Podcasts about Consumer protection

In this episode of One Vision — FinTech Fuse podcast, Theodora Lau and Jas Randhawa discuss the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) and implications for agentic commerce. They explore the challenges of chargebacks, the need for regulatory clarity, and the importance of consumer independence in the evolving landscape of e-commerce. While adoption is likely to grow, major risks include consumer manipulation, monopolistic outcomes, and the amount of personal data agents may require (buying, browsing, health, and other patterns), increasing privacy and security concerns. Now is the time to engage with policymakers and advocate for regulatory clarity and for the well-being of consumers. 00:00 Welcome Back to One Vision + Introducing Jas Randhawa (StrategyBRIX)01:10 What Is the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP)? The Big Picture03:27 How UCP Works: Product Cataloging for AI Shopping Agents07:05 KYA (Know Your Agent): Identity, Authorization & Trust08:58 Chargebacks in Agentic Commerce: Who's Liable When Things Go Wrong?12:02 Fraud Detection Breaks: Geolocation, New Signals & Re-Engineering Controls13:44 Agent Independence & Consumer Protection: Bias, Collusion, and Oversight Gaps21:28 Regulatory Clarity (or Lack Thereof): The ‘Wild West' Phase + T&Cs Reality28:06 Time to Get Ready: Travel Use Cases, Audit Trails, and Dispute Proof33:26 Sanctions, VPNs, and High-Velocity Agent Behavior: Financial Crime Risks37:12 Are We Too Early? Will Consumers Adopt—and at What Cost?42:59 Privacy, Data Control & The Need for Neutral Standards Bodies (Wrap-Up)47:45 Final Thoughts#AI #AgenticCommerce #UCP #Agents #Fintech Hot take:  ”The amount of information this agent now needs to have about me is shocking and it scares me a little bit because you're talking about buying patterns, browsing patterns, sleeping patterns, health pattern. For this agent to be really effective, it just needs to know everything that's in my head, right? It's gonna be very effective, but that's again, a major risk because no one's watching out for the consumer.”Hot take: “ The future of this world is unfortunately not you or me. It's a lot of these younger kids, their ecosystem is a lot different. These products are being designed for them.”More about our guest

If we want to understand why capitalism feels broken, do we need to stop looking at the economy and start looking at the legal code that underpins it? In our system, capital is often described as money, machinery, or raw materials. But Columbia Law School professor Katharina Pistor argues that capital is actually a legal invention. An asset, whether it's a plot of land, an idea, or a promise of future pay, only becomes capital when it is given the right legal coding.  Pistor suggests that lawyers are the true coders of capitalism. They use the law to "enclose" assets, from land to user data, giving owners the power to exclude others and monetize that value. She argues for injecting principles of "fairness and reciprocity" back into private law, ensuring that contracts aren't just tools for the powerful to extract value from the weak. Luigi Zingales suggests that large corporations have become so powerful we may need a new branch of "quasi-public law" to govern the asymmetry between an individual consumer and a corporate giant. This episode explores the deep, often invisible architecture of our economic system and asks whether we can ever truly tame corporate power without rewriting the rules of the game. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This month, The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection announced a new liquor education program for permit applicants. We learned more about that from Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli.

Pool Pros text questions here This conversation delves into the complexities of phosphates in pool chemistry, emphasizing their role in biological processes and the misconceptions surrounding their impact on chlorine effectiveness and algae growth. It also touches on contractor accountability in the pool industry and analyzes market trends, providing insights into the current state of the industry. Takeaways Phosphates are essential for life and play a crucial role in biochemistry. The pool industry often misunderstands the role of phosphates, treating them as a primary villain in algae growth. Chlorine is the primary agent for controlling algae, not phosphates. Phosphate testing became popular due to marketing rather than scientific necessity. Algae can survive without measurable orthophosphate, relying on other forms of phosphorus. Phosphate removal can help but is not a substitute for proper sanitation practices. The relationship between phosphates and algae is complex and often misrepresented. Market reports can be misleading, showing stabilization rather than true growth. Consumer protection in the pool industry is a significant concern, highlighted by contractor misconduct cases. Understanding the mechanisms of pool chemistry is more important than memorizing numbers.Sound bites "Phosphate does not cause algae." "Chlorine neglect causes algae." "Oxidation is still the boss." Chapters 00:00 Understanding Phosphates in Pool Chemistry 03:50 Contractor Accountability and Consumer Protection 08:25 Market Trends and Industry Growth Analysis 12:44 The Role of Phosphates in Algae Control 21:16 Sources of Phosphates and Their Impact 25:12 The Relationship Between Phosphates and Algae  AquaStar Pool ProductsThe Global Leader in Safety, Dependability, & Innovation in Pool Technology.POOL MAGAZINE Pool Magazine is leading up to the minute news source for Swimming Pool News and Pool Features. Outhe 'How to Get Rid of Algae' handbookThe most comprehensive guide on algae prevention and remediation you will ever own. BLUERAY XLThe real mineral purifier! Reduce your pool maintenance costs & efforts by 50%CPO Certification ClassesAttend your CPO class with Rudy Stankowitz!Online Pool ClassesThe difference between you and your competition is what you know!Jack's MagicIf you know Jack's you'd have no stains!Service Industry NewsDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com

The Prime Minister's visit to Ukraine, Poland's refusal to join the US Peace Council, a campaign against Kraków's mayor, InPost on sale, Meta Platforms charged by the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection, the “Premises to Start program”, and much more!Thanks for tuning in!Let us know what you think and what we can improve on by emailing us at info@rorshok.com. You can also contact us on Twitter & Instagram @rorshokpoland Like what you hear? Subscribe, share, and tell your buds.Polish general will lead a joint headquarters: https://wydarzenia.interia.pl/kraj/news-polski-general-bedzie-dowodzil-silami-nato-pierwszy-raz-w-hi,nId,22598925“Will the ‘Safety Guide' Save Us? The Swedes Have a Better Idea” by Adam Szabelak: https://nlad.pl/poradnik-bezpieczenstwa-nas-uratuje-szwedzi-maja-lepszy-pomysl/Rorshok Updates: https://rorshok.com/updates/Check out our new t-shirts: https://rorshok.store/We want to get to know you! Please fill in this mini-survey: https://forms.gle/NV3h5jN13cRDp2r66Wanna avoid ads and help us financially? Follow the link: https://bit.ly/rorshok-donate

