receive a credit for that amount.

      • Up to $240 in digital entertainment credits. Statement credits will be issued on eligible purchases or subscriptions with Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM, or The New York Times. These credits are available in portions of up to $20 each month throughout the year.

      • Up to $300 Equinox credits. Cardholders can receive up to $300 annually (up to $25 per month) in credits toward Equinox gym memberships or digital subscriptions to on-demand fitness classes through the Equinox+ app. Enrollment to the gym is required to activate this benefit.

      • Discount on a private jet access program. Cardholders are eligible for up to 40% off a Premium Private Jet Program membership with Wheels Up, a private jet charter company. Card members will also get a $500 or $2,000 credit added to their Wheels Up account to use toward their initial flight within the first year depending on the selected Wheels Up membership.

      • Exclusive Global Dining Access by Resy. The Platinum Card offers access to exclusive reservations at some of the world’s top restaurants. American Express says Resy will also offer cardholders access to premium events and other perks, like priority notification and VIP status.

      Customer reviews

      ConsumerAffairs readers give the Amex Platinum Card an overall 4-star rating. Cardholders say they appreciate its ease of use and the company’s willingness to resolve issues. 

      “Being an avid traveler for work and pleasure the Amex card provides me with ample opportunities to trace more, earn more miles on things I buy every day and also gives me peace of mind against fraud,” writes Andrew of Tea, S.D. “The fact that I’m able to gain Delta points on buying groceries and through end of July if I shop at local stores they are giving me 4x the points makes the card great but they are also promoting shopping small.” 

      However, some cardholders have pointed out that the perks aren’t as valuable to those that only travel occasionally. 

      “The rewards take a lot of miles to get. You have to travel a lot to access them,” writes Kimberley of Brownstown Twp, Mich. “The free checked bag and early boarding are a plus and the free companion pass are the perks that can be utilized easily. The yearly payment is steep for the occasional traveler.” 

      American Express has announced that owners of its Platinum Card will get to enjoy several new permanent travel and retail benefits in addition to its exist...

      Jobs increased by 850,000 in June

      But there are still 6.8 million fewer jobs than before the start of the pandemic

      It was a little easier to find a job last month. The U.S. economy added 850,000 jobs in June, showing that Americans who have been looking for jobs are finding them.

      The Labor Department report of 850,000 new jobs is the largest number since the start of the pandemic and easily exceeded economists’ consensus estimate of 706,000. Despite that, the unemployment rate rose to 5.9% because more people were seeking jobs last month.

      “Job growth restarted in January of this year, and nonfarm payroll employment has increased by 3.3 million over the past six months as the number of vaccinations has increased, the number of coronavirus cases has fallen, and pandemic-related restrictions have been relaxed,” said William Beach, commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

      But Beach notes that the 15.6 million new jobs created since April 2000, is about 6.8 million fewer than the number of Americans employed in February 2020, just before the pandemic shut down the economy.

      Bars and restaurants are hiring

      In June, the biggest job growth continued to be in leisure and hospitality, which added 343,000 jobs last month. Over half of the job gain was in bars and restaurants, many of which opened at full capacity last month and therefore needed more employees. Many of these establishments paid hiring bonuses in order to attract new employees.

      Hotels and other accommodations added 75,000 jobs, while recreation-oriented businesses hired 74,000. Even so, employment in leisure and hospitality is down by 2.2 million, or 12.9%, from its level in February 2020.

      Government hiring also increased sharply, primarily because schools reopened and took on additional staff. Employment rose by 155,000 in local government education, by 75,000 in state government education, and by 39,000 in private education.

      Employment in professional and business services rose by 72,000, with nearly half of the hiring being done by temporary help services. Retailers created 67,000 jobs last month with the biggest gains among clothing stores. Auto dealers added 8,000 jobs, despite the fact they had fewer cars to sell.

      Overall, the retail sector has a long way to go before getting back to “normal.” There are now 303,000 fewer retail jobs than there were at the start of the pandemic. Average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls rose by 10 cents to $30.40 in June. That’s less than the 13-cent increase in May and the 20-cent increase in April.

      It was a little easier to find a job last month. The U.S. economy added 850,000 jobs in June, showing that Americans who have been looking for jobs are fin...

