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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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NEWS ABOUT: consumer advocacy

consumer advocacy stories: 8 news summaries

(Newser) - In 2003 a federal agency compiled hundreds of pages of research on the dangers of using cell phones while driving, but suppressed the findings because of pressure from Congress. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a part of the Transportation Department, also planned a long-term study of the risks of... More »

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cell phones • highway safety • Freedom of Information Act • driving • car safety • consumer advocacy • Department of Transportation • driver distraction

Hasbro, Discovery Join
to Launch Kids Channel

Toy maker plans to use kids network to promote merchandise

May 1, 09 12:56 PM CDT
(Newser) - Hasbro and Discovery have struck a deal to revitalize the flagging Discovery Kids Network, the Los Angeles Times reports. Hasbro, manufacturer of Transformers and GI Joe, will buy a 50% stake in Discovery Kids for $300 million. The company plans to emphasize merchandise based on programming on the network, which... More »

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entertainment • consumer • merchandise • Transformers • Hasbro • watchdog • Discovery Channel • consumer advocacy

You Can't Binge on This Anymore

Food makers shrink packages instead of hiking prices

Sep 14, 08 8:54 AM CDT
(Newser) - The half-gallon of ice cream is going the way of the soda fountain, as many manufacturers shave ounces off the size of prepackaged foods—without reducing prices, reports the New York Times. The practice, a response to the bump in transportation and ingredient costs, isn't novel, but the reaction is,... More »

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food prices • consumer advocacy • fuel costs

 Turf-Makers Sued Over Lead 

As fake grass ages, toxin levels 20 times legal limit

Sep 4, 08 12:50 PM CDT
(Newser) - California has sued three top turf-makers, claiming they are deliberately hiding the fact that their products contain lead, the Los Angeles Times reports. State law requires labeling of products containing the metal, which gives a "natural" green color to fake grass. Lead can cause cancer, birth defects, and... More »

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cancer • California • health • lead poisoning • lead • consumer advocacy • AstroTurf • birth defect

Docs Pay Patients to Post Surgeries on YouTube 

But critics worry that payoffs skew testimonials

Jun 26, 08 8:41 AM CDT
(Newser) - When her doctor offered her a $100 discount to post her Lasek surgery on YouTube, Michelle Wilder was perplexed. “I was wondering, ‘Who wants to see my surgery?’” she says. But the money talked, and now you can see Wilder, and thousands of others, go under the... More »

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plastic surgery • YouTube • marketing • cosmetic surgery • consumer advocacy

Appeals Court Strikes Down NY's Passenger 'Bill of Rights'

Federal deregulation law takes precedence

Mar 25, 08 5:30 PM CDT
(Newser) - A New York law, known as the airline “passenger bill of rights,” was rejected today by a US appeals court, Bloomberg reports. The measure required airlines to provide food and water when their delayed plane has sat on the tarmac for more than three hours. The court said... More »

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New York • airline industry • airline • regulation • consumer advocacy • Air Transport Association • airline passenger's bill of rights

 In the Works:
 Wireless Bill of Rights 

States fight feds over who will regulate

Mar 21, 08 3:33 PM CDT
(Newser) - Wireless carriers seem to have angered a few too many consumers with hidden fees and surprise charges. Politicians in 22 states are considering various versions of a wireless consumers’ bill of rights, reports BusinessWeek. But the wireless industry, daunted at facing different regulations in every state, is throwing its... More »

MORE ABOUT:
Congress • cell phones • legislation • Minnesota • consumer protection • lobbying • cell phone industry • state legislature • wireless industry • consumer advocacy

Nader Will Reveal Election Plans

He'll announce decision on 'Meet the Press' Sunday

Feb 22, 08 4:42 PM CST
(Newser) - Ralph Nader will announce this weekend whether he intends to run for president again. He's been talking to “lots of people on all sorts of levels” about a potential bid, said Nader's spokesman from the 2004 race. The announcement comes Sunday on "Meet the Press." “Obviously,... More »

MORE ABOUT:
Al Gore • Ralph Nader • Meet the Press • Election 2008 • consumer advocacy • Florida voting • third parties

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