The U.S. Department of Transportation has fined American Airlines $50 million, claiming violations of laws that protect passengers with disabilities.
DOT said its investigation into American Airlines uncovered cases of unsafe physical assistance that at times resulted in injuries and undignified treatment of wheelchair users. The investigation reported found repeated failures to provide prompt wheelchair assistance.
The investigation report also said American mishandled thousands of wheelchairs by damaging them or delaying their return, leaving travelers without the device they need for mobility.
The era of tolerating poor treatment of airline passengers with disabilities is over, said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. With this penalty, we are setting a new standard of accountability for airlines that violate the civil rights of passengers with disabilities.
Buttigieg said the $50 million fine was purposely set at levels beyond a mere cost of doing business for airlines, aiming to change how the industry behaves.
A disabled passenger's experience
Sumin, of Dublin, Ohio, said American lost her wheelchair on a recent trip and never took responsibility.
All I asked was that my wheelchair was to be ready at the door when I arrived, wrote in a ConsumerAffairs review. That was all I asked of them. Nobody even thought to double check and when there was clearly a problem, instead of coming forth with it and apologizing they made me wait for so long even though I had a connecting flight.
DOT regulations require airlines to timely return wheelchairs and other mobility devices in the condition in which they were received and to provide passengers with disabilities prompt assistance to get on and off aircraft including moving within the airport.
The Department said it also considers violations of these regulations for those traveling on domestic flights to be a failure to provide safe and adequate service. In July 2022, DOT published the first-ever Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights to help travelers understand what theyre entitled to when they fly.
The DOT video below explains those rights:
Photo Credit: Consumer Affairs News Department Images
The national average gas price fell below $3 per gallon for the first time since December 2024.
The drop is largely attributed to increased oil production from OPEC and seasonal demand declines.
Prices may not stay low in all regions due to refinery disruptions and local wholesale price spikes.
The national average price of gasoline has fallen below $3 per gallon for the first time since December 29, 2024. According to GasBuddy, the average price of gas across the U.S. started the week at $2.99 a gallon.
The milestone comes after months of steady declines in fuel costs, offering relief to drivers ahead of the holiday travel season. But analysts caution that prices may not remain at these levels for long, particularly in the Great Lakes region, where a recent refinery fire has pushed wholesale prices higher.
The sharp decline in gasoline prices can be traced primarily to OPECs decision earlier this year to increase oil production, reversing its 2023 policy of output cuts meant to sustain higher prices. Since March 2025, the oil cartel and its allies collectively known as OPEC+ have been steadily ramping up output, raising the prospect of a global crude glut.
That shift has sent oil prices tumbling. Some investment banks now suggest that crude could fall into the $40-per-barrel range by 2026, a level not seen since the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Combined with the seasonal switch to cheaper winter gasoline blends and a drop in fuel demand, the result has been a rapid and widespread drop in retail gas prices nationwide.
By the numbers
National average: $2.97/gal
Median U.S. price: $2.82/gal
Most common price: $2.89/gal
16 cents lower than a year ago
295 days since the last time the national average was under $3
One GasBuddy report even noted a cash price of $1.99 per gallon at a station in Evans, Colorado a sign of how dramatically prices have shifted in certain areas.
Global forces drive the decline
This drop is overwhelmingly being driven by the significant increase in oil production from OPEC throughout 2025, Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, wrote in the companys blog. That, combined with weaker demand and inflation finally easing, has created the perfect environment for lower prices.
De Haan added that while some may be quick to assign political credit for cheaper fuel, global supply dynamics remain the dominant factor. He noted that 2025 marks the strongest potential for sustained sub-$3 gas prices since 2021.
Looking ahead, GasBuddy forecasts that the national average could dip into the $2.80s per gallon by years end, provided oil prices stay low and demand continues to soften. Seasonal factors, including reduced travel after Thanksgiving and the lingering effects of winter-grade gasoline, could further ease prices in most parts of the country.
Still, regional volatility remains likely. Areas impacted by refinery outages or supply disruptions could see short-term spikes even as the broader national average trends lower.
Before checkout, open live chat with your cart ready and ask a polite one-liner: Any chance for a small coupon or free shipping?