      Changes to wealth may impact consumers' cardiovascular health, study finds

      Experts say gaining or losing money can lead to actual physical changes in our bodies

      A new study conducted by researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital discovered an interesting trend between consumers’ wealth and cardiovascular health

      According to their findings, the two can have a direct impact on each other. Gaining wealth was associated with better cardiovascular health, while losing wealth was linked with poorer cardiovascular health. 

      “Low wealth is a risk factor that can dynamically change over a person’s life and can influence a person’s cardiovascular health status,” said researcher Dr. Muthiah Vaduganathan. “So, it’s a window of opportunity we have for an at-risk population. Buffering large changes in wealth should be an important focus for health policy moving forward.” 

      Wealth and health are closely tied

      For the study, the researchers analyzed data from over 5,500 adults over the age of 50 who were enrolled in the RAND Health and Retirement Study (RHS). The dataset included information on all of the participants’ personal wealth assets, including everything from homes and stocks to cars and savings. The team also interviewed the participants to get an idea of their medical histories. 

      Ultimately, the researchers learned that gaining more wealth was linked with improvements to heart health. The opposite was also true -- downward wealth mobility led to poorer heart health outcomes. 

      “Decreases in wealth are associated with more stress, fewer healthy behaviors, and less leisure time, all of which are associated with poorer cardiovascular health,” said researcher Dr. Andrew Sumarsono. “It is possible that the inverse is true and may help to explain our study’s findings.” 

      In this study, the team wanted to be clear about the difference between wealth and income. According to researcher Sara Machado, income refers to “money received on a regular basis,” while wealth is “more holistic, encompassing both assets and debts.” When thinking about how wealth impacts heart health, knowing the difference between the two is important. 

      “Wealth and health are so closely integrated that we can no longer consider them apart,” said Dr. Vaduganathan. “In future investigations, we need to make dedicated efforts to routinely measure wealth and consider it a key determinant of cardiovascular health.”

      A new study conducted by researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital discovered an interesting trend between consumers’ wealth and cardiovascular health....

      Eating more fish may help reduce migraines, study finds

      Choosing fish oil over vegetable oil can reduce the pain, duration, and frequency of migraines

      A new study conducted by researchers from the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Aging explored a dietary change that may help consumers who suffer from migraines. According to the team, following a diet that includes more fish oil -- as opposed to vegetable oil -- may help reduce migraines

      “This research found intriguing evidence that dietary changes have potential for improving a very debilitating chronic pain condition like migraines without the related downside of prescribed medications,” said researcher Dr. Luigi Ferrucci. 

      How diets can benefit chronic migraines

      For the study, the researchers had nearly 200 adults follow one of three healthy diet plans for 16 weeks. One group ate foods high in fatty fish oils and low in unsaturated fat; a second group followed a diet high in fatty fish oils and high in unsaturated fat; and the third group ate foods high in unsaturated fats and low in fish oils. Over the course of the study, the participants recorded their experience with migraines and how they impacted their quality of life. 

      The researchers learned that following a diet that was lower in unsaturated fat and higher in fish oil was associated with better migraine outcomes. Participants in this group experienced fewer headaches, less intense headaches, and the duration of their headaches was also reduced. Overall, migraines and migraine-related symptoms improved by up to 40% with this dietary change. 

      Following a daily routine can be difficult for some migraine sufferers because the pain can make it harder to perform job duties, do household chores, or socialize with friends. While the participants only noted a slight improvement to their overall quality of life through the diet change, the researchers hope their findings can help more people better manage their pain on a daily basis.

      “Changes in diet could offer some relief for the millions of Americans who suffer from migraine pain,” said researcher Chris Ramsden. “It’s further evidence that the foods we eat can influence pain pathways.” 

      A new study conducted by researchers from the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Aging explored a dietary change that may help con...

      Gas prices jump heading into the July 4th holiday

      Most states see an increase in prices at the pump

      With the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic fading in the rearview mirror, millions of Americans will hit the road over the Independence Day holiday. In just about every region of the country, they’ll find higher gasoline prices.

      The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gas is $3.12 a gallon, four cents higher than a week ago. The price is up nearly $1 from a year ago.

