Consumer News: US air travel struggles to regain altitude after massive winter storm

For recalls more than 120,000 vehicles over fire risk

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Ford is recalling more than 121,000 vehicles due to a defect involving engine block heaters that can crack, leak coolant, and short circuit when plugged in.

• Thousands of additional vehicles and accessory parts are also affected, including certain Ford and Lincoln models equipped with 2.0L engines.

• Owners are being warned not to plug in block heaters until repairs or replacements are completed, with interim notices expected in February 2026.

Ford Motor Company has announced multiple safety recalls affecting more than 121,000 vehicles and thousands of engine block heaters due to a defect that could increase the risk of an electrical short circuit and potential fire.

The largest recall covers 116,672 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, including 20132018 Ford Focus, 20132019 Ford Escape, and 20152016 Lincoln MKC models equipped with 2.0-liter engines. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the engine block heater installed in these vehicles may crack and leak coolant. If coolant enters the electrical components, the block heater can short circuit when plugged in.

Ford is advising owners not to plug in their engine block heaters until repairs are completed. Dealers will replace the block heater free of charge. Interim notification letters are expected to be mailed February 13, 2026, with follow-up letters planned once the final repair is available, which Ford anticipates in April 2026. Ford has assigned recall number 26S01 to this action.

Ford Focus and Explorer recall

A second recall affects 2,403 vehicles, including certain 20162018 Ford Focus, 2019 Ford Explorer, and 2024 Ford Explorer models. The defect and safety risk are the same, involving engine block heaters that may crack, leak coolant, and short circuit. This recall, identified by Ford as 25SA4, expands a previous recall and also includes free replacement of the block heater. VINs for affected vehicles became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.

In addition to vehicle recalls, Ford is recalling 2,633 engine block heaters sold as accessory parts for certain 20132019 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines. The affected block heaters carry part numbers CV6Z-6A051-CA and CV6Z-6A051-AA. Owners are advised not to use the heaters and will be offered either a full refund or a free replacement once a redesigned part becomes available. This recall is identified as 26S02.

Owners with questions can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or check their vehicle identification number on NHTSA.gov to determine whether their vehicle or accessory is affected.

Simple lifestyle changes can reduce inflammation and improve mobility

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Cold winter weather can worsen joint pain, especially in older adults, due to changes in joint fluid and increased inflammation.

• Lower-impact exercise, anti-inflammatory foods, stress management, and smart supplementation can help ease stiffness and aches.

• Persistent or severe joint pain may signal an underlying condition that requires medical attention.

The bitterly cold weather that is affecting much of the U.S. is not just threatening frozen pipes and power outages. You might notice more aches and pains in your neck, back, hips, knees, and shoulders during colder months and science suggests its not just in your head.

As we age, the amount of synovial fluid in our joints naturally declines. This thick, lubricating substance allows joints to move smoothly. With less of it, bones rub together more easily, gradually wearing down cartilage and triggering inflammation. Cold temperatures and low barometric pressure can make matters worse by causing synovial fluid to thicken and expand, further reducing mobility.

Add in the extra work your body does to stay warm during winter, and the result is a perfect storm for joint stiffness and discomfort.

While aging and seasonal changes are unavoidable, experts say an anti-inflammatory lifestyle can go a long way toward easing cold-weather joint pain. Here are four proven strategies.

Keep moving without overdoing it

Movement remains one of the most effective ways to protect joint health. Regular activity keeps joints flexible and supports independence as we age. However, high-impact workouts such as running or basketball can aggravate already inflamed joints.

Low-impact options are easier on the body while still delivering benefits. Walking on even surfaces with supportive shoes, cycling indoors or outdoors, swimming, water aerobics, and gentle yoga all help maintain mobility with minimal joint stress. For those who prefer staying home, online exercise programs and apps offer accessible alternatives.

Experts also recommend breaking up long periods of sitting. Standing or moving at least every two hours even for short movement snacks can reduce stiffness in the spine, hips, and knees.

Eat to fight inflammation

What you eat can either fuel or fight inflammation. Diets high in sugar, sodium, saturated fats, and heavily processed foods force the body to work harder to eliminate unwanted substances, increasing inflammation throughout the system including the joints.

A diet centered on whole, unprocessed foods, such as the Mediterranean-style approach, helps regulate the bodys inflammatory response. Colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean proteins, and healthy fats like nuts and avocados are key players. Staying well hydrated also helps joints remain flexible and aids the body in flushing out waste.

When choosing packaged foods, checking ingredient lists can be revealing: the longer and more chemical-heavy the list, the less joint-friendly the option is likely to be.

Use supplements carefully

Some people find relief with supplements known for anti-inflammatory properties, including curcumin, glucosamine chondroitin, beet root powder, and collagen. Common kitchen spices such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, rosemary, and oregano may also offer mild benefits when incorporated into meals.