Use quick scripts: price-match nudge, bundle/save-the-sale, or new member/teacher/student/military
After you buy, watch for a price drop and request a chat price adjustment with your order number
Paying full price online is my personal horror movie. But sometimes you just cant find a coupon code for a particular store, and there arent any sales happening. But waitI have one more trick to try before you complete your order at full retail.
Open up a live chat window and start a conversation with the retailer. In many cases, their AI chat assistant or actual human customer service rep has coupons to hand out to those who politely ask.
They know if youre asking for a discount, you probably have items in your cart and are about to complete the purchase. So often theyre happy to throw you a bone for 15-20% off your purchase or even free shipping.
The websites where this tends to work best
Keep in mind that this isnt a guarantee. But over the years Ive consistently had good luck with live-chat discounts with the following retailers.
And yes, many stores actually have coupon codes available but bury them on their site and theyre impossible to find. So, by asking in a live chat, you cut through the hunt and quickly find whatever coupons they currently have.
Apparel & shoes
Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic (Ive gotten free shipping and 1020% off)
J.Crew, Madewell (small % off or free ship)
Levis, Columbia, Eddie Bauer (one-time codes)
Adidas, Reebok, Under Armour (free shipping)
Zappos, Famous Footwear, DSW (free shipping or $10 off)
Beauty & personal care
Ulta, The Body Shop, Kiehls (free samples + free shipping; occasional % off)
Function of Beauty, Native, Harrys (DTC brands often have save the sale codes)
Home, bedding & furniture
Wayfair, Overstock, Ashley (free shipping or $ off thresholds)
Brooklinen, Parachute, Buffy (DTC bedding: 1015% new customer codes via chat)
Bed Bath & Beyond (the new version): free shipping or small % off
Electronics & gadgets
Best Buy (bundle discounts especially for open-box items)
Verizon/AT&T/T-Mobile (accessory discounts added via chat at checkout)
Etsy sellers (politely ask a seller for a shop coupon, works more than youd think)
Places where this rarely works: Apple, lululemon, Costco, Amazon, luxury labels (Gucci, LV), and hard-priced brands like Dyson. Doesnt mean dont try, just keep expectations low.
Pro Tip: Ask for a human when chatting with an AI assistant as they often have no idea what youre talking about. Simply type speak to a human (sometimes you have to type it a 2-3 times) and you should finally get connected.
Here are 7 actual scripts you should use
Feel free to copy and paste these live chat scripts right into the chat window, or tweak them however you like.
Keep in mind that this tip is not just for regular shoppers. Many online retailers offer specific discounts for veterans, teachers, and even students. And surprisingly they dont always advertise them. So, start a live chat and ask if they have any discounts specifically for you.
Below youll find a bunch of different scripts that have proven to work when asking for a discount.
1.Simple pre-purchase ask - About to complete my purchaseany chance theres a coupon for a little extra savings or maybe free shipping?
2.Shipping-only angle - Im all set to order, but shipping is pushing me over budget. Is there a free-shipping code you can apply?
3.Price-match nudge - Im seeing this for $___ at [Store]. If you can match or get me close, Ill order here right now.
4.Bundle/save-the-sale - Im buying [X + Y]. Do you have a discount if I grab both today?
5.Loyalty/new-customer - I just joined your rewards list. Are there any member or first-order codes you can add for me?
6.Student/teacher/military - Im [student/teacher/military]. Can you verify and apply that discount on my order?
7.Soft escalation (if they say no) - Totally understand. If theres any one-time code youre allowed to offer, Id really appreciate it and Id place my order right now.
Push for a discount exception
I was recently shopping for shoes on Zappos.com and was about to pay full price when I pulled up a chat window (screenshot above) and inquired about a discount.
The chat rep informed me that they only had a 10% discount available and it was only good for new members.
On a whim I asked, Im not a new customer, can I have an exception 10% coupon?
They got right back to me and said, Heres what I will do, I will issue you a $10 promo on your account towards your order.
Moral of the story: Sometimes all you have to do is ask.
