Current Events in July 2022

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2022

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    Ford recalls model year 2022 Transit vehicles

    The Instrument Panel Cluster may not illuminate properly

    Ford Motor Company is recalling 30,244 model year 2022 Transit vehicles.

    The Instrument Panel Cluster may not properly illuminate telltales, gauges, the speedometer, or tachometer pointers.

    Failure to illuminate the cluster display could render safety-related telltales and gauges unreadable, increasing the risk of a crash.

    What to do

    Dealers will update the instrument panel cluster software free of charge.

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

    Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C11.

    Ford Motor Company is recalling 30,244 model year 2022 Transit vehicles.The Instrument Panel Cluster may not properly illuminate telltales, gauges, the...

    Macy’s to bring Toys 'R' Us to all stores for the holidays

    New features include hands-on workshops and photo opportunities with Geoffrey the Giraffe

    Macy’s has announced that it will open Toys “R” Us locations at all 509 of its U.S. stores by the holidays. The retail chain is expanding its partnership with WHP Global to bring the beloved toy brand to every Macy’s store beginning in late July, with the last one to be put in place by mid-October. 

    Once considered gone for good, Toys “R” Us seems to have made a comeback from four years ago. In Macy’s reported earnings for the first quarter of 2022, toy sales were 15 times higher than the comparable period before the Toys “R” Us partnership. That's a positive sign for Macy's since some of its stores were also ready to be shuttered.

    The in-store shops will range anywhere from 1,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet in the company’s flagship locations in Atlanta, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco. The plans also have some flexibility built in so that high-performing stores with a lot of foot traffic can add 500 to 3,000 square feet and an even wider assortment of products.

    “Macy’s cannot wait to bring the Toys “R” Us experience to life in our stores,” said Nata Dvir, Macy’s chief merchandising officer. "We hope Toys “R” Us kids of all ages discover the joy of exploration and play within our shops and families create special memories together. The customer response to our partnership with Toys “R” Us has been incredible and our toy business has seen tremendous growth.”

    The revamped Toys “R” Us shops bring some new twists with them. In addition to hands-on demonstration tables, there will also be a life-size “Geoffrey on a Bench” available for photo opportunities.

    To make the openings extra enticing, each Macy’s location will host nine days of in-store events beginning on October 15. The events will include activities for everyone in the family and daily giveaways for Barbie, LEGO, and other toy brand lovers.

    Macy’s has announced that it will open Toys “R” Us locations at all 509 of its U.S. stores by the holidays. The retail chain is expanding its partnership w...

    Lawmakers ask FTC to examine promises made by VPN providers

    Consumers need to bone up on VPN services before signing up for them

    The safety of Virtual Private Networks (VPN) – which are internet tools that prevent users from being tracked or interfered with – has come under scrutiny from two members of Congress.

    In a letter to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) are trying to persuade the agency to address deceptive practices in the VPN industry. Specifically, they point to VPN practices related to people attempting to mask their digital fingerprints in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

    In their letter, Eshoo and Wyden said some VPN providers are not only making false and misleading claims about their services, but they are also negating their promise of anonymity by selling personal data and providing user activity logs to law enforcement.

    Consumers should do their VPN homework

    To show that VPN providers are being less-than-honorable in their pitches to consumers, the lawmakers cited a study that found 75% of leading VPN providers misrepresented their products and technology or made exaggerated claims about the protection they provide users.

    “It’s extremely difficult for someone to decipher which VPN service to trust, especially for those in crisis situations,” Eshoo and Wyden wrote. “There are hundreds, if not thousands, of VPN services available to download, yet there is a lack of practical tools or independent research to audit VPN providers’ security claims.”

    The lawmakers urge consumers not to jump into a VPN subscription without researching the services first. Reports indicate that two out of three free VPN users have experienced technical issues on their networks. In some cases, VPN providers have claimed that they have a right to share users' data with a wide array of third parties.

