Consumers

Cheap beers getting pricier

2013-05-25 00:00:00

Thirsty beachgoers and barbecuers will be paying more for their cheap beer this Memorial Day weekend, one of the nation's biggest drinking holidays. Two recent studies found that prices for low-cost beers have been steadily climbing at bars and...

Bill targeting cheaters at farmers markets is put off another year

2013-05-24 15:03:00

A bill that for the first time would have provided substantial resources for state and county inspectors to keep cheaters out of farmers markets was held by the California Assembly Appropriations Committee on Friday afternoon. That means the bill is...

Insurers limit doctors, hospitals in state-run exchange plans

2013-05-24 18:23:00

California's health insurance rates for a new state-run marketplace came in lower than expected this week, but one downside for many consumers will be far fewer doctors and hospitals to choose from. People who want UCLA Medical Center and its doctors in...

On genetically engineered food, let the market decide

2013-05-24 00:00:00

The movement to force the labeling of genetically engineered food is gaining momentum. In November 2012, an initiative to require the labels in California was on the ballot; it was defeated. Now, federal legislation carried by Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif....

Procter & Gamble brings back A.G. Lafley as CEO

2013-05-24 06:40:24

Household products giant Procter & Gamble Co. is hoping its former CEO can work his magic once again. The Cincinnati company said late Thursday that former CEO A.G. Lafley, a 33-year industry veteran, is returning its top post. The surprise move comes...

Chevy Spark EV lease highlights electric-car price cuts

2013-05-23 09:00:00

General Motors is joining the electric-car price war with a lease deal on the Chevrolet Spark EV at $199 a month. The deal, announced this morning, follows the recent offerings of $199 leases on Nissan’s Leaf – a big price drop after two...

John McCain: Cable TV, the right way

2013-05-22 16:46:00

America's 100 million cable and satellite subscribers are forced to pay ever-higher bills for a growing number of channels they do not watch. The American people are being ripped off. Meanwhile, services such as iTunes and Netflix have led a...

If this health plan is 'socialism,' we need more of it

2013-05-23 18:18:00

So this is what socialism looks like: Private companies competing for people's business in an open marketplace. Californians got their first glimpse Thursday of what insurers plan to charge for coverage to be offered next year to about 5 million state...

UnitedHealth, Aetna and Cigna opt out of California insurance exchange

2013-05-22 17:59:00

Some prominent health insurers, including industry giant UnitedHealth Group Inc., are not participating in California's new state-run health insurance market, possibly limiting the number of choices for millions of consumers. UnitedHealth, the nation'...

California picks 13 health plans for state-run insurance market

2013-05-23 09:36:00

After weeks of negotiations, California said it has selected 13 health plans for a new state-run insurance marketplace where as many as 5 million people will shop for coverage next year. Officials at Covered California, the state agency implementing the...

Microsoft's Xbox One reflects game change in home entertainment

2013-05-22 09:55:00

The battle for control of the living room just became more fierce. Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday unveiled the Xbox One, a next-generation video game console that aspires to be more than just a plaything. Not only will the Xbox One deliver an amped-up...

New California health insurance rates unveiled

2013-05-23 17:59:00

Amid anxiety over rising costs from the federal healthcare law, California received better-than-expected insurance rates for a new state-run marketplace, but many consumers still won't be spared from sharply higher premiums. Three years after...

A new study from the NPD Group shows that although 87% of U.S. consumers reported using another screen while watching TV, a minority are using the applications specifically designed for the programs they're watching.

2013-04-09 09:58:00

A Tesla Model S on display after winning the 2013 World Green Car of the Year award at the New York Auto Show in March. The car has just received a 99 out of 100 rating from Consumer Reports.

2013-03-28 00:00:00

The KFC Double Down. KFC ranked the lowest in a recent survey of customer service at fast-food chains.

2013-03-13 13:08:00