After you buy: chat for a price adjustment
If the price drops within a week or two of your purchase, hop back on chat and say this:
Hi! I ordered [#____] on [date] and noticed the price is now lower. Could you adjust the difference or offer store credit?
Youll be surprised how often they'll give you some money back.
Federal probe targets Waymos handling of stopped school buses
NHTSA cites reports of robotaxis passing buses with red lights and stop arms extended
Alphabet-owned company says software fixes are already in place, more on the way
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a preliminary investigation into about 2,000 Waymo self-driving vehicles after reports that the companys robotaxis may have failed to obey traffic safety laws around stopped school buses.
The review, announced Monday by NHTSAs Office of Defects Investigation, is the latest federal examination of autonomous vehicle behavior amid growing scrutiny over how driverless systems interact with pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users.
Incident involved Waymo vehicle passing bus with stop arm out
According to NHTSA, the inquiry was triggered by a media report describing an incident in which a Waymo vehicle failed to remain stationary when approaching a school bus displaying flashing red lights, an extended stop arm, and a crossing control arm.
The report said the autonomous vehicle initially stopped beside the bus but then maneuvered around its front, passing the extended stop arm while students were getting off. Regulators said the vehicle was operating with Waymos fifth-generation Automated Driving System and had no human safety driver onboard.
Waymo says it has already made changes
A Waymo spokesperson said the company has already developed and implemented improvements related to stopping for school buses and plans additional software updates in its next release.
Driving safely around children has always been one of Waymos highest priorities, the company said in a statement. In the event referenced, the vehicle approached the school bus from an angle where the flashing lights and stop sign were not visible and drove slowly around the front of the bus before driving past it, keeping a safe distance from children.
Expanding robotaxi operations under scrutiny
Waymo, owned by Alphabet Inc., operates more than 1,500 autonomous vehicles across several U.S. cities including Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Austin. The company also plans to expand internationally, with future launches in Tokyo and London.
NHTSAs latest probe adds to a series of ongoing federal reviews of self-driving technology following incidents involving other autonomous operators. The agency said it will assess the safety performance of Waymos Automated Driving System and determine whether a defect investigation or recall is warranted.
What to do if you see a self-driving vehicle behaving unsafely
1. Note details immediately
Record the date, time, and location of the incident. If possible, note the make or branding (e.g., Waymo, Cruise, Zoox) and any license or vehicle ID number visible.
2. Dont interfere with the vehicle
Avoid standing in front of or trying to stop a moving autonomous vehicle. Maintain a safe distance and observe from the sidewalk or another vehicle.
3. Report it to NHTSA
File a safety complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. Include as much detail as possible about what happened and who may have been at risk.
4. Notify local authorities
If theres an immediate danger such as a self-driving car ignoring traffic signals or endangering pedestrians contact local law enforcement or 911.
5. Keep a record
If you report the incident, save screenshots, photos, or video for documentation. NHTSA may request them during an investigation.
Consumer advocates warn FCC proposal would gut key robocall protections
Rule changes would erase company-specific do-not-call lists and opt-out tools
Groups say move would make it harder for consumers and small businesses to stop intrusive calls
A coalition of national consumer organizations is urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to abandon plans that would roll back key safeguards against unwanted robocalls. In a letter to the agency, the groups warned that the proposal would strip consumers and small business owners of two core protections under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
The FCC is considering repealing rules that require companies to maintain internal do-not-call listsrecords of people who have specifically asked not to be contactedand to provide an automated opt-out option in all prerecorded robocalls. The consumer coalition said both rules are essential for giving individuals a direct way to stop unwanted marketing calls.
Consumers would face 'unstoppable telemarketing robocalls'
Instead of removing effective protection against robocalls, the FCC should address the increasing number of unwanted and illegal robocalls plaguing telephone subscribers, said Patrick Crotty, senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC). Consumers and small business owners should never be subjected to unstoppable telemarketing and other robocalls.
If the company-specific do-not-call requirement is scrapped, consumers who arent on the National Do Not Call Registry would have no recourse to stop telemarketers. Even those who are on the national list would lose the right to block calls from businesses theyve patronized within the past 18 monthsan exemption that advocates say could lead to months of relentless calls.
