Consumer News: Anker recalls over 1 million power banks after fires, property damage

The places where your service can save you serious money

• Military discounts arent just for Veterans Day many are available year-round if you know where and how to ask.

• Verify once, save at tons of places tools like ID.me and SheerID unlock discounts across dozens of major brands.

• The biggest savings arent at restaurants the real money is in home improvement, travel, and electronics purchases.

The military and veteran discounts that many businesses offer are often more than just a generic 10% off on Veterans Day. Most of these discounts are available all year long, and the savings is not insignificant.

But the problem with the discount offered by many retailers and restaurants isnt about availability. Its about awareness. Many of the best military discounts arent loudly advertised, and some only apply if you know exactly who qualifies and how to verify.

Heres what service members, veterans, and military families need to know to actually make these discounts work.

Who qualifies (and how to verify just once)

Most military discounts apply to at least one of the following groups:

• Active-duty service members
• Veterans with honorable discharge
• National Guard and Reserve members
• Retired military
• Military spouses and sometimes dependents

Online verification is typically handled through ID.me or SheerID.

Once you get verified, your status can be reused across dozens of retailers without uploading documents every time.

When shopping in-store, be aware that many retailers still accept a military ID, VA card, or veteran designation on a drivers license.

Here are the biggest military discounts currently available.

The documentation youll need to verify

When it comes to getting your service verified, youll need to have one of the following available:

• Active-duty military ID (CAC card)
• Veteran ID Card (VIC) issued by the VA
• DD214 showing honorable discharge (sometimes required for online verification)
• Drivers license with a veteran designation (often accepted in-store)
• Military retiree ID
• Dependent or spouse military ID (for family-eligible discounts)

For online discounts, verification platforms like ID.me or SheerID may also ask for basic personal details to match your military records.

But once youre approved, you usually wont have to upload documents again for future discounts.

Home improvement stores:

Home Depot - offers 10% off eligible purchases for active-duty members, veterans, and spouses, capped at $400 per year via SheerID. The discount works both in-store and online once linked to your account.

Lowes - They also offer a10% discount via their Everyday Military Discountand it often stacks with clearance items, damaged-box markdowns, and seasonal sales. Spouses are also eligible for the 10% discount and they use ID.me to get qualified.

Tractor Supply Active military and veterans get a 5% discount four timesayear, and there are special days where they get 10% off everything via theHometown Heroes program.

Apparel, footwear, and everyday basics:

Adidas Military members get a 30% discount both online and in-store.

Bass Pro Shops & Cabelas They offer a 10% discount every day on almost everything, and a 5% discount on firearms and ammo.

Carhartt Get a 15% discount via ID.me. Just follow these instructions.

Columbia 10% off year-round for active and retired military via ID.me.

Kohls Every Monday, they offer vets, active military, and their spouses a flat 15% off their purchase. In-store only.

Levis They offer a 10% military discount to those currently serving the country.

L.L.Bean They also offer a 10% discount to both vets and active military via SheerID.

Lululemon They also use SheerID and offer all military members 15% off your entire order, both online and in-store.

Nike Verify via SheerID and youll get 10% off online (and via the app) as well as in-store.

Under Armour They happily hand out a 20% discount for both active duty and veterans.

Restaurants:

Bennigans Active-duty service members and veterans receive 10% off their total check. Just tell your server and show them your Military I.D. or drivers license with Veteran status on it.

Bob Evans Every year on Veterans Day, all vets and active military can get a free meal with valid ID.

Burger King Participating locations offer a 10% military discount with proper identification. Just ask at your local BK and theres a good chance theyll hook you up.

Cracker Barrel Via ID.me, they offer a 10% in-store discount to all vets and active-duty military members.

Dennys They offer a free Grand Slam breakfast for both active and retired military.

Dunkin Many locations offer 10% off year-round, plus a free doughnut on Veterans Day.

Dutch Bros Coffee Many local franchises offer 10-20% off year-round just for mentioning your service.

Famous Daves BBQ Active and retired military typically receive 10% off. Ask your server. Youll also get a free meal on Veterans Day.

Fuddruckers Military guests may receive 10% to 15% off with valid ID.

Golden Corral Offers 10% off year-round at many locations. On Veterans Day, they also host a free Thank You meal event.

