WTVM - 1- ConsumerWatch

Funds still available in AL's appliance rebate program

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 11:06:00 EDT

MONTGOMERY—If you recently bought or plan to buy a new Energy Star-labeled appliance, you may be eligible for an unexpected bonus: a $25 to $150 rebate.

Former egg farm workers say complaints ignored

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 21:09:00 EDT

U.S. Agriculture Department employees worked full-time at two Iowa egg farms at the center of a salmonella outbreak and massive recall, but two former workers said they ignored complaints about conditions at one site.

Fed judge OKs $12M settlement on bad peanuts

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 15:38:00 EDT

LYNCHBURG, Va. (AP) - A federal judge has approved a $12 million settlement for those sickened or killed in last year's salmonella outbreak tied to a Virginia-based peanut processor.

AL tax collections remain below last year's

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 11:27:00 EDT

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Alabama officials report that tax collections for the state Education Trust Fund were down 1.8 percent in the first 11 months of this fiscal year compared to the same period a year earlier.

Gas smokers could explode, voluntary recall issued

Josh Harvison — Thu, 2 Sep 2010 06:36:00 EDT

The Consumer Product Safety Commission along with Char-Broil issued a voluntary recall of the Vertical Gas Smoker sold at Walmart and other retailers from March 2008 through June 2010.

July unemployment up in about half of US cities

Wed, 1 Sep 2010 21:09:00 EDT

The unemployment rate rose in nearly half of the nation's 372 largest metro areas in July, as the pace of hiring slowed from earlier this year.

Company recalls cheese sold in 48 states

Wed, 1 Sep 2010 17:19:00 EDT

ATLANTA - Morningland Dairy of Mountain View, Missouri, is recalling 68,957 pounds of cheese because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and also has the potential to be contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus.

Salvation Army to open new store Sept. 1

Wed, 1 Sep 2010 11:54:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, GA - A new thrift store operated by The Salvation Army in Columbus opens Wednesday, Sept 1.

Feds looking into possible Hyundai steering problems

John Shryock — Wed, 1 Sep 2010 11:20:00 EDT

The government has opened an investigation into possible steering problems in the 2011 Hyundai Sonata.

Clip This! September is National Coupon Month

Wed, 1 Sep 2010 11:02:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) -Clip or click your way to savings! Check out some places to find coupons.

Six flags introduces new coaster for 2011 season

Wed, 1 Sep 2010 10:33:00 EDT

AUSTELL, GA – Attention all daredevils, the Southeast's largest theme park Six Flags Over Georgia, is proud to announce a unique new roller coaster for the 2011 season.

ConsumerWatch on News Leader 9

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 16:27:00 EDT

News Leader 9 is your source for the latest consumer news. ConsumerWatch reporter Zaneta Lowe keeps you informed on everything from the latest scams to late-breaking recalls. WTVM has Consumer News You Can Count On.

The Grocery Game

Fri, 9 Nov 2007 09:56:00 EST

Tired of spending hundreds of dollars on groceries...one shopping expert says she may just have the solution!

Retail data: Americans still cautious in August

Wed, 1 Sep 2010 10:29:00 EDT

Not even skinny jeans for $20 are pulling Americans into stores.

GA State U unveils tax credit calculator online

Wed, 1 Sep 2010 08:43:00 EDT

ATLANTA (AP) - Georgia State University researchers have created an online calculator for small businesses interested in whether they qualify for tax credits under the new federal health care law.

Alabama Power warns customers about scam callers

Wed, 1 Sep 2010 08:30:00 EDT

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Alabama Power is warning customers to beware of callers who claim to be representatives of the power company seeking payments.

Kia West Point plant to start production on Santa Fe

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:22:00 EDT

ATLANTA – Governor Perdue issued the following statement on the news that Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia is adding the production of the 2011 Hyundai Sante Fe to its West Point plant this fall:

No deal: buyers will see fewer discounts for cars

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:49:00 EDT

For years, Americans shopping for cars were treated to all sorts of deals and incentives, especially at the end of summer. Think Cash for Clunkers, which paid up to $4,500, or promotions that offered employee discounts to...

Honda begins production of new Odyssey minivan

Dennis Washington — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:30:00 EDT

Honda began production Tuesday of its all-new 2011 Odyssey minivan at its plant in Lincoln.

