INSIDER
After weeks of gridlock and a missed deadline, Florida lawmakers finally voted on this year’s state budget on Monday, just two weeks before the fiscal year begins on July 1.
The State of ALICE in Florida: 2025 Update on Financial Hardship report, which analyzed the latest available data from 2023, found that an estimated 47% of households in Florida were below the ALICE Threshold in 2023. The ALICE Threshold represents the minimum income level necessary for survival for a household.
Shores Liquor is requesting a waiver to build within 1,500 feet of an elementary school because of a tasting room that would be included inside the store, which means there would be alcohol consumption on site.
The United Way of Northeast Florida will hold a news conference on Wednesday afternoon to announce a partnership with LISC Jacksonville, aiming to bring more housing to low-income neighborhoods.
About 38 percent of the U.S. workforce engages in freelance work. While it can be convenient and flexible, there are financial factors to consider before going full-time freelance.
Father’s Day is around the corner, and spending is expected to reach a record $24 billion. The National Retail Federation estimates that people will spend $199.38 per person this year.
A lot of people looking to buy a house are getting cold feet or opting for a better opportunity after a contract becomes pending.
Months after lawmakers proposed slashing bonuses for acceleration programs in half, full funding to pay for advanced placement programs in Florida public schools is expected to stay in place in the final version of the budget.
Needing to finish a budget for the July 1 start of the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the House and Senate on Tuesday began slowly rolling out proposals to resolve spending and policy differences.
To find the best bug sprays, Consumer Reports put repellents to the ultimate test–having real people stick their arms into cages full of hungry mosquitoes.
Feeling stuck in your job? You’re not alone. A recent report from Glassdoor reveals 65 percent of workers feel trapped in their current role. If you’re looking to break free from the monotony or level up your career, a career coach might help.
Temperatures are heating up, and this summer, the cost of using air conditioning is expected to reach its highest level in over a decade.
Consumer Reports testers say today’s battery-powered tools don’t just go head-to-head with gas—they sometimes outperform them. From trimmers to chainsaws, we’ll show you which brands cut through the competition.
A new University of Florida study shows how drones can do more than just take aerial pictures and videos—they can help farmers grow better hemp by seeing the health of their crops with some artificial intelligence assistance.
JWB Real Estate’s HomeStep program is turning tenants into proud homeowners by offering financial incentives and support services to help them make the leap.
According to recent studies, 99% of all Fortune 500 companies use ATS platforms on a regular basis, and they filter out three out of four applicants before a recruiter even sees them.
Insurance expert Matt Carlucci Jr. joined News4Jax anchor Bruce Hamilton on The Morning Show to help you navigate those potential headaches and find solutions.
Walmart is warning that new tariffs on imported goods may lead to higher grocery prices, with essentials like produce, coffee, and seafood at risk. Economists say shoppers could see increases in the coming weeks as trade policies impact the cost of everyday items.
The agency says Panda Benefit Services tricked borrowers into paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal fees for fake student loan forgiveness.
An in-depth investigation by Consumer Reports and two news organizations found that customers were often charged higher prices at checkout than what was listed on store shelves.
The federal government is resuming collections on defaulted student loans after a more than four-year pause that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effects of the decision are being felt locally.
Consumer Reports just released its exclusive annual sunscreen ratings, putting more than 100 products to the test, and revealing surprising gaps in how they protect you from the sun’s cancer-causing rays.
C&S Wholesale Services, a grocery supplier, sent the state a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification last week, alerting them of their plan.
More than a third of Americans are planning to take a vacation. As the prices of hotels and flights surge during this time, scammers are hoping to take advantage of travelers’ desperation for a cheap deal.
As grocery prices continue to squeeze household budgets, a growing number of Americans are turning to “buy now, pay later” loans to cover the cost of food, raising fresh concerns about consumer debt and financial vulnerability, according to a new survey.
The average American spends 7 hours and 4 minutes looking at a screen each day, but do you often go from screen to screen, scrolling through one and immediately switching to another?
A win at work is a sign of success. It may earn praise from coworkers and managers. But will they remember it weeks, months, or even a year from now? Experts say keeping track of these moments as they happen could pay off down the road.
After a long winter of mud and grime, your carpets and floors might look worse, and that’s where Consumer Reports comes in. Its experts lab test dozens of vacuums to help you find the perfect one to make spring cleaning a breeze.
Over the last year, Consumer Reports’ experts put dozens of cleaning products to the test in real-life situations, looking to find effective and versatile products that are also gentle on surfaces and that don’t contain irritating or harsh ingredients!
The Home Depot opened a new location Thursday morning at the World Commerce Center in St. Augustine, just off International Golf Parkway.
Thinking of making the leap to another cellphone carrier? To help you out, Consumer Reports combed through survey data to come up with a list of the best (and worst) phone plan providers.
A 35-year-old Jacksonville woman is facing charges of organized fraud and identity theft after investigators said she embezzled more than $142,000 from a local business.
News4JAX anchor Jennifer Waugh picked three ideas for Easter egg decorating to see if they are as easy as they seem, without causing a big mess and without costing too much money.
After a former financial secretary for Amelia Baptist Church was charged with grand theft and accused of embezzling more than $570,000, the church’s pastor called the situation “incredibly hurtful and difficult.”
