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
A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $567 million into programs addressing harms to young people, bringing the company’s liability in the state case to $942 million.
AI/Privacy
Restaurants, pubs and theaters are beginning to ban Meta’s camera-equipped smart glasses
Camera-equipped glasses can look almost identical to ordinary eyewear, making it difficult to know when someone is taking photographs, recording video or using an AI service to analyze what they see. Look for the recording light Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses display a small white light on the front
Consumer Protection
OppFi is seeking federal approval to acquire BNC National Bank, giving the high-cost lender control of a national bank charter
Consumer Protection
When is an installment loan really a payday loan in disguise? Answer these questions to find out.
Consumer Protection
Former CFPB Director Rohit Chopra says California will pursue companies that use illegal fees, hidden kickbacks and manipulative schemes to drive up consumer costs.
Consumer Protection
California is stepping up its consumer protection efforts as federal agencies back away from energetic enforcement. With former CFPB director Rohit Chopra at the helm of the new agency, the new agency is expected to tighten existing rules and enact new ones.
Condo HOAs will need to increase their reserve funds to win mortgage approval in many cases.
Consumer Protection
The ruling allows New York’s attorney general to investigate whether Zelle’s operator knowingly left consumers exposed to scams
Money
Inflation, war, tariffs - there's nowhere for consumers to hide from rising costs.
Insurance
It's important to stay on top of pending insurance claims, and to keep complete records in case of a dispute.
Health
Advocates fear weaker federal enforcement — combined with deep Medicaid funding reductions — could make community-based care an easier target for state budget cuts.