      The average price of premium gas is $3.74 a gallon, also four cents higher than last Friday. The average price of diesel fuel is $3.24 a gallon, two cents higher than last week.

      Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, says a huge spike in demand is driving the increase.

      “According to GasBuddy data, Wednesday U.S. gasoline demand surged 7.53% from last Wednesday, the highest Wednesday since summer 2019,” DeHaan posted on Twitter. “It was 7.48% above the average of the last four Wednesdays.”

      Earlier in the week DeHaan reported that supplies were running low at some stations around the country, not because of a shortage of fuel but because of a shortage of truck drivers to deliver it.

      Some states in the West have seen large price increases in the last week. In Idaho, the statewide average is up 11 cents a gallon in the last seven days. The price is up 10 cents in Oregon and Utah, and eight cents in Alaska and Utah.

      The states with the most expensive gas

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

      • California ($4.28)

      • Hawaii ($4.02)

      • Washington ($3.76)

      • Nevada ($3.74)

      • Oregon ($3.62) 

      • Utah ($3.56)

      • Alaska ($3.51) 

      • Idaho ($3.44)

      • Colorado ($3.43)

      • Illinois ($3.37)

      The states with the cheapest regular gas

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

      • Mississippi ($2.75)

      • Louisiana ($2.76)

      • Texas ($2.80) 

      • Missouri ($2.81)

      • Arkansas ($2.81)

      • Alabama ($2.81)

      • South Carolina ($2.82

      • Oklahoma ($2.83)

      • Kansas ($2.88)

      • North Carolina ($2.89)

      With the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic fading in the rearview mirror, millions of Americans will hit the road over the Independence Day holiday. In just...

      Mortgage rates decline again amid economic recovery from pandemic

      The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has dipped back below 3%

      Mortgage loan company Freddie Mac said in a report released Thursday that the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in the U.S. has once again dropped below 3% in 2021. 

      The report said 30-year FRM averages are now 2.98%; 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable rate mortgage averages are 2.54%; and the rate for a 15-year loan fell to 2.26% from 2.34% last week. 

      Last week, the average for the 30-year home loan was 3.02%. A year ago, the rate was 3.07%.

      The Labor Department also recently reported that the number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits has fallen to its lowest level since the pandemic began last year. The government said those figures signal that the job market and the economy are bouncing back from their pandemic-related depths. 

      Low rates may not last long

      Despite low mortgage rates, the market has seen a decline in demand for both refinance and purchase mortgages. 

      “Economic growth remains steady and is bolstering more segments of the economy,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “Although low and stable mortgage rates have kept the housing market booming over recent months, a deterioration in affordability and for-sale inventory has led to a market slowdown.”

      Experts aren’t confident that low mortgage rates will last much longer. It’s widely believed that mortgage rates will spend the second half of the year inching upwards rather than downward, and many experts recommend that homebuyers take full advantage of the current market.

      Mortgage loan company Freddie Mac said in a report released Thursday that the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in the U.S. has once again dropped below...

      Chrysler recalls Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 cab chassis vehicles

      The engine calibration software may not warn of low oil volume

      Chrysler is recalling 32,002 model year 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 cab chassis vehicles with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine.

      The engine calibration software may not warn about low oil volume.

      Low oil can damage the engine, causing an oil leak or a punctured engine block, increasing the risk of a fire.

      What to do

      Dealers will update the engine calibration software free of charge.

      Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 30, 2021.

      Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Y21.

      Chrysler is recalling 32,002 model year 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 cab chassis vehicles with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. The engine calibr...

      Olde Thompson recalls Organic Ground Coriander

      The products may be contaminated with Salmonella

      Olde Thompson of Oxnard, Calif., is recalling Olde Thompson and Sun Harvest Organic Ground Coriander.

      The products may be contaminated with Salmonella.

      No illness have been reported to date.

      The recall affects 626 units of Olde Thompson Organic Ground Coriander sold in a 1.5-oz. in glass jar with flip-top lid, and 150 units of Sun Harvest Organic Ground Coriander in a 1.5oz glass jar with a flip top lid, UPC code 400000290942 and lot numbers 23632 & 23631 on the bottom of the jar

      What to do

      Customers who purchased the recalled products should not consume them.