Hooters Many locations offer 15% off for active and retired military, and all locations offer a free meal on Veterans Day.

IHOP Every Veterans Day you can stop by for a free meal.

Outback Steakhouse They have something called the Heroes Discount that gets veterans and active-duty service members 10% off their entire check.

Panda Express Many locations provide a 10% discount for active-duty military with ID.

Texas de Brazil All service members with a valid IDget 10% off their dine-in lunch or dinner meal.

Pro tip: Always ask. Many restaurants, both national and local, offer a discount to those who currently serve or have in the past. Get in the habit of always asking your server, as many places dont advertise the discount.

Travel, lodging, and transportation:

Amtrak Active duty military, and their spouses, get a 10% discount on the lowest available rail fare.

Budget Rental Car Save up to35% off your next rental car via their WeSalute program.

Disneyland They offer ticket discounts to both active and retired military personnel.

Dollar Get a 5% discounted rate on your next car rental.

Six Flags They offer online ticket prices for military members at over 50% off the gate price.

United Airlines Join the WeSalute+ program and get a 5% discount on your airfare, plus fivefree checked bags.

Tech, electronics, and phones:

Electronics are one of the most overlooked discount categories yet they can often provide the most savings.

Apple They offer a special online military store with nice discounts on computers, devices, and accessories.

Samsung They specifically ask you to use your .mil email address to create an account and unlock savings up to 30% off.

Microsoft They offer 10% off select products and services in the Microsoft store.

Lenovo They offer a 5% military discount on laptops and desktops.

Pro tip:Don't forget tocheck with your wireless provider and ask about any military discounts. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all offer ongoing military plan discounts.

About 1.5 million Angry Orange Enzyme Stain Remover bottles are included

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• About 1.5 million Angry Orange Enzyme Stain Removers are being recalled nationwide due to possible bacterial contamination.

• The products may contain Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can pose a serious health risk to people with weakened immune systems or certain medical conditions.

• Consumers are advised to stop using the products immediately and request a full refund from Thrasio.

Thrasio has announced a nationwide recall of Angry Orange Enzyme Stain Removers after testing found the products could be contaminated with bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The recall affects approximately 1.5 million units sold in the United States, along with an additional 43,700 units sold in Canada.

According to the recall notice, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium commonly found in soil and water. While people with healthy immune systems are generally not affected, exposure can be dangerous for individuals with weakened immune systems, underlying lung conditions, or those who use external medical devices.

The bacteria can enter the body through inhalation, the eyes, or breaks in the skin and may cause serious infections requiring medical treatment

The recall covers Angry Orange Enzyme Stain Removers in Fresh Clean Scent and Orange Twist Scent sold in 24-ounce, 32-ounce, and 1-gallon containers. The products come in orange-and-white bottles labeled Angry Orange and Stain & Odor Remover. Some recalled items were also sold as part of a bundle that included a UV light attachment for the spray bottle.

What to do

The products were sold at major retailers nationwide, including Walmart, Target, The Home Depot, Meijer, Staples, and TJ Maxx, as well as online through Amazon, Walmart.com, Target.com, AngryOrange.com, and Chewy.com. Sales took place from March 2019 through December 2025, with prices ranging from about $4 to $60.

Consumers who have the recalled products should stop using them immediately. To obtain a full refund, Thrasio instructs customers to write recalled and their initials on the product bottle with a marker, take a photo of it, and email the image to productrecall@angryorange.com. The company advises consumers to dispose of the product in its original container in household trash and not to empty or recycle the bottle

No injuries or illnesses related to the recalled products have been reported.

For more information, consumers can contact Angry Orange toll-free at 877-873-5402 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, visit https://angryorange.com/productrecall, or click on Product Recall at AngryOrange.com.

New study shows 96% of all U.S. tariff costs are passed straight to American buyers

• Tariffs = higher prices here. About 96% of tariff costs get passed to U.S. shoppers, not foreign countries.

• Everyday goods get hit. Even Made in USA products can cost more if they use imported parts or materials.

• Less competition, fewer deals. Tariffs shrink imports, which means fewer choices and less pressure to keep prices low.

A new report out from the Kiel Instituteconfirms what many shoppers have already felt at the checkout line: U.S. tariffs are largely being paid by Americans, not foreign countries.

