Agency cites risks of botulism and counterfeit products

Airlines struggle to adapt as flights are canceled at 40 major airports

• Thousands of flights were canceled over the weekend as the FAA ordered airlines to slash schedules at 40 major airports.

• Air traffic controller shortages, fueled by the monthlong government shutdown, triggered widespread disruptions.

• Airlines warn the cuts could double by Friday, threatening Thanksgiving travel plans for millions.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered airlines to cut 4 percent of flights at the nations 40 busiest airports, a move that caused thousands of cancellations over the weekend and signaled deeper trouble ahead for the air travel system. Officials say the restrictions, which began Friday, are necessary to maintain safety as air traffic controllers continue working without pay during the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Staffing crisis hits major hubs

At one point Saturday, only four of 22 scheduled controllers reported for duty in Atlanta, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Sunday on CNN. Its only going to get worse, he warned. By the two weeks before Thanksgiving, youre going to see air travel reduced to a trickle.

The FAAs cuts are expected to grow to 10 percent by this Friday and possibly higher, threatening to paralyze the nations busiest airports just as the holiday travel season begins.

Airlines struggle to adapt

Carriers scrambled through the weekend to adjust their schedules, reroute crews and reposition aircraft, but cancellations mounted each day. The degree of complexity increases for every flight we cant operate, said Steve Olson, JetBlues head of system operations and airports. That means we may not have a crew or aircraft where it needs to be for the next flight.

Major carriers take the biggest hit

According to aviation data firm Cirium, American Airlines canceled roughly 740 flights Friday and Saturdaymore than 6.5 percent of its schedule. Delta canceled about 640 flights, or 7.3 percent, while United cut 450, or just over 5 percent.

By Sunday afternoon, more than 2,000 flights had been canceled nationwide, making it the years fourth-worst day for air travel disruptions. Delta alone canceled more than 14 percent of its schedule, while American and United each canceled over 9 percent.

More turbulence ahead

Delays also surged, affecting more than 8,300 flights as of Sunday afternoon. Analysts warn that the situation could worsen as airlines run out of options to reshuffle crews and aircraft.

For now, the FAAs goal is to preserve safety amid mounting pressure on unpaid controllersbut with Thanksgiving fast approaching, passengers may need to brace for a chaotic holiday travel season.

Here are the key recommendations airlines are giving passengers who are worried about flight disruptions amidst the ongoing cancellations and cuts:

What airlines are advising

• Keep a close eye on your flight status via the airline app, website or alerts. Many carriers say they will automatically notify you if your flight is cancelled or changed.

• Be ready to rebook or accept alternate travel arrangements without penalty. For example, some airlines will waive change or cancellation fees if flights are cancelled or you choose not to travel.

• Know your refund rights: If your flight is cancelled and you choose not to travel, you are entitled to a full refund (even for non-refundable fares) under U.S. law.

• Consider booking with flexibility: Choose fares that allow changes or refunds, avoid non-changeable/basic fares if possible. Some travel experts suggest booking a backup flight on another airline if your trip is time-sensitive.

• Arrive early at the airport, and prepare for longer delays or possible cancellation. Many recommend padding your schedule, especially if you have connections or a tight timeline.

• Have a plan B: If flying looks risky for your schedule, consider alternate modes of transport (train, bus, car) or postponing non-urgent travel.

Practical steps you should take now

• Check the status of your flight multiple times in the days/hours leading up to it.

• If you get a cancellation notice, contact your airline immediately (via app, phone or online) and secure a rebooking or refund.

• Save all receipts if you incur extra costs (hotel, meals, alternate transport)some credit cards or travel insurance may cover this.

• If your flight is cancelled and you decide not to travel, request the refund rather than only a credit.

• If possible, avoid bookings with tight connections, and try to book direct/non-stop flights.

Still have an old computer? Here are some easy and inexpensive options

It's too bad about Windows 10. Millions of people loved it, or at least were more or less oblivious and probably remain so today, even though it has been declared officially obsolete by Microsoft. Although it's hard for computer nerds to understand, most consumers are about as interested in their operating system as they are in their water heater. Basically, if it works, that's pretty much the end of the story for them.

But while it's possible to just go merrily along ignoring the end of Windows 10, it's not really advisable. That's because Microsoft pronounced it dead on October 14 and is no longer issuing periodic updates, you know those things many people never bother to install.

Like changing the oil in your car, you can ignore software updates for awhile but it's dangerous. The updates are issued to add protections against viruses and other nasty hazards that didn't exist when earlier versions of the software were written. Doing without is like locking some of the doors to your house but leaving others open. Not a good idea.

