Technology and privacy researchers at Consumer Reports did some digging to find out if different chatbots could answer health-related questions accurately.

“To find out, we quizzed a handful of popular, general-purpose AI chatbots to see if their advice on health and safety topics matched that of our experts,” said Consumer Reports’ Courtney Lindwall.

Question 1: How many carbon monoxide detectors do you need?

CR says, homeowners should have a carbon monoxide detector on each level, outside each sleeping area, in the basement and near — not inside — an attached garage.

“For the most part, Google Gemini got this answer nearly right, but it erred slightly when it suggested putting a CO alarm inside an attached garage. Attached garages are usually not temperature-controlled, which can damage the alarm’s battery or sensor,” Lindwall said.

Question 2: How to filter PFAS from tap water?

Consumer Reports recommends a water filtration system with the National Sanitation Foundation certification code NSF/ANSI 53 and double-checking that the manufacturer specifically claims that its product removes PFAS.

“AI’s answer lacked key details. Using Microsoft Copilot’s advice, consumers may feel confident buying any activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter to eliminate PFAS in their water. However, not all filters of these kinds are designated for PFAS removal,” Lindwall said.

Question 3: Can kids play with water beads?

Consumer Reports says absolutely not. The popular children’s toys carry high risks if ingested, like bowel obstruction, blocked airways and infections. Water beads have also reportedly led to deaths and thousands of emergency room visits, Lindwall said.

“AI’s answer was dangerous and inconsistent. Meta AI failed to highlight the significant safety risks of water beads, aside from a passing reference to a need for parental supervision,” she said.

Consumer Reports said it’s okay to use AI as a starting point, but it’s important to always check the source material.

It also doesn’t hurt to ask questions more than once and compare answers.

Last month, Walmart recalled nearly 10,000 cases of Great Value brand apple juice sold in stores in 26 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia due to arsenic concerns.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration said the affected product may temporarily cause adverse health consequences but is unlikely to cause serious or irreversible medical issues.

This week, Florida-based manufacturer Refresco Beverages US Inc. issued a voluntary recall of an additional 141,300 cases of apple juice after more products were found to contain arsenic slightly above the FDA’s recommended levels.

The latest recall involves the following brands: Great Value, sold at Walmart; Nature’s Nectar, sold at Aldi; Market Basket, sold at Market Basket; Nice!, sold at Walgreens; Weis, sold at Weis; Urban Meadow, sold at Brooklyn Fare; Wellsley Farms, sold at BJ’s Wholesale Club and Walmart; Solevita, sold at Lidl US; Clover Valley, sold at Dollar General; Tropical Delight, sold at various retailers in New York.

The contaminated apple juices were sold in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.

Apple juice recall 2024 full list

• Great Value 8oz Apple Juice in 6pack; Walmart; BEST If used by: DEC 2624 CT89-6; Best if used by: DEC 2724 CT89-6
• Great Value 96oz Apple Juice; Walmart; Best if used by DEC 2624 CT89-5; Best if used by DEC 2724 CT89-5; Best if used by DEC 2824 CT89-5
• Market Basket 100% apple juice 64 oz; Market Basket; code 032525 CT89-1
• Nice! 100% apple juice 64; Walgreens; Best By Mar 25 25 CT89-1
• Weis 100% apple juice 64 oz; Weis Markets; Sell By 03/25/25 CT89-1
• Urban Meadow 100% apple juice 64 oz; Brooklyn Fare; Best By 03/26/25 CT89-1
• Nature’s Nectar 100% apple juice 64 oz; Aldi; Best By Mar26 2025 CT89-4 AND Best By Mar 27 2025 CT89-4
• Wellsley Farms 100% apple juice 96 oz; BJ’s and Walmart; Use By 03/26/25 CT89-5
• Solevita 100% apple juice 64 oz; Lidl US; Best By 03/27/2025 CT89-4
• Clover Valley 100% apple juice 64 oz; Dollar General; Best By 03/27/2025 CT89-4
• Tropical Delight 100% apple juice 64 oz; various retailers in New York; Best By 25 JUL 2025

Very low levels of inorganic and organic arsenic are found in most food products, according to the National Institutes of Health. Testing is routine, as slightly elevated levels of either form can cause symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, numbness and muscle cramping.

Inorganic arsenic is more toxic to humans than the naturally occurring form of the mineral arsenic, and the health effects from exposure are more severe, according to the FDA. The Environmental Protection Agency has labeled inorganic arsenic a carcinogen, or a substance that causes cancer.

Levels found in the recalled apple juice bottles are low enough that the FDA does not expect them to cause such severe health consequences.

The FDA has not shared reports of possible illnesses associated with the apple juice recall.

“The house was built in the 1730s,” she said while walking through. “At one point, this was just a dirt floor.”

The Fair Hill Home is set on seven acres and was once owned by Thomas Garrett Jr., an abolitionist and contemporary of Harriet Tubman. The family believes the house was part of the Underground Railroad.

When Guevara and her sister Kenevy first toured the house 13 years ago, there was no running water and no electricity. The windows and foundation — almost all original — were crumbling. But they knew it would be the project of a lifetime.

“I was getting pretty excited about it,” Guevara said.

Their husbands had to be convinced, however.

“I knew how much work it was going to be,” Leo Guevara said.

But what sealed the deal for the husbands was the fact they’d never have to pay a mortgage, thanks to Maryland’s Resident Curatorship Program, which offers residents the right to a lifetime tenancy in a historic property for just $1 a year.

Curators also never have to pay property taxes.

But, like most things in life, living at these historic homes is far from free. Whoever agrees to the deal is on the hook for all of the home’s renovations.

“Houses that we’re listing in our program are not going to be in habitable condition when you sign your lease agreement. So they’re going to need everything from septic improvements, wells, structural work. They’re going to take a lot. And because they are historic properties, and the purpose of the program is to preserve historic places,” said Peter Morrill, Maryland’s curator program manager.

Morrill said the program is not for the faint of heart.

“It takes a certain kind of person,” he said.

Despite being a residential contractor, Leo Guevara took two years to agree to take on the Fair Hill Home project.

Curators have to commit to spending at least $150,000 on repairs, but Morrill said most can expect to spend closer to $300,000.

“We had to talk to engineers about certain structural work on the inside, and … figuring out how to get the drainage to get away from the foundation and stop ruining the framing in the basement,” Leo Guevara said.

According to the two families, they have surpassed the $200,000 budget, but they say it still makes sense to them when they crunch the numbers.

“If you buy a house for $400[,000] or $500,000 … in 30 years, you’re going to pay a million and a half with interest, taxes and all that. If we can put up the $200[,000] to $250[,000] to put this house back together for the next three years, it’s a $1 million windfall,” Leo Guevara said.

But once the lease holder dies or they no longer can live at the property, the home – along with all improvements the curators paid for – returns to the state.

The couples said they’re OK with that, because it was never about the money.

“It is kind of neat to feel like, you know … this could be here for another 100 years because of us, you know? And, you know, somebody else will take our, our spot and hopefully continue that.”

Maryland isn’t the only location to offer such a program. Fairfax, Virginia, has a similar program — as do Delaware and Massachusetts.

However, properties are limited. Currently, Maryland doesn’t have any other properties available. When it does, prospective curators will need to submit a proposal and a personal financial statement with the state’s Department of Natural Resources.

The recall covers certain trucks from the 2019 and 2021 through 2024 model years, mostly in North America.

Stellantis said in a statement Saturday that the trucks may have anti-lock brake software that could inadvertently shut down the stability control, which manages the throttle and brakes to avoid skidding.

If that happens, the company said the brakes would still work. Stellantis said it’s not aware of any crashes or injuries from the problem.

U.S. safety standards require electronic stability control to work during nearly all phases of driving, the company says.

Dealers will update software to fix the problem at no cost to owners, who will be notified by letters starting Oct. 3.

Recalls Sep 7

Wisconsin health officials recall eggs after a multistate salmonella outbreak

Autos Sep 3

One more death in US, the 28th, is attributed to Takata air bag inflators that can spew shrapnel

Recalls Aug 29

Magnetic chess games recalled due to ingestion hazard

The CPSC posted a warning Thursday that “Magnetic Chess Games” sold by China-based seller JOMO contain magnets that do not comply with U.S. federal safety regulations. As a result, the “loose, hazardous magnets pose a risk of serious injury or death,” according to the warning.

The CPSC said it issued a violation notice to JOMO, but that the company has not agreed to recall its Magnetic Chess Games or provide a remedy. The commission urged people to stop using the game and throw it away immediately.

The games were sold online at walmart.com in a blue box with the word “Magnetic” on the front and back, according to the CPSC. They include about 20 loose black magnets but not chess-shaped pieces, despite its marketing.

It’s unclear when or how long these games were sold. A CPSC spokesperson said the commission could not provide further information since JOMO is not cooperating.

Experts have long noted the serious health hazards tied to swallowing magnets, with children particularly at risk. When high-powered magnets are ingested, the CPSC noted, they can attract each other or another metal object in the body and become lodged in the digestive system — potentially resulting in blockage, infection, blood poisoning or death.

Overall, the CPSC estimates that a total of 2,400 magnet ingestions were treated in hospitals annually between 2017 and 2021. The commission said it is aware of eight related deaths from 2005 through 2021, two of which were outside the U.S.

Massachusetts Aug 28

CDC reports 6 new deaths in deli meat listeria outbreak

Recalls Aug 25

Walmart recalls Great Value apple juice due to elevated arsenic levels

Recalls Aug 15

Trader Joe's recalls 653,000 scented candles due to fire hazard

Technology and privacy researchers at Consumer Reports did some digging to find out if different chatbots could answer health-related questions accurately.

“To find out, we quizzed a handful of popular, general-purpose AI chatbots to see if their advice on health and safety topics matched that of our experts,” said Consumer Reports’ Courtney Lindwall.

Question 1: How many carbon monoxide detectors do you need?

CR says, homeowners should have a carbon monoxide detector on each level, outside each sleeping area, in the basement and near — not inside — an attached garage.

“For the most part, Google Gemini got this answer nearly right, but it erred slightly when it suggested putting a CO alarm inside an attached garage. Attached garages are usually not temperature-controlled, which can damage the alarm’s battery or sensor,” Lindwall said.

Question 2: How to filter PFAS from tap water?

Consumer Reports recommends a water filtration system with the National Sanitation Foundation certification code NSF/ANSI 53 and double-checking that the manufacturer specifically claims that its product removes PFAS.

“AI’s answer lacked key details. Using Microsoft Copilot’s advice, consumers may feel confident buying any activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter to eliminate PFAS in their water. However, not all filters of these kinds are designated for PFAS removal,” Lindwall said.

Question 3: Can kids play with water beads?

Consumer Reports says absolutely not. The popular children’s toys carry high risks if ingested, like bowel obstruction, blocked airways and infections. Water beads have also reportedly led to deaths and thousands of emergency room visits, Lindwall said.

“AI’s answer was dangerous and inconsistent. Meta AI failed to highlight the significant safety risks of water beads, aside from a passing reference to a need for parental supervision,” she said.

Consumer Reports said it’s okay to use AI as a starting point, but it’s important to always check the source material.

It also doesn’t hurt to ask questions more than once and compare answers.

You’ve seen the warnings about phishing scams, when a scammer sends you an email impersonating a trusted company to get you to share your personal information. But now scammers are coming up with new tricks.

“So newer scams are coming out. So we’re seeing smishing, which is using text messages,” Inspector USPIS Keith Nusbaum said.

A perfect example of smishing is a text message claiming to be from the United States Postal Service, saying they are unable to deliver a package … unless you confirm your address at a link in the message.

“That link does not go to the postal service and the message isn’t from the postal service,” Nusbaum said. “But once you go there and you provide your name, your address and personal information, now those scammers have that information.”

