Consumer News: Amazon to pay $2.5 billion over Prime sign-up, cancellation tactics

Passengers should not assume the airline will automatically refund their fare

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Millions of airline passengers were stranded over the weekend as a powerful winter storm snarled air travel across large swaths of the country.

• Flight cancellations and long delays raised fresh questions about what airlines owe travelers when weather disrupts schedules.

• Consumer advocates say many passengers dont realize they still have important rights, even when storms are to blame.

A major winter storm that swept across the U.S. this weekend forced airlines to cancel thousands of flights and delay many more, leaving travelers stuck in airports, sleeping in terminals, or scrambling to rebook plans. While airlines often point to severe weather as an unavoidable act of God, passenger advocates say travelers still have clear rights and options when flights are canceled or significantly delayed.

Under U.S. Department of Transportation rules, passengers are entitled to a full refund if their flight is canceled and they choose not to travel, even if the cancellation is caused by weather. That refund must be issued to the original form of payment and cannot be limited to airline vouchers or credits, unless the passenger agrees to accept one.

Its not just weather or lost luggage consumers are worried about; their trust in the travel system is eroding, said Matt Layton, LegalShields senior vice president of consumer analytics. New confusion regarding passenger compensation exposed how fragile the travel ecosystem can be. This shift in confidence is driving real behavior changes.

What usually happens

For travelers who still want to fly, airlines generally rebook passengers on the next available flight at no additional cost. However, rebooking policies vary widely, especially during widespread disruptions when seats are scarce. Some airlines may place passengers on partner carriers, while others restrict rebooking to their own flights.

What airlines typically do not have to provide during weather-related disruptions is compensation for hotel stays, meals, or ground transportation. Unlike the European Union, which mandates cash compensation for many delays, U.S. airlines are not required to pay passengers when weather is the cause. A recent LegalShield survey found thats a source of confusion.

Weve spent our hard-earned money for the airline to get us to our family and friends, and many people believe that if that doesnt happen, the airline will automatically pay us back, said Wayne Hassay, a LegalShield provider lawyer with Maguire Schneider Hassay, LLP in Ohio. That is simply not true.

While federal guidelines address issues such as overbooking, extended tarmac delays, and some controllable events, Hassay said most additional compensation is governed by individual airline policieseven if passengers ultimately reach their destination.

Costly confusion

The consequences of that confusion can be costly. LegalShields research found that 63% of travelers lost money due to travel disruptions, and one in four lost more than $500.

More than half said they wasted significant time dealing with delays, customer service problems, appeals, and claims. At the same time, 25% admitted they are unfamiliar with their travel rights, and 55% said they lack confidence in asserting those rights when something goes wrong.

Consumer experts recommend that travelers affected by the storm keep all documentation, including boarding passes, delay notifications, and receipts for unexpected expenses. While airlines may not be obligated to reimburse those costs, some will consider goodwill refunds if passengers submit a complaint.

Credit card travel protections can also play a role. Many premium credit cards include trip delay or cancellation insurance that covers meals, hotels, and other expenses when severe weather disrupts travel.

With winter far from over, advocates say the key takeaway is preparation and persistence. Know your rights, ask questions at the airport, and dont assume the airlines first answer is the final one,experts advise. Even in bad weather, passengers are not powerless.

Study shows whole food diet promotes healthy aging

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Cutting back on ultra-processed foods helped older adults lose weight, improve cholesterol and insulin sensitivity, and reduce inflammationregardless of whether their diet emphasized animal or plant protein.

• Researchers wanted to know whether lowering ultra-processed food intake, while still following U.S. Dietary Guidelines, could improve cardiometabolic health in aging adults.

• Both lowultra-processed omnivorous and vegetarian diets produced similar health benefits, suggesting flexibility in how older adults can eat for better health.

As the U.S. population grows older, rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease continue to rise, placing pressure on both individuals and the healthcare system.

A new study published in Clinical Nutrition suggests that one practical changereducing ultra-processed foodscould significantly improve cardiometabolic health in older adults, without requiring strict calorie counting or adherence to a single dietary ideology.

The research builds on concerns that ultra-processed foods (UPFs)industrially manufactured products often high in refined starches, sugars, and additivesmay worsen age-related metabolic vulnerability. While previous studies have linked UPFs to poor health outcomes, few controlled trials have tested whether cutting them back can deliver measurable benefits in older adults while still aligning with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA).

