Consumer News: The penny is dead: How stores are now rounding your total

If you want a refill, soon you may have to ask

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• McDonalds is testing the removal of self-service beverage stations in select U.S. locations.

• The move is tied to operational efficiency, hygiene concerns, and evolving store formats.

• Customers may soon need to request drink refills directly from staff instead of serving themselves.

One of the customer perks at most fast-food restaurants is the self-service beverage station. Many customers top off their drinks as they leave. At McDonalds, that perk may be on the way out.

Various industry sources report McDonalds is quietly experimenting with a significant change in the way it dispenses drinks. The fast-food giant has begun eliminating customer-accessible beverage stations in select locations, signaling a broader shift that could reshape the dine-in experience.

The change is already visible in newer and remodeled restaurants, particularly in urban markets and smaller-format stores. Instead of customers refilling their own drinks, beverages are now dispensed behind the counter by employees.

While the company has not announced a nationwide rollout, the trend suggests a long-term move away from self-service.

Whats behind the move?

Several factors are driving the shift. Operational efficiency is a major one centralizing drink service allows staff to better manage inventory, reduce waste, and streamline cleanup. Self-serve stations have long been associated with spills, sticky floors, and inconsistent portion control, all of which add to labor demands.

Hygiene has also become a bigger concern, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. Shared touchpoints like soda fountain buttons and lids raised questions about sanitation, prompting many restaurants to rethink customer-facing equipment. By limiting public access, McDonalds can maintain tighter control over cleanliness standards.

Another influence is the companys evolving restaurant design. McDonalds has been investing in smaller footprints, digital ordering kiosks, and drive-thru-focused layouts. In these formats, self-service beverage areas often dont fit the streamlined, efficiency-driven model.

Customer reaction is mixed. Some diners appreciate the cleaner environment and faster service, while others miss the convenience of unlimited refills and customizing their drinks. For families and frequent dine-in customers, the change represents a noticeable departure from the traditional McDonalds experience.

Industry analysts note that McDonalds isnt alone in reevaluating self-service. Other chains have also reduced or removed soda fountains in recent years, reflecting broader trends in automation, labor optimization, and health awareness.

The average price of regular is at the highest level since 2022

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Gas prices just hit $4.446 per gallon nationally, up about 35 cents in a single week, and more than $1.27 higher than a year ago.

• Prices are accelerating again after a brief dip, with AAA reporting a nearly 30-cent weekly surge tied to rising oil costs and supply concerns.

• Global tensions and constrained oil supply are driving the spike, pushing U.S. gas prices to multi-year highs above $4.20$4.40 per gallon.

The surge in gasoline prices shows no sign of stopping, with the national average price of regular starting this week at $4.446 per gallon, according to AAAs latest data.

This marks one of the highest levels since 2022 and demonstrates how quickly fuel costs are rising after a brief period of stability in April.

The most significant trend is the pace of increase. The national average has jumped roughly 35 cents in just one week, and is up a similar amount month-over-month. AAA data also show prices are more than $1.27 higher than a year ago, highlighting how sharply the cost of fuel has escalated in 2026 after the start of the war with Iran.

A sharp reversal after temporary relief

The latest surge follows a short-lived dip in mid-April, when prices briefly eased amid lower crude oil costs and geopolitical optimism. That relief has now evaporated. AAA noted that gas prices jumped nearly 30 cents in one week, as oil prices climbed back above $100 per barrel and supply concerns intensified.

This whiplash pattern brief declines followed by steep increases has become a defining feature of the current market.

Oil supply disruptions are the primary driver

The main force behind rising pump prices is the global oil market. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly involving the Strait of Hormuz a key transit route for about 20% of the worlds oil have disrupted supply and pushed crude prices sharply higher.

As a result, U.S. gas prices have surged to four-year highs in recent days, according to multiple reports. The increase has been especially rapid, with prices climbing roughly 20 cents in just a week at the end of April.

President Trump has announced that starting today, U.S. Navy forces will escort neutral ships through the Strait, prompting threats of attacks by Iran.

