Consumer News: Airbnb cleaning fees are highest in these U.S. cities

As marijuana becomes more common at home, vets are seeing a rise in accidental pet exposure

• Cannabis-related pet exposures are on the rise, with cases doubling in recent years as more households keep THC products at home.

• Edibles pose added dangers from toxic ingredients like chocolate and xylitol to packaging that can cause serious blockages.

• Quick action and honesty with your vet are critical, and safe storage is the best way to prevent emergencies in the first place.

With cannabis use becoming more mainstream, its showing up in more places than just adult routines. For pet owners, that shift is bringing an unexpected risk: a growing number of dogs and cats accidentally ingesting THC.

Veterinarians say these cases arent rare anymore. In fact, new data from Veritas Veterinary Partners shows cannabis-related pet toxicity cases have doubled in recent years, as more households keep edibles, oils, and other products within reach. And while many incidents are unintentional, the impact on pets can be serious and frightening.

To better understand whats behind the trend and how pet owners can keep their animals safe we spoke with Dr. Allison Rohde Newgent, DVM, DACVS, Medical Director of Greater Staten Island Veterinary Services, about the risks, warning signs, and what to do if exposure happens.

Know the signs

If you have cannabis in your home, its important to know the signs and symptoms that your pet may have been unintentionally exposed.

Dr. Rhode Newgent shared the biggest signs to look for:

• Unsteadiness

• Lethargy

• Drooling

• Vomiting

• Changes in behavior, like unusual sensitivity to sound.

In reality, most owners dont come in saying my pet ate cannabis, Dr. Rhode Newgent said. They come in because their dog is wobbly, disoriented, and clearly not acting like themselves, and we have to decipher what that could mean.

The biggest risks for your pets

How you consume cannabis can also impact your pet. For example, edibles pose a unique risk for household pets.

The biggest risk with edibles isnt always the THC, Dr. Rhode Newgent explained. As a board-certified veterinary surgeon, Im often more concerned about the packaging than the cannabis itself.

Wrappers and containers dont pass easily, and well see cases that come in as suspected toxicity that turn into a gastrointestinal obstruction requiring surgery. On top of that, many edibles contain ingredients like chocolate or xylitol (which has been rebranded as birch sugar or birch sap), which are also toxic to pets

Be transparent with your vet

The Veritas Veterinary study found that nearly 40% of pet owners are too embarrassed to tell their vets the truth about whats going on with their pets. However, Dr. Rhode Newgent says this can only increase the risks to your pets health.

All treatment is more effective when pet owners lead with transparency, no matter the health issue, she said. If we dont have an accurate history, it can delay diagnosis and make it harder to choose the most effective treatment quickly.

Theres no judgment in these situations; our only priority is the pet. The more information we have upfront, the faster and more precisely we can act.

Safe storage is key

If you do have cannabis in any form in your home, Dr. Rhode Newgent recommends safe storage to ensure pet safety.

If your dog can reach it, they can eat it, she said. Treat cannabis like you would medication: locked up, out of reach and never left out. Edibles are especially risky because they smell like food, so keep them in secure containers and dispose of packaging right away.

Additionally, if you have any concerns about your pet, go to the vet as soon as possible.

If you think your pet got into cannabis, dont wait, Dr. Rhode Newgent said. Call your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline and head in. Keep your pet calm and prevent further access, but skip home remedies. Getting guidance early makes a big difference. Most pets do well with prompt care, but evaluation by a veterinarian is still important.

A new survey reveals growing fear around phone and text

• Fear is driving silence: A growing number of Americans are avoiding phone calls altogether, with 82% ignoring even important calls due to concerns about .

• AI is raising the stakes: Deepfake voice and increasingly convincing texts are making it harder to tell whats real and shaking trust in everyday communication.

• Avoidance comes at a cost: Skipping unknown calls can mean missing doctors, family, or work opportunities, highlighting the need for smarter ways to spot and handle .

If youve started ignoring calls from unknown numbers or even letting familiar ones go to voicemail youre definitely not alone. For a growing number of Americans, the simple act of answering the phone has become a gamble.

New survey data from Truecaller shows that AI-powered are making people more hesitant than ever to pick up, with many reporting real financial losses and a lingering sense that theyre not fully protected. As these become more convincing and harder to spot, everyday communication is starting to feel less routine and a lot more risky.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Clayton LiaBraaten, Senior Executive Industry Expert at Truecaller who explained that this shift isnt just about annoyance anymore its about trust.

Why arent consumers answering their phones?

According to LiaBraaten, the primary driver for many consumers not answering the phone is a pervasive fear of that has reached a breaking point.

Our latest data shows that 82% of Americans now ignore important calls specifically because they are afraid of being defrauded, he said. This isn't just about avoiding a nuisance anymore; it has evolved into a communication paralysis. 75% of respondents reported being targeted by a scam call or text in just the last 12 months. In those 12 months, one in four respondents fell victim to a scam that cost them money, with 7% losing more than $250.