Scammers are also leaving voicemails claiming to be government employees.

“Vishing is using spoofed phone numbers to leave voicemails on phones, so they’ll take a number from a legitimate government entity and leave a voicemail with that,” Nusbaum said. “The number that they’re telling you to call back on is not the government agency; that is the scammers.”

Instead of calling the number left in the voicemail, search for the main phone number for the department or agency (make sure you’re looking on the official website) and call that one.

news Aug 21

Cryptocurrency ‘pig butchering' scam wrecks Kansas bank, sends ex-CEO to prison for 24 years

Montgomery County Aug 12

Scam alert: Officials warn people not to convert cash, hand over for ‘safekeeping'

Scams Aug 18

How scammers convince Americans to drain their life savings into crypto fraud schemes

As for QR codes, they gained popularity during the pandemic, popping up everywhere as an easier alternative to searching for business and information online — but now scammers found a way to use them against you.

“And the newest one is quishing, which is using QR codes. So QR codes that are put out in public or hidden, so that people scan them instead of taking them to the website that they believe they’re going to, it’s taking them to the scammer’s website,” Nusbaum said.

Those websites can appear to be from trusted financial institutions that prompt you to provide your personal information, such as a PIN and your social security number, so be careful.

If you or a family member fall victim to identity theft, it’s important to act as quickly as possible.

Here’s what to do:

• Start by reporting the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission. You can do that by going to IdentityTheft.gov.
• Place a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit reports, and review the information currently on there to make sure there’s no suspicious activity.
• If your personal financial information has been compromised, contact financial institutions and lenders you work with to alert them.

And remember that the U.S. Postal Service does not send text messages.

A good rule to live by: If an unknown sender messages you a link, don’t click on it.

If the message has spelling errors, that’s a major red flag, Also, take a closer look at the sender’s email or phone number, because they usually mimic real ones but there’re always a difference.

Emails, phone calls and text messages were the most commonly reported contact method used by scammers in 2023, the Federal Trade Commission said.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave the recall a more urgent classification Friday after making its original announcement Aug. 15. The new classification said the affected product may temporarily cause adverse health consequences but is unlikely to cause serious or irreversible medical issues.

The recall applies to 9,535 cases of Great Value brand apple juice sold in 25 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Those states are: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia.

Florida-based manufacturer Refresco Beverages US Inc. voluntarily recalled the contaminated six-packs of 8-ounce (227-gram) juice bottles with the “Best if Used by DEC2824” code and the UPC number 0-78742-29655-5. after discovering levels of the chemical contaminant that exceeded industry standards.

Spokespeople for Refresco and Walmart did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment Sunday.

Very low levels of inorganic and organic arsenic are found in most food products, according to the National Institutes of Health. Testing is routine, as slightly elevated levels of either form can cause symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, numbness and muscle cramping.

Inorganic arsenic is more toxic to humans than the naturally occurring form of the mineral arsenic, and the health effects from exposure are more severe, according to the FDA. The Environmental Protection Agency has labeled inorganic arsenic a carcinogen, or a substance that causes cancer.

Levels found in the recalled apple juice bottles are low enough that the FDA does not expect them to cause such severe health consequences.

The FDA has not shared reports of possible illnesses associated with the apple juice recall.

But once you’ve emptied your closet of the clothes you no longer wear, what should you do with them?

Donating the clothes to someone in need is one great option. But as fast fashion brands come under more scrutiny for the industry’s impact on carbon emissions and landfill waste, some brands are trying to make it easier for customers to reuse the old rather than make more of the new.

More and more retailers have started sustainability initiatives designed to recycle old clothes, and many offer some extra money to participants in the form of discounts, store credits or cash back.

H&M

H&M’s garment collection program accepts any kind of clothing from any brand, in any condition.

When you bring your old clothes to an H&M location and hand it in at the register, the company will give you a “thank-you coupon” that gives you a 15% discount on your next H&M purchase.

American Eagle

Members of American Eagle’s RealRewards program can bring any old pair of jeans into a store for $10 off a new pair of jeans. The jeans turned in don’t need to be from American Eagle to count towards the program.

It’s part of the company’s RealGood initiative to recycle polyester, nylon and cotton and reduce water use, among other sustainability efforts.

The North Face

Members of the North Face’s XPLR Pass program can bring used North Face gear into a store and get a $10 credit to use toward their next online or in-store purchase.

According to the company, gear turned into the program will be “inspected, washed, tuned up and ready to be resold to hit the trail—again,” the website says. “If your gear can’t be repaired, we’ll recycle or donate it as part of our commitment to circularity.”

Madewell

If you have old jeans of any brand, you can bring them into any Madewell store location, and the clothing chain will either resell your old pants or recycle them into housing insulation.

Customers get $20 the next pair of jeans bought from Madewell after trading a pair in. It’s not stackable on the same pair of pants — no $40 discounts on one pair of jeans if you bring in two pairs — but you do get the same $20 discount toward each individual jeans purchase for every trade-in.

You can also mail in jeans and other clothing made out of any fabric for store credit with a Clean Out Kit. Get more info on that here.

Carter’s

Kid-and-baby clothing brand Carter’s will let you recycle any brand of kid’s clothing for free through their TerraCycle program.

The program doesn’t accept shoes or accessories, but Rewarding Moments members can earn points toward future purchases every they send a box in.

Levi’s

If you make an appointment at a participating Levi’s location, you can trade in your Levi’s jeans and Trucker Jackets for a credit ranging “from $5 to $35 based on your item’s age, condition and original retail price,” the store’s website says.

If your clothes aren’t in good enough condition to resell, you won’t get a gift card, but the denim retailer will “donate or properly dispose of your items” for you.

Gap

Gap has a partnership with ThredUp, a popular online clothing reseller, that helps their customers get shopping credit on certain Gap items.

You can print a free shipping label and fill a box with “quality pre-loved items from any brand” to get the credit. The amount of credit you get depends on how many of the items in that box get sold on ThredUp within a certain amount of time, the quality of the items, and the brand of those items — but there’s a chance to get big money back.

See the full breakdown on the initiative’s website.

Universal Standard

Universal Standard is known for its size-inclusive clothing, which ranges from 0 to 40. Now the brand aims to be more sustainable.

Customers can order a bag for under $5 and fill it with up to four pieces of clothing from any brand, then mail it back and get a reward of up to $100 off their next Universal Standard order.

The textiles from the old clothes get turned into “everyday necessities – old cottons will become yarn used for manufacturing new pieces and polyesters will turn into pellets used for manufacturing plastic household goods.”

Science 4 Everyone Aug 17

Science 4 Everyone: Why you should wear light-colored clothes in summer

Working 4 You May 3

DC is entering the sweaty time of year. Here are 4 tips to make sure your wardrobe keeps you cool

Sustainability Apr 23

Meet the Gen Z-ers slowing down fast fashion by promoting sustainable clothing

Uniqlo

If you’re a regular Uniqlo customer, you can bring old Uniqlo clothing to a “RE.Uniqlo” box in some Uniqlo stores.

The company will then “deliver them to people in need worldwide in the form of emergency clothing aid for refugee camps and disaster areas together with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), NGOs, and NPO,” or recycle unwearable clothes into other materials.

Customers don’t get a store credit for returning their old items, but you can learn more about the program here.

Soma

Lingerie brand Soma has donated bras to women experiencing homelessness and poverty for years. Now customers can trade in any new or gently used bras at any store and get up to $10 off a purchase every month.

Learn more about the program here.

Patagonia

Patagonia lets customers trade in old Patagonia clothing and outdoor gear for “up to 50% of the resale price through credit” at any Patagonia or Worn Wear store, in person and online.

If your old stuff can’t be reused, the company will either return it to you or recycle it for you to keep the materials out of landfills.

There are some limits to what you can trade in, but you can learn more or print out the $7 flat rate shipping label here.

Reformation

Reformation, a high-end sustainable clothing brand is now paying customers with store credit to turn in their old Reformation items.

The retailer will break down old clothes, shoes, bags and activewear into fibers and materials to then make new items, using as few new materials as possible.

Customers can drop off items in-store or print a free shipping label. Most items will get you about $10. Learn more here.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that the recall includes some X1, X3 and X5 vehicles as well as some other models.

The impacted vehicles have water pumps with insufficient sealing, according to the NHTSA report, and may be susceptible to fluid ingress at the electrical plug connector over time. There is the possibility that a short circuit could occur, and there’s the potential for a fire, in rare cases.

Water pumps and plug connectors will be inspected and replaced as necessary. A shield will be also installed to divert any fluid that might drop down onto the pump from the positive crankcase ventilation system’s intake air house, the report said.

Vehicle owners are expected to receive a recall notification in October. They will be instructed to take their cars to an authorized BMW center to have the appropriate remedies performed for free.

The FSIS, an agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said in a press release Aug. 16 that the following products, which were produced on March 23, have been affected by the recall.

• Perdue chicken breast tenders with a “best if used by” date of March 23, 2025.
• Perdue Simply Smart gluten-free breaded chicken breast nuggets with a “best if used by” date of March 23, 2025.
• Butcher Box organic gluten-free chicken breast nuggets with a “best if used by” date of March 23, 2025.

These products also have a plant code of P-33944 on the back of the packaging, the FSIS said.

The company said in a press release Friday that no injuries or illnesses have been reported after consuming these products.

According to the FSIS, consumers complained about a metal wire embedded in the product and notified the agency.

“We determined the material to be a very thin strand of metal wire that was inadvertently introduced into the manufacturing process,” Jeff Shaw, Perdue senior vice president of food safety and quality, said in a statement. “Out of an abundance of caution, we decided to voluntarily recall all of these packages of products.”

The company and the FSIS advised consumers to not eat the chicken and either throw the product away or return to their place of purchase. Customers can receive a full refund from Perdue by calling 866-866-3703. 

This article first appeared on TODAY.com. Read more from TODAY here:

• Chris Pratt shares photo of son Jack having fun at a farm on his birthday: ‘I thank God everyday for you’
• Peter Alexander celebrates 20 years at NBC News with a toast: ‘I’m so grateful’
• Who is Jasveen Sangha? The ‘Ketamine Queen’ charged in Matthew Perry’s overdose death

Officials say the illegal imports were discovered during routine surveillance activities at a retailer and that no confirmed adverse reactions to the products have been reported.

The ineligible products do not include any import marks on the labels are were sold to retailers nationwide.

The products are being urged to be disposed of regardless of the date sold.

Here is a list of products being removed from shelves:

The FSIS is urging people who have bought these products not to eat them, and adviced retailers not to sell the illegally imported products.

The FSIS says it is investigating how the ineligible products were able to enter the country.

In a release on the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website posted Thursday, Trader Joe’s said the flame on its Mango Tangerine candles can spread from the wick to the wax, causing a larger than expected flame.

The products were sold in June.

Trader Joe’s said it had received three reports of minor property damage and two reports of minor burns from users of the products.

Users should return the candle to any Trader Joe’s store for a full cash refund of $4, or complete a product feedback form online to receive a $4 Trader Joe’s gift card by mail. Consumers will receive a response from Customer Relations requesting a receipt or a photo of the candle

This story first appeared on NBCNews.com. More from NBC News:

• Recalled cucumbers linked to at least 449 illnesses have been pulled from stores, CDC says
• Inside the rift that could define the future of Pennsylvania politics
• FDA wants to cut sodium in packaged and processed foods by about 20%

Technology and privacy researchers at Consumer Reports did some digging to find out if different chatbots could answer health-related questions accurately.

“To find out, we quizzed a handful of popular, general-purpose AI chatbots to see if their advice on health and safety topics matched that of our experts,” said Consumer Reports’ Courtney Lindwall.

Question 1: How many carbon monoxide detectors do you need?