Regional disparities remain wide

Even as the national average rises, prices vary significantly across the country. Recent AAA-based data show:

• Lowest states: Around $3.85 per gallon

• Highest states: Over $6.10 per gallon, led by California

These regional gaps reflect differences in taxes, fuel blends, and proximity to refining capacity.

Despite higher prices, U.S. drivers have not significantly cut back. Analysts note that gasoline demand remains relatively strong, which is helping keep upward pressure on prices.

However, there are signs that behavior could change if prices approach $5 per gallon nationally a level some analysts say could trigger more noticeable reductions in driving.

Outlook: Continued volatility likely

Looking ahead, the trajectory of gas prices will largely depend on global oil supply conditions. If geopolitical tensions persist or worsen, prices could continue climbing. Conversely, any easing in oil markets could bring temporary relief but recent trends suggest volatility is here to stay, as long as hostilities continue in the Persian Gulf.

For consumers, that means higher and less predictable fuel costs heading into the summer driving season, traditionally one of the most expensive times of year at the pump.

Heres how to stop

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Doomscrolling compulsively consuming negative online news can trap people in a cycle of anxiety and stress, according to a Mayo Clinic psychologist.

• The habit surged during the COVID-19 pandemic and is driven by uncertainty and the brains tendency to focus on negative information.

• Experts say simple steps like setting limits, checking your mood, and taking breaks can help protect mental health.

If youve ever caught yourself endlessly scrolling through bad news and thinking I should stop, youre not alonebut theres a reason its so hard to quit.

A new Mayo Clinic-backed report sheds new light on the growing problem of doomscrolling, a term used to describe the compulsive consumption of negative news online. The behavior, which gained traction during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, can create a loop where people continually seek out distressing information without feeling any relief.

Craig Sawchuk, a psychologist at the Mayo Clinic, said the very concept of doom triggers a strong emotional response, making negative content especially hard to ignore. That instinct is tied to human psychology: people are wired to pay attention to potential threats, even when doing so worsens their mood.

In recent years, content creators, who make large amounts of money from clicks, have learned that scary, troubling content is highly effective at getting internet users engaged.

While many turn to news and social media to stay informed, the habit can take a toll. Experts say doomscrolling can affect sleep, relationships, productivity, and overall well-being, particularly when it becomes excessive.

How to break the cycle

Sawchuk recommends becoming more aware of how scrolling affects your mood. Checking in with yourself every few minutes can help determine whether the habit is helping or harming. If you notice you feel worse, it may be time to step away.

If youre continuously scrolling, it becomes a mindless habit, said Dr. Susan Albers, a psychologist at The Cleveland Clinic. A lot of times, you might not even be aware youre doing it. But it becomes second nature: Once you have a spare moment, you pick up your phone and start scrolling without even really being aware of it.

Setting boundaries is another key strategy. That can include limiting when and where you consume news, or carving out specific times of day to check updates instead of scrolling continuously.

Experts also suggest small behavioral changes, such as taking regular breaks, turning off notifications, or putting devices out of reach during certain activities, to reduce the urge to keep scrolling.

The goal, health professionals say, isnt to avoid the news altogether but to stay informed without sacrificing mental health and avoiding the manipulative content that is trying to push your buttons to generate revenue.

Rival airlines are stepping in to assist

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• American Airlines is offering special assistance, including reduced fares and flexible travel options, for stranded Spirit passengers and displaced employees.

• Major U.S. carriers are capping or cutting ticket prices to help customers rebook flights canceled by Spirits abrupt shutdown.

• Airlines are also extending support to Spirit workers, including travel accommodations and job-placement help.

If youre booked on a Spirit Airlines flight in the future, youd better be making other plans.

The airline, long known for its bare-bones fares and bright yellow planes, has abruptly ceased operations, marking one of the most dramatic airline failures in recent U.S. history. The ultra-low-cost carrier shut down all flights on May 2 after failing to secure a last-minute $500 million bailout, ending a 34-year run and stranding thousands of travelers nationwide.

