Trump to sign compromise spending bill to avert government shutdown
The president will declare an emergency to secure funds for a border wall
President Trump says he will sign the latest government appropriations bill, heading off another government shutdown that could have begun today.
Trump said he will sign the legislation even though it contains less than the amount of money he requested for construction of a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico. But Trump has made clear he will find the additional funds elsewhere in the budget.
“President Trump will sign the government funding bill, and as he has stated ...
continue readingLatest News
The Weekly Hack: Hackers used one marine’s stolen info to steal cars and get surgery2/15/2019
A hacker is advertising the sale of 620 million log-ins obtained from WhitePages, Coffee Meets Bagel, MyFitnessPal, and other services
One missing wallet proved to be especially valuable to skilled identity thieves.A marine named Brandon Reagin for years has faced accusations that he w… continue readingBy Amy Martyn
Federal government falsely claimed that Tesla’s Autopilot cuts crashes, researcher says2/15/2019
For years, Tesla and regulators claimed that Autopilot makes roads safer. A new report suggests that the opposite is true.
In 2016, a man named Albert Scaglione crashed and rolled over his Tesla Model X on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. He survived and told police afterward that he… continue readingBy Amy Martyn
Amazon pulls its plans for a second headquarters in New York2/15/2019
The question of where next looms for the digital empire
“Start spreading the news, we’re leaving today. We want no part of it -- New York, New York!”Amazon is deep-sixing its plans to build a new headquarter… continue readingBy Gary Guthrie
Relationship success could hinge on commitment readiness2/15/2019
Researchers suggest there are several factors that contribute to feeling ready for commitment
In the wake of Valentine’s Day, many coupled-up consumers are taking stock of their relationships, and a new study may have them thinking about the future.… continue readingBy Kristen Dalli
Consumers are focusing on reducing food waste, new study finds2/15/2019
Researchers found that Americans in the oldest age bracket were the most vigilant in this area
With a new wave of consumers focused on going green and being more sustainable, a recent study conducted by researchers from Michigan State University foun… continue readingBy Kristen Dalli
Glyphosate raises cancer risk by 41 percent, study finds2/15/2019
A new meta-analysis suggests a ‘compelling link’ between glyphosate and cancer risk
Glyphosate, a key ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup, increases the cancer risk of heavily-exposed individuals by 41 percent, according to a new analysis.… continue readingBy Sarah D. Young
Payless reportedly preparing for bankruptcy, store closures2/15/2019
Payless will join other retailers that have been forced to file for bankruptcy amid declining sales
Payless ShoeSource is reportedly planning to close all of its U.S. stores after filing for bankruptcy for the second time.The retailer had filed for ba… continue readingBy Sarah D. Young
Flu vaccine about 47 percent effective this season2/15/2019
Health officials say this flu season is milder than last, possibly due to the increased effectiveness of the 2018-2019 flu vaccine
This season’s flu vaccine is protecting about half of those who received it, federal health officials reported Thursday.At 47 percent effectiveness, th… continue readingBy Sarah D. Young
Top News
Fruits and vegetables found to be beneficial for mental health2/6/2019
A study found that these staples do more for our bodies than previously thought
Trump administration sides with payday lenders in latest regulation rollback2/7/2019
The Obama-era regulations were supposed to prevent consumers from falling into a cycle of high-interest debt
Electric vehicle batteries perform worse in cold weather, AAA study finds2/8/2019
Elon Musk has previously downplayed consumer concerns about EV batteries losing power in the cold
FTC freezes debt collectors seeking payment of ‘phantom’ debts2/11/2019
The agency says many of the debts were fabricated from stolen consumer data
Most consumers are paying more for car insurance2/11/2019
A report by an insurance search engine finds insurance rates have never been higher
Average tax refunds are down 8 percent so far this year2/12/2019
The IRS has processed fewer returns than at this point last year
News Categories
February 15, 2019
Retail sales dropped sharply in December2/15/2019
Maybe consumers aren’t doing as well as surveys suggest
Gas prices hold steady over the last seven days2/15/2019
A steep drop in demand kept prices at the pump stable
Chrysler recalls model year 2019 Ram 1500 trucks2/15/2019
The brake pedal may move too far and separate from pedal assembly
PurpleAir recalls power supply units for air sensors2/15/2019
The power supplies can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards.
