Consumer Protection
As household debt surges, White House blames consumer watchdog CFPB
Critics warn of “dangerous timing” if consumer agencies are weakened now
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
What the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau actually does (in plain English)
It acts as the cop on the beat, protecting consumers from financial harm
Air travel held hostage in yet another federal shutdown
TSA agents are working without pay and important consumer protection rules are history
AI/Privacy
We answer the question: what good is AI anyway?
It's moving fast to replace online searching, browsing and buying, that's what
Consumer Protection
'No-debt alternative' mortgages strip homeowners' equity, suit charges
Not debt in name, but they behave like high-cost borrowing in practice.
Cars
Trump trashes environmental rules, claiming it will boost affordability of cars
Automakers aren't so sure, saying they must compete globally
ICE may soon be your neighbor, like it or not
The nation's largest law enforcement agency is spending $38 billion this year on new detention centers
Health
California may test protein powder for heavy metals
There's mounting evidence of widespread contamination of the popular powders
Money
Solar power doesn't have to be expensive and complicated
"Plug-in" systems are bringing backup and off-grid power to states that allow it
Money
Debt distress spreading to wealthier Americans
More affluent consumers are falling behind on debt payments
AI/Privacy
Disney promised not to tell but didn't keep its word
Company pays $2.75 million for not honoring consumer opt-out requests
Money
Consumers skinned by predatory loans and drowning in harsh debt collection practices
The "affordability crisis" is really a predatory interest rate crisis