Microsoft hiking Xbox Live prices

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:13:00 EDT

NEW YORK (AP) - Microsoft is raising subscription prices for its popular Xbox Live Gold online gaming service in the U.S. and three other countries.

Toyota recalls 1.1 million Corollas, GM recalls Vibes

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:21:00 EDT

NEW YORK (AP) - Toyota is recalling more than a million Corolla sedans and Matrix hatchbacks with engines that may stall.

8 occupations with increased demand

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:17:00 EDT

From the looks of these numbers, an economic recovery may be on the way sooner than later for many industries.

Right Time to Refinance?

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 07:50:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) -Rates are low, but when is the right time to refinance?

Georgia's unemployment rate drops slightly

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:48:00 EDT

ATLANTA (AP) - Georgia's unemployment rate dipped slightly last month, but the state still has a higher jobless worker rate than the national average.

Columbus' jobless rate dips slightly to 9.5% in July

Kristin Wild — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:52:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, GA – The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) reported that the preliminary unadjusted unemployment rate in metro Columbus declined to 9.5% in July, down two-tenths of a percentage point from a revised 9.7% in June.

Jeep investigates gas tank fires

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:21:00 EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. safety officials have opened a preliminary investigation into three million Jeep Grand Cherokees.

Credit card debt drops to lowest level in 8 years

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EDT

NEW YORK (AP) - The amount consumers owed on their credit cards in this year's second quarter dropped to the lowest level in more than eight years as cardholders continued to pay off balances in the uncertain economy.

More than 3M seniors may have to switch drug plans

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:56:00 EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) - An independent analysis said 3 million seniors may have to switch Medicare drug plans next year whether they like it or not.

Garmin recalls 1.3M Nuvi GPS devices

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:21:00 EDT

NEW YORK (AP) - Garmin Ltd. said Wednesday it is recalling roughly 1.3 million Nuvi GPS devices worldwide because their batteries have the potential to overheat and create a fire hazard.

AAA: More people will hit the road this Labor Day

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:24:00 EDT

DENVER (AP) - Travel club AAA says more Americans will take trips over the Labor Day weekend than a year ago.

Authorities warn of gas credit scam

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:13:00 EDT

Tifton area authorities are warning motorists that theives may be stealing credit card numbers using gas pumps.

A Gift You Can Use

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 05:09:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) -Dust off that gift card, it may not have expired after all!

Possibly tainted meats sold at Wal-Mart recalled

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:14:00 EDT

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) - A federal agency says 380,000 pounds of possibly tainted deli meat products sold in sandwiches at Wal-Mart stores have been recalled by a food company in Buffalo.

Large egg recall has some concerned

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:18:00 EDT

The massive nation-wide egg recall may not be affecting our area now, but many have a lot to say about it.

FDA commissioner says agency needs more authority

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:04:00 EDT

The head of the Food and Drug Administration says her agency is taking the massive egg recall "very, very seriously," but needs more enforcement powers.

Alabama unemployment lowest since April 2009

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:13:00 EDT

MONTGOMERY, AL (AP) - Alabama has recorded its lowest unemployment figure in more than a year.

Finding a Job After 50

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:41:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) -Forced to put off retirement or get back into the workforce? We've got some tips on finding work after 50.

Chocolate truffle recall

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:27:00 EDT

ATLANTA - Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin alerts consumers to the recall of some chocolate truffles that may contain peanut butter not listed on the product label.

Double stroller recall

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:29:00 EDT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Tylenol use linked to asthma, other allergies in teens

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 10:50:00 EDT

Teens from around the world who regularly take acetaminophen, best known as Tylenol, were more than twice as likely to have asthma as teens who never take the pain reducer.

GA unemployment rate, labor force shrink

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:06:00 EDT

ATLANTA (AP) - Georgia's Department of Labor reports a slight decline in the state's unemployment rate as the number of people who stopped looking for work increased.

A year after bankruptcy, GM plans stock sale

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 08:57:00 EDT

By KEN THOMAS and TOM KRISHER Associated Press Writers DETROIT (AP) - Thirteen months ago, General Motors was fighting for its life in bankruptcy court. Now, the automaker is laying the groundwork

Georgia jobless rate dips slightly in July

Kristin Wild — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 08:45:00 EDT

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) reported that the state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined slightly to 9.9% in July, down one-tenth of a percentage point from a revised 10.0% in June.

