Consumer

Consumer Biotech apples may be harbinger for genetically modified spuds (Photo Gallery)

By JOHN MILLER, Associated Press Published: May 14, 2013 at 1:00 PM PDT Last Updated: May 14, 2013 at 1:00 PM PDT

Idaho's potato industry is gazing north of the U.S. border to a tiny Canadian apple breeder for a sign of how the public may embrace a genetically modified potato proposed for commercialization by the J.R. Simplot Co.

Consumer Washington state hops in high demand; Cougar Ale on the way

By Nella Letizia, WSU NEWS Published: May 14, 2013 at 11:59 AM PDT Last Updated: May 14, 2013 at 11:59 AM PDT

In 1980, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. founder Ken Grossman effectively put the Cascade hop of Yakima on the map. More than three decades later, Washington State University researchers studying optimal brewing qualities with that same hop recently interned with Sierra Nevada master brewers to hone their brewing skills and learn advanced brewing methods that are being pioneered by American craft brewers.

Consumer Consumer Reports: First look at Chromebooks (Video)

By Tyler Slauson Published: May 14, 2013 at 11:39 AM PDT Last Updated: May 14, 2013 at 11:39 AM PDT

If you’ve been thinking about getting a backup laptop, either for yourself or one that’s easy for your kids to use, there’s a new kind that’s being heavily advertised. It’s called a Chromebook.

Consumer Consumer Reports puts gas grills to the test (Video)

By Tyler Slauson Published: May 14, 2013 at 11:33 AM PDT Last Updated: May 14, 2013 at 11:33 AM PDT

Some grills do more than the basics, including one with a rotisserie that also has a side burner, perfect for keeping a pot boiling.

Consumer Redirect your dog to the right things to chew

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 14, 2013 at 8:16 AM PDT Last Updated: May 14, 2013 at 8:16 AM PDT

Your dog's constant need to chew might bother you, but it's normal behavior for them. This is how they explore their world and relieve boredom.

Consumer Gas prices up 22 cents in a week (Video)

By Associated Press Published: May 13, 2013 at 10:17 AM PDT Last Updated: May 13, 2013 at 6:30 PM PDT

The AAA auto club reports the average price of a gallon of gasoline in Washington is $3.91.

Consumer Credit card checks may be convenient - but they cost

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 13, 2013 at 8:40 AM PDT Last Updated: May 13, 2013 at 8:40 AM PDT

You open your credit card statement and find checks inside. They're called convenience checks or credit card checks and they can be used to buy things or get a cash advance. But remember to read the fine print.

Consumer Consumer Reports: Ground turkey warning (Video)

By Tyler Slauson Published: May 10, 2013 at 5:38 PM PDT Last Updated: May 10, 2013 at 5:38 PM PDT

A just-released Consumer Reports investigation reveals that turkey can be a breeding ground for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. But the National Turkey Federation says it strongly disputes Consumer Reports’ findings and calls the study alarmist and misleading.

Consumer 'Fake order' scams target direct sales reps (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: May 10, 2013 at 8:26 AM PDT Last Updated: May 10, 2013 at 8:26 AM PDT

From cookware to clothing, supplements to skin care, direct sales can be a great way to boost your income. Just be careful about your clients because some of them may actually be scammers.

Consumer 160,000 Soc. Security numbers exposed in court system hack (Video)

By RACHEL LA CORTE Associated press Published: May 9, 2013 at 2:29 PM PDT Last Updated: May 9, 2013 at 6:29 PM PDT

The Washington state Administrative Office of the Courts was hacked in February, and up to 160,000 social security numbers and 1 million driver license numbers may have been accessed during the data breach of its public website.

Consumer Feds get closer look at fake mobile bill charges

By JENNIFER C. KERR Associated Press Published: May 9, 2013 at 8:49 AM PDT Last Updated: May 9, 2013 at 8:49 AM PDT

When a mysterious, unauthorized fee appears on your cellphone bill, it's called "cramming" and consumer advocates and regulators worry it's emerging as a significant problem as people increasingly ditch their landlines for wireless phones.

Consumer Auto insurance 'robocalls' target local drivers (Video)

By Connie Thompson Published: May 8, 2013 at 9:47 AM PDT Last Updated: May 8, 2013 at 9:47 AM PDT

A new round of robocalls is targeting local car owners. The recordings give no company name, but claim they can save you hundreds of dollars on car insurance. Failure to identify the company is only one of the red flags.

Consumer Make your home offer irresistible to sellers

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 7, 2013 at 8:27 AM PDT Last Updated: May 7, 2013 at 8:27 AM PDT

It's a seller’s market again in many parts of the country. With houses in short supply, we're seeing bidding wars on some properties.

Consumer Consumer Reports: Securing your smart phone

By Tyler Slauson Published: May 6, 2013 at 11:04 AM PDT Last Updated: May 6, 2013 at 11:04 AM PDT

If you store sensitive information on your smart phone, losing track of it could spell disaster. A just-released survey by Consumer Reports projects more than 7 million smart-phone owners had a phone that was lost, stolen, or ruined in the last year.

Consumer Do you have a separate flood insurance policy?

By Herb Weisbaum Published: May 6, 2013 at 8:12 AM PDT Last Updated: May 6, 2013 at 8:12 AM PDT

Flooding, the most common natural disaster in this country is not covered by your homeowners or renters insurance. You need to buy a separate policy for that.