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Consumer Daily Reports

Furniture, toys, and board games are included in this week's list

By News Desk of ConsumerAffairs
February 13, 2026

SOOWERY dressers recalled for tip-over hazard

SOOWERY is recalling a small number of 6-drawer dressers sold on Amazon because they can tip over if not anchored, creating a dangerous entrapment risk for children.

  • Specific hazard: Unstable dresser can tip over and trap a child, risking serious injury or death.

  • Scope/stats: About 166 units sold on Amazon.com from December 2025 through January 2026 for about $130.
  • Immediate action: Stop using the dresser if it is not anchored and contact the firm to request a refund.

Product

Shenzhen Zhongyuantong Technology Co., Ltd., doing business as SOOWERY, is recalling SOOWERY 6-Drawer Dressers sold in black with a metal frame, wooden top and six collapsible fabric drawers. The company says the dresser can be unstable if it is not anchored to the wall, creating a tip-over and entrapment hazard that can be deadly to children. The product also violates the mandatory clothing storage standard required by the STURDY Act.

The hazard

The dresser can tip if it is not secured, potentially falling onto a child and trapping them underneath. CPSC said the product violates the mandatory standard for clothing storage units, a safety benchmark designed to reduce tip-over injuries and deaths. No incidents or injuries were reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the dresser if it is not properly anchored and contact SOOWERY for instructions to receive a refund. Keep children away from any unanchored clothing storage unit until it is secured.

Company contact

Email SOOWERY at SOOWERYrecall@outlook.com.

Source


Beloems bed rails recalled for entrapment risk

Beloems is recalling its adult portable bed rails after regulators said users can become trapped and face a risk of asphyxiation.

  • Specific hazard: Entrapment within the rail or between rail and mattress can lead to asphyxiation; also fall and laceration hazards.
  • Scope/stats: About 800 units sold on Amazon.com from June 2025 through October 2025 for about $90.
  • Immediate action: Stop using the bed rail immediately and contact Beloems for a full refund.

Product

Leioujiapin Technology Co., Ltd., doing business as Beloems, is recalling Beloems-branded adult portable bed rails, model BL-BR201. The foldable rails have white metal tubing, foam handle grips (black or grey), support legs and a fabric pouch, with the Beloems logo printed on the fabric cover. CPSC said the product violates the federal mandatory standard for adult portable bed rails.

The hazard

CPSC said users can become entrapped within the bed rail or between the bed rail and the side of the mattress, posing a serious entrapment hazard and risk of death by asphyxiation. The rails also do not meet structural stability or retention strap requirements, which can lead to falls, and the push pins and pin holes are incorrectly sized, posing a laceration hazard. No incidents or injuries were reported.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bed rails and contact Beloems for a full refund. To obtain the refund, consumers should destroy the bed rails by cutting the handrails foam padding and writing RECALLED on the upper and lower rails with permanent marker, then take a photo of the destroyed rails and email it as directed by the company.

Company contact

Contact Beloems by email at leioujiapin@163.com.

Source


Fortemotus Direct bed rails recalled for asphyxiation

Fortemotus Direct is recalling adult portable bed rails sold on Amazon because users can become entrapped and face a risk of asphyxiation.

  • Specific hazard: Entrapment between the rail and mattress can cause asphyxiation; fall and laceration hazards also cited.
  • Scope/stats: About 550 units sold on Amazon.com from August 2025 through October 2025 for about $100.
  • Immediate action: Stop using the bed rail immediately and contact the seller for a full refund.

Product

Guangzhou Kezhinuo Maoyi Youxian Gongsi, doing business as Fortemotus Direct US, is recalling Fortemotus-branded adult portable bed rails, model USFTMTJAS008. The black rails have foam handle grips, support legs and a fabric pouch, measure about 30 inches wide by 30 inches high, and have the Foremotus logo printed on the fabric cover. CPSC said the rails violate the mandatory standard for adult portable bed rails.

The hazard

CPSC said users can become entrapped within the bed rail or between the bed rail and the side of the mattress, posing a serious entrapment hazard and risk of death by asphyxiation. The rails also fail structural stability or retention strap requirements, posing a fall hazard, and the push pins and pin holes are incorrectly sized, posing a laceration hazard. No incidents or injuries were reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled bed rails immediately and contact Fortemotus Direct US for a full refund. The company instructs consumers to destroy the bed rails by cutting the handrails foam padding, take a photo of the destroyed rails and email the photo to the address provided to receive the refund.

Company contact

Contact Fortemotus Direct US by email at fortemotusofficial@outlook.com.

Source


Magnetic board games recalled over ingestion danger

A Colombia-themed board game set is being recalled because loose, high-powered magnets can be swallowed and cause life-threatening internal injuries.

