Current Events in April 2022

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2022

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    Chrysler recalls Pacificas and Voyagers

    The second-row seat may not be secured properly

    Chrysler is recalling 1,160 model year 2021-2022 Pacificas model year and 2021 Voyagers.

    The second-row seat-to-floor mounting latch may bind and stick open, preventing the seat from properly securing to the floor.

    An unsecured seat increases the risk of injury in a crash.

    What to do

    Dealers will inspect and -- if necessary -- replace the second-row seat cushion frame free of charge.

    Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 13, 2022.

    Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at (800) 853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z22.

    Chrysler is recalling 1,160 model year 2021-2022 Pacificas model year and 2021 Voyagers.The second-row seat-to-floor mounting latch may bind and stick...

    FAO Schwarz-branded Toy Wood Play Smart Robot Buddy(s) and Wood Sensory Boards recalled

    Small parts from the products can come loose and pose a choking hazard

    MerchSource of Irvine, Calif., is recalling about 46,200 FAO Schwarz-branded Toy Wood Play Smart Robot Buddy(s) and Toy Wood Sensory Boards.

    Due to a manufacturing issue, small parts from the products can come loose and pose a choking hazard to young children.

    The firm has received 20 reports of small parts coming loose or falling off of the toys, including nine reports of parts coming loose or falling off of the Toy Wood Play Smart Robot and 11 reports of parts coming loose or falling off of the Toy Wood Sensory Board. No injuries have been reported.

    The Robot Buddy, batch # 35227A21210, is a sensory activity box with a robot factory-inspired design featuring spinners, knobs, and gear and bead manipulation activities. “Robot Factory” is written on the side of the activity box.

    The Toy Wood Sensory Board, batch # 59945A21207, is a sensory activity center featuring spinners, flippers, a maze, and a musical xylophone with a connected mallet. “FAO Schweetz Shop” is written on the top of the board.

    The toys, manufactured in China, were sold at FAO Schwarz and Target stores nationwide and online at www.faoschwarz.com and www.target.com from November 2021, through February 2022. The FAO Schwarz branded Toy Wood Play Smart Robot Buddy sold for about $60, and the FAO Schwarz Branded Toy Wood Sensory Board sold for about $25.

    What to do

    Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children, stop using them, and contact MerchSource to receive a pre-paid label to return the recalled toys and instructions on how to receive a full refund.

    Consumers may contact MerchSource at (800) 813-8762 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PT) Monday through Friday, by email at recall@merchsource.com, or online for more information.

    MerchSource of Irvine, Calif., is recalling about 46,200 FAO Schwarz-branded Toy Wood Play Smart Robot Buddy(s) and Toy Wood Sensory Boards.Due to a ma...

    Ford recalls Transit vehicles due to rearview camera installation issue

    The rearview camera display may not operate

    Ford Motor Company is recalling 119 model year 2022 Transit vehicles.

    The rearview camera supplied in the Rear Video Camera and Prep Kit will not function when installed by the final stage manufacturer (upfitter), resulting in a blank rearview image.

    A camera that does not display a rearview image while in reverse can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    What to do

    Dealers will update the audio control module configuration settings free of charge.

    Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 25, 2022.

    Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S18.

    Ford Motor Company is recalling 119 model year 2022 Transit vehicles.The rearview camera supplied in the Rear Video Camera and Prep Kit will not functi...

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      Benjamin Moore ranks first with consumers doing interior paint jobs

      Sherwin-Williams is in the top spot for exterior paint jobs

      Many consumers are heading for the paint aisle as spring cleaning chores get underway. For indoor jobs, they tend to favor the Benjamin Moore brand, according to J.D. Power’s annual Paint Customer Satisfaction Survey. Sherwin-Williams and BEHR came in second and third, respectively, for the indoor category.

      While Benjamin Moore is consumers’ favorite interior paint, Sherwin-Williams was the top pick for exterior jobs, followed by BEHR and Valspar.

      When we checked how ConsumerAffairs reviewers rated the four paint brands, we found a close correlation. Using our 5-star rating system, here’s how consumers rated the brands:

      1. Benjamin Moore:  4.6 stars

      2. BEHR: 4.5 stars

      3. Sherwin-Williams: 4.4 stars

      4. Valspar: 3.9 stars

      Consumers like multiple brands

      While there were disparities when it came to the overall ratings of each paint brand, consumer reviews show that there's something to like about each one depending on your needs. Here are some reviews on each of the major brands:

      Benjamin Moore

      Trina, or Burbank, Calif., says she likes Benjamin Moore because of how it covers surfaces. She also says it seems easier to apply. 