About the study

To address that gap, researchers analyzed secondary outcomes from the Protein-Distinct Macronutrient-Equivalent Diet 2 (PRODMED2) trial. The study enrolled 36 community-dwelling older adults and compared their habitual dietsabout half of daily calories coming from ultra-processed foodswith two structured, low-UPF eating patterns. One diet featured minimally processed pork as the main protein source, representing an omnivorous approach, while the other used lentils to reflect a lacto-ovo vegetarian pattern.

Each participant followed both low-UPF diets for eight weeks, separated by a two-week washout period. Importantly, the diets were not calorie-restricted; participants were encouraged to eat until satisfied. Researchers measured dietary intake, body composition, blood lipids, insulin-related markers, inflammation, and hormones involved in appetite and energy regulation before and after each diet. Some measures were repeated about a year later to see whether changes lasted.

The results

The results were striking. Simply moving away from a high-UPF baseline dietwithout intentional calorie cuttingled participants to consume 300 to 400 fewer calories per day on average.

That spontaneous reduction translated into meaningful weight loss of about 8 to 10 pounds over each eight-week period, along with significant losses in fat mass.

Both dietary patterns delivered comparable metabolic improvements. Measures of insulin resistance, including HOMA-IR, insulin, and C-peptide, improved significantly, as did total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and markers of inflammation such as C-reactive protein.

The researchers found no significant differences between the animal-based and plant-based diets, suggesting that food processing level mattered more than protein source.

Participants ate less without trying

Hormonal changes provided clues about how these benefits might occur. Levels of leptin, a hormone associated with fat mass and appetite regulation, declined, while fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21)a hormone involved in nutrient sensing and energy balanceincreased during both low-UPF diet phases. These shifts may help explain why participants naturally ate less and lost weight without being told to restrict calories.

However, the study also highlighted how difficult it can be to sustain dietary changes. At the roughly one-year follow-up, ultra-processed foods once again made up nearly 44 percent of daily energy intake. As UPF exposure rose, body weight, fat mass, and cardiometabolic markers drifted back toward baseline levels.

Taken together, the findings suggest that lowultra-processed eating patterns are both feasible and effective for older adults, whether they include animal products or rely on plant-based proteins. By aligning with existing dietary guidelines and focusing on minimally processed foods, such diets may offer a realistic strategy to support healthy aging.

For policymakers and clinicians alike, the message is clear: reducing ultra-processed foods could be a powerful, flexible tool to improve metabolic health and extend health span in an aging population.

Shoppers reward both value and trust

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• H-E-B ranks No. 1 in Dunnhumbys ninth annual Retailer Preference Index, taking the top spot among U.S. grocery chains.

• Value, quality, and emotional connection drove H-E-Bs lead as shoppers continue to prioritize affordability without sacrificing experience.

• Regional grocers outperformed national rivals, underscoring the growing importance of local relevance and trust.

H-E-B has been named Americas top grocery chain in Dunnhumbys ninth annual Retailer Preference Index (RPI), a closely watched ranking that measures how well retailers are meeting evolving consumer expectations.

The Texas-based grocer claimed the No. 1 position by outperforming competitors across key drivers such as price, quality, promotions, and customer experience.

Dunnhumbys RPI is based on extensive shopper research and evaluates retailers on both financial fundamentalsincluding price and promotionsand emotional connections, such as trust and brand affinity. This years results highlight a grocery landscape still shaped by inflation-conscious consumers who are carefully balancing budgets while demanding more from the brands they frequent.

Not just low prices

H-E-B continues to show that value isnt just about low prices, the study found, pointing to the chains strong private-label offerings, localized assortments, and reputation for community engagement. Those strengths helped H-E-B stand out in an environment where shoppers are increasingly selective about where they spend their food dollars.

The 2025 Index also revealed a broader shift in shopper preferences. Regional and mid-sized grocers generally performed better than large national chains, suggesting that proximity, personalization, and relevance are becoming more important than sheer scale. Retailers that demonstrated clear price leadership, meaningful promotions, and consistent in-store execution were more likely to earn shopper loyalty.

Conversely, retailers perceived as slow to respond to price sensitivity or lacking differentiation struggled to maintain preference, even if they remain convenient options. According to Dunnhumby, winning retailers are those that clearly communicate value while reinforcing trust at every touchpointfrom shelf pricing to digital engagement.

As grocery competition intensifies, the latest Retailer Preference Index sends a clear message: consumers are rewarding retailers that combine smart pricing with quality, authenticity, and a strong emotional bond. For now, H-E-B is setting the standardand giving competitors a clear benchmark to chase.

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.