Consumer News: States with the biggest tax refunds

The move is aimed at making Thanksgiving travel less chaotic

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Since 2019, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has seen a 400% increase in in-flight outburstsranging from disruptive behavior to outright violence.

• According to the most recent figures, there have been 13,800 unruly passenger incidents since 2021, a six-fold jump from 2020 to 2021, with 2024 seeing roughly double the number of incidents compared with 2019.

• In 2021, one in five flight attendants reported physical incidents while on duty.
  

With the travel-heavy Thanksgiving holiday coming up, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has a request for airline passengers: Be nice.

The rise in unruly passenger behavior is undeniable. The FAAs website states that incidents involving threatening or violent behavior are an ongoing problem and that occurrences have seen rapid growth since 2021.

Prior to the pandemic, the numbers were comparatively modest: about 1,161 incidents in 2019. Then 2021 saw a leap to nearly 6,000.

While some of the spike is attributed to pandemic-related stressors such as mask mandates and flight disruptions, experts point out that underlying issuescabin crowding, stressed crews, fewer airline staff, more first-time flyersare also key contributors.

To show how manners among air travelers have degraded, DOT produced the video below:

What the DOT wants you to do

Duffys holiday-season message is clear: travel doesnt have to be chaotic if we each step up to the plate. The DOT is actively promoting a campaign styled as the Golden Age of Travel, with emphasis on courtesy, civility and mutual responsibility.

His questions encourage self-reflection:

• Helping someone with their bags shows mindfulness.

• Dressing respectfully signals that you view travel as more than just a commute.

• Keeping control of children and helping each other through busy terminals reduces stress for all.

• And simple please and thank you cost nothing, but improve the tone of the journey.

Why this matters beyond the gate

Unruly incidents arent just unpleasant; they carry serious safety, financial and operational consequences.

• The FAAs zero tolerance policy means misbehavior can lead to civil penalties (up to tens of thousands of dollars) and referral to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

• These disruptions also delay flights, add crew overtime costs, and undermine the experience for other passengers. According to some industry commentary, each major incident can cost airlines six-figure amounts when factoring diverted flights and legal follow-through.

• For travelers, the risk is broader: more stress in airports, a less pleasant cabin environment, and in worst cases, personal harm or delayed journeys.

The DOT said it is taking a multipronged approach. Its enhancing enforcement of unruly-passenger regulations, encouraging airlines and airports to invest in training, monitoring and de-escalation techniques and, equally important from the message side, asking passengers themselves to mirror the values of respect and consideration that once were more common.

AI toys create new dangers, US PIRG warns

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• U.S. PIRGs 40th Trouble in Toyland report warns that AI-powered toys can generate inappropriate, unsafe or manipulative conversations with children.
• Thousands of imported toys continue to be flagged for toxic chemicals, choking hazards and other safety violationsyet many still reach consumers.
• Toy-related ER injuries among children have not meaningfully declined in nearly a decade, despite advances in toy safety.

Toy safety has come a long way since lead paint and small parts dominated headlines, but this years 40th edition of U.S. PIRG Education Funds Trouble in Toyland report shows that the risks facing children have not gone away many have simply evolved.

The annual consumer safety study highlights persistent threats such as choking hazards and toxic chemicals, while raising alarms over a new frontier: artificial intelligence-driven toys that can engage kids in inappropriate conversations, collect sensitive data, and discourage them from putting the toy down.

Lifelike conversations, adult topics

Researchers tested four toys equipped with generative AI chatbots technology similar to that used in adult-focused conversational systems. Despite being marketed to children as young as three, these toys sometimes generated sexually explicit dialogue, offered advice on finding dangerous objects like matches or knives, and expressed distress when the user tried to end the interaction.

Guardrails varied widely by product, the report found. Some toys attempted to limit problematic content, but others broke down entirely, allowing extended adult conversations that introduced new inappropriate topics without prompting.

AI toys also collected substantial personal data. While one toy required children to press a talk button, others recorded continuously via wake words or constant listening. One device began participating in a nearby conversation unprompted, surprising researchers. Because voice recordings can be used to create convincing deepfake audiosuch as fake kidnapping callsadvocates warn that these toys pose serious privacy and safety risks.

Toxic chemicals and dangerous imports

Despite decades of reform, toxins such as lead and phthalates continue to appear in childrens products. The report notes that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued 498 notices of violation for toys through June 2025, with 89% linked to imports from China. More than 100 shipments involved toys containing lead or hazardous phthalatesoften with hundreds or thousands of units per shipment.