Simply buying something from a business should not subject consumers to 18 months of unstoppable telemarketing robocalls, the groups wrote.
Opt-out removal seen as a threat to small businesses
Advocates also objected to the FCCs plan to remove the requirement that prerecorded calls include an automated opt-out mechanism. Without that, they said, both consumers and small business owners would find it harder to stop intrusive marketing calls that disrupt daily operations.
Deleting the opt-out rule will make it more difficult for consumers and small businesses to stop calls that disrupt their lives and impact their livelihood, the coalition said.
Groups say FCC proposal undermines congressional mandate
Margot Saunders, another senior attorney at NCLC, said the FCCs proposal falls woefully short of its legal duty to curb unwanted robocalls. The FCC is obligated by Congress, and the American people, to reduce unwanted robocalls and telemarketing, she said. Instead of helping, the FCCs proposal will eradicate the best method for telephone service subscribers to tell robocallers that their calls must stop.
The letter was sent ahead of the FCCs planned October Open Commission meeting, where the proposals are expected to be considered.
What you can do if robocalls wont stop
1. Use the National Do Not Call Registry
Register your number at donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222. Telemarketers must stop calling registered numbers within 31 days, though and political calls are often exempt.
2. Revoke permission directly
If youve done business with a company, you can tell themverbally or in writingto stop calling. Keep a record of the request, including date and time.
3. Use your carriers blocking tools
Most wireless carriers offer free or low-cost services to block suspected spam calls. Check your providers website or app settings under call protection or spam filter.
4. Dont engage with robocallers
Pressing buttons or responding can confirm your number is active and invite more calls. Hang up immediately if a recording answers.
6. Consider a call-blocking app
Third-party apps such as Hiya, RoboKiller, and YouMail can identify and filter suspected robocalls, though results vary.
Grab big-brand toys for under $20 and save an extra 25 % when you spend $75+ on toys in one transaction.
Discover exclusive toy finds, trusted educational brands, gift cards and imaginative playsets all at budget-friendly prices.
Shop conveniently in store or online (including delivery options) at DollarGeneral and make your holiday shopping easier and more affordable.
This holiday season, Dollar General is turning up the value with its Jolly Good Deals campaign designed to help families celebrate without breaking the bank.
With most toys priced at $20 or less, and an extra 25 % off when you spend $75 or more on toys in a single purchase, its all about stretching your gift budget while still picking up the fun, recognized brands that kids love. Shopping is made easier too, whether you visit a store or shop online for delivery.
At Dollar General, we know how important it is for families to find joy during the holidays, Steve OBrien, vice president, division merchandise manager of toys, stationery, lawn and garden, sundries and hardware, said in a news release.
Our Jolly Good Deals and wide selection of toys from trusted brands to exclusive finds make it easy for customers to check off every wish list while staying within budget. Whether shopping in-store or online, were proud to be a convenient and affordable destination for holiday gifting.
What the Deals Look Like
Heres what youll find when you browse Dollar Generals holiday offerings:
Toys for less. Look for favorite characters from Disneys Stitch, Bluey, and the Princess lineup, plus Marvels Spidey & Friends, Star Wars figures, and Barbie all offered at wallet-friendly prices.
Trusted educational brands. Learning toys from Fisher-Price (like Little People, Laugh & Learn, Thomas & Friends), Melissa & Doug (with DG exclusive items like a magnetic fishing set, stacking towers, emergency vehicles) and vtech (LeapFrog electronic-learning toys) are part of the mix.
Big names, big fun. Youll also spot promotions on brands like Pokmon, Hot Wheels, LEGO, Baby Alive, Play-Doh, and Squishmallows.
Stocking stuffers and gift cards. Slim down last-minute gifting stress with items like gift cards for Apple, Meta Quest, Pokmon, Fortnite, Nintendo and Xbox perfect for the spontaneous or tough-to-shop-for people on your list.
Convenient shopping. Whether youre dropping into a store, shopping online at dollargeneral.com, or getting things delivered through DG Delivery, Uber Eats, or DoorDash, Dollar General has made it easy to fit holiday shopping around your schedule.
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