Federal Citizen Information Center's Main Page

SITE SEARCH:
Topics
 Calendar -- A listing of consumer related conferences, seminars and meetings.
 Government update -- Consumer Initiatives that are currently under development in the
Government
Media
Promotions -- A listing of special FCIC offers that have been promoted by various popular newspapers and magazines
News and Notes -- The latest stories and news items that impact the American consumer
Gov Gab:  Your U.S. Government Blog -- Check out our blog, and discover how our five bloggers use government resources to make their lives better, easier, and more fun.
Subscribe Now --  Get free e-mail alerts
What's New at
FCIC?
FCIC Home
Page
1-888-8 PUEBLO (1-888-878-3256)
In The News PagePress Room PageFAQ PageShop SiteLinks PageFun StuffAbout Us PageContact Us
News & Notes
We draw on a variety of sources to bring you useful consumer news, tips and advice.
A white envelope with an arrow pointing to it.  Sign up for News & Notes e-mail updates


Cars - Computers - Education - Employment - Family - Federal Programs - Food
Health - Housing - Money - Small Business - Travel - And more...

Cars

Toyota Dealers Nationwide Have Begun Fixing Accelerator Pedals On Recalled Vehicles - February 2010

First Time Institute Rates Small Pickups for Rollover Protection - February 2010

U.S. Opens Formal Investigation of 2010 Prius Brakes - February 2010

Customer FAQs Regarding the Sticking Accelerator Pedal and Floor Mat Pedal Entrapment Recalls - February 2010

Statement Regarding 2010 Model Year Toyota Prius Inconsistent Brake Feeling - February 2010

Toyota Announces Comprehensive Plan to Fix Accelerator Pedals on Recalled Vehicles and Ensure Customer Safety - February 2010

Toyota Answers Questions About the Sticking Accelerator Pedal Recall - January 2010

Frequently Asked Questions For Sticking Accelerator Pedal Recall and Suspension of Sales - January 2010

Stay Safe on the Road - Buckle Up, Every Time - January 2010

GSA Updates Federal Privately Owned Vehicle Reimbursement Rates - January 2010

Presidential Executive Order on Distracted Driving - Government-Wide Directive Restricts More Than 4 Million Federal Employees from Texting While Driving - December 2009

Booster Ratings: 9 Best Bets & 6 Good Bets - December 2009

Safe Driving and Well-Maintained Vehicles Even More Important During Winter Months - December 2009

IRS Reminds Car Shoppers about 2009 Tax Break - December 2009

25-Point Checklist for New-Car Test-Drive - December 2009

27 winners of 2010 Top Safety Pick Award; New Requirement to Win is Good Rating for Protection in Rollovers - November 2009

Beware: Animals Pose Increased Threat to Cars in the Fall - November 2009

6 Steps to Selling Your Car - November 2009

Go to Top of page

Computers

Apple Releases iPhone OS 3.1.3 and iPhone OS 3.1.3 for iPod touch - February 2010

National Library of Medicine Launches Mobile MedlinePlus to Meet the Health Information Needs of an On-the-Go Public - January 2010

New YouTube Video Unveiled to Address Cyberbullying - January 2010

Adobe Issues Security Bulletin Which Describes Multiple Vulnerabilities Affecting Adobe Reader and Acrobat - January 2010

Cyber Security Alert: Microsoft Windows and Adobe Flash Player 6 Vulnerabilities - January 2010

Microsoft Security Advisory: Vulnerabilities in Adobe Flash Player 6 Provided in Windows XP Could Allow Remote Code Execution - January 2010

Security Updates Available for Adobe Reader and Acrobat - January 2010

Consumer Electronics Associaiton Offers Tips for Properly Recycling Electronics This Holiday Season - December 2009

Cybersafety Booklet for Parents and Kids Now Available - December 2009

Yahoo Launches Online Consumer Privacy Tool - December 2009

Go to Top of page

Education

High School Students Can Send Experiments Flying with NASA - January 2010

New Online Exhibition, Symposium on NAACP Slated at Library of Congress - January 2010

