KVAL - News - Consumer

13 charged in $19 million Oregon bank fraud case

A federal grand jury in Eugene has indicted 13 people on mortgage and loan fraud charges arising from the collapse of a Central Oregon development company. Acting U.S. Attorney Kent Robinson said Friday the actions of the defendants caused financial institutions to lose $19 million.

Rain may put pumpkin pie in peril, Nestle says

The holidays may not be so sweet this year. Nestle - which sells nearly all the canned pumpkin in the U.S. - says poor weather hurt its harvest, creating a potential shortage of its Libby's pumpkin pie products through the holidays.

Easy ways to donate to charity without spending a dime

'Tis the season to give and give back. It's never too early to teach your children the importance of giving to those less fortunate.

'We're paying for what people think is trash'

You might think that old MP3 player or cell phone is worthless, in fact, it could land you some cold hard cash, all the while keeping those devices and their toxic chemicals out of our landfills.

Homelessness in downtown Eugene: 'I'm on crack'

Out of the five homeless people KVAL News encountered spending two hours downtown on a Sunday afternoon, three were intoxicated and one admitted to being on crack cocaine. EVENT: Take part in Downtown Solutions forum this Thursday

Dangerous counterfeits a growing problem

All counterfeit products are illegal. Some are incredibly dangerous. And the problem of counterfeit electrical products is getting worse.

Just how old is that 'fresh' meal you're eating?

Convenience stores have beefed up their focus on fresh and prepared foods with grab-and-go food service. But depending on where you go and what you buy, some of that food may not be as fresh as you think.

AG: Beware of online IQ tests

There are dozens of online brain teasers flooding cyberspace as a form of entertainment. IQ tests are huge, but the state attorney general says they're also a problem.

The hidden drawbacks of store credit cards

With predictions for a dismal holiday season, retailers are pulling out all the stops, including instant discounts if you open a store credit account. But getting a store credit card now could leave you feeling Scrooged after Christmas.

Congress extends and expands credit for home buyers

Missed out on Cash for Clunkers? Congress has another deal for you: buy a home before May 1 and cut your tax bill. It's all part of the government effort to help the struggling housing industry.