Health
Deadly countertop material faces potential ban as silicosis cases rise nationwide
California regulators weighing first-in-the-nation ban on engineered stone countertops
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.
AI/Privacy
Affordability Watch: Will the data-center boom help lower your insurance bill?
The same AI-driven buildout could raise underlying costs that push consumer premiums higher
Health
Shigella cases rising nationwide, driven by growing antibiotic resistance
The highly contagious bacterial infection is spreading in multiple states
Cars
Trump auto-loan tax break gets off to a sluggish start, misses the typical car buyer's needs
Income caps, vehicle rules and modest savings blunt appeal
Consumer Protection
'Annoyance economy’ costs Americans $165 billion a year, report finds
Hidden fees, spam calls and customer service hurdles drain time and money
Health
PFAS research roundup: What studies say about health risks, exposure, and uncertainty
Hundreds of peer-reviewed studies link PFAS exposure to immune, metabolic, and developmental effects
Health
PFAS chemicals in Lulemon? Texas opens an investigation
"Emerging research and consumer concerns" cited by Attorney General Ken Paxton
Consumer Protection
Electronic slot machines banned in Missouri as illegal gambling devices, other states set to follow
There are overtones of morality but states have a financial incentive to wipe out untaxed, unregulated gaming devices
Money
Inflation, meet affordability; You two may not be compatible
Inflation spikes on energy shock as Iran war ripples through economy; consumer sentiment hits record low
Money
Condo fees surge nationwide, adding a new layer to the housing affordability crisis
Rising insurance, aging buildings and new safety rules are pushing monthly costs higher for millions of homeowners
Money
USPS raises stamp prices, halts pension payments
First-class stamp set to rise to 82 cents in July, with more increases possible
Health
Psilocybin goes mainstream, but science and safeguards lag behind
Regulators and scientists warn the system isn’t ready for widespread use, raising consumer risks