Model year 2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline trucks recalled2/15/2019
The fuel pump feed port may crack
Ottogi America expands noodle recall2/15/2019
The products may contain egg, an allergen not declared on the label
Ford recalls model year 2017-19 Lincoln Continentals2/15/2019
The door latch may not fully engage
February 14, 2019
Valentine’s spending is up, but consumer participation is down2/14/2019
Just 51 percent adults in the U.S. are expected to celebrate Valentine’s Day in 2019
FCC steps up pressure on telecoms to reduce robocalls2/14/2019
The agency’s chairman isn’t satisfied with telecom’s response so far
Reading scores higher for children who eat lunch2/14/2019
Researchers found a nearly 20 percent increase in test scores when children had a midday meal
FTC says romance scams are on the rise2/14/2019
Romance scams cost consumers more than any other type of fraud
SEC charges former Apple executive with insider trading2/14/2019
The executive was previously Apple's corporate secretary and senior director of corporate law
MoviePass delisted by Nasdaq following tumultuous 20182/14/2019
Subscriptions are still valid, but who knows for how long
FTC says it collected $2.3 billion in consumer refunds in a 13-month period2/14/2019
Around 2.2 million consumers are getting refund checks
There was almost no inflation in the economy in January2/14/2019
Increases in the cost of food and health care were balanced by cheaper gasoline
Hospitals cutting back on using risky antibiotics, but patients still going home with them2/14/2019
The drugs were found to increase patients’ risk of several negative health effects
Honda recalls Acura MDXs & TLXs and Honda Accords2/14/2019
The fuel pump may suffer reduced performance, resulting in a stall
Birdseed Food recalls Craft Granola Goldenola: Turmeric & Ginger2/14/2019
The product contains cashews, an allergen not declared on the label
Model year 2019 Toyota Tundra standard and long bed trucks recalled2/14/2019
The load carrying capacity modification label may have been incorrectly calculated
Shop LC Recalls Disco Ball LED light2/14/2019
The battery can overheat while charging, posing burn and fire hazards.
Ford recalls 1.48 million model year 2011-13 F-150s2/14/2019
The vehicle may experience an unintended downshift into first gear
February 13, 2019
Lufthansa sues passenger over using the ‘hidden city’ fare ploy2/13/2019
The strategy is neither illegal or immoral insists one airfare deal aggregator
More than 7 million consumers are delinquent on their car loans2/13/2019
Fed report suggests not everyone has benefitted from the economic recovery
Man rejected from firefighter job over marijuana use sues for discrimination2/13/2019
A man who hoped to become a firefighter says he was rejected from the job for his legal medical marijuana card
Eddie Lampert says future Sears stores will be smaller2/13/2019
The company may also go public
Johnson & Johnson to acquire surgical robotics firm Auris2/13/2019
The company is working on developing a ‘comprehensive digital ecosystem’ to assist surgeons and patients
Poll shows consumers are feeling confident about their finances in 20192/13/2019
Confidence levels are at a nearly unprecedented level
Edmunds selects 2019’s seven best vehicles2/13/2019
Honda places two cars on the list
Researchers are helping advance self-driving car technology to better detect human movement2/13/2019
The goal is to have these cars be safer than ever for public roads
Mortgage rates fall for most home buyers in January2/13/2019
An industry report shows the rate for the average borrower dropped below 5 percent
Hearing loss linked as a sign of cognitive decline in old age2/13/2019
However, a study shows that consumers could slow the effects of aging
Ford recalls nearly 800k vehicles with airbag inflator issue2/13/2019
The passenger front airbag inflator may explode
McDaniel Life-Line recalls Indian Herb dietary supplement2/13/2019
The product has not received proper approval
Porsche recalls various Panamera model vehicles with steering issue2/13/2019
The vehicles may suffer an intermittent loss of electric power steering assist
Target recalls toddler boots2/13/2019
The unicorn horn on the boot can detach, posing a choking hazard
Heartland recalls Milestone recreational trailers2/13/2019
The liquid propane gas hose for the water heater may be secured improperly
February 12, 2019
Congressional negotiators reach compromise on border wall2/12/2019
But will it be enough to head off another government shutdown?
