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U.S. gender wage gap grows for first time in a decade; Trump has embraced NC's Mark Robinson, calling him 'Martin Luther King on steroids'; Volunteers sought as early voting kicks off in MN; Women's political contributions in congressional races fall short of men's.

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Rising threats of political violence, a Federal Reserve rate cut, crypto industry campaign contributions and reproductive rights are shaping today's political landscape.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Report: Unsafe Toys Still Available Online

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Wednesday, November 30, 2016   

PORTLAND, Ore. - As Oregon parents and caregivers tackle their holiday shopping lists, a new report is reminding them to keep toy safety top of mind. The U.S. Public Interest Research Group or "PIRG" Education Fund, in its annual "Trouble in Toyland 2016" report, focused this year on toy recalls.

Consumer program advocate with the group Mike Litt said more than 40 recalls of toys and children's products have been announced since January of 2015, yet their research found more than a dozen of the items might still be for sale.

"The ones that we were still able to find online included those that had exceeded the limits on lead," he said. "They were magnet hazards; they also included chargers and batteries that overheated and could cause burns or fires."

Litt said, thanks to the efforts of safety advocates, parents, policymakers and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, toys are safer than ever. But he cautions that adults still should be vigilant by examining toys for hazards, both those they're considering buying and those already in the home. Recall information also is posted online at cpsc.gov.

Litt noted that over the past 30 years, the annual report has contributed to more than 150 recalls, as well as regulatory actions. He said that includes a 2008 law that expanded the scope of the CPSC.

"It gave the commission more tools to speed recalls of dangerous toys," he added. "It banned toxic metals and certain phthalates from many types of toys and children's products, and then also required mandatory third-party testing of toys and other children's products by manufacturers."

The recalled items listed in the report that are available online include die-cast metal cars with sharp edges; a "Little Digger" toy that contains excessive lead levels; and a pacifier clip that could break, posing a choking hazard.


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