      “I recently painted over a damaged surface with a Benjamin Moore light pastel over old dark red paint,” Trina wrote in a ConsumerAffairs review. “It only took a few coats and now the walls look almost professionally done even though I'm an amateur. I highly recommend this paint.”

      BEHR

      Patricia, of Memphis, Tenn., told us she has gotten good results with BEHR and likes the fact that the paint and primer are mixed together, reducing painting time.

      “Paint dries faster which means you get to enjoy the work you have done faster,” she wrote. “With the beautiful colors that you have picked for your rooms.”

      Valspar

      Yolanda, of Camden, S.C., says she buys her paint at Lowe’s and usually picks up Valspar.

      “Valspar paint is awesome,” she wrote in her review. “I used a Vessel Gray to paint my kitchen and it turned out great. I used the flat. The colors are vibrant and lively. I would suggest Valspar paint to everyone.”

      Sherwin-Williams

      Patricia, of Anthony, Fla., is a fan of Sherwin-Williams and said she always gets good service at Sherwin-Williams stores.

      “Quality of the paint is very consistent, colors are beautifully mixed and match the samples,” she told us. “I never feel pushed while deciding on my purchase. Employees are friendly and always clean and nicely dressed.”

      Many research at stores before choosing paint

      The J.D. Power survey found that nearly half of paint shoppers visited a store to do some research on various brands before making a selection.

      “With the do-it-yourself trend continuing, there’s a huge opportunity for retailers and brands to partner and focus on training salespeople, despite the challenges of high turnover and supply chain issues,” said Christina Cooley, director of the home and retail intelligence practice at J.D. Power. 

      Cooley says the best way retailers and paint brands can meet the needs of paint shoppers who rely on in-store guidance and support during their purchase is to set themselves apart through their staff and the knowledgeable advice they provide.

      Many consumers are heading for the paint aisle as spring cleaning chores get underway. For indoor jobs, they tend to favor the Benjamin Moore brand, accord...

      American Airlines CEO vows reliability as massive peak travel season kicks off

      Airlines are providing additional perks to travelers to keep them happy

      American Airlines CEO Robert Isom says the airline is all ready to go for the 2022 summer travel season. In a meeting with pilots, Isom said travelers can count on American to manage the expected increase in passengers for both the summer and beyond.

      The airline has had to deal with some bumps in recent months, including issues with fuel shortages, system-wide cancellations brought on by bad weather, and issues with pilots. However, Isom says that’s all in the past. 

      “People really need to feel like they have control of their itineraries and we give them control by making sure they get to where they want to go on time. I just can’t be any more blunt about it than that,” Isom told pilots during a company town hall, according to CNBC. “Other airlines are really struggling.” 

      Isom didn’t call any other airline out specifically, but he may be talking about JetBlue and Alaska Airlines. Earlier this month, both companies said they were pulling back on their normal flight schedules. For JetBlue, that cut was sizable – 8% to 10% at least through the end of May. The company is hoping to minimize the impact of seasonal weather interruptions and air traffic control disruptions going forward.

      Airlines offer more to keep consumers happy

      Airlines will need to be on top of their game in the coming months to satisfy the throngs of people who are returning to the skies. Many carriers are already taking extra steps like upgrading mileage programs or offering enticing fares to keep travelers happy.

      Despite an extension of the face mask mandate, the Transportation Security Administration reports that it is already seeing more people going through security. Passenger screenings jumped to 2.3 million people this past Friday, up 57% from a year ago.

      American Airlines CEO Robert Isom says the airline is all ready to go for the 2022 summer travel season. In a meeting with pilots, Isom said travelers can...

      Coronavirus update: Small businesses oppose Congress’ move to reclaim aid money

      Researchers want to test a drug to see if it can be used as a ‘long COVID’ treatment

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

      Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 80,647,520 (80,627,545)

      Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 988,695 (988,587)

      Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 504,718,824 (504,435,540)

      Total ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 6,199,113 (6,197,889)‌

      Small businesses oppose Congress’ move to reclaim aid money

      A battle is brewing in Washington between small businesses and lawmakers who want to reclaim unspent COVID-19 aid. In particular, a congressional proposal would “claw back” about $5 billion in unspent funds directed at three programs to support small businesses.

