Consumer Protection
Fake party invites are the latest phishing bait, Pennsylvania attorney general warns
Scammers are hijacking email accounts to send fake invitations that appear to come from friends, coworkers
James R. Hood
James R. Hood, an editor and consumer-affairs journalist with more than five decades of experience, has held senior editorial leadership roles at The Associated Press, United Press International, Zapnews and ConsumerAffairs.
Recalls
Safety Recalls for May 7, 2026
Take a quick look to see if any apply to you
Money
States crack down on ‘junk fees’ as regulators target hidden costs and drip pricing
States are expanding “all-in pricing” rules aimed at forcing businesses to disclose mandatory fees upfront rather than surprising consumers at checkout
Insurance
‘Point of no return’: Study says New Orleans may need planned relocation as seas rise
The warning raises major consumer concerns, including rising insurance costs, property value declines, infrastructure risks, and displacement of residents.
States object to new rule allowing mailing of guns
The change is the result of a Justice Department interpretation of a 1927 law
Health
Simple kitchen tricks may cut pesticide residues on produce, study finds
A new peer-reviewed study by scientists at the Environmental Working Group found that rinsing or soaking fruits and vegetables can significantly reduce pesticide residues.
AI/Privacy
AI 'doctors' under fire: Pennsylvania sues Character.AI over alleged medical claims
State seeks court order to stop chatbots from posing as licensed professionals
Money
Siri wasn't so smart after all; Apple to pay $250 million to iPhone buyers
Apple promoted non-existent AI capabilities for its not-so-smartphones
Travel
Airlines crack down on portable chargers as in-flight fire risk rises
Portable phone chargers are now a leading cause of cabin fire incidents, prompting new airline restrictions
AI/Privacy
FCC says it wiped out 3 million “risky” device listings in online crackdown
The purge targets unauthorized electronics and telecom gear sold on major e-commerce platforms
Consumer Protection
Virginia poised to allow state-court class actions, expanding consumer lawsuits
Virginia lawmakers approved the bill and sent it to Gov. Abigail Spanberger for signature
Insurance
Affordability Watch: Are insurers overcharging Americans by $150B a year?
The report echoes allegations in California regulators' dispute with State Farm