After analyzing more than 25 million shipment records worth nearly $4 trillion, the Institute found that roughly 96% of the cost of U.S. tariffs ends up with American importers and consumers, while foreign exporters absorb only about 4%. In other words, tariffs are functioning much more like a domestic tax than a penalty paid overseas.

That directly contradicts long-standing claims from President Trump, who has repeatedly argued that tariffs are paid by other countries. According to the researchers, theres been a near-complete pass-through, meaning import prices rise almost dollar-for-dollar with the tariffs imposed.

Why tariffs hit consumers faster than you think

Tariffs dont usually show up as a separate line item on your receipt. Instead, the cost quietly moves through the supply chain.

First, American importers and wholesalers pay the tariff when goods enter the country. From there, manufacturers and retailers face a choice: eat the extra cost or raise prices.

In most cases, at least part of that cost gets passed on to shoppers. Even products labeled Made in the USA arent immune if they rely on foreign parts, materials, or packaging.

The Kiel Institute also found that tariffs dont just raise prices, but they reduce availability. This meansfewer choices on store shelves and less competition to keep prices in check.

What shoppers can do to limit the damage

While consumers cant control trade policy, there are ways to soften the impact of tariff-driven price increases.

Buy before prices reset.

Retailers dont always raise prices immediately. When tariffs hit, stores often sell through existing inventory first.

If you know youll need products like appliances, electronics, furniture, or auto parts in the next few months, buying sooner rather than later can help you lock in pre-tariff pricing.

Watch imported everyday categories.

Tariffs dont just affect big-ticket items. Household goods, clothing basics, cookware, and even packaged foods can creep up in price.

Keep an eye on the stuff you buy regularly and if you notice a quick price jump, its often tariff-related rather than simply inflation.

Compare private labels vs. national brands.

Store brands sometimes rely on different suppliers and may not be affected the same way as the more expensive name brands.

For this reason, this could serve as a great time to try out some store brands like Kirkland at Costco, Members Mark at Sams Club, and up&up at Target.

Be skeptical of temporary price hikes.

Tariff-related increases have a habit of sticking around even if policies change. If a price spikes and never comes back down, its a sign the cost has been baked into the supply chain. Thats your cue to shop competitors or reconsider the purchase altogether.

Delay nonessential upgrades.

When tariffs affect a stores ability to get a product, they will obviously be less likely to offer a discount on that item.

So, if an item is not an urgent need or want, waiting a little bit can help you avoid paying peak pricing during these supply shortages.

Why this story isnt over yet

Some of these tariffs could still be overturned. The Supreme Court is expected to rule soon on whether certain tariffs imposed under emergency national security authority were legal. A reversal could unwind parts of the policy, or potentially spark new ones.

Until then, tariffs remain a hidden cost that shows up slowly and often without explanation. The key takeaway from the Kiel Institutes research is simple: when tariffs rise, American prices usually follow.

For consumers, the smartest response typically isnt panic buying. Instead, pay a little closer attention to pricechanges, pivot to store brands when possible, and stock up when the price is right.

Researchers have analyzed dozens of human studies examining the microbiome and cognitive decline

• A major new review of human studies finds consistent differences in gut bacterial communities between people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimers disease (AD), and healthy older adults.

• Instead of proving cause and effect, the research highlights unique microbiome signatures at different stages of cognitive decline that might relate to inflammation or immune activity.

• The findings suggest potential for future gut-targeted strategies like diet or probiotics but researchers emphasize that clinical trials are still needed to test if altering the microbiome affects cognition.

Most of us think of gut bacteria in terms of digestion. However, scientists are increasingly interested in a two-way communication network called the microbiota-gut-brain axis, which connects the trillions of microbes in your intestine with your nervous system.

In a recent study, researchers focused on whether patterns of gut bacteria are different in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimers disease (AD), compared with older adults who are cognitively healthy.

This topic matters because Alzheimers affects millions globally, and understanding early biological changes might point to ways to spot or even slow cognitive decline.

How the study was done

Rather than collecting new data from individuals directly, the team performed a scoping review, which means they systematically gathered and summarized findings from many earlier human studies.

They searched three major scientific databases up to February 2023 and screened thousands of articles, narrowing them down to 58 that met strict criteria focusing only on human research and excluding animals or non-English reports.