In the episode of the Consumer Finance Monitor podcast we are releasing today, we examine what may be the most consequential development in New York consumer protection law in nearly half a century: the enactment of the New York State Fair Business Practices Act (the FAIR Act). Signed into law in December 2025 and taking effect on February 17, 2026, the FAIR Act represents the first comprehensive overhaul of New York General Business Law § 349 in almost 50 years. Long focused primarily on deceptive acts and practices, Section 349 has now been expanded to expressly prohibit unfair and abusive business practices as well—bringing New York law far closer to the federal UDAAP framework under the Consumer Financial Protection Act. To explore what changed, why it matters, and how the law will be enforced in practice, Alan Kaplinsky (founder and former leader of the Consumer Financial Services Group at Ballard Spahr LLP and now Senior Counsel and host of Consumer Finance Monitor) is joined by two senior officials from the New York Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Frauds and Protection who were directly involved in shaping and implementing the statute: ·        Jane Azia, Chief of the Bureau of Consumer Frauds and Protection ·        Alec Webley, Assistant Attorney General and one of the attorneys who helped shepherd the FAIR Act through the legislative process What followed was a wide-ranging and unusually candid discussion of the statute's origins, scope, enforcement implications, and practical lessons for businesses operating in, or affecting, New York. From Deception to Unfairness and Abusiveness For decades, New York's consumer protection regime lagged behind most other states and federal regulators by focusing almost exclusively on deception. As Jane Azia explained, deception alone often fails to capture conduct that is plainly harmful to consumers, particularly where disclosures technically exist but are obscured, consumers are subjected to high-pressure tactics, or businesses exploit significant informational or power asymmetries. The FAIR Act closes those gaps by expressly prohibiting: ·        Unfair practices, modeled closely on the FTC's longstanding unfairness framework ·        Abusive practices, drawing heavily on more than a decade of CFPB enforcement experience Importantly, while the statute borrows from federal concepts of unfairness and abusiveness, New York is not bound to follow future CFPB reinterpretations. As Alec Webley emphasized, the legislature carefully chose its language, expressly incorporating only certain federal elements (such as the FTC's "substantial injury" concept) while deliberately declining to tether New York law to future federal regulatory shifts. Broader Scope Than Federal Law One of the most significant differences between the FAIR Act and federal consumer protection law is scope. Jane Azia pointed out that unlike the federal Consumer Financial Protection Act, which applies primarily to financial services, the FAIR Act applies to all business activity occurring in, or affecting consumers in, New York. That means unfair or abusive conduct by non-financial businesses now squarely falls within the Attorney General's enforcement authority. The statute also avoids many of the preemption constraints that can limit state enforcement against national banks under federal law, because it is a law of general application rather than a banking regulation. No Rulemaking—But Clear Signals The FAIR Act does not grant the Attorney General rulemaking authority, and the AG's office does not currently plan to issue formal regulations or written guidance. Instead, businesses should expect the meaning of "unfair" and "abusive" to be fleshed out through enforcement actions, settlements, and existing federal precedent. That said, the Attorney General has already identified categories of conduct likely to draw scrutiny, including: ·        Steering borrowers into unnecessarily costly repayment options ·        High-pressure sales tactics ·        Obscured or misleading pricing ·        Exploitation of consumers with limited English proficiency ·        Misleading marketing in health care, auto sales, and emerging financial products Several examples discussed on the podcast, including enforcement actions involving e-cigarettes, earned wage access products, and savings account practices, illustrate how the AG's office has already been applying unfairness and abusiveness theories under existing authority, and how the FAIR Act now allows those claims to be brought directly under state law. Remedies and Enforcement Tools The FAIR Act does not dramatically alter the remedies available to the Attorney General, but it reinforces a powerful enforcement arsenal, including: ·        Injunctive relief ·        Restitution ·        Civil penalties ·        Disgorgement ·        Expedited "special proceedings" that can allow the AG to move quickly in court to halt unlawful conduct As a reminder, recent amendments to Article 22-a of the general business law also significantly increased civil penalties for violations of section 349 occurring during disasters or abnormal market disruptions, an issue businesses should not overlook. Extraterritorial Reach and Coordination with Other Regulators The discussion also addresses a recurring compliance question: when New York law applies beyond New York's borders. In general, the statute applies where conduct occurs in New York or where New York consumers are harmed. It can also apply to out-of-state consumers harmed by New York-based businesses. By contrast, purely out-of-state conduct with no meaningful New York nexus typically falls outside the statute's reach. The episode also explores how the Attorney General coordinates with: ·        Other state attorneys general in multi-state investigations, ·        The New York Department of Financial Services, ·        The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, and ·        Federal agencies such as the FTC. Even as federal consumer protection enforcement ebbs and flows, the states, and New York in particular, remain active and increasingly influential. Practical Takeaways for Businesses A central theme of the discussion was that the FAIR Act is not a reason to relax compliance efforts—quite the opposite. As Alec Webley noted, statutes like this create an opportunity for companies and their counsel to step back, reassess business practices, and ask hard questions: ·        Are consumers complaining about this practice? ·        Is it genuinely necessary to the business? ·        Does it obscure costs or risks? ·        Would the company be comfortable seeing it described on the front page of a major newspaper? Practices that may have survived under a narrow deception standard could now pose real enforcement risk under broader unfairness and abusiveness principles. Looking Ahead Both guests emphasize that the FAIR Act was drafted with care and restraint, and that early enforcement actions are likely to fall squarely within the statute's text and intent. At the same time, emerging technologies, particularly digital marketing, fine-print disclosures on mobile devices, and the use of AI, are clearly on the Attorney General's radar. The bottom line is clear: the FAIR Act marks a fundamental shift in New York consumer protection law. With its February 17, 2026 effective date now here, businesses operating in or affecting New York should be taking this development seriously by reviewing practices, strengthening compliance frameworks, and preparing for a more expansive and assertive enforcement environment. We will continue to track developments under the FAIR Act and report on key enforcement actions and interpretations as they unfold. Consumer Finance Monitor is hosted by Alan Kaplinsky, Senior Counsel at Ballard Spahr, and the founder and former chair of the firm's Consumer Financial Services Group. We encourage listeners to subscribe to the podcast on their preferred platform for weekly insights into developments in the consumer finance industry.