      Lawmakers say the money would be best used by redirecting it toward providing free vaccinations and tests for Americans who lack health insurance. The administration sought additional funding last month, but it was rejected by the Senate.

      Small business leaders say they continue to face many economic challenges caused by the pandemic. They've pointed to declining optimism among small business owners last month and argued that pandemic-related problems are being compounded by inflation.

      Pressure builds to test Paxlovid as ‘long COVID’ treatment

      Pfizer’s oral drug Paxlovid is used to treat COVID-19, but some researchers say it may also be useful for treating "long-COVID," a condition characterized by prolonged COVID-19 symptoms. One researcher suffering from the condition took the drug and said it relieved her symptoms.

      “This provides really strong evidence that we need to be studying antiviral therapy in this context as soon as possible," Dr. Steven Deeks, a medical professor at the University of California, told Reuters. He is pressing for a clinical trial to determine if Paxlovid can help.

      Long COVID is said to affect about 30% of the people who are infected with the virus but recover. These patients say some symptoms, such as fatigue and loss of sense of taste or smell, can persist for months.

      Are U.S. cases really declining?

      The official numbers show that the U.S. has turned the corner on the pandemic. The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has dropped sharply since January.

      However, testing that is administered by medical and lab facilities has also declined. The U.S. has encouraged consumers to take at-home tests in recent weeks, and those results don’t always get recorded.

      The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation estimates that COVID-19 cases are nearly 15 times higher than the official tally. However, many of those allegedly unreported cases appear to be less severe because hospitalizations have also declined.

      Around the nation

      • Florida: Cases of the BA.2 subvariant of the Omicron variant are rising in Florida, but most cases are not severe enough to require hospitalization. Gov. Ron DeSantis says there will be no return to any kind of COVID-19 restrictions. “I just want to be very clear, as long as I sit in the chair in which I sit, no Floridian will be restricted, mandated or locked down in any possible way,” DeSantis said.

      • New York: Cases of COVID-19 are also rising in New York, but they have not put a strain on hospitals. Gov. Kathy Hochul says the situation is manageable and will not require extreme measures. “I’m not going to shut it down again, you can count on that,” Hochul said.

      • Delaware: The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is launching the COVID-19 Test-to-Treat program in the state as part of a federal initiative aimed at providing convenient testing and treatment options combined in one location. Test-to-treat locations are designed to be a “one-stop shop” for individuals seeking diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 within five days of showing symptoms. 

      • Oregon: Officials at Oregon Health & Science University have apologized to employees after they sent out a fake phishing email as a test of cybersecurity awareness. The email promised up to $7,000 in financial assistance to deal with COVID-19 expenses. Some employees were upset that it wasn’t for real.

      • New Hampshire: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its threat levels for New Hampshire due to a recent increase in cases. Eight of New Hampshire’s 10 counties are now considered to have a “medium” level of community transmission.

      COVID-19 ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 80...

      FDA investigates illnesses reportedly linked to Lucky Charms cereal

      Thousands of consumers have reported getting sick after eating the product

      The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating a flurry of reports from consumers who say they got sick after eating Lucky Charms cereal, a flagship brand of General Mills.

      Over the weekend, the FDA said it is currently “reviewing and investigating” the reports that began surfacing last week. The FDA said it became aware of hundreds of consumers’ accounts of illness after they were posted on the iwaspoisoned.com website.

      “It happened on April 13, 2022," wrote FK, of Fond du Lac, Wisc. “Our grandson got sick (nausea and vomiting) after eating.”

      JX of Rutherford County, N.C., reported that Lucky Charms is the only cereal their son likes. They report that their son recovered from his illness after he stopped eating the cereal. They also say the illness began long before last week.

      “He has been getting sick for about 2 months now but once I stop buying (the cereal), which is his favorite, he has not had any more problem,” JX wrote.

      3,000 reports this year

      Besides nausea and vomiting, consumers have also reported diarrhea as a symptom related to these sicknesses. Patrick Quade, who operates the iwaspoisoned.com, told the Wall Street Journal that he has received about 3,000 reports this year complaining of illnesses linked to Lucky Charms, with most being posted in the last two weeks. Quade said it’s the most complaints the site has received about a single product.