  • Specific hazard: Loose high-powered magnets can be ingested and cause intestinal perforation, twisting or blockage.
  • Scope/stats: About 1,200 games sold at Centro Envos Aventura in Miami and online on Amazon.com from April 2023 through June 2025.
  • Immediate action: Keep the game away from children and arrange a return for a full refund.

Product

Surveying Accessories Cheaper is recalling Colombia-themed magnetic board games after CPSC said the magnetic pieces can contain loose, high-powered magnets. The recalled sets include a two-sided board, a storage bag, 32 multi-colored magnetic pieces and two dice with a storage pouch; Colombia que linda eres is printed on the board and Cositas Colombianas is printed on the storage box. Only the four- and six-player versions are included in the recall.

The hazard

CPSC said the products violate the mandatory standard for toys because the game pieces can contain loose, high-powered magnets. If swallowed, magnets can attract one another (or other metal objects) inside the body and become lodged in the digestive system, potentially causing perforations, intestinal twisting, blockage, blood poisoning and death. No incidents or injuries were reported.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled magnetic board games and keep them away from children. Contact Surveying Accessories Cheaper to obtain a pre-paid shipping label and return the game for a full refund issued to the original payment method or by check.

Company contact

Call Surveying Accessories Cheaper collect at 305-336-6042 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or email zlipgo.sales@gmail.com.

Source


LShome smoke alarms recalled for failure to alert

LShome photoelectric smoke detector alarms sold on Amazon are being recalled because the alarm may not sound quickly enough in a fire.

  • Specific hazard: Alarm may not warn in time during a fire if the sensing threshold is set too high.
  • Scope/stats: About 11,000 3-packs sold on Amazon.com from February 2024 through December 2025 for about $30.
  • Immediate action: Stop using the alarms and request a refund through the seller.

Product

TIANJINSHIHAOWEIXINSHENGJIDIANANZHUANGGONGCHENG is recalling LShome 3-pack photoelectric smoke detector fire alarms sold exclusively on Amazon.com. The 9V battery-operated alarms are white and circular with a test button; model XG-7D04-KZ9Z and SKU CX-50YP-A5VN are printed on the bottom. The recall was issued because the device may not sound in a timely manner during a fire.

The hazard

If the sensing threshold is set too high, the alarm might not sound quickly enough to warn occupants, increasing the risk of serious injury or death in a fire. No incidents or injuries were reported.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled smoke alarms and contact the seller for instructions on receiving a full refund through Amazon.com. The firm says the alarms can be discarded in household trash; consumers should ensure they have working smoke alarms in their home as soon as possible.

Company contact

Email lmm15957491237@163.com.

Source


CheerKid bath seats recalled after tipping risk

CheerKid baby bath seats sold on Amazon are being recalled because they can tip over, posing a drowning risk for infants.

  • Specific hazard: Unstable infant bath seat can tip during use, creating a drowning hazard.
  • Scope/stats: About 590 units sold on Amazon.com in September 2025 for about $35.
  • Immediate action: Stop using the bath seat and follow the firms destruction steps to obtain a refund.

Product

Hangzhouyoupengmaoyiyouxiangongsi (Hangzhou Youpeng Trading Co., Ltd.), doing business as Babibaby, and Woot of Carrollton, Texas, are recalling CheerKid-branded baby bath seats sold in gray, pink and light blue. The bath seats have five suction cups on the bottom and a multi-colored rolling abacus toy at the front, with Model: BH-222 on a label on the back. CPSC said the bath seats violate the mandatory federal standard for infant bath seats because they are unstable.

The hazard

The bath seats can tip over while in use, which can submerge an infant and lead to drowning. CPSC said the design violates the mandatory standard for infant bath seats intended to reduce instability risks. No incidents or injuries were reported.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bath seats and contact Babibaby for a full refund. The firm instructs consumers to write Recalled on the front in permanent marker, disassemble the bath seat by removing the back rest and arm restraints, discard the screws, cut the five suction cups on the bottom, and send a photo of the disassembled and marked product to the company to receive the refund.

Company contact

Email Babibaby at CheerKid-Recall@outlook.com.

Source


Hot Spring spa jets recalled for entanglement

Watkins Manufacturing is recalling certain hydromassage rotary jets in Highlife Collection spas because the jets can create suction that entangles hair and can lead to drowning.

  • Specific hazard: Suction from rotary jets can entangle hair and pull a users head underwater.
  • Scope/stats: About 32,900 units in the U.S. (plus about 853 sold in Canada) across model years 2023-2025 Highlife Collection spas and replacement parts.
  • Immediate action: Stop using the recalled jets and follow the companys instructions to turn them off and install free inserts.

