As gas, grocery prices climb parents shift back to school spending habits

The best cars for teen drivers

When it comes to buying your teen a car, you might be tempted to buy a less expensive bare-bones model. But the crash rate for teenagers is almost four times ...

Calls for housing and rent assistance continue to trend high in Triangle, call data shows

North Carolina's 211 hotline, where data is published in real time, offers a glimpse into how many people are in need of some form of assistance, both regionally and across the state

A $1,000 a month car payment is becoming more common

According to a new report from LendingTree, nearly one in 10 Americans with an auto loan now pays at least $1,000 every month for their vehicle. North Carolina is no exception.

5 On Your Side: Splitting vacation costs can strain friendships. How to avoid the drama

A trip with friends can be fun until it’s time to split expenses. 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur has more on why unpaid vacation bills are straining friendships and the best ways to leave the money drama at home.

Boost your mental health this summer with simple changes

As summer unfolds, it's a season characterized by slower paces and outdoor adventures. Experts highlight this period as an opportune time to enhance mental health through small, manageable shifts in routine.

Doctors urge caution with electric bikes and scooters

As electric bikes and scooters grow in popularity, so does the rise in injuries. Emergency rooms across the US are seeing more children for a wide variety of related injuries.

Recall: Nearly 11,500 Panasonic electric toaster ovens over a risk of shock

Panasonic is recalling nearly 11,500 electric toaster ovens over a risk of shock.

Restaurant Ratings: Marco's Pizza, Jamaica Jamaica, Pete's Family Restaurant

A recent health inspection report reveals concerning violations at several local restaurants.

Best grocery store rotisserie chicken revealed

When you're in a rush to get home and need a quick dinner solution, grocery store rotisserie chickens can be a lifesaver. Consumer Reports tested chickens from 10 different retailers, including Costco, Sam's Club, Walmart, Whole Foods, and others, to determine the best options available.

Affordable home gym gear: Top picks for at-home fitness

In a recent assessment by Consumer Reports, creating an affordable home gym has been highlighted as a smart alternative to costly gym memberships.

NC attorney general challenges Duke Energy Progress rate hike

Jackson's office estimates its recommendations would save customers $960 million over two years while allowing Duke Energy Progress to make needed grid investments.

Can produce washes kill Cyclospora? What consumers should know

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can contaminate fresh fruits and vegetables, including berries, leafy greens, and herbs. Products marketed as vegetable washes or produce soaps may claim to remove harmful contaminants, but there is no evidence that any of them can kill Cyclospora.

Pick best oven for excellent outdoor, homemade pizza

Creating the perfect pizza at home requires skill and the right tools, especially when it comes to outdoor pizza ovens that can elevate your cooking experience. Recent tests by Consumer Reports reveal valuable insights into which pizza ovens are the best investment for quality results.

Legal challenges, differing timelines spur confusion for federal student loan borrowers

July 1, loan service providers started the process of reaching out to borrowers to start their 90-day deadline to switch from the SAVE repayment plan. However, everyone's timeline won't be same.

Falling gas prices help ease inflation in June, data centers driving up tech costs

Economists predict today's report will likely show a small decrease in inflation after last month's ceasefire with Iran.

Are home warranties worth it? 5 On Your Side explains

A broken appliance or a major home system can get expensive fast. A home warranty may help cover repair costs, but Consumer Reports says these plans may not protect as much as many homeowners expect. Before buying a policy, it’s important to understand what’s covered, and what isn’t.

Falling gas prices likely cut inflation last month, data centers driving up tech costs

Economists predict today's report will likely show a small decrease in inflation after last month's ceasefire with Iran.

Summer speakers: Consumer Reports' best portable sound for the beach, pool and cookout

Whether it’s music, podcasts, or your favorite beach-day mix, Consumer Reports says the best portable speakers combine good sound with durability and easy portability.

Consumer Reports investigates: How AI chooses your ride share price

Consumer Reports investigates how ride share companies like Uber and Lyft have different prices for the same ride. The answer: AI algorithms decide the pricing, and it is best to compare companies before booking your ride.