Tips for Completing the FAFSA - January 2010

Library of Congress Announces Spring Literary Season - January 2010

Students in Grades K-12 Encouraged to Enter the 2009 President's Environmental Youth Awards Competition - November 2009

A Simpler Application for Student Aid: Applying for Money for College Just Got Easier. - January 2009

Go to Top of page

Employment

Hiring People with Disabilities Training for Hiring Officials and HR Specialists - February 9 and Hiring Event for People with Disabilities - April 26 - January 2010

OPM Launches FedsHireVets.Gov - January 2010

Understanding Immigration Employment Rights: An ESOL (English For Speakers of Other Languages)Tool - January 2010

Out of Work? The U.S. Census Bureau is Hiring Nationwide - January 2010

Go to Top of page

Family

Teach Your Kids How to Stay Safe on Social Networks - February 2010

Launch of State.Gov Person Finder Tool for Those Missing in Haiti - January 2010

New YouTube Video Unveiled to Address Cyberbullying - January 2010

Cybersafety Booklet for Parents and Kids Now Available - December 2009

A Second Dose of H1N1 Flu Vaccine - January 2009

Go to Top of page

Federal Programs

Federal Aid Programs For North Carolina Disaster Recovery - February 2010

President Declares Emergency For Oklahoma - January 2010

Free Tax Help Available Nationwide - January 2010

Taxpayers in Nine States and the District of Columbia File with Different Centers this Year - January 2010

President Declares Emergency For Arizona - January 2010

VA to Begin Recovery of Post-9/11 GI Bill Advance Payments - January 2010

FHA to Provide Early Relief to Struggling Homeowners - January 2010

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Granted for Haitian Nationals - January 2010

Federal Reserve Approves Final Rules to Protect Credit Card users From a Number of Costly Practices - January 2010

Chubby Checker and Social Security Commissioner Astrue Announce a New 'Twist' in the Law - January 2010

Rebates for ENERGY STAR Appliances - December 2009

HUD to Assist Homeowners Facing Problem Drywall - December 2009

Social Security Sending Corrected Benefit Notices - December 2009

2010 Open Enrollment For Medicare Prescription Drug And Health Plan Coverage Begins November 15th. - November 2009

Go to Top of page

Food

'Referee a Safe Super Bowl Party' - February 2010

Eat For a Healthy Heart - January 2010

Haitian Ackee Fruit: Do Not Eat Unripe Ackee Fruit or the Seeds and Rind of Ripe Ackee Fruit - January 2010

FDA Launches FDA Basics Online to Enhance Public Understanding of the Agency - January 2010

Keeping Food Safe During An Emergency - January 2010

Notification of Stolen Mead Johnson Infant Formula Products - November 2009

Make Food Safety Part of Your Holiday Menu - Have a Safe, Successful Holiday Feast - November 2009

Preparing for a Safe and Easy Thanksgiving Dinner - One Day at a Time - November 2009

USDA Consumer Alert: Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency - November 2009

Go to Top of page

Health

Make Health Your Resolution - December 2010

Everyone Wins at the Olympic Winter Games with Healthy Travel Preparations - March 2010

Osteoarthritis and You - February 2010

Too Few Adults Get Recommended Vaccinations - February 2010

Wear Red for Heart Disease Awareness - February 2010

Even With Heart Disease Awareness on the Rise, Prevention Remains Critically Important for American Women - February 2010

Eat For a Healthy Heart - January 2010

Stay Safe and Healthy During the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Vancouver - January 2010

EPA to Hold Public Hearings on Air Quality Standards for Smog - January 2010

FDA 101: Smoking Cessation Products - January 2010

National Library of Medicine Launches Mobile MedlinePlus to Meet the Health Information Needs of an On-the-Go Public - January 2010

FDA Warns Consumers About Counterfeit Alli - January 2010

Guidance for Relief Workers and Others Traveling to Haiti for Earthquake Response - January 2010

