Consumer News: Regulators looking into reports of Amazon Basics products catching fire, more teens finding jobs and more!
CNN– The nationwide worker shortage is apparently giving teenagers more opportunities to find their perfect summer job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment among teenagers aged 16-19 years old stood at 9.6% in May 2021. That’s a level not seen since the early 1950’s. In May 2020, it was just shy of 30%, according to federal jobs data.
Low-income Americans can now register for the new child tax credit. Monday, the IRS announced a new online tool to help families who don’t usually file tax returns register for the tax credit. The credit is only for the current tax year and is increasing to $3,600 for children under the age of six. It will be worth $3,000 for children ages 6-18.
Federal regulators are investigating Amazon electronics after some of the products reportedly burst into flames. The consumer product safety commission is looking into at least eight products sold under the Amazon Basics brand. Electronics include battery chargers, surge protectors and a voice-activated microwave that consumers said caught fire. Other buyers reported products that melted or exploded. Amazon declined to comment on the investigation.
As the economy comes back to life and people are spending money again, you may notice some things are getting more expensive. Mary Moloney explains why.
