Consumer News: EPA bans two toxic dry cleaning chemicals

A travel expert shares insider tricks to maximize savings this November

• Clear your cookies and browse incognito to avoid price hikes caused by travel algorithms tracking your searches.

• Be flexible with dates and filters midweek or off-hour flights often yield the biggest savings.

• Dont rush to book compare total fares, read the fine print, and remember that Cyber Monday and January sales can also bring great deals.

When it comes to Black Friday, travel deals often fly under the radar but they can be some of the most rewarding discounts of the season. Whether youre planning a family trip or a weekend escape, timing and strategy matter more than luck.

ConsumerAffairs spoke to Oliver Brendon, CEO of AttractionTickets.com, to learn how a few smart moves like knowing when to book, which filters to use, and how to beat the algorithms can save you hundreds. His Black Friday playbook helps travelers make the most of every click (and every dollar).

Dos and donts of booking Black Friday travel

If youre dreaming of warmer weather during the chilly months, it can be tempting to book the first tropical getaway you see. However, according to Brendon, that may not always be the best strategy.

He shared his top dos and donts for booking travel during Black Friday.

Dos:

• Firstly, never assume that the first offer you see is the best offer you can get. Clear your cookies and switch to an incognito browser to ensure youre getting the best deal.

• Secondly, be flexible with your booking type. Adjusting your travel dates or group size can unlock deals that booking engines often hide behind filters. Try browsing for midweek flights or odd-hour departures, even flying on a Tuesday can sometimes slash costs by half compared to Mondays, Fridays, and weekends.

• Lastly, make sure to sign up early for loyalty programs and email marketing. Brands reward loyalty and oftentimes the best offers go out to existing customers and those opted-in to email marketing before they ever reach the public sale pages.

Donts:

• Dont assume that low to high price filters always show the cheapest total fare. Its an easy mistake to make, as with most other types of product-based websites this ordering is accurate. However, with travel, sometimes sites exclude taxes or luggage fees, so always check the total cost before you buy.

• Secondly, dont let deals pressure you to book impulsively. Black Friday sales are designed to create urgency, but taking a few minutes to compare across multiple platforms could save you even more.

• Lastly, dont forget to read the fine print. Cancellation terms and baggage inclusions vary dramatically during sale periods, and the cheapest deal isnt always the best value when it comes to these smaller factors.

How to use price algorithms

Brendon explained that pricing algorithms are designed to track consumer behavior. This means that if youve looked at a certain vacation or flight before, the price will likely increase based on your previous interest.

The best way to use this to your advantage is to clear your cookies or browse in incognito mode so booking platforms dont inflate fares based on your search history, he suggested.

Another tactic to note is considering the time youre searching. Travel prices tend to fluctuate throughout the day, and this tends to be more frequent during key sales periods. Early morning searches tend to be the best, so its worth setting an alarm to assess the value of early morning deals.

You can also try comparing prices across different devices, such as desktop vs. mobile. This wont work for every travel site, but occasionally they may show different discounts.

Is Black Friday the best time to book travel?

While a trip may look enticing, Brendon encourages consumers not to get caught up in any deals and to be diligent when booking travel just like you would be during any other time of year.

Black Friday sales can create a false sense of urgency and encourage impulse purchasing, he said. When it comes to travel and vacations, if you have an idea in mind of where you already planned to go, then any saving is a bonus because you were planning to book that trip anyway. Having this mindset can help ease the pressure of having to make a purchase on Black Friday, so you can think logically.

Cyber Monday or Cyber Week, following Black Friday, can also hold great savings, alongside the January sales period post-Christmas, so theres no need to rush into a Black Friday purchase youre unsure of.

Researchers find microplastics in water run through common household appliances

• In testing by Water Filter Guru, a drip coffee machine sample contained about 453 plastic particles per liter, versus about 131 per liter from a high-power blender.

• Even simpleuse appliances like drip coffee machines and blenders were found to shed microplastics into the water processed.

• The study did not identify plastic types or link exposure levels to health limits (none currently exist), so the numbers show presence, not risk thresholds.

We tend to worry about plastic bottles, takeaway cups, and visible packaging when it comes to plastic exposure. But what if the appliances in your own kitchen are quietly contributing to your plastic burden?