      General Mills said it is working with the FDA to investigate the matter. The company, which produces a large portfolio of breakfast cereals, said it has conducted an internal investigation and did not turn up anything that might have caused the illnesses. However, it is seeking feedback from its customers.

      “We encourage consumers to please share any concerns directly with General Mills,” the company said in a statement.

      Favorite with consumers

      The Lucky Charms brand was introduced in 1964. The cereal is made up of toasted and sugar-coated oat flakes and multi-colored marshmallow shapes. According to Kiplinger, Lucky Charms is the nation’s sixth best-selling breakfast cereal, with annual sales of 86.4 million boxes.

      The source of foodborne illness outbreaks can be incredibly hard to pinpoint. In 2006 and 2007, hundreds of consumers reported getting sick after eating Peter Pan peanut butter. 

      A salmonella infection was eventually traced to shipments from ConAgra Grocery Products’ Sylvester, Ga., manufacturing plant. The company voluntarily terminated production at the plant on Feb. 14, 2007, and recalled all peanut butter manufactured there since January 2004.

      The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating a flurry of reports from consumers who say they got sick after eating Lucky Charms cereal, a f...

      Emissions from cooking may affect air quality, study finds

      Experts say the pollutants emitted from cooking may remain active in the atmosphere for several days

      A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Birmingham explored how cooking at home may affect air quality. According to their findings, cooking produces organic aerosols – pollutants that may stay active in the air for several days. 

      “Cooking aerosols account for up to 10% of particulate matter (PM) emissions in the U.K.,” said researcher Dr. Christian Pfrang. “Finding accurate ways to predict their behavior will give us much more precise ways to also assess their contribution to climate change.” 

      How cooking affects air quality

      For the study, the researchers utilized instruments from the Diamond Light Source and the Central Laser Facility and focused primarily on an unsaturated fatty acid that is emitted while cooking called oleic acid. The team used a theoretical model to predict how quickly oleic acid levels built up and how long the pollutants stuck in the air. 

      The researchers learned that the molecular makeup of oleic acid made it difficult for it to break down and fully evaporate from the atmosphere when it was emitted from cooking. Their work showed that these organic aerosols may stay stagnant in the atmosphere for several days and that they could harm consumers by negatively affecting overall air quality.

      “We’re increasingly finding out how molecules like these fatty acids from cooking can organize themselves into bilayers and other regular shapes and stacks within aerosol droplets that float in the air, and how this completely changes how fast they degrade, how long they persist in the atmosphere, and how they affect pollution and weather,” said researcher Dr. Adam Squires. 

      Man cooking on stoveA new study conducted by researchers from the University of Birmingham explored how cooking at home may affect air quality. Accor...

      Chrysler recalls model year 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ls

      A child seat tether weld may be missing from the seatback frame

      Chrysler is recalling 4,586 model year 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ls.

      The vehicles may have been built with a missing weld from the seatback frame to the child seat tether anchorage.

      A missing weld may allow the child seat tether to separate from the seat frame in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

      What to do

      Dealers will inspect and -- if necessary -- replace the second-row seatback frame free of charge.

      Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 13, 2022.

      Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at (800) 853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z24.

      Chrysler is recalling 4,586 model year 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ls.The vehicles may have been built with a missing weld from the seatback frame to...

      MTD recalls Craftsman and Troy-Bilt riding lawn mowers

      The riding mowers can fail to come to a complete stop

      MTD Products of Cleveland, Ohio, is recalling about 6,200 Craftsman 30” Mini and Troy-Bilt TB30 riding lawn mowers.

      The riding mowers can fail to come to a complete stop and continue to move at a speed of about one mile per hour when the clutch/brake pedal is fully depressed, posing a low-speed crash hazard.

      No incidents or injuries have been reported.

      This recall involves Craftsman 30” mini and Troy-Bilt TB30 riding lawn mowers that come in red and black. Troy-Bilt or Craftsman are printed on the front column.

      Recalled lawn mowers are not marked with a green X, were manufactured from July 20, 2021, through December 17, 2022, and have serial numbers 1G20MB20001 through 1L17MB20228.