    “The Password manager privacy policy, as written and provided at install, reads in such a way that no one in their right mind would use Kaspersky software,” Brian of Semans, Saskatchewan, claimed in a ConsumerAffairs review of Kaspersky Anti-Virus. “Their policy states they wish to have the right to share users' private info with anyone including third world countries... This is security?”

    The safety of Virtual Private Networks (VPN) – which are internet tools that prevent users from being tracked or interfered with – has come under scrutiny...

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      Scammers are taking advantage of record-high used car prices

      Criminals are offering non-existent vehicles at bargain prices

      Because of the new car shortage, the average price of used cars is at an all-time high. That means used car shoppers who find an online listing for a late model used car at a 2019 price might be tempted to jump on it.

      But wait – anyone who is selling a car is undoubtedly aware of its current value. Why would they advertise it for less?

      The simple answer is that a legitimate seller wouldn’t do that. However, scammers are reportedly posting these fake listings for cars that don't actually exist as a way to steal money from consumers.

      Increase in fraudulent sales

      The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently released a report that noted an increase in fraudulent online used car sales. The vehicles are usually advertised on platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay. The listings usually come with a picture and a description of the car at an amazing price.

      With the rise of online auto sales platforms like Vroom and Carvana, consumers are more accustomed to this type of sales process. Buyers may be lulled into thinking that the vehicle they see in the online post is legitimate.

      The scam starts when a buyer contacts the scammer/seller to inquire about the listing. The scammer then tells the victim that the car is in another city and recommends that they use a certain auto transport company to deliver it. This may seem perfectly reasonable since so many legitimate transactions through established dealers have been conducted this way since the start of the pandemic.

      The buyer is told to wire a transport fee to the transport company – which doesn’t actually exist. They are told the funds will be held in escrow until the vehicle is delivered. If the buyer wires the funds, the car never arrives. Because they wired the money or used a preloaded money card, their money can’t be retrieved or traced.

      What to do

      Car shoppers can avoid this scam by knowing what a car should cost. Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds both provide ways to check the market value of used cars and trucks.

      If the advertised price is thousands of dollars less than the market value, that's a sign that you might be dealing with a scammer. Consumers should try to talk to the seller on the phone. If the seller insists on only communicating by email or text, that’s another big red flag.

      Finally, you should see the car or truck before any money changes hands. While most Vroom and Carvana sales transactions go off without a hitch without the buyer inspecting the vehicle, those are established companies. If you are dealing with an individual or a company you’ve never heard of, there should be much less trust.

      Because of the new car shortage, the average price of used cars is at an all-time high. That means used car shoppers who find an online listing for a late...

      Consumer sues candy maker over a chemical used in Skittles

      The suit claims titanium dioxide is toxic

      Skittles is a candy brand that is especially popular with children. A lawsuit, filed against Skittles manufacturer Mars, Inc., claims that the candy contains a toxic chemical.

      Jenile Thames, a California consumer who is seeking class-action status for his litigation, filed the suit in U.S. District Court in Oakland, accusing Mars of endangering its customers. The suit claims Skittles contain "heightened levels" of titanium dioxide, or TiO2, as a food additive.

      "While we do not comment on pending litigation, our use of titanium dioxide complies with FDA regulations," a Mars spokesperson said in a statement to the media.

      Titanium dioxide is a food coloring that gives the candy its bright, distinctive colors. Last year, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) revised its previous assessment published in 2016 and concluded that the chemical should not be used in food.

      “Taking into account all available scientific studies and data, the panel concluded that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe as a food additive,” said Maged Younes, who chaired EFSA’s panel on food additives and flavorings. 

      European ban predicted

      The California lawsuit cites the European panel’s conclusion that the chemical has the ability to change our DNA, and it predicts that the European Union will ban the use of the chemical within the next few weeks. In its 2021 report, the EFSA panel said small amounts of titanium dioxide appeared to have little effect but that it had the potential to build up in the body over time.

