Consumer News: Consumer confidence surged in October

NHTSA opens investigation into Waymo over school bus safety

Federal probe targets Waymos handling of stopped school buses
NHTSA cites reports of robotaxis passing buses with red lights and stop arms extended
Alphabet-owned company says software fixes are already in place, more on the way

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a preliminary investigation into about 2,000 Waymo self-driving vehicles after reports that the companys robotaxis may have failed to obey traffic safety laws around stopped school buses.

The review, announced Monday by NHTSAs Office of Defects Investigation, is the latest federal examination of autonomous vehicle behavior amid growing scrutiny over how driverless systems interact with pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users.

Incident involved Waymo vehicle passing bus with stop arm out

According to NHTSA, the inquiry was triggered by a media report describing an incident in which a Waymo vehicle failed to remain stationary when approaching a school bus displaying flashing red lights, an extended stop arm, and a crossing control arm.

The report said the autonomous vehicle initially stopped beside the bus but then maneuvered around its front, passing the extended stop arm while students were getting off. Regulators said the vehicle was operating with Waymos fifth-generation Automated Driving System and had no human safety driver onboard.

Waymo says it has already made changes

A Waymo spokesperson said the company has already developed and implemented improvements related to stopping for school buses and plans additional software updates in its next release.

Driving safely around children has always been one of Waymos highest priorities, the company said in a statement. In the event referenced, the vehicle approached the school bus from an angle where the flashing lights and stop sign were not visible and drove slowly around the front of the bus before driving past it, keeping a safe distance from children.

Expanding robotaxi operations under scrutiny

Waymo, owned by Alphabet Inc., operates more than 1,500 autonomous vehicles across several U.S. cities including Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Austin. The company also plans to expand internationally, with future launches in Tokyo and London.

NHTSAs latest probe adds to a series of ongoing federal reviews of self-driving technology following incidents involving other autonomous operators. The agency said it will assess the safety performance of Waymos Automated Driving System and determine whether a defect investigation or recall is warranted.

What to do if you see a self-driving vehicle behaving unsafely

1. Note details immediately
Record the date, time, and location of the incident. If possible, note the make or branding (e.g., Waymo, Cruise, Zoox) and any license or vehicle ID number visible.

2. Dont interfere with the vehicle
Avoid standing in front of or trying to stop a moving autonomous vehicle. Maintain a safe distance and observe from the sidewalk or another vehicle.

3. Report it to NHTSA
File a safety complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. Include as much detail as possible about what happened and who may have been at risk.

4. Notify local authorities
If theres an immediate danger such as a self-driving car ignoring traffic signals or endangering pedestrians contact local law enforcement or 911.

5. Keep a record
If you report the incident, save screenshots, photos, or video for documentation. NHTSA may request them during an investigation.

Advocates say consumers would lose control over unwanted calls

Consumer advocates warn FCC proposal would gut key robocall protections
Rule changes would erase company-specific do-not-call lists and opt-out tools
Groups say move would make it harder for consumers and small businesses to stop intrusive calls

A coalition of national consumer organizations is urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to abandon plans that would roll back key safeguards against unwanted robocalls. In a letter to the agency, the groups warned that the proposal would strip consumers and small business owners of two core protections under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).

The FCC is considering repealing rules that require companies to maintain internal do-not-call listsrecords of people who have specifically asked not to be contactedand to provide an automated opt-out option in all prerecorded robocalls. The consumer coalition said both rules are essential for giving individuals a direct way to stop unwanted marketing calls.

Consumers would face 'unstoppable telemarketing robocalls'

Instead of removing effective protection against robocalls, the FCC should address the increasing number of unwanted and illegal robocalls plaguing telephone subscribers, said Patrick Crotty, senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC). Consumers and small business owners should never be subjected to unstoppable telemarketing and other robocalls.

If the company-specific do-not-call requirement is scrapped, consumers who arent on the National Do Not Call Registry would have no recourse to stop telemarketers. Even those who are on the national list would lose the right to block calls from businesses theyve patronized within the past 18 monthsan exemption that advocates say could lead to months of relentless calls.

Simply buying something from a business should not subject consumers to 18 months of unstoppable telemarketing robocalls, the groups wrote.

Opt-out removal seen as a threat to small businesses

Advocates also objected to the FCCs plan to remove the requirement that prerecorded calls include an automated opt-out mechanism. Without that, they said, both consumers and small business owners would find it harder to stop intrusive marketing calls that disrupt daily operations.

