Consumer rights activism

Michael Pertschuk, Federal Trade Commission Chairman and consumer advocate in Washington, August 27th, 1979. (Photo by Ben Martin/Getty Images)

Ralph Nader Remembers Michael Pertschuk Ralph Nader Remembers Michael Pertschuk

Mike was called the “101st Senator”—his life and work offer invaluable lessons for today’s progressive movements and electeds.

Feb 23, 2023 / Ralph Nader

Lina Khan

Appointing Lina Khan May Be the Best Thing Joe Biden Has Done Appointing Lina Khan May Be the Best Thing Joe Biden Has Done

Massive corporations have wielded extraordinary power over our economy for the past 40 years. That’s about to end. Why? Because there’s a new sheriff in town.

Jun 22, 2021 / Morgan Harper and Zephyr Teachout

Here’s the Progressive Biden Should Pick to Run America’s Consumer Watchdog

Here’s the Progressive Biden Should Pick to Run America’s Consumer Watchdog Here’s the Progressive Biden Should Pick to Run America’s Consumer Watchdog

President-elect Joe Biden should start rebuilding the CFPB—and thereby gain a powerful weapon in the fight against this economic downturn.

Dec 22, 2020 / no-paywall / Katrina vanden Heuvel

Laptop

America’s Digital Divide Is an Emergency America’s Digital Divide Is an Emergency

Denying high-speed Internet to all Americans puts marginalized groups at risk.

Jun 23, 2020 / Katrina vanden Heuvel

As the Covid-19 Crisis Deepens, Grassroots Organizers Take Action

As the Covid-19 Crisis Deepens, Grassroots Organizers Take Action As the Covid-19 Crisis Deepens, Grassroots Organizers Take Action

Progressive ideas on housing, health care access, wage subsidies, and more are entering the mainstream at a startling pace.

Mar 31, 2020 / no-paywall / Sasha Abramsky

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

A CFPB Official Who Quit in Protest Will Testify About the Bureau’s ‘Incompetence’ A CFPB Official Who Quit in Protest Will Testify About the Bureau’s ‘Incompetence’

Seth Frotman has tough words for CFPB’s political leadership, and big ideas on how to solve the student-debt crisis. 

Mar 7, 2019 / George Zornick

Elizabeth Warren Is Not Afraid of the Democrats

Elizabeth Warren Is Not Afraid of the Democrats Elizabeth Warren Is Not Afraid of the Democrats

The 2020 presidential candidate has a long track record of opposing lobbyists, billionaires, the Republicans—and her own party.

Feb 21, 2019 / Feature / George Zornick

Letters Icon

Letters From the November 5, 2018, Issue Letters From the November 5, 2018, Issue

Inequality, Inc.… Overruling the Court… A flaming outrage…

Oct 11, 2018 / Letters / Our Readers and Jamie Lincoln Kitman

Why Loan Sharks, Car Salesmen, and Payday Lenders Love Mick Mulvaney

Why Loan Sharks, Car Salesmen, and Payday Lenders Love Mick Mulvaney Why Loan Sharks, Car Salesmen, and Payday Lenders Love Mick Mulvaney

Trump’s pick to protect consumers is throwing students and members of the military under the bus.

Sep 13, 2018 / Feature / George Zornick

Can a New Kind of Payday Lender Help the Poor?

Can a New Kind of Payday Lender Help the Poor? Can a New Kind of Payday Lender Help the Poor?

Oakland’s Community Check Cashing offers an unusual alternative for the underbanked.

Jul 9, 2018 / Susie Cagle

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