      "A reasonable consumer would expect that [Skittles] can be safely purchased and consumed as marketed and sold," the lawsuit said. "However, the products are not safe."

      The lawsuit also maintains that Mars agreed to remove the chemical in 2016 but did not. As evidence, the suit cites an email from the candy manufacturer to the Center for Food Safety.

      Skittles is a candy brand that is especially popular with children. A lawsuit, filed against Skittles manufacturer Mars, Inc., claims that the candy contai...

      More consumers report problems with wireless network quality

      A survey shows that all providers have lost ground over the last year

      Consumers are increasingly using their cell phones and smartphones to access the internet as much as they use them to talk, and those growing data demands on mobile networks are causing problems. 

      The J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Wireless Network Quality Performance Study found that an increasing number of consumers are reporting problems with network quality. The most common reported problem is slow data or failure to load content.

      “An uptick in wireless and device usage was bound to catch up to network quality,” said Ian Greenblatt, managing director at J.D. Power. “Wireless customers are increasingly adept in data usage and streaming, meaning they’re less inspired and more aware of problems. 

      J.D. Power tracked customer satisfaction with wireless service across five different regions in the U.S. It found that Verizon Wireless ranked highest in all five regions, achieving the fewest network quality problems per 100 connections (PP100) in call quality.

      An analysis of ConsumerAffairs reviews of the Big Three wireless providers shows that consumers give the edge to AT&T:

      AT&T: 3.9 stars

      Verizon: 3.5 stars

      T-Mobile: 3.2 stars

      Updated phones can help

      Sometimes the perception of service improves when new equipment is involved. Kenneth, of Elmhurst, N.Y., said he was shocked at how much faster his T-Mobile service was when he upgraded phones.

      “With the newer phones we got, they all so far worked flawlessly and T-mobile is the only carrier to have 5G on the phones too,” Kenneth wrote in a ConsumerAffairs review. “We have sim cards spread out between all the carriers based on level of use so it's as cheap as possible for us overall and I can say that one carrier has great signal, T-mobile.” 

      In fact, J.D. Power found that the number of problems is significantly lower when 5G is available. When wireless customers reported issues, the survey found that it mostly involved streaming audio and video quality, slow loading times, and calls not going through.

      Cheaper plans may be problematic

      Our analysis of ConsumerAffairs reviews also suggests that customers with the most expensive plans report the fewest problems with network quality. Herbert, of Palmetto, Fla., has a Verizon plan with up to 50 gigabytes of data usage.

      “After the usage they claim you will be slowed to .6 Mbps to 3.0 Mbps, which is still fast enough to surf the net and perform email, etc.,” Herbert told us. “Well it doesn't work that way. They slow the data to .01 Mbps up to .26 Mbps which doesn't even allow you to surf the net.”

      With inflation at a 40-year high, more customers may be tempted to move to lower-priced plans. While they may pay less money each month, the level of satisfaction may also go down.

      Consumers are increasingly using their cell phones and smartphones to access the internet as much as they use them to talk, and those growing data demands...

      Lower violent crime rates lead to fewer heart disease deaths, study suggests

      Communities with the biggest reductions in crime had better health outcomes

      A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine explored the link between crime rates and heart disease. According to their findings, decreased violent crime rates also led to decreased heart disease-related deaths. 

      “It’s important to acknowledge the impact of the built environment on health,” said researcher Dr. Lauren Eberly. “Exposure to violent crime appears to be an important social determinant of cardiovascular health within the broader context of the ways in which structural racism harms health.” 

      How crime affects heart disease

      For the study, the researchers analyzed data from the Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Vital Records from 2000 through 2014. The team looked at rates of violent crime across Chicago’s nearly 80 different community areas and compared that information with rates of heart disease-related deaths. 

