What shoppers should know before buying and returning gifts | ChicagoNOW
Consumer expert Pattie Ehsaei explains how tighter return windows, restocking fees and stricter receipt and packaging rules could affect shoppers during the busy holiday return season. | ChicagoNOW is a fast-paced, conversational show that spotlights what’s trending in and around Chicago.
Consumer expert Pattie Ehsaei explains how tighter return windows, restocking fees and stricter receipt and packaging rules could affect shoppers during the busy holiday return season. | ChicagoNOW is a fast-paced, conversational show that spotlights what’s trending in and around Chicago.
Netflix facing class action lawsuit over Warner Bros. deal
An HBO Max subscriber is suing Netflix after the company announced a deal with Warner Bros. that would combine the two companies' film and television catalogs.
An HBO Max subscriber is suing Netflix after the company announced a deal with Warner Bros. that would combine the two companies' film and television catalogs.
Suzanna’s Kitchen bone-in breaded chicken recalled due to undeclared allergen
Approximately 62,550 pounds of Suzanna’s Kitchen fully cooked, bone-in breaded chicken products have been recalled due to an allergen not listed on the packaging.
Approximately 62,550 pounds of Suzanna’s Kitchen fully cooked, bone-in breaded chicken products have been recalled due to an allergen not listed on the packaging.
Baby bath seats sold on Amazon recalled due to serious injury risk to children, CPSC says
The recalled baby bath seats come in several assorted colors and were sold on Amazon between May 2024 and October 2025.
The recalled baby bath seats come in several assorted colors and were sold on Amazon between May 2024 and October 2025.
Nasal spray recalled due to possible mold, microbial contamination
ReBoost Nasal Spray, sold nationwide, has been recalled due to potential mold and microbial contamination. Here’s what we know.
ReBoost Nasal Spray, sold nationwide, has been recalled due to potential mold and microbial contamination. Here’s what we know.
Eight energy drinks a day linked to hidden stroke risk | ChicagoLIVE
A healthy, active man suddenly collapses with classic stroke symptoms—and doctors soon discover he’d been consuming triple the recommended daily caffeine. Experts warn that long-term, excessive energy-drink use can drive blood pressure to dangerous levels and lead to permanent brain injury.
A healthy, active man suddenly collapses with classic stroke symptoms—and doctors soon discover he’d been consuming triple the recommended daily caffeine. Experts warn that long-term, excessive energy-drink use can drive blood pressure to dangerous levels and lead to permanent brain injury.
Sports betting is delivering major cash for states — see what states are cashing in
Several states have seen huge tax revenues from sports betting, according to a recent analysis.
Several states have seen huge tax revenues from sports betting, according to a recent analysis.
Tomato soup sold in 14 states recalled over undeclared milk allergen, FDA says
The tomato soup product was recalled in stores in states, including New York, Minnesota, and Illinois.
The tomato soup product was recalled in stores in states, including New York, Minnesota, and Illinois.
List: People in these cities moved the most over the last year, data shows
New data reveals which U.S. cities see homeowners on the move the most – and why affordability and inventory are fueling the turnover.
New data reveals which U.S. cities see homeowners on the move the most – and why affordability and inventory are fueling the turnover.
These used car brands are the least reliable, report finds
A new analysis from Consumer Reports examined 26 used car brands in 2025, ranking them based on their overall reliability. Here’s what they found:
A new analysis from Consumer Reports examined 26 used car brands in 2025, ranking them based on their overall reliability. Here’s what they found:
Illinois gas customers brace for rising winter heating bills as watchdogs sound alarm | ChicagoLIVE
Consumer advocates warn that escalating supply costs and repeated utility rate hikes are creating a “double whammy” for Illinois households, urging residents to stay informed, avoid risky gas deals, and seek help when bills spike.
Consumer advocates warn that escalating supply costs and repeated utility rate hikes are creating a “double whammy” for Illinois households, urging residents to stay informed, avoid risky gas deals, and seek help when bills spike.
Cinnamon powder sold in several states recalled due to possible lead contamination
The manufacturer of Lucky Foods Brand cinnamon powder has issued a recall due to possible lead contamination.
The manufacturer of Lucky Foods Brand cinnamon powder has issued a recall due to possible lead contamination.
What Cook County homeowners need to know before Monday’s property tax deadline
The Cook County assessor's office is working overtime to help homeowners navigate their property taxes. Bills are due Monday, and these are the steps you need to take.
The Cook County assessor's office is working overtime to help homeowners navigate their property taxes. Bills are due Monday, and these are the steps you need to take.
Cook County assessor ramps up help as property tax bills spike for homeowners
The Cook County assessor's office is working overtime to help homeowners navigate their property taxes. Bills are due Monday, and these are the steps you need to take.
The Cook County assessor's office is working overtime to help homeowners navigate their property taxes. Bills are due Monday, and these are the steps you need to take.
Instacart’s AI may be making your groceries more expensive | ChicagoLIVE
A new study finds shoppers could be paying dramatically different prices—sometimes at the very same moment—for the same items. We break down how the company’s real-time pricing tests work and why consumer advocates say the practice is “unfair and opaque.”
A new study finds shoppers could be paying dramatically different prices—sometimes at the very same moment—for the same items. We break down how the company’s real-time pricing tests work and why consumer advocates say the practice is “unfair and opaque.”
More states are restricting junk-food purchases by SNAP recipients — here’s where
Six more states are banning SNAP recipients from using their tax payer funded food assistance benefit to purchase junk food.
Six more states are banning SNAP recipients from using their tax payer funded food assistance benefit to purchase junk food.
Trump doubles down on tariffs despite declining manufacturing
The economy keeps shedding manufacturing jobs as President Trump doubles down on his tariff policies.
The economy keeps shedding manufacturing jobs as President Trump doubles down on his tariff policies.
These were Americans' most ordered foods in 2025, according to Grubhub
When it comes to food delivery, Grubhub says in 2025, U.S. consumers were focused on nutrition and went all in on Foodmaxxing, with meals, snacks, drinks, and grocery orders offering the maximum nutritional value.
When it comes to food delivery, Grubhub says in 2025, U.S. consumers were focused on nutrition and went all in on Foodmaxxing, with meals, snacks, drinks, and grocery orders offering the maximum nutritional value.
Federal Reserve weighs possible rate cut amid mixed outlook
An upcoming Federal Reserve meeting could approve an interest rate cut, but analysts remain divided on whether it will help the economy or risk driving inflation higher.
An upcoming Federal Reserve meeting could approve an interest rate cut, but analysts remain divided on whether it will help the economy or risk driving inflation higher.
Petco data breach: Application setting ‘inadvertently’ shared personal information online
Customers who were impacted by the breach will be given complimentary credit and identity monitoring services.
Customers who were impacted by the breach will be given complimentary credit and identity monitoring services.