Consumer News - News of Austin

Fireworks erupting above a quiet neighborhood with a warm streetlamp glow and startled residents peeking from windows

Fireworks Spark Thousands of Fires and Deaths: Safety Tips for New Year’s Eve

Morgan J. Carter December 24, 2025

With New Year’s Eve fast approaching, fireworks are back on the calendar. Yet the National Fire Protection Association reports that fireworks sparked...

Target storefront showing broken screens with dim dusk lighting and abandoned shopping bags with gift card on floor

Business News Consumer News

Target Issues $20 Gift Cards After Online Outage, Customers Report Charges and Missing Receipts

Hannah E. Clearwater December 24, 2025

Last week, Target’s website and online systems went down, leaving shoppers and employees scrambling. In response, the retailer sent out $20 gift...

Frazzled shopper standing between full and empty shopping carts with a grid showing hidden fees.

Business News Consumer News Tech News

Instacart to Pay $60M in Refunds After FTC Settlement Over Alleged Deceptive Fees

Isaac Y. Thornwell December 24, 2025

Instacart will refund $60 million to shoppers after the FTC accused it of hiding delivery and membership fees. FTC Settlement The U.S. Federal...

Open donation envelope sits on non-profit office desk with donation box on windowsill and warm light streaming in.

Charity News Consumer News News Report

Half of Americans Have Already Donated for 2025, AP-NORC Poll Shows

Morgan J. Carter December 24, 2025

In a startling snapshot of American generosity, a new AP‑NORC poll reveals that roughly 50% of U.S. adults say they have already made their...

Business News Consumer News

Instacart Ends Price-Testing Program After Consumer Reports Investigation

Julia N. Fairmont December 23, 2025

Instacart announced Monday that it would discontinue a price‑testing program that had been running since 2023, following a Consumer Reports...

People laughing and sharing fast‑food boxes with festive Christmas decorations in a bustling restaurant

Consumer News Local News

Christmas Day Dining: Which Restaurants Stay Open, Which Close, and Where to Grab a Snack

Brianna Q. Lockwood December 23, 2025

If you’re traveling and need a snack, or simply don’t feel like cooking a Christmas dinner, the holiday season still offers a variety of fast‑food...

Young adult sits on couch with laptop and smartphone looking at sunset cityscape through open window

Consumer News Tech News

FCC Updates Interactive Map to Help Consumers Find the Fastest Internet

Isaac Y. Thornwell December 23, 2025

If you’ve been frustrated by slow pages or glitchy video calls, the FCC’s latest update to its interactive map might give you a clearer picture of...

Shopper holds items in empty parking lot with bright store entrance glow and a lone star overhead

Consumer News Holiday News Retail News

Christmas Eve Shopping Guide: When Major Retailers Open and Close

Hannah E. Clearwater December 23, 2025

If you were planning to wait until the last minute to finish your Christmas shopping, you might find yourself driving through empty parking lots on...

Harried shopper clutching a bag with Walmart sign glowing and Christmas lights swirling in a last-minute holiday crowd at dus

Business News Consumer News

Which U.S. Stores Are Open on Christmas Day? A Complete Guide to Holiday Hours

Aiden V. Crossfield December 23, 2025

If you’re planning a last‑minute shopping spree or simply looking to escape the house, you might assume every store is open on Christmas, but that’s...

Electric car parked with headlights shining on horizon and charging cables wrapped around a station near rolling hills

Consumer News Tech News

Plug-in Hybrids Take Center Stage in 2025 as EV Incentives Fade

Hannah E. Clearwater December 23, 2025

The federal EV tax credit has disappeared, state incentives are uneven, and full electric ownership still demands careful planning. These conditions...