      Ultimately, the researchers identified a connection between rates of violent crime and heart disease-related deaths. One area across the city experienced a nearly 60% drop in violent crime over the course of the study, which was then linked with a 15% lower risk of cardiovascular mortality. Similarly, a decrease in violent crime that was as low as 10% was linked with an 11% lower risk of heart disease mortality. 

      “Because community areas that experienced the smallest decline in crime also experienced the smallest improvements in cardiovascular mortality, pre-existing disparities in mortality between neighborhoods in the city are likely to worsen over time, especially with the recent rise in crime rates in the United States,” said Eberly. “While these results represent one large, urban U.S. city that could potentially not be generalizable to other cities, we suspect that these results are likely reflective of many other large urban cities across the country.” 

      The team plans to work more in this area to better understand how race and violent crime affect consumers' health. 

      “It is possible that different types of crime rates in a neighborhood may have different relationships with community health, which needs to be investigated further,” said researcher Dr. Sameed Khatana. “Even if violent crime rates in a neighborhood are a marker of cardiovascular health, rather than the specific cause of cardiovascular events, the rise in any type of violent crime is concerning as it may identify neighborhoods where residents are especially vulnerable to worsening cardiovascular health in years to come.” 

      A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine explored the link between crime rates and heart disease. Accord...

      Chrysler recalls model year 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Durangos

      A malfunction in the antilock-brake system may cause a vehicle rollaway

      Chrysler is recalling 270,904 model year 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Durangos.

      A malfunction in the antilock brake system (ABS) module may illuminate the brake lights and allow the vehicle to start and shift out of park without the brake pedal being applied.

      A vehicle that starts and shifts out of park without applying the brake pedal can result in vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash without prior warning and/or injury to those outside the vehicle.

      What to do

      A remedy for this issue is under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on July 29, 2022.

      Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at (800) 853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z48.

      Chrysler is recalling 270,904 model year 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Durangos.A malfunction in the antilock brake system (ABS) module may...

      Ford recalls model year 2021-2022 four-door Broncos

      The child safety lock may malfunction

      Ford Motor Company is recalling 53,103 model year 2021-2022 four-door Broncos.

      The passenger-side rear door may be opened from the inside of the vehicle when the child safety lock is in the "ON" position.

      A malfunctioning child safety lock increases the risk of injury to a child occupant.

      What to do

      Dealers will inspect the passenger-side child safety lock and latch and replace them -- if necessary -- free of charge.

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

      Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S44.

      Ford Motor Company is recalling 53,103 model year 2021-2022 four-door Broncos.The passenger-side rear door may be opened from the inside of the vehicle...

      GM strikes deal with Pilot travel centers to add EV charging stations along U.S. highways

      Pilot is also investing $1 billion to make its facilities more attractive to EV drivers

      Highway travelers may soon find it easier to charge their electric vehicles. General Motors has announced a new deal with the Pilot Company (Pilot and Flying J) to build out a network of fast charging stations at up to 500 of Pilot’s travel centers across the U.S.

      The charging stalls will be provided and maintained by EVgo, which is also working with GM to add more than 3,250 fast chargers in American cities and suburbs by the end of 2025 to help the automaker meet its goal of 42,000 charging stations.

      “We are committed to an all-electric, zero-emissions future, and ensuring that the right charging infrastructure is in place is a key piece of the puzzle,” said Mary Barra, GM Chair and Chief Executive Officer. “With travel centers across North America, Pilot Company is an ideal collaborator to reach a broad audience of EV drivers.”

      What EV owners can expect 

      The basic framework for many of the Pilot charging stations will feature overhead canopies to help protect EV drivers from the weather while they’re charging their vehicles. There will also be pull-through capabilities for larger vehicles, like electric pickup trucks and SUVs pulling trailers.

      The charging stations won’t be limited to GM electric vehicle owners, but those drivers will get special perks like exclusive reservations and discounts on charging their EVs.