Fran Spielman welcomes Chicago's Commissioner of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, Ivan Capifali. They discuss vital initiatives to support small businesses, including Mayor Johnson's 'Cut the Tape' program aimed at reducing bureaucratic red tape. Capifali emphasizes the importance of streamlining the business licensing process and highlights the city's efforts to enhance small business support amidst economic challenges. 

Is Uber as safe as riders are led to believe? On this episode of The Tudor Dixon Podcast, Tudor Dixon sits down with Will Hild, Executive Director of Consumers’ Research, to examine alarming allegations surrounding sexual assaults linked to rideshare services—particularly Uber—and the company’s internal handling of complaints. The conversation breaks down a recent $8.5 million judgment against Uber, claims that assaults occur nearly every eight minutes, and reports suggesting drivers with multiple complaints were allowed to remain on the platform. Tudor and Will explore how corporate “wokeness,” DEI policies, and ESG priorities may be masking serious safety failures, while also discussing a California ballot initiative that could hold rideshare companies legally responsible for assaults committed during rides. They also dive into Silicon Valley’s “move fast and break things” mentality, consumer trust, corporate accountability, and why public pressure—from Bud Light to Target—still matters. This is a must-listen episode for parents, rideshare users, and anyone concerned about consumer protection, corporate governance, and real-world safety.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trevor Topfer, Executive Director of Blockchain NZ, explains why the crypto industry is actually pushing for regulation, how New Zealand plans to become a blockchain export hub, and why the convergence of AI and blockchain will solve real-world problems within the next 10 years. Plus, the rough road ahead before we reach a utopian future. You'll hear:  00:00 - Why The Crypto Industry Is Demanding Regulation 02:34 - The Wild West Days Are Over (Industry Wants Rules Now) 04:26 - Consumer Protection vs Innovation: Finding The Balance 10:15 - Why Calling Crypto A Scam Is a Larger Problem Than The Scams 18:45 - The Real Estate Tokenization Revolution Nobody's Talking About 26:43 - AI + Blockchain: Two World-Changing Technologies Collide 28:42 - How Digital Identity Will Be Bigger Than Crypto 29:38 - The Utopian Future (And The Bloodbath We'll Face First) … and much more! Want to see what we're looking at every episode? Watch the YouTube version of the podcast here. Want more from Trevor Topfer, you can find him on LinkedIn Ready to start? Get $10 of FREE Bitcoin on Swyftx when you sign up and verify:  https://trade.swyftx.com.au/register/?promoRef=tappingintocrypto10btc  To get the latest updates, hit subscribe and follow us over on the gram @tappingintocrypto or X @tappingintocrypto If you can't wait to learn more, check out these blogs from our friends over at Swyftx. This podcast provides general market commentary and is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is NOT financial advice. We are NOT licensed financial advisors. Investing in cryptocurrency carries risk. You should always conduct your own research and seek independent financial advice before making any investment decisions. Please read Swyftx's Terms and Conditions and Risk Disclosure statement before investing.

What happens when a supplement company built on pharmaceutical-grade testing standards gets raided by federal agents? In Part 1 of our two-part series with Nootropics Depot, founder Paul Eftang and Director of Business Development Matt Harrier take us through their origin story, the harrowing 2021 FDA raid that changed everything, and why regulatory inconsistencies leave consumers more vulnerable than protected. Paul started on Reddit’s r/Nootropics community, calling out mislabeled supplements that sent people to hospitals. When donations to test products revealed widespread fraud across the industry, he founded Ceretropic (later acquiring Nootropics Depot) to prove quality control was possible. Matt was part of the original Nootropics Depot team, and they united by their shared priority: making sure what’s on the label is actually in the bottle. But their commitment to transparency and pharmaceutical-grade testing made them a target. In 2021, while Paul was out of the office, armed agents raided their facilities — not for safety violations, but for technical regulatory interpretations around compounds like racetams. The agents complimented their equipment and testing standards even as they seized products. Two years and significant legal costs later, a deferred prosecution agreement required destroying inventory and paying fines, but no criminal charges stuck. This episode reveals uncomfortable truths about FDA enforcement: selective raids while warning letters go to others, funding through civil asset forfeiture, and regulatory ambiguity that punishes good actors while bad actors continue unchallenged. It’s the backstory that shaped why Nootropics Depot now operates pharmaceutical-grade supplement testing lab that most supplement brands wouldn’t even recognize. Be sure to subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for Nootropics Depot news alerts before we dive into this revealing conversation. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/nootropics-depot-fda-raid-203 Video: The FDA Raid That Changed Everything – Paul Eftang & Matt Harrier of Nootropics Depot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSZIlbPsT7c Detailed Show Notes: Inside Nootropics Depot’s Origin, Raid, and Fight for Consumer Protection (0:00) – Introductions and Welcome (2:15) – The Reddit Origins: When Fake Supplements Sent People to Hospitals (7:45) – Matt Joins: From Nootropics Depot’s First Incarnation to the Team (13:15) – The Pivot Point: From Synthetic Nootropics to Natural Ingredients (20:20) – The Regulatory Gray Zone: Why Racetams Attracted Attention (25:30) – 2018: Scaling Back and Hoping for Clarity (34:30) – The 2021 Raid: Guns Drawn at a Quality-Focused Facility (45:45) – The Investigation: When Good Faith Meets Civil Asset Forfeiture (1:01:15) – The Resolution: Deferred Prosecution and Its Costs (1:15:30) – Strict Liability: Why Testing Doesn’t Protect You (1:28:45) – Civil Asset Forfeiture: The Funding Model That Warps Enforcement (1:33:00) – The NMN Situation: Regulatory Ambiguity by Design (1:38:25) – Chevron Doctrine and Regulatory Authority (1:40:50) – DSHEA and the Third Classification Debate (1:44:15) – The Implementation Problem: When Regulations Fail Consumers (1:49:15) – The Emotional Toll: Why Paul Can’t … Read more on the PricePlow Blog

