Update: New flame retardant standard public hearing
California regulators held a public hearing on March 26 to mark the end of a comment period for updating their 38-year old furniture flammability regulation, TB 117, that has been the focus of scientists, firefighters, health advocates and consumers worldwide. Read More ›
Community college report: Hundreds of thousands have been shut out in California
by Katy Murphy, Oakland Tribune
California’s community colleges – the nation’s largest public higher education system – have lost so many teachers and classes that students are being driven away. Read More ›
How stores spy on you
People are used to being watched when shopping. Cookies track our every move online, and salespeople follow us around high-end stores. But many retailers are taking spying to a new level. Read More ›
T-Mobile dropping cellphone contracts
by Associated Press, USA Today
T-Mobile USA, the struggling No. 4 cellphone company, is ditching plans centered on familiar two-year contracts in favor of selling phones on installment plans.
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Health insurers warn on premiums
by Anna Wilde Mathews and Louise Radnofsky, Wall Street Journal
Health insurers are privately warning brokers that premiums for many individuals and small businesses could increase sharply next year because of the health-care overhaul law. Read More ›
Spring break scams targeting students
Many students will be looking for deals as they make their spring break travel plans…scammers are aware of this and advertising custom-tailored schemes to defraud this vulnerable group. Read More ›
Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s ban GMO salmon
by Carolyn Lochhead, San Francisco Chronicle
Several U.S. grocery chains have agreed not to sell a genetically engineered salmon that is nearing approval from the FDA.
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Microsoft provides details on law enforcement requests for user data
by Chris Morran, Consumerist
Microsoft reveals in a new transparency report that between all of its online services, it received more than 75,000 requests from law enforcement agencies around the world in 2012.
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Prescription needed to remedy generic drug pricing shenanigans
by David Lazarus, Los Angeles Times
Prices for generic prescription drugs can often go on a roller coaster. The FDA should take action to help consumers find out the true cost of such medicine. Read More ›
Mobile wallet technology raises privacy, security concerns
by Lindsay Wise, The Miami Herald
Your smart phone already serves as a portable office, media player, newspaper, GPS, camera and social network hub. Now it can replace your wallet, too. Read More ›
California bill would promote statewide online college courses
by Dalina Castellanos and Larry Gordon, Los Angeles Times
The legislation calls for development of 50 online classes as potential substitutes for the hard-to-get core courses required for graduation at UC, Cal State and community colleges. Read More ›
Patchwork of bills cover flame retardants
by Stephanie Lee, San Francisco Chronicle
Policymakers, industry leaders and consumer advocates are battling over which chemicals should be allowed as they seek a balance between fire-safe products and a toxic-free environment. Read More ›
FTC says social media ads have to be held to same rules as traditional ads
by Mary Beth Quirk, The Consumerist
The FTC set out clear rules for short-form ads on social media like Twitter and Facebook; ads must make space for full disclosure. Read More ›