Thats the idea explored by Water Filter Guru in a recent experiment. They asked: could a common drip coffee machine or a high-powered blender actually be introducing microplastic particles into the water you drink or the beverage you blend?

The findings suggest that yes, they canand that the level of exposure may vary more than many expect.

How the test was done

Researchers at Water Filter Guru used distilled water for their experiment to minimize pre-existing contaminants. They focused on the study on two appliances: one standard drip coffee machine, and one high-power blender.

After running water through each machine (or blending it), they collected samples in clean containers and sent them to a certified lab via the Tap Score Microplastics Water Test kit.

The lab then used fluorescence microscopy to count microplastics across size ranges:

Results were converted into particles per liter for easier comparison.

Important limitations: the test did not determine the polymer type (what kind of plastic), it did not establish safe or regulatory limits (because none exist for microplastics in drinking water), and the smallest size category (

The results

Heres a look at the key findings:

• The drip coffee machine sample had about 453 particles per liter, compared to about 131 particles per liter for the blender.

• Put in simpler terms, thats roughly 30 plastic particles in an 8-ounce cup from the coffee machine, versus about 9 particles in an 8-ounce cup from the blender.

• The size distribution of the particles also differed: the blender water was dominated by smaller dust-sized particles (

• Because particles under 10 m were only marked detected, the true particle counts may actually be higher than reportedespecially for the coffee machine.

• The study emphasises that while we cant say this level is safe (because no benchmark exists), the results signal that familiar kitchen appliances can be a previously under-appreciated pathway of microplastic exposure.

What consumers can do

There are some simple ways to cut down on microplastics from kitchen appliances. Heres a few suggestions:

1. Run a few dummy cycles. Before using a new appliance especially coffee makers, blenders, or kettles run several rounds with plain water. This can rinse away loose manufacturing residue or microplastic flakes from tubing and seals.
2. Swap in glass or stainless steel. Whenever possible, use glass carafes, stainless-steel blades, and silicone-free seals. These materials are less likely to shed microplastics into hot water or blended liquids.
3. Avoid high heat with plastic parts. Heat accelerates plastic breakdown. Dont run boiling water through plastic pitchers or leave hot liquids in plastic travel mugs for long periods.
4. Clean gently but regularly. Scrubbing with abrasive sponges can release micro-fragments from plastic surfaces. Instead, wash with soft cloths or brushes, and rinse thoroughly.
5. Filter your water. Some advanced carbon-block or membrane filters can reduce microplastic content, particularly for particles above 1 m. Check the manufacturers specs before buying.
6. Stay informed. There are no current federal limits for microplastics in drinking water. Keeping an eye on new research or testing your tap water occasionally can help you make informed choices.

When Amazon decides its not worth the postage

• Amazon sometimes issues return-less refunds on low-cost or awkward-to-ship items because its cheaper to refund you than to pay for the return
• You cant demand it, but if you start a normal return on a cheap/damaged/not-as-described item, the system may say no need to return
• Dont abuse it (lots of returns, fake reasons, ignoring required returns) or you can get flagged treat it like an occasional perk, not a hack

Every once in a while, Amazon does something magical. You ask to return a cheap item and they say, No worries, heres your money back and just keep it. It kinda feels like beating the system, but its actually part of the system. Its called a returnless refund, and Amazon uses it way more than shoppers realize.

This actually happened to me this past weekend. Amazon told me to keep a toilet tank flapper that was unopened, just the wrong size. For certain low-cost or bulky items, it costs Amazon more to ship it back, inspect it, and send it somewhere than the thing is worth. So instead of spending $7 to process a $10 item, they just refund you and tell you to keep it, donate it, or toss it.

The trick is knowing when this happens, what you can (and cant) ask for, and how not to trip Amazons this person is gaming us alarm.

When do keep it refunds usually happen?

Here are the scenarios where youre most likely to see this happen:

• The item was cheap to begin with, often under $15$20.
• The item or packaging arrived slightly damaged or not as described on the product page.
• It would be awkward or expensive to ship back (liquids, big but inexpensive items, seasonal stuff).
• Youre not doing this every week.

You go through the normal return flow and pick the reason, pick a drop-off spot, then at the end, Amazon says something like, You dont need to return the item. Thats your green light.

Can you ask for it?

This type of return is definitely not something you can demand, but you can set yourself up for it.