      Pilot is also adding some perks that it hopes EV owners will find attractive. Its “New Horizons” will include a $1 billion upgrade to its travel centers, where it will offer more premium amenities like free Wi-Fi, expanded seating and lounge areas, updated and modernized restrooms, and on-site restaurants – all things that the company feels will be a welcome addition for travelers to enjoy while their vehicles are charging. 

      Highway travelers may soon find it easier to charge their electric vehicles. General Motors has announced a new deal with the Pilot Company (Pilot and Flyi...

      Parents continue to struggle to find infant formula

      Thirty percent of formula products were out of stock at the beginning of July

      Parents of very young children are reportedly still struggling to find infant formula, with shortages of these products, which began in February, now stretching into the summer. 

      The Wall Street Journal cites data from market research firm IRI that suggests about 30% of all infant formula products were out of stock during the first week of July; that’s the lowest level so far this year. Reports suggest that shortages remain especially acute in Wyoming, Utah, and Alaska.

      The shortages became more severe when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ordered a recall of infant formula produced at Abbott Laboratories’ plant in Sturgis, Mich. The agency ordered the plant to be closed due to alleged product contamination. 

      When the plant finally reopened, it shut down again almost immediately because of massive flooding in the Midwest during the spring. This week, company officials reported that the facility had reopened once again.

      Some parents have turned to family members in other states to help locate formula. Eduardo, of Miami, says he found a case of formula containing 16 cans and shipped it via UPS to his daughter in Washington, D.C. The box never arrived, and Eduardo believes the formula ended up on the black market.

      “Guess what, they found my package opened and all the formula gone,” Eduardo told ConsumerAffairs. “And now they are telling me they are not responsible. Give me a break.”

      Dos and don’ts

      In addition to a shortage of products, the Journal reports that consumers are finding fewer choices in terms of brands, sizes, and formula formats. Formula products are developed for specific age groups of infants, and health experts don’t recommend feeding formula for one age group to a child in a different age group.

      Pediatricians have cautioned parents not to dilute baby formula in an attempt to stretch it out. They also advise against using milk from cows, goats, or a friend or family member’s breast milk.

      While problems at the Abbott plant made the situation worse, some industry analysts say shortages began to occur earlier in the pandemic. They say parents began stocking up on formula when they could find it, leading to spot shortages on some store shelves.

      Parents of very young children are reportedly still struggling to find infant formula, with shortages of these products, which began in February, now stret...

      Eating fruit more often can improve your mental health, researchers say

      Study findings show that these foods can also help counter depression symptoms

      Following a healthy diet is a large part of maintaining good physical health, but a recent study shows that it can also benefit your mental health. 

      Researchers from Aston University recently found that eating more fruit was associated with greater overall mental well-being and reduced feelings of depression. 

      "Overall, it's definitely worth trying to get into the habit of reaching for the fruit bowl," said lead author Dr. Nicola-Jayne Tuck. 

      More fruit leads to better mental health

      The researchers surveyed over 400 adults in the U.K. about their psychological health and their diets, including how often they ate fruits, vegetables, and sweet or savory food snacks. After adjusting for factors like age, general health, and exercise habits, they found that participants who ate fruit more often had lower scores for depression and higher scores for mental well-being. 

      In contrast, participants who ate more nutrient-poor savory foods were more likely to experience "everyday mental lapses" and have lower mental well-being.

      "Very little is known about how diet may affect mental health and wellbeing, and while we did not directly examine causality here, our findings could suggest that frequently snacking on nutrient-poor savoury foods may increase everyday mental lapses, which in turn reduces psychological health," said Tuck.

      The researchers point out that fruits and vegetables contain many important vitamins and minerals. However, how consumers choose to eat them could make a big difference when it comes to getting mental health benefits.

      "Both fruit and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, fibre and essential micronutrients which promote optimal brain function, but these nutrients can be lost during cooking. As we are more likely to eat fruit raw, this could potentially explain its stronger influence on our psychological health," Tuck stated.