Technically, Windows 10 could run indefinitely if Microsoft would continue to support it, but it won't. And unfortunately, older computers often can't run Windows 11, its anointed successor. This leaves most consumers facing the expense and inconvenience of buying a new computer.

There are some options but a little caution is advised.Poke around the web a little and you'll find articles advising you to switch to Linux, a free operating system that is battle-tested and runs most of the major web servers and many heavy-duty industrial applications. I have personally used Linux for decades and consider it by far the best system out there. It has many fervent fans who are always eager to convert new followers.

But there is one big problem with Linux. Whether anyone will admit it or not, it's made by geeks for geeks and keeping it updated and running smoothly isn't for the computer novice. Oh sure, you can fix just about any problem that crops up but it may take an entire afternoon of researching obscure help forums and trying to navigate the command-line, the bare bones interface you see when all the pretty pictures go away.

Like a lot of experienced Linux users, I always have Linux fired up and standing by but these days I do most of my work on Macs, which you might call the Toyotas of the computer worlds. Just as gearheads call Toyotathe car for people who don't care much aboutcars, Macs are computers for people who don't care much about computers. They just work,even if you don't much care for them.

In the past, I have talked acquaintances into switching to Linux and instantly regretted it. I really don't need to get phone calls at 10 p.m. because someone's printer suddenly stopped responding, so it's no longer something I freely recommend. But don't take my word for it. Read on!

What to do?

So what are the options?

An organization called PIRG has for years been advocating for "right to repair" rules for consumer goods, including computers. They are now organizing "Fix-a-thon" events where volunteers retrofit older computers, either through alternative software or hardware upgrade, so that they can run Windows 11.

"For our Fix-a-thon events, we recruited 64 volunteers in six cities New York, Boston, Cambridge, MA, Worcester, MA, Madison, WI and Chicago to install alternative software on older computers, and otherwise refurbish and troubleshoot any issues, the group said in a recent update. "We partnered with local refurbishers and other groups to acquire computers and commenced a marathon of fixing and laptop rescue. All in all, our cross-country fixers rescued 103 computers. Most of these computers will be donated to various partner groups across the country, including youth groups and charitable nonprofits."

Partner organizations held similar events around the globe. In total, the Open Repair Alliance tracked3,400 repair eventsduring this years International Repair Day 55% more than last year, PIRG said.

"While many older, Windows 10-compatible computers wont be able to upgrade to Windows 11, there are ways of keeping these devices in use. One option is to install alternative software such as Ubuntu Linux, Linux Mint and Chrome OS Flex. These software options can keep older devices secure and usable," PIRG said.

If you are still running Windows 10 and trying to decide what to do, PIRG has a useful guidethat will walk you through the options. And don't take my bad-mouthing Linux as gospel. It's an excellent system but you need a person or organization to help you through the learning curve.

Chrome OS

An excellent but often overlookedoption for consumers who mostly use their computer for web browsing is Chrome OS, the Linux-based system that powers the very cool little Chromebook laptops that cost a fraction of a full-fledged Windows or Mac model. There's also something called Chrome OS Flex, a free Google product you can install on just about any existing computer. It is very simple to use and, unlike the full-bore Linux, has excellent built-in support.

The options

So here in the simplest form are your options if you are still running Windows 10 on an older computer:

1. Buy a new computer with Windows 11. Minimum cost: $600 or so for a very basic system.
2. Buy a fairly new used computer that will run Windows 11. Minimum cost: a few hundred for the computer and $139 to Microsoft for a Windows 11 license.
3. Grab a free copy of Ubuntu Linux, Mint Linux or other relatively easy to use Linux system.
4. Give Chrome OS Flex a try. It's free and easy to use and has excellent built-in support.
5. Buy a Chromebook. Prices start inthe low few-hundreds. These are excellent little machines that are probably all anyone needs for personal use.

Anyone of these options will work. For someone who isn't technically inclined andjust needs to safely check email and browse the web, the Chromebook is the no-fuss, no-muss solution. It's easy to use, keeps itself updated and shouldn't ever cost you anything beyond the purchase price.

