Health
Sleep apps may be keeping some users awake, study finds
Researchers say an excessive focus on sleep scores and metrics may actually worsen sleep problems for some consumers.
James R. Hood
Jim Hood is a grizzled veteran of the news business. After 14 years at the Associated Press, he founded Zapnews and ConsumerAffairs.com. In his dotage he runs The Outraged Consumer on Substack and ConsumerNews.ai.
Travel
American Airlines drops six routes, and the hybrid lot is on fire as fuel prices remain airborne
United also "pruning" routes, including some LAX-IAD pairs
Money
Consumer rage Is boiling over as Americans battle high prices, hidden fees and vanishing customer service
Emails from "Do not reply" don't do much to mollify consumers with a problem
Money
Clean-energy loans promised savings but some delivered debt, surprises and lawsuits instead
Clean-energy financing helped millions of homeowners install solar panels, energy-efficient windows, roofs and HVAC systems, but consumer complaints continue over misleading sales practices.
AI/Privacy
Amazon sued over Ring facial recognition feature as privacy concerns resurface
The suit targets Ring’s AI-powered “Familiar Faces” feature, which can identify and label visitors, friends and family members for homeowners
Consumer Protection
France fines Shein over consumer-rule breaches
It's the latest French crackdown on Shein and other platforms
Insurance
Pet insurance premiums unleashed, profit margins surging as private equity expands its grip
Most states do nothing to control pet insurance premiums; the others don't do much
Cars
Ford bets on dealership service growth as it issues ‘Do Not Drive’ recall
Ford has launched a nationwide campaign promoting dealership service departments, mobile repairs and vehicle pickup-and-delivery programs
Money
Tariffs still costing consumers — by the category
Dishes and men's shirts up, farm equipment down
Insurance
Roof replacement costs jump as hail damage rises
Hail is a growing problem as the climate warms, even though the number of storms may decrease
Money
Retail’s tax-refund camouflage starts to wear off
Retailers had a healthy first quarter but fear things may taper off in the spring
Money
Credit-card debt hits $1.25 trillion as families slip into ‘survival debt’
Brands shrinking sizes, expanding value packs to hang onto customers