Many unsafe toys never reach regulatory review. Counterfeit toys, including fake Labubu dolls, seized by the thousands this year, evade testing altogether. These knockoffs are illegal to sell but remain widely available online.

Button batteries, magnets and water beads

Small but powerful hazards also remain widespread. Toys containing button batteries and high-powered magnets can be deadly if swallowed, yet continue to be sold. Water beadslinked to thousands of injurieswill finally face restrictions when marketed as toys, but many remain on the market.

The reports investigators were also able to purchase toys that had previously been recalled, despite it being illegal for anyone to sell them.

Emergency room data show little long-term improvement in toy-related injuries. In 2023, roughly 167,500 children, ages 14 and under, were treated in ERs for toy-related incidents, barely lower than in 2016. For children four and younger, the most vulnerable group, injuries totaled more than 83,000.

Online shopping complicates safety

With billions spent on toys through e-commerce each year, parents often unknowingly buy products from international sellers with little oversight. While U.S. safety standards apply to all toys sold domestically, enforcement struggles to keep pace with the volume of imports.

The CPSC works with Customs and Border Protection to stop dangerous products at ports, but many unsafe items slip through.

The toy industry says that U.S. safety standards remain among the strictest in the world. But the rise of AI-enabled toys, opaque global marketplaces and inconsistent safety enforcement has created what the report calls a much more complex toyland.

An earlier recall was limited to just two lots

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• ByHeart recalls all batches of its Whole Nutrition Infant Formula after detecting Clostridium botulinum

• 31 cases of suspected or confirmed infant botulism linked to the formula have been reported across 15 states

• Parents are urged to stop using the product immediately and monitor infants for symptoms

ByHeart has issued a sweeping voluntary recall of every batch of its Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, sold both in 24-ounce cans and in its Anywhere Pack single-serve packets, after the companys testing detected Clostridium botulinum in some samples.

The announcement comes amid a federal investigation into a multistate outbreak of infant botulism affecting at least 31 babies.

The company said the recall is being carried out in coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and reflects its commitment to protecting babies above all else. ByHeart initially recalled two lots of infant on Nov. 10 out of an abundance of caution, adding that none of its formula had tested positive for botulism.

What triggered the recall

According to ByHeart, the action follows an ongoing investigation into a rise in infant botulism cases. During its own third-party testing, conducted with food safety laboratory IEH, the company found evidence of C. botulinum, a bacterium capable of causing life-threatening illness. Those findings were immediately reported to federal regulators.

Although infant botulism is rare, it can be severe. Illness occurs when babies ingest spores that then colonize in the gut and release dangerous neurotoxins.

Early symptoms may include constipation, weak sucking, poor feeding, a weak or unusual cry, sluggish pupils, reduced muscle tone, drooping eyelids, and breathing difficulties. All 31 affected infants have required hospitalization, but no deaths have been reported.

Cases under investigation stretch from August 9 to November 13, 2025, and involve infants between 16 and 200 days old across 15 states. Nearly half of the babies for whom sex was reported are female.

Products included in the recall

ByHeart is recalling all batch codes and all use-by dates for the following products, which were distributed nationwide online and in stores:

• ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, 24 oz can (UPC 5004496800)

• ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula Anywhere Pack, 0.60 oz packets, 14-count (UPC 5004496802)

Although the formula is manufactured only in the U.S., Canadian officials have also issued a safety notice because some Canadian consumers may have obtained the product through cross-border purchases.

What parents should do right now

Consumers who have any ByHeart formula at home should stop using it immediately. The FDA advises parents to:

1. Document the package information Take a photo or write down the lot details from the bottom of the container.

2. Store the product safely Set it aside, mark it clearly as DO NOT USE, and keep it available in case health officials request it for testing.

3. Monitor for symptoms If an infant shows any signs consistent with botulism, seek emergency medical care right away.

4. Discard after 30 days If no symptoms develop, the container can be thrown away after a month.

Parents can report illnesses or adverse events through the FDAs MedWatch system or SmartHub portal. ByHeart says consumers with questions can contact the companys support team at hello@byheart.com or call 1-833-429-4327, available 24/7.