However, supplements are not regulated as strictly as medications. Health professionals advise discussing any supplements with a doctor first, as they can interact with medications or contain unlisted ingredients.

Reduce stress for joint health

Chronic stress contributes to low-grade inflammation throughout the body, often showing up as tension in the neck and back. Managing stress can therefore play an important role in reducing joint pain.

Mindfulness practices like meditation and deep breathing, regular physical activity, maintaining social connections, and prioritizing quality sleep all help lower stress levels and support overall health.

If weather-related joint pain persists despite lifestyle changes or if it interferes with sleep its time to consult a doctor. Persistent pain may point to issues such as arthritis, fractures, or soft-tissue injuries that require imaging, physical therapy, or other treatments. In some cases, medication or surgical options may be appropriate.

Seek emergency care immediately for symptoms such as sudden sharp or radiating back pain, limb weakness, numbness in the groin or buttocks, or loss of bowel or bladder control, which can signal a serious spinal condition.

As Winter Storm Fern approaches, insurance experts explain how small businesses can protect their property, operations, and bottom line

• Issues like frozen pipes, roof leaks, and slip-and-fall accidents often happen when existing maintenance gaps collide with extreme cold, wind, and snow.

• Small business owners should plan ahead for employee communication, potential closures, and emergency response not just physical repairs.

• Coverage for winter damage and business interruption isnt automatic, so reviewing policies before a storm hits can make recovery faster and less stressful.

When a winter storm is on the forecast, most people think about stocking up on groceries or digging out the snow shovel. But for small business owners, severe weather can bring much bigger headaches from water-damaged inventory and burst pipes to forced closures and lost income.

With Winter Storm Fern expected to impact large swaths of the U.S. this weekend, the risks go beyond slick roads and cold temperatures.

The good news? Many of the risks are preventable with the right preparation. Ahead of the storm, insurance experts say small business owners should take a few proactive steps to protect their property, employees, and finances and make sure they understand what their insurance does (and doesnt) cover before disaster strikes.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Jeff Wright, Head of Insurance Product, Simply Business to learn more about the ins and outs of handling the storm as a small business owner.

Preventable damage

Wright explained that most winter storm losses arent caused by the extreme weather conditions alone. Instead, if there are vulnerabilities that already exist, storms will exacerbate them.

Frozen or burst pipes, roof failures under snow load, water intrusion, and damage from falling tree limbs are all issues that tend to come to the surface when maintenance gaps meet sustained cold or wind, he said.

Slips and falls around icy entrances are another frequent but largely avoidable problem. In many cases, the difference between minor disruption and significant damage comes down to whether or not those risks were identified in advance and addressed with proper preparation before the storm arrives.

Preparation is key

In addition to your regular business maintenance, small business owners are encouraged to take some preventive measures to ensure damage is as minimal as possible. Wright says this can be broken down into three categories:

• Situational awareness: Severe weather can escalate fast, and proper preparation depends on anticipating that shift rather than reacting to it.

• Response readiness: Have emergency contacts, service providers, and insurance information readily available before a storm hits just in case it is needed.

• Operational continuity: Ensure there are clear plans for employee communication, remote work, and customer updates in the event that conditions disrupt normal operations.

Know your insurance policies

Not all storm-related damage is covered equally. Wright encourages small business owners to take a look at their specific policies ahead of the storm, so they can be better equipped to handle any potential issues.

A common mistake is assuming coverage exists without confirming it, he said. Not all policies automatically include protection for winter storm damage, frozen pipes, or prolonged closures.

Business interruption coverage is especially important, because even a few days off can strain cash flow. Review policies before severe weather hits, understand the details of your coverage, and have the policy and claim information available. Insurance only works as a safety net if you know how to apply it and in which situations it's applicable.

Safely document damage

If you find your small business with any damage following the storm, Wright says that owners should take the necessary steps with their insurance companies only after the storm has passed.

Business owners should document damage once conditions allow and contact their insurers promptly, he said.

Its important to be mindful that winter risks can often persist after the weather clears. Frozen pipes, power disruptions, and accessibility issues dont always resolve immediately. Preparation done in advance directly affects how quickly a business can bounce back from a storm.

The smartest plans start now, well before the price spikes

• Skip the heart tax. Avoid anything labeled Valentines Day and buy the regular version instead. Same gift, lower price.

• Ditch the fixed-price dinner. Recreate the restaurant vibe at home with one nice entre and simple ambiance for a fraction of the cost.

• Upgrade or gift an experience. Replace something they already use or plan a future date. Its more personal and far less overpriced.

Valentines Day has quietly become one of the most overpriced holidays of the year.

Youve probably seen it in action. Flower prices spike. Restaurants lock you into special menus. And suddenly items you could buy any other week cost way more simply because theres a heart on the packaging.

