Pets
What veterinarians say actually works for itchy dogs
Dogs tend to get itchy for lots of different reasons, and sometimes for not clear reason at all.
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.
Consumer Protection
Pet owners spend billions chasing 'miracle cures' for itchy dogs. Many promise more than science can deliver.
Chronic itching is one of the most common reasons dogs visit veterinarians, fueling a booming market for supplements that promise relief through probiotics, herbs and "gut health."
Money
'Landmark' housing affordability bill becomes law without Trump's signature
President Trump ignored it but a bill to make housing more affordable became law without his signature.
Insurance
Study: Insurance discounts alone won't persuade most homeowners to climate-proof their homes
The findings come as insurers and state regulators increasingly look for ways to reduce catastrophic losses while helping homeowners cope with rapidly rising insurance premiums
Insurance
Climate resilience checklist: Which home upgrades may earn insurance discounts?
Home-hardening improvements can reduce storm damage and may qualify for premium discounts, grants or lower deductibles. But savings vary widely by insurer, state, location and the age and construction of the house.
Consumer Protection
New York City adopts first-in-the-nation crackdown on ‘subscription traps’ as junk-fee fight expands
Consumers could soon find it much easier to cancel unwanted subscriptions, while hidden mandatory fees may also come under new scrutiny.
Insurance
Obamacare premiums set to jump another 14 percent
Healthier clients dropping Obamacare, leading to more rate hikes as remaining clients are sicker.
Money
Debt Watch: How to avoid credit card late fees — and what to do if you get hit
Being just a few days later on a credit card payment can wreck your credit rating and cause your interest rate to shoot up
Money
CFPB may reopen fight over credit card late fees
For consumers, the stakes are familiar: banks say late fees deter missed payments and keep costs down for on-time payers; consumer advocates say the fees have become a major profit center.
AI/Privacy
Meta says states are seeking $1.4 trillion in teen social media case
The August trial is part of a broader wave of social media litigation that could reshape how platforms are designed for children and teens
Money
Inflation expectations climb to a nearly three-year high
Consumers braced for continued inflation, Fed warns.
Consumer Protection
Congress moves toward national rules for paycheck-advance apps
Consumer advocates warn the bill could weaken state protections and let costly wage-advance products avoid lending laws