Hypothermia: Staying Safe in Cold Weather - January 2010

FDA Launches FDA Basics Online to Enhance Public Understanding of the Agency - January 2010

Bitter Cold Poses Health Dangers - January 2010

Counterfeit Medicines: A Public Health Challenge - January 2010

Enjoy a Safe and Healthy Lunar New Year! - January 2010

Pet Frogs Behind Salmonella Outbreak - January 2010

Flu Information for People with Diabetes and Caregivers of People with Diabetes - January 2010

Frigid Temperatures Bring Health Risks - January 2010

Seeking Treatment a Positive New Year's Resolution - January 2010

Safety Alert: Nzu, Traditional Remedy for Morning Sickness - December 2009

Heart Attacks More Common in Winter - December 2009

10 Ways to Get Motivated for Change in 2010 - December 2009

Indoor Allergies Common in Winter - December 2009

Winter Exercise Can Lift Your Spirits - December 2009

Caring for Someone Sick at Home - December 2009

Healthy Holidays - December 2009

Studying Abroad During Flu Season - December 2009

Medicare Expands List of Covered Preventive Services to Include HIV Screening Tests - December 2009

Be Prepared: Staying Safe and Healthy in Winter Weather - December 2009

Don’t Let Swine Flu Crash Your Holiday Bash - December 2009

Clean Your Paws for Santa Claus! - December 2009

Indoor Tanning: The Risks of Ultraviolet Rays - November 2009

Don’t Let the Flu Ruin Your Holiday - November 2009

FDA Announces New Warning on Plavix: Avoid Use with Prilosec/Prilosec OTC - November 2009

FDA and Everyday Health Collaborate to Expand Reach of Consumer Health Information - November 2009

Information on Certain Stolen Tylenol® Arthritis and Tylenol® PM Caplets - October 2009

Go to Top of page

Housing

National Weather Service Says Iowa Is At Risk For Spring Flooding - February 2010

Fannie Mae Announces 3.5 Percent Seller Assistance on HomePath® Properties - January 2010

FHA and Ginnie Mae Take Action Against TopDot Mortgage - January 2010

FHA Withdraws Three Lenders, Suspends a Fourth - January 2010

FHA to Provide Early Relief to Struggling Homeowners - January 2010

Severity of Haiti Earthquake Offers Reminder of U.S. Vulnerability to Same Type of Natural Disaster - January 2010

HUD Takes Action to Speed Resale of Foreclosed Properties to New Owners - January 2010

New Homebuyer Credit Form Released; Taxpayers Reminded to Attach Settlement Statement and Other Key Documents - January 2010

Cold Spell Nationwide Poses Threat to Homes, Businesses and Cars - January 2010

Brutal Winter Weather Could Produce Soaring Heating Bills - January 2010

Ike Survivors: Remember To Get Permits When Repairing And Rebuilding - January 2010

Red Cross Offers Tips on How to Stay Warm During Frigid Temperatures - January 2010

Rebates for ENERGY STAR Appliances - December 2009

New Year's Resolution: Put Your Home on an 'Energy Diet' - December 2009

CPSC Urges Caution with Heating as Winter Weather Arrives; Carbon Monoxide Deaths on the Rise - December 2009

HUD to Assist Homeowners Facing Problem Drywall - December 2009

They're Here! Winter, Holidays, and the New Year. How Will You Save Energy? - December 2009

Resolve to be Ready in 2010 - December 2009

Five Biggest Home Inspection Mistakes - December 2009

New Category of Geothermal Heat Pumps Can Now Earn the Energy Star - December 2009

Ten Tips to Keep Your Holiday Home Fire and Injury Free - December 2009

Consumer Guidance for Lend American Customers - December 2009

America's Best Bang-For-The-Buck Cities - November 2009

FHA and Ginnie Mae Take Action Against Lend America - November 2009

First-Time Homebuyer Credit Extended to April 30, 2010; Some Current Homeowners Now Also Qualify - November 2009