Saving money on Valentines Day doesnt mean skipping romance. It means skipping the script and doing something more intentional (and often more memorable) for a lot less money.

Heres how to do it.

Stop buying Valentines Products buy the same stuff without the heart tax

Throw the words Valentines Day on packaging, or a bunch of red and pink hearts, and it suddenly gives companies the green light to charge you more.

Chocolate, candles, pajamas, stuffed animals, and even basic jewelry routinely jump 2050% in early February.

For example, a heart-shaped box of chocolates might cost you $28 this time of year, while the same brands regular assortment costs only $18. Do you see where Im going with this?

Heres how to save without it feeling cheap:

• When shopping at places like Target or Walmart, look for the regular versions of traditional Valentines Day gifts and youll save money immediately.
• Consider skipping the novelty shapes and colors this year and instead focus on high-quality items. Think things like artisan chocolate bars, bakery desserts, and premium quality candles.
• Then pair the gift with a handwritten note explaining why you chose it over the red and pink version.

This works because people remember the intention, not the packaging that ends up in the trash anyway.

Recreate the restaurant experience at home

Going to a restaurant on Valentines Day sets you up for one of the most predictable money grabs of the year.

A lot of places actually ditch their normal menus and roll out fixed-price dinners that run anywhere from $50 to $100 per person. And often the food isnt much different from what they serve the rest of the year.

The trick here isnt cooking a complicated meal, but rather recreating the experience that makes dining out feel special in the first place, without paying the big V-Day tax.

Here are some practical tips to get you going in the right direction:

• Choose a premium main entree like steak, seafood, or even homemade pasta (if youre up for the challenge).
• Keep your sides simple and consider prepping them ahead of time so youre not stressed trying to throw it all together last-minute.
• Set the table properly and use your nicest plates, cloth napkins, and a candle or two for some ambiance.
• Dress up a little bit to make the night feel different and special. This matters more than people admit as it shows a lot of effort.
• Consider building a playlist just for the evening, or even write out a simple menu that will impress.

Shopping at Costco or Trader Joes can make this affordable. You can often pull it off for $40$60 total, which is going to be less than one restaurant entre in many cases.

Plus, the bonus of not having a server rush you through your dessert.

Pro tip: If youre going to use a delivery app to get your Valentines Day meal delivered, be warned that it can be pricey due to restaurant markups, delivery app fees, and possible surge fees. Consider ordering directly from the restaurant and picking it up yourself, or try to schedule delivery earlier in the day.

Turn Valentines Day into a smart upgrade moment

Instead of buying something that you "hope & pray"theyll like, use Valentines Day as a reason to replace or upgrade something your partner already uses every day.

By gifting this way, itreframes the gift as thoughtful, practical, and something you know they'll use and appreciate.

Here are some high-impact, low-regret ideas:

• New slippers, robe, or pajamas.
• Upgraded coffee gear or a bag of their favorite beans.
• Quality headphones or a cool phone accessory.
• Skincare products that you know they already love.
• A nicer version of something you know theyd never buy for themselves.

The key is explaining why you chose it. Consider a short note that says something like, You use this every day and I wanted it to be nicer.

Be strategic when buyingflowers

Flowerprices always skyrocket right before Valentines Day, especially when shopping at florists and high-end grocery stores.

I've seen roses triple in price, especiallyif you want them delivered onFebruary 14th.

Forget all of that, here are some smart ways to save onflowers this year:

• Order flower delivery for February 12 or February 15 instead.
• Choose a mixed bouquetinstead of red roses.
• Buy flowers from discount grocery stores instead of delivery platforms.
• Pick them up yourself and arrange them at home.

Stores like ALDIand Trader Joes are two of your best bets for fresh cut flowers at a great price, often under $10.

Trader Joes, in particular, always has a large selection of flowers right before and on Valentines Day. You can even get a dozen red roses for just $14.99 in most areas and the quality is excellent.

Pro tip: If you arrive late in the day on Valentines Day and Trader Joes has run out of roses, try this clever trick. Grab two small mixed bouquets in complementary colors and combine them yourself. I did this once for my wife and it lookedsuper custom, costway less than a florist dozen, and she absolutely loved them.

Skip "stuff" gift a memory instead

While many of the traditional Valentines Day gifts become quite inflated in price, experiences rarely go up in price just because we are in early February.

If your partner tends to like memories more than stuff, this tip should definitely be considered this year.

Here are some experiences that make great gifts:

• Tickets to a concert, comedy show, or sporting event later in the year.
• Planning a day trip or weekend getaway.
• Recreating your first date or favorite early memory.
• A handwritten date calendar with plans spread across the year.

If youre gifting something that happens later, present it intentionally. This means print the tickets if you can, write out the plan for that day, or package it creatively so it feels real, not like a theoretical idea of a fun date.

If you cant print tickets yet, print out a picture of the performer, or the team, and use that as part of the gift they unwrap.