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Amazon reached a $2.5 billion settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over claims that it signed up customers for Prime without clear permission and made it hard to cancel. Eligible customers can claim refunds up to $51 by July 27.
Key Facts
The settlement totals $2.5 billion, with $1.5 billion set aside for consumer refunds.
The FTC accused Amazon of using confusing designs to enroll people in Prime and make cancellations difficult.
Amazon denied wrongdoing but agreed to settle and change some subscription processes.
Eligible customers must have enrolled or tried to cancel between June 23, 2019, and June 23, 2025.
Refunds are limited to $51 per person but may vary based on total eligible claims.
Some customers were already paid automatically in an earlier phase and do not need to claim again.
The deadline to request a refund is July 27.
The FTC warns consumers about scams asking for money to claim the settlement.
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Speaker Mike Johnson and House Republicans approved moving forward with a budget plan called reconciliation 3.0. The plan includes $73 billion for defense and intelligence, but GOP leaders still face challenges getting all conservative members to agree.
Key Facts
Speaker Mike Johnson is leading the effort on the new budget plan.
The House Republicans voted to advance a third reconciliation package.
The budget plan includes $73 billion for defense and intelligence.
This funding is related to ongoing conflict needs.
Conservative hardliners in the GOP have some disagreements about the proposal.
GOP leaders are working to keep their members united on the budget framework.
The budget package still has important hurdles before becoming law.
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Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy has replaced the country’s military commander Oleksandr Syrskyi with Mykhailo Drapati and plans to bring back the defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov after protests. Drapati will lead a reorganisation of the army and continue precision attacks on Russia, while Fedorov’s exact role remains unclear.
Key Facts
President Zelenskyy fired commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Mykhailo Drapati, a respected general, is appointed as the new head of Ukraine’s armed forces.
Drapati is known for fighting Russia since 2014 and pushing military reforms.
Zelenskyy will reinstate defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov after nationwide protests demanded his return.
Protesters threatened ongoing demonstrations until Fedorov was restored.
Drapati and Fedorov are allies focused on modernizing Ukraine’s military technology and strategy.
Zelenskyy thanked Syrskyi for his leadership during major battles and counter-invasion operations.
Drapati’s job includes reforming Ukraine’s defense strategy, army structure, and overseeing mobilization efforts.
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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the replacement of the top military general, Oleksandr Syrskyi, after protests against the earlier removal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The new general, Major General Mykhailo Drapatiy, is seen as more aligned with reform efforts and closer to Fedorov.
Key Facts
President Zelenskyy removed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov last week, citing a conflict between Fedorov and the military commander Syrskyi.
The decision to fire Fedorov caused protests across Ukraine, with many people demanding his return and Syrskyi's dismissal.
Fedorov was popular among younger Ukrainians for promoting technological reforms and fighting corruption in the military.
Some top defense officials resigned in protest, including the deputy commander of the Ukrainian Air Force.
Zelenskyy listened to public and political concerns and delayed final decisions before replacing Syrskyi.
Major General Mykhailo Drapatiy, who commands forces in the Kharkiv region, was appointed commander-in-chief.
Drapatiy is considered reform-minded and close to the removed Defense Minister Fedorov.
Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of unity and victory in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
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The safety manager at a clinic near Detroit pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter after a 5-year-old boy died in an oxygen chamber explosion. The manager will face at least 19 months in prison, and other staff members are still awaiting trial in connection with the incident.
Key Facts
Jeffrey Mosteller, the clinic’s safety manager, pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter.
The boy, Thomas Cooper, died when a hyperbaric oxygen chamber exploded on January 31, 2025.
Thomas’s mother was injured in the explosion.
A second-degree murder charge against Mosteller was dropped as part of the plea deal.
Three other people, including the clinic CEO, are still waiting for their trials.
The clinic ignored safety concerns raised by employees before the explosion.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen at higher pressure than normal.
The FDA approves this therapy only for certain health problems, but the clinic treated other conditions that are not officially approved.
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Boris Nadezhdin, a critic of President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, was convicted of displaying “extremist symbols,” which prevents him from running for parliament this year. The conviction is connected to a 2023 video where he showed a picture of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in prison earlier this year.
