Topic: U.S. Public Interest Research Group

Average student debt rises. Again.

Average student debt for recent college grads now stands at $26,600. Two-thirds of the 2011 class has student debt. 

Financial aid on a debit card? Students hit with extra fees.

Financial aid can be cheaper to administer when colleges hand it off to debit card companies. But a new study finds students are getting hit with hefty fees.

Student loans: Rates to double. What's the cost?

Student loans backed by the federal government are set to become more expensive this summer, when their interest rate doubles from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent. The rate hike would affect Stafford student loans, and thousands of students are protesting.

Christmas toys: Five ways to make sure they're safe

More than two dozen Christmas toys on sale this year have too much lead, contain dangerous plastic additives, or pose choking or hearing hazards, according to a recent report from consumer group U.S. Public Interest Research Group (see my blog post on it). But often, the dangers aren’t discovered until after the presents are bought and opened. So how can parents ensure that their children’s new Christmas toys are safe? Here are five ways to stay informed.

Big squeeze for grads: Student loans rise, job opportunities dim

College grads have to pay back ever bigger student loans. But job opportunities are slim. Is US competitiveness at stake?

Patent law: Congress eyes major overhaul

Patent law currently grants patents to the first person to invent something. Under a Senate reform bill, patent law would recognize the first person to file a patent.

Washington trims Pell Grants: How will students pay fall tuition?

Washington's new austerity may make it harder for low-income students to afford college. Pell Grants are on the chopping block, losing $5.7 billion under the current House proposal.

Charles Rangel ethics case tests new Congressional openness

The public airing of Charles Rangel's alleged ethical lapses is the highest profile test of the 2006 Congressional pledge of greater accountability.

California closer to dream of being US high-speed rail capital

President Obama announced Thursday that California would receive $2.7 billion to boost its high-speed rail plan. The state hopes to link Los Angeles and San Francisco by 2017.

Wall Street’s fingerprints evident on financial reform bill

Congress pledged to tighten regulations on Wall Street after its role in the recession. The industry is reaching into its deep pockets to shape the financial reform legislation to its liking.

Second stimulus? US House passes $154 billion jobs bill.

The jobs bill would provide funding for job training and transportation projects. The Senate has yet to vote on the legislation.

Financial bill to rein in Wall Street. Will it be tough enough?

Regulations in a House financial bill would mean the most significant overhaul of the financial-services industry since the New Deal.

Will healthcare reform drive costs down? A little, report says.

A report released Monday by the Congressional Budget Office suggests that the Senate healthcare reform bill would have a modest effect on average Americans' pocketbooks. Critics say that's not enough to justify massive reforms.

Fewer dangerous toys on shelves – but safety still an issue

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has had 38 recalls for dangerous toys this year, down from 162 in 2008. But parents shopping for children this holiday season still need to be vigilant.

California wants $4.7 billion in high-speed rail stimulus

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has applied for more than half the $8 billion allotted for high-speed rail. State officials say California's plan is the most shovel-ready.

Credit-card bill: What it does, what it doesn't do

Supporters and critics agree that it greatly empowers consumers and changes the credit-card industry.

Credit-card bill could hit students hardest

Young consumers are easy prey for predatory credit-card issuers. They are relying on their plastic more than ever.

Congress turns from bank bailouts to helping consumers

Targets include credit card companies, payday loans with exorbitant interest rates, and predatory mortgage lenders.

Obama seeks to protect credit-card users

The president told credit-card companies Thursday he wants to halt arbitrary rate hikes and get more protections for consumers.

Buried by credit-card fees? Washington is on it.

Obama is to meet this week with banks about card-holder complaints. Congress is weighing a 'bill of rights' for borrowers.

USA

Retailers, banks battle over credit-card fees

Lawmakers weigh legislation allowing them to negotiate fees.

Wind, solar tax credits to expire

Green Energy Advocates urge sustained support through inclusion in stimulus package.

Wind, solar tax credits to expire

Green Energy Advocates urge sustained support through inclusion in stimulus package.