Betty Lin-Fisher

Akron

National Consumer Reporter at USA Today

Featured in: Favicon

beaconjournal.com Favicon

msn.com

usatoday.com Favicon

yahoo.com (+14) Favicon

miamiherald.com Favicon

azcentral.com Favicon

newsday.com Favicon

substack.com Favicon

kentucky.com Favicon

cincinnati.com + 142 more

Articles

Federal officials warn of potential Iran cyber attacks. How to protect yourself

4 days ago | usatoday.com | Bailey Schulz |Betty Lin-Fisher

Federal officials and cybersecurity experts warn of increased risk for cyber attacks amid growing tensions between the U.S. and Iran. While there are no specific credible threats against the homeland, the Department of Homeland Security on June 22 warned of low-level cyber attacks amid a "heightened threat environment." Experts told USA TODAY public infrastructure and the private sector could be potential targets, although large-scale cyber attacks are unlikely.
How much will it cost to host a Fourth of July barbecue? We break it down

4 days ago | yahoo.com | Betty Lin-Fisher |Rachel Barber |Veronica Bravo

Your Fourth of July barbecue essentials are going to be slightly more expensive this year. The Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute analyzed costs for hosting a classic Fourth of July gathering for 10 people and found that consumers can expect to pay $130 for the food and beverages. That's up 2.2% from the cost for the same gathering a year ago. USA TODAY got an exclusive look at the report. Illustrations byHow much will the typical Fourth of July cookout cost?
What parts of your Fourth of July barbecue will cost more, less? We explain.

4 days ago | usatoday.com | Betty Lin-Fisher |Rachel Barber |Veronica Bravo

Your Fourth of July barbecue essentials are going to be slightly more expensive this year â€“ that is, if you even plan to celebrate. The Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute analyzed costs for hosting a classic Fourth of July gathering for 10 people and found that consumers can expect to pay $130 for the food and beverages. That's up 2.2% from the cost for the same gathering a year ago. USA TODAY got an exclusive look at the report.
Worcester is one of the top 5 riskiest cities to drive in, study finds. See rank

1 week ago | telegram.com | Betty Lin-Fisher |Rin Velasco

When it comes to the worst cities to drive in in the United States, you likely expect places like Boston and Washington D.C. to make the list. But did you expect Worcester to be in the top 10? Allstate released their 2025 America's Best Drivers Report recently, and, out of the 200 most-populated U.S. cities, Worcester, came out as the fourth riskiest to drive in. Allstate has been making their list since 2005.
How bad do you think Providence drivers are? Study says they're some of the worst in US

1 week ago | providencejournal.com | Betty Lin-Fisher |Rin Velasco

When it comes to the worst cities to drive in in the United States, you likely expect places like Boston and Washington D.C. to make the list. But did you expect Providence to be in the top 10? Allstate released their 2025 America's Best Drivers Report recently, and, out of the 200 most-populated U.S. cities, Providence, Rhode Island, came out as one of the riskiest places to drive in. Allstate has been making their list since 2005.
What parts of a wedding budget are tariffs affecting? We explain

2 weeks ago | usatoday.com | Betty Lin-Fisher

As a florist, Allison Krivachek is doing her best to navigate tariff increases to imported flowers to keep costs for her brides and grooms down. As a bride-to-be, Krivachek is also trying to make choices to keep her July wedding budget from increasing. Brides, grooms and wedding vendors are in similar boats as prices for imported goods and tariffs add more costs to an already expensive life event.
Is your package delayed due to tariffs? It could be a scam.

3 weeks ago | usatoday.com | Betty Lin-Fisher

Do you have a package you've been waiting on and the company keeps giving you the runaround or says there are delays due to tariffs? Be careful, it could be a sign of a scam, warns the Better Business Bureau. "Before you place an order with an unfamiliar retailer, make sure to check where the package originates, the time frames for delivery, return policies, and any fees that may be associated with the purchase," said Melanie McGovern, spokeswoman for the BBB.
The secret world of retail returns: How savvy shoppers are saving big

3 weeks ago | usatoday.com | Betty Lin-Fisher

• Consumers are saving money by purchasing returned and overstocked items from third-party companies. • Retailers are saving money by offloading returns through these companies, reducing the financial burden of processing returns themselves. • These companies offer deep discounts, often 40-80% off retail price, and provide a sustainable solution by keeping returned products out of landfills.
Egg prices are falling. Here's why.

3 weeks ago | usatoday.com | Betty Lin-Fisher

Retail egg prices have fallen, following declining wholesale prices after record highs earlier this year. The average retail egg price dropped to $5.12 a dozen, down more than a dollar from its March peak of $6.23, according to a report published June 3 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service. Wholesale prices began declining in mid-March, as previously reported by USA TODAY. But retail prices usually lag those of wholesale prices for a variety of reasons.
Target boycott organizer turns to Dollar General 'electronic protest' next over DEI concerns

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Alex Perry |Betty Lin-Fisher

Pastor Jamal-Harrison Bryant, leader of the now-indefinite nationwide Target boycott, is turning his attention to discount chain Dollar General. This time, he calls for an "electronic protest" of Dollar General due to decisions it made about diversity, equity and inclusion. "We're done with Target, and then our next focus will be around Dollar General," Bryant told USA TODAY. Instead of a complete boycott of the store chain, Bryant called for an electronic protest, which began in late May 2025.