Restaurant Ratings: Fuller's BBQ, Bralie's Sports Bar and China Garden

In this week's restaurant ratings report, Keely Arthur from 5 On Your Side highlights serious health violations in local eateries.

Costco faces lawsuit for heavy metals in protein powder

Costco is facing legal action after allegations emerged that its Orgain Organic plant-based protein powder contains dangerously high levels of toxic metals.

Outlet shopping: The hidden truth behind discounts

Many families flock to outlet malls for perceived savings, but the true value of shopping at these stores is often questioned. Fashion expert Jennifer Barger from Consumer's Checkbook conducted extensive research on products from various outlet stores, comparing them to those in main retail stores.

Kia launches new recall for 463,000 Telluride SUVs due to fire risk, urges owners to park outside

Kia America has issued a new recall for nearly 463,000 of its Telluride SUVs, urging owners to again park their vehicles outside and away from buildings after several customers reported fires following previous repairs. The recall, announced this week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Admini...

Costco faces lawsuit alleging heavy metals in plant-based protein powder

Costco is being sued after being accused of selling protein powders with high levels of toxic metals.

Gas prices begin to spike again as Iran war intensifies

Gas prices have been rising steadily as the war with Iran intensifies, jumping another 5 cents overnight and 12 cents over the past two days.

American Airlines, RDU share insight into hour-long tarmac delays

Passengers said they sat on the tarmac at RDU for hours Monday night into the early hours of Tuesday as storms moved through the area. 5 On Your Side reached out to American Airlines and the airport for answers.

NC Attorney General pushes for further federal crackdown on illegal robocalls

The North Carolina Department of Justice says unused phone numbers are behind billions of scam calls each year and account for approximately $2 billion in losses.

Recall: Frozen blueberries sold at Publix could be contaminated with E. coli

Publix is recalling bags of frozen blueberries sold under the GreenWise brand that may be contaminated with E. coli.

Scammers use these 4 stages to manipulate victims, expert says

Whether it's a romance scam, or financial fraud, an expert explains how scammers are trained to use psychological manipulation to get what they want from their victims. This happened to a Fuquay-Varina man who lost hundreds of thousands and is still hoping to see some of it recovered.

Saving for retirement: 5 On Your Side has how to stay ahead

The ideal size of a retirement nest egg has surged since last year, with more Americans now fearing they will outlive their money. 5 On Your Side shares what you should do right now to stay ahead.

July deals for America's 250th birthday, celebrating the biggest sales of the summer

July offers plenty of opportunities to save on everything from appliances to outdoor gear.

5 On Your Side: Beware high levels of additives in popular snacks and drinks, investigation finds

A new Consumer Reports investigation found concerning levels of certain additives and contaminants in some widely-sold foods and drinks.

Utz potato chips recalled for salmonella concerns now a Class I recall, the FDA's highest level

Utz Quality Foods, LLC has issued a voluntary recall for some of their limited varieties of Zapp’s and Dirty potato chips.

Safe summer picnic tips

More people get food poisoning in the summer than at any other time. Consumer Reports has a few tips for having a safe summer picnic.

How much water do you actually need?

Most people have heard the rule to drink eight glasses of water a day. While water is essential, Consumer Reports shares other effective ways to keep your body hydrated.

Car safety alert: Preventing hot car fatalities

A hot car is one of the most dangerous places to leave a child. Consumer Reports talks safety tips for everyday life to prevent heatstroke deaths in vehicles.

Car safety alert: Preventing hot car fatalities

A hot car is one of the most dangerous places to leave a child. Consumer Reports talks safety tips for everyday life to prevent heatstroke deaths in vehicles.

These steps help kids enjoy summer's sun and swimming safely

Taking a few preventive steps now can help families spend less time worrying and more time enjoying everything summer has to offer.

Energy-efficient tips for saving money on your summer electric bill

It's been a hot summer in North Carolina, so your energy bill will increase -- making it even more important to make some of these cool, cost-saving changes.

Company building automated garage in Raleigh in 'advanced' talks for driverless projects elsewhere

For the first time, the technology company bringing an automated parking deck to North Carolina's Capital City is expanding its involvement with driverless car companies, saying they're targeting garages specifically for autonomous vehicles in three cities.