Adaure Achumba is a journalist based in Atlanta, United States of America.

Travelers concerned over abandoned boats being used as vacation rentals

01 Oct 2023  |  wtsp.com  |  English  |  Consumer Issues

Travelers are increasingly using abandoned boats listed on platforms like Airbnb as vacation rentals, raising safety and business concerns. A group of British tourists experienced significant issues, including unsafe conditions and lack of support from the host. Local business owners and law enforcement are worried about the implications of this trend. Airbnb has removed the host following an investigation, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife is actively investigating derelict vessels. The host defends her business, citing innovation and safety measures, but acknowledges the need for improvements.

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Consumer Issues Travel Safety

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Debra Atlas is a journalist based in Redding, United States of America.

Online shopping is choking our landfills when we could recycle better

19 Jun 2017  |  envirothink.wordpress.com  |  English  |  Environmental Issues

The acquisition of Whole Foods by Amazon has highlighted issues such as the increase in shipping boxes and plastic packaging waste due to the rise of online shopping. The California Product Stewardship Council and Recology are discussing the environmental impact of this trend. Consumers are encouraged to demand more eco-friendly packaging from manufacturers, who currently opt for cheaper options and are not convinced of consumer interest in sustainability.

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Consumer Behavior Environmental Issues Recycling

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Prachi Bari is an Independent journalist based in Prague, Czech Republic. 
currently am doing a Master's in Media and Communication and has experience in news gathering, research, fixer for news features, documentaries

Week after formation of squad, no complaints: Pune RTO

30 Oct 2023  |  Hindustan Times  |  English  |  Consumer Issues

Commuters in Pune continue to face issues with overcharging and overfilling by tourist bus operators, with ticket prices significantly higher than usual. Despite the formation of a squad to address these issues, no formal complaints have been filed with the Pune RTO. The regional transport officer, Ajit Shinde, has stated that action will be taken only if passengers come forward with their bus receipts to file complaints. Passengers like Sayali Marathe are opting out of travel due to the high costs.

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Consumer Issues Public Transport

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Osniel Carmona Breijo is a journalist based in Havana, Cuba.

There was everything, but very little within reach: a fair to celebrate banking

08 Feb 2024  |  Cubanet  |  Spanish  |  Consumer Issues

A fair in Havana aimed to promote digital payment systems as part of Cuba's new banking policy, which seeks to replace cash with digital currency. Despite the initiative, attendees faced high prices and ineffective discounts, leading to public dissatisfaction. The event highlighted the challenges of implementing digital payments in a cash-reliant economy, with criticisms directed at the Cuban government's approach and the inefficiencies of the payment platforms Transfermóvil and EnZona.

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Consumer Issues Digital Payment Systems Economic Policy

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Left

Political View

Jitendra Choubey is Bangalore / New Delhi based Journalist. He writes on Environment, Climate Change, Natural hazard, Politics, Agriculture, Food, AgriBusiness, Agri-Technology and Science. He worked with magazine (Down To Earth) as well as daily newspaper (The New Indian Express) in India. He is ...

77% of restaurant-goers want service charges to be abolished or made optional: Survey

03 Oct 2023  |  www.newindianexpress.com  |  English  |  Consumer Rights

A survey by LocalCircles indicates that 77% of restaurant-goers in India prefer the abolition or optional application of service charges. The Delhi High Court's interim order to rename service charges as 'staff contribution' is supported by only 10% of consumers. The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Association of India is willing to implement the order, while the National Restaurant Association of India shows reluctance. The survey, which included over 23,000 responses from 304 districts, also found that 90% of consumers believe service charges are not used for staff welfare. The high court will continue hearing the matter on October 3.

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Legal Issues Consumer Rights

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Phoebe Cooke is a freelance journalist based in London.

Couple's fury over botched driveway at brand new £250k home so small they can't open BMW door

17 Jun 2019  |  The Sun  |  English  |  Housing Issues

Saika Ali and Muazzam Ali are frustrated with the narrow driveway at their new £250,000 home in Great Barr, Birmingham, which is too small to open their BMW's door. Despite ongoing improvement works by developer Taylor Wimpey, the couple claims the driveway remains impractically tight. The situation has caused significant inconvenience, including Saika taking 20 days off work. Taylor Wimpey has apologized and committed to resolving the issue, but the Alis remain dissatisfied.