      The full study has been published in the British Journal of Nutrition.

      Following a healthy diet is a large part of maintaining good physical health, but a recent study shows that it can also benefit your mental health. Res...

      Intel to reportedly raise CPU prices by as much as 20%

      Consumers might be able to find some good deals before the price hike happens

      Intel -- one of the world’s largest and most valuable makers of semiconductor chips and central processing units (CPUs) for computer manufacturers such as Acer, Lenovo, HP, and Dell -- is reportedly considering a price hike later this year. If true, it could significantly raise the cost of making computers for those companies and buying computers for consumers. 

      Japan-based business newspaper Nikkei Asia reports that Intel's reason for the price increase is linked to rising costs for nearly everything it uses to produce components. The publication notes that the final percentage increases aren’t locked in yet, but sources say they are likely to range from a minimal single-digit increase to more than 10% and 20% in some cases.

      ConsumerAffairs reached out to Intel for confirmation of the reported price increase, but the company did not immediately respond for a request for comment.

      Inflation impacts consumer spending

      Companies like Intel that pull in nearly $80 billion in annual revenue can probably weather recent price point pressures on things like chips, labor, and shipping, but that’s just part of the equation. The other part is consumer spending, which has taken a crippling blow due to rising inflation.

      Nikkei said another consumer-side issue companies are wrestling with is dwindling demand for smartphones, PCs, TVs, and game consoles. We’re only months away from the typical fall release of new electronic gear in time for the holidays, but Gartner reports that worldwide PC shipments experienced the sharpest decline in nine years during the second quarter of 2022.

      This has forced device makers to sit on a pile of unsold items. It has become such a problem that Samsung Electronics recently told suppliers to halt shipments of some of its products.

      Intel -- one of the world’s largest and most valuable makers of semiconductor chips and central processing units (CPUs) for computer manufacturers such as...

      Government regulators fine Bank of America $225 million

      The bank is charged with mismanaging benefit payments to consumers during the pandemic

      Two federal regulatory agencies have fined Bank of America a total of $225 million over claims that the bank’s distribution of unemployment benefits during the pandemic harmed consumers. Officials said affected consumers will receive restitution.

      The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) levied a $125 million civil fine against the bank for alleged law violations and “unsafe or unsound practices.” The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) took similar action for the same reason, fining the bank $100 million.

      "Stepped back"

      The agencies say about a dozen states contracted with Bank of America to distribute unemployment and other benefits on pre-paid money cards during the early days of the pandemic. The regulators charge that Bank of America’s fraud detection system automatically froze many cards, even though there was no fraud. 

      As a result, the agencies say millions of Americans were unable to access those funds when they were needed to meet everyday expenses.

      “Taxpayers relied on banks to distribute needed funds to families and small businesses to rescue the economy from collapse when the pandemic hit,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra. “Bank of America failed to live up to its legal obligations. And when it got overwhelmed, instead of stepping up, it stepped back.”

      Acting Comptroller of the Currency Michael Hsu said the bank failed consumers at a critical time by freezing the funds to which they were rightfully entitled.

      “Banks must pay attention to the financial health of their customers and conduct their activities in accordance with all consumer protection laws,” Hsu said. “When they don’t, we will act accordingly.”

      Bank of America pushes back

      Bank of America strongly objected to the government’s action. Company officials said the bank supported the states to provide for the distribution of more than $250 billion to more than 14 million Americans and had to deal with “unprecedented” levels of fraud connected with pandemic relief programs.

      "In addition, we provided assistance to millions more by deferring mortgage, credit card and other payments," the company said in a statement.

      The amount of money affected consumers will receive is not yet clear. The OCC order requires Bank of America to provide remediation to consumers whose access to unemployment benefits was denied or delayed.