BlackBerry users eye alternatives as curbs loom

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 08:25:00 EDT

Udoay Ghosh sat sipping coffee before an early morning flight from Dubai International Airport, looking with affection at his two - yes, two - BlackBerry smart phones laid out in front of him.

Mazda3 and Mazda5 recalled for steering problems

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 09:02:00 EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) - Mazda Motor Corp. is recalling 215,000 Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles to fix problems with the power-steering system that could lead to a crash.

Mobile career centers deployed to Tuskegee

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:01:00 EDT

Alabama Department of Industrial Relations Director Tom Surtees announced Monday that the state's mobile Career Center will deploy to Tuskegee for three days to assist unemployed workers in the area.

ConsumerWatch team: Claim hundreds of dollars!

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:21:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) - Unclaimed cash could be just a click away!

Ben & Jerry's to close Columbus location

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:04:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) – A Columbus ice cream shop is closing down in a few weeks. Ben and Jerry's on Veterans Parkway has announced it will close the first weekend in September.

Aflac's new commercial features TV chef

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:16:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, GA – Aflac, the company that pays cash benefits to policyholders fast when they are sick or hurt, unveiled a new television commercial called "Spicy."

Blockbuster 2nd-quarter loss widens

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 11:14:00 EDT

DALLAS (AP) - Movie rental chain Blockbuster Inc., which has been trying to avoid filing for bankruptcy protection amid tough competition from rivals like Netflix Inc., says its second-quarter net loss widened.

More credit card rules take effect August 22nd with CARD Act

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 09:40:00 EDT

On Aug. 22, another group of new rules outlined by the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act will go into effect. Here is what they are.

Georgians snap up Energy Star rebates

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 09:01:00 EDT

ATLANTA (AP) - Georgia consumers have claimed all of the state's Energy Star appliance rebates.

Jobs picture dims as unemployment claims rise

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 07:09:00 EDT

The economy is looking bleaker as new applications for jobless benefits rose last week to the highest level in almost six months.

Enterprise to offer Nissan Leaf to rental drivers

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:47:00 EDT

Nissan Motor Co. will sell 500 Leaf electric cars to Enterprise Rent-A-Car starting in January, as the Japanese automaker aims to put more drivers behind the wheel of its battery-powered vehicle.

The barely discernable economic recovery: what happened?

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:52:00 EDT

The US is no longer in a recession, most economists say. But the economic recovery has slowed due to cautious attitudes among consumers and businesses, among other factors.

6 companies thriving in the recession

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 08:39:00 EDT

The recession has left many companies scrambling, reporting losses often into the double digits.

Consumer confidence rises. Sign that recovery is still ahead?

Wed, 1 Sep 2010 11:54:00 EDT

An index of consumer confidence rose to 53.5 in August, up from 51.0 in July, the Conference Board reported. Still, the index remains well below normal.

Mortgage rates at record lows: refinances are up. Sales are not.

Wed, 1 Sep 2010 10:01:00 EDT

Mortgage rates at 4.4% could bring new wave of refinancing, easing some strain on family budgets. Low rates also make homebuying more attractive. The catch: All this is if you qualify.

Even before recession, 14 million kids 'underinsured': study

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:35:00 EDT

Even prior to recession, nearly one in four parents with insurance reported that their coverage was so inadequate they were unable to access the medical care their children needed.

The 7 best places to put your savings

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EDT

You work hard to put your money away for the future, but where you should you keep it?

Top 10 investments for baby boomers

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:20:00 EDT

Find out which investments are most likely to help you achieve your post-work income goals.

Verizon and Google's net neutrality agreement explained: what does it mean to you?

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:43:00 EDT

What does Google and Verizon's net neutrality proposal actually propose? And what does it mean for you?

Picture This! More Photo Sites Offer Freebies

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:37:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) -Looking for free, photo gifts? Check out these websites for picture perfect deals.

Montgomery to lose Santa Fe production

John Shryock — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:27:00 EDT

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama is confirming that production of the popular Santa Fe SUV vehicle will move from Montgomery...

ER visits for concussions soar among kid athletes

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:06:00 EDT

CHICAGO (AP) - Emergency room visits for teen athletes with concussions have tripled in recent years in a trend that doctors are calling disturbing.

Recent Toyota recall affects area consumers

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:51:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) - The most recent Toyota recall has area owners on edge and looking for answers.

No down payment...why country living pays off!

