Consumer Protection
Trump fintech order sparks warnings over predatory lending, consumer protections
Critics warn easier access for fintech and crypto firms to the banking system could expose consumers to fraud, risky accounts and weaker oversight
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
Kochava banned from selling consumers' private, sensitive location data
The company slices and dices intimate details of Americans' lives
Memorial Day weekend opens at $4.56 a gallon — and GasBuddy sees $4.80 by September
Americans still planning to travel this weekend, one way or another
AI/Privacy
Texas probing Meta Glasses, Disney being sued for allegedly using facial recognition at its parks
Meta subcontractors in Kenya monitoring Texans' movements, the state charges
Cars
Ford setting records in safety recalls as software issues plague drivers
More than 20 million vehicles recalled last year - trucks most affected
Consumer Protection
New law requires platforms to honor victims' requests for removal of intimate images
The measure is intended to make it easier to provide "recourse against digital exploitation and extortion"
Money
Food delivery's not cheap and besides fries, often includes unexpected fees and surcharges
A $62 McDonald's family meal might be quick but affordable? Not really
Money
Bank of America slammed over new arbitration clause that limits customers’ right to sue
Critics say the move comes as consumers face rising fees, debt and fewer federal enforcement protections
Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda triggers global alarm, risk to Americans still low
The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which currently has no approved vaccine or targeted treatment
Money
Should businesses apologize when they fail to deliver, or turn out substandard products?
An Oxford study contradicts the conventional wisdom but the verdict isn't unanimous
Cars
Tesla Model Y passes new federal safety benchmark, but advocates warn drivers not to confuse it with self-driving
Critics also renewed concerns about whether consumers may overestimate Tesla’s “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving” systems
Travel
Without Spirit, summer travel is a different country
Remaining budget players consolidating in bid to survive