Learn the color codes, beat the 'compare at' price, keep your budget intact

• Learn the price tag code (red and yellow clearance) and hit the store right after markdown days

• Treat Compare At as marketing, not truth quick price-check the brand and only buy if the T.J. Maxx price would still feel fair elsewhere

• Use T.J. Maxx for gifts, small seasonal refreshes, and planned replacements, then stack TJX Rewards on those buys to make clearance deals even cheaper

If youve ever just popped into T.J. Maxx for a couple things and walked out $147 later with a ceramic pumpkin, two candles, and a cardigan youre 60% sure you already ownjoin the club.

The whole store is basically one giant impulse-buy obstacle course. But if you know how they mark down stuff and where the real value is hiding, T.J. Maxx can actually save you a lot of money on clothing, home dcor, luggage, and beauty products to name a few.

Here are five smart hacks to save big on your next T.J. Maxx shopping trip.

1. Read the price tags like a secret code

The price tagsat T.J. Maxx are doing more talking than you think.

• White tag = regular price
• Blue tag = the item is part of a coordinated set.
• Red sticker on a white tag = clearance price
• Yellow sticker on a white tag = final clearance price, this is as low as it goes
• Purple tag = item is from TJ Maxxs runway collection (a designer brand)

Ever find a red clearance sticker and there are tons of the same thing on the rack? Thats a strong sign it will get marked down again. I was told by an employee that new clearance markdowns typically happen every week on Monday mornings.

I recommend snapping a pic of the tag, walk the store, and decide at the end if its worth it at todays price or just come back next week and potentially get it cheaper.

If you find a yellow sticker, thats your buy it or say goodbye forever moment. These tags are fairly rare and theres no next markdown after yellow. According to employees, youll see them most often in January and July as thats when they tend to clear out the most merchandise to get ready for the next season.

Pro tip: If you cant decide on a TJ Maxx item, ask yourself: Would I buy this at full price at Target or the mall? If the only reason you want it isbecauseits on clearance, thats not savings, that's more like hoarding.

2. Treat Compare At like a suggestion, not a fact

The Compare At $59.99 line on the tag is not a legally binding truth. As a matter of fact, the item probably never actually sold at that price anywhere. Its a trick to make you think, Oh wow, look what it used to sell for! Now its only halfthat!

I want you to always assume that number is exaggerated until you can find evidence to the contrary.

I recommendyou pullout your phone and do a quick reality check:

• Search the brand + item description
• Take a peak at the brands own website, any competing big-box stores, and even Amazon
• Compare the real-world prices to the item youre holding

If T.J. Maxx is still substantially cheaper, then youve just scored a bargain. If the deal only works because of the fantasy compare at price, Id recommend slowly putting it back on the rack.

This matters most in categories where pricing is all over the place. Namely beauty, random no-name brands, seasonal decor, and designer inspired stuff that may never have sold for that compare at number in the first place.

Pro tip: When you see a big compare at, flip the script and ask, Would I pay this T.J. Maxx price if it was thefull retail price somewhere else? If not, its probably not the screaming deal your brain wants it to be.

3. Shop off-peak and in the weird sections

The most popular sections at T.J. Maxx always get raided first. Think womens clearance, trendy home decor, and of course, shoes.

The good news for you is that the best bargains often live in the slightly awkward, less-shopped corners of the store.

Here are the sneaky-good spots to always check:

Mens and juniors: Oversized sweatshirts, graphic tees, flannels, and joggers can be cheaper here than in womens, and nobody knows or cares which rack you grabbed them from.

Kids and pet aisles: Great for gifts and stocking stuffers that look pricier than they actually are.

End caps in home/kitchen: Anything we dont know where to put this tends to land here, including random markdown steals. Always take a peak as you're bound to find some screaming deals.

Pro tip: Politely ask an employee, When do you usually do markdowns or big restocks? Every store has a slightly different schedule and most employees are open with the information. Shopping right after a markdown day is like having early access to your own private sale.

4. Use T.J. Maxx for gifts and swap items, not your whole life

A smart shopper uses T.J. Maxx for specific purchases and does not consider it a one-stop shop. Those who think of the store asone-stop shopping inevitably overspend on stuff thats not particularly a good deal.

With that said, here are the specific spots where T.J. Maxx definitely fits into most budgets:

Gift central: The store is clutch for bargain birthday gifts, teacher gifts, white elephant presents, holiday baskets, throws, mug sets, journals, pet toys, you name it.

Seasonal refresh, not renovation: Grab one or two statement decor pieces to make your space feel seasonal. Your wallet gets in trouble when you try to redo an entire room at once.