CR says, homeowners should have a carbon monoxide detector on each level, outside each sleeping area, in the basement and near — not inside — an attached garage.

“For the most part, Google Gemini got this answer nearly right, but it erred slightly when it suggested putting a CO alarm inside an attached garage. Attached garages are usually not temperature-controlled, which can damage the alarm’s battery or sensor,” Lindwall said.

Question 2: How to filter PFAS from tap water?

Consumer Reports recommends a water filtration system with the National Sanitation Foundation certification code NSF/ANSI 53 and double-checking that the manufacturer specifically claims that its product removes PFAS.

“AI’s answer lacked key details. Using Microsoft Copilot’s advice, consumers may feel confident buying any activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter to eliminate PFAS in their water. However, not all filters of these kinds are designated for PFAS removal,” Lindwall said.

Question 3: Can kids play with water beads?

Consumer Reports says absolutely not. The popular children’s toys carry high risks if ingested, like bowel obstruction, blocked airways and infections. Water beads have also reportedly led to deaths and thousands of emergency room visits, Lindwall said.

“AI’s answer was dangerous and inconsistent. Meta AI failed to highlight the significant safety risks of water beads, aside from a passing reference to a need for parental supervision,” she said.

Consumer Reports said it’s okay to use AI as a starting point, but it’s important to always check the source material.

It also doesn’t hurt to ask questions more than once and compare answers.

The new recall includes 71 products made between May 10 and July 29 under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names. It follows an earlier recall of more than 200,000 pounds of sliced deli poultry and meat. The new items include meat intended to be sliced at delis as well as some packaged meat and poultry products sold in stores.

They include liverwurst, ham, beef salami, bologna and other products made at the firm’s Jarratt, Virginia, plant.

Click here for the full list of recalled products.

Recalls Jul 28

Vegetables sold at Walmart and Aldi recalled over listeria concerns

Food Safety Jul 20

Here's what to do with deli meats as the CDC investigates a listeria outbreak across the U.S.

The recalls are tied to an ongoing outbreak of listeria poisoning that has killed two people and sickened nearly three dozen in 13 states, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly all of those who fell ill have been hospitalized. Illnesses were reported between late May and mid-July.

The problem was discovered when a liverwurst sample collected by health officials in Maryland tested positive for listeria. Further testing showed that the type of bacteria was the same strain causing illnesses in people.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we decided to immediately and voluntarily expand our recall to include all items produced at the Jarratt facility,” the company said on its website. It has also halted production of ready-to-eat foods at the plant.

The meat was distributed to stores nationwide, as well as to the Cayman Islands, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Panama, Agriculture Department officials said.

Consumers who have the recalled products in their homes should not eat them and should discard them or return them to stores for a refund, company officials said. Health officials said refrigerators should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to prevent contamination of other foods.

An estimated 1,600 people get listeria food poisoning each year and about 260 die, according to the CDC.

Listeria infections typically cause fever, muscle aches and tiredness and may cause stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Symptoms can occur quickly or to up to 10 weeks after eating contaminated food. The infections are especially dangerous for people older than 65, those with weakened immune systems and during pregnancy.

___

Technology and privacy researchers at Consumer Reports did some digging to find out if different chatbots could answer health-related questions accurately.

“To find out, we quizzed a handful of popular, general-purpose AI chatbots to see if their advice on health and safety topics matched that of our experts,” said Consumer Reports’ Courtney Lindwall.

Question 1: How many carbon monoxide detectors do you need?

CR says, homeowners should have a carbon monoxide detector on each level, outside each sleeping area, in the basement and near — not inside — an attached garage.

“For the most part, Google Gemini got this answer nearly right, but it erred slightly when it suggested putting a CO alarm inside an attached garage. Attached garages are usually not temperature-controlled, which can damage the alarm’s battery or sensor,” Lindwall said.

Question 2: How to filter PFAS from tap water?

Consumer Reports recommends a water filtration system with the National Sanitation Foundation certification code NSF/ANSI 53 and double-checking that the manufacturer specifically claims that its product removes PFAS.

“AI’s answer lacked key details. Using Microsoft Copilot’s advice, consumers may feel confident buying any activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter to eliminate PFAS in their water. However, not all filters of these kinds are designated for PFAS removal,” Lindwall said.

Question 3: Can kids play with water beads?

Consumer Reports says absolutely not. The popular children’s toys carry high risks if ingested, like bowel obstruction, blocked airways and infections. Water beads have also reportedly led to deaths and thousands of emergency room visits, Lindwall said.

“AI’s answer was dangerous and inconsistent. Meta AI failed to highlight the significant safety risks of water beads, aside from a passing reference to a need for parental supervision,” she said.

Consumer Reports said it’s okay to use AI as a starting point, but it’s important to always check the source material.

It also doesn’t hurt to ask questions more than once and compare answers.

These medications tend to have side effects that interfere with how the body cools itself down or keeps itself hydrated, such as through sweating.

While all medications have side effects and aren’t necessarily a reason not to take them, being in the know can help you manage your risk.

Which medications?

Some over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants can have anticholinergic effects, meaning that they can inhibit sweating and impair temperature regulation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Since sweating is a key way the body cools itself down, a decrease in sweat can be dangerous in the heat.

“Not only do we live in a hot, humid environment, but we live in an allergen-full environment here,” said Dr. Kerri Layman, the chair of Emergency Medicine at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. “So lots of us have taken Benadryl or other antihistamines, and we don’t always realize that they can have anticholinergic effects.”

Those taking medications like beta blockers and diuretics for heart conditions should also exercise increased caution during hot weather.

Beta blockers can, in some people, reduce blood pressure — which can lead to dizziness, falls and fainting — and decrease sweating, according to the CDC.

Those who take diuretics could experience a reduced thirst sensation, which could lead to dehydration, the CDC says. Other side effects can include fainting or falls and electrolyte imbalance caused by volume depletion, which is when the body loses more fluids and salt than it gains.

Some blood pressure medications, like calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors, can also carry some risk, according to the CDC.

Calcium channel blockers can sometimes lead to decreased blood pressure, electrolyte imbalance, and an increased risk of fainting and falls.

ACE inhibitors can occasionally cause decreased blood pressure, increased risk of fainting and falls, and reduced thirst sensation, which can lead to dehydration.

There are also some psychiatric medications that can interfere with sweating. Antipsychotics can impair sweating and temperature regulation, SSRIs and SNRIs can increase sweating, and tricyclic antidepressants can decrease sweating.

Some other medications that have side effects that could cause heat-related illness include — but are not limited to — antianginals, antiplatelet medications, analgesics (like some over-the-counter pain medications), stimulants, antibiotics, thyroid replacement medications, antiretrovirals and antiseizure medications.

A longer list of medications and side effects can be found on the CDC’s website.

Managing your risk

If you are taking any of these medications, there are a myriad of ways to mitigate the side effects and prevent a heat-related illness from developing.

Some of the best ways to keep cool and keep from getting sick is to stay inside in the air conditioning and to hydrate.

The District has a variety of resources and places open for people who need to cool down, including public libraries, pools and spray parks. See a map of all D.C. cooling centers here.

The contact information for local cooling centers in Maryland can be found here.

Virginia residents can call 211 for assistance and referrals to cooling centers, according to the National Center for Healthy Housing.

For those who have to be outside, make sure to stay hydrated.

“It’s easy to say, ‘Oh, you know, seek shelter or seek shade,’ but not everyone has the luxury of working in a freezing cold office building like I do,” Layman said. “If you need to be outside, you may need to increase the amount of water you’re taking in, and in addition to water, you may also need to increase the amount of electrolytes to help your body hold on to that water.”

She suggested people monitor urine output to keep track of how much water they’re drinking.

“If you notice you haven’t urinated in the last six hours, you probably aren’t drinking enough water,” she said.

Members of certain high-risk groups might want to take extra precautions, such as people with underlying chronic conditions.

“There’s almost no chronic disease that wouldn’t put the person at greater risk for managing a heat load,” said Dr. Robert Shesser, chair of Emergency Medicine at George Washington University Hospital. “It’s a combination of some of these pharmacologic preparations that have anticholinergic properties and the person’s underlying illness.”

For elderly loved ones, it’s also crucial to check in on them and their health amid the high temperature.

“If they’re not making any sense when you’re speaking with them, get over there, get somebody to get over there, see what’s going on,” Shesser said. “The people who are at risk for heat-related illness will not know that they’re becoming confused, which is one of the first signs of serious heat-related illness.”

Shesser said that there are also specific groups who could be at high risk, even if they are in good health.

People who work outside in hot environments and people participating in outdoor athletic training, especially high school athletes, are at risk.

“Every once in a while we get a very bad case of heat stroke and even death from [high school athletes],” he said. “I think there’s a sensitivity, certainly in high school athletics, to keep an eye on the people training, make sure they get some breaks, ice them down every so often.”

Recognizing heat-related illness

If you or someone else develops a heat-related illness, it’s important to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms so you can act fast.

Heat cramps can sometimes be the first sign of a heat-related illness and, if left untreated, can progress into heat exhaustion or heat stroke, the National Weather Service says.

Symptoms can include:

• Painful muscle cramps;
• Spasms, most often in legs and abdomen;
• Heavy sweating.

The NWS recommends applying firm pressure or gently massaging cramping muscles and giving the person sips of water. If they are experiencing nausea, stop giving them water. Immediate medical attention should be sought if symptoms worsen or last longer than an hour.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Heavy sweating;
• Weakness or tiredness
• Cool, pale or clammy skin;
• Fast, weak pulse;
• Muscle cramps;
• Dizziness;
• Nausea or vomiting;
• Headache;
• Fainting.

The NWS advises moving the person somewhere cool, loosening clothing, applying cool and wet cloths, having the person sit in a cool bath, and giving them sips of water. Immediate medical attention should be sought if the symptoms get worse, last longer than an hour or if the person vomits.

Heat stroke is always a medical emergency, according to the NWS, and delaying care can lead to death.

Symptoms include:

• Throbbing headache;
• Confusion;
• Nausea;
• Dizziness;
• Hot, red, dry or damp skin;
• Rapid and strong pulse;
• Fainting or loss of consciousness;
• Body temperature above 103°F.

If you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms, call 911 or get to a hospital immediately, the NWS says. In the meantime, try to lower the person’s body temperature by moving them to a cool place, putting cool cloths on them or drawing a cold bath. A fan can also be used, but only if the heat index temperatures are below the high 90s, otherwise it can actually make the person hotter.

CPR should be started immediately if the person loses consciousness, isn’t breathing or showing any signs of circulation, according to the Mayo Clinic.

It is generally advised that you do not give the person any water or fluids, according to the CDC, since they might have an altered level of consciousness and be unable to safely swallow.

If they are fully conscious, the Mayo Clinic says it’s okay to offer the person sips of chilled water, a sports drink with electrolytes or another nonalcoholic beverage without caffeine.

Susan’s been working as a consumer reporter for years, and that means people stop and ask her questions a lot.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NBC4 Washington (@nbcwashington)

Coworkers and viewers often stop her to ask a quick question about their personal finances, product recalls, recent scams — you name a viral consumer-related question, Susan’s probably heard it and is already looking for the answer herself.

Which brings us to her new social media video series: Quick Question Susan. If you’ve got a question about your money, the products you use or something else that Susan might be able to help you with, ask us!

You can use the submission form below. The answer to your question might appear on our socials or on the air!

Susan's Working 4 You

Consumer May 28

What to know if you received money from a stranger on a payment app

Working 4 You Apr 18

‘No real top dog' in pet insurance? Try cost-saving alternatives

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

The lighting manufacturer noted that the plastic pins securing the LED board can degrade, risking the LED board to loosen and come in contact with the lens or the potentially flammable materials, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The company says it received three reports of fires involving the recalled fires but no injuries have been reported. 