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Consumer Complaints Housing Issues

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I am a bilingual (French/English) journalist/radio producer/audio editor based in Paris. I have extensive experience producing radio news and features from A-Z (research, reporting, writing, voicing, editing, mixing). Currently working as a journalist for the English service of Radio France ...

What next for French victims of the FTX cryptocurrency exchange collapse?

21 Jan 2023  |  www.rfi.fr  |  English  |  Legal Issues

The collapse of the FTX cryptocurrency exchange resulted in significant losses for its customers worldwide, including an estimated 55,000 French users. One victim, Hassan, lost his life savings of 26,000 euros. FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was arrested and charged with fraud. French lawyer Ronan Journoud is advising victims on seeking support and legal recourse, which may include filing claims in the US or joining class action lawsuits. Despite the setback, not all victims are abandoning cryptocurrency. France is working on regulations to prevent such collapses, with the European Parliament set to vote on the Markets in Crypto Assets bill and France introducing its own regulatory bill.

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Consumer Impact Legal Issues Cryptocurrency

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Liam Gilliver is a senior journalist with more than five years of experience. He has written for publications including the Mirror, The Independent, Huffington Post, Daily Star and more.

Cadbury fans spot glaring issue with 'large' Easter eggs and fume at 'rip off'

20 Mar 2023  |  The Mirror  |  English  |  Consumer Issues

Shoppers in the UK have expressed frustration over the pricing of Cadbury's 'large' Easter eggs, which they claim offer no additional value compared to the regular-sized versions. Despite the higher price tags, the larger eggs contain the same or only slightly more chocolate. Consumers have taken to social media to voice their dissatisfaction, calling the pricing a 'rip off.' Cadbury, through a Mondelēz International spokesperson, defended the pricing by highlighting the special packaging and added treats in the larger versions.

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Consumer Issues Retail

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Xave Gregorio is a journalist based in Las Pinas, Philippines. He graduated with honors from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) with a degree in Journalism. With his prior experience as Editor in Chief of TomasinoWeb, the official digital media organization of the UST, he is skilled in multimedia ...

Senate probe set on Cebu Pacific passengers’ woes

15 Jun 2023  |  www.philstar.com  |  English  |  Airline Industry Issues

The Philippine Senate's tourism and public services panels will hold an inquiry on June 21 into numerous passenger complaints against Cebu Pacific, including overbooking and booking glitches. The probe follows a resolution by Senator Nancy Binay, who highlighted issues such as passengers being offloaded without cause, multiple charges during a sale, and lack of immediate assistance from the airline. Government regulations permit overbooking but require compensation for affected passengers. The situation has led to travel in the Philippines becoming a frustrating experience.

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Consumer Complaints Airline Industry Issues

Nikki Hall is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Ticketmaster Fined $4.5 Million by Canadian Government for Misleading Pricing

01 Oct 2023  |  Yahoo Entertainment  |  English  |  Consumer Protection

Ticketmaster has been fined $4.5 million CAD by the Canadian Competition Bureau for misleading pricing claims in online ticket sales. The fine targets three Live Nation-owned companies for adding mandatory fees during the purchasing process, significantly increasing the final price. The companies have agreed to a legally binding consent agreement to establish a corporate compliance program to prevent future advertising issues.

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Legal Issues Consumer Protection

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Freelance journalist and content writer covering culture and climate. 

I currently work across digital and print for Reader's Digest, including editing and uploading articles to the website's CMS, implementing SEO best practices, writing original articles, and proofreading pieces for the print ...

