Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, the renowned music producer and rapper, appeared in a New York federal court on Thursday, accompanied by his legal team, to request the overturning of his prostitution convictions or a new trial. Judge Arun Subramanian adjourned the hearing without an immediate ruling. Combs, who has been incarcerated since his arrest in September 2024, was convicted in July on two counts of prostitution related to allegations of running a sex trafficking operation. His lawyers argue that the convictions misapply the Mann Act, a century-old law designed to combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Combs faces sentencing on October 3, with prosecutors pushing for a lengthy prison term, while his defense seeks a maximum of 14 months, citing his time already served. The defense also contends that applying the Mann Act to Combs’ case is unprecedented and that his celebrity status and legacy have been irreparably damaged. During the hearing, Combs’ attorney portrayed him as a voyeur with no commercial motive, distancing him from the charges. Combs was acquitted of more severe racketeering and sex trafficking charges in July but convicted on lesser charges of arranging interstate travel for prostitution. Prosecutors allege that Combs facilitated paid sexual encounters involving male sex workers and his girlfriends, some of whom testified to physical abuse. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the judge has twice denied him bail.
标签： North America
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Trump urges Turkey to stop buying Russian oil as Erdogan chases deal on F-35s
In a high-profile meeting at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump called on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to cease purchasing oil from Russia, emphasizing the importance of cutting off Moscow’s energy revenue as the conflict in Ukraine persists. Speaking alongside Erdogan, Trump described halting Russian oil imports as ‘the best thing’ Turkey could do to support global efforts against Russia’s aggression. The meeting concluded without concrete agreements on lifting U.S. sanctions on Turkey or advancing the sale of F-35 fighter jets, though Trump remained optimistic about resolving these issues. Turkey has been barred from acquiring F-35s since 2019 after it procured Russian S-400 air defense systems, leading to its expulsion from the F-35 production program. Trump highlighted Erdogan’s unique position as a leader respected by both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting that Turkey could play a pivotal role in influencing the war. Turkey, alongside India and China, remains one of Russia’s largest oil and gas customers. Trump’s remarks follow his recent warning to NATO allies about ‘funding the war against themselves’ through Russian energy purchases. The U.S. president also hinted at the possibility of lifting sanctions on Turkey ‘very soon’ if the meeting yielded positive outcomes. Meanwhile, bipartisan concerns in the U.S. Congress persist over Turkey’s military actions in Syria and its cooperation with Russia, casting doubt on the potential F-35 sale.
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Amazon agrees to pay $2.5bn over claims it tricked Prime customers
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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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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Trump demands inquiry over UN ‘triple sabotage’ after escalator and teleprompter mishaps
During his visit to the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, former U.S. President Donald Trump encountered a series of unexpected incidents that he labeled as “triple sabotage.” In a social media post, Trump detailed three specific issues: an escalator abruptly stopping as he and First Lady Melania Trump stepped on it, a malfunctioning teleprompter during his speech, and audio problems in the auditorium. Trump called for an immediate investigation into these events, which he described as “sinister” and not coincidental. He also demanded the arrest of those responsible for the escalator incident, referencing a Times article that mentioned UN workers joking about turning off the escalators. Trump’s videographer was suggested to have inadvertently triggered the escalator’s safety mechanism, while the teleprompter was reportedly operated by the White House delegation. U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz supported Trump’s call for an investigation, stating that such incidents were “unacceptable” and a threat to the nation’s security and dignity. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also expressed concerns, suggesting that the escalator might have been deliberately stopped. A UN official clarified that the sound system was designed for translated speeches through earpieces, addressing Trump’s complaint about the audio issues. Despite the technical difficulties, Trump’s speech proceeded, though he criticized the teleprompter operator, stating they were “in big trouble.”
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Canada’s top court stays execution of nearly 400 ostriches, for now
Canada’s Supreme Court has intervened to temporarily suspend the planned culling of nearly 400 ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farms in British Columbia, following an avian flu outbreak. The decision, issued on Wednesday, comes after the farm owners, Katie Pastiney and Karen Espersen, protested the cull order and launched a months-long legal battle. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) had mandated the cull in December after the outbreak killed 69 ostriches, citing risks of virus mutation and human health concerns. The Supreme Court’s ruling halts the cull while the owners appeal, with the CFIA maintaining custody of the birds and providing veterinary oversight. The case has drawn international attention, including support from US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy and Dr. Mehmet Oz, who offered to rehome the birds. The farm owners were briefly arrested for obstructing CFIA agents, and tensions remain high as protesters gather at the farm. The Supreme Court has given the CFIA until October 3 to respond to the appeal.
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‘Anti-ICE’ message on ammunition at Dallas shooting that killed immigration detainee
A deadly shooting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas, Texas, has left one detainee dead and two others critically injured, according to officials. The incident occurred when a rooftop sniper opened fire indiscriminately at the facility and a nearby unmarked van before taking his own life. No law enforcement officers were harmed in the attack. FBI Director Kash Patel revealed that unused ammunition recovered from the scene bore the phrase ‘ANTI-ICE,’ suggesting an ideological motive behind the assault. This marks the latest in a series of attacks on ICE facilities amid heightened political tensions over immigration enforcement. The shooter, identified as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn, had a history of cannabis-related charges and was registered as an independent voter. Authorities confirmed he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of targeted violence, with special agent Joe Rothrock noting that the attack reflects a broader trend of politically motivated violence against ICE. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the building targeted was an ICE field office used for short-term processing, not a detention facility. Acting ICE director Todd Lyons emphasized the potential for greater casualties, given the time and location of the shooting. The attack has sparked widespread condemnation from both Democratic and Republican leaders, with Texas Senator Ted Cruz urging an end to divisive rhetoric. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, accused ‘Radical Left Democrats’ of demonizing law enforcement and reiterated his commitment to combating domestic terrorism. The incident underscores the escalating political polarization surrounding immigration policy in the United States.
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America’s blame game over Canada’s wildfire smoke misses the point, experts say
The relentless wildfires in Canada have not only devastated vast swathes of land but have also sent smoke drifting southward, casting an eerie orange haze over parts of the United States. This summer, the Canadian province of Manitoba witnessed some of the deadliest wildfires, prompting Republican lawmakers in neighboring U.S. states to demand accountability from Canada for the smoke pollution.
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Matthew McConaughey on starring with his family in film about California’s deadliest wildfire
Matthew McConaughey has taken on a deeply personal role in the new film *The Lost Bus*, a harrowing tale of survival during California’s devastating 2018 wildfires. The Oscar-winning actor portrays Kevin McKay, a school bus driver tasked with guiding 22 children and their teacher to safety through a raging inferno. However, the film’s significance extends beyond its gripping narrative—it marks a unique family collaboration, with McConaughey’s 93-year-old mother, Kay, and 17-year-old son, Levi, making their acting debuts alongside him. Directed by Paul Greengrass, known for his realistic storytelling in films like *United 93* and *Captain Phillips*, *The Lost Bus* is already being hailed as an instant disaster-movie classic. The film’s authenticity is further enhanced by the inclusion of real-life firefighters from the 2018 wildfires and the use of practical effects to recreate the terrifying blaze. McConaughey’s co-star, America Ferrera, plays teacher Mary Ludwig, with both characters forced to make life-or-death decisions while grappling with their own personal struggles. The film’s producer, Jamie Lee Curtis, drew inspiration from a Washington Post article about the Paradise wildfire, describing the project as one of the most important of her career. *The Lost Bus* not only pays tribute to the resilience of those affected by the disaster but also highlights the universal themes of sacrifice and human connection. The film is now in cinemas and will be available on Apple TV+ starting October 3.