In addition to the light fixtures recalled in the United States, about 19,100 were sold in Canada. 

This recall covers Best Lighting Products LEDFHB line of high bay light fixtures in 90, 105, 135, 178, 180, 215, 265, 320 and 425 watts sold in white. The model numbers included are LEDFHB90, LEDFHB105, LEDFHB135, LEDFHB178, LEDFHB180, LEDFHB215, LEDFHB265, LEDFHB320 and LEDFHB425. The model name can be found on a label on the back of the recalled fixtures. 

The recalled products were sold exclusively through Best Lighting Products distributors from May 2017- May 2024 for between $60 and $180.Consumers are advised to immediately inspect the fixture for signs of loosening LED board, pin degradation or lens discoloration. If any of these signs are visible, stopping usage and turning off the circuit is crucial. 

Customers can contact Best Lighting Products for additional information and head to www.highbayrecall.net to schedule a free inspection and on-site repair.

The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with a Takata inflator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.

If the inflator explodes, it may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants of a vehicle, resulting in serious injury or death, the NHTSA said.

BMW has not received any reports of any accidents or injuries in the U.S. that may be related to this issue, according to the latest report.

The agency said Wednesday that the recall of 394,029 vehicles includes certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles.

BMW dealers will inspect and replace the driver’s air bag module as necessary for free.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on Aug. 23. Vehicle owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

SWOMOG children’s two-piece pajama sets do not meet the federal flammability standards and pose a burn hazard, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The sets were sold exclusively online at Amazon from May 2022 through January 2024 and cost $16 to $43.

#RECALL: SWOMOG Children’s Pajamas Recalled Due to Burn Hazard; Violation of Federal Flammability Regulations; Sold Exclusively on https://t.co/YTSsBu5yX1 by SWOMOG. Refund. CONTACT: https://t.co/gT1IPDOfTb. Full notice: https://t.co/MS3lTT3Xra pic.twitter.com/qJDn7Uit7U

— US Consumer Product Safety Commission (@USCPSC) July 3, 2024

This recall involves SWOMOG children’s two-piece pajama sets sold in satin in 15 colors. The ribbed modal fabric was sold in black.

The pajamas were sold in both short-sleeve/shorts and long-sleeve/pants sets in sizes 4-15 years.

CPSC urges consumers to immediately take the recalled pajamas away from children and contact SWOMOG to receive a full refund.

There have been no injuries or incidents reported.

To get a full refund, the company is asking consumers to email a photo of the destroyed garment to swomogservice@163.com

SWOMOG is also contacting all known purchasers directly.

Other recalls

Recalls Jul 3

Hatch Baby recalls 919,000 power adapters on Rest 1st Generation sound machines over shock hazard

Recalls Jun 28

REI recalls over 75,000 children's bikes with training wheels due to fall and injury hazards

Recalls Jun 28

More than 130,000 magnetic wireless charging banks recalled for fire hazard. What to know

In a notice posted on the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website, Hatch said it had received 19 reports of the plastic housing surrounding the AC power adapter coming off, leading to two reports of consumers experiencing a minor electrical shock.

The product is sold by Hatch online in addition to other retailers like Amazon, Target, BuyBuyBaby, Pottery Barn Kids and Best Buy.

Hatch said consumers should immediately stop using the recalled adapters and contact them for a free replacement. It said they should unplug and cut the cord on the recalled adapter, then submit a photo showing the model number and the cut cord at www.hatch.co/adapterrecall.

This story first appeared on NBCNews.com. More from NBC News:

• July 4 travel hitting new record thanks to lower gas prices, humming economy
• Ozempic may be linked to condition that causes blindness, but more research is needed
• Civil rights group files lawsuit alleging housing discrimination against a DACA recipient

The nationwide recall for Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, cones and gummies was announced on Friday in a statement from the manufacturer, Prophet Premium Blends, published on the FDA website.

The FDA, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, America’s Poison Centers and state and local agencies, have launched an investigation into the illnesses.

NBC News has contacted the company for comment.

So far 39 illnesses from the candies have been reported, including 23 hospitalizations, as of June 23, the FDA statement said.

States that reported cases include Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee.

Prophet Premium Blends of Santa Ana, Calif., which makes the Diamond Shruumz candies, first initiated a recall on Thursday.

The company said that the products contain muscimol, a chemical found in some mushrooms, that “could be a potential cause of symptoms consistent with those observed in persons who became ill after eating Diamond Shruumz products.”

In that warning, Prophet Premium Blends said it received two complaints on May 27 regarding consumers who became ill after consuming an entire chocolate bar. The company reviewed the products’ Certificates of Analysis and found “higher than normal amounts of muscicol.”

The FDA and company are still investigating “the cause of the serious adverse effects.”

Those who became ill after eating the products reported a range of severe symptoms including: seizures, loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness, agitation, abnormal heart rates, hyper/hypotension, nausea and vomiting, the FDA warned.

Customers who purchased the products should immediately discard of them, as officials warned the products ”may appeal to children and teenagers.” Meanwhile, retailers are ordered to not sell or distribute any of the products, but “should hold the product in a secure location until additional instructions can be provided on how to return or safely dispose of the product.”

“It is crucial that all of our consumers refrain from ingesting this product while we, alongside the FDA, continue our investigation as to what is the cause of the serious adverse effects,” Prophet Premium Blends in a statement posted on the Diamond Shruumz website. “We prioritize the health and safety of our consumers above all else.”

Diamond Shruumz bills its products as meant for microdosing, meaning consuming small amounts of psychoactive or hallucinogenic substances, however the company’s website also says its products don’t contain psychedelic substances.

Several toxicology experts previously told NBC News the mushrooms listed as ingredients, such as lion’s mane or ashwagandha, don’t produce the potent effects that the company touts, like relaxation or euphoria.

This article first appeared on NBCNews.com. More from NBC News:

• Transgender runner Nikki Hiltz is headed to the Paris Olympics
• Tear gas, stones and flames as violence erupts in Kenya and protesters call for president’s ouster
• In a scathing dissent, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson says Idaho abortion ruling is ‘not a victory for pregnant patients’

The lithium-ion battery in the power banks poses the risk of overheating, according to the CPSC.

Baseus received 171 reports of incidents, including 132 reports of “bulging or swelling batteries” and 39 fire complaints, according to the site. Thirteen burn injuries and about $20,000 in property damage have been reported. 

The recall covers Baseus power banks with model numbers PPCXM06 and PPCXW06, which are offered in white, black, light blue and light pink colors. The model number can be seen on the magnetic side of the device. 

It is important to note that the recall only involves these specific model numbers, as some power banks were listed on Amazon under PPXCW06.

The recalled electronics were sold online at Amazon.com, AliExpress.com and Baseus.com from April 2022 through April 2024 for between $18 and $55.

Consumers are asked to immediately stop using the recalled lithium-ion batteries and to contact Baseus. With proof of purchase, customers will receive a full refund, while those without proof of purchase are eligible for a $36 cash refund.

To submit a claim, head to the firm’s recall registration page. Baseus and Amazon are alerting all known purchasers directly. 

The Wisconsin-based company is voluntarily recalling nearly 300 canned coffee products because the current manufacturing process “could lead to the growth and production of the deadly toxin, botulinum, in low acid canned foods.”

The FDA statement notes the company is not aware of any instances of its products containing the toxin, nor have any illnesses been reported associated with consuming the products.

Botulinum toxin causes botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, according to the FDA. Symptoms include weakness, dizziness, double-vision, trouble with speaking or swallowing, difficulty in breathing, abdominal distention and constipation. Symptoms can begin from six hours to two weeks after eating contaminated food.

The recalled products were distributed and sold nationwide through various roaster and brand names in cans ranging from 7 ounces to 12 ounces.

The recalled products are identifiable by the language “Produced and distributed by Snapchill LLC” underneath the nutrition facts panel. Some of the products can also be identified by the text “Snapchill Coffee” on the label.

Consumers are advised to either destroy the products or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Snapchill will offer full refunds for any of these products, with appropriate proof of purchase including a picture of the product before being destroyed. Full information about the return and refund will be available on the company’s website.

Which brands are being recalled:

The brands and products subject to this recall are listed below:

• 41 & Change, Cold Coffee
• Alchemy Roasting Elixir Of Life
• Amavida Manos Campesinas 
• Appalachia Coffee Kentucky Black Gold 
• Baba Java Coffee Ethiopian/Honduras 
• Bent Tree Coffee Squirrel Blend, Autumn Blend, Colombia Sotara, Ethiopia
• Big Iron Stampede Blend
• Big Mouth Coffee Nicaragua, Nicolas and Angela
• Big Shoulders Thermal Shock
• BKG Coffee St
• Black Acres Rwanda
• Black Nerd Colombia, Dark Matter, Ethiopia, The Golden Ratio
• Blind Guatemala
• Bold Bean The Chocolate One, The Jam, The OG, The Sweet One
• Bolt Coffee Delki Guarero, Mass Appeal
• Borealis Finca La Capilla
• Brandywine Galactic Standard, Orbital Motion
• BRL Dark Wav
• Broadsheet Headliner
• Burwell Bebop Blend
• Cafe Ammi 109 Blend
• Cape Cod Coffee Coconut, French Vanilla, Hazelnut, JMC, Peanut Butter Cup, Rainforest, Scandi
• Carrier Bright, Nitro, Sweet
• Cerberus Coffee Wizard Cat
• Coffee Hound Maine, Maine Caramel, Maple, Maple Latte, Maple Leaf Latte, Nitro, Maple Syrup Latte
• Coffee N Clothes Black, Gold
• Coffee Project NY Grape Soda, Summer Friday, Woke Up in NY
• Color Coffee Sierra Morena Pink Bourbon, Neptune
• Connect Coffee Black Coffee
• Copper Horse Carriage House Blend, Seahorse Blend
• Coterie Coffee Billy Lane, Cannibal Corpse, Blood Brothers, Laughing Monkey Machine, Choppers, Brazil
• Crankshaft Coffee Cold Start
• Cup to Cup Inga Aponte
• Dave’s Coffee Falcon Blend
• Dayglow Decadent, Juicy
• Daysol Coffee Wanderlust
• Dead Sled Colombia, Banana Peanut Butter
• Doughnut Plant Mexico Black
• Downeast Coffee Ocean State Blend
• Dreamy Hint of Chocolate, Colombia Tolima
• Driply Arctic Brew (White Label Coffee from Stack St. Coffee Roasters), New Morning Coffee Blend
• East End Heatwave
• Eclipse Coffee Roasters Elevate
• Electro Brew Coffee Co. Vanilla, Caramel
• Element Coffee Peru
• Emergency Medical Coffee Sweet Cream
• Enderly Cotton Headed Ninny Muggins, Mattie’s Diner, Rhino Market
• Euphoria Coffee Black, Sweetened
• Farmhouse Dar #33, Vienna Roast El Cafe, Vienna Roast Decaf, Medium Roast Colombia
• Fazenda Mexico Nitro
• Fika North Shore Blend
• Fire Grounds Guts Over Fear, American Tradition, Full Send, Mo Mocha, Nitro, Vanilla Nitro
• First Crack C/O Sound Coffee Big Funky Super Natural
• Five & Hoek Honduras, Biru Bekele, Luis Guzman, Ethiopia Yirg
• Five Star Roasters Nitro
• Flight Pluto
• Gay Awakening Coffee Drag Bean
• George Howell Daterra Sundrop, Chelbessa, Monte Carlos, Worka Chelbessa
• Gigawatt Cold Fusion, Costa Rican, Ethiopia, Live Wire, Costa Rican Dota Tarrazu
• Goldberry Roasting Company Goldberry’s Blend
• Gooseneck Coffee Co. Black Iced Coffee
• Gryphon Coffee Nite Owl
• Heady Cup Monkshood
• Heart Coffee Ethiopian
• Heine Bros Black Coffee, Coconut Latte, Toasted Coconut
• Helm Black Coffee, Black Nitro, Maple Nitro Latte
• Honest Coffee Early Riser
• Hustle N’ Grind Cafecito
• Intelligentsia Black Cans, Chicago Distance Series
• Joe Bean Nitro
• Kahawa 1893 Kenyan Black, Tanzania Peaberry Black, Safari Blend
• Kaldi’s Classic Black
• Knowledge Perk KP Coffee, App State, Dirt World, Charlotte FC, Summer Shandy, VESL, Winthrop 
• Kribi Coffee Chilled Coffee
• Kuva Coffee Fresh Dresch
• La Cosecha Papua New Guinea
• Lanna Coffee Original
• Larry’s Coffee Black, Decaf, Ethiopia, Mocha, Sweet
• Little Wolf Andres Cardona, Companion Blend, Jesus Oscco
• Ludwig Morning Hunt, Macchiato
• Mad Priest Fallen Angel with Vanilla
• Madcap Coffee Flash
• Maple Leaf Coffee Roasters Hartford Blend
• Medici Clarksville
• Metric Garmas Gesha Single Origin, deri Kadame Natural, Benjamin Paz
• Mighty Good Coffee Co. Apex
• Mocha Joe Cameroon
• Molon Labe Soprano, Death by Chocolate, Creme Brulee
• Mudd LLC Maple Black, Black
• Neighbor Coffee Bourbon Barrel Aged
• New Hampshire Coffee Roasters Italian, Costa Rica Tarrazu, Coconut
• New Harvest Wolf Can
• Northern Coffeeworks Tanzania Peaberry
• OFFSET Coffee Colombia
• Opus Coffee Snapchill Coffee
• Others Coffee Lil Bud, Get Right
• Oye Coffee Cold Gold
• Paper Plane Coffee Co. Snapchill Coffee
• Peaks Coffee Co. Brazil
• Perkatory Solstice, New England Snapchill, Three Witches Brew
• Perla Black
• Pettibone Colombia Washed, Honduras San Francisco
• Pink Elephant Nomadic, Roam
• Play Coffee Buku Hambela Natural, La Cabra
• Quartertone Coffee Black Honey, Yurgacheffe
• QUIVR Golden Black, Hibiscus, Jade Oolong, Jasmine, Jasmine Green
• Rabble & Lion Papau New Guinea
• Radial Coffee Cosa Nueva
• Ragged Colombia, Early Riser
• Rarebird PX
• Red Rooster Ethiopia Worka, Funky Chicken, Worka Sakaro
• Retrograde Coffee Synastry
• Rock City Dark Star
• Rockford Coffee Morning Glory, Narino Arbuleda
• Rusty Dog Ambition, Canvas Black Label, Woke
• Sacred Grounds Awakening, Chocolate Bomb
• Saltwater Colombia, Ethiopia
• Seaworthy Coffee Boathouse Blend
• Sepia Coffee Grand Trunk, Northstar Lodge
• Shirazi Dist. Little Wolf Cafe Au Lait
• Slacktide Mid Tide, Moon Tide
• Sleeping Giant Coffee Roasters Guatemala
• Slow Bloom Coffee Bekelle Uttutie
• Snowy Owl Jaws
• Southeastern Roastery
• Spot Coffee House Signature Roast Medium Blend
• Springline Dark and Bright
• Square One Coffee Cold Coffee, Berry Mint Tea
• Stack St. Cafe Frio, Driply Coffee
• Summit Coffee Black
• Su Coffee Snapchill Iced CoffeeThe Boy & The Bear El Retorno, Women of Timana, El Puente
• The Well Coffeehouse Tico Blend
• Three Tree Coffee Roasters Kenya, Honduras
• Tinker Ethiopia Gargari
• Tipico Coordinates Blend
• Touchy Coffee Guat Lazara
• Traction Classic, Stable Blend
• True Love Coffee Co. Ethiopia Nensebo
• Underwood Little Arrow, Mexico Dos Rios
• Upshot Chimera, Indonesia, Folklore, Ethiopia
• Verb Makes You Move
• Victoria Coffee Honduras
• Vivid Green, Maple Oat, Nahun Fernandez Honey, Sugar Shack
• Waypost Bourbon Barrel Finished Coffee
• White Bison Black
• White Rhino Black, Sebastian
• Wild Goose Coffee Blue River Blend, Red Line Draft Latte

The recall covers certain F-150 pickups from the 2014 model year. Ford’s F-Series pickups are the top-selling vehicles in the U.S.

Ford says in documents posted Tuesday by U.S. safety regulators that the downshifting can cause drivers to lose control of the trucks, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recalls come after U.S. auto safety regulators in March began investigating complaints that more than 540,000 Ford pickup trucks from 2014 can abruptly downshift to a lower gear and increase the risk of a crash.

Documents say the problem is caused by a lost signal between a transmission speed sensor and the powertrain control computer. There also could be corrosion and problems with connector pins.

Dealers will update the powertrain control software at no cost to owners, who will be notified by letters in early July.

In a statement Tuesday, Ford said it expects repairs to be available in the third quarter of this year. Owners will be able to use mobile service or pickup and delivery at participating dealers.

Ford says in documents posted Tuesday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it has 396 warranty and field reports and 124 customer complaints about the problem, covering 482 trucks.

The Dearborn, Michigan, automaker says it knows of 130 complaints to the government, with 52 alleging that rear wheels locked up or that drivers lost control of the trucks. Two of the complainants reported injuries and one reported a crash that could have been caused by the problem, Ford said.

Ford’s statement said that before the trucks downshift, drivers could see a malfunction indicator light on the dashboard. In some cases, signals can be restored while the trucks are moving, and they can be driven normally. In other cases drivers may need to stop and restart the engine to get the transmissions to work properly.

The company says it expects fewer than 1% of the recalled vehicles to have the problem.

NHTSA said it started its investigation in March after getting complaints about sudden downshifts in the trucks’ automatic transmissions.

The agency is looking into whether those trucks should have been included in previous recalls for the problem.

Ford started recalling trucks and other vehicles from the 2011 and 2012 model years in 2016, and added two recalls in 2019 covering pickups from the 2011 to 2013 model years. The recalls covered about 1.5 million vehicles.

The company said it’s working with NHTSA to support the investigation.

According to NBC News the devices, called myCharge POWER HUB All-In-One, allegedly caused at least two residential fires.

In a notice posted on the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website, myCharge, also known as RFA Brands of Birmingham, Michigan, said 567,000 of the chargers are affected.

The company said it was aware of 120 reports of the chargers overheating, including two reports of residential fires resulting in approximately $165,000 in claimed property damage.

It said Costco has also received 115 returns of the portable chargers in which customers complained of melting, expanding, smoking, fire, burning, exploding or sparking. There have been no reports of injuries requiring medical attention, myCharge said.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled portable chargers and contact myCharge at 888-251-2026 or compliance@mycharge.com for a free replacement portable charger, the company said.

This story first appeared on NBCNews.com. More from NBC News:

• Trump camp scrutinizes Arizona delegates in move to prevent disruptions at convention
• Pennsylvania parents on vacation with 6 children drown after getting caught in rip current
• How Supreme Court justices are voting on major 2024 decisions

According to a Thursday notice from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the now-recalled JoyJolt-branded “Declan Single Wall Glass Coffee Mugs” can crack or break when filled with hot liquids.

To date, the CPSC added, there have been 103 incidents of these glasses breaking at the base — resulting in 56 injuries. That includes 35 reports of burns across the body from spilled hot liquids and 21 cuts, with seven requiring medical attention like surgery and stitches.

The 16-ounce coffee mugs, distributed by New York-based MM Products Inc., were sold online at the company’s JoyJolt website as well as Amazon.com from September 2019 through May 2022 in sets of six for between $20 and $25. The recalled glasses have model number JG10242 — which can be found on the side of the products’ packaging and order confirmation.

Consumers in possession of these recalled mugs are urged to immediately stop using them, and contact MM Products for a full refund. Registration is also available online at JoyJolt’s recall page.

On this page, the company notes that it issued the voluntary recall because “your safety is our top priority.”

The recall covers Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer SUVs from the 2022 and 2023 model years. Also included are Ram ProMaster vans from 2022 and 2023, as well as the Ram 3500 chassis cabs and Ram 1500 and 2500 pickups from 2022. Also covered are 2021 through 2023 Chrysler Pacifica minivans and Jeep Grand Cherokee L SUVs, and 2021 and 2022 Dodge Durango SUVs.

A company investigation found that the vehicles have radio software that can inadvertently shut down the cameras.

Stellantis, formerly Fiat Chrysler, will fix the problem with an online software update that more than 735,000 vehicles have already received. Owners should see a request to accept the update on their media screens. They also will get recall notices in the mail.

The company says it has no reports of injuries or crashes, but it still is urging owners to follow the recall instructions.

The recall covers certain model year 2022 Dodge Durango, Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 vehicles. According to documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, these cars may experience a malfunction in their anti-lock braking control module — which could cause stability control, a key safety feature, to fail and increase the risk of crash as a result.

As a remedy, dealers will update the anti-lock braking control module software for free. Notification letters to dealers and owners are set to be mailed out July 26, the NHTSA notes.

It’s unclear if the update will be available for all impact owners before then. Stellantis advises customers with questions or concerns to contact their dealers or Chrysler’s recall assistance center.

Recalls Jun 7

Kia recalls over 460,000 Telluride SUVs due to fire risk

Recalls May 31

Tesla recalling more than 125,000 vehicles to fix seat belt warning system

In a statement, a Stellantis spokesperson noted a “routine review of customer feedback” led to a company investigation that discovered the software problem impacting certain vehicles. To date, Chrysler is unware of any related injuries or accidents — but “urges customers to follow the instructions on their recall notices,” the spokesperson added.

Auburn Hills, Michigan-based Chrysler expects a total of 211,581 vehicles — produced in select periods ranging between April 2021 and December 2022 — have this defect in the U.S. That includes 524 Ram 3500s, 157,890 Ram 2500s and 53,167 Dodge Durangos, per the NHTSA report.

Some “similar vehicles” not included in this recall were produced before or after suspected periods impacted and/or have different anti-lock braking control module software, the report notes. Drivers can confirm if their specific vehicle is included in this recall and find more information using the NHSTA site and/or Chrysler’s recall lookup.

Beyond the U.S., an estimated 17,462 vehicles will be subject to recall in Canada, in addition to 2,313 in Mexico another 5,023 in certain markets outside North America, Stellantis’ spokesperson said.

The car manufacturer issued a “park outside” recall for over 462,869 vehicles. It said that the front power seat motor on the affected SUVs could overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob.

Kia said the jammed knob could result in a fire and increase the risk of injury.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail starting July 30 or they can call Kia’s customer service line.

The manufacturer said dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs, free of charge to owners.

This story first appeared on NBCNews.com. More from NBC News:

• U.S. job market remains hot, adds 272,000 positions in May
• ‘This is their family’: Close-knit Bidens turn out for Hunter’s trial
• British PM Sunak sparks outrage after leaving D-Day memorial early

According to a Thursday notice from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Good Earth Lighting’s now-recalled integrated light bars have batteries that can overheat — and cause the unit to catch on fire. That can pose serious burn and smoke inhalation risks.

To date, the CPSC notes that there’s been one report of a consumer who died, although specifics of the incident were not immediately released. Another consumer was treated for smoke inhalation when the light caused a fire in their home last year, the CPSC added — and Good Earth Lighting is aware of nine additional reports of these products overheating, six of which resulted in fires and property damage.