Woman calls out company for seemingly tricking customers with product alternative: 'Absolutely warped our perceptions'

07 Dec 2023  |  www.thecooldown.com  |  English  |  Environmental Issues

TikToker Aubri, along with Connor R, criticized a trend where coffee shops serve iced coffee in plastic bags, claiming it's a sustainable alternative to to-go cups. Aubri argues this is greenwashing, as the bags are likely non-recyclable and destined for landfills, unlike PET cups which are recyclable. The trend, similar to Southeast Asia's dabao bags, contradicts efforts to reduce plastic use, as seen in Singapore's plastic bag charge. Aubri suggests that reusable cups are the most sustainable option for to-go coffees.

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Consumer Awareness Environmental Issues

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Ali khan is a journalist based in Paris, France.
worked in BBC

Is It Safe To Buy Intel CPUs Now?

23 Oct 2024  |  Tech4Gamers  |  English  |  Intel CPU Issues

Intel is facing significant challenges with its 13th and 14th Generation Raptor Lake CPUs due to stability issues linked to microcode faults, causing excess voltage and potential damage. Despite a software patch and extended warranties, Intel's reputation has suffered, with developers and retailers recommending AMD's Ryzen processors as alternatives. Intel's refusal to halt sales or recall affected CPUs has led to public dissatisfaction, although the company plans further microcode patches. The situation has prompted a shift towards AMD in server workloads, potentially impacting Intel's future sales.

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Consumer Electronics Intel CPU Issues Technology

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Melissa Kravitz is a journalist based in New York, United States of America.

Costco Shoppers Are Noticing a Major Issue With Kirkland Butter

01 Oct 2023  |  Eat This Not That  |  English  |  Consumer Issues

Costco shoppers are reporting issues with the chain's Kirkland salted butter, noting that it has become inconsistent and unreliable for baking. Consumers suspect an increase in water content as the cause, leading to disappointing results in baked goods. Many are switching to Kerrygold butter, which is praised for its consistency and quality.

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Consumer Issues Retail

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Jason Law is a UK born English teacher and journalist currently based in Hanoi, Vietnam. 

Writing for The Vietnam Times, a news site catered towards expats, he enjoys writing about a variety of topics including but not limited to travel, culture, art, food, and social issues. Each article ...

Harmful ‘toxic’ chemical found in paper receipts from many Mass. businesses

01 Oct 2023  |  www.boston25news.com  |  English  |  Environmental Issues

A 25 Investigates and Cox Media Group investigation found that 80% of paper receipts from various businesses in Massachusetts and other states contain Bisphenol S (BPS), a chemical linked to reproductive and developmental health issues. Despite claims from some companies that their receipts are phenol-free, BPS was still detected. Experts, including Dr. Laura Vandenberg from UMass Amherst, warn of the potential health risks associated with BPS exposure. Regulatory bodies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have not yet taken action on BPS, although European agencies have called for regulation. The investigation highlights the need for consumers to be cautious with paper receipts and for businesses to consider safer alternatives.

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Consumer Safety Environmental Issues Health

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Web news editor at Vedomosti, Russia’s business daily. Offbeat tech and history stories for Tedium, occasional reporting for Atlas Obscura and Nintendo Life. Featured in Vice’s Motherboard.

Artificial Shortages Of Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! Rob Russian Fans Of Choice

01 Nov 2018  |  www.nintendolife.com  |  English  |  Consumer Issues

In Russia, Nintendo fans face artificial shortages of Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!, with retailers favoring the Pikachu version. Some stores allow pre-purchases of the Eevee bundle without guaranteeing availability, while others import it in limited quantities. Despite higher digital pre-purchase popularity for Eevee, Nintendo's Russian branch struggles with marketing, leading to criticism from local fans.

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Consumer Issues Video Games

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Omar Marques is a Portuguese freelance photojournalist from the north west of Portugal.

Omar works as a freelance photojournalist for several news agencies on editorial and commercial assignments and has his own studio in Krakow, Poland.

Apart of providing news coverage around Central,...

Straight Men Over 50 Charged More for Tinder Plus

13 Aug 2020  |  www.insidehook.com  |  English  |  Social Issues

An investigation by the Australian consumer advocacy group Choice revealed that Tinder charges straight men over 50 higher rates for its premium service, Tinder Plus, compared to other demographics. The lowest rates were offered to queer female users under 30. Choice has appealed to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to investigate Tinder's compliance with national consumer law. The investigation highlights concerns about Tinder's use of personal data to determine pricing, especially since the company does not disclose this practice in its terms and conditions.