      The month and year of manufacture are found on the model plate label under the heading DOM for Date of Manufacture. The third and fourth characters of the serial number identify the manufacturing day. For example, serial number 1G20MB20001 would mean the mower was manufactured on the 20th day of the month of July. Months are listed A (January) through L (December).

      A list of the recalled model numbers may be found here.

      The mowers, manufactured in the U.S., were sold at The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and hardware stores nationwide and online at www.homedepot.com or www.lowes.com from July 2021, through January 2022, for about $1,600.

      What to do

      Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled lawn mowers and contact Craftsman or Troy-Bilt for a free inspection and repair. Consumers will be assisted in contacting a local repair shop to have a replacement drive belt installed at no cost. Pickup and delivery of the lawn mower will also be arranged if necessary at no cost to the consumer.

      Consumers may contact Craftsman toll-free at (866) 864-2949 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ET) on Saturdays, as well as online here, for more information.

      Consumers can contact Troy-Bilt toll-free at (888) 848-6038 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, or online here, for more information.

      MTD Products of Cleveland, Ohio, is recalling about 6,200 Craftsman 30” Mini and Troy-Bilt TB30 riding lawn mowers.The riding mowers can fail to come t...

      Mercedes-Benz recalls model year 2022 EQS 450s and EQS 580s

      A software error may deactivate the overhead control panel

      Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling eight model year 2022 EQS 450s and EQS 580s.

      A software error may cause the overhead control panel to become permanently deactivated.

      A deactivated overhead control panel will not allow an occupant to manually contact emergency personnel, delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

      What to do

      Dealers will update the overhead control panel software free of charge.

      Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 24, 2022.

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

      Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling eight model year 2022 EQS 450s and EQS 580s.A software error may cause the overhead control panel to become perm...

      Ford recalls model year 2022 Transit vehicles with rearview camera issue

      The rearview camera display may not operate correctly

      Ford Motor Company is recalling 305 model year 2022 Transit vehicles.

      The image processing module for the 360-degree camera system may not process the image from the rearview camera under certain rear-loading vehicle conditions.

      Loss of the rearview camera image while reversing can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

      What to do

      Dealers will update the Image Processing Module B (IPMB) software free of charge.

      Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 25, 2022.

      Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S16.

      Ford Motor Company is recalling 305 model year 2022 Transit vehicles.The image processing module for the 360-degree camera system may not process the i...

      IRS offers taxpayers some last-minute filing tips

      Extensions are available, but they have to be filed by April 18

      Time is getting tight for taxpayers who haven’t yet filed their 2021 federal tax returns. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is sending out one last reminder that the deadline to file and pay taxes owed for most individual income tax returns is Monday, April 18.

      The agency also wants late filers to know that if they need help or feel they need to request an extension, they can contact the agency 24 hours a day on IRS.gov.

      Electronic filing is the way to go

      The IRS said filing tax returns electronically is currently the preferred method since we're so close to the filing deadline. The agency said currently available tax software can do all the calculations, catch common errors, and prevent mistakes by prompting taxpayers for any missing information. Filing electronically is also the fastest way to receive a refund, and using direct deposit is the quickest way to get a refund into a taxpayer’s bank account.

      There’s also IRS Free File, which is available to any individual or family that had an adjusted gross income of $73,000 or less in 2021. IRS makes Free File Fillable Forms available to anyone who is comfortable preparing their own tax return.

      Accuracy also counts, especially for taxpayers who have things like Advance Child Tax Credits and Economic Impact Payments to deal with. Consumers who are in that sort of situation should use the IRS’ Online Account service. Going that route provides all the information to help file an accurate return.

      Need more time?

      If you’re up against the clock and don’t think you can make the April 18 deadline, you’re not alone. The IRS estimates that 15 million taxpayers will also request an extension.

      “In a matter of minutes, anyone can request an extension until October 17, using Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return,” the agency said. “An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay, however, and taxpayers must estimate their tax liability on this form and pay any amount due by the April 18 filing deadline to avoid penalties and interest.”

      The agency said it would be wise for taxpayers who are requesting more time to pay all or part of their estimated income tax due and indicate that the payment is for an extension. There are three ways to do that electronically: Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or by paying with a debit card, credit card, or digital wallet.

      “This way they don't have to file a separate extension form and will receive a confirmation number for their records,” the agency said.