Turn yesterdays tech into todays money

• Prep the device first (backup, sign out, reset, clean, gather accessories) so you dont get lowballed on condition

• Pick the payout type you want: store credit/e-gift (Best Buy, Amazon, Costco), bill credits tied to a new phone (carriers), or real cash (buyback sites or private sale)

• Private sale almost always pays the most, but it takes the most effort and you have to protect yourself (public meetups, show IMEI clean, remove locks)

Do you have a couple old phones or a sad little iPad shoved in your junk drawer? It might be time to pull them out and make some money off them. Ill walk you through 6 reliable options that will help you do just that. Plus, I'll give yousome pros and cons with each so you can decide for yourself what's the best way to cash in on your old tech.

First: a 5-minute prep that boosts potential value

1. Back up + sign out of iCloud/Google/Find My. Also turn off any activation locks.
2. Factory reset the device and remove the SIM/eSIM card (if it has one).
3. Gather all accessories like the original charger, cable, box, manual, etc.
4. Check the battery health and screen condition so you describe it accurately.
5. Clean it up. Smudges and crumbs can often look like damage to graders.

Best Buy trade-in

Best for:The Best Buy Trade-In program is a solid option for selling old cell phones, tablets, headphones, gaming consoles, computers, and some wearables.

How it works: Start by visiting their Trade-In page and do a quick search for the device you want to trade-in. Then select your exact device and answer the condition questions. Theyll immediately give you an estimated trade-in value which you can accept on the spot.

If you accept the offer, you can either ship-it or take it to any Best Buy location. Once they verify the condition, theyll issue you a Best Buy gift card for the agreed upon amount.

My example: I have an old iPhone 14 (128GB) with Verizon, in "Good" condition, and Best Buy will give me $100 for it.

Pros: Fast turnaround, in-store convenience, easy way to use the gift card to lower the price of a new purchase.

Cons: Gift card only, and mid-tier trade-in prices compared toAmazon Trade-In or a private sale.

Pro tips:

• You must do a factory reset of your device and disable the Find My feature otherwise it will have a $0 trade-in value.
• Do your trade-in at a Best Buy store if you can. Being able to interact and talk to the person evaluating your device gives you immediate feedback about the condition and lets you explain any issues.
• While youre there, ask about any open-box deals and try to stack your trade-in credit with an open-box discount to maximize your savings.
• Always bring the original charger if you can as a missing power brick can knock off some value.

Amazon trade-in

Best for: Echo/Kindle/Fire devices, controllers, smartphones and accessories.

How it works: Select your device on the Amazon Trade-In page and get an immediate online quote after answering some condition questions. If you accept the quote, theyll give you a free shipping label and you mail it off.

Once they verify the condition, theyll pay you with an Amazon gift card. Some items qualify for an instant payment before you ship the items back which is a cool feature. Plus, sometimes theyll give you a promotional discount that you can use to buy a new qualifying Amazon device.

My example:Amazon will give me $180 for my old iPhone 14 (128GB) - a very surprising $80 more than Best Buy.

Pros: Very easy process, solid payout prices, especially for Amazon devices, and they also have frequent promo bonuses.

Cons: Limited device list; gift card only; mail-in only; condition grading can be strict. Processing can take up to 15 days.

Pro tips:

• Stack your promos. Amazon periodically adds a bonus (e.g., extra 1020% on eligible categories).
• Time your trade with Prime events like Prime Day or Black Friday. By doing so, your values and bonuses are known to be a little higher.
• Screenshot your condition answers before shipping. That way if you get re-quoted after they inspect the item, you can appeal with specifics.

Costco trade-in (via partner portal)

Costcos device trade-in program is basically Costco, but outsourced. You dont hand your old iPhone to the lady at the membership desk, instead everything runs through Phobio, Costcos partner company.

How it works: Visit this page and click the Start Your Trade-In Now button. Youll be routed to a partner site (Phobio), youll answer some condition questions, then get an instant price quote.

If you accept the quote, Phobio will give you a prepaid shipping label along with packing instructions. Once they receive the device and inspect it, theyll pay you via a Costco Shop Card. Expect it to take 3-5 business days.

Ive found values to be surprisingly high on newer Apple and current-gen phones. Your actual offer is going to depend largely on age, storage, carrier, and overall condition.

My example:Costco will give me $165for myold iPhone 14 (128GB) - a solid 2nd place behind Amazon at $180.

Pros: Smooth process via a trustworthy partner network. Surprisingly, you dont have to be a Costco member to use Phobio. You can simply spend the Costco Cash Card (in-store or online) without a membership which is a nice perk.

Cons: They can lowball after inspection. Payout is locked to Costco. Mail-in only option has been known to be a little on the slow side.

Pro tips:

• Compare the Phobio quote to Amazon and Best Buy before you commit.
• Lock your quote (most portals hold it for a set window, be sure to ship your device quickly).
• Use insured shipping and photograph the device powered on and boxed up.