In a statement, Good Earth Lighting said it decided to conduct a voluntary recall “after investigating the circumstances” of the reported incidents — and removed the lights involved from sale to the public in January, “out of an abundance of caution.”

The lithium-ion battery-powered lights are intended be alternatives to permanent fixtures in places where wiring may be difficult, such as closets, staircases and cupboards. The products impacted by the recall can be identified by their model numbers: RE1122, RE1145, RE1362 and RE1250.

According to the CPSC, some 1.2 million of these lights were sold at hardware and home improvement stores — including Lowe’s, Ace Hardware and Meijer — as well as online at Amazon, GoodEarthLighting.com and more between October 2017 and January 2024 in the U.S. An additional 37,800 were sold in Canada.

Both regulators and Good Earth Lighting urge those in possession of these recalled products to stop using them immediately.

Good Earth Lighting is offering free light replacement bars to impacted consumers. You can learn more about registering — including instructions for how to safely dispose of the recalled lights — by contacting the Mount Prospect, Illinois-based company or visiting its website.

The Mount Prospect, Illinois-based company added it “will continue to hold ourselves to the highest quality and safety standards so that consumers feel safe and confident in their decision to purchase our highly energy-efficient and eco-friendly lighting products.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that the recall includes certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles.

The seat belt warning system is supposed to provide audible and visual seat belt reminder signals to drivers to alert them that their seat belt isn’t fastened. The NHTSA said that on certain vehicles, the audible and visual seat belt reminder signals were not going off at the time they were supposed to, which doesn’t comply with federal safety requirements.

The NHTSA said that as of Tuesday, Tesla had identified 104 warranty claims that may be related to the condition. The company isn’t aware of any collisions, fatalities or injuries that may be related to the condition.

Tesla, which is headed by billionaire Elon Musk, plans to start deploying an over-the-air software update to the affected vehicles free of charge in June. The software update will remove dependency on the driver seat occupancy switch from the software and only rely on driver seat belt buckle and ignition status to activate the seat belt reminder signals.

Last month Tesla recalled 3,878 of its 2024 Cybertrucks after it discovered that the accelerator pedal can become stuck, potentially causing the vehicle to accelerate unintentionally and increase the risk of a crash.

In February the NHTSA announced the recall of nearly 2.2 million Tesla vehicles sold in the United States because some warning lights on the instrument panel are too small. The agency also said at the time that it had upgraded a 2023 investigation into Tesla steering problems to an engineering analysis, a step closer to a recall.

In April the NHTSA said that it was investigating whether last year’s recall of Tesla’s Autopilot driving system did enough to make sure drivers pay attention to the road.

The scam starts with a text message claiming you owe money for unpaid tolls.

Here’s an example of one of the false messages: “We’ve noticed an outstanding toll amount of $12.51 on your record. To avoid a late fee of $50 visit myturnpiketollservices.com to settle your balance.”

The links in the messages are created to impersonate the name of your state’s toll service. Often, the phone number will appear to have an area code for your state.

If you click on the link, it will take you to what looks like a legitimate toll service website asking you for information to pay the outstanding toll charge. However, what’s really happening is that scammers will steal your credit card details and any other personal information you enter.

How to avoid these unpaid toll scams:

• If you get one of these texts, don’t click on the link.
• Instead, go to your state’s legitimate website and check your account.
• Contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

If you do fall victim to one of these fake toll messages, or any other scam in which you click on a link, make sure you freeze your accounts on all three credit bureaus. This will prevent anyone from opening a new account in your name. And of course, keep an eye on all your bank accounts.

news May 30

IRS free tax filing program to be available nationwide starting in 2025

Consumer May 28

What to know if you sent a payment to the wrong person or received money from a stranger

Of people who use peer-to-peer payment services at least once per week, 12% have sent money to the wrong person, a recent survey by Consumer Reports found.

One Zelle user meant to pay a travel agent $150 as a deposit for an upcoming trip. But the phone number she entered was off by one digit and the money went to the wrong person.

The user, whose name is Roliette, called the person she accidentally sent the money to and asked them to send it back.

“I said, ‘Listen, back in July, I, you know, realized that I sent you $150, and I’m just calling to find out if I could get that money back.’ And then the phone went dead,” she said.

Roliette tried calling again but it went straight to voicemail every time.

She contacted her bank for help and they contacted Zelle. They sent her an email saying they were unable to retrieve the funds. They offered no explanation and closed the investigation.

Kimberly Palmer, a finance expert with NerdWallet, says there could be an honest explanation for why the person who wrongfully received Roliette’s money was skeptical about returning it.

“It is entirely possible that the person she called thought that she was a scammer,” Palmer said.

Scam alert: What to know if a stranger sends you money and asks for it back

There’s a scam going around in which a fraudster claims to have accidentally sent money to your payment app and then asks you to return it. The problem is, the money they sent you may have come from a stolen credit card or hacked account.

If you send the money back to the scammer, you could personally be on the hook for the money once the transaction is flagged as fraudulent.

“You have to be really careful. Anytime someone sends you money, you don’t want to just send it back because they asked you to,” Palmer said.

4 Your Health May 21

Botox and filler safety: What to ask and look up before a cosmetic procedure

Consumer May 16

Your car could be collecting your personal data — even your sexual orientation

Zelle told News4 that if you get money sent to your account by mistake, don’t send it back to the sender unless you know them. Instead, they say to contact your bank, which may be able to help you return the payment.

Venmo said to contact their support team, which can help reverse the payment.

Cash App asks customers to use the Refund feature to send the payment back, without creating a new payment.

Here are two more tips: treat these transactions like cash, because they are, and send a small amount of money as a test first and get confirmation that it was received.

Roliette, who accidentally sent money to the wrong person, said she’ll be more careful in the future.

“Everything happens for a reason, and so every situation is a lesson learned,” she said.

Across nine states, 15 people were injected with counterfeit Botox as of May, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They had reactions including slurred speech, difficulty swallowing and double vision.

At a spa in New Mexico, three people were diagnosed with HIV after they got what’s known as vampire facials back in 2018. An investigation later revealed that needles were being reused from client to client and the spa was unlicensed.

More than 23 million people in the U.S. had some form of minimally invasive procedure in 2022, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This includes Botox, fillers, lip augmentation, skin resurfacing and skin tightening.

Health experts say these types of cosmetic procedures are generally safe and effective when performed by a licensed provider at a licensed health care facility.

‘Do your homework’

Before you get anything done, make sure you’re asking the right questions and checking that your provider is licensed.

“A lot of people out there aren’t even legitimized to inject Botox or filler, so it’s really important you do your homework,” said Erika Barry, a nurse practitioner at Moksha Aesthetics in Potomac, Maryland. She’s considered one of the top aesthetic injectors and trainers in the country.

Before getting any injections, make sure the provider is licensed, Barry said.

Here’s how to look up a cosmetic procedure provider:

• Find the board of nursing website for your state or jurisdiction
• Type in the provider’s name
• Make sure their license is active
• Check for any complaints or actions against them

If you’re looking up a doctor, go to the state’s board of physicians license lookup.

Red flags if you’re getting a cosmetic procedure

In the case of the counterfeit Botox injections, the CDC and FDA found many were administered in non-health care settings such as homes, or by “unlicensed or untrained individuals.”

The fake vials of Botox were missing vital information such as the lot number, and the outer carton displayed the wrong active ingredient.

It’s important for patients to ask the right questions, Dr. Jennifer Cope of the CDC said.

“You want to ask about the product itself, whether it is an FDA-approved product and if it’s been obtained from a reliable source. And then, if you have any doubts, don’t get the injection,” she said.

With social media driving the cosmetic procedure trend, Barry, the aesthetic injector, warns people not to get caught up with before-and-after photos. Instead, read between the lines.

“You can fabricate your befores and afters. You can even buy fake followers, fake engagement, fake Yelp reviews,” she said. “So, you have to be really careful.”

Experts say to check the labeling on the box. It should be written in English.

Look at the price. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is, and the product could be a risk to your health.

Don’t be afraid to ask your injector how long they’ve studied, where they went to school and if they do trainings.

The limited recall affects the Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food sold only in the 44 lb. bag size.

“The potential presence of loose metal pieces in the bag could pose a health hazard to pets. If you believe your pet has consumed the affected product, you should monitor for unusual behavior and contact a veterinarian in the event of any concerns,” the company said.

The recalled bags were sold at Walmart locations in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas and have a “Best By” date of March 4, 2025. The bags are marked with a seal on the back of the bag, near the bottom, bearing the lot code 410B2TXT02.

There have been no reports of pet injury or illness.

Anyone who believes they have purchased the dog food should stop using it. Returns can be made by calling 1-800-525-5273 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CST Monday through Friday or between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CST Saturday and Sunday. Customers may also visit https://www.pedigree.com/update.

No other Pedigree products are being recalled.

In some cases, it could include intimate information, such as your sex life, sexual orientation or religious affiliation.

We’re going to give you something to stew over for the next time you’re sitting in D.C. traffic. All those sensors, cameras and microphones that car manufacturers brag about, and buyers may pay extra for, could be collecting and sharing your personal data.

With every move you make, every text or call you take, your car may be taking notes.

It’s legal, and it’s listed right there in a car’s privacy policy — which many buyers don’t read but technically consented to when they bought their cars.

“Most people are like, ‘Well, I bought a car last year. I don’t remember consenting to any privacy policy.’ And it’s probably because you didn’t, or at least not anything that you really noticed,” said Jen Caltrider, a privacy expert at the Mozilla Foundation, a nonprofit focused on making the internet safer.

Her team poured through consumer privacy agreements of 25 of the most popular car brands. They discovered that 84% of them share or sell your data.

How are car companies getting your personal information?

Much of the info that car makers collect is coming from ordinary car owners doing seemingly ordinary things — such as downloading their vehicle’s app to use features like remote start, or when connecting their phones to their car’s Bluetooth system.

“The connected services also can collect a lot of information,” Caltrider said. “Then the car companies go on to say that they can collect information from third-party sources, so public information about you or information from governmental sources or social media outlets.”

Automakers can combine all that information about you from your car — along with personal information they get from third parties — and share or sell it to all kinds of businesses we know little or nothing about, she said.

“I get asked a lot, ‘Well, how do they collect information about my sexual activity?’ And I don’t know. I also don’t know that they actually are,” Caltrider said. “All I can say for sure, when we read the privacy policies, was that they required you to consent to a privacy policy that said they could.”

So what can you do about it?

Andrea Amico, founder of Privacy4Cars, says vehicle owners no longer have to sift through pages of privacy policies. His company built a database that allows you to input your car’s VIN to see exactly what types of information your car is collecting on you and how it’s being used.

“Anybody can to go VehiclePrivacyReport.com, and you type in the VIN. We give you a report card, for free, of your car,” Amico said. “What did they collect? Where does it go?”

Some data collected by your vehicle can be helpful to drivers, according to the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents the industry.

The group says certain data can enable lifesaving safety systems, such as heart monitors in a steering wheel or a seatbelt that can sense if a driver is having a medical emergency. But the Alliance agrees that privacy policies “might be a little confusing, accounting for incidental collection and inferences drawn from, for example, where the vehicle may have traveled.”

That’s why they’re calling on Congress to pass a federal consumer privacy law that will provide car owners with one very clear private policy, so there’s no question about what information is being collected and how it’s being used.

It’s something privacy experts agree on.

“It’s nice to see the regulatory bodies kind of being pushed in a direction that’s going to try and take action to protect consumers a little bit,” Caltrider said.

Is there a way to opt out of your car’s data collection?

The answer is “sort of” — but it comes with consequences. For example, if you don’t download the vehicle’s app, you won’t have access to remote start or other features the app provides. And if you don’t consent to the privacy policy, or parts of it, you could end up voiding your warranty.