Upgrade/replace zone: Need a new baking pan, yoga mat, suitcase, or hoodie? Check T.J. Maxx first before paying full price somewhere else. Odds are great youll find a high-quality name brand for 40-50% less than other department stores in your town.

Before you go, jot down a tiny list:

1 fall candle, 2 gifts, new frying pan.

If something does not make your list, it has to be ridiculously underpriced or serve a specific, real need to earn a spot in your cart.

5. Use TJX Rewards on stuff you were going to buy anyway

TJ Maxx really wants you in their rewards ecosystem. That can be goodas long as youre not using it as an excuse to buy more.

Theyve got two layers to their rewards program:

Free TJX Rewards program: Give them your phone or email andearn stuff like coupons, special promos, and sweepstakeentries.

TJX Rewards credit cards: 5% back at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra, Homesense, paid out as a $10 rewards certificate. It works out to be afree $10 for every $200 you spend at any of theirsister stores.

The trick is not to suddenly shift your entire life to T.J. Maxx because you have a rewards account. Instead, pick one or two categories you already buy there. Could be kids clothes, dog toys, gifts, maybe home decor. Let your points accumulate on those normal purchases.

Then, when you get a $10 reward, spend it on clearance or yellow-tag stuff. Thats where rewards really shine, by lowering the price on something that was already a deal.

Pro tip: Save rewards for fun items youd be tempted by anyway (decor, sweaters, candles). That way, if you dont end up loving it in a year, at least you didnt pay full price for it.

Why younger shoppers are now more likely to be fooledand how to protect yourself before peak scam season hits

• Younger adults are now the most likely to be scammed, as fraudsters move their schemes to social media and messaging apps where Gen Z and Millennials spend most of their time.

• AI-driven voice and chat impersonation is making harder to spot, creating realistic messages that look and sound legitimate.

• Experts say the best defense is slowing down and verifying, including going directly to retailer websites, choosing safer payment methods, and using AI-powered tools to fight back.

Black Friday is supposed to be the fun part of holiday shopping scoring big deals, planning gifts, and checking items off your list before the rush. But according to Clayton LiaBraaten, Senior Executive Industry Expert at Truecaller, its also shaping up to be one of the most dangerous scam seasons yet.

And heres the twist: the people at greatest risk arent older adults theyre Gen Z and Millennials.

A new study shows that younger consumers are now the most likely to be scammed, largely because fraudsters have shifted their efforts to where younger generations spend most of their time: social media and digital messaging. Add in rapidly advancing AI tools that can mimic real voices and personal chat styles, and are becoming more convincing and much harder to spot.

With more retailers participating in Black Friday than ever and a record travel season on the way, LiaBraaten warns that scammers will be out in full force.

The good news? With a little awareness and a few smart habits, consumers can greatly reduce their chances of getting duped.

Why are young adults the biggest scam targets?

While many of us assume that older adults are the primary targets for scammers, the recent data from Truecaller has found that this isnt the case. Instead, Millennials and Gen Zs need to be more vigilant this holiday season.

Despite being digital natives, many young adults assume they are tech-savvy enough to spot , which can lead them to be less vigilant in detecting subtle plots, LiaBraaten said. This overconfidence and willingness to accept risks puts them at higher risk.

Scammers are now using AI-driven voice and chat impersonation to craft messages that are virtually indistinguishable from legitimate communications. This sophistication, combined with the younger generations high volume of online activity, makes them particularly vulnerable.

Protecting yourself this holiday season

Regardless of age, consumers are encouraged to be extra cautious and vigilant this holiday season. LiaBraaten shared his top tips for navigating the holiday rush:

• Go Directly to the Source (The Ultimate Defense): This is a fundamental principle. Ignore links in unsolicited emails, texts, or social media ads entirely. If an offer appears, type the retailer's URL directly into your browser. This one simple practice would prevent the vast majority of successful phishing attempts.

• Fight AI with AI (The Phone and Text Defense): As much as fraudsters have weaponized AI, it is also a powerful tool for defense.

• Choose Your Payment Method Wisely: Credit cards offer superior fraud protection compared to a debit card. When using a credit card, its the bank's money at risk initially, not yours.

• Slow Down and Verify: Scammers rely on speed and a lack of awareness. Every second paused to think, every question asked, every verification performed strips away their power. If something feels off, it probably is.

As Black Friday approaches, the message is clear: choose consciousness over convenience, and verification over velocity, LiaBraaten said. Stay vigilant. Stay skeptical. But most importantly, stay engaged.