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The FTC says Amazon has settled a long-running case accusing unlawful Prime enrollments and hard-to-cancel policies. Eligible customers may receive up to $51 each, with payouts by September 2026; Amazon must halt certain enrollment practices and improve disclosures.
A wave of moves from Netflix, YouTube and Disney+ shows converging formats and new ways to engage audiences. Executives push for live channels, ad-supported tiers, and publisher partnerships to win time and attention in a crowded streaming landscape.
Shoppers are turning to secondhand and vintage outlets as a sustainable, budget-conscious trend grows. From Drum Farm Antiques near Edinburgh to local stalls, buyers seek value and environmental benefits, while retailers see demand for affordable, durable goods.
AP and FRONTLINE investigations have shown that U.S. AI models, cloud and internet providers and satellite services have been used to run industrial-scale romance and investment scams based in Southeast Asian compounds. The tools have enabled multilingual fake personas, automated replies and performance tracking; device and routing data tie much traffic to U.S.-registered firms and to Starlink connections in Myanmar.
Toy Story 5 has opened to record franchise returns, grossing roughly $312m worldwide and dominating ticket sales. Low‑budget horror films made by online creators — notably Obsession, Backrooms and Iron Lung — have posted surprise gains. By contrast, DCilms' Supergirl has underperformed, opening far below studio expectations and drawing poor reviews.
The Independent and AP News report on the Prime Video series Elle, a prequel exploring Elle Woods’s teenage years in Seattle (1995), ahead of Harvard Law School. The show stars Lexi Minetree and features feedback on tone, casting, and the series’ ties to the original film. Amazon Prime Video has renewed for a second season.
A roundup of recent BBQ guides and deals from Independent, Guardian, and New York Post highlights gear recommendations, how-tos, and savings ahead of peak grilling season. The guides differ in focus—from product reviews to setup tips—reflecting varying editorial approaches while steering consumers toward buying decisions.
Paralives, an indie life-sim from Alex Masse, has gained traction since Steam early access in May 2026, selling 250,000 copies in a day and drawing attention as a potential ethical alternative to EA’s The Sims amid industry consolidation and AI costs. The creator aims for bold customization and performance improvements to appeal to fans seeking creativity over realism.
The BBC has highlighted a funding crisis as licence-fee income declines and audience habits shift. The corporation is exploring options from subscriptions to a universal levy while warning that current funding may not sustain its public-service mission. With 23.3 million licences active and around 80% of households paying, the BBC is under pressure to reinvent its funding model before the 2027 charter renewal.