Send us a textRocket Mortgage gets sued for mortgage steering!Today, I discuss the ethical implications of mortgage steering and RESPA violations in real estate. I will highlight the significant lawsuit against Rocket Mortgage, alleging unethical practices in referral systems that prioritize financial benefits over consumer interests. I also delve into the responsibilities of real estate agents to act in the best interest of their clients and the potential legal ramifications of failing to do so. Lastly, I discuss the importance of transparency in referrals and the need for agents to resist pressure from brokerages to prioritize financial incentives.Don't forget to like us and share us!Gary* Gary serves on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission as a Commissioner. The opinions expressed herein are his opinions and are not necessarily the opinions of the SC Real Estate Commission. This podcast is not to be considered legal advice. Please consult an attorney in your area.

Michael Kavanagh, Chief Executive of the Compliance Institute

In this episode of the Consumer Finance Monitor Podcast, we examine one of the most closely watched and increasingly controversial developments in consumer finance: earned wage access (EWA) products. EWA products allow workers to access a portion of wages they have already earned before their scheduled payday. Proponents describe these products as a valuable financial tool that helps consumers manage cash-flow shortfalls without resorting to traditional payday loans. Critics, including the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL), argue that EWA products function as high-cost credit, often involving opaque fees that can trap consumers in cycles of debt. Our panel brings together industry and advocacy perspectives to explore the research, legal arguments, and regulatory uncertainty surrounding EWA, a market that has grown rapidly but remains unevenly regulated. Meet the Speakers ·        Alan Kaplinsky – Host and moderator. Founder and former Practice Group Leader of Ballard Spahr's Consumer Financial Services Group; now Senior Counsel. ·        Lucia Constantine – Senior Researcher at the Center for Responsible Lending, focusing on mortgage lending and predatory debt practices. ·        Yasmin Farahi – Deputy Director of State Policy and Senior Policy Counsel at CRL, specializing in small-dollar lending and state consumer protection initiatives. ·        Joseph Schuster – Partner in Consumer Financial Services Group at Ballard Spahr, with extensive experience advising on earned wage access products and their legal and regulatory treatment. Key Topics Covered in the Episode ·        What Is Earned Wage Access? An overview of EWA products, how they operate, and why they have become a focal point for regulators and consumer advocates. ·        Consumer Protection vs. Industry InnovationCRL presents research suggesting that EWA products operate as high-cost credit and may contribute to debt accumulation, while industry participants argue the products provide needed liquidity and differ fundamentally from traditional loans. ·        Fees, Tips, and Consumer Understanding A discussion of common pricing models, including expedited access fees and voluntary "tips," and whether consumers fully understand the true cost of using EWA services. ·        Research Findings CRL reviews studies conducted by it based on anonymized transaction data indicating frequent repeat usage, escalating fees, and increased overdraft activity among some users. ·        The Regulatory and Legal Landscape An examination of ongoing litigation, divergent state approaches, and federal regulatory ambiguity. While some states regulate EWA as credit, others have carved out exemptions. Courts are increasingly being asked to determine whether EWA products constitute "loans" under existing law. ·        Industry Responses and SafeguardsDiscussion of non-recourse structures, voluntary fee models, and industry-led efforts to mitigate consumer harm. ·        Policy Outlook Consideration of congressional interest, state-level reform efforts, and the likelihood of future regulatory intervention. Why This Episode Matters The debate over earned wage access is still in its early stages, but the outcome will have significant implications for fintech providers, employers, consumers, and regulators. This episode provides essential context and analysis for financial services professionals seeking to understand how EWA fits within existing consumer credit frameworks, and how that framework may change. Consumer Finance Monitor is hosted by Alan Kaplinsky, Senior Counsel at Ballard Spahr and founder and former chair of the firm's Consumer Financial Services Group. We invite you to subscribe on your preferred podcast platform for weekly insights into key developments in consumer financial services law and regulation. Since its recording, there have been a few developments relevant to this episode. For instance, on December 22, 2025, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued an advisory opinion that states the Truth In Lending Act (TILA) does not apply to certain "earned wage access (EWA) products," and it rescinds a proposed interpretive rule issued under former CFPB Director Chopra that classified these products as credit subject to TILA with their fees considered finance charges. The Center for Responsible Lending expressed opposition to this latest advisory opinion. On January 13, 2025, the House Financial Services Committee held a hearing on financial technology that included consideration of draft legislation on "Earned Wage Access," which CRL refers to as "payday loan apps." Around 200 nonprofits have written to Congress about their opposition to the version of this bill as introduced last session of congress.

In the aftermath of this week’s winter storm, Gov. Josh Shapiro took time to say thank you to highway workers who were on the job since the first flakes began falling. State Attorney General Dave Sunday and the Bureau of Consumer Protection are warning scammers might take advantage of the recent winter storm and current cold weather. The snowstorm dumped anywhere from 9 to 15 inches of snow across Pennsylvania. This may come as a surprise today, but winter is still the fastest-warming season in the Philadelphia region. That doesn’t mean we can’t get serious cold snaps. An inmate at the state prison at Camp Hill has died. The state Department of Corrections has identified him as 46-year-old James Campbell, who was found unresponsive in his cell on Sunday. Outraged critics are accusing Donald Trump of “whitewashing history” after the National Park Service last week removed an exhibit on slavery at Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Mike McCarthy have reached a verbal agreement for McCarthy to become the club's next head coach. McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native, it set to succeed Mike Tomlin, whose surprise departure created just the third job opening in Pittsburgh since 1969. Did you know that if every sustaining circle member gives as little as $12 more a month, we'd close the gap caused by federal funding cuts? Increase your gift at https://witf.org/increase or become a new sustaining member at www.witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From a national penny shortage to tax season approaching, what you need to know about trending business changes and potential scams in Connecticut. We spoke with Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli at the CT Department of Consumer Protection.