Product

Watkins Manufacturing Corporation is recalling hydromassage rotary jets (6 fin) used in Highlife Collection spas and also sold as replacement parts. The affected spas include eight modelsGrandee, Envoy, Vanguard, Aria, Prodigy, Sovereign, Jetsetter and Jetsetter LXfrom model years 2023, 2024 and 2025. The firm said the jets can create a suction force that can entangle a users hair and pose drowning hazards.

The hazard

The hydromassage rotary jets can create suction that allows hair to become entangled, potentially submerging a users head underwater and creating an entanglement and drowning risk. The company reported one incident involving hair entanglement, and no injuries were reported.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled jets and visit the companys recall website to determine whether their spa includes the affected parts. If the spa has the recalled jets, consumers should contact the company to obtain instructions and a video showing how to turn the jets off and how to install free replacement jet inserts.

Company contact

Contact Watkins Wellness toll-free at 888-450-5748 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email jetrecall@watkinsmfg.com, or visit http://www.hotspring.com/recalls (or http://www.hotspring.com and click Recalls at the bottom of the page).

Source


Aroeve air purifiers recalled after overheating reports

Airova is recalling Aroeve air purifiers because the units can overheat and ignite, creating fire and burn hazards.

  • Specific hazard: Air purifier can overheat and ignite, posing fire and burn hazards.
  • Scope/stats: About 191,390 units sold on Amazon.com, Shopify.com, TEMU.com and TikTok.com from September 2024 through June 2025.
  • Immediate action: Stop using the purifier and request a free replacement from Airova.

Product

Airova, Inc. is recalling Aroeve brand air purifiers, model MK04, sold in black or white. The recalled units were manufactured prior to July 2025 and have a serial number starting with BN, with model, date code and serial information on a label on the bottom. The company said the units can overheat and ignite.

The hazard

The air purifiers can overheat and ignite, creating a fire and burn hazard. Airova reported 37 overheating incidents, including one report of fire, and said no injuries or property damage were reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled air purifiers immediately and contact Airova to obtain a free replacement air purifier. Do not attempt to repair the unit yourself.

Company contact

Email Airova at Aroeve-airpure-recall@outlook.com, or visit https://aroeve.com/pages/product-recall-information (or https://aroeve.com/ and click Product Recalls at the top of the page).

Source


Shein toddler toy set flagged for choking

CPSC is warning consumers to stop using a 5-in-1 toddler musical instrument set sold online because small parts can create a deadly choking hazard for young children.

  • Specific hazard: Small parts and spherical-ended drumsticks can obstruct a childs airway; a long cord also poses a safety risk.
  • Scope/stats: About 380 units sold online at Shein.com from August 2025 through December 2025 for about $10 to $20.
  • Immediate action: Stop using the toys immediately and dispose of them; do not resell or donate.

Product

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning urging consumers to immediately stop using 5-IN-1 Toddler Musical Instruments sold online. The set includes items such as bell sticks, a xylophone, maracas and castanets, along with toys like stacking rings with a ball, a shape sorter, a clock puzzle and a fidget snake. CPSC said the product is intended for children under 3 and violates federal safety requirements.

The hazard

CPSC said the products violate the small parts and small ball bans, posing a deadly choking hazard. Regulators also said the drumsticks that come with the xylophone have spherical ends that can pose a choking hazard, and the cord included with the toy clock exceeds 12 inches in length, which violates safety requirements. CPSC urged consumers to report incidents through SaferProducts.gov.

What to do

CPSC urges consumers to stop using the toys immediately and dispose of them so children cannot access the parts. Do not sell or give away the toys. Consumers should report any incidents involving injury or product defect to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.

Company contact

There is no company remedy listed in the CPSC warning; consumers can report incidents to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.

Source


PandaEar hook-on chairs warned for fall risk

CPSC is warning families to stop using PandaEar portable hook-on chairs because a removable crotch restraint can allow a child to fall.

  • Specific hazard: Crotch restraint can be removed, increasing the risk of a child falling and suffering serious injury or death.
  • Scope/stats: About 8,950 units sold online at Amazon.com from February 2022 through November 2025 for about $25.
  • Immediate action: Stop using the chair immediately and dispose of it; do not resell or donate.

Product

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning urging consumers to stop using PandaEar childrens portable hook-on chairs. The chairs have a black or gray metal frame covered with black or gray polyester and cotton material, with two metal arms that anchor to a dining table so a child is suspended from the table. CPSC said the products violate the mandatory standard for portable hook-on chairs.

The hazard

CPSC said the crotch restraint can be removed, which can cause a child to slip or fall from the chair, posing a risk of serious injury or death. The products were sold online at Amazon.com and also on pandaear.com and through third-party sellers, according to the agency.