Deleting the opt-out rule will make it more difficult for consumers and small businesses to stop calls that disrupt their lives and impact their livelihood, the coalition said.

Groups say FCC proposal undermines congressional mandate

Margot Saunders, another senior attorney at NCLC, said the FCCs proposal falls woefully short of its legal duty to curb unwanted robocalls. The FCC is obligated by Congress, and the American people, to reduce unwanted robocalls and telemarketing, she said. Instead of helping, the FCCs proposal will eradicate the best method for telephone service subscribers to tell robocallers that their calls must stop.

The letter was sent ahead of the FCCs planned October Open Commission meeting, where the proposals are expected to be considered.

What you can do if robocalls wont stop

1. Use the National Do Not Call Registry
Register your number at donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222. Telemarketers must stop calling registered numbers within 31 days, though and political calls are often exempt.

2. Revoke permission directly
If youve done business with a company, you can tell themverbally or in writingto stop calling. Keep a record of the request, including date and time.

3. Use your carriers blocking tools
Most wireless carriers offer free or low-cost services to block suspected spam calls. Check your providers website or app settings under call protection or spam filter.

4. Dont engage with robocallers
Pressing buttons or responding can confirm your number is active and invite more calls. Hang up immediately if a recording answers.

5. Report persistent offenders
File a complaint with the FCC at fcc.gov/complaints or the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

6. Consider a call-blocking app
Third-party apps such as Hiya, RoboKiller, and YouMail can identify and filter suspected robocalls, though results vary.

Affordable toys, trusted brands, and convenient shopping options make holiday gifting easier than ever

• Grab big-brand toys for under $20 and save an extra 25 % when you spend $75+ on toys in one transaction.

• Discover exclusive toy finds, trusted educational brands, gift cards and imaginative playsets all at budget-friendly prices.

• Shop conveniently in store or online (including delivery options) at DollarGeneral and make your holiday shopping easier and more affordable.

This holiday season, Dollar General is turning up the value with its Jolly Good Deals campaign designed to help families celebrate without breaking the bank.

With most toys priced at $20 or less, and an extra 25 % off when you spend $75 or more on toys in a single purchase, its all about stretching your gift budget while still picking up the fun, recognized brands that kids love. Shopping is made easier too, whether you visit a store or shop online for delivery.

At Dollar General, we know how important it is for families to find joy during the holidays, Steve OBrien, vice president, division merchandise manager of toys, stationery, lawn and garden, sundries and hardware, said in a news release.

Our Jolly Good Deals and wide selection of toys from trusted brands to exclusive finds make it easy for customers to check off every wish list while staying within budget. Whether shopping in-store or online, were proud to be a convenient and affordable destination for holiday gifting.

What the Deals Look Like

Heres what youll find when you browse Dollar Generals holiday offerings:

• Toys for less. Look for favorite characters from Disneys Stitch, Bluey, and the Princess lineup, plus Marvels Spidey & Friends, Star Wars figures, and Barbie all offered at wallet-friendly prices.

• Trusted educational brands. Learning toys from Fisher-Price (like Little People, Laugh & Learn, Thomas & Friends), Melissa & Doug (with DG exclusive items like a magnetic fishing set, stacking towers, emergency vehicles) and vtech (LeapFrog electronic-learning toys) are part of the mix.

• Big names, big fun. Youll also spot promotions on brands like Pokmon, Hot Wheels, LEGO, Baby Alive, Play-Doh, and Squishmallows.

• Stocking stuffers and gift cards. Slim down last-minute gifting stress with items like gift cards for Apple, Meta Quest, Pokmon, Fortnite, Nintendo and Xbox perfect for the spontaneous or tough-to-shop-for people on your list.

• Convenient shopping. Whether youre dropping into a store, shopping online at dollargeneral.com, or getting things delivered through DG Delivery, Uber Eats, or DoorDash, Dollar General has made it easy to fit holiday shopping around your schedule.

A new online tool helps users compare real-world costs of brand-name and compounded GLP-1 medications no spreadsheets required

• A new interactive budget tool from Levity helps users see whether GLP-1 medications fit into their real-world finances.

• Personalized results compare out-of-pocket costs for brand-name and compounded GLP-1 options in just minutes.

• Easy, no-spreadsheet experience gives users financial clarity before speaking with a health care provider.

With demand for GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy at an all-time high, one big question remains for many consumers: Can I actually afford it?

To help answer that, medical communications company Levity has launched an interactive budget builder that helps users see how different GLP-1 options might fit their real-world finances.