      Consumers with questions may contact Olde Thompson at (805) 793-4888 Monday – Friday, 7:30AM – 5PM( PST), Saturday, 9AM – 5PM (PST) and Sunday, NOON – 5PM (PST).

      Olde Thompson of Oxnard, Calif., is recalling Olde Thompson and Sun Harvest Organic Ground Coriander. The products may be contaminated with Salmonella. ...

      LinkedIn data breach grows to include over a billion hacked files

      The security of the social networking platform is very concerning, one expert says

      Remember that LinkedIn breach that put 700 million user records at risk? That number has now risen to a billion records that include the personal information of LinkedIn users.

      The hacker, whoever they are, is having quite a field day. They have just updated their personal data trove with email addresses and passwords on top of other scraped personal information from LinkedIn users.

      In reporting the new finding, PrivacySharks said it reached out to LinkedIn for verification. The firm received this official statement from Leonna Spilman, a corporate communications manager at LinkedIn:

      “While we’re still investigating this issue, our initial analysis indicates that the dataset includes information scraped from LinkedIn as well as information obtained from other sources. This was not a LinkedIn data breach, and our investigation has determined that no private LinkedIn member data was exposed. Scraping data from LinkedIn is a violation of our Terms of Service, and we are constantly working to ensure our members’ privacy is protected.”

      A review of what’s been hacked

      PrivacySharks said its investigation turned up evidence that the files now contain the following 14 pieces of personal data:

      • Names (first and last)

      • Email addresses

      • Street addresses

      • Cities

      • States

      • Zip Codes

      • Phone numbers

      • Websites

      • LinkedIn profiles

      • Company names

      • Job titles

      • Fax numbers

      • Email and password combinations

      • LinkedIn connections

      Given that the person behind the update is the same one linked to the original breach, most of the data is probably the same as what was exposed previously. 

      What should LinkedIn members do?

      Putting personal information on a site like LinkedIn was problematic for many users before details of this breach were publicized. One ConsumerAffairs reviewer named Lisa summed up her thoughts quite nicely.

      “I personally do not like the idea of posting a resume for everyone to see when there are so many safety issues and Internet hackers out there,” she said.

      If all that’s been reported is accurate, then LinkedIn users are up against a high wall when it comes to protecting their personal data -- and the platform has to be nervous about the potential fallout.

      “From a consumer's point of view, I think the fact that this is the third LinkedIn data leak in a few months will be extremely unsettling for users,” Madeleine Hodson, Chief Editor at PrivacySharks told ConsumerAffairs. “Since passwords have been included in this recent leak (although not yet confirmed to be from LinkedIn accounts) it will cause concern and lead users to question the strength of LinkedIn's security measures.”

      Remember that LinkedIn breach that put 700 million user records at risk? That number has now risen to a billion records that include the personal informati...

      CFPB offers tips to renters who will be affected by the end of the CDC eviction moratorium

      The agency has offered recommendations for renters in various circumstances

      Last Thursday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that the eviction moratorium would be extended until July 31. Previously, it was set to expire June 30. The CDC said this is intended to be the final extension of the moratorium, which was first put in place last September under the Trump administration. 

      “The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a historic threat to the nation’s public health. Keeping people in their homes and out of crowded or congregate settings — like homeless shelters — by preventing evictions is a key step in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19,” the CDC said in its announcement.

      Around 3.2 million renters said it is very or somewhat likely they will have to vacate their homes in the next two months due to eviction, according to a recent poll conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.

      For renters that will be affected by the ending of the eviction moratorium, the Consumer Financial Protection Board (CFPB) has offered a few tips. 

      Next steps

      If you want to stay in your home, the CFPB advises you to: 

      • Work with your landlord on getting all available rental assistance money to pay your rent;

      • Make a plan to catch up on your rent including a repayment plan with your landlord; and

      • Make sure you understand what is going to happen once the moratorium ends. For example, is your landlord going to work with you or file an eviction lawsuit against you?

      If an eviction lawsuit has been filed against you, the agency recommends that you consider contacting an attorney. A lawyer may have resources to assist you, and you may qualify for free legal services through legal aid. Servicemembers can consult with their local Legal Assistance Office. 