Corrosion in Homes and Connections to Chinese Drywall - November 2009

A Vacant Home Still Needs Insurance - Don’t Be Caught Without Coverage - November 2009

Water Damage: What’s Covered; What’s Not - November 2009

New EPA Web Site Provides Tools to Cut Energy Costs and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Homes - November 2009

Go to Top of page

Money

Consumers Overwhelmingly Support Bank Overdraft Reforms - February 2010

New Credit Card Regulations Kick In; BBB Explains What it Means to You - February 2010

Tips for Finding a Trustworthy Tax Preparer - February 2010

As You Settle into the New Year, Remember That Changes in Your Life May Mean Changes in Your Insurance Needs - January 2010

Credit Card Statements Will Have a new Look in February - January 2010

5 Things to Know Before You Claim Your Energy Tax Credit - January 2010

Haiti Relief Donations Qualify for Immediate Tax Relief - January 2010

New Tax Break for Contributions to Haiti Earthquake Relief - January 2010

Haiti Relief Update: Deduct Donations on Your 2009 Tax Return - January 2010

Beginning of the End?: Major Changes to Quick Tax Refund Loans Industry - January 2010

Tax Credits Might Be Your Ticket to Savings - January 2010

Free File Now Available to Almost All Taxpayers; Software Can Help Find New Economic Recovery Tax Breaks that Could Be Overlooked - January 2010

IRS e-file: It’s Safe; It’s Easy; It’s Time - January 2010

New Homebuyer Credit Form Released; Taxpayers Reminded to Attach Settlement Statement and Other Key Documents - January 2010

BBB Advice on Donating by Text Message for Haiti Relief Efforts - January 2010

Contributions to Relief for Haitian Earthquake Victims - January 2010

FINRA Foundation Issues Seeking Solid Financial Footing for the Next Decade: 10 Tips for 2010 - January 2010

Haiti Earthquake: FTC Warns Consumers to Give Wisely - January 2010

The Best Recovery for a Financial Hangover - January 2010

Charities Providing Haiti Earthquake Relief - January 2010

Cold Spell Nationwide Poses Threat to Homes, Businesses and Cars - January 2010

Federal Reserve Approves Final Rules to Protect Credit Card users From a Number of Costly Practices - January 2010

What You Need To Know: New Credit Card Rules - January 2010

Brutal Winter Weather Could Produce Soaring Heating Bills - January 2010

Standard or Itemized Tax Deduction? - January 2010

Money Wise Women Get Smart Teleseminars - January 2010

2009 Tax Law Changes Provide Saving Opportunities for Nearly Everyone - January 2010

Consumer Debt Tips - Don’t Get Caught in the Debt Settlement Trap - January 2010

GSA Updates Federal Privately Owned Vehicle Reimbursement Rates - January 2010

Maximize Your Insurance Dollars in 2010; Avoid the Five Biggest Insurance Mistakes - January 2010

Start Saving Now for the Holidays with a Christmas Club Account - January 2010

A Taxing Issue: What If Your State Delays Your Tax Refund? - January 2010

How to Bounce Back from Adversity - January 2010

FTC, Partners Launch Consumer Protection Week Web Site, Blog - December 2009

10 Astute Tax Moves in 2010 - December 2009

10 Smart Money-Saving Tips for 2010 - December 2009

Avoiding The Pitfalls Of Returns Before Buying A Gift Avoiding The Pitfalls Of Returns Before Buying a Gift - December 2009

IRS Reminds Car Shoppers about 2009 Tax Break - December 2009

The Latest Credit-Card Tricks - December 2009

SEC Approves Stronger Safeguards to Protect Clients’ Assets Controlled by Investment Advisers - December 2009

Parents Should Counsel Teens: No Texting While Driving - December 2009

IRS Offers Tips for Year-End Donations - December 2009

Putting Santa on a Budget: Here are Six Ways to Keep Holiday Spending on Your Kids Under Control - December 2009