What to do

CPSC urges consumers to stop using the portable hook-on chairs immediately and dispose of them. Do not sell or give away the chairs. Consumers should report any incidents involving injury or product defect to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.

Company contact

There is no company remedy listed in the CPSC warning; consumers can report incidents to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.

Source


Muduo crib bumpers warned after federal ban

CPSC is warning caregivers to stop using Muduo crib bumper sets sold online because the padded bumpers violate the federal crib bumper ban and can cause suffocation.

  • Specific hazard: Padded crib bumpers can obstruct an infants breathing, posing a suffocation risk.
  • Scope/stats: Sold online at DHGate.com by the seller lilytoy1988.
  • Immediate action: Stop using the crib bumpers immediately and dispose of them; do not resell or donate.

Product

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning urging consumers to immediately stop using Muduo Crib Bumper Sets sold online. The agency said the padded crib bumpers included in the bedding sets violate the federal ban on crib bumpers. CPSC said the bumpers can obstruct an infants breathing.

The hazard

CPSC said the padded crib bumpers can obstruct an infants breathing, posing a risk of serious injury or death due to suffocation. The agency noted that the product violates the federal crib bumper ban.

What to do

CPSC urges consumers to stop using the crib bumpers immediately and dispose of them so they cannot be used again. Do not sell or give away the crib bumpers.

Company contact

No company contact information was provided in the CPSC warning.

Source


BJs salmon recalled for possible Listeria

Slade Gorton & Co. is recalling one lot of Wellsley Farms farm-raised Atlantic salmon sold at BJs Wholesale Club because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

  • Specific hazard: Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination can cause severe illness, especially for pregnant people and other vulnerable groups.
  • Scope/stats: One lot (Lot 3896) with UPC 888670025963 sold in BJs stores across seven states.
  • Immediate action: Do not consume the product and contact the company for refund instructions.

Product

Slade Gorton & Co., Inc. announced a recall of one lot of Wellsley Farms Farm-Raised Atlantic Salmon sold at BJs Wholesale Club because the product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The affected product is identified as Lot 3896 with UPC code 888670025963. Distribution was listed for BJs stores in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virgina.

The hazard

Listeria infection can cause short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, according to the FDA posting. The agency said Listeria infection can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Consumers should take extra precautions if they are pregnant, elderly, or have weakened immune systems.

What to do

Consumers should not eat the recalled salmon. Call the company for instructions on how to obtain a full refund and what to do with any remaining product.

Company contact

Consumers can call (888) 628-0730 at any time. Media can call (781) 366-9251 or email Annie.tselikis@sladegorton.com.

Source


Junebar recalls bars for undeclared allergens

Junebar issued an allergy alert for Chocolate Cherry and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Junebars due to undeclared milk and soy.

  • Specific hazard: Undeclared milk and soy can trigger serious or life-threatening allergic reactions.
  • Scope/stats: Lots L1300, L1300A, L1300B, or L1301A distributed in New York State in January 2026.
  • Immediate action: People with milk or soy allergies should not eat the bars and should return them for a refund.

Product

Junebar issued an allergy alert for Chocolate Cherry and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Junebars because the products may contain undeclared milk and soy. The affected products were distributed in New York State in January 2026 through grocery retailers or direct deliveries from website orders. People with allergies or severe sensitivities to these ingredients are most at risk.

The hazard

The FDA notice warns that consumers with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk or soy risk a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the recalled products. Undeclared allergens are a leading cause of emergency reactions and can be especially dangerous for people with a history of anaphylaxis.

What to do

Consumers who have purchased the recalled Chocolate Cherry or Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Junebars should not consume them if they have a milk or soy allergy or sensitivity. The company urges consumers to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Company contact

Call 315-226-3339 or email contact@junebars.com.

Source


TRUE METRIX glucose systems get urgent label update

Trividia Health is issuing a labeling correction for TRUE METRIX blood glucose monitoring systems to stress that users with an E-5 error and symptoms of high glucose should seek immediate medical care.

  • Specific hazard: Inadequate instructions could delay treatment during dangerously high blood glucose, risking severe harm or death.
  • Scope/stats: All TRUE METRIX, TRUE METRIX AIR, TRUE METRIX GO, and TRUE METRIX PRO systems distributed in multiple countries.
  • Immediate action: Follow the updated instructions and seek medical attention immediately if E-5 occurs with high-glucose symptoms.

Product

Trividia Health, Inc. is initiating a labeling correction for all TRUE METRIX Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems, including TRUE METRIX, TRUE METRIX AIR, TRUE METRIX GO, and TRUE METRIX PRO. The FDA notice states that the Owners Booklets/System Instructions for Use do not sufficiently emphasize that users must seek medical attention immediately if they receive an E-5 error code and have symptoms of high glucose. The company said products are not being returned or replaced.