And it’s not just your vehicle’s privacy policy at play here. Your radio apps, car emergency systems and GPS apps all have privacy policies of their own when it comes to how they collect your personal information.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a consumer alert about the risks of steering wheel decals, such as those with rhinestones, after reports of severe injuries when drivers who used the products got into crashes.

The NHTSA said in information released Tuesday that they learned of two drivers who suffered severe injuries related to the decals.

In one case, a driver was in a crash, the airbag deployed and two pieces of a metal aftermarket decal with rhinestones flew into the driver’s face and neck.

In another case, a driver lost sight in one eye after a rhinestone-adorned decal dislodged from the wheel and hit the driver.

The aftermarket decals can easily become dislodged when an airbag goes off.

“In a crash, the force of a deploying air bag can turn the product into a projectile, resulting in serious injury or death,” NHTSA said.

Any alterations or changes to an airbag or its cover can cause it to malfunction.

Insurance Apr 26

How some home insurers use aerial imagery to determine coverage

Consumer May 9

Here are Consumer Reports' best sunscreens of 2024

The NHTSA did not issue a recall but they did urge consumers not to buy or use steering wheel decals.

Remember: Any aftermarket product you put on your vehicle could potentially void your warranty.

In a May 9 recall notice, the grocery chain said it was recalling 8 oz. packages of its Happy Farms brand Whipped Cream Cheese Spread, Chive & Onion Cream Cheese Spread, Cream Cheese Spread and Strawberry Cream Cheese Spread products with the following “Sell by” dates:

The recalled spreads were sold at Aldi stores in 28 states and Washington, D.C. Aldi said the recall is in cooperation with Schreiber Foods, Inc., and out of an abundance of caution.

Customers who have these products in their fridge are advised to discard them immediately or return them to their local Aldi store for a full refund.

Salmonella infections can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. In rare cases, the bacterial infections can be fatal, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Young children, people older than 65 and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious illness.

Salmonella poisoning accounts for more than 1.3 million infections and about 420 deaths each year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Food is the source of most of those illnesses.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service was notified of the issue upon learning that previously removed products had been utilized in the production of ground beef. There are no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products. 

The recall covers raw ground beef produced at Walmart on April 26-27, 2024. Their package labels are as follows:

• 2.25-lb plastic-wrapped trays containing “93% LEAN 7% FAT ALL NATURAL LEAN GROUND BEEF”
• 1.33-lb plastic-wrapped trays containing four “PRIME RIB BEEF STEAK BURGERS PATTIES”
• 2.25-lb plastic-wrapped trays containing “85% LEAN 15% FAT ALL NATURAL ANGUS PREMIUM GROUND BEEF”
• 2.25-lb plastic-wrapped trays containing “80% LEAN 20% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF CHUCK”
• 1.33-lb plastic-wrapped trays containing four “80% LEAN 20% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF CHUCK PATTIES”
• 1.33-lbs plastic-wrapped trays containing four “90% LEAN 10% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF SIRLOIN PATTIES”

These products all have the USDA mark of inspection on the front of the label with the establishment number “EST.86P” printed on the back of the label. They each have a lot code of either 117 or 118.

Buyers are advised not to consume the recalled beef and to throw it away or return it to the place of purchase.

Anyone with questions or concerns can contact Cargill Meat Solutions at 1-844-419-1574.

The shapewear and clothing brand co-founded by Kim Kardashian noted that sleepwear is causing a risk of burn injuries to children, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. There are no reports of injuries to date.

The recall covers SKIMS fleece children’s pajama sets sold as a two-piece button-up with long sleeves and wide-legged pants. The product comes in blue and black, multi-colored, green and black (cypress), and burgundy and black (wine) plaid patterns in sizes 2T, 3T, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10.

The garment will have “SKIMS,” the size and “Made in Philippines” printed on the neck label. The side seam label will have the product’s size, fiber content, washing instructions, “Made in Philippines” and “RN158973”.

The recalled pajamas were sold online at skims.com and in-store at the SKIMS store in Austin, Texas, between November 2023 through January 2024 for about $54.

Consumers are advised to immediately take the recalled pajamas away from children and to contact SKIMS for a full refund. Consumers will then be asked to cut the top and bottom in half and to upload a photo to https://www.recallrtr.com/pajamasets. A full refund will then be issued plus a credit towards a future company purchase. 

The FSIS was notified that the German establishment produced a portion of the identified lots without inspection before its shipment to the United States for distribution. There have been no confirmed reports of illness through consumption of these products, however, concerned buyers are advised to contact a healthcare provider.

The recall covers the 5.29-oz plastic packages containing “Stockmeyer PROSCIUTTO Product of GERMANY” with lot codes 09118-3A, 09118-3B, 09120-3A, 09120-3B, 13133-3A, 13133-3B, 13104-3A, 13104-3B, 13105-3A, 13105-3B, 13109-3A and 13109-3B. 

Produced on dates between Sept. 25, 2023, through March 6, 2024, these recalled items have “BEST BEFORE:” dates of 4/28/2024, 5/26/2024, 7/7/2024, 8/4/2024, 8/11/2024 and 10/7/2024. 

Impacted states include California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

The FSIS advises buyers not to consume the product and to throw it away or return to the place of purchase.

Any further questions about the recall can be directed to Luann Servidio, Director of Imports, conSup North America Inc., at 973-628-7330 or L.Servidio@consup.us. 

Almost every building in the United States is being photographed by satellites or drones as part of the industry-funded Geospatial Insurance Consortium that uses aerial imagery to help insurance companies keep an eye on their policyholders. 

Elizabeth Davis found out her insurance company, Nationwide, was taking pictures of her roof after getting an email saying “imagery data” from a third party caused concerns that may “increase the chance for a loss on the property.”

“It felt kind of icky,” Davis said. “And it felt just kind of like somebody’s watching you.”

There was “natural discoloration and streaking,” and the remedy was to repair or replace the roof in order to retain Nationwide.

“I had a panic attack,” Davis said. 

She said she was floored to know her policy could be revoked because of a grainy image she didn’t even know was being taken.

“When we moved in, we knew that we were going to have to replace the roof within, you know, a few years,” Davis said. “Was it something that I planned on doing in the next three months? No.”

“I would say in the last 10 to 15 years we’ve really seen the use of drones and aerial photography and satellite imagery come into the insurance space,” said Sean Kevelighan of the Insurance Information Institute, an industry association. 

Aerial imagery originally was used during catastrophic events when humans were unable to reach certain areas destroyed by severe weather, Kevelighan said. It was safer and faster to pay claims.

Today, drones and satellites are being used for normal maintenance of policies by many insurance companies, Kevelighan said.

Insurers look for underwriting hazards like yard debris, damaged roofs, undeclared trampolines and swimming pools.

“I would say the technology, as much as it might be jarring to a consumer to understand that the insurer is monitoring a house, to have a safer roof, to make sure that that first line of defense of your home is better protected, I’d say that’s a win-win for the consumer,” Kevelighan said.

The use of drones or satellite imagery is legal to a point. State insurance divisions for both Maryland and Virginia said drones can be used to collect information. However, the Maryland Insurance Administration says there can be issues if drone imaging relies on technology such as artificial intelligence instead of human eyes to make decisions on potential risks. That’s why most states say insurers should rely on more than one source of information to determine risk. (Drones aren’t allowed in D.C.)

United Policyholders, a nonprofit that provides resources to consumers, says it has seen a dramatic increase in reports from consumers who’ve been dropped by their insurers on the basis of an aerial image, which they said could be “out of date or inaccurate.”

Davis said the image of her roof is more than a year old, which she knows because it doesn’t show the trampoline in her backyard that they installed a year ago.

News4 reached out to Nationwide about Davis’ case but did not receive a response.

She hired a company to inspect her roof and it found only a broken shingle and some bolts that needed to be sealed. She paid for the repairs the roofer suggested after getting approval from Nationwide, but her insurance company told her it wasn’t enough. Nationwide wants her to address the discoloration on the roof.

What to do if insurance company alerts homeowners to issues seen in aerial pictures

There are a couple of things homeowners can do if their insurance company uses an aerial picture of their property to identify issues:

• The homeowner has the right to ask to see the picture.
• The insurer must allow time to fix the problem or dispute the photograph.

The drones can’t be flown close and peek into windows.

And while the pictures can be used to drop homeowners, more often than not they may catch a problem homeowners can’t before it becomes very expensive to fix.

News4 sends breaking news stories by email. Go here to sign up to get breaking news alerts in your inbox.

Assumable mortgages allow buyers to purchase their dream home with low rates. It’s an option that was a game changer for Sara and Terry Diamond, who spent months searching for the right fit when they were ready to purchase their first home.

Looking for space in the form of a bigger kitchen and a bigger lot, they settled on a house with a big yard for their kids. They finances it with an interest rate of 3.125%.

“Anyone I’ve told, you know, close work friends that work next to me and stuff like that, they think I’m lying to them,” said Terry Diamond. “They’re like, ‘3%?'”

“‘Did you mix those numbers up?'” Sara joked.

“I’m like, ‘assumable loan,'” Terry said.

An assumable mortgage, in basic terms, means a qualified buyer takes over the seller’s loan. That includes the interest rate, payment schedule and loan balance.

Some of you may recognize an assumable loan as a vestige of double-digit interest rates. In 1981, buyers were looking at 18%. But today, the Diamonds’ real estate agent says houses with assumable mortgages get lots of attention.

“It was a huge selling point,” said Chasatee Carbaugh, their agent with M&D Real Estate. “The reason they chose this home.”

As with any major financial decision, Carbaugh explains there is a list of trade-offs to consider.

The buyer would typically have a bigger down payment. For example, if someone is buying a house for $400,000, taking over the seller’s assumable mortgage with a $300,000 balance, the buyer would need to cover that $100,000 difference.

Carbaugh says it can be doable for owners who are coming out of a home that saw an increase in its value.

“Any home buyers that maybe bought their home when the market was great and everybody was happy, you know, between late 2018 to 2020, have a ton of equity.”

Another important distinction: Conventional mortgages are not generally assumable, other than very specific circumstances like a spouse assuming one in a divorce.

Only certain government-backed VA, FHA, or USDA loans can be transferred to a new buyer.

A new owner doesn’t have to be a veteran to assume a VA loan, but the seller should consider their VA entitlement. It would be tied up as long as the buyer keeps the old loan.

With FHA loans, real estate agent and broker Jared Tye points out that buyers typically have to pay a mortgage insurance premium, also known as an MIP.

“[It] never hurts to have your agent call and say, hey, what kind of loan do they have on the current house? Let’s see if we can get creative,” said Tye.

It worked for the Diamonds, who are now moving into a precious find.

“We had no idea what an assumable loan was before we dove into this,” said Sara Diamond.

news Mar 27

Mortgage demand stalls, even as interest rates moderate

Housing Mar 12

Homebuyers need to earn 80% more than in 2020 to afford a house in this market. It's not just due to high mortgage rates

news Feb 22

Existing home sales rose 3% to start the year, but higher mortgage rates are already hurting

“We have a house that we can actually afford, that we can afford to upgrade throughout the years because we’re not spending $4,000 a month on a mortgage,” Terry Diamond said.

As with any big decision, read the fine print and do your research. It’s also a good idea to get qualified help.

Tye told News4 that a seller would want to ensure the assumption is approved by the lender to confirm they’re not on the note, if the new owner later defaults on their payments.

Buyers also have to meet certain criteria to qualify.

Finally, it may extend the amount of time and the fees involved in closing on the house. Carbaugh, the Diamonds’ agent, says it took them a little over 60 days to close on their home.

The product, Infinite Herbs organic basil, was sold in 2.5-ounce clamshell containers from Feb. 1 to April 6 in 29 states as well as in Washington, D.C., Trader Joe’s said on Wednesday. 