Jan. 19, 2026- Following an investigation into the use of algorithmic pricing by Instacart, the state attorney general's office is asking for information from the third-party shopping service. We explore the use personal data to set prices and efforts to regulate these practices with Justin Brookman, director of technology policy for Consumer Reports, which helped expose the tactics of Instacart.

Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown has focused on protecting state residents, filing 49 lawsuits against federal actions and prioritizing consumer protection and workers' rights during his first year in office. Join us for an inside look at the often unseen work of the Attorney General's Office.   As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com.   Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find Attorney General Nick Brown on Bluesky at @atg.wa.gov.

Think of your cheese going through TSA before it gets to you -- metal detectors, X-rays... and the careful eyes of the farmer, processor, and the dairy sanitation specialists with the state of Wisconsin. But sometimes, issues still happen. Stephanie Hoff is getting a look at the recall process today with Elsie Lundquist. She’s one of about 20 dairy sanitarians with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Snow's back in the forecast for most of the state of Wisconsin sometime today into the weekend. Stu Muck gives us some estimates on what we could see, and an outlook on the cooling temperatures. Time for a Mid-West Farm Report Ride Along. This time Pam Jahnke accepts an invitation from Syngenta to find out how they're handling the battle against corn rootworms. Brad Bernhard is the technical product lead for agronomic research at the Malta, IL location for Syngenta. He explains that one small insect costs farmers literally billions of dollars globally. Now Syngenta's ready to unleash the latest technology to control the insect through DuraStak. Paid for by Syngenta. The Assembly Agriculture Committee held an executive session on Wednesday and moved 3 bills out of committee for further action. Rep. Clint Moses, vice chair of the committee, explains that some of the items took longer to work through than others. For example, trying to regulate foreign adversary ownership of agricultural or forestry land in the state. He says there were a lot of stakeholders that needed to be a part of that conversation. Data centers have become a routine part of conversations in Wisconsin, including more rural communities. Ben Jarboe visits with Adam Freihoefer, DNR water section manager, about the recently released 2024 Water Use Report. It details how water was used in Wisconsin, and agriculture wasn't the biggest consumer. Freihoefer explains how water use can ebb and flow, depending on a lot of factors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of One Vision, Theo hosts Amanda Estiverne-Colas, Director of Payments Practice at Perficient. Amanda shares her journey in financial services, focusing on financial inclusion and fairness by design, as well as the importance of empathy in banking. They also touch on the challenges and opportunities within the financial ecosystem, the need to adapt to changing consumer needs, in order to build a more inclusive future.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:25 Amanda's Journey in Financial Services05:39 Empathy and Financial Inclusion06:33 Challenges and Opportunities in FinTech12:19 Global Perspectives and Innovations19:31 Consumer Protection 24:02 Closing Thoughts

This week, investigative journalist and co-producer of Stupid Sexy Privacy, interviews Samuel Levine. Mr. Levine served as Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, and was just appointed to run New York City's Consumer Protection Agency. BJ asks Mr. Levine what a functional Federal Trade Commission is supposed to do, compared to what we have right now. You're not going to want to miss this. Learn more at https://www.stupidsexyprivacy.com

In this episode of One Vision, Theo hosts Amanda Estiverne-Colas, Director of Payments Practice at Perficient. Amanda shares her journey in financial services, focusing on financial inclusion and fairness by design, as well as the importance of empathy in banking. They also touch on the challenges and opportunities within the financial ecosystem, the need to adapt to changing consumer needs, in order to build a more inclusive future.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:25 Amanda's Journey in Financial Services05:39 Empathy and Financial Inclusion06:33 Challenges and Opportunities in FinTech12:19 Global Perspectives and Innovations19:31 Consumer Protection 24:02 Closing Thoughts