Across these studies, investigators looked at the composition and diversity of gut microbiomes in adults with MCI or AD compared with cognitively normal peers. The bacterial profiles were typically assessed using genetic sequencing techniques that identify which groups of microbes are present and in what proportions.

While methods varied widely (different populations, different lab techniques), the goal was to see repeating patterns across the literature rather than isolated findings.

What the review found

Across the human studies, certain trends emerged.

Individuals with Alzheimers tended to have more of some bacterial groups especially members of Pseudomonadota and Actinomycetota and in some cases, lower overall microbial diversity compared with healthy older adults.

Similar but not identical patterns appeared in people with MCI, suggesting that the microbiome changes might shift as cognitive symptoms progress.

The review also noted that beyond whos there, what the bacteria are doing seems to differ: gut microbes in people with AD sometimes showed reduced activity in pathways linked to energy production and immune function. These functional clues dont prove that gut changes cause cognitive decline but they do suggest biological connections worth exploring.

Importantly, the authors emphasized that these findings dont establish direct cause and effect. Instead, they highlight consistent associations across diverse human cohorts and point toward the potential for future studies to test whether interventions from dietary changes to probiotics could influence cognitive health through the gut.

These microbial signatures offer an important starting point for understanding how gut health may influence neuroinflammation and cognitive decline, Leigh Frame, lead researcher and associate professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, said in a news release.

While these early, largely observational results are encouraging, we need clinical trials to determine whether microbiome-targeted interventions can meaningfully alter disease trajectories. These trials are already underway in our lab and labs around the world.

What to know about the retailers nationwide same-day delivery rollout

• Dollar General expands myDG Delivery same-day delivery to over 17,000 stores nationwide.

• Customers can get free delivery on one order with a myDG account through Feb. 28.

• Fast delivery options include under-one-hour service for a small fee.

Shopping at Dollar General just got a whole lot easier especially if youd rather skip the trip to the store.

With its expanded myDG Delivery service now live at more than 17,000 locations across the U.S., the discount retailer is bringing everyday essentials right to your door.

Whether you live in a big city or a more rural area, this move is designed to make it simpler to shop Dollar Generals wide range of items from snacks and household supplies to personal care basics without leaving home. And for a limited time, customers with a free myDG account can enjoy one delivery with no delivery fee through February 28, 2026.

myDG Delivery is helping bridge the digital gap by extending sameday delivery to rural communities nationwide, Lydia Thacher, vice president of digital commerce at DG, said in a news release.

We are proud to offer a service that not only brings convenience to our existing customers but also introduces new customers to the Dollar General brand through a frictionless digital experience.

The details: How it works

Heres how the expanded delivery program works:

• Availability & Access: myDG Delivery is available through the official Dollar General app and website, using your myDG account to place orders.

• Huge Coverage: The service now reaches customers from more than 17,000 Dollar General stores nationwide, tapping into the chains massive footprint.

• Free Delivery Offer: From January 20 through February 28, you can get free delivery on your first myDG Delivery order when signed into your myDG account a great way to try it out.

• Speedy Options: Need your items fast? You can choose an ASAP delivery and get your goods in under an hour for a $1 expedited fee.

• Third-Party Partnerships: Dollar Generals delivery network is powered in part by partnerships with services like DoorDash and Uber Eats, helping ensure quick fulfillment from local stores.

This isnt just about convenience. Its also a nod to shoppers in rural or underserved areas who may have fewer options for same-day delivery something thats becoming increasingly expected in retail.

What consumers should know before you click order

If youre thinking about trying out myDG Delivery, here are a few tips to make the most of it:

• Try it now while delivery is free: If you already have a myDG account, place an order before Feb. 28 to take advantage of Dollar Generals free delivery offer.

• Plan for time windows: The under-one-hour option is great for quick needs, but the cheapest option may still take a bit longer so plan accordingly.

• Check item availability: Not every store stocks the same products, so some items may not be available for delivery at your selected location. Its a good idea to browse early or try substitutions if offered.

• Compare delivery partners: If youre using services like DoorDash or Uber Eats, be sure to review fees and delivery times in their apps these partners may have slightly different experiences and pricing.

With millions of Americans living within a few miles of a Dollar General store, this expanded delivery service aims to turn a quick trip to a local discount retailer into a seamless online experience and maybe even save you some time along the way.