      For taxpayers who prefer to go the old fashion mail-in route, they need to download IRS Form 4868 from Forms, Instructions & Publications. They will need to complete and send that form to the correct IRS office by the April 18 filing deadline.

      Don't forget to answer the cryptocurrency question

      One of the most glaring gaffes taxpayers are making this year is not filing out the cryptocurrency question on the front page of their tax return.

      On the front page of Form 1040, Form 1040-SR, and Form 1040-NR is a checkbox regarding “virtual currency” – meaning Bitcoin, Ethereum, and all other cryptocurrencies. The question on the return asks, "At any time during 2021, did you receive, sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of any financial interest in any virtual currency?"

      The IRS says the question “must” be answered by every single taxpayer, not just the ones who bought or sold cryptocurrencies in 2021.

      Time is getting tight for taxpayers who haven’t yet filed their 2021 federal tax returns. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is sending out one last remind...

      Coronavirus update: FDA approves COVID-19 breath test

      The U.S. has updated its travel advisories

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

      Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 80,576,205 (80,514,666)

      Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 988,161 (987,560)

      Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 503,025,210 (501,970,999)

      Total ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 6,194,288 (6,190,360)‌

      FDA clears COVID-19 breath test

      The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for a breathalyzer test that indicates the presence of the coronavirus. The test, produced by InspectIR Systems, collects a breath sample and analyzes it for chemical compounds associated with the virus that causes COVID-19.

      The FDA was likely impressed with the results of a clinical trial. In a study of 2,409 people, the test correctly returned correct positive readings 91.2% of the time and correctly delivered negative results 99.3% of the time.

      The equipment that performs the test is about the size of a small suitcase. The FDA said it can be deployed in hospitals, medical offices, and other test sites.

      U.S. updates its COVID-19 travel advisories

      The State Department has announced that it will change how it advises U.S. citizens about foreign travel, with those recommendations being based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) updated guidelines. The CDC says the change will reduce the number of countries the government recommends avoiding.

      Under the new system, the U.S. will limit “Level 4” classification to countries where the virus is rapidly spreading. Level 4 destinations currently include most of Europe, Brazil, Turkey, Russia, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Israel, and Australia. 

      “This update will leave approximately 10% of all Travel Advisories at Level 4: Do Not Travel,” the State Department said in a Travel Advisory Update. “This 10% includes Level 4 Travel Advisories for all risk indicators, not just COVID-19.  We believe the updated framework will help U.S. citizens make better informed decisions about the safety of international travel.”

      China’s lockdown expected to increase U.S. inflation

      What happens in China doesn’t stay in China, at least when it comes to COVID-19. Economists say the extended lockdown in Shanghai, China’s largest city, will undoubtedly contribute to the U.S.’ already high inflation rate.

      CNBC cites a note from Bernstein analyst Jay Huang who points out that China’s exports are falling at a faster rate than two years ago, at the start of the pandemic. That is likely to lead to more shortages and other supply chain issues that usually drive up costs.

      The note said Shanghai export container costs are five times higher than before the pandemic, and air freight rates are two times higher. “Hence, there would be higher export of inflation, especially to China’s large trading partners,” the analyst concluded.

      Around the nation

      • Virginia: An uptick in COVID-19 cases is unlikely to result in a resumption of a statewide mask mandate. That’s the view of Dr. Colin Greene, Virginia’s Health Commissioner. “Right now we don’t have a protocol for going back to the mask mandate and don’t foresee that,” he said at a Department of Health Advisory Committee meeting.

      • Vermont: An outbreak of COVID-19  closed the Glover Community School this week. Most kids are now back in the classroom, but school officials are keeping the fifth and sixth graders out until next week. 

      • California: State health officials have decided to delay a requirement that all school children receive a COVID-19 vaccination. The mandate has been pushed back to July 1, 2023, pending approval by federal health officials of a vaccine for the youngest students.

      • Utah: Utah is ranked first in the nation in the National Bureau of Economic Research’s evaluation that measured COVID-19-related outcomes. The ranking is based on a number of metrics, including how states’ pandemic policies influenced health outcomes, economic performance, and impact on education. 

      • South Carolina: The number of people being treated for COVID-19 in hospitals around the state has dropped to one of its lowest points since the start of the pandemic. The state health department has counted 89 patients this week, down from 101 last week. Twenty-four of those patients are receiving intensive care.

      COVID-19 ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 80...

