Consumer & Household
16 storiesCoverage develops through practical guides, safety alerts, eligibility explainers and comparisons and consumer-service reporting. home services and assistance programs act as recurring entry points, while Consumer & Household traces the institution or process behind the story.
Michigan Gas Prices Top $4 for Labor Day, Up Sharply From 2025
Drivers across Michigan are paying more than $4 per gallon for regular gas this Labor Day weekend, a significant increase from last year. AAA attributes the rise to global oil market disruptions and offers tips to help residents save.
Six Months Into Iran War, Economic Impact Hits Travelers and Consumers
Half a year after the U.S. and Israel began military action against Iran, global markets have stabilized, but higher fuel and travel costs are affecting everyday Americans while some investors and defense companies see gains
Farmington Hills Junk Removal Company Offers Back-to-School Decluttering Tips
As the new school year approaches, Two Men and a Junk Truck in Farmington Hills is helping families clear out unwanted items with full-service removal, donation partnerships, and a free community event on September 15
Meta Agrees to $17.1B Settlement Over Child Safety on Social Media
Meta will pay up to $17.1 billion to 47 states and U.S. territories over claims its platforms are addictive and harmful to children, with new safety rules for young users on Facebook and Instagram set to take effect over the next decade.
Key Inflation Gauge Stays High as Gas and Service Costs Weigh on Households
A federal inflation measure remained at 3.7% in July, with persistent high prices for services and gas affecting American families. Upcoming changes to how inflation is calculated could lower future readings, but relief remains uncertain.
Middle-Class Income Thresholds Rise Sharply in California Cities
New research shows that in several California cities, households now need incomes approaching $300,000 to be considered middle class, as housing and living costs continue to outpace wage growth across the state.
Meta Faces Federal Trial Over Alleged Social Media Harm to Children
A federal trial in California will determine if Meta must change its practices after 29 states, including North Carolina, accused the company of making Facebook and Instagram addictive for children and misleading parents about the risks.
Four Charged in Multi-State Retail Theft Scheme Affecting Maryland
Authorities in Maryland have charged four individuals in connection with an organized retail theft ring that targeted stores in Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, resulting in losses exceeding $48,000 between October 2025 and April 2026
Police Recover $1,000 in Stolen Legos After Napa Target Theft
Three suspects were arrested in Napa, California, after police recovered over $1,000 in stolen Legos from a Target store. The incident involved a foot chase and a search for a fleeing vehicle before the items were returned.
Nutley Police Warn Residents After Surge in Local Fraud Cases
Nutley, New Jersey has seen a sharp increase in fraud and identity theft reports, with recent incidents involving credit cards, bank accounts, phone scams, and computer breaches. Police are urging residents to stay alert as investigations continue.
Manhattan Beach Police Warn of Spike in Hyundai, Kia Thefts
Manhattan Beach police are urging residents to secure their vehicles after five auto thefts were reported in one week, with Hyundai and Kia models especially targeted. The department recommends extra precautions and security upgrades for owners.
Pennsylvania Sues TikTok Over App Design and Content for Teens
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging the platform is intentionally addictive for young users and misrepresents the frequency of adult content. The case was filed in Allegheny County Court.
Illinois Lottery Player Wins $1.04 Billion Powerball Jackpot
A single ticket sold at a Quincy gas station matched all six numbers to win the $1.04 billion Powerball jackpot, marking the largest U.S. lottery prize awarded so far this year and the eighth-largest in Powerball history.
Online Pharmacies Expand as Michigan Drugstores Face Closures
More Michigan residents are turning to mail-in prescriptions as insurance plans favor online services, but the shift is contributing to the closure of hundreds of local pharmacies, especially in rural areas, according to state officials and pharmacists
Dunkin' Teases Possible Free Drink Code Drop for Rewards Members
Dunkin' rewards members may have a chance to claim a free drink soon, as social media posts hint at a new code drop possibly happening Monday, August 10. The company has not officially confirmed the promotion or released a code yet.
Maryland Expands Chip EBT Card Program Statewide to Fight Fraud
Maryland is distributing 500,000 chip-enabled EBT cards to residents and aid facilities after a successful pilot, aiming to reduce benefit theft and improve security for SNAP and cash assistance recipients across the state