CDC calls out Juul and others for driving increase in teen tobacco use2/12/2019
Rising teen vaping rates have caused a spike in tobacco use among teens, health officials say
Free college programs are quickly becoming a reality2/12/2019
The nature of work is changing, and community colleges are putting people in jobs where traditional schools aren’t
Average tax refunds are down 8 percent so far this year2/12/2019
The IRS has processed fewer returns than at this point last year
Apple to launch Health Records feature for veterans2/12/2019
The feature will allow veterans to see their medical information in the Health App
Trump signs ‘American AI Initiative’ in executive order2/12/2019
The program aims to bolster U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence
Pipeline company behind infamous Standing Rock protest accused of blowing up a house in Pennsylvania2/12/2019
Energy Transfer Partners enjoyed support from Pennsylvania's state government until recently
Navy Federal revamps its credit card member rewards program2/12/2019
Shopping through the credit union can earn up to 15 percent cash back on purchases
Researchers challenge common protocols for tonsils and adenoids2/12/2019
Tonsils and adenoids don't shrink over time, as previously believed
Grocery store nutrition information help shoppers make healthier choices2/12/2019
Teaching consumers about the foods they buy was effective for helping consumers with hypertension
General Motors recalls model year 2019 Cadillac XTS vehicles2/12/2019
The front seat belt buckles may be missing a rivet
Volkswagen recalls model year 2018 Audi A5 Sportbacks2/12/2019
A front wheel may come loose, posing a crash risk
World Waters recalls WTRMLN WTR2/12/2019
The products may be contaminated with pieces of soft plastic
Model year 2019 Coachmen Apex recreational trailers recalled2/12/2019
The inner hub bearings may overheat and fail
February 11, 2019
Sprint sues AT&T over 5GE branding2/11/2019
The suit says the marketing strategy is ‘deceptive’ to consumers
New Texas bill looks to prevent mobile phone throttling during disasters2/11/2019
The state wants to avoid what California firefighters endured during recent wildfires
White House official won’t rule out another government shutdown2/11/2019
Acting chief of staff says the president still wants funding for a border wall
Toys ‘R’ Us operating under new Tru Kids brand2/11/2019
Tru Kids has rights to the Toys ‘R’ Us brand and is led by former Toys ‘R’ Us executives
FDA cracks down on illegally marketed dietary supplements2/11/2019
Dietary supplements ‘cannot claim to prevent, treat or cure diseases like Alzheimer’s,’ the agency warns
Most consumers are paying more for car insurance2/11/2019
A report by an insurance search engine finds insurance rates have never been higher
FTC freezes debt collectors seeking payment of ‘phantom’ debts2/11/2019
The agency says many of the debts were fabricated from stolen consumer data
Researchers discover new way to potentially treat and prevent alcoholism2/11/2019
Early cross-species tests have had favorable results
Exercise could help protect against Alzheimer's2/11/2019
Researchers suggest that staying active can help improve memory
Model year 2016-2019 Mazda MX-5 Miatas recalled2/11/2019
The vehicle may downshift unexpectedly, causing an abrupt deceleration of the drive wheels
VICS Acquisition recalls chicken products2/11/2019
The products contain eggs, an allergen not declared on the label
Chrysler recalls model-year 2013-2017 Ram pickup trucks2/11/2019
A steering-linkage configuration may separate over time
February 8, 2019
The Weekly Hack: Auto industry is failing to protect its cars from hacking, study finds2/8/2019
Experts describe the modern automobile as a computer on wheels. What happens when hackers break in?