Key Facts
Boris Nadezhdin criticized Russia’s military action in Ukraine and wanted to challenge President Putin in the 2024 election.
He was found guilty of showing “extremist symbols” in a video where he briefly showed a photo of Alexei Navalny.
Navalny was a jailed opposition leader who died in an Arctic prison in February 2024.
Nadezhdin’s conviction bars him from running in September’s parliamentary election.
He was fined 1,000 rubles (about $13) by a court in Dolgoprudny, near Moscow.
Authorities rejected over 9,000 signatures from Nadezhdin’s presidential campaign, disqualifying him from the March 2024 election.
The ruling party, United Russia, aims to keep control of the parliament amid growing public frustration over fuel shortages and economic problems linked to the Ukraine conflict.
Nadezhdin was a government adviser in the 1990s and has served as a lawmaker.
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A private spaceship with robotic arms launched to extend the life of old communication satellites low on fuel by adding jetpacks. This mission is part of a growing effort to save money by keeping satellites working longer instead of replacing them.
Key Facts
The spacecraft, called MRV, launched from Cape Canaveral on July 21, 2026, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
MRV carries three electric jetpacks, each about the size of a washing machine, to attach to old satellites in geosynchronous orbit 22,300 miles above Earth.
The jetpacks use xenon gas thrusters to help satellites stay in their proper orbit and keep working for several more years.
This mission will help satellites owned by SES (Luxembourg) and Optus (Australia), saving them millions of dollars.
Northrop Grumman has done similar satellite-servicing missions in 2019 and 2020 and is developing robotic satellites that can repair, relocate, or remove others.
The project involves collaboration with the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
Another company, Katalyst Space Technologies, is testing a satellite helper called Link that will boost NASA’s Swift Observatory to extend its life.
NASA is paying $30 million for the Link mission to raise Swift, which has been losing altitude due to solar activity.
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Mykhailo Drapatyi was appointed as the new commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces by President Zelenskyy after protests called for the previous general’s removal. Drapatyi is known for his experience fighting Russia since 2014 and has led important military operations during Ukraine’s ongoing conflict.
Key Facts
Mykhailo Drapatyi became Ukraine’s commander-in-chief of the armed forces in July 2026.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Drapatyi following protests demanding the previous commander’s removal.
Drapatyi has fought against Russia since 2014 and has spent most of his military career in combat roles.
In 2014, Drapatyi led a bold rescue mission in Mariupol by breaking through barricades with an armored vehicle.
He also led a nighttime breakout of hundreds of soldiers and vehicles from a Russian-encircled area near the border.
Drapatyi commanded units that stopped Russian advances and helped regain territory in 2024, including near Zelenskyy’s hometown.
Before becoming commander-in-chief, he served as deputy commander of Ukrainian Joint Forces.
Drapatyi is respected for his discipline, combat skills, and leadership during difficult battles.
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Wisconsin Democrats have asked the state elections commission to let voters who already cast absentee ballots in the governor’s primary vote again. This request comes after some candidates dropped out or rejoined the race, which may leave early voters’ ballots ineffective.
Key Facts
More than 80,000 absentee ballots have already been returned in the Wisconsin governor primary.
Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropped out of the governor race, while David Crowley reentered it with Governor Tony Evers’ support.
Currently, five Democratic candidates remain active in the primary.
Wisconsin’s Elections Commission had a rule that does not allow new absentee ballots for those who already voted, even if their earlier candidate dropped out.
The Wisconsin Democratic Party wants this rule changed so voters can cast new absentee ballots.
The party argues the current rule contradicts a 2006 U.S. Supreme Court decision about not changing voting rules close to an election.
Absentee voting started in late June, and in-person early voting begins July 28.
This issue could lead to a lawsuit since the primary is just weeks away on August 11.
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A former Army soldier, Andrew Arrabaca, was charged with arson after setting a fire and firing a pellet gun at a federal building in Manhattan that handles immigration cases. The attack injured three people, and Arrabaca was stopped by security officers and arrested.
Key Facts
The attack happened at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, near the immigration courthouse.