The hazard

Trividia said the lack of emphasis in the instructions could potentially lead to a delay in treatment if a user receives an E-5 error code and is experiencing symptoms of high glucose. The FDA notice warns that delayed treatment may result in serious adverse health consequences or death.

What to do

Consumers should not return the product, as this is a labeling correction rather than a removal from the market. Watch for and follow the companys Product Notice with updated instructions, and seek medical attention immediately if an E-5 error occurs and you have symptoms of high glucose.

Company contact

Contact Trividia Health Customer Care at 1-888-835-2723 or trividia0126CC@trividiahealth.com.

Source


Ground beef recalled over E. coli O145 risk

CS Beef Packers is recalling raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O145, with distribution to foodservice locations in three states.

  • Specific hazard: Possible contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O145 can cause severe illness and, rarely, kidney failure.
  • Scope/stats: FSIS recall 003-2026 for products with case codes 18601, 19583, 19563 and establishment number EST. 630 distributed in CA, ID and OR.
  • Immediate action: Foodservice operators should not serve the products and should throw them away or return them.

CS Beef Packers, LLC is recalling raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O145, according to the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service. The affected items include product associated with case codes 18601, 19583 and 19563 and establishment number EST. 630, with distribution listed for California, Idaho and Oregon. FSIS said the products went to foodservice locations.

The hazard

E. coli O145 is a serovar of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), FSIS said. Most people infected develop diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting, and some cases can be more severe; hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, is uncommon but can occur. Anyone who becomes ill after consuming ground beef should seek medical care, especially if symptoms are severe or persistent.

What to do

Foodservice locations should not serve the recalled ground beef products. FSIS said the products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase to prevent consumers from being exposed.

Company contact

Contact Roger Cooper, Operations Manager of CS Beef Packers, LLC, at 208-810-7510 ext 7531 or roger.cooper@csbeef.com.

Source





Posted: 2026-02-13 16:23:51

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The decision gives doctors another way to check for Alzheimers-related changes

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs
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  • Roches new blood test can help doctors assess whether amyloid pathology linked to Alzheimers disease is likely present.

  • The test is intended for people 55 and older who have signs, symptoms, or concerns about cognitive decline.

  • Because it can be used in both primary and specialty care, the test could make the evaluation process more accessible for some patients.


Getting answers about changes in memory or thinking can involve a number of steps, particularly when doctors are trying to determine whether Alzheimers disease may be involved.

Now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared a new blood test from Roche that could give doctors another tool for that process.

The Elecsys pTau217 blood test is designed to help assess amyloid pathology associated with Alzheimers disease. Roche says it is the first and only FDA-cleared single-biomarker blood test that can support both ruling in and ruling out amyloid pathology in primary and specialty care settings.

"FDA clearance of Elecsys pTau217 marks an important milestone in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and underscores Roche's continued leadership in advancing innovative solutions that can help patients get answers sooner," Dan Malarek, President and CEO of Roche Diagnostics North America, said in a news release.

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Those results aren't meant to stand alone. Doctors are expected to consider them alongside a patient's clinical information and other relevant findings when determining the next steps in an Alzheimer's evaluation.

The test is intended for people aged 55 and older who have signs, symptoms, or complaints of cognitive decline. It can be run using Roche's existing cobas laboratory instruments, with more than 4,500 of those instruments already in use across the U.S., according to the company.

What this means for consumers

For patients experiencing cognitive changes, one potential advantage is that the test offers a minimally invasive option that can be incorporated into existing medical and laboratory workflows.

Roche notes that traditional methods of assessing amyloid pathology, including PET imaging and cerebrospinal fluid testing, can be costly, invasive, and difficult to access outside specialty centers. The new blood test may help doctors determine which patients should receive additional testing or be considered for a specialist referral.

That doesn't mean a blood test will replace every other part of an Alzheimer's evaluation. Instead, it gives doctors another way to gather information and potentially helps some patients move through the diagnostic process with fewer barriers.

"For decades, clinicians have faced significant challenges in accurately diagnosing Alzheimer's disease in its early stages," Jared R. Brosch, M.D., Neurologist, Indiana University Health, said in the release.

"Advances in blood-based biomarkers have the potential to transform the diagnostic pathway by expanding access to evaluation for Alzheimer's across a variety of care settings. As these tools become available, clinicians may be able to evaluate more patients earlier in the disease course, improving diagnostic confidence and helping patients and their families make more informed decisions at a critical time."