We start with the untimely death of President John F. Kennedy's granddaughter. The FBI and DHS are investigating fraud allegations in Minnesota. A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration's latest attempt to gut the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Foreign ministers from 10 countries have issued a call to action in Gaza. Plus, we explain what's behind the rapid spread of two contagious illnesses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nokukhanya Mntambo speaks to Dr Angelique Coetzee of the South African Medical Association about alarming global findings on teen vaping, nicotine addiction and the long-term risks to young people’s health and development. In other interviews, labour expert Galenoe Modisapodi explains why dishonesty can be a fireable offence, Judy Klipin highlights the value of annual goal-setting, Zinhle Tyikwe unpacks the dangers of fake products, while Tracy Ziman Jacobs, Justine Nienaber and Nomndeni Sethole explore sexual wellness, content monetisation and the power of personal branding. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape.    Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa     Follow us on social media   702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702   CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702 CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nokukhanya Mntambo speaks to Zinhle Tyikwe, CEO of Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA), about fake honey flooding the market undercuts local beekeepers and threatens agricultural systems. It dilutes consumer trust and harms the livelihoods of producers who depend on authentic honey sales and pollination services, creating a broader risk for food security. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape.    Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa     Follow us on social media   702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702   CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702 CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledCalifornia auto repair shop owners, there's a new regulation that almost flew under the radar, and if you're doing any kind of digital advertising, you'll want to hit play on this one.In this episode, Brian Walker sits down with Dave Kusa, president of ASCCA, to break down recent changes from the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) that affect how you advertise your shop, especially when it comes to your phone number and license info. Spoiler: that tracking number you've been using to measure ad performance? It's not necessarily a problem... but there are some key things you need to know to stay compliant and avoid issues down the line.They also talk about how this regulation came about, what ASCCA did to advocate for shop owners, and what to expect moving forward. Plus, if you've ever wondered why joining an association like ASCCA really matters, this is a perfect example of how that involvement pays off.If you're marketing a shop in California, or just want to stay ahead of the curve, this is one you can't afford to miss. Listen now and keep your shop out of trouble.Show Notes with TimestampsPodcast Network Introduction (00:00:00) Brief announcement of the Automotive Repair Podcast Network.Episode Introduction & Sponsors (00:00:10) Host Brian Walker introduces the episode, guest Dave Kusa, and thanks sponsors Shop Boss and App Fueled.Guest Introduction & ASCCA Overview (00:01:01) Dave Kusa introduces himself, his shop, and his role as ASCCA president and Government Affairs Committee chair.ASCCA's Role in Regulatory Issues (00:02:18) Discussion of ASCCA's involvement with the BAR advisory group and regulatory processes.Background on New BAR Advertising Rules (00:03:41) Explanation of how the new BAR advertising rules, especially phone number requirements, came to ASCCA's attention.Origin of Mobile Auto Repair Regulations (00:04:36) Details on how mobile repair regulations led to broader advertising requirements for all shops.Tracking Numbers & Industry Response (00:06:23) Concerns about tracking numbers, ASCCA's advocacy, and BAR's clarification on acceptable phone number practices.Current Compliance Recommendations (00:08:06) Advice on displaying registered phone numbers and ARD license on websites and digital marketing.Unresolved Issues & Awaiting Written Guidance (00:09:00) Pending clarity on Google My Business, Facebook, and the need for written BAR guidance.Best Practices & Consumer Protection (00:09:49) Benefits of displaying ARD numbers for legitimacy and consumer verification.Sponsor Messages (00:10:11) Promotional messages for Shop Boss and App Fueled.BAR's Enforcement Approach & Dynamic Number Insertion (00:12:03) Discussion of BAR's grace...

Comprehensive coverage of the day's news with a focus on war and peace; social, environmental and economic justice. Battleship Iowa – photo: PH2 J. Alan Elliott, USN Turning Point USA tour ends in Phoenix, with show of divisions in MAGA movement; Trump announces new “Trump class” battleships, as threats against Venezuela continue; California joins 22-state lawsuit challenging Trump administration cuts to consumer protection agency; Number of people in ICE detention hits record high, with 68,000 in detention on December 14; Florida's Catholic bishops urge Trump to pause immigration enforcement during Christmas holidays, White House vows to continue as usual; The post Trump announces new “Trump class” battleships; California joins lawsuit challenging cuts to consumer protection agency – December 22, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

AP's Lisa Dwyer reports on a new lawsuit over funding for the Consumer Protection Bureau.

Nokukhanya Mntambo speaks to Wendy Knowler, Consumer Ninja, about a festive-season consumer complaint involving a delayed Takealot order, highlighting common online shopping challenges and consumer rights. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape.    Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa     Follow us on social media   702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702   CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702 CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kailyn Palomares is back- and her guest this month is Marcia Wensing, a plant pest and disease specialist for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. She inspects Christmas tree farms and plant nurseries of all kinds, looking for pests, diseases, and invasive species.

From hotels to fast food restaurants, more companies are luring consumers to sign up for loyalty programs in exchange for points, discounts and other deals. But according to two former FTC officials, loyalty programs have devolved into “data-harvesting machines” that track what we buy and even how much we're willing to pay. And the financial benefits tend to fall far short of the initial promise. We talk to Sam A.A. Levine and Stephanie Nguyen about how loyalty programs exploit consumers, how California is fighting back and how we can stay alert to the pitfalls. Their recent paper is called “The Loyalty Trap: How Loyalty Programs Hook Us with Deals, Hack Our Brains, and Hike Our Prices.” What consumer loyalty programs do you use, and have you ever felt used… by them? Guests: Samuel A.A. Levine, former director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission - senior fellow, Center for Consumer Law & Economic Justice, UC Berkeley Law School Stephanie Nguyen, former chief technologist, Federal Trade Commission - senior fellow, Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Think of your cheese going through TSA before it gets to you -- metal detectors, X-rays... and the careful eyes of the farmer, processor, and the dairy sanitation specialists with the state of Wisconsin. But sometimes, issues still happen. We’re getting a look at the recall process today with Elsie Lundquist. She’s one of 20 dairy sanitarians with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I don't see a partridge in a pear tree, but we do see a lot of scams out there to be aware of. We spoke with Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection about the 12 Scams of Christmas to look out for.

Names can be deceptive when it comes to charitable organizations. What you think they do, they may not. Kiley Allan finds out about what to look for from Hannah Thompson-Weeman, President and CEO of Animal Agriculture Alliance. She says that animal rights extremist groups that oppose raising animals for food are seeing financial growth. The money they're bringing in is reaching $865 million. That is almost a 10% increase in one year. Funding comes from consumers lured in by sad animal commercials, as well as powerful private foundations. She says to responsibly donate - give directly to your animal shelter to make sure your gift is properly used. Wisconsin weather conditions are going to start to change this evening. Stu Muck says some will see snow, others a mix of freezing precipitation. It's the final wrap up with Helena Agri. Steve Bailie, branch manager for the Monroe location of Helena Agri talks with Pam Jahnke about the information generated from the harvest and how they're using it to make wise investments on inputs for 2026. Paid for by Helena Agri.UW-Madison Extension is creating a new 3-day short course for people interested in beekeeping. Pam Jahnke reports that the course will be Feb. 13-15 and cover everything from hive health to marketing of products. She also highlights a new report out from Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin that sharpens our vision of what consumers will be looking for in 2026. The research was conducted in cooperation with the Center for Dairy Research and shows the following cheese related trends. Consumers are looking for: #1 - Sustainability #2 - Health #3 - Texture #4 - Protein #5 - Authenticitywisconsindairy.org/cheesetrends It's a part of almost every day's activities. Buying something online. Even the most savvy shopper needs to exercise caution when it comes to those purchases. Michelle Reinen, Administrator of the Division of Trade and Consumer Protection tells him that in 2024 the FTC received over 380,000 fraud reports and Wisconsin had 5,000 of those shoppers. DATCP says that online shopping is the #1 source of consumer fraud complaints. Consumers should verify if a website or platform is safe by looking for "HTTPS" and a padlock icon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“You will see notable changes in the accuracy of your weather forecast within 5 years and most likely within 3.” That's the prediction from 9NEWS Denver senior meteorologist Chris Bianchi, and in this episode, we dig into why.In this conversation on The Difference Makers Podcast, Dr. Jim Hoven sits down with Chris Bianchi to talk about how AI is about to change weather forecasting forever, what that means for your daily life, and the human stories behind the maps and models.You'll also hear Chris's incredible journey:Growing up bilingual with Chilean parents- Finding community through sports and soccer- Becoming obsessed with weather at age four (his first written words were “partly cloudy”)- Breaking into New York TV as a teenager- Building a huge following on TikTok and Instagram by debunking viral “doom snow” forecasts- Using his platform to advocate for pets, Spanish-speaking communities, and more accurate local news