Electric vehicle batteries perform worse in cold weather, AAA study finds2/8/2019
Elon Musk has previously downplayed consumer concerns about EV batteries losing power in the cold
Bankruptcy judge approves former CEO’s bid to acquire Sears2/8/2019
Opposition from unsecured creditors wasn’t enough to derail the deal
Apple releases fix to FaceTime privacy vulnerability2/8/2019
The Group FaceTime feature has been restored
FDA commissioner concerned that Juul, Altria are backing away from teen vaping promises2/8/2019
The agency head has requested a meeting to ensure that the companies are staying on track
Apple threatens to pull apps that record users’ screens2/8/2019
Recording users’ activity without their knowledge is in violation of App Store Review Guidelines
TSA confiscated 4,000+ firearms fliers tried to get through baggage screening in 20182/8/2019
‘If you are not sure if an item is allowed in your bag, ask us!’ the agency begs
Parents struggle with how to talk children about marijuana following legalization efforts2/8/2019
Many caregivers are looking for factual information so that they can have meaningful conversations
Children are exposed to chemicals when they breathe in thirdhand smoke residue2/8/2019
The smoke might be gone, but the side effects are lasting
The average apartment rent rose 4.2 percent in the last year2/8/2019
Rents rose the most in Northeastern cities
Despite rising oil prices, gasoline prices remained stable in the last week2/8/2019
The national average increased just three cents a gallon
Delta Electronics recalls solar inverters2/8/2019
The capacitors can fail and allow heat to build up
Restoration Hardware recalls subset of dark zinc Annecy and LaSalle coffee tables2/8/2019
The metal surface under the clear top coat may contain lead
Indigo Packaged Goodness brand Brewers Yeast Debittered recalled2/8/2019
The product contains peanuts, an allergen not declared on the label
February 7, 2019
Wells Fargo systems hit with an outage2/7/2019
ATMs have gone down, along with online and mobile banking
Trump administration sides with payday lenders in latest regulation rollback2/7/2019
The Obama-era regulations were supposed to prevent consumers from falling into a cycle of high-interest debt
Employers get creative to help employees pay off student loans2/7/2019
Student loan assistance is the hot new corporate benefit
More than 30 percent of healthcare reviews don't have a full list of side effects2/7/2019
Researchers say this information is vital for consumers
States that legalize weed see initial spike in traffic accidents2/7/2019
While accident numbers eventually do go down, researchers say neighboring towns and cities may be more affected
Chipotle to open a ‘few dozen more’ drive-thru style lanes2/7/2019
‘Chipotlanes’ are intended to decrease consumer wait times
iPhone apps found to record users’ screens without their knowledge2/7/2019
Technology embedded in several apps reportedly records every action users take for analytical purposes
New consumer loyalty study shows consumers expect more from brands2/7/2019
‘Business as usual’ and ‘research as usual,’ doesn’t cut it in today’s brandscape
Instacart changes its tipping policy in response to worker complaints2/7/2019
The startup will stop docking worker pay based on the size of their tips
Southern California city overturns law that banned people from sleeping in their cars2/7/2019
Living in a vehicle is illegal in most cities, but more Americans say they have no other choice
Nearly half of people would end a relationship over irresponsible spending2/7/2019
Keep that in mind while Valentine’s Day shopping
BB&T and SunTrust announce they’re merging2/7/2019
The union will create the nation’s sixth-largest bank
Dell recalls hybrid power adapters2/7/2019
The hybrid power adapter casing can break and detach,
Crate and Barrel Canada recalls Holiday Bear Acrylic Milk Bottle2/7/2019
The plastic straw may crack, creating a laceration hazard
Maxfield Seafood recalls Sheat fish2/7/2019
The product was not re-inspected prior to entering the U.S.