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The retailer is ending one of the longest-running checkout annoyances for mobile-wallet users

By Kyle James of ConsumerAffairs
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  • Walmart and Sams Club are finally adding tap-to-pay, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and contactless cards.

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If you've ever walked into Walmart with your phone but without your wallet, you probably discovered an oddity: One of the biggest retailers in America still didn't accept Apple Pay or Google Pay.

That's finally changing.

Walmart recently announced that it's bringing tap-to-pay to Walmart and Sam's Club stores in the U.S., meaning shoppers will be able to pay with a contactless card, smartphone, or smartwatch. That includes popular digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

But don't leave your physical wallet at home quite yet.

The rollout starts August 24 but not everywhere

Walmart says tap-to-pay will begin appearing at select Walmart and Sam's Club locations on Monday, August 24th.

The company plans to have the technology available at all U.S. Walmart stores and Sam's Club locations by the end of 2026. Walmart and Sam's Club fuel stations will take a little longer, with the company targeting mid-2027 for that rollout.

Walmart hasn't stated yet which stores will be among the first to get the upgrade.

So, if you walk into Walmart this week with your iPhone, and you dont see the tap to pay icon, just ask the cashier if they know when the store is going to get upgraded.

Theres a good chance management has given them a rough idea of when the upgrade might happen.

Why did this take so long?

That's what makes the announcement interesting.

Walmart has been one of the most conspicuous holdouts in the move toward NFC contactless payments.

Walmart instead pushed shoppers to use Walmart Pay, which is their own QR code-based system. It forced shoppers to open the Walmart app and scan a QR code instead of just tapping their phone on the payment terminal.

But its safe to say that Walmart's resistance goes back even further. The retailer was part of a group of merchants that backed CurrentC, which was an attempted mobile-payment alternative to services such as Apple Pay. CurrentC ultimately went nowhere, while Apple Pay and other tap-to-pay options became the norm.

Rest assured, Walmart Pay isn't disappearing. The retailer says customers will still be able to pay with cash, credit cards, and Walmart Pay, while Sam's Club members can continue using Scan & Go.

In other words, Walmart isn't replacing its payment system. It's finally giving shoppers another choice.

What you'll be able to tap

Once your store is upgraded, you won't necessarily need Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Walmart says its terminals will accept eligible contactless credit or debit cards, phones, and smartwatches. Customers will also be able to put eligible Walmart, Sam's Club, and OnePay cards into their digital wallets and use them contactlessly.

That means the little contactless symbol on your physical credit card should become useful at Walmart, too.

One reason you may want to use Apple Pay anyway

Convenience isn't the only advantage.

Digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay can add another layer between the merchant and your actual payment-card information.

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Before you try it

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  • Where you live can make a big difference: The amount needed for a 5% down payment ranges from about $10,400 in Iowa to roughly $42,000 in Hawaii.

  • Higher incomes don't always mean easier homebuying: High housing costs, taxes and limited inventory can offset the benefits of earning more.

  • You may not need 20% down: First-time homebuyer programs and private mortgage insurance can help make homeownership more attainable with a smaller down payment.


Saving for a home can feel like a moving target, especially when housing costs, taxes and everyday expenses are all competing for a spot in your budget. And where you live may make a bigger difference than you realize.

A new study from BadCredit.org ranks all 50 states and Washington, D.C., based on how easily residents can save for a down payment, taking factors such as income, housing costs, taxes and the job market into account.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Erica Sandberg, a consumer finance expert at BadCredit.org, who explained what these rankings can tell prospective homebuyers and why a higher income doesn't necessarily make it easier to save for a down payment.

The biggest findings

The study found that the states where residents have the easiest time saving for a down payment tend to strike a balance between higher incomes and more manageable housing costs. Maryland ranked No. 1 overall, followed by South Dakota, Virginia, New Hampshire and Iowa.

The gap becomes especially clear when looking at the amount needed for a 5% down payment. In Iowa, where the median home value is $208,000, that would come to about $10,400. In Hawaii, where the median home value is $839,100, the same 5% down payment would be roughly $42,000 a difference of more than $30,000. The study also found that the home price-to-income ratio ranges from 2.77 in Iowa to 8.36 in Hawaii.

At the other end of the rankings, New York, California, and Hawaii were among the least affordable states for aspiring homeowners. While residents in these states can earn relatively high incomes, those earnings can be eaten up by high home prices, taxes, and overall living costs, making it harder to put money aside for a down payment.

What contributes to higher costs?

Sandberg explained that there are several factors that come into play when it comes to affording a down payment.

That Maryland garnered the top spot in our study shows the importance of economic balance, she said. The concept of home purchase affordability goes beyond price. The cost needs to fit neatly with income, which is where this state comes out ahead.