There have been 12 reports in seven states of people infected with salmonella, an organism that can cause serious or fatal illness, according to federal officials. One person was hospitalized.

“Seven of eight cases with information available reported exposure to fresh organic basil purchased from Trader Joe’s before becoming ill,” the Food and Drug Administration said on its website, adding that “traceback data” it had collected determined that Florida-based Infinite Herbs, LLC, had supplied the basil to Trader Joe’s.

Grego Berliavsky, the head of Infinite Herbs, said Wednesday that the company had voluntarily recalled the product. 

“I am heartbroken at the thought that any item we sold may have caused illness or discomfort,” he said in a statement. “We simply will not rest until we can once again be confident in the safety of this product.”

Berliavsky added that customers should check their freezers for the basil.

“Fresh basil naturally wilts and expires after five to seven days, so we are confident that the recalled basil is no longer available for sale,” he wrote. “However, if you have food in your freezer that includes Infinite Herbs organic basil purchased between February 1 and April 6, do not consume it.”

The basil had been sourced from a single farm, which is no longer in production, according to Berliavsky.

“We are working with the farmer to conduct an internal investigation of the food safety practices. Through this investigation, our goal is to determine the cause of this recall and apply measures to prevent it from happening again,” he wrote.

Symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The symptoms usually start 6 hours to 6 days after infection, and while most people recover within a week without antibiotics, some may need medical treatment. The CDC says that children younger than 5, adults 65 and older and individuals with weakened immune systems are more likely to get serious salmonella infections, but anyone who has severe diarrhea, bloody stools, a fever higher than 102 degrees or prolonged vomiting may need antibiotics or to be hospitalized.

Salmonella causes about 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths in the United States every year, according to the CDC. But official counts are likely an underestimate because most people recover without seeking medical help or without a confirmed diagnosis, said Barbara Kowalcyk, an associate professor of exercise and nutrition sciences at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health.

Infections come from a variety of sources, including consuming contaminated food and water or touching infected animals and their environments.

In rare cases, salmonella or its toxins can enter the bloodstream, causing serious illnesses, death or long-term conditions like arthritis, Kowalcyk said.

“One of the things in food safety that we try to do is make people aware that it’s not just this bad tummy ache,” she said. “There are other health implications.”

Salmonella is not visible and cannot be smelled or tasted, Kowalcyk said. Trader Joe’s instructed customers to discard the packaged basil or to return it for a full refund. 

The FDA said infections have been reported in Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Wisconsin; the product was also distributed in Alabama, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Vermont.

The news comes a month after another large Trader Joe’s recall involving potential salmonella contamination. In March, the grocer recalled cashews sold in 16 states. No illnesses were reported in that instance. Earlier in March, Trader Joe’s recalled steamed chicken soup dumplings that federal officials said were potentially contaminated with “hard plastic from a permanent marker pen.”

This story first appeared on NBCNews.com. More from NBC News:

• The number of hostages still alive in Gaza is a mystery, officials say
• Scotland pauses prescriptions of puberty blockers for transgender minors
• As Zepbound shortage grows, Eli Lilly says there’s no immediate end in sight

According to documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the body and power train control modules for these cars may fail to detect changes in battery charge. And when undetected, a low battery charge can cause an unexpected loss of drive power — including sudden stalling or inability to restart — and the use of other electric capabilities like hazard lights.

The recall covers about 403,000 model year 2021-2024 Bronco Sports produced between February 2020 and March 2024, as well as more than 53,000 model year 2022-2023 Mavericks manufactured from February 2021 to October 2022, a recall report dated Friday notes.

To remedy this issue, dealers will recalibrate the impacted vehicles’ body and power train control modules at no cost. Owner notification letters are set to be mailed out on May 13, a Tuesday NHSTA recall acknowledgment letter notes.

The software update is not available yet, a Ford spokesperson confirmed to The Associated Press Wednesday, but should arrive by later in the second quarter. In a statement, the spokesperson added that “safety is a top priority, and we are taking proactive measures to address this issue promptly and effectively.”

As of Feb. 8, the NHSTA recall report notes, Ford was not aware of any injuries tied to the issue — but the Dearborn, Michigan-based the company noted 917 related warranty reports, 11 field reports and 54 customer complaints. There were also two property damage claims and three unverified fire reports.

This isn’t the only recall impacting Bronco Sport owners.

The NHTSA said last week that it was investigating the remedy Ford had proposed after the recall of nearly 43,000 select Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs, in which gasoline can leak from the fuel injectors onto hot engine surfaces, increasing the risk of fires. The NHTSA said remedy did not include repairing the fuel leaks.

A Virginia woman says she found herself in a financial mess after discovering that the used car she bought from a private seller wasn’t what she’d been told.

Barbara Aboagye, from Woodbridge, Virginia, thought that she’d hit the jackpot, and found “a dream come true,” she told News4.

“I saw this car, a 2015 Porsche Macan,” she said. “And I love it.”

There it was, Aboagye’s dream car, listed on Facebook Marketplace by a private seller from Pennsylvania, for $25,000.

The two arranged to meet, and according to Aboagye, the seller handed her a clean title. That means there were no liens on the car, and he owned it outright.

She then secured a loan with her bank. The seller got his check, and she got her car.

For 19 months, Barbara said she’s been paying down her loan and hasn’t missed a single payment. She even paid double some months.

But the joyride came to a screeching halt when, in early spring, she looked out the window and noticed her beloved Porsche was gone.

“I was like, oh my God, what is going on? Is this stolen?” Aboagye said.

She was even more confused when she called police and they told her it wasn’t stolen — it had been repossessed.

“I said, what is going on? How come?” she said.

Aboagye’s bank told her they didn’t repossess the car, and confirmed she was current on her payments.

So if her bank didn’t order the repo, who did?

After weeks of getting no straight answers, Aboagye contacted NBC4 Responds. We went to her house to see if we could get to the bottom of the mystery, and she gathered all of her paperwork for us.

After several hours and several phone calls to all the parties involved, we found the answer: The car was still under the seller’s name when it was repossessed.

That’s the same name that was on the supposedly clean title she was given.

The seller purchased the Porsche from Carvana in 2020, and financed it through Bridgecrest — Carvana’s finance company. According to Bridgecrest, the seller was delinquent on paying the loan, only making three payments in 2022.

The company said it repossessed the vehicle not knowing about the fraudulent sale.

When Aboagye called the man she bought the car from, he told her the car was paid for.

Bridgecrest is “working with law enforcement to understand what occurred and the unlawful actions the seller took to fraudulently sell the vehicle for which he never paid,” the company told News4.

Since Aboagye was able to purchase and register the car unknowingly using a fraudulent title, the vehicle identification number was linked to her home address, which is where the tow truck was sent to repo the car.

“I’m shocked,” Aboagye said. “I’m speechless. I hear stories and stuff like that but I never knew I would be a victim one day.”

news Apr 2

How to avoid ‘ghost preparers' and other tax scams as the April 15 federal filing deadline approaches

News4 I-Team Mar 27

Consumer warning: Refunds from check fraud not always guaranteed

news Feb 15

How to avoid the top scam of 2023: The internet has ‘really supercharged' it, expert says

According to Ira Rheingold, the director of the National Association of Consumer Advocates, title washing is the most common scam for vehicle titles.

“The person who sold the consumer the car clearly was the person who committed the fraud,” Rheingold said.

Title washing is when unscrupulous sellers “wash” a title to remove information, like liens or salvage.

“Fraudsters are out there. They’re always looking to take advantage of folks,” Rheingold said.

Luckily for Aboagye, her journey had a happy ending. While her repossessed dream car had been sent to an auction house, and was about to go on the auction block, both Carvana and Bridgecrest agreed to release the car so she could take it home.

“I feel so relieved,” Aboagye said as she got back behind the wheel. “Super happy. I can’t thank you guys enough. I am so grateful.”

News4 contacted the seller numerous times, but he never responded.

As for Bridgecrest, they told News4 they contacted several law enforcement agencies but haven’t heard back from any of them. They have not pursued any civil action against the seller.

How can I protect myself from title fraud?

When buying a car from a private seller, experts have a few tips:

• Ask for a photo ID and compare the names to those on the title to be sure they match.
• If the title is a duplicate, be wary and ask more questions. Ask where the original is and if you can see it.
• Get a CARFAX report. If it shows the car was salvaged, the title should reflect that. If it doesn’t, walk away from the sale.

The megastore noted that the chopper’s blade can run unexpectedly while assembling or when it’s not safely secured within the container, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. There have been five reports of lacerations, two of which required medical assistance, such as stitches. The injuries occurred during assembly of the product or during cleaning of the product, the recall stated.

The recall covers the mini choppers with model number MS14100094536S1. These rechargeable and cordless choppers have green lids, a white body and a clear plastic bowl where the label can be located.

The recalled mini choppers were sold exclusively at Walmart and online at Walmart.com from August 2022 through October 2023 for between $10 and $15.

It is advised that consumers should immediately stop using the item and contact Walmart to issue a full refund. Buyers also have the option of bringing the item to their nearest Walmart store for a refund. 

The recall covers certain Bronco Sport SUVs from the 2022 and 2023 model years, as well as Escape SUVs from 2022. All have 1.5-liter engines.

Ford says in documents filed with U.S. safety regulators that fuel injectors can crack, and gasoline or vapor can accumulate near ignition sources, possibly touching off fires.

Dealers will install a tube to let gasoline flow away from hot surfaces to the ground below the vehicle. They’ll also update engine control software to detect a pressure drop in the fuel injection system. If that happens, the software will disable the high pressure fuel pump, reduce engine power and cut temperatures in the engine compartment, according to documents posted Wednesday on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

More: Recalls

Recalls Apr 1

Hyundai, Kia recalled 3.4 million vehicles over a fire risk. They remain on the road unrepaired

Recalls Mar 31

Kia recalls over 427,000 Telluride SUVs because they might roll away while parked

Owners were to be notified by letter starting April 1.

The company says in documents it has reports of five under-hood fires and 14 warranty replacements of fuel injectors, but no reports of crashes or injuries.

In an email, Ford said it is not replacing fuel injectors because it is confident the recall repairs “will prevent the failure from occurring and protect the customer.” The new software also will trigger a dashboard warning light and allow customers to drive to a safe location, stop the vehicle and arrange for service, the company said. NHTSA documents filed by Ford say the problem happens only in about 1% of the SUVs.

The company also said it will extend warranty coverage for cracked fuel injectors, so owners who experience the problem will get replacements. Ford said repairs are already available, and details of the extended warranty will be available in June.

Ford said the recall is an extension of a 2022 recall for the same problem. The repair has already been tested on vehicles involved in the previous recall, and Ford said it’s not aware of any problems.

The company also said it isn’t recommending that the SUVs be parked only outdoors because there’s no evidence that fires happen when vehicles are parked and the engines are off.

Michael Brooks, executive director of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety, called Ford’s remedy for the fuel leaks a “Band-aid type recall” and said the company is trying to avoid the cost of repairing the fuel injectors.

A 1% failure rate, he said, is high, and even with the repairs, drivers still could be forced to exit a freeway at a low speed, placing them at risk of a crash.

NHTSA, he said, should do more to make sure recalls fix the root causes of vehicle problems rather than making less costly repairs.

In the past, NHTSA has said it does not have legal authority to pre-approve recall fixes. But in a statement Wednesday, the agency said it will “closely track their performance using field data.” The agency said owners who have questions should contact their dealership or Ford.

Brooks said Congress should change the law so the agency can “require something more than the rubber stamp that NHTSA is currently deploying” on recalls.

The agency, he said, has been more aggressive of late in investigating recall fixes. “That is a post-remedy inquiry that won’t make the fixes better, and further stretches out the process and leaves consumers in limbo,” he said.