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Consumer Advocacy Social Issues Technology

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I have experience in writing and production skills across all genres and platforms, including, but not limited to, features, exposes, data investigations and editorials. I have strong technical command of the English language and familiarity with a wide range of styles. I’m committed to maintaining ...

Qantas tells court it does not guarantee flight times

01 Nov 2023  |  australianaviation.com.au  |  English  |  Legal Issues

Qantas is facing legal challenges from the ACCC over allegations of misleading customers about flight cancellations. The airline argues that flight cancellations are a normal part of operations and that customers were informed that flight times were not guaranteed. The case, which has seen both parties present their arguments in court, is set to return in late February. This is part of a series of legal issues Qantas has faced recently, including a High Court ruling against it for unfairly dismissing 1,700 ground staff.

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Consumer Rights Legal Issues Airline Industry

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I'm Elaine Ramirez, a prose journalist and editor based in Seoul, South Korea.

I cofounded a web magazine in Chile and directed a print magazine in South Korea. I've written and edited for newspapers and magazines in New York, Santiago and Seoul. I currently cover Korea's politics, economics and ...

South Korea Is Suing Airbnb Over Its Cancellation Policy

29 Sept 2017  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Legal Issues

South Korean regulators are suing Airbnb over its strict cancellation policies, marking the first case against a foreign business operator for failing to comply with a corrective order. The Korea Fair Trade Commission (FTC) claims Airbnb did not amend or delete a clause barring refunds within 60 days, as previously agreed. Despite Airbnb's defense that it complied with the FTC's request, the regulator argues the changes were insufficient and harmful to Korean consumers. The FTC plans to proceed with prosecution, while Airbnb maintains that applying Korean law globally is inappropriate.

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Consumer Protection Legal Issues Business Regulation

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An award-winning multimedia correspondent who has reported from North America, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and his native Britain for more than a decade. Strong editorial judgment and leadership skills with the ability to grasp and distill complex issues with ease and lead digital and broadcast ...

Moms' group pushes to boycott Macy's stores over trans/non-binary performers in Thanksgiving Day Parade

15 Nov 2023  |  Mail Online  |  English  |  Social Issues

A conservative moms' group, One Million Moms, is calling for a boycott of Macy's stores in response to the inclusion of trans/non-binary performers in the Thanksgiving Day Parade. The group's petition has garnered over 29,000 signatures and criticizes Macy's for promoting a 'liberal' and 'woke' agenda. Macy's has not commented on the campaign, but a spokesperson highlighted the parade's broad appeal. The performers in question, Justin David Sullivan and Alex Newell, did not respond to requests for comment. The campaign has sparked debate on social media, with some accusing Macy's of politicizing the holiday and others dismissing the outrage. The American Family Association, of which One Million Moms is a part, has been labeled a 'hate group' by the Southern Poverty Law Center for its anti-LGBTQ+ stance. The controversy comes ahead of the Transgender Day of Remembrance and follows similar divisive tie-ups between trans individuals and corporations.

Tags:

Consumer Boycott Social Issues LGBTQ+ Rights

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Right

Political View

I am a multimedia journalist based between Catania, Italy and in Geneva, Switzerland. After obtaining a master's degree from City, University of London. I've worked at CNN and the World Economic Forum, where I honed my skills in breaking news, long-form features, and corporate communications. My ...

iPhone users set for payouts from Apple over device slowdown claims

09 Jan 2024  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Legal Issues

Apple has started compensating US owners of specific iPhone models amid claims of intentional device slowdown. The affected models include iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, SE, 7, and 7 Plus. Eligible US complainants will receive around €84 per device, with a total settlement of up to €450 million. Apple denies any wrongdoing, stating the slowdown was to protect phone components. The company faces a separate lawsuit in the UK over allegedly defective batteries and has previously settled similar cases in Arizona and California.