      Tesla owner says his car ‘froze’ at 83 MPH on LA freeway

      It’s the latest report of a driver losing control of the vehicle’s technology

      A Tesla owner said his Model 3 got stuck going 83 miles per hour on a Los Angeles freeway in what he says was an obvious technology malfunction.

      Javier Rodriguez said he was finally able to get control of the vehicle and exit the freeway. He told local media that he noticed the vehicle’s cabin temperature was warming up just before the infotainment screen froze with the vehicle driving at a high rate of speed.

      Rodriguez recorded a video during the incident and later shared it with Los Angeles TV station ABC7. In the video, the driver noted that all of the car’s features failed except the brakes, allowing him to eventually come to a stop.

      Today’s cars are dependent on technology

      While all of today’s modern cars increasingly rely on technology and have their issues, Tesla seems to have plenty of these kinds of incidents. In February, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into reports of “phantom braking” issues involving Teslas. 

      The agency received 354 reports over the course of nine months for two specific Tesla models: the 2021 and 2022 Tesla Model 3 and the Model Y. The probe could ultimately impact approximately 416,000 Tesla vehicles.

      Earlier this month, we reported on various consumer reviews and posts detailing an issue in Model Y vehicles that causes some to spontaneously die due to rear motor failure. Engine failure that occurs while a car is being driven can increase the risk of an accident.

      Repairs are an issue

      While ConsumerAffairs reviewers haven’t reported many dangerous failures, they have cited various technology glitches and have given their account of the repair process.

      “I own a Tesla Model X and when it functions, it is a great vehicle,” Sanjeev, of Cumming, Ga., wrote in a ConsumerAffairs review. “The issue is when something goes wrong. There is no easy way to contact their service department. The phone lines automatically ask us to handle anything via the app. And the app frequently closes tickets that aren't even resolved.”

      Rodriguez, meanwhile, said he had his Tesla towed to a dealership where technicians repaired the issue. But the Tesla owner says he’s still in the dark about what exactly caused his vehicle’s problem.

      He told ABC7 that all he knows is what the technicians wrote in their report: “Diagnosed and found poor communication from charged port door, causing power conversion system to shut off in order to protect onboard components during drive.”

      A Tesla owner said his Model 3 got stuck going 83 miles per hour on a Los Angeles freeway in what he says was an obvious technology malfunction.Javier...

      Peloton to slash prices on equipment but raise prices on subscriptions

      The company is also testing a rental option for its bikes

      Peloton is cutting the price of its bikes and other equipment, but at the same time, it’s raising its subscription fees.

      The connected fitness company’s moves come after a cold, hard winter in 2022. The company previously paused production of its fitness equipment in order to regroup, cut thousands of jobs, and introduced a new CEO.

      “The pricing changes being announced today are part of CEO Barry McCarthy’s vision to grow the Peloton community,” a company spokesman told CNBC.

      When McCarthy joined the company, the opportunity for Peloton to cut hardware costs was too good to pass up. He said a price cut should make it more affordable for a consumer to become a Peloton user. That, in turn, could enhance the possibilities for the company to grow monthly recurring revenues.

      The new prices

      Beginning June 1, Peloton’s all-access subscription plan in the U.S. will go from $39 a month to $44 per month. Pricing in Canada will also go up by $6 a month, but pricing for international members will remain unchanged. People who don’t own a Peloton bike but want to use the digital-only service will continue to pay $12.99 a month.

      As for the price of its bikes and treadmills, the purchase price for a Peloton Bike will drop considerably – from $1,745 to $1,445, including the cost of shipping and setup. The Bike+ will drop in price to $1,995 from $2,495, and the Tread will sell for $2,695, down from $2,845; that also includes shipping and setup.

      In a separate move, Peloton said it is also beta-testing a rental option in several U.S. markets. That would allow users to pay a monthly fee between $60 and $100 for a package that includes a rented Bike and access to its workout content library. The company said it recently expanded the test to additional markets and has added the Bike+ as another rental option.

      Peloton is cutting the price of its bikes and other equipment, but at the same time, it’s raising its subscription fees.The connected fitness company’s...

      Gas prices fall as oil prices rise once again

      But analysts say the price break could be short-lived

      The price of gasoline continued to drop from its recent record high this week. According to GasBuddy’s Patrick DeHaan, Americans are now spending $100 million less on gasoline every day than they did a month ago.