One day we're an ‘F' and a few days later, an ‘A.' A recent article looked at all the states in the US with legalized marijuana laws on the books, which includes Connecticut. The article specifically looked at warning labels on cannabis products and originally gave our state a failing grade. But the article has since been corrected. What happened? We asked Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. For the original article: https://www.statnews.com/2025/12/02/cannabis-product-safety-warnings-states-analysis/v Image Credit: Melissa Sheketoff

The secret's out! Archie Colgan is officially partnering with Ramos Law. And today, you get a front-row seat to the story behind it.In this exclusive sit-down with Dr. Joseph Ramos, Archie Colgan opens up about what it really takes to climb the ranks in MMA—from the discipline he built through years of wrestling, to the mental toughness required to show up every day as a contender chasing a world title shot.Archie breaks down:

All those loyalty points you're racking up at the grocery store, hotels and airlines benefit those companies way more than you. Samuel A.A. Levine is a senior fellow at U.C. Berkeley's Center for Consumer Law & Economic Justice and he previously served as director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. He joins host Krys Boyd to discuss why newcomers to loyalty programs get priority over long-time customers, the privacy we trade off to get what we think are deals and why we might encounter higher prices anyway. His paper (co-authored by Stephanie T. Nguyen) “The Loyalty Trap: How Loyalty Programs Hook Us with Deals, Hack our Brains, and Hike Our Prices” was published by The Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator and U.C. Berkeley Center for Consumer Law and Economic Justice. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In this episode, we walk through how South Carolina Attorney General's Office — led by Alan Wilson — frames its consumer-protection approach as a “referee on a football field,” focusing on neutrality, predictability, and transparency rather than punitive ends. We explain how the office evaluates cases under a “Meritorious and Compelling State Interest Test,” gives respondents a full opportunity to be heard, and emphasizes good-faith engagement over aggressive enforcement. Hosted by Simone Roach. Based on a blog post by Paul L. Singer, Abigail Stempson, Beth Bolen Chun, Andrea deLorimier, Benjamin Lieman.

On this episode of the Insurance Coffee House, Nick Hoadley sits down with Amanda Yoho, President of Proformex, the life insurance and annuity technology platform based in Cleveland, Ohio.Amanda joined Proformex in January 2020 to build the company's data and analytics capability, before stepping into the President role in November 2024. With a background that spans startups and global corporates, including several years at IBM following an acquisition, she brings deep experience across data science, technology, and problem-solving in complex environments.In this conversation, Amanda shares how Proformex helps agents, advisors, and distributors gain a unified view across their life and annuity books of business. She discusses the long-term challenges of monitoring products that may span 30-50 years, the importance of consumer protection, and why access to accurate, centralised data is critical for preventing unintended lapses.Amanda explains how proactive alerts, data quality checks, and system integrations support advisors in delivering better service, reducing risk, and identifying new engagement opportunities. She also highlights how hiring and interviewing are evolving in the age of AI, why curiosity is essential in a startup environment, and how finding the right culture fit is just as important as technical capability.Connect with Amanda Yoho on LinkedIn to learn more about Proformex.The Insurance Coffee House Podcast is brought to you by Insurance Search.We are a global Insurance Executive Search Consultancy, supporting Insurance and Insurtech businesses to attract and retain the very best insurance talent.Find out more about showcasing your employer brand as a guest on the Insurance Coffee House Podcast or sign up to our News and Insights.Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram.Insurance Executive Search Consultants in USA, London and Bermuda.Copyright Insurance Search 2025 - All Rights Reserved.

It's the Ranch It Up Radio Show Herd It Here Weekly Report!  A 3-minute look at cattle markets, reports, news info, or anything that has to do with those of us who live at the end of dirt roads.  Join Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt, the Boss Lady Rebecca Wanner aka 'BEC' by subscribing on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel. Campbell Soup Being Investigated After Comments About Lab Grown Meat Florida's attorney general announced an investigation into Campbell Soup Co. after secretly recorded audio allegedly captured a company executive making disparaging remarks about the company's products and expressing concerns about lab-grown meat. The comments surfaced amid heightened scrutiny over Florida's ban on cultivated meat, signed into law last year. Attorney General James Uthmeier said in a social media post that Florida “doesn't do fake, lab-grown meat” and vowed to enforce the law and “shut down” violators. The state's Consumer Protection division is now launching a formal investigation into Campbell's. REFERENCES:  https://meatingplace.com/3d-printer-meat-execs-comments-trigger-probe-of-campbells-soup/?utm_source=omeda&utm_medium=email&utm_cid=1103020073&utm_campaign=MTGMCD251125008&utm_date=20251126-0300 Upcoming Bull & Heifer Sales On RanchChannel.Com Lot's of bull and heifer sales coming up on the RanchChannel.Com sale calendar.  Check out the full line up HERE. SPONSORS Jorgensen Land & Cattle https://jorgensenfarms.com/ @JorLandCat Ranch Channel https://ranchchannel.com/ @RanchChannel Questions & Concerns From The Field? Call or Text your questions, or comments to 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420 Or email RanchItUpShow@gmail.com FOLLOW Facebook/Instagram: @RanchItUpShow SUBSCRIBE to the Ranch It Up YouTube Channel: @ranchitup Website: RanchItUpShow.com https://ranchitupshow.com/ The Ranch It Up Podcast is available on ALL podcasting apps. https://ranchitup.podbean.com/ Rural America is center-stage on this outfit. AND how is that? Because of Tigger & BEC... Live This Western Lifestyle. Tigger & BEC represent the Working Ranch world by providing the cowboys, cowgirls, beef cattle producers & successful farmers the knowledge and education needed to bring high-quality beef & meat to your table for dinner. Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner aka BEC here: TiggerandBEC.com https://tiggerandbec.com/