New Tax Guide Features Recovery Tax Breaks; Helps People Save on their 2009 Taxes - December 2009

IRS Announces 2010 Standard Mileage Rates - December 2009

You Can Still Cut Your 2009 Tax Bill - December 2009

IRS Extends Food Industry Tip Reporting Program - December 2009

Should You Get a Credit Union Credit Card? - November 2009

Federal Reserve to Run Public Service Announcement With Credit Card Tips for Holiday Shoppers - November 2009

First-Time Homebuyer Credit Extended to April 30, 2010; Some Current Homeowners Now Also Qualify - November 2009

11 Ways to Strike Gold on Black Friday - November 2009

10 Tips for Safe Online Shopping This Holiday Season - November 2009

BBB Provides Consumers Six Ways to Save Money this Holiday Season - November 2009

Don’t Fall Prey to Identity Thieves Over the Holidays - November 2009

Holiday Poll: To Black Friday and Beyond - November 2009

Shopping Online? Be Wary of Web Seals and User Reviews - November 2009

Six Tips for Savvy Holiday Shipping - November 2009

No Safer Place for Your Money: Why the FDIC's Resources are Strong and Insured Deposits are 'Absolutely Safe' - November 2009

Considering a Layaway Purchase? - November 2009

Holiday Shopping on a Budget: Tips About Layaway Plans - November 2009

Tax Information for Americans Overseas - November 2009

IRS Seeks to Return $123.5 Million in Undeliverable Refunds to Taxpayers; IRS Reminds Taxpayers to Use E-file and Direct Deposit - November 2009

Your Online Shopping Check List - November 2009

Affinity Fraud: No Safety In Numbers - November 2009

Holiday Shopping Gotchas: Six Ways You End Up Spending More, and How to Avoid Them - November 2009

Free Resources Aim to Help Consumers Protect Their Finances - September 2009

Go to Top of page

Small Business

National Weather Service Says Iowa Is At Risk For Spring Flooding - February 2010

BBB Small Business Tips: Five Steps for Protecting Your Business When Banking Online - February 2010

BBB Small Business Advice: Five Tips for Ensuring Social Media Success in 2010 - January 2010

SBA, Dell Launch New Educational Video Series to Help Small Businesses Grow, Create Jobs - December 2009

IRS Extends Food Industry Tip Reporting Program - December 2009

U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Tobacco Products: New Small Business Assistance Web page - November 2009

Go to Top of page

Travel

Cape Hatteras National Seashore 2010 Campground Season - February 2010

Free Mammoth Passage tours on February 14 - February 2010

Know Before You Go: What Olympic Spectators Need to Know About Clearing Security at Venues - February 2010

Safety Information for American Students Traveling Abroad - February 2010

Stay Safe and Healthy During the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Vancouver - January 2010

Travel Alert: Information on Floods in Peru - January 2010

Going To The Vancouver Games? Travel Smart! - January 2010

American Raises Checked-Bag Fees - January 2010

DOT Unveils Improved Aviation Consumer and Enforcement Website - January 2010

Travel Alert - Haiti - January 2010

Airlines Hike Fees for Checked Bags - January 2010

Continental Matches Delta Baggage Fee Increase - January 2010

Toting Carry-On Bags? Etiquette Will Take You a Long Way - January 2010

TSA Statement on New Security Measures for International Flights to the U.S. - January 2010

Canada Limits Carry-on Baggage on Flights Into U.S. - December 2009

Canada Bans Most Carry-On Luggage - December 2009

TSA Guidance for Passengers on Heightened Security Measures in Place Following Dec. 25 Incident - December 2009

New DOT Consumer Rule Limits Airline Tarmac Delays, Provides Other Passenger Protections - December 2009

Studying Abroad During Flu Season - December 2009

Going to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games? - December 2009

Holiday Travel Tips - November 2009

Don’t Let the Flu Ruin Your Holiday - November 2009

Beware: Animals Pose Increased Threat to Cars in the Fall - November 2009

Helpful Hints for Holiday Travelers - November 2009

Go to Top of page

And More

National Weather Service Says Iowa Is At Risk For Spring Flooding - February 2010