The rise of AI-powered deepfakes is a major catalyst. Since 30% of people have already received a deepfake voice call impersonating a loved one or official the public is no longer sure who is really on the other end. The pattern shows a decline in confidence, as 84% of consumers are more concerned about these threats than they were only a year ago, leading to a massive spike in call avoidance.

How do you handle the influx of scam calls?

While most of us have gotten used to ignoring unknown numbers, LiaBraaten says that method is becoming a double-edged sword.

We are seeing people screen out real life, along with the , he said. The cost of silence is evident, in that 82% of respondents admit they have ignored important calls or texts out of fear. These can be communications from doctors, family members, teachers, etc.

This also extends to working professionals; for the 33% of Americans who heavily rely on phone communication for their work, this avoidance has real professional consequences, such as a loss of new business leads. Simply hitting decline isn't a sustainable solution; its a symptom of a trust crisis that stops the flow of essential information. You shouldn't have to miss an important doctor's appointment or a new business lead because of fear.

What should you do?

LiaBraaten offered some of his best tips for helping consumers tackle the growing scam call issue:

• Slow down. The most powerful move you can make is to slow down. Scammers rely on urgency and panic to override your good judgment.

• Do your due diligence. If a caller claims to be from an official agency (like the IRS or a bank), hang up. Manually enter the official website in your browser, or call a verified number to check the claim.

• Ask questions. Never be shy to ask a question; request the callers name and license number. If they use high-pressure tactics or threats of arrest, it is a scam.

• Keep personal information personal. It is also crucial to never share sensitive personal or financial information and never click links in unsolicited texts. AI has created a landscape where a suspicious call may sound like your local official or a text may seem legitimate; further scrutiny will reveal it's a scam, socially engineered to exploit your time constraints, whether you're a working professional or a parent balancing family responsibilities.

• Report . Always report fraudulent attempts to the FTC or your state's Attorney General. You can help authorities track patterns and protect more members of the community.

The company denies the claims and vows to fight them in court

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) has filed a lawsuit accusing Meta of failing to protect users from widespread scam advertisements on Facebook and Instagram.

• The suit alleges Meta misled users about its anti-fraud efforts while profiting from fraudulent ads that proliferated on its platforms.

• Meta denies the claims, saying the allegations misrepresent its work and that it will fight the lawsuit.

The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) has filed a lawsuit against Meta, claiming the social media giant failed to adequately protect users from scam advertisements, and misled the public about its efforts to combat fraud.

Filed in Washington, D.C., the complaint claims Meta allowed fraudulent ads to proliferate across Facebook and Instagram while publicly asserting it was cracking down on . The lawsuit focuses specifically on scam advertising such as fake government benefit offers and misleading financial promotions rather than direct person-to-person fraud.

According to the CFA, Metas practices violate consumer protection laws by understating the risks users face and overstating the companys enforcement efforts. The group alleges Meta knowingly adopted policies that increased revenue at the expense of user safety and misled consumers about the prevalence of on its platforms.

The lawsuit also points to evidence that scam ads remain easy to find through Metas own advertising tools and libraries, suggesting enforcement gaps. Critics have argued that such ads frequently promote offers that appear too good to be true, including fake stimulus payments or government giveaways.

CFA is seeking financial damages, as well as changes to Metas advertising and moderation practices.

Meta pushes back

Meta has denied the allegations and signaled it will contest the case.

These allegations misrepresent the reality of our work and we will fight them, a Meta spokesperson said in response to the lawsuit.

The company says it has taken significant steps to combat , including removing millions of fraudulent ads and accounts. Meta maintains that it aggressively enforces its policies and continues to invest in systems designed to detect and prevent before they reach users.

The lawsuit adds to growing pressure on Meta from regulators and advocacy groups over scam advertising. A bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general has previously urged the company to strengthen oversight of ads and improve safeguards for users, citing persistent fraud despite existing controls.

Consumer advocates argue that online have become a major economic threat, with losses reaching into the tens of billions of dollars annually, and that platforms like Meta play a central role in how such schemes spread.

The CFAs legal action underscores increasing frustration among consumer groups, who say enforcement and policy responses have not kept pace with the scale of online fraud.

The new one-stop party shop that could save you money

• Party City is making a comeback by launching inside Staples locations, bringing party essentials to more than 700 stores nationwide.

• The partnership turns Staples into a one-stop shop, combining balloons, dcor, and supplies with custom printing for invitations, banners, and signage.

• The real benefit for shoppers is convenience helping reduce last-minute trips, control spending, and plan events more efficiently in one place.

When Party City officially closed all stores in early 2025, we thought it might be the end for the party supply store.

Well, theyre officially back, and theyve teamed up with Staples to bring party supplies directly into more than 700 Staples stores nationwide, with plans to expand further by the end of 2026.

The goal is to turn Staples into a one-stop shop where you can plan and execute an entire event in one place.

Whats actually changing in Staples

While youre not going to find the same vast selection at Staples that you could find in a standalone Party City store, youll find all the core essentials you need.

Shoppers can now find:

• Balloons (including helium-filled options ready to go)
• Party dcor, tableware, and favors
• Gift bags and accessories

And since youre already in Staples, their existing print services are still front and center, which means you can also create:

• Custom invitations
• Banners and posters
• Yard signs and party signage

The hope is that customers will use the partnership to create both the fun and functional sides of a party, or event, in a single stop.

