Amazon has reached a landmark $2.5 billion settlement with the U.S. government to resolve allegations of deceptive practices related to its Prime membership program. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) accused the tech giant of misleading millions of consumers into signing up for Prime and making it excessively difficult to cancel subscriptions. Under the proposed settlement, $1.5 billion will be allocated to refund affected customers, marking the largest civil penalty ever secured by the FTC. The agreement was finalized just days after the trial commenced in Seattle. Amazon neither admitted nor denied the allegations and has not publicly commented on the matter. Prime, which offers benefits like free shipping and streaming services, boasts hundreds of millions of global subscribers, with annual fees of $139 in the U.S. and £95 in the UK. The FTC highlighted Amazon’s use of manipulative tactics, such as pop-ups during checkout that encouraged Prime sign-ups without clear disclosure of terms or cancellation procedures. Additionally, the agency criticized the company’s one-month free trials, which automatically enrolled users into paid subscriptions without explicit consent. FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson emphasized that Amazon’s practices violated consumer protection laws, stating, ‘We are putting billions of dollars back into Americans’ pockets and ensuring Amazon never repeats these actions.’ An estimated 35 million U.S. customers affected between June 2019 and June 2025 could receive refunds of up to $51. Amazon has agreed to automatically refund users who utilized Prime benefits fewer than three times annually, while those who used it fewer than 10 times must file a claim. As part of the settlement, Amazon is prohibited from using misleading buttons like ‘No, I don’t want free shipping’ and must simplify the cancellation process for Prime memberships.
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US economic growth revised up on strong consumer spending
The US economy demonstrated remarkable resilience in the second quarter of 2025, with revised government data revealing a stronger-than-expected growth rate. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded at an annualized rate of 3.8% from April through June, surpassing the earlier estimate of 3.3%. This marked the fastest pace of growth in nearly two years, a significant rebound from the 0.6% contraction experienced in the first quarter. The surge was primarily driven by robust consumer spending, which increased by 2.5% year-on-year, up from a prior estimate of 1.6%, and a decline in imports. Despite the positive momentum, economists highlighted lingering uncertainties, particularly concerning the impact of former President Donald Trump’s tariffs and broader policy challenges. Retail sales also outperformed expectations, rising 0.6% in August, underscoring the resilience of American consumers. However, the labor market showed signs of strain, with only 22,000 jobs added in August and the unemployment rate edging up to 4.3%. On a brighter note, initial unemployment claims dropped to their lowest level since July, suggesting potential stabilization in the job market. Analysts remain cautiously optimistic, noting that while economic momentum has held steady, the long-term effects of tariffs and policy uncertainty could lead to slower growth and higher inflation.
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Stockholm marathon winner Alene dies aged 30
The world of athletics is mourning the untimely death of Ethiopian marathon star Shewarge Alene, who passed away at the age of 30. The tragic news was confirmed by the organizers of the Stockholm Marathon, where Alene had claimed victory in May 2025, marking her most recent competitive triumph. Alene, who had been a professional marathon runner since 2011, participated in 27 marathons over her illustrious career, securing an impressive 12 wins. Her personal best time of 2:27:26 was achieved in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2023. The Stockholm Marathon team expressed their grief on Instagram, stating, ‘It is with deep sorrow that we have received the news of the passing of Shewarge Alene, winner of adidas Stockholm Marathon 2025. Shewarge Alene became unwell during a training session and was taken to hospital, where sadly, her life could not be saved. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones.’ Alene’s sudden demise has left the global running community in shock, as they remember her remarkable contributions to the sport.