      You or your lawyer should also check with the court about your eviction case, the CFPB said. Contacting the landlord’s lawyer may also be necessary. When doing so, be sure to ask the following questions: 

      • Is there already a court date for a judge to hear the eviction lawsuit?

      • Do you need to submit anything to the court or to your landlord?

      • What deadlines or timelines apply to your case?

      “If you don’t have a lawyer, it is very important that you find this information out as soon as possible,” the agency said. “Your ability to remain in the property pending a court date may depend on it.”

      Talk to experts 

      In addition to finding a lawyer, the CFPB recommends talking to a local expert like a housing counselor. These experts may be able to help you make a plan based on your situation and needs. 

      “The eviction situation for renters and landlords is complicated and can change rapidly. Eviction protections are generally state specific, so you may have additional protections if your state or locality still has its own eviction moratorium or other protections,” the agency said. “Make sure you are informed about your rights as well as where you are in the eviction process.”

      Last Thursday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that the eviction moratorium would be extended until July 31. Previously...

      Coronavirus update: Johnson & Johnson vaccine may protect against Delta variant, one reason mRNA vaccines are effective

      Jobless benefits have hit a pandemic low

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

      Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 33,666,914 (33,654,602)‌

      Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 604,738 (604,510)

      Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 182,330,997 (181,926,290)

      Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 3,949,408 (3,940,211)‌

      Johnson & Johnson vaccine may protect against Delta variant

      The emergence of the highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus is causing concern among health officials, but U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy told CNBC that he thinks people who received the single-shot Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine may be protected against it.

      Murthy cited research showing that the Oxford-AstraZeneca shot is highly effective at keeping people out of the hospital. Since the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is “built on a similar platform,” he said it is reasonable to conclude that it would be effective against the Delta variant as well.

      “While we are still awaiting direct studies of Johnson & Johnson and the delta variant, we have reasons to be hopeful, because the J&J vaccine has proven to be quite effective against preventing hospitalizations and deaths, with all the variants that we’ve seen to date,” Murthy said.

      Study: Vaccinated people have less of the virus in their system

      A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that people vaccinated with either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine have less of the virus in their system if they get infected.

      Both vaccines are known as mRNA vaccines, and previous research has shown that they keep vaccinated people from getting seriously ill if they become infected with the virus. 

      In the study, 16 people who were vaccinated with either of the mRNA vaccines got infected. Follow-up tests revealed they had, on average, 40% less of the virus in their nose compared with the 155 unvaccinated people in the study who were infected with COVID-19.

      Unemployment claims dropped sharply last week

      After a false start over the last few weeks, the Labor Department took a big step toward “normal” over the last seven days. It reports that initial claims for unemployment benefits fell by 51,000 from the previous week to 364,000.

      While that is the smallest number of claims since the pandemic began, it’s still about 108,000 more than just before the economic shutdown began in March 2020. The four-week moving average was 392,750, a decrease of 6,000 from the previous week's revised average.

      The number of people still drawing unemployment benefits also went down last week. The total number of continued weeks claimed for benefits in all programs for the week ending June 12 was 14,659,791, a decrease of 180,890 from the previous week.

      Around the nation

      • Massachusetts: Massachusetts is the latest state to adopt a lottery prize to encourage residents to get vaccinated. Fully vaccinated residents can begin to register for the state’s VaxMillions Giveaway starting today, with prizes including cash and scholarships.

      • Wisconsin: This might be a good reason to get vaccinated if you haven’t already gotten a shot. State health officials say 95% of the COVID-19 deaths in Wisconsin since March were patients who had not been vaccinated.

      • New Mexico: New Mexico is one of the latest states to fully reopen its economy, as restrictions expired today.  But Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said residents should still be mindful of the Delta variant of the virus that is causing cases to increase in some parts of the country.

      • Virginia: The state has dropped its restrictions, but Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney and State Vaccination Coordinator Dr. Danny Avula are warning that the Delta variant is still a threat. “We are seeing the Delta variant here in Virginia. We are seeing it unrelated to travel and we can fully expect that we will see the Delta variant continue to probably double every week,” Avula said.

      • Kentucky: It’s something of a milestone. The first drive-thru COVID-19 testing site to open in the state has now closed down. The Louisville testing site opened on March 18, 2020.

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