Why this matters for consumers

Convenience is the obvious win, but theres more to the story than just that.

Events like graduations, birthdays, and baby showers tend to create last-minute spending. You forget something, make another trip, and end up buying more than you planned.

By combining Party City products with Staples services, this setup can reduce that scatter spending.

Youre more likely to:

• Plan everything at once
• Stick to a clearer budget
• Avoid extra impulse purchases from multiple stores

Where you can actually save money

Keep in mind that this partnership isnt automatically cheaper, but it definitely gives you more control over how you spend.

Heres where the savings can show up:

1. Fewer last-minute trips. Its not rocket science that every extra store visit you make increases the chances of impulse spending. By creating a one-stop shopping experience, youre much less likely to buy stuff you dont necessarily need.
2. Custom vs. pre-made items. By using Staples print services for invitations and signage, youll often save money, as they tend to be cheaper than buying premium pre-made versions elsewhere.
3. Built-in promotions. Theyve created some launch deals like discounted balloons, low-cost party supplies, and major discounts on custom prints which can help lower your overall costs.

The more you organize and plan ahead of time, the more you can potentially save.

Smart ways to use it

To get the most out of this new setup, a little strategy goes a long way:

• Plan your entire event before you go:Make a list of everything you need. Think decor, signs, and invitations; that way you can knock it all out in one trip.
• Use print services for personalization:Custom banners or signs can elevate your event without the higher price tag of specialty party stores.
• Pre-order when possible:Balloon pickup scheduling is rolling out, which can save time and help you avoid day-of stress.
• Set a budget before you walk in:Because everything is in one place, its easy to overspend if youre not paying attention.

The bigger picture

This move signals a shift for both Staples and Party City.

Staples is expanding beyond just office supplies into everyday life moments, while Party City is finding new ways to reach customers in physical stores.

For shoppers, that means fewer errands and potentially fewer headaches.

Ticket prices may be higher, too

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The Strait of Hormuz normally carries about 20% of the worlds oil, so disruptions there quickly choke off fuel supplies worldwide.

• Jet fuel prices have nearly doubled in recent months, forcing airlines to cut flights and raise fares.

• Some regions face only weeks of jet fuel reserves, increasing the risk of cancellations during peak travel season.

The war involving Iran and the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz are beginning to ripple through the global aviation industry, with airlines reducing flights amid a tightening supply of jet fuel.

At the center of the crisis is the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but critical waterway between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. In normal times, roughly one-fifth of the worlds oil passes through the strait. But since fighting escalated earlier this year, shipping traffic has been sharply curtailed, cutting off a key artery for global energy supplies.

Because jet fuel is refined from crude oil, any disruption to oil flows quickly affects aviation. But jet fuel is different from standard diesel fuel that powers trucks. Even though it comes from the same slice of the barrel, jet fuel has much tighter specifications than typical distillates. It must:

• Remain stable at very low temperatures (planes fly at 40F or colder)

• Burn cleanly without forming deposits in engines

• Have controlled volatility for safety at altitude

• Meet strict international standards (ASTM, DEF STAN, etc.)

Additives are also blended in to prevent icing, corrosion, and static buildup. And the final complication a large portion of the worlds jet fuel is produced in Gulf states and must pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Analysts say the reduced tanker traffic through Hormuz has already had an outsize impact on jet fuel availability, with prices doubling in some markets.

Supply and demand

The result is a classic supply shock: less fuel available, at higher prices.

Airlines, which typically spend 25% to 35% of their operating budgets on fuel, are particularly exposed. As costs rise and supplies tighten, carriers are responding by cutting capacity. Major airlines in the United States, Europe, and Asia have begun canceling flights, scaling back routes, and grounding aircraftsthat are no longer economical to operate.

In Europe, the situation is especially acute. The region imports a significant portion of its jet fuel from the Middle East, and officials warn reserves could fall dangerously low if shipments do not resume soon. Some estimates suggest Europe has only about six weeks of jet fuel supply remaining.

Expect a reduced number of flights

That looming shortage is already influencing airline schedules. Lufthansa alone has announced tens of thousands of flight cancellations through the fall, while other carriers are trimming less profitable routes and focusing on core services.

Even where fuel is still available, its rising cost is forcing difficult decisions. Airlines may choose to reduce the number of flights rather than operate at a loss, particularly on long-haul routes that consume more fuel. At the same time, higher prices are being passed on to consumers through increased fares and new surcharges.

Industry analysts warn that the situation could worsen if the conflict continues or if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked. A prolonged disruption would not only keep fuel prices elevated but could also lead to physical shortages at airports, further constraining flight schedules.

For travelers, the impact is already becoming visible: fewer available flights, higher ticket prices, and greater uncertainty about summer travel plans.

In short, the connection is straightforward but powerful. War disrupts oil shipments. Reduced oil supply limits jet fuel production. And without sufficient jet fuel, airlines simply cannot maintain normal flight schedules, leading to fewer flights in the skies worldwide.