When you start the return, always be honest about the reason you want to send it back. Item not as described, damaged, or arrived late are all legit reasons. If the item fits the cheaper to let them keep it bucket, Ive found that the system will automatically offer it. If not, customer service sometimes will, especially if the reason for the return is clearly Amazons mistake.

The thing you dont want to do is start a live chat and say, Can I keep this and get my money back? That sounds like fraud and youre definitely not trying to get on that list.

So why is Amazon actually doing this?

Because time is money. A $9 desk organizer that arrived cracked is not worth storing, shipping, and inspecting.

So, by letting you keep it, Amazon accomplishes the following:

• Saves them the return shipping cost.
• Keeps you happy so you keep buying.
• Reduces waste on items that cant realistically be resold or liquidated.

So yes, it feels generous and comes off as great customer service, but its really just about efficiency.

How not to get your account flagged

This part matters. There is no doubt that Amazon is tracking your return behavior. Be sure to keep the following in mind so you dont get flagged:

• Dont try it on every order.
• Dont buy five of the same thing and then try to return them all.
• Dont fake damage or claim not as described over and over.
• If they tell you to return an item, you need to return it or cancel the request. If you keep the item and ignore the return request youll get charged for it.

The best way to look at this is to think of keep it as an occasional perk, not a coupon code you can use over and over again. Ive found that it tends to happen when you least expect it.

What to do with the item they letyou keep?

Amazon often says, You may keep, donate, or dispose of it. If its something you wont use, donate it. If its completely broken, just toss it. If its slightly damaged but fine for you, keep it and call it a win.

The bottom line is that returnless refunds arent a glitch in the system. Theyre a cost-saving move. Use them when they pop up, dont abuse them, and you can score the occasional freebie without risking your account be flagging.

Keep coverage continuous where possible, state says

• State urges carriers to avoid non-renewals and cancellations for condo master policies while repairs are underway

• Guidance follows complaints from associations receiving termination notices after springfall severe storms

• Protections remain tied to Missouris storm-related state of emergency, now extended through Dec. 31

Homeowners sometimes breathe a sigh of relief when they move into a condo, thinking that their maintenance and insurance troubles are over. But with increasing frequency, they're learning that condo complexes aren't immune from insurance issues. In Missouri, hit by severe storms this year, insurance regulators are warning carriers not to cancel or non-renew master policies for condominium complexesdamaged in the severe storms, citing ongoing repairs and unresolved claims across the state.

In a Nov. 4 addendum, the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) said it has received multiple complaints from condo associations reporting non-renewal or cancellation notices for their master policiesthe policies held by an owners associationdistinct from individual condo unit HO-6 policies. The bulletin instructs insurers to avoid adverse actions while properties are still navigating claims and construction.

The department understands these condominiums are still in the process of negotiating their damage claims with their insurance companies or are in the process of completing repairs, the bulletin states.

Addendum builds on earlier storm guidance

The new directive builds on an Oct. 16 DCI bulletin that told insurers to allow homeowners a reasonable amount of time to complete necessary repairs before taking adverse underwriting actions such as cancellations or non-renewals. DCI clarified that the same expectations apply to master policies issued to condominiumsnot just individual homeowners.

Delays and debris are slowing recovery

Property owners across Missouri have faced extended repair timelines driven largely by contractor backlogs and supply chain issues, the department said. In St. Louis, debris management has added another hurdle, complicating roof work and exterior reconstruction and further pushing schedules.

Protections tied to the state of emergency

Missouri has been under a state of emergency for severe weather that began March 14. DCI said its request that insurers refrain from canceling or non-renewing policies covering damaged residential property will remain in place for at least as long as the emergency order is active. The proclamation is currently set to expire Dec. 31 unless Gov. Mike Kehoe extends it further.

Keep coverage continuous where possible, DCI says

For policies that have not yet expired or terminated, DCI expects insurers to take necessary actions to ensure coverage remains continuously in force, according to the Nov. 4 addendum.

For situations where coverage ended before either the Oct. 16 or Nov. 4 bulletins were issued, the department urged carriers to consider the individual facts and circumstances and use their best judgment in extending or otherwise reinstating coverage. That language signals flexibility for associations that may have fallen into a coverage gap during the peak of post-storm disruption.