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Consumer Rights Legal Issues Technology

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Simon Schatzberg is a journalist based in Mexico City, Mexico.

Propane gas vendors resist inspections by consumer protection agency

24 Oct 2019  |  Mexico News Daily  |  English  |  Consumer Protection

Ricardo Sheffield, the head of Mexico's consumer protection agency Profeco, has expressed challenges in conducting inspections of liquid petroleum gas (LP gas) vendors. He reported that each week, a few vendors refuse to allow inspections despite it being mandatory. Sheffield warned that the agency would increase its inspections from two to 25 a week and is prepared to use public force if vendors do not comply. The agency's inspections include checking scales and propane gas tanks. From January to October, 96 vendors were fined a total of 38.6 million pesos for refusing inspections. Sheffield emphasized the importance of these inspections due to the prevalence of issues with LP gas, which is used in seven out of 10 Mexican homes.

Tags:

Regulatory Issues Consumer Protection Energy Sector

Carolyn Silveira is a freelance journalist, writer, and producer based in Brooklyn, NY, United States. She has been writing for Upworthy for three years and has worked with radio programs Day To Day, The Leonard Lopate Show, and The Adaptors Podcast.

Whether you’re Julia Child or the king of ordering takeout, you need these food tips.

17 Feb 2015  |  www.upworthy.com  |  English  |  Consumer Spending

Americans spent a significantly higher percentage of their household budgets on food in 1901 compared to today, with food costs constituting 42.5% of the budget back then versus 11% now. Despite similar unemployment rates between 1901 and 2024, the economic landscape has changed, with new spending categories like transportation and technology emerging. Healthcare, which was negligible in 1901, now accounts for 8% of budgets. The article also shares a personal story from Matt Damon about a jungle cat he adopted, which humorously survived a brain tumor thanks to steroids. Additionally, it touches on gender norms and societal expectations through a story about a young boy's Taylor Swift-themed birthday party, highlighting the double standard in who children are allowed to idolize.

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Social Issues Consumer Spending Economic History Pet Care

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Callum Smiles is a journalist based in the south of England. I have worked across Europe with an up to date passport and full clean driving licence. 
Along with millions of views when covering illegal immigration and 15 minute cities I am most known for my work in Davos at the annual World ...

Don’t complain about 'trans influencers' at Shoppers Drug Mart— or else staff might call the police! Just ask Judy Lawrence

01 Oct 2023  |  www.rebelnews.com  |  English  |  Transgender Issues

Judy Lawrence of Toronto faced backlash and police involvement after returning Maybelline cosmetics to Shoppers Drug Mart, citing offense at the company's use of transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. The incident highlights tensions around transgender marketing and perceived overreach by law enforcement. The article criticizes Shoppers Drug Mart, Maybelline, and the Toronto Police Service, portraying Lawrence as a victim of 'woke madness.'

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Consumer Rights Transgender Issues Law Enforcement

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Right

Political View

Michael Susin is a journalist based in Gdańsk, Poland.
Masters degree in Multimedia Journalism at UPV (Basque Country), Bachelor degree in Journalism at Universidade de Caxias do Sul (Brazil) and exchange program studies in Social Communication at Deustuko Unibertsatea - Basque Country.
...

Nataša Tomić is a journalist based in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Incorrect agency advice: Student left without 1,000 KM and W&T program

22 Oct 2020  |  eTrafika  |  Bosnian  |  Consumer Rights

A student from Banja Luka, advised by the Experience Work&Travel agency, was unable to board a flight to Germany from Tuzla airport due to insufficient documentation. Despite assurances from the agency, customs officials did not accept her work permit for entry into Germany. The pandemic further complicated her situation, leading to additional financial losses exceeding 1,000 KM for program fees and travel costs. The agency initially promised to cover some expenses but later refused a full refund, citing their advisory role and uncontrollable pandemic consequences. The student's attempts to resolve the issue through consumer protection bodies were unsuccessful as the agency was not registered as a travel agency.

Tags:

Travel Issues Consumer Rights Work & Travel Programs