The airlines collapse follows years of mounting financial pressure, including multiple bankruptcies, failed merger attempts, and rising fuel costs tied to global geopolitical tensions. Spirits once-disruptive low-cost model built on ultra-cheap base fares with add-on fees became increasingly difficult to sustain as larger airlines introduced competing budget offerings and operating costs surged.

Immediate impact on travelers and workers

The shutdown has left tens of thousands of passengers scrambling for alternatives and roughly 17,000 employees facing uncertainty.With flights canceled and customer service halted, many travelers have been forced to quickly find new arrangements, often at higher prices or with limited availability.

Federal officials moved quickly to coordinate a response. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced emergency measures aimed at easing the disruption, including cooperation from competing airlines to stabilize fares and provide assistance.

Other airlines are helping out

Major U.S. carriers have taken unprecedented steps to absorb the fallout:

• American Airlines: Offering reduced fares on key Spirit routes and extending travel flexibility, while also assisting displaced Spirit employees with transportation needs.

• Delta Air Lines: Matching reduced-fare initiatives and helping rebook affected passengers on overlapping routes.

• United, Southwest, and JetBlue: Participating in fare caps for Spirit customers who can show proof of purchase.

• Frontier Airlines: Offering up to 50% discounts on base fares for affected travelers.

• Allegiant Air: Freezing prices on routes previously served by Spirit to prevent fare spikes.

In addition to passenger relief, airlines are also helping Spirit crew members return home, andin some cases, exploring hiring opportunities for displaced workers.

What happens next?

Spirits demise could reshape the U.S. airline industry, particularly in the budget travel segment. Analysts warn that without Spirits aggressive low pricing, fares on leisure-heavy routes such as those to Florida and the Caribbean may rise as competition diminishes.

For now, travelers are being advised to seek refunds through their payment providers or travel insurance and to check with other airlines for rebooking options. Meanwhile, policymakers and industry leaders are grappling with broader questions about competition, consolidation, and the future of low-cost air travel in the United States.

On Friday, 200 people showed up in Denver Court to contest the fake tickets

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• A sophisticated scam involving fake traffic tickets has duped hundreds of people into believing they faced real legal trouble.

• In Denver, roughly 200 individuals reportedly appeared in court to contest citations that didnt exist.

• Authorities warn the scheme is evolving rapidly, using realistic documents, official logos, and accurate personal data to deceive victims.

As we have discussed in this space, the fake traffic ticket scam is claiming more and more victims, threatening them with arrest for non-existent violations. And we have evidence that these are increasingly believable.

In one clear example, approximately 200 people in Denver appeared in court expecting to address citations, only to learn the tickets were entirely fake.

According to law enforcement, the scam works by sending victims highly realistic traffic violation notices, often through mail, email, or text message. These notices mimic official government documents, complete with court dates, case numbers, and even authentic-looking seals or department logos.

Some include accurate personal details, making them especially convincing.

How it works

Victims are typically instructed to either pay a fine immediately, often through nontraditional payment methods, or appear in court on a specified date. In Denvers case, many chose the latter, leading to confusion and concern when court staff had no record of their cases.

Carolyn Tyler, public information officer with Denver County Court says the scam targeted many Spanish-speaking people in the area.

Authorities believe scammers may be using data obtained from public records or previous data breaches to personalize the fake tickets. The goal is to create urgency and feartwo factors that significantly increase the likelihood that victims will comply without questioning authenticity.

The incident in Denver has prompted local and federal agencies to issue warnings, urging the public to verify any unexpected legal notices. Courts generally do not demand immediate payment via text or email, and officials recommend contacting the issuing agency directly using verified contact information.

There is a simple way to avoid this scam. Anyone who receives a suspicious traffic ticket or legal notice and believes it could be real is advised not to click links or send payment. Instead, they should independently verify the claim through official channels and report the incident to local authorities or the Federal Trade Commission.