By entering a few basic details such as income, rent, food, and transportation costs users receive a personalized snapshot of whether brand-name or compounded versions of GLP-1 medications align with their monthly budget.

Dr. Zoe Lees, Medical Writer at Levity, spoke with ConsumerAffairs to share the ins and outs of this new resource.

Taking the guesswork out of GLP-1s

Dr. Lees explained that the GLP-1 Budget Calculator was created to solve a common problem: helping people figure out what they will actually pay for medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro.

With the mix of insurance coverage, deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket costs, most patients struggle to understand the true cost. Levity addressed this gap by creating an easy-to-navigate instrument that can help clarify these costs, providing people with a personalized snapshot of whether GLP-1 medications could actually fit into their lives. The goal was to make starting treatment less scary and easier on the wallet.

How does it work?

Dr. Lees broke down exactly how consumers can get started with the budget calculator.

After entering simple information like age, monthly income, basic living costs, and insurance coverage information, the device works out how much money is left for health spending. This budget is then compared with average list costs for brand-name GLP-1s and less expensive compounded medications, including Compounded Liraglutide with B12.

The results are shown in easy to understand visuals, so users can quickly see what they can afford. They can also click "Learn More" to get more details on costs and treatments that fit their budget, helping them make informed medical choices.

Anyone can use the calculator for free on the Levity site, Dr. Lees said. In just a few minutes, you can enter your information and see an easy snapshot of what you can afford. It's a simple and accessible tool for anyone exploring GLP-1 therapy, whether insured or paying out of pocket.

The calculator is designed to meet a growing need, helping people compare brand-name or compounded treatment options as they consider their choices.

Smart tips to snag deals while prices climb

• New tariffs (25% upholstered; 10% wood) kicked in Oct. 14, nudging up select IKEA prices (e.g., UPPLAND now $899).
• Only ~15% of IKEAs U.S. stock is made here (kitchen cabinets are the exception), so sofas/chairs/wood sets get hit first.
• Quick savings: raid the As-Is section Sun/Mon or weekday mornings; use Click & Collect to skip delivery fees.

IKEA says the era of across-the-board price cuts just hit a speed bump. With new tariffs kicking inabout 25% on upholstered furniture and 10% on wood/timbersome big-ticket price tags are climbing.

The main factor for this jump is because only 15% of what IKEA sells in the U.S. is actually made here. That leaves them exposed. Interestingly, the most notable exception is kitchen cabinets which IKEA sources here in the U.S.

The company says affordability remains the goal, but in the near term, its forced to pass along part of the cost to shoppers while it works to build more U.S. supply.

Executives say theyll keep pushing affordability, but with only ~15% of U.S. inventory made domestically and the 25% upholstered/10% wood tariffs that started Tuesday (Oct. 14)and are set to ratchet higher next yearselect categories (sofas, chairs, wood-heavy sets) will feel it first.

A couple examples include the UPPLAND sofa which jumped to $899 (from $849) and a 3-piece oak bedroom set that recently went to $1,049 (from $959).

IKEAs answer is more U.S. sourcing (cabinets already are) and sharper promotions, while big-box peers like Walmart and Target have also warned of targeted price bumps tied to the same policy backdrop.

5 best ways to beat the price hikes

Raid the As-Is section (timed right). This is where IKEA sells assembled returned items, as well as discontinued models and floor displays. This section serves as a great hedge against tariffs as you can expect to save 30-60% off the original price.

Hit it weekday mornings and late Sunday/Monday after returns and floor swaps. Also, if you notice a box on the floor is scuffed or ripped, dont be afraid to ask if it can be marked down to an As-Is price.

Steer into the less-tariffed stuff. Need a kitchen? Youll want to focus on SEKTION (U.S.-sourced cabinets/parts) as those wont be hit by tariffs. If your budgets tight, scale back on upgrades (where tariffs bite hardest) and instead spend on storage, shelving, and cabinet components.

Buy modular with replaceable covers. Pick sofas and chairs with removable slipcovers so you can refresh the look later for a fraction of a new couch. Third-party cover makers can undercut IKEAs price and stretch the life of the frame.

Work IKEA Family + Last Chance. Join for free, add target items to your app list, and wait for member-only promos to pop on the exact line/color you want. Check the sites Last Chance section where youll find end-of-run colors and sizes at a big discount.

Cut out delivery fees and avoid do-over costs. Use Click & Collect, which is IKEAs version of curbside pickup, and skip delivery fees altogether. Grab free replacement hardware at the returns/hardware desk before buying new. And always measure twice and buy once to avoid return trips altogether.