When average residents earn salaries that make it easy to save for a down payment and then meet the monthly mortgage payment, theyre in a great position to purchase.

However, on the opposite end of the spectrum, in states like New York, California, and Hawaii, housing inventory plays a big role.

Intense demand pushes prices upward, Sandberg said.

State specific tax and policy issues can magnify the problem. For example, there is a battle over Proposition 13 in California, which discourages people from selling their property because it resets the assessed value to the most current purchase price. Whether this is positive or negative is up for debate, but it almost certainly affected inventory.

Is homeownership attainable?

For consumers living in states with high price-to-income ratios, homeownership may not feel attainable. Sandberg offered her best advice for consumers in these states.

Not everybody blooms where planted, she said. For some, their community is extremely important, so they are willing to stick it out despite the extreme expense. In that case, recognize the trade-offs. Instead of a spacious home with a big yard in South Dakota, you may be happier in a small condo in Maui for now.

Sandberg also recommends that consumers start planning today, and pursue federal and local assistance programs that can help you purchase.

Every state in the U.S. has a first time homebuyer program that allows you to buy without a big down payment, she said. If your income fits the threshold, you may have the opportunity to buy a home for below market rate. Even if you don't qualify for such programs, you can still purchase a home without having to put 20% down by getting private mortgage insurance to make up the difference.

More advice: Build and maintain your credit rating.

The higher your credit scores are, the less expensive your home loan will be, Sandberg said. Commit now to making all of your payments on time, and pay off your credit card balances in full every month. Not only will this strategy improve your credit, youll avoid paying interest, leaving you more money to save for the down payment.

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Consumer News: Supporting family could be putting Americans’ retirement at risk
Mon, 24 Aug 2026 19:07:13 +0000

Helping family members make ends meet can come at a cost to Americans own savings and retirement plans

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs
August 24, 2026
  • 80% of Americans provided financial support to a loved one in the past year, with groceries, housing, and utilities among the most common expenses.

  • Nearly 1 in 4 Americans have reduced or stopped retirement contributions because of family financial responsibilities.

  • Experts say helping loved ones is sometimes necessary, but consumers should avoid putting their own long-term financial security at risk whenever possible.


Supporting a loved one financially can be an important way to help family members through a tough time. But for many Americans, that support is becoming a regular part of the household budget and it may be forcing them to put their own financial goals on the back burner.

A new study from My Guide to Retirement found that 80% of Americans provided financial support to a loved one over the past year, with groceries, housing, and utilities among the most common expenses.

For those helping both children and parents, the financial strain can be even greater. Nearly one in four Americans say theyve reduced or stopped contributing to retirement because of family responsibilities, while others have dipped into emergency savings or taken on debt to keep up with expenses.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Ashley Korpi, Executive Director at My Guide to Retirement, to learn more about the long-term impacts this can have on consumers finances.

The sandwich generation is taking a financial hit

The sandwich generation refers to those who are simultaneously caring for young children and aging relatives. Korpi explained that this group is most impacted financially when caring for extended family members as well as their own families.

One of the biggest obstacles for the sandwich generation is that helping your family can quickly spiral from a temporary expense into an ongoing one, she said.

If cutting back your retirement contributions becomes routine, and those folks depend on it for groceries, housing, or healthcare, youre not only losing the money you saved, but also the time and potential growth of those savings.

Your own savings matter, too

In the name of supporting family, 25% of respondents have skipped contributing to their own savings or retirement accounts. However, Korpi encourages consumers to prioritize their own savings both short- and long-term.

Theres certainly situations where helping a loved one has to take priority at the moment, Korpi said. Maybe theyre dealing with a health emergency, or at risk of losing their housing, like in that sort of situation, most people are going to want to step in and help if they have the means.

The problem is when that behavior is normalized, and you frequently sideline your own financial security to help someone else. Whenever possible, its best to try and keep your emergency savings intact, and contribute enough to your 401(k) so that you can take advantage of employer matching if thats on the table.

Her best piece of advice: Aim for is family support that can be pulled from money youre okay with disappearing, not the money you need for your own financial security.

Think about your retirement

Some of Korpis biggest advice is about saving for retirement, as these decisions can affect more than just your own finances.

For a lot of people, theres a good chance youll end up responsible for helping aging parents, adult children, or other relatives at some point, she said.

If you think thats in the cards for you in the future, its worth having those talks before theres an emergency and decisions have to be made at that moment. Even having a basic idea of what youre able to provide and help with will make those situations easier to handle.

Another tip: Have a portion of retirement income that's guaranteed and predictable, rather than everything depending on how a portfolio performs in a given year.

