A letter to tech CEOs was signed by 44 state officials

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• 44 state attorneys general warn major tech companies they will be held accountable if AI harms children.

• The letter cites Metas AI assistants that engaged in sexualized roleplay with minors as an alarming example.

• Officials say companies must err on the side of child safety or face legal consequences.

A coalition of 44 state attorneys general has issued a stern warning to major technology companies, pledging to use their full authority to hold them accountable if artificial intelligence products endanger children.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to CEOs of leading AI and social media firms, the state officials expressed concern over recent revelations that Meta Platforms AI assistants were approved to flirt and roleplay romantically with children as young as eight. Internal documents revealed the company allowed bots to engage in behavior that the officials argue would be criminal if committed by a human.

We are uniformly revolted by this apparent disregard for childrens emotional well-being, the letter stated, adding that such conduct appears to be prohibited by our respective criminal laws.

A pattern of risk?

The officials stressed that Meta is not alone. They pointed to lawsuits alleging Googles AI chatbot contributed to a teenagers suicide, and another case where a Character.ai bot encouraged a child to kill his parents. These incidents, they warned, highlight a broader failure by tech companies to implement basic safeguards.

Interactive technology has a particularly intense impact on developing brains, the letter noted. As the entities benefitting from childrens engagement with your products, you have a legal obligation to them as consumers.

Drawing a direct parallel to the rise of social media, the attorneys general argued that history cannot be allowed to repeat itself. They accused tech companies of prioritizing growth over safety, leaving broken lives and broken families in their wake. This time, they vowed, regulators will act more quickly.

Social media platforms caused significant harm to children, in part because government watchdogs did not do their job fast enough. Lesson learned, the letter reads.

The letter was a bipartisan effort, signed by attorneys general from across the political spectrum, including Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, North Carolinas Jeff Jackson, South Carolinas Alan Wilson, Tennessees Jonathan Skrmetti, Alaskas Treg R. Taylor, and American Samoas Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde, among others.

The service is rolling out in 18 states with more expected to be added over time

By Truman Lewis of ConsumerAffairs

The vegetable-rich diet countered genetic risks in a study

By Truman Lewis of ConsumerAffairs

• Genes and diet interact: People with two copies of the APOE4 gene, the strongest genetic driver of Alzheimers, show unique biological changes tied to dementia risk.

• Metabolic fingerprints identified: Researchers found 57 metabolites in the blood linked to Alzheimers risk in ways that vary by genetics.

• Mediterranean diet protective: A diet rich in vegetables, fish, nuts, and olive oil countered risk in people at highest genetic vulnerability.

A major new study suggests that what we eat could help offset even the strongest genetic risk for Alzheimers disease.

Published in Nature Medicine, the research shows that people who inherit two copies of the APOE4 gene long recognized as a powerful driver of Alzheimers have distinct metabolic signatures that raise their risk. But following a Mediterranean diet appears to protect them by shifting the bodys balance of fats and other compounds that influence dementia development.

Tracking diet, genes, and brain health

The findings come from more than 5,700 participants in two large, decades-long health studies: the Nurses Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. Scientists analyzed genetic data, blood samples, and dietary records to map how biological pathways interact with dementia risk.

They identified 57 metabolites small molecules formed as the body processes food and energy that were linked to Alzheimers in ways that varied by genetic background. For example, certain fats known as cholesteryl esters and sphingomyelins were strongly tied to higher risk in people with two APOE4 copies, while other compounds such as glycerides seemed protective in that same group.

Diets role in protecting the brain

Researchers highlighted the Mediterranean diet as especially effective in countering these risks. Rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and olive oil, the diet reduced harmful metabolites and boosted protective ones. Nearly 40% of its benefit for high-risk individuals could be traced to these metabolic effects, the authors wrote.

Targeted dietary strategies may help offset even the strongest genetic risks for Alzheimers disease, the study concluded.

Broader health benefits

Health experts note that the Mediterranean diet has been linked to improved longevity and reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers. Its emphasis on fiber, slow-digesting carbohydrates, and healthy fats such as olive oil and fatty fish also supports overall metabolic health.

Economists say the impact of tariffs may soon show up in consumer prices

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Regularly review monthly spending to identify areas to cut back, such as unused subscriptions and discretionary purchases, helping offset rising costs from inflation and tariffs.

• Opt for generic brands, utilize sales and cashback apps, consider bulk buying essentials, and prioritize domestic products over tariff-heavy imports to save money.

• Keep savings in competitive interest accounts, diversify investments, and maintain an emergency fund to better withstand ongoing price increases and economic uncertainty.

Consumers are increasingly worried about the rising cost of living, reflected in the consumer sentiment surveys taken over the summer. A major sentiment tracker from the University of Michigan recorded a three-point drop in its index from July to August.

While the July Consumer Price Index showed inflation remained stable, prices have risen a lot over the last four years and some economists say the effects of tariffs are just now being reflected in price tags.

ConsumerAffairs turned to several personal finance experts for advice on keeping spending in check and here is the consensus:

• Track spending: Review monthly expenses to spot areas where costs can be trimmedsuch as unused subscriptions, dining out, and unnecessary memberships.

• Prioritize needs vs. wants: Focus on essentials and cut back on discretionary purchases, especially as inflation makes nonessentials more expensive.

• Shop smart: Switch to generic brands, shop sales, and use price comparison and cashback apps for groceries and essentials.

• Stock up early: Consider bulk-buying non-perishables and household items before prices rise; joining warehouse clubs can reduce per-unit costs on frequently purchased goods.

• Avoid tariff-heavy products: Minimize spending on categories most affected by tariffs, like imported electronics, toys, and some apparel; seek domestic alternatives if possible.

• Lock in rates: Negotiate longer leases on rentals or refinance loans to benefit from lower interest rates, safeguarding against future increases.

• Pay down high-interest debt: Focus on reducing credit card and variable-rate loan balances, as rate hikes quickly make these debts more costly.

Investment and financial well-being

Beyond smart shopping, financial advisors say it is important to keep you money working. If its in the bank, shop around for a competitive interest rates.

• Earn interest: Keep savings in accounts or certificates that yield dividends or interest to help money keep pace with inflation.

• Diversify investments: Maintain a balanced investment portfolio (stocks, bonds, index funds) and consider inflation-protected options like I Bonds.

• Build an emergency fund: Safeguard finances against unexpected costs by saving three to six months' worth of living expenses in a dedicated fund.

Experts say that implementing some of these strategies can help consumers cope with inflation and tariffs, keeping more money in their pockets while maintaining financial security.