Michael McGrath, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, outlines his key targets ahead of his appearance before the Oireachtas EU Affairs Committee later today.

The AG of Michigan has asked its Supreme Court to overturn a 1999 ruling which had gutted our Consumer Protection Act. There is also proposed legislation to fix the issue. https://www.lehtoslaw.com

What happens when your personal data is misused or stolen — can you really take a company to court?

In Part One of our two-part series on the NAAG Fall Consumer Protection Conference, we cover key takeaways from the Attorneys General panel and a discussion on price transparency featuring Kelley Drye's Beth Chun. Hear insights from state AGs on enforcement priorities, compliance expectations, and the growing focus on transparent pricing laws nationwide. Hosted by Simone Roach. Based on a blog post by Paul L. Singer, Abigail Stempson, Beth Bolen Chun, and Andrea deLorimier.

In the second part of our coverage of the NAAG Fall Consumer Protection Conference, we recap discussions on deceptive practices—from privacy and ultra-processed foods to e-cigarettes—as well as federal student loans and debt collection trends. Panelists shared state enforcement updates, litigation developments, and practical insights for businesses and policymakers navigating these evolving areas. Hosted by Simone Roach. Based on a blog post by Paul L. Singer, Abigail Stempson, Beth Bolen Chun, andAndrea deLorimier.

What happens when your personal data is misused or stolen — can you really take a company to court?

  As President Trump phases out the production of pennies, businesses are scrambling to adjust their prices. Now, many companies are focused on rounding their prices. Director of the Utah Division of Consumer Protection, Katie Hoss, told us what this means for our wallets.

“Do you believe in climate change?” is the wrong question. On this episode of The Difference Makers Podcast, Dr. Joseph Ramos sits down with veteran Denver meteorologist Marty Coniglio to reframe the conversation around data, not belief and to dig into how weather, climate, aviation, and the legal system intersect.In this episode:- Why “belief” doesn't belong in physical science—only data- Forecasting then vs. now: supercomputers, models, and what still trips them up- AI in weather: powerful aggregator, not an oracle- NOAA vs. AMS (what they do, why funding and observations matter)- Weather and aviation: pilot decision-making, accidents, and expert testimony- The December 15, 2021 wind event, dust storms, wildfires & liability- Marty's journey: TV career, immigrant family roots, and life after broadcastPodcast Chapters:00:00:31 Introduction to Marty Coniglio00:00:48 35 Years on Denver Television 00:02:16 A Man of Many Talents: Scientist, Musician, & Pilot 00:03:29 Upbringing in Nebraska 00:05:33 The Immigrant Legacy: Why Education Was Non-Negotiable 00:08:06 A Drastic Career Change: From Psychology to Meteorology 00:10:41 The Appeal of Hard Science: "You Can't Fool Mother Nature" 00:11:48 Life After TV: Becoming an Expert Legal Witness 00:12:14 The First Case: A 1995 Hot Air Balloon Crash 00:13:31 What Does a "WXPERT" Do? (Slips, Crashes, & Wildfires) 00:16:35 The Historic December 2021 Derecho Wind Event 00:19:02 The "Wrong 50% of the Time" Joke 00:19:36 How Did Weather Forecasting Actually Get So Good? 00:20:14 The D-Day Forecast: One of the Greatest of All Time 00:23:58 A Fatal Example: When Budget Cuts Turn Deadly 00:25:32 Will AI Replace Meteorologists? 00:30:41 Are Emmys for Accuracy or Presentation? 00:31:16 Explaining the System: AMS vs. NOAA 00:35:20 The Dangers of Slashing the NOAA Budget 00:39:31 "Do You Believe in Climate Change?" is the Wrong Question 00:41:44 Does He Still Check the Weather Every Day? 00:43:13 Enjoying the Transition from TV to the Home Office 00:44:00 "I Don't Care Who Wins": The Ethics of an Expert Witness 00:45:33 "Pigs Can Fly in Court": When the Jury Gets it Wrong 00:50:31 The Hard Truth About Slip & Fall Cases 00:52:03 Conclusion Ramos Law — Law firm serving clients nationwide in Personal Injury, Consumer Protection, and Aviation Law.If you've been injured in an auto accident, slip and fall, are dealing with credit report errors/mixed files, debt collection issues, or need aviation attorneys for pilot medicals, certificate defense, or aviation accidents—contact us for a free consultation. No fees unless we win.

Send us a textWhy do builders offer a buyer agent incentive? It is very simple; to convince you to show their house over the competitors and so you will advocate for the builder when the buyer is choosing between multiple houses.  Congratulations you just described commission steering.  See the problem with that? You are supposed to advocate for your client and not the seller!These bonuses and agent incentives are a huge problem that could expose you to liability. Listen to learn why builders need to offer buyer incentives and not agent incentives.Don't forget to like us and share us!Gary* Gary serves on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission as a Commissioner. The opinions expressed herein are his opinions and are not necessarily the opinions of the SC Real Estate Commission. This podcast is not to be considered legal advice. Please consult an attorney in your area.