FTC Warns 78 Retailers, Including Wal-Mart, Target, and Kmart, to Stop Labeling and Advertising Rayon Textile Products as 'Bamboo' - February 2010

Designating a Driver Should Be At the Top of Everyone’s Super Bowl Party List - February 2010

NASA Provides Inside Look at International Space Station with Streaming Video - January 2010

NASA Gives 'Go' for Feb. 7 as Final Space Shuttle Night Launch - January 2010

EPA Announces 'Eyes on Drilling' Tipline - January 2010

EPA to Hold Public Hearings on Air Quality Standards for Smog - January 2010

Nine Museums on the National Mall Have Mobile Device Services for Visitors - January 2010

Super Bowl XLIV - January 2010

U.S. Postal Service Issues Olympic Winter Games Stamp - January 2010

Census Bureau Launches 2010census.gov in Spanish - January 2010

New Online Exhibition, Symposium on NAACP Slated at Library of Congress - January 2010

Interior Moves to Ban Importation and Interstate Transfer of Burmese Python and Eight Other Giant Invasive Snakes - January 2010

Library of Congress Announces Spring Literary Season - January 2010

10 Tips: Buying a TV for the Super Bowl - January 2010

FCC Adopts Order to Clear the 700 MHZ Frequency for Public Safety and Next Generation Consumer Users - January 2010

Launch of State.Gov Person Finder Tool for Those Missing in Haiti - January 2010

Postal Service Holding All Mail to Haiti - January 2010

BBB Advice on Donating by Text Message for Haiti Relief Efforts - January 2010

State Department Operations Center: Haiti Information - January 2010

The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA) Ingredient Central - January 2010

Facts for Features: Irish-American Heritage Month (March) and St. Patrick’s Day (March 17): 2010 - January 2010

Facts for Features: Women’s History Month - March 2010 - January 2010

BBB’s Top Ten New Year’s Resolutions for a Consumer-Savvy 2010 - January 2010

Census Bureau Launches 2010 Census Road Tour Across Nation - January 2010

iPhone Community Gets Post Office - January 2010

Statement on the Notification Letters Relating to the PII Information from the Clinton Hard Drive - January 2010

2010 Stamp Program Unveiled - December 2009

Consumer Electronics Associaiton Offers Tips for Properly Recycling Electronics This Holiday Season - December 2009

Booster Ratings: 9 Best Bets & 6 Good Bets - December 2009

Peace Corps Launches Digital Library - December 2009

Post Offices Open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve - December 2009

Hosting a Holiday Party? Make Sure You Have the Proper Insurance - December 2009

Resolve to be Ready in 2010 - December 2009

Facts for Features: Valentine’s Day 2010 - Feb. 14 - December 2009

Ten Tips to Keep Your Holiday Home Fire and Injury Free - December 2009

FDA Launches New Pet Health and Safety Widget - December 2009

Ship from Home for the Holidays - December 2009

Yahoo Launches Online Consumer Privacy Tool - December 2009

EPA Announces New Energy Star Requirements for Audio/Video Equipment - November 2009

Sending Military Mail in Time for the Holidays - November 2009

Facts for Features: The 2009 Holiday Season - October 2009

Go to Top of page

Social Media

NASA Invites Public To Tweet Their Way Into Space Next Week - February 2010

Teach Your Kids How to Stay Safe on Social Networks - February 2010

FCC Launches Reboot.FCC.gov to Engage Public in Agency Reform - January 2010

BBB Small Business Advice: Five Tips for Ensuring Social Media Success in 2010 - January 2010

FTC, Partners Launch Consumer Protection Week Web Site, Blog - December 2009

HHS Launches New Blog: Health IT Buzz - November 2009

Go to Top of page
Important Notices - Site Map
This service is provided by the Federal Citizen Information Center of the U.S. General Services Administration. E-mail us your comments or questions.   gsa logo