Latest news with #ConsumerReports'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Summer Is Coming And So Are The Mosquitoes: Here Are Some Of The Best Ways To Protect Yourself
If you've been chomping at the bit to get outside and enjoy the longer days of summer, don't let mosquitoes kill your buzz. The warming temperatures and rising humidity that come with the season likely mean mosquitoes are hatching in your backyard right now. Heavy rain across some parts of the country also increases that likelihood. As senior digital meteorologist Chris Dolce points out: "Much of the South and East have endured a wetter than average May, with abundant rainfall surpluses." As of May 29, the month ranked as the second-wettest May in Birmingham, Alabama; the 13th-wettest in Atlanta and the fifth-wettest in Boston. So if you're trying to largely avoid pesticides and insecticides, here are some of the best ways to eliminate and avoid mosquitoes. Your first layer of protection is insect repellent, so we turned to Consumer Reports for their expertise. They've rigorously tested dozens of repellents and have ranked 59 of them based on their effectiveness. Consumer Reports' Senior Health Reporter Kevin Loria recommends that you look for repellents that use EPA-registered ingredients. Among the ones they tested, those with DEET performed best. If you're looking for a plant-based alternative, he says sprays with OLE – oil of lemon eucalyptus – were also effective. Loria notes that OLE is also less likely to damage fabrics. While you might have seen recommendations or online recipes for homemade repellents using essential oils like peppermint, Loria says Consumer Reports testing showed those are only effective for a very short time – 30 minutes to an hour. Repellents with DEET can last six to eight hours, so that can eliminate the need to reapply. Pro tip: If you need to apply both sunscreen and bug repellent, both Loria and the CDC recommend applying sunscreen first and then insect repellent. Standing water is a breeding haven for mosquitoes, so scour your outdoor spaces for items that may be working against you – from toys and dog bowls, to plant pot saucers, bird baths and your trash containers. You want to turn over, empty, throw out or clean those containers regularly throughout the summer. Loria said dumping out sources of standing water every one to two weeks can do a good job of interrupting and stopping the breeding cycle of mosquitoes in your yard. If you have a swimming pool, make sure to maintain proper chlorine levels and clean the filters and pumps so there's no buildup of organic matter that can attract mosquitoes. (MORE: How To Build A Mosquito Kill Bucket) Let's stay in the backyard and talk about how plants can hinder and help you. First, you want to trim overgrown hedges, bushes and other plants. They can be a good resting and hiding place for mosquitoes. You'll also want to keep your lawn in check by mowing it regularly, but don't forget to clean up the clippings, as those can hold moisture and attract the flying pests. There are plants you can add to your garden that are natural mosquito repellents. As a bonus, they'll look and smell good in your garden. Some good options include: Lemongrass Lemon Eucalyptus Lavender Mint Rosemary Marigolds Citronella Basil Sage Taking a walk or exercising outdoors at dusk or dawn may be a way to beat the most intense heat of the day, but those times are like happy hour for some mosquito species. That can vary by where you live, so pay attention and either avoid being outdoors at those times or layer on the repellent. Here's something else you should note: Getting sweaty and dirty can also make you more attractive to the insects. "When we're out and about and we're moving around, we're exhaling carbon dioxide, and that helps attract mosquitoes," said Loria. Ever notice that you see fewer mosquitoes on breezy days? The insects find it difficult to fly in strong winds, so installing an outdoor fan on your patio or just bringing your box or standing fan out to the porch is not only a great way to stay cool, but it can fend off the bugs.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
10 ‘really risky foods' you might have in the fridge right now
