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
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.
Insurance
Affordability Watch: Are insurers overcharging Americans by $150B a year?
The report echoes allegations in California regulators' dispute with State Farm
AI/Privacy
New Mexico seeks $3.7B, platform overhaul in youth harm trial against Meta Platforms
State asks judge to declare Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp a “public nuisance”
Health
GLP-1 may protect against heart attacks and strokes, UK study finds
The popular diabetes and weight-loss drugs may also help prevent Alzheimer's, according to one study
Travel
Crowd tries to buy Spirit out of bankruptcy — but airline history suggests a steep climb
A grassroots campaign is trying to crowdfund a consumer-owned “Spirit 2.0” airline after the carrier’s sudden collapse
Consumer Protection
Google to pay $700 million, loosen app store rules in antitrust settlement
Consumers who bought apps or in-app items between 2016 and 2023 could receive automatic payments, while Google must loosen Play Store restrictions
Health
Purdue Pharma shut down as opioid settlement takes effect, new nonprofit takes over
$7.4B settlement to fund addiction treatment and recovery programs nationwide over 15 years
Money
Livestream shopping boom sparks spending concerns as Whatnot surges
Fast-paced “live auction” shopping apps are exploding in the U.S., led by Whatnot, which blends social media, gaming and e-commerce
Health
Supreme Court lifts ban on mail-order and online mifepristone
Justice Alito's action is effective until May 11, when further arguments are due
Looking for an escape? An escape room might be just the thing
These popular entertainment venues are sort of a cross between an amusement park and an immersive board game
Money
Prediction markets pitched as side hustle — but most traders are losing money
More than 100,000 users on Polymarket lost at least $1,000 since early 2025, nearly double the number who made that much
Cars
Consumer groups warn heavier trucks could shift billions in road costs to drivers, taxpayers
Coalition of 25+ groups urges Congress to reject proposals to raise truck weight limits above 80,000 pounds