Consumer Affairs- | News Tribune

Consumers are finding good alternatives to banks

Innovative companies have filled the gap left by bank practices

Four years ago, when banks were in the midst of the Great Recession, many of them changed the way they do business. The result was not so good for consumers.

Pregnant women warned away from certain migraine prevention medicines

The meds can cause decreased IQ scores in unburn children, FDA says

There are some drugs that are best not used by pregnant women.

Can One A Day multivitamins prevent disease?

Consumer group says no and threatens to sue Bayer

Can a multivitamin really prevent various diseases? Bayer claims that its One A Day multivitamins "support" breast, heart, eye, and joint health, as well as physical energy, immunity, healthy blood pressure, bone strength, and metabolism. But the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) says that claim has never been proven and that it will sue Bayer unless it removes the claims from its packaging and advertising.

Safety advocates urge Congress to regulate the size of trucks

Trucks have been causing a lot of injuries and deaths on U.S. highways, safety advocates say

When driving on U.S. highways, there are few things that can distract you like a big semi-trailer truck. No matter how big or small your vehicle is, driving next to an 18-wheeler can make you feel tiny -- like you're being swallowed by it.

Hydrocarbons a major household danger for children

As summer approaches, parents should take an inventory of their household products

With summer time approaching, there are a few extra things that parents will have to keep an eye out for, like making sure they're keeping a close eye on their children around swimming pools and beaches. And making sure products like suntan lotion are being used regularly.

Williams-Sonoma to pay nearly $1 million fine

Defective Pottery Barn wooden hammock stands are at the heart of the matter

Williams-Sonoma has agreed to pay a $987,500 civil penalty, resolving charges that it failed to report immediately a defect involving Pottery Barn wooden hammock stands.

Feds land hard on debt-relief firm; criminal charges filed

Consumers lost millions and went deeper into debt, prosecutors charge

Debt-relief services that charge illegal advance fees typically are the subjects of civil complaints and usually manage to settle the charges before things go too far but one New York area company isn't so lucky.

Buying jewelry: What you need to know

Don't know a thing about bling? Read on

Most of us probably buy a car more often than we do a piece of jewelry. But just like a car, jewelry can be a major purchase and you need to know what you're doing.

Children and amusement rides: New findings highlight safety issues

Researchers say over 90,000 children have been injured at amusement parks and malls

There are few things in the world that kids enjoy more than the rides at amusement parks, fairs, carnivals and at shopping malls and fast-food joints. But while the rides are fun, they can be dangerous.

Senator wants stronger ban on undetectable guns

3-D printers can make guns and other weapons that are invisible to metal detectors

As we reported last year, technology gurus say 3-D printing could be the biggest thing since the Internet, but Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) doesn't think that's necessarily a good thing.

Thinking about opening a restaurant? Here are some tips

It'll take a lot more than a love for food to be successful

Have you ever thought about opening your own restaurant? If you have, you may want to take a look at these statistics.

Is depression over-treated in the US?

Johns Hopkins study concludes it is

Any time you suggest an ailment or condition is over-diagnosed or over-treated, you are likely to start an argument. But researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health apparently have no fear of that.

Suicides now outnumber deaths from car crashes

Suicide rates are rising among middle-aged Americans

The number of suicide deaths in the U.S. has climbed past the number of motor vehicles deaths in recent years, thanks mostly to an increase in suicide among middle-aged Americans. Hanging and suffocation deaths showed the greatest increase.

Think you're getting enough exercise? Think again

A new report says most of us are really couch potatoes

Okay -- you get out and play a little golf or tennis on the weekends or maybe ride your bike for a few miles. But is that really enough exercise?

Google buys stake in Lending Club

The peer-to-peer lender has been growing quickly, making loans when banks won't

Google has made its first big investment in the financial services sector, buying a stake in Lending Club, an online peer-to-peer lender that arranges business and personal loan transactions between investors and borrowers.