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Greece extradites oligarch to Moldova in $1bn fraud case
Vladimir Plahotniuc, a prominent Moldovan oligarch and former political figure, has been extradited from Greece to Moldova, facing allegations of involvement in a $1 billion bank fraud case. The 59-year-old tycoon, who fled Moldova in 2019 after his Democratic Party lost power, was escorted by masked Moldovan police and Interpol officials upon his arrival at Chisinau airport on Thursday morning. Plahotniuc, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, was swiftly transported to a detention center in the capital. His extradition occurs just days before Moldova’s pivotal parliamentary elections on September 28, which will determine the country’s future alignment—either toward European integration or a return to Russian influence. Moldovan President Maia Sandu, a staunch pro-European leader, has warned of Russia’s attempts to destabilize the nation through violence and disinformation. In a social media post, Sandu emphasized the importance of perseverance in the fight for justice, stating that even seemingly invincible criminals can be held accountable. Plahotniuc’s lawyer, Lucian Rogac, criticized the extradition as a politically motivated spectacle orchestrated by Sandu’s government. The oligarch is a key suspect in the 2014 “theft of the century,” where $1 billion—equivalent to over 10% of Moldova’s GDP—was siphoned from three banks. The case has long symbolized the country’s struggle with corruption and oligarchic influence. Meanwhile, Sandu has accused Russia of pouring significant resources into Moldova to undermine its democratic processes. Recent investigations by the BBC have exposed a disinformation network linked to Moscow and fugitive Moldovan businessman Ilan Shor, aimed at destabilizing the government ahead of the elections. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking at the UN General Assembly, highlighted the broader geopolitical stakes, warning that Europe cannot afford to lose Moldova to Russian influence. Pro-Russian parties in Moldova have accused Sandu’s government of intimidation and insufficient anti-corruption efforts, while Russia’s SVR intelligence service has baselessly claimed that the EU plans to falsify election results and deploy troops. Moldova, which declared independence in 1991, remains a battleground for geopolitical influence, with its Russian-speaking population and the Moscow-backed breakaway region of Transnistria adding to the complexity.
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South Korea legalises tattooing by non-medical professionals
In a landmark decision, South Korea has officially legalized tattoo artistry by non-medical professionals, marking the end of a three-decade-long prohibition. The Tattooist Act, passed by the General Assembly on Thursday, grants licenses to non-medical practitioners, who constitute the majority of the industry. This historic move follows years of advocacy by tattoo artists seeking to practice their craft without fear of prosecution or harassment. Since 1992, offering tattoos had been restricted to medical professionals under a Supreme Court ruling, with violators facing up to five years in prison or hefty fines. Lim Bo-ran, president of the Korea Tattoo Federation, expressed overwhelming gratitude, describing the law’s passage as ‘a dream come true.’ Despite the widespread popularity of tattoos in South Korea, the industry has operated in a legal gray area, with artists often subjected to threats or legal action from disgruntled clients. Recent court acquittals of tattoo artists signaled a shift in societal attitudes, paving the way for this legislative change. However, the new law has faced opposition from the medical community, which argues that tattooing poses health risks and should remain a medical procedure. The law will take effect in two years, requiring artists to pass a national exam, complete safety training, and maintain detailed records. While the change is celebrated by many, it may not immediately erase the stigma surrounding tattoos, as recent polls indicate that a majority of South Koreans still view them negatively. The journey toward full societal acceptance of tattoos in South Korea is likely to be gradual and complex.
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Cocaine lab found on property of Bolivia’s former anti-drug czar
In a startling development, Bolivia’s former counternarcotics czar, Felipe Cáceres, has been arrested following the discovery of a cocaine laboratory on one of his properties. Cáceres, who led the government department for controlled substances from 2006 to 2019, was a key figure in Bolivia’s fight against illegal drugs. The arrest took place in Puerto Villarroel, Cochabamba, a region known for its coca cultivation. While it remains unclear whether Cáceres was aware of the lab’s existence, the discovery has cast a shadow over Bolivia’s anti-drug efforts. The lab, capable of employing 10 people, was found on land owned by Cáceres, though investigations are ongoing to determine his direct involvement. Bolivia’s Interior Minister, Roberto Ríos, stated that Cáceres was detained near a sand and gravel plant he owns, located 500 meters from the lab. This incident adds to a series of scandals involving Bolivian anti-drug officials. Maximiliano Dávila, a former head of the counternarcotics police, is currently awaiting trial in the US on drug smuggling charges, while another former chief, René Sanabria, served a 14-year sentence in the US for drug trafficking. Bolivia, the world’s third-largest cocaine producer after Colombia and Peru, allows the legal cultivation of coca leaves for medicinal and traditional purposes. However, any production beyond the legally permitted 22,000 hectares is subject to destruction. Cáceres, a former leader in a coca-growers’ union, had close ties to former President Evo Morales, who has dismissed the arrest as a ‘set-up’ and accused the government of using it to divert attention from its own scandals. A lawyer for Morales’s party emphasized that investigators must prove a direct link between Cáceres and the cocaine lab.
