The lawn mower’s rear shield can break off allowing debris to be thrown toward the operator, which poses a laceration hazard to consumers

The clasp in the charm craft kits contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

Across the nation, 909,253 franchise businesses employed more than 11 million workers and generated $881 billion worth of goods and services in 2005, according to the most recent figures by the association. 

Stocks headed for a higher open Wednesday, with investors heartened by better-than-expected earnings from Alcoa Inc. but still nervous about oil prices.

If you’re looking to maximize the space in your kitchen―cabinet organizers might be the answer. There are plenty of different kinds, but which can get the job done?  Consumer Reports just tested a bunch to help you whittle down your choices. 

Are you getting barraged with triple- or quad-play promotional offers — the quad includes cell phone service — and you’re thinking of saying yes? Go ahead. But first read the online complaints so you’ll know what to expect. 

In an extraordinary action, the Fed in March agreed to let investment houses go to the Fed — on a temporary basis — for a quick, overnight source of cash. 

Kitchens are by far the most expensive rooms to renovate.  And new cabinets are usually the priciest part of the job.  A Consumer Reports reader survey finds they average more than nine thousand dollars, and can easily run much higher.  But Consumer Reports has some money-saving advice to help you update your kitchen on the cheap.

Stocks turned lower Monday as investors reacted to cautious remarks about the economy by a Federal Reserve official and braced for the arrival of dismal second-quarter corporate earnings.

The almighty dollar is mighty no more. It has been declining steadily for six years against other major currencies, undercutting its role as the leading international banking currency. The long slide is fanning inflation at home and playing a major role in the run-up of oil and gasoline prices everywhere.

A recent AT&T survey of 1,000 small-business owners showed 61 percent were likely to do business away from the office. Plus, 49 percent think wireless technology gives them a “competitive advantage.”

As of Monday, Microsoft stopped selling XP to retailers and large computer manufacturers, though some smaller operations will still be able to sell XP through the end of January. 

The firework can produce a loud bang and unexpectedly scatter debris, posing an injury hazard to the user and bystanders

The parachutes can become entangled in overhead power lines causing a shock hazard to users and bystanders

The lid supports on the toy chests fail to prevent the lid from closing too quickly, posing an entrapment and strangulation hazard to young children

The children’s jewelry could contain high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

Southwest Virginia inches closer to the dreaded $4.00 per gallon average

Many drivers are trying all they can to save gas but AAA advises drivers to avoid a dangerous technique designed to save fuel.

In conjunction with the United Way, a handful of Virginia companies are making an investment in the region’s future labor supply ... and they’re expecting high returns. 

The recalled power supplies are wired incorrectly, posing electrocution and fire hazards

The remote line adapter can burst when over tightened, posing serious impact and laceration hazards to consumers

The quick release devices can unexpectedly fail or break when locked in position on the bicycle, causing the rider to lose control, which poses a serious fall hazard.

The remote control unit can lose its signal, causing the toy vehicle to lose control, posing a risk of injury to the user or bystanders

The snaps on these garments can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children

Kroger says all of the beef being recalled has already been removed from the store

Poeple are waiting to get their hands on the new Smart ForTwo car, but is it really a gas saving solution?

While more than one million Virginians will travel 50 miles or more from home, the number will be about three percent less than last year’s Independence Day holiday

With the cost of food and gasoline going up and up and up, people are really feeling the pinch. You know the obvious places to save, but there may be other places to look. 

David Evans of Evington is willing — actually anxious — to give up his Toyota Prius hybrid that gets great gas mileage.  But only once he can get a car that runs on air.

“I guess it started with gleaning apples at an orchard near Charlottesville,” said Brett Wilson, founder of Horse & Buggy Produce. “It was just killing me to see those apples rotting on the ground.”