      AAA’s daily gas price survey shows that the national average price of regular gas is $4.07 a gallon, six cents less than last Friday. The price hit its record high of $4.33 a gallon a month ago.

      The average price of premium gas is $4.75 a gallon, seven cents a gallon less than last week. The average price of diesel fuel is $5.01 a gallon, five cents less than a week ago.

      Even though oil prices have recently gone up again, analysts say the price at the pump is beginning to react to the drop in crude prices from its recent highs. However, it’s not clear how much lower prices can go in the short-term future since the summer driving season is approaching and European nations are seriously debating an outright embargo on Russian oil.

      Several states enjoyed steep drops in gas prices this week. The statewide average fell 10 cents a gallon in Connecticut, South Carolina, and Georgia. The average price is nine cents lower in California, eight cents lower in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan, and seven cents a gallon lower in Maryland and Kansas.

      States with the most expensive gas

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

      • California ($5.71)  

      • Hawaii ($5.23)     

      • Nevada ($5.08)   

      • Alaska ($4.66)   

      • Washington ($4.65)

      • Oregon ($4.63)   

      • Arizona ($4.58)   

      • Utah($4.49)

      • Idaho ($4.39)   

      • Illinois ($4.31) 

      States with the cheapest gas

      AAA reports that these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

      • Missouri ($3.64)   

      • Kansas ($3.65)    

      • Oklahoma ($3.67)  

      • Arkansas ($3.68)  

      • Texas ($3.69)

      • Maryland ($3.69)     

      • South Carolina ($3.71)  

      • Georgia ($3.71)  

      • Wisconsin ($3.73) 

      • Mississippi ($3.77) 

      The price of gasoline continued to drop from its recent record high this week. According to GasBuddy’s Patrick DeHaan, Americans are now spending $100 mill...

      Telemedicine use during COVID-19 pandemic comes with racial disparities, study finds

      Experts say minorities continue to struggle to access health care

      Consumers in rural areas have struggled to receive health care services during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now a new study conducted by researchers from the University of Houston shows that access to telemedicine services has been more difficult for racial minorities.

      According to the findings, telemedicine usage wasn’t universal among all consumers because racial and ethnic minorities weren’t as likely to utilize these services. 

      “We found that racial and ethnic disparities persisted,” said researcher Omolola Adepoju. “This suggests that the promise of the positive impact of telemedicine on health care use and health outcomes could elude underserved populations.” 

      Disparities in telemedicine

      For the study, the researchers analyzed medical health records from 55 clinics in Texas that were visited between March 2020, and November 2020. The team looked closely at how different demographic factors impacted consumers’ telemedicine usage throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

      For starters, the researchers learned that age and insurance status played a role in consumers’ likelihood to utilize telemedicine services. They found that older adults and those under the age of 18 were the least likely to use telemedicine, as were those with no health insurance and those on Medicaid. However, the researchers say the biggest takeaway from the study was the racial disparities that were apparent with telemedicine use. 

      “Our main finding was that African Americans were 35% less likely to use telemedicine compared to whites,” Adepoju said. “And Hispanics were 51% less likely to use it. The people who really need to access their primary care providers might be cut out [of telemedicine] because they don’t have the technology or might not know how to use it.” 

      The team explained that a lack of access to digital devices and reliable internet connections directly impacted the likelihood that consumers were able to access telemedicine. They found that nearly 80% of white households have a broadband internet connection, compared to 61% of Hispanic households and 66% of African American households.

      Location can also play a role

      The researchers learned that where residents live in proximity to local clinics is also likely to affect their decision to use telemedicine. 

      “We observed a dose-response to geographic distance so that the further a patient lived, the higher the likelihood of telemedicine use,” Adepoju said. “The type of visit, whether for an acute or non-acute condition, was also associated with telemedicine use. Non-acute visits were more likely to be conducted via telemedicine.” 

      Because of how widespread telemedicine has become since the pandemic, the researchers hope more work is done to expand access to these services for all consumers. 

      “Clinics will need a technology support system,” said Adepoju. “A staff that conducts pre-visit device and connectivity testing with patients can be instrumental to helping patients maximize telemedicine as an access to care option.” 

      Consumers in rural areas have struggled to receive health care services during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now a new study conducted by researchers from the...