Mayor Donna Deegan will be at the annual Nehemiah Action Assembly at Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church to hear ICARE's thoughts on the city’s affordable housing crisis.
Justin Begley, an economist with Moody Analytics, joined News4JAX anchor Bruce Hamilton on The Morning Show to discuss just how ugly things might get and the impact on world markets from the new tariffs.
A 25% tariff on imported passenger vehicles, light trucks, and some auto parts goes into effect this week, raising concerns for consumers.
Whether navigating cognitive or mobility challenges or looking for more innovative ways to use your device, Consumer Reports reveals the top accessibility tools that can make a big difference in your life.
Potholes can be a lot more than just a jarring, bumpy annoyance! They can wreak havoc on your car and drain your wallet. Consumer Reports breaks down the impact and provides tips to protect your wallet.
A new wave of financial hardship is gripping America’s largest adult generation — Millennials — as escalating debt, rising housing costs, and growing reliance on credit cards threaten their financial stability.
You likely heard about the 25% auto tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. If you’re in the market for a new car, used car, or need to get your car repaired, perhaps you wonder, “How much more is this going to cost me?”
From paying off debt to investing in your home, the choices are endless, but which gives you the biggest bang for your buck? Consumer Reports breaks down the best ways to make every dollar count.
Hundreds of VyStar Credit Union customers were left in financial limbo after a banking error negatively impacted their credit scores, including a local man who said the issue has put his plans of buying a new home on hold.
When you get anti-hacking advice, you’ve probably heard “Don’t use a simple password,” or “Don’t plug in that USB you found on the ground.” But there’s one form of hacking that doesn’t always require a computer, and it costs businesses about $4.88 million a year.
A Florida Senate Committee is considering a bill filed by a local lawmaker that would keep insurance companies from relying on artificial intelligence to deny claims.
VyStar Credit Union is facing a growing controversy after several customers reported having issues with their credit scores.
That new car of yours isn’t just tracking your mileage—a new Consumer Reports investigation reveals that nearly every major automaker in the U.S. is collecting so-called “driver behavior data”—everything from how hard you brake to how fast you accelerate.
Whether we’re checking out a hotel, rental home or buying something on Amazon, online reviews play a huge part in our decision. In fact, 95% of customers read online reviews before making a purchase. But some of them might not be real at all.
Exclusive new testing by Consumer Reports highlights safer infant formulas while also identifying some that contain potentially harmful levels of heavy metals, including lead and arsenic.
Since the latest Florida Legislative session kicked off earlier this month, lawmakers have been busy discussing new bills and proposals for state law.
The clerks across the area have joined forces to offer two weeks of services that can help drivers save some money, reduce their financial stress and get them back on the road with a legal driver’s license.
After repairs, a flooded vehicle may look OK, but Consumer Reports says it can take months or years for major water damage problems to show up.
A click here, a click there. Twenty bucks for this, a hundred for that. Spending money is easier than ever! It just takes one simple click, or tap, and you’ve made a purchase! But are you overspending?
Dan North, Senior Economist for Allianz North America joined News4JAX Anchor Bruce Hamilton on The Morning Show on Thursday morning.
More than a quarter (26%) of Floridians are preparing to travel as spring break approaches. However, with costs rising year after year, it’s becoming more challenging to enjoy a getaway without breaking the bank.
It’s a growing trend, especially among younger generations. People are taking a temporary, extended break from work and calling it a mini retirement. While this concept is gaining steam, experts say it requires a lot of planning, and it’s not for everyone.
Pet owners want the best when it comes to feeding their four-legged friends. And with so many dog food choices — from fresh to freeze-dried and everything in between — how do you even know what’s best for your pet?
As we welcome March and the official start of spring, many of us are diving into the fun of spring cleaning. To help us ditch the dirt and save some money, Consumer Reports rounded up some of the best deals of the month.
Gov. Ron DeSantis and other Republicans recently have floated the idea of eliminating or reducing local-government property taxes.
With soaring prices, slim pickings at the supermarket, and many varieties of eggs, you want to make sure you’re getting what you think you’re paying for. Consumer Reports deciphers those confusing egg labels and explains what they mean.
The Regency Square Mall, a once thriving part of the Arlington community, now continues to hope for better days ahead.
The Florida Lottery announced Wednesday that a 35-year-old Jacksonville man claimed a $1 million prize from the 500X THE CASH Scratch-Off game at the Lottery’s Jacksonville District Office.
Fraudsters are sending out phishing messages claiming you have an unpaid toll. The messages are designed to trick drivers into clicking malicious links and sharing personal information.
Katy Nastro a travel expert with Going joined The Morning Show to share the questions she is fielding about “flight anxiety” and travel deals with “Spring Break” right around the corner.
The focus is 2030, which is the projected year when all of the construction is expected to be done.
Online shopping is quick, convenient, and sometimes cheaper—but a new Consumer Reports investigation reveals a hidden danger: What are supposed to be life-saving products sold on major online marketplaces could be putting your safety at risk.
If you’re shopping for a new ride, Consumer Reports has you covered with its highly anticipated annual list of the best cars, trucks, and SUVs for 2025, helping you make the smartest choice before you buy.
Jacksonville ranks third in financial distress according to a new WalletHub survey, highlighting concerns over credit scores, debt, and housing costs. The city’s rapid growth and rising rent prices contribute to the challenges facing residents.