(WJW) – Everyday grocery items make up Consumer Reports' list of '10 Really Risky Foods Right Now.' Many of the items might be in your refrigerator right now. The list is based on the number of illnesses and deaths linked to a food item in 2024, how widespread the outbreaks were, the number of recalls and the amount of food recalled, according to Consumer Reports. Recent recalls effecting Ohio Each year, Consumer Reports makes this top 10 list by using data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. There was a 41% jump in food recalls due to possible contamination with salmonella, E. coli and listeria in 2024, compared to 2023, according to the U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund. Below are the top 10 'Really Risky Foods Right Now,' according to Consumer Reports: 1. Deli meat: Listeria found in liverwurst at a Boar's Head plant led to the largest outbreak of foodborne illness in 2024. Seven million pounds of cold cuts were recalled by the company, which also announced it would no longer make liverwurst. 'Last wish come true': Bringing the zoo to a veteran in Massillon A separate recall of dried cured meat from Busseto Foods Charcuterie was linked to salmonella infections in 33 states. Listeria, salmonella illnesses: 165 Hospitalizations: 87 Deaths: 10 2. Cucumbers: Whole and sliced cucumbers sold in grocery stores nationwide were involved in outbreaks in 2024. More cucumber recalls have been issued in 2025 as well. Click here for more details about the most recent cucumber recall. Salmonella illnesses: 664 Hospitalizations: 173 Deaths: Zero 3. Raw milk and cheese: In 2024, unpasteurized milk products from Raw Farms were linked to two separate outbreaks. Those outbreaks included salmonella in milk and cream and E. coli in raw cheddar cheese. E. coli (cheese) and salmonella illnesses: 182 Hospitalizations: 29 Deaths: Zero 4. Cotija and queso fresco cheese: In 2024, the source of a nearly decade-long listeria outbreak was revealed during a routine test at Rizo-López Foods. The company's cotija and queso fresco were recalled, along with other dairy products produced at the same facility. Listeria illnesses: 26 Hospitalizations: 23 Deaths: 2 Jolene's Honky Tonk: A new Dolly Parton-themed country bar set to open on East 4th Street 5. Eggs: Milo's Poultry Farms recalled millions of eggs in 2024 due to a salmonella outbreak. Another large recall involved organic eggs produced by Handsome Brook Farms that were shipped to Costco stores nationwide. Salmonella illnesses: 93 Hospitalizations: 34 Deaths: Zero 6. Onions: In 2024, it was determined that nearly all of the people sickened in an E. coli outbreak had eaten McDonald's Quarter Pounders containing fresh onions supplied by Taylor Farms, which were then recalled. E. coli illnesses: 104 Hospitalizations: 34 Deaths: 1 7. Leafy greens: A fresh spinach and a romaine-iceberg lettuce mix that was shipped to restaurants, schools and caterers was recalled after it caused two E. coli outbreaks. E. coli illnesses: 117 Hospitalizations: 36 Deaths: 1 8. Organic carrots: Grimmway Farms recalled its organic bagged whole and baby carrots sold under more than a dozen brand names after they were connected to E. coli illnesses in 19 states. E. coli illnesses: 48 Hospitalizations: 20 Deaths: 1 9. Organic basil: Several brands of packaged organic basil produced by Infinite Herbs were connected to a salmonella outbreak in 14 states in the 2024 recall. Salmonella illnesses: 36 Hospitalizations: 4 Deaths: Zero 10. Cooked poultry and meat: According to Consumer Reports, poultry and meat can present a risk of foodborne illness even if it was already cooked when you bought it. Listeria Illnesses: 0 Hospitalizations: 0 Deaths: 0 Click here for more details on how to protect yourself from foodborne illnesses. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Miami Herald
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
The cheapest new car of 2025: Everything you need to know
At the beginning of the year, Kelley Blue Book reported that the average price paid for a new car in the United States was $49,740. Around the same time, Edmonds reported that around 20% of new car owners were locked into paying at least $1,000 per month on their new vehicles. Clearly, buying a car new is not for the faint of wallet, especially as inflation continues to rear its head and auto tariffs continue to loom over a trade-warring America. That being said, while many new cars cost north of $50k, especially when buyers opt for upgraded features or special editions, there do exist models whose price tags are so low they might make you do a double-take. But only one car can take the title of the year's cheapest. In 2025, the cheapest-new-car distinction belongs to the Nissan Versa, which starts at just $17,190. That's almost 33% below the average price of a used car, which is pretty remarkable, especially in today's market. In fact, the Versa is the only new 2025 vehicle whose base model starts at under $20k. Runners up include the Hyundai Venue and Kia Soul, which start at $20,200 and $20,490, respectively. Related: The best 2025 cars under $25k based on Consumer Reports data Price: $17,190–$21,190City MPG: 22 (with auto transmission) Highway MPG: 45 (with auto transmission) Overall MPG: 32 (with auto transmission) Full-tank range: 345 milesFuel-tank capacity: 10.8 gallonsHorsepower: Up to 122Torque: Up to 144 foot-poundsBasic warranty: 36 months or 36,000 milesPowertrain warranty: 60 months or 60,000 miles At a starting price like $17,190, car shoppers in the market for a brand new vehicle are understandably interested. But is the cheapest new car on