There are financial tools that can provide guaranteed income to help replace a paycheck in retirement and cover essentials like housing and healthcare, which takes some of the pressure off if you also find yourself needing to help family along the way, Korpi said. It's not the right fit for everyone, but for people juggling their own retirement with supporting others, having that predictable baseline can be one less variable to worry about.

Start retirement planning today

If youre worried about your retirement planning, Korpi encourages consumers to start planning today. Its ultimately never too late to improve your financial wellbeing and retirement outlook.

If you get a late start, you might have to save more aggressively, work more, or redefine what your retirement is going to look like, but doing something is still better than doing nothing, she said.

What I want to hammer home is that you should focus on what you can control moving forward versus what you cant. Theres no retirement time machine available, but the decisions you make now can have lasting impact on the days ahead.

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Consumer News: Gold and silver prices surge as investors seek safety
Mon, 24 Aug 2026 16:07:11 +0000

Gold is at its highest level since mid-May

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs
August 24, 2026
  • Gold has climbed above $4,700 an ounce as investors seek protection from geopolitical conflict, inflation, and concerns about rising government debt.

  • Silver has rallied along with gold but is also benefiting from strong industrial demand and a persistent shortage of physical metal.

  • A weaker U.S. dollar and expectations that interest rates may stabilize have made precious metals more attractive, though prices remain volatile.


Gold and silver prices have risen sharply in recent weeks as investors react to a mix of geopolitical turmoil, government debt concerns, a weaker U.S. dollar, and tight supplies of silver.

Gold futures moved above $4,700 an ounce Monday, their highest level since mid-May. Silver recently traded near $69 an ounce after gaining about 19% during August, although it pulled back slightly in Monday trading. Gold has risen about 15% this month.

The immediate catalyst for the latest rally was the U.S. Treasury Departments decision to expand its purchases of longer-term government bonds. The move is intended to improve trading conditions and reduce some upward pressure on long-term interest rates.

However, some investors interpreted the larger bond-buyback program as a sign that the government is becoming increasingly concerned about high borrowing costs and the size of the national debt. That prompted a sell-off in the dollar and increased demand for assets, including gold, that are viewed as stores of value.

Gold rose above $4,600 late last week as the Treasury announcement contributed to dollar weakness and concerns about U.S. fiscal stability. It then extended its gains Monday, climbing above $4,700 in early trading, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Why a weaker dollar helps gold and silver

Gold and silver are generally priced in U.S. dollars. When the dollar loses value, the metals become less expensive for investors using euros, yen, or other currencies, potentially increasing demand.

A weaker dollar can also raise concerns about inflation and the long-term purchasing power of cash. Some investors buy precious metals as a hedge against those risks.

Interest rates are another important factor. Gold and silver do not pay interest, so they may become less attractive when investors can earn high inflation-adjusted returns from Treasury securities or savings accounts.

But expectations that interest rates could stabilize or eventually decline reduce that disadvantage. Investors are watching upcoming inflation data and Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warshs speech at the Jackson Hole economic symposium for clues about the central banks next move.

War and economic uncertainty boost demand

Geopolitical tensions have also added to the rally. Conflict involving Iran, continuing uncertainty surrounding Ukraine, and renewed trade disputes have increased demand for investments considered relatively safe during periods of instability.

Gold has traditionally filled that role because it is widely traded, cannot be created by a government, and is held as a reserve asset by central banks.

Central-bank purchases have provided another source of demand. The World Gold Council has said economic and geopolitical uncertainty, investment demand, and central-bank buying remain important supports for the gold market.

Silver has an additional advantage

Silver often moves in the same direction as gold, but it is also an important industrial material. It is used in solar panels, electronics, electrical grids, automobiles, medical equipment, and data-center infrastructure.

That gives silver two sources of demand: investors looking for a precious metal and manufacturers that need it to make products.

At the same time, the world is consuming more silver than mines and recycling operations are supplying. The Silver Institute projects that the silver market will record its sixth consecutive annual supply deficit in 2026.

Because the silver market is much smaller than the gold market, a relatively modest increase in investment buying can produce a much larger price movement. That helps explain why silver has recently outpaced gold.

What it means for consumers

Consumers who own gold or silver coins, exchange-traded funds, or mining stocks may have seen substantial gains. But anyone buying now should be aware that precious-metal prices can reverse quickly if the dollar strengthens, interest rates rise, or geopolitical tensions ease.

Physical gold and silver also usually sell at a premium over the quoted market price. Dealers may offer substantially less than the market price when an owner sells.

The recent rally does not necessarily mean metals will continue rising at the same pace. It does show, however, that investors are increasingly willing to pay for protection against economic, political, and currency risks.


Gold and silver prices surge as investors seek safety

Photo By CNET

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