Consumer Reports

The Trump administration is preparing a broad rollback of US clean car rules, according to a New York Times report. The move would loosen emissions and fuel-efficiency standards for vehicles, a policy with major consequences for automakers, air quality and the country's climate goals, and it is already drawing attention given the stakes for the auto industry.

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, the Japanese company at the center of a supplement contamination scandal linked to suspected deaths, is reportedly considering a buyout offer worth more than ¥500 billion. The news has drawn attention given the company's damaged reputation and the uncertain future of its consumer health business following the red yeast rice supplement scandal.

The United States is set to finalize vehicle fuel economy standards that are sharply lower than previously planned, according to a Reuters report. The rollback would ease requirements on automakers to improve mileage efficiency, a reversal of stricter rules pursued under earlier policy. The move is likely to draw criticism from environmental groups while being welcomed by parts of the auto industry.

OpenAI is paying influencers and sponsoring creators on platforms like Instagram to promote ChatGPT and shape a public image of the company as 'good for the world', according to Business Insider reporting on its marketing strategy. The move signals a shift toward conventional brand advertising as competition over AI users intensifies. Critics see it as image management rather than substance, while others view it as a normal step for a company reaching a mass consumer market.

Apple has begun paying out a $250 million settlement related to claims that its iPhones' AI-powered features, including Siri, activated without users' consent. Consumers in the United States can now file claims through an official settlement website to receive payments. Reports explain the eligibility rules, deadlines, and step-by-step instructions for submitting a claim before the cutoff date.

PwC has released analysis examining US consumer spending through the lens of the K-shaped economy, where higher-income households continue to spend freely while lower-income households cut back under pressure from prices and borrowing costs. The report argues that headline spending figures mask a growing divide, with retailers and policymakers watching closely as the two consumer groups diverge.

The Seattle City Council has voted to ban surveillance pricing in the sale of groceries, prohibiting retailers from setting individualized prices based on consumer data such as shopping habits or personal profiles. Consumer advocates, including Consumer Reports, welcomed the move as a first-of-its-kind protection against algorithms charging different shoppers different prices for the same items, while retailers may face questions about compliance.

A survey reported by Mashable indicates that teenagers favor iPhones over Android devices and Instagram over Snapchat when it comes to their phones and social media habits. The findings reinforce Apple's strong grip on the youth market, where owning an iPhone is often seen as a status symbol, while Instagram remains the dominant platform for teen social sharing.

Gasoline prices are rising in the United States, and car shopping firm Edmunds reports a corresponding increase in searches for electric vehicles. The company's data suggests consumers are turning to EVs as a way to avoid pain at the pump, echoing a pattern seen during previous fuel price spikes.

The FDA has announced a recall of raw milk cheese linked to an E. coli outbreak. Multiple US news outlets, including DC News Now, WTNH and NewsNation, are reporting the recall, which affects consumers who may have purchased the cheese. Health officials typically urge anyone with symptoms of E. coli infection, such as severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, to seek medical attention. Further details about the brand and affected states have not been provided in early reports.

Health officials are investigating a multistate E. coli outbreak linked to raw milk cheese that has sickened 13 people across the United States. News outlets across multiple regions are reporting the advisory, warning consumers to avoid the implicated cheese while the investigation continues. Details on specific brands, affected states, and whether any hospitalizations occurred have not been released publicly.

A salmonella outbreak linked to broccoli sprouts has now sickened 32 people, with Minnesota and Oregon newly added to the list of affected states. Health officials are investigating the source as more states report infections tied to the sprout products. Consumers are being urged to watch for symptoms and avoid potentially contaminated sprouts while the investigation continues.

Apple is reportedly looking at the rapidly growing fitness tracker segment, a move analysts say could affect the outlook for AAPL stock. Entering or expanding in wearables focused on fitness tracking would put Apple in sharper competition with established device makers in a market that continues to expand as consumers track health and activity more closely. Investors are watching what the strategy could mean for future revenue.

San Diego County health officials have issued a public warning about a recalled cheese product, urging residents to check whether the cheese is in their homes and to avoid eating it. Further details about the brand, the specific health risk, and the number of people affected have not been provided in initial reports.

Insurers increasingly offer wellness rewards and premium discounts in exchange for data from fitness trackers, prompting debate over whether the trade-off is worth it. Reports highlight privacy risks: shared health and activity data could be used to adjust pricing, assess risk, or be exposed in breaches, and consumers are urged to read consent terms carefully before opting in.