the market actually a good buy? Is it a reliable vehicle that will stand the test of time, or is it likely to cost owners more than they saved on the ticket price in maintenance and repairs? Here's what the new car experts at Consumer Reports, Kelley Blue Book, Car and Driver, and Edmunds have to say: Consumer Reports' review of the 2025 Nissan Versa Consumer Reports is a non-profit consumer advocacy organization that tests vehicles at its six-mile closed-course driving track and testing facility in Connecticut. It also surveys its millions of members annually about their own cars' performance and any issues they've encountered. Consumer Reports' testers praised the Versa for its easy-to-use control panel and intuitive touch-screen infotainment system. The org also lauded the budget sedan for its included safety features, which include automatic emergency braking (AEB) and forward collision warning (FCW) system. On the down side, however, the testers at CR were somewhat disappointed in the Versa's acceleration on uphill climbs and in onto-highway merging situations. They also mentioned that the car's build can result in a somewhat bumpy driving experience, especially on rough roads or when driving over large cracks or potholes. Overall, however, Consumer Reports has a positive view of the Versa, especially for its incredibly low price, even giving it the sought-after "CR-recommended badge," which means the vehicle in question met or exceeded the org's expectations in terms of safety and quality. Related: The most popular new cars according to Consumer Reports Kelley Blue Book consumer reviews of the 2025 Nissan Versa Kelley Blue Book, a more than century-old automotive research and valuation company, aggregates car owner reviews on its website. The 2025 Nissan Versa, as of this article's last update, has 20 driver reviews on the site. Overall, reviewers gave the Versa an average of four out of five stars, with 45% of respondents giving it five out of five stars, and 80% of respondents recommending the vehicle in general. Here's how it scored in specific areas: Value: 4.4/5Performance: 3.9/5Quality: 3.8/5Comfort: 3.9/5Reliability: 4.2/5Styling: 4.4/5 Car and Driver's review of the 2025 Nissan Versa Car and Driver, an automotive enthusiast publication, recommends the new Versa for drivers looking for basic transportation and good fuel economy on a budget. The driver-focused magazine admits that the Versa doesn't impress in terms of its performance, but it lauds the model for its comfort and accessibility, noting that it "doesn't feel like a typical penalty box." The 2025 Versa also landed a spot on Car and Driver's Editors' Choice List, where it was named best subcompact sedan of the year Edmunds' review of the 2025 Nissan Versa Edmunds, another online automotive research publication, had almost only good things to say about the 2025 Versa, although the outlet, like others, mentioned the model's lackluster acceleration. Edmunds praised the Versa for its spaciousness (for a small sedan), modern tech, and capable safety features, calling it a "smart choice" for anyone in the market for a budget subcompact. Here's how Edmunds scored the 2025 model across three categories: Performance: 7/10Comfort: 7.5/10Interior: 8/10Technology: 7/10Storage: 7/10Fuel economy: 8.5/10Value: 8/10Wildcard: 7/10 More automotive content: Top 10 electric cars that aren't Tesla, based on Consumer Reports dataThe best affordable fuel-efficient cars according to Consumer ReportsThe best new cars of 2025 according to Consumer Reports, KBB & Edmunds There you have it - the auto experts and car reviewers have spoken. The 2025 Nissan Versa offers excellent value for its price, and if you're looking for a small, basic car with good gas mileage and safety features, it's a great choice. The number-one complaint testers have with the vehicle is its substandard acceleration, which can be a problem when merging onto highways or climbing hills. If you're looking for anything more capable than a basic, around-town sedan, look elsewhere. Related: How to buy a used car in 2025: A 6-step guide with tips The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The XJ Jeep Cherokee Is One Of The Most Important Vehicles Of The Last 50 Years