Carrier trade-ins (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile)

Best for: When youre already upgrading and want the biggest trade-in value possible on a new smartphone. But keep in mind that the trade-in number only exists because youre doing the upgrade through them and letting them pay it out as monthly credits.

How it works: You trade in your old phone, and instead of getting cash, the carrier spreads the value out as monthly bill credits over 2436 months tied to your new device payment.

Pros: The promos are definitely impressive. Up to $800 off with eligible trade is real if youre on the right plan, with the right phone, in the right condition.

Cons: Its not money in your hand, its credits on your bill.And those credits can stop if you pay off early, downgrade, or switch carriers. So youre basically agreeing to stay put.

Pro tips:

• Read the promo details carefully as the exact model, storage, and condition tiers will definitely change your payout.
• Screenshot the offer the day you order so you have proof if the credits dont show up on your next bill.
• If you think you might switch carriers in the next 1218 months, dont do it. Youd be better off selling the phone for cash and keeping your flexibility.

Independent buyback sites

Best for: Getting actual money (not store credit) without meeting some rando in a parking lot.

How it works: Start at a reputable buyback site like Gazelle, ItsWorthMore, or GadgetPickup. You select your exact device, answer some condition questions, and they give you an instant quote.

Depending on the service you pick, youll get paid via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or a bank transfer.

My example:I ran myold iPhone 14 (128GB) through ItsWorthMore and they'll only give me $107, not great. Gazelle was much better at $181.

Pros: Real cash instead of store credit or bill credits. Fairly fast payout, most pay within a couple of days of them receiving it.

Cons: Grading can be strict and theyve been known to be pretty picky. Also, quotes can drop if condition isnt exactly as described.

Pro tips:

• Get 23 quotes on the same day (if possible) asprices move around a lot and different sites tend to favor different models.
• Be honest about flaws (things like small crack, scuffs, after-market screen). Being honest will help prevent a lower re-quote.
• Document everything: write down the IMEI, take front/back/powered-on photos before shipping the device. Then if they say screen damage, you have proof.

Private sale (when you want the most cash)

Best for: People who want to make the most money from their devices and have some time to make it happen. While not a trade-in, it routinely beats every option above in terms of what you can make.

I recommend using Swappa, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or a local buy/sell groupto find interested buyers foryour device.

My example:Looking at recently completed sales on eBay, my old iPhone 14 (128GB) currently sells for about $240. $60 more than what Amazon would give me.

Pros: Highest payout, especially for unlocked, recent, pristine devices.

Cons: The time required to schedule a meet-up is the biggest negative for most people. You also have the potential for flakes and scam artists.

Pro tips:

• Set your price based off of sold and completed listings. Meaning if the last three sold for $320, list yours at $340 and be willing to take$320.
• Meet somewhere public like a carrier store, grocery store parking lot, or even at the police station. Public spots means more cameras and fewer weirdos.
• Have them pay in front of you by asking for cash or instant Zelle/Venmo payment that you see and track.
• I recommend showing the buyer that the IMEI is clear and remove any iCloud/Google/Samsung locks on the spot so they know its legit.

Retailers are competing for holiday spending by inflation-weary consumers

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Major national retailers are launching deep-discount Thanksgiving meal bundles ahead of the holiday, aiming to ease food-cost pressure for families.

• Deals range from under $4 per person at some stores to full meal kit bundles including turkey, sides and pies.

• Each offering comes with specific conditionssuch as order deadlines, limited delivery slots, membership or first-time user perks, and regional availability.

In the run-up to the 2025 Thanksgiving holiday, a number of national food retailers are rolling out aggressive promotions to entice budget-conscious shoppers. Here are some of the better offers, including all the usual cautions and conditions. Click on the photos for details of each offer. Note that the photos may not portray the actual offerings available at each store.

Walmart

Walmart is offering a one-click Thanksgiving meal basket designed to serve 10 people for approximately $39.92 before tax, or around $4 per person the lowest price since the program began.

The basket includes over 20 national and private-brand favorites (turkey, stuffing, potatoes, gravy, rolls, etc.)

Conditions & limits:

• First-time Pickup & Delivery customers get free express delivery using promo code THANKFUL.

• Valid for service through December 26, giving shoppers the option to use it for Christmas as well.

• The basket is available for order online or in-store, but deliverable options may be limited by location.

ALDI

ALDI is offering enough items to build a full Thanksgiving feast for 10 people for just $40, or roughly $4 per person.

