Consumer
Information for shoppers and buyers
Latest stories
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Gas prices jump again, nearing $4 in the Triangle
The national average gas price jumped 6 cents overnight to $4.28 a gallon.
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Weighted vests, walking pads and vibration plates: Which midlife wellness products are worth it?
Wellness gadgets promising to help women over 40 build strength, protect bone health, and stay active are flooding social media, but do they work?
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5 On Your Side: Tech companies rolling out more features to protect user privacy
As people become more cautious about how they interact with artificial intelligence, some tech companies are introducing new features to give users more control over what personal information AI models can save and what they can’t.
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Button batteries can kill in hours, what parents need to know
Button batteries are small and commonly found in key fobs, remote controls, toys, greeting cards, thermometers, and other household products, the danger is unique because when a button battery comes into contact with saliva it can cause severe burns in as little as two hours.
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Button batteries can kill in hours, what parents need to know
Button batteries are small and commonly found in key fobs, remote controls, toys, greeting cards, thermometers, and other household products, the danger is unique because when a button battery comes into contact with saliva it can cause severe burns in as little as two hours.
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People are going into debt just to buy groceries. Here's how to save
Consumer Reports has simple ways to spend less at the supermarket while still getting good-quality, tasty food.
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Fuel prices at record Labor Day high in US thanks to Iran war and refinery issues
Gas prices in the U.S. have hit a record high for Labor Day weekend, averaging $4.14 per gallon. This is nearly a dollar more than last year and surpasses the previous record of $3.82 from 2012. Prices surged after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in February, affecting crude oil traffic through...
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Troubled wedding photography company accused of defying court order; state seeks $1.7M
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson is asking a judge to order a husband-and-wife photography team to pay nearly $1.7 million after the company allegedly failed to deliver wedding photos and video, and then failed to comply with a court order requiring it to do so.
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Study finds potentially harmful chemicals in some packaged kids’ snacks
Consumer Reports found concerning levels of chemical contaminants in 14 of 21 packaged children’s snacks it tested, including acrylamide and phthalates.
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September deals: 5 On Your Side shares what to buy this month
Summer may be winding down, but the deals online and in stores certainly aren’t. Between Labor Day sales and retailers clearing out remaining warm-weather inventory, Consumer Reports says September can be a great time to save on everything from major appliances to outdoor equipment.
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5 On Your Side: Recalls you might have missed in August
5 On Your Side shares some of the biggest recalls you may have missed over the past month.
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Officials issue warning about counterfeit squishy toys
Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning about fake and counterfeit squishy toys that don’t comply with federal safety standards
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5 On Your Side: 5 signs your finances are better than most in North Carolina
Feeling cash-strapped or discouraged about your finances? You may be doing better than you think.
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Publix frozen berry recall upgraded to FDA’s highest-risk level
This week, the Food and Drug Administration elevated the notice to a Class 1 recall because the produce could cause serious health issues or death. North Carolina was one of the states that sold the berries.
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Consumer Reports puts K-Beauty sunscreens to the test
Consumer Reports tested six sunscreens from three popular K-Beauty brands.
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Nearly 3,900 pounds of dog food recalled; how North Carolina pet owners can check their food
The food was distributed to stores and wholesalers in 11 states, including neighboring Virginia. While North Carolina was not included on that retail distribution list, the product was also shipped directly to customers through online orders.
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Back-to-school photos and supply deals: Don't get scammed as students head back to classrooms
Kids are returning to school, and scammers can take advantage. 5 On Your Side has some safety tips parents and guardians should keep in mind as their students return to classrooms.
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5 On Your Side: Protecting students from back-to-school scams
From first day of school photos to school supply "deals," here's what parents need to be aware of as kids return to classrooms.
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Don't skip the salad: Cyclospora recalled product no longer in stores or restaurants
If you've been avoiding salad this summer, you're probably not alone. Months into a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce, thousands of people nationwide have gotten sick, and the outbreak has also been linked to two deaths.
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Toyota recalls 500,000 Camry hybrids due to safety issue
Toyota has issued a recall for over 500,000 Camry hybrid vehicles from the 2025 and 2026 model years due to a safety concern. A display error can result in the deactivation of turn signals and hazard lights. Toyota is advising all affected Camry owners to bring their vehicles to a certified dealership.
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Duke Energy bill too high? These changes are saving one Raleigh man up to $50 a month
A Raleigh man said Duke Energy programs and simple changes to when he uses electricity save him up to $50 a month, even as summer heat drives up cooling costs.
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5 On Your Side: How to get credit card debt under control
5 On Your Side has three steps to start getting your debt back under control.
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Holly Christina Photography owner: ‘Doing everything in my power’ to make things right
Outside the courtroom Monday, Holly Scott Ayscue said an illness contributed to the failure of the business. Ayscue said she is still dealing with health issues and that they are part of the reason she has not spoken publicly.
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Warning for parents: Popular squishy toys can harm kids, especially counterfeit versions
Issuing a new warning for a popular toy, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says fake and counterfeit "squishy toys" can pose serious risks to children and may not comply with federal safety requirements.