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French navy seizes nearly 10 tonnes of cocaine off West African coast
In a significant blow to international drug trafficking, the French navy has seized nearly 10 tonnes of cocaine, valued at $610 million, from an unflagged fishing vessel off the Gulf of Guinea. The operation, conducted on Monday, was part of France’s long-standing Corymbe naval mission, which has been active in the region since 1990 to combat piracy and ensure maritime security. The interception was made possible through coordinated efforts involving maritime intelligence, anti-drug authorities, and the British National Crime Agency. This latest seizure adds to the 54 tonnes of drugs intercepted by the French navy in the area since the beginning of the year. The Gulf of Guinea, a notorious hotspot for piracy and drug trafficking, has seen multiple significant drug busts in recent months. The region serves as a critical transit point for cocaine shipments from South America to Europe. France’s Atlantic Maritime Prefecture highlighted the ‘seamless cooperation by national and international actors’ that led to this ‘remarkable seizure.’ This operation underscores the ongoing challenges and successes in combating drug trafficking in one of the world’s most dangerous maritime regions.
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Over 1,000 children fall ill from free school lunches in Indonesia
Indonesia’s ambitious free school lunch program, a flagship initiative of President Prabowo Subianto, has come under intense scrutiny following a series of mass food poisoning incidents affecting thousands of children. Since its launch in January, the program, which aims to provide nutritious meals to 80 million students, has been marred by health and safety concerns, sparking calls for its suspension. Authorities reported over 1,000 cases of food poisoning this week alone, adding to a growing tally that has seen more than 6,400 children fall ill since the program’s inception. Symptoms among victims include stomach aches, dizziness, nausea, and even shortness of breath, raising alarms about the quality and preparation of the meals. The National Nutrition Agency attributed a recent outbreak in Cipongkor to a technical error by the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit, which has since been suspended. Critics, including non-governmental organizations, have urged the government to halt the program temporarily for a thorough evaluation, with some proposing alternative solutions such as direct funding to parents. Despite the backlash, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to the initiative, citing its potential to combat malnutrition and stunting among children. However, experts warn that the program’s massive $28 billion budget could also make it a target for corruption, further complicating its implementation. As Indonesia grapples with these challenges, the future of its free school lunch program remains uncertain.
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White House says to prep for mass firings if government shuts down
The White House has issued a stark warning to federal agencies, urging them to prepare for mass firings if Congress fails to avert a government shutdown next week. According to a memo obtained by US media, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has directed agencies to draft ‘reduction in force’ plans for programs that lack alternative funding and do not align with President Trump’s priorities. The memo emphasizes that these firings would be permanent, targeting federal programs, projects, and activities that cannot secure alternative financial support. The warning follows President Trump’s refusal to meet with Democratic leaders on Tuesday, who are pushing for healthcare funding as part of ongoing budget negotiations. The memo states, ‘We remain hopeful that Democrats in Congress will not trigger a shutdown and the steps outlined above will not be necessary.’ A government shutdown occurs if Congress and the President fail to reach a budget agreement by the start of the fiscal year on October 1, halting all non-essential discretionary functions. Last week, House Republicans, with the support of one Democrat, passed a short-term funding measure to keep the government operational until November 20. However, Senate Democrats blocked the bill, proposing their own plan to restore healthcare funding after Trump’s July policy bill, dubbed the ‘One, Big Beautiful Bill,’ significantly cut Medicaid, a program vital to millions of disabled and low-income Americans. On Tuesday, Trump canceled a meeting with Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, labeling their demands as ‘unserious and ridiculous.’ In response to the memo, Democrats accused the White House of employing intimidation tactics. Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader, stated, ‘Donald Trump has been firing federal workers since day one — not to govern, but to scare. This is nothing new and has nothing to do with funding the government.’
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Nicolas Sarkozy found guilty of criminal conspiracy in Libya case
In a landmark legal ruling, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been convicted of criminal conspiracy in a high-profile case involving illicit funds from the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. The Paris criminal court, however, acquitted Sarkozy of additional charges, including passive corruption and illegal campaign financing. The case, which has spanned over a decade, centers on allegations that Sarkozy accepted millions of euros from Gaddafi to finance his 2007 presidential campaign. In return, Sarkozy allegedly promised to help Gaddafi improve his tarnished reputation in Western nations. Sarkozy, who served as France’s president from 2007 to 2012, has consistently denied the accusations, claiming the case is politically motivated. The investigation began in 2013 after Saif al-Islam, Gaddafi’s son, accused Sarkozy of misusing Libyan funds. Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine later claimed to possess evidence of Sarkozy’s campaign being heavily financed by Tripoli, with payments continuing even after his election. Sarkozy’s wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, was also implicated in the case last year, facing charges of hiding evidence and associating with wrongdoers, which she denies. This verdict adds to Sarkozy’s legal troubles, which include a 2021 conviction for attempting to bribe a judge and a 2024 ruling for overspending on his 2012 re-election campaign. Despite these setbacks, Sarkozy has managed to avoid significant jail time, with recent court rulings allowing him to serve sentences at home.