The offer covers 21 marked items, including a 14-lb turkey and ingredients for nine traditional sides (mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potato casserole, mac & cheese, rolls, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie).

Conditions & limits:

• Items are purchased individually, not as a pre-packaged kit; each item will be shelf-tagged Thanksgiving Meal Bundle.

• No membership or coupon required.

• Available in-store or via online delivery/curbside partners (Instacart, Uber Eats, DoorDash) from October 15 through December 24.

• Availability and pricing may vary by location.

Lidl

Lidl US has announced a bundle price that undercuts competitors: a complete Thanksgiving meal for 10 people for under $36 (less than $3.60 per person).

Key highlights include a turkey priced at $0.25 per pound using the MyLidl app.

Conditions & limits:

• The bundle is again not a single-pack kit; items are sold separately so shoppers assemble their own feast.

• The deal runs from November 5 through November 26, and items are marked in-store with the promotion.

• Requires use of the MyLidl app for the turkey price, and availability may vary by region.

Target

Targets Thanksgiving meal promotion targets a smaller party: a full holiday meal for a family of four for under $20.

The deal includes turkey priced at about $0.79 per pound, plus sides priced at $4.99 each (like mashed sweet potatoes, vegetable mixes, pies).

Conditions & limits:

• Includes options for same-day delivery or scheduled pickup to accommodate last-minute shoppers.

• The pricing is a record low for Targets holiday offering.

• Side items beyond the meal deal are sold separately and the full meal must be assembled from the promotions included items.

Publix

Publix offers Order Ahead holiday meals via its Order Ahead system (through Instacart) that feed anywhere from 2 to 18 people.

Conditions & limits:

• Meals come ready-to-heat and require home reheating; packaging includes heating instructions.

• Orders need to be placed at least 48 hours ahead of pickup.

• The items are not strictly part of a bundle in the sense of pre-packaged discount kits, and pickup/online fees may apply.

Amazon

Amazon is using its grocery network including Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market to make it easier (and cheaper) for families to prepare a full holiday spread without last-minute store runs. The dinner for five is $25.

Customers can shop the bundle online, in-store, or through Amazons Same-Day Delivery service in eligible areas, so the turkey and trimmings can arrive right on time.

Conditions & limits

• The bundle is available Nov. 12 through Nov. 27

Dollar General

This holiday season, Dollar General is helping customers stretch their budgets and simplify meal planning with recipe-centric bundle deals, special offers and price reductions across its food aisles. With grocery prices continuing to be a concern for about half of U.S. consumers, Dollar General is delivering value and convenience when and where its needed most.

From classic holiday dishes to baking favorites, the retailer is offering bundled savings on ingredients for beloved recipes like sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie now through November 29.

Conditions & limits

• Does not combine with DGs $5 off $25 coupon or other spend/save basket offers.

Why these deals are appearing now

Retailers are responding to rising food inflation, especially in the turkey market. The American Farm Bureau Federation reported that turkey prices are up about 40 % year-over-year, driven partly by a 3 % decline in the national flock (estimated at 195 million birds in 2025) and outbreaks of avian disease.

With consumers feeling the squeeze, grocers are using Thanksgiving meal deals as both a service to customers and a promotional hook for the broader holiday season.

What shoppers should be aware of

• Stock & regional variation: Many of these deals are limited by store region and availability. For example, the MyLidl turkey deal may vary by location.

• Ordering cut-offs: Delivery or pickup slots may fill early, especially for big-meal bundles in high demand.

• Delivery/in-store differences: Some offers include free delivery only for new customers or require online ordering; in-store pickup may differ.

• Not all items always included: In some bundles (e.g., ALDI, Lidl) you purchase items individually although they are marked as part of a meal set.

• Extras may cost more: If you want premium upgrades (organic turkey, specialty sides, desserts), the base bundle may not include themand youll pay more.

• Check for membership or coupon requirements: While some offers explicitly waive membership (ALDI), others may link special pricing to app use or first-time services (MyLidl, Walmart).
  

• Reheat-at-home vs. cook-at-home: The Publix model is more a ready-to-heat meal than a DIY cooking kit.

Bottom line

For 2025, Thanksgiving meal promotions from major food retailers are offering some of the best value in recent years. With options under $4 per person available from Walmart and Lidl, a $40 full spread at ALDI, and a sub-$20 four-person meal at Target, consumers have strong budget-friendly options.

However, to secure the best deal, shoppers should act early, verify whether delivery or pickup suits their needs, and clarify exactly whats included (and whats extra).