Jeep's modern model lineup is often criticized for its lack of desirability and dismal reliability reputation, even ranking dead last in Consumer Reports' brand rankings last year, worse than other brands with troubled reputations like Land Rover and Alfa Romeo. If you're an old fart like me, it seems like it wasn't all that long ago that Jeeps played starring roles in blockbuster movies, and its offered consumers desirable SUVs that set the iconic American off-road brand apart from its more boring competitors. The model that earned Jeep its mainstream stardom, taking it from being a producer of clumsy but capable trucks to an industry-leading, segment-defining titan was the original Cherokee, otherwise known by its internal model code, the XJ. Not only did the XJ revolutionize Jeep's reputation as a company, it revolutionized the global automotive landscape as we know it. Jason Cammisa dives deep into the history and the cultural significance of the original Jeep Cherokee in the latest brilliant video in Hagerty's Revelations series. Read more: The Best Used Cars And SUVs You Can Buy For $10,000 Or Less, According To Consumer Reports The Cherokee was the first SUV that was able to combine the traditional SUV trait of off-roadability with genuinely good on-road characteristics and improved ergonomics compared to the traditional family sedan and even the lauded family wagon. In this video, Cammisa even goes so far as to claim that it's America's favorite hot hatchback due to the XJ Cherokee's excellent driving dynamics and peppy power when properly equipped. How did it achieve this unprecedented feat of engineering? By pioneering a new type of packaging for an SUV — the unibody construction that was more space-efficient, lighter weight, better handling, and more structurally sound. Before the Cherokee, all SUVs, even the ones that were aimed more at on-road family car use, were bodies bolted to heavy, bulky and clumsy frames that severely impeded day-to-day practicality and livability. The Cherokee, in contrast, prioritized on-road competence first. It started with a unibody construction method that had previously been limited to smaller cars and wagons and added a boxed steel frame member welded around the chassis perimeter to keep the Cherokee's towing capacity competitive. This construction method, as well as other innovations in suspension design and tons of engineering hours, allowed the Cherokee to be the most versatile small SUV, and arguably the most versatile vehicle on the market at the time. The XJ Cherokee's innovation revolutionized the automotive landscape forever, and paved the way for virtually all of the hyper-refined modern SUVs and crossovers you buy today. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The Most Discounted New Cars And SUVs You Can Buy In April 2025, According To Consumer Reports
Considering the current state of the economy and the risk all these Republican tariffs and uncertainty pose to employment, this isn't exactly what we'd call an ideal time to buy a new car. And yet, plenty of people find themselves in a position where buying now might still be a better option than putting it off and potentially paying more in the future when their car finally dies for good. Used cars tend to be cheaper, but on the other hand, there's less risk over the next several years if you buy new. If you're one of those potential buyers, then how do you get a good deal on a new car? Well, one of the best ways is to find a car that's already heavily discounted. Those aren't necessarily going to be the coolest, most in-demand vehicles, but they do all come with a warranty. So which new cars currently have the biggest discounts? Our friends at Consumer Reports recently sorted through actual transaction data from TrueCar to figure that out, and while the actual discounts at your local dealer may differ, including between trim levels, this list is at least a good place to begin your search. Read more: Consumer Reports' 10 Best Used Cars Under $20,000 Are A Great Way To Dodge Republican Tariffs 2025 Subaru Legacy Premium AWD Consumer Reports' Overall Score: 82 MSRP: $27,510 Average Transaction Price: $26,187 Average Discount: $1,323 2025 Audi A3 Premium Plus 40 TFSI quattro Consumer Reports' Overall Score: 76 MSRP: $38,200 Average Transaction Price: $36,362 Average Discount: $1,838 2025 Infiniti QX50 Luxe AWD Consumer Reports' Overall Score: 69 MSRP: $46,300 Average Transaction Price: $43,865 Average Discount: $2,435 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT AWD Consumer Reports' Overall Score: 85 MSRP: $42,910 Average Transaction Price: $40,638 Average Discount: $2,272 2025 Mercedes-Benz C 300 Consumer Reports' Overall Score: 65 MSRP: $48,450 Average Transaction Price: $45,556 Average Discount: $2,894 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 Consumer Reports' Overall Score: 58 MSRP: $45,800 Average Transaction Price: $42,913 Average Discount: $2,887 2025 BMW i4 eDrive35 Gran Coupe Consumer Reports' Overall Score: 89 MSRP: $52,800 Average Transaction Price: $49,416 Average Discount: $3,384 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQB250+ Consumer Reports' Overall Score: N/A MSRP: $53,050 Average Transaction Price: $49,526 Average Discount: $3,524 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4Matic Consumer Reports' Overall Score: 55 MSRP: $45,000 Average Transaction Price: $41,905 Average Discount: $3,095 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Consumer Reports' Overall Score: 59 MSRP: $44,400 Average Transaction Price: $39,826 Average Discount: $4,574 Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