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) -Looking to buy a house and save some money? There's a little known loan program that provides 100% financing.

Aflac makes LATINA Style's list of 50 best companies

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:51:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, GA - Aflac, the company that pays cash benefits to policyholders fast when they are sick or hurt, has been named one of the 50 Best Companies for Latinas to Work For in the United States for 2010, according to LATINA Style magazine.

Website Savings!

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 05:02:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) -Check out these websites that can potentially save you time and money!

Save on Student Loans

Fri, 6 Aug 2010 22:22:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) -College expenses can be costly, but new rules may bringer higher education with lower costs.

New ID theft targeting kids' Social Security numbers

Fri, 6 Aug 2010 11:31:00 EDT

UNDATED (WIS) — The latest form of identity theft doesn't depend on stealing your Social Security number. Now thieves are targeting your kid's number long before the little one even has a bank account.

Keeping your vehicle cool in hot temperatures

Fri, 6 Aug 2010 10:50:00 EDT

Not only are people taking a beating from the excessive heat outside, but so are our vehicles.

Apple iPhone on T-Mobile? Analyst says may be soon

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:57:00 EDT

The iPhone will be available on other cell phone networks as early as this fall and will likely come first to T-Mobile USA, one analyst who follows Apple Inc. closely said Thursday.

Use iPhone app to identify no-fee ATMs

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EDT

By FRITZ FAERBER Associated Press Writer Want to save money when you travel? Sure, you can look for cheap airfares, budget hotels and discount car rentals. But here's a simple change that can save you big...

Starbucks plans big push for Seattle's Best brand

Wed, 12 May 2010 09:09:00 EDT

Coffee chain Starbucks Corp. plans to revamp its Seattle's Best brand, expanding its availability through franchises and a big expansion at other retailers.

Wi-Fi to come in a much faster, short-range flavor

Tue, 11 May 2010 16:48:00 EDT

The industry group that supports Wi-Fi is adopting a new technology that should boost data speeds more than 10 times at short distances, which could replace video cables in the home entertainment center.

Too much salt: Report urges FDA to force rollback

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 19:33:00 EDT

Too much salt is hidden in Americans' food, and regulators plan to work with manufacturers to cut back - but the government isn't ready to go along with a major new recommendation that it order a decrease.

New way to guide a car: With your eyes, not hands

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:33:00 EDT

Tired of spinning that steering wheel? Try this: German researchers have developed a new technology that lets drivers steer cars using only their eyes.

Apple announces new iPods, iTunes 10, iOS 4.1, and a new Apple TV

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 10:27:00 EDT

Apple has announced iTunes 10 (with a social network called "Ping") along with new iPods, iOS 4.1, a preview of iOS 4.2, a tiny new Apple TV. And Coldplay's Chris Martin played the gig.

HP rolls out new notebooks and minis

Wed, 1 Sep 2010 16:33:00 EDT

HP's new consumer notebooks run the gamut from tiny colorful Minis to 17-inch monsters with 3D graphics capabilities.

Best cameras under $300

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:32:00 EDT

You don't need to take out a second mortgage for a DSLR to take great photos. Here are our favorite cameras that will do it for under $300.

Why Facebook enjoys explosive growth -- despite its many stumbles

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 09:46:00 EDT

At over 500 million members, Facebook's staggering growth rolls over critics on issues from ease of use to user privacy. Here's why.

Web connection raises chances of romance

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EDT

Folks with Internet connections are more likely to be in a romantic relationship than folks without access to the Web, a new study shows.

Back to school tech gift guide

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:41:00 EDT

In this year's back to school gift guide Digital Trends gives your favorite student every leg up with these fun and useful gadgets for academic life.

Many parents fret over time kids spend on phones, computers

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 12:39:00 EDT

Many American parents are worried that the large amount of time teens spend immersed in electronic media makes it difficult to discuss the dangers of risky behavior such as drug and alcohol use, a new study indicates.

Avoid the perils of cloud computing

Wed, 4 Aug 2010 11:45:00 EDT

You love the convenience of managing business apps online, and the use of these apps is exploding. But using cloud computing also carries risks. Here's how you can protect yourself.

How to run Windows and OS X on the same Mac

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:41:00 EDT

OS X or Windows? Run them both on the same machine without any trouble.

How to get your computer data back

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:27:00 EDT

These days, there's no reason to cry over lost computer data.