      The CFPB says Bank of America must pay back the money that it withheld because of the faulty fraud filter. The bank must also provide each affected consumer with a lump sum consequential harm payment that will be "determined through a methodology of financial harm consumers suffered due to the time their accounts remained frozen or blocked."

      Two federal regulatory agencies have fined Bank of America a total of $225 million over claims that the bank’s distribution of unemployment benefits during...

      Gas prices plunged this week

      Prices are falling as quickly as they went up

      Faced with record-high gasoline prices last month, Americans drove a lot less. As a result, motorists are seeing some of the fastest price declines on record.

      AAA’s daily fuel price survey shows that the national average price of regular gasoline is $4.57 a gallon, 15 cents less than last Friday. A month ago, the average price hit a record $5.01 a gallon.

      The average price of premium gas is $5.32 a gallon, 13 cents less than a week ago. The average price of diesel fuel is $5.57 a gallon, 10 cents less than last week.

      In California, the statewide average fell by 19 cents a gallon this week. It's now below $6 a gallon for the first time in over a month. Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, reported Thursday that at least one station in 26 states was selling regular for less than $4 a gallon.

      Industry analysts say there are two big reasons for the sharp drop in prices at the pump. Demand has fallen sharply, increasing supplies. At the same time, oil prices have fallen well below $100 a barrel because market traders are betting that the world economy will enter a recession and demand for oil will continue to fall.

      In the last seven days, several states saw major price declines. In the last week, the statewide average price is down 21 cents a gallon in Arizona. The average price is down 20 cents a gallon in Texas, 19 cents in California, 18 cents in Kentucky, 16 cents in Alabama and Tennessee, and 15 cents a gallon in Georgia, Alabama, and Illinois.

      States with the most expensive gas

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

      • California ($5.95)  

      • Hawaii ($5.60)    

      • Alaska ($5.42)  

      • Oregon ($5.34) 

      • Nevada ($5.33)     

      • Washington ($5.30)  

      • Idaho ($5.17) 

      • Utah ($5.13)        

      • Illinois ($5.08)     

      • Arizona ($4.89)   

      States with the cheapest gas

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

      • Georgia ($4.11)  

      • South Carolina ($4.11)   

      • Mississippi ($4.12)   

      • Texas ($4.13)   

      • Louisiana ($4.16)    

      • Alabama ($4.18)   

      • Arkansas ($4.20)  

      • Tennessee ($4.21)     

      • North Carolina ($4.25)   

      • Kentucky ($4.28)   

      Faced with record-high gasoline prices last month, Americans drove a lot less. As a result, motorists are seeing some of the fastest price declines on reco...

      Ford recalls 100,000 Escapes, Mavericks, and Lincoln Corsairs

      Engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment

      Ford Motor Company is recalling 100,689 model year 2020-2022 Escapes, model year 2022 Mavericks, and model year 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsairs with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines.

      In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources, such as a hot engine or exhaust components. This could cause an engine compartment fire.

      What to do

      Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke.

      Dealers will modify the under-engine shield and active grille shutter free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be sent on August 8, 2022.

      Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S47.

      Ford Motor Company is recalling 100,689 model year 2020-2022 Escapes, model year 2022 Mavericks, and model year 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsairs with 2.5L HEV or...

      Audi recalls A6 Sedans, A4 Sedans, Q5s, and Q5 Sportbacks

      The semiconductor inside the engine control unit may short-circuit

      Audi is recalling 72 model year 2022 A6 Sedans, A4 Sedans, Q5s, and Q5 Sportbacks.

      The semiconductor inside the engine control unit may short-circuit and cause an engine stall.

      An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

      What to do

      Dealers will replace the engine control unit free of charge.

      Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on July 22, 2022.

      Owners may contact Audi customer service at (800) 253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24iH.

      Audi is recalling 72 model year 2022 A6 Sedans, A4 Sedans, Q5s, and Q5 Sportbacks.The semiconductor inside the engine control unit may short-circuit an...