More Issues In the News

By Sabine Vollmer. Citing higher costs to air sports and other programming, the company will charge $3 to $4 more a month for most TV packages.

A new toy safety report by North Carolina Public Interest Research Group reminds parents to be aware of toys with small parts as well as toys that may contain toxic chemicals or magnetic hazards.

By Sarah Lindenfeld Hall. There's still plenty to worry about what you find in the toy aisles despite new federal rules that limit certain toxins from children's toys, according to U.S. PIRG, a federation of state public interest research groups.

By David Ranii. Insurance chief says highest premiums should fall 16% on Jan. 1; insurers might appeal... "As families are struggling to pay rising fuel bills, insurance companies were looking to feather their pockets," said Shana Becker, staff attorney for the N.C. Public Interest Research Group. "North Carolinians are lucky to have a consumer advocate who is looking to protect their bottom lines."

The number of recalls of toys and children’s products is up 22% over the first half of last year, despite industry promises last year to solve the problems that made 2007 the “year of the recall,” according to an analysis of Consumer Product Safety Commission data by the nation’s leading consumer groups. The groups urged Congress to complete a “strong CPSC Reform Act” before the August recess.

By Jordan Schrader. Raleigh - Ski at your own risk. That’s the message some North Carolina ski resorts say should be clearer in state law, shielding them from lawsuits over injuries on the slopes.

Raleigh — Beware of what you hear about the upcoming Digital Television Transition. That warning was issued after a national consumer group found that some retailers have been misleading consumers.

NORTH CAROLINA -- The General Assembly is considering a massive overhaul to how the state sets auto insurance rates.

Nearly 14 percent percent of North Carolina’s children lack health insurance. When children don’t have insurance they are less likely to receive preventive health care and more likely to end up in expensive emergency rooms for routine care.

Warnings of unsafe toys just before the start of the Christmas shopping season have more urgency this year.

Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand has postponed his effort to overhaul the way auto insurance rates are set for North Carolina drivers.

RALEIGH—North Carolina could soon join 20 other states considering legislation that would require the sale of so-called "fire-safe" cigarettes.

Will college students save money under the U.S. House's plan to reduce interest rates on student loans?

CHARLOTTE -- Every year children die from playing with toys. Those with the North Carolina Public Interest Research Group are working to prevent those deaths by making parents aware of the potential danger.

RALEIGH—A state government agency has hundreds of thousands of sensitive Social Security numbers listed for all to see on it's Web site.