Insurers may need to explain denials

DCI also put carriers on notice that if consumers escalate disputes, the departments Consumer Affairs Division can request a written explanation of why coverage was not extended or reinstated. That case-by-case scrutiny could become a lever for associations seeking temporary continuity while roofs, siding, and common-area systems are brought back to pre-loss condition.

Why it matters for condo associations

Master policy cancellations can leave associations exposed to financing and compliance risks, since lenders and governing documents typically require continuous coverage for shared property and liability. Even short lapses can jeopardize reserves-funded repairs or force costly surplus-lines placements. By signaling a pause on adverse actions during active repairs and claim negotiations, DCIs guidance aims to stabilize the insurance footing of complexes still digging out from this years storms.

Whats next: Condo boards should keep detailed documentation of repair timelines, contractor bids, materials delays, and claim correspondence. If a non-renewal or cancellation notice arrives despite the bulletins, associations can cite the Oct. 16 and Nov. 4 guidance and, if needed, file a complaint with DCIs Consumer Affairs Division to trigger a review of the carriers decision.

But some markets favor military vets more than others

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Just 21.8% of U.S. home listings are affordable to the typical veteran using a VA loan, compared to 26.5% for veterans using conventional loans.

• Affordability is improving slightly, thanks to lower mortgage rates and rising incomes.

• Veterans could afford more than half of listings in 2015, showing how dramatically housing affordability has eroded over the past decade.

Home affordability remains a major challenge for millions of would-be buyers, especially military veterans. A new report from real estate brokerage Redfin finds that just over one in five U.S. home listings are affordable for the typical military veteran using a VA loan a sign of how far housing affordability has slipped since the mid-2010s.

While affordability remains tight, the market has shown modest improvement compared to last year, offering a glimmer of hope to veteran homebuyers.

Nationwide, 21.8% of listings are affordable to the typical veteran using a VA loan, up from 20.2% in 2023. For veterans using conventional loans, 26.5% of listings are within reach, up from 25.5% last year the lowest level ever recorded.

The trend mirrors whats happening for non-veteran buyers, with 22.8% of listings affordable for households using a conventional loan, up slightly from 21.7% in 2024.

The small gains come as mortgage rates and housing costs stabilize. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has dipped from 6.81% in 2023 to 6.66% today, while home-sale prices have largely plateaued. Meanwhile, rising incomes up roughly 10% for both veterans and non-veterans since 2023 are helping more buyers qualify for homes.

Why VA borrowers still face challenges

VA loans, designed to help veterans buy homes with little or no down payment, come with tradeoffs. While they typically carry lower interest rates and no private mortgage insurance, 90% of VA borrowers make no down payment, which raises monthly costs.

VA loans provide a great opportunity for first-time veteran homebuyers to purchase a home without the substantial down payment thats required of most buyers these days, said Redfin economist Grishma Bhattarai. It allows them to get their foot in the homeownership door and start building equity, but it comes with the tradeoff of a bigger loan and higher monthly costs.

Even so, VA loans are becoming slightly more common. In August, 7.3% of mortgaged homebuyers used a VA loan, up from 6.5% a year earlier the highest share for that month in six years. The uptick may reflect sellers becoming more willing to accept offers from VA buyers in todays slower market.

A decade of declining affordability

The contrast between todays housing market and that of a decade ago is stark. In 2015, a veteran using a VA loan could afford 53% of all U.S. home listings. Today, that figure has fallen to less than half that level.

Home prices have roughly doubled over the past 10 years, while incomes have risen far more slowly. The typical veteran household now earns about $85,955, up 48% since 2015, while non-veteran incomes have grown 54%.

Thats far short of the pace of home-price growth, which surged during the pandemic amid record-low mortgage rates and remote work trends.

Some metro areas remain relatively affordable for veterans. Detroit tops the list, where 60% of listings are affordable to a typical veteran using a VA loan, followed by San Antonio (53.4%), Cleveland (48.3%), Pittsburgh (43.6%), and Baltimore (42.7%).

In these regions, home prices are significantly lower the median Detroit home sold for about $215,000 in September.

On the other hand, California remains nearly out of reach. Veterans using VA loans can afford less than 1% of listings in San Jose, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, and only around 2% in San Diego and Anaheim, where home prices regularly top $1 million.