Andrew Arrabaca, 43, is charged with arson following the incident.
He ignited a sidewalk fire, set off fireworks, and fired an airsoft pellet gun at the building.
Three people were injured, but only one required hospital treatment for minor injuries.
Arrabaca wore a military-style helmet and carried weapons including axes, knives, a hammer, and a machete.
He made anti-government statements during his arrest and said he did not care if people were killed.
Arrabaca served in the Army from 2001 to 2005 as a specialist repairing missile systems.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating, but the act has not been officially labeled terrorism.
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A Mexican man named Juan Jairo Coronilla Durán died in Florida after running from U.S. immigration officers and getting hit by a tractor trailer. He was visiting the U.S. on a tourist visa and was on vacation when the incident happened.
Key Facts
Juan Jairo Coronilla Durán was 28 years old.
He was from San Luis de la Paz, Guanajuato, Mexico.
He had a tourist visa and was visiting family in Atlanta before traveling to Florida’s east coast.
He ran from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers near a gas station in St. Augustine, Florida.
While fleeing, he ran across a busy road and was struck by a tractor trailer.
His death occurred on July 14, 2026, and was the third death involving ICE agents in about a week.
The other three people involved in the vehicle escaped on foot, but their status is unclear.
Local authorities have not released full details due to an ongoing investigation.
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A 25-year-old active-duty soldier, Benjamin Del Real Jr., was seriously injured by a bullet during a gunfire incident near the White House in May 2026. He is suing the Secret Service for $25 million, claiming they failed to protect him properly during the shooting.
Key Facts
The shooting happened on May 23, 2026, outside the White House.
Gunman Nasire Best fired shots near a Secret Service post; Secret Service agents returned fire and killed him.
Benjamin Del Real Jr. was hit in the stomach by a stray bullet and had part of his digestive system removed.
Del Real was visiting Washington D.C. with his family and was taking pictures by the White House when the shooting occurred.
Del Real filed a $25 million claim against the Secret Service under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
The Secret Service has not confirmed if one of their agents fired the bullet that struck Del Real.
The police investigation into the shooting and the bullet's origin is still ongoing.
Federal law usually protects government agencies from lawsuits but allows some exceptions for negligence.
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Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, criticized Congress for requesting over $11 billion in extra funding for the Agriculture Department related to the war with Iran. He said it is ironic because the farmers’ bailout is needed due to the effects of that war.
Key Facts
Congress asked for more than $11 billion for the USDA in a supplemental funding bill linked to the Iran war.
Rep. Thomas Massie spoke against this decision, calling it “ironic.”
Massie explained that the bailout for farmers is required because of war-related problems with Iran.
The funding is part of a wider effort to support the U.S. response in the Iran conflict.
Massie made these remarks outside the House of Representatives.
The Agriculture Department is receiving this aid to help farmers affected by the war’s impact.
The article does not provide details on how exactly the war caused the need for a bailout.
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Senator Ted Kennedy questioned General Dan Caine and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth about issues related to Russia and Ukraine. He also asked what could happen to the Strait of Hormuz if the United States ended its conflict with Iran.
Key Facts
Senator Ted Kennedy held a discussion on Tuesday.
He questioned Gen. Dan Caine and Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The questions focused on Russia and Ukraine.
He also asked about the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for oil shipping.
The discussion included the potential effects if the U.S. ended its war with Iran.
The event was covered by CBS News.
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A large wildfire in central Spain has burned more than 30,000 hectares of forest. The fire caused many people to leave their homes across 34 towns during a long heatwave with temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius. A drone captured images showing the damage to the forest.
Key Facts
The wildfire happened in central Spain.
Over 30,000 hectares of forest were burned. (A hectare is about the size of a soccer field.)
People were evacuated from 34 different towns.
The fire occurred during a long heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F).
A drone was used to take pictures of the scorched forest.
The heatwave made the wildfire worse by creating dry and hot conditions.
Firefighters have been working to control the wildfire.
The exact cause of the fire was not mentioned.
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The U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the official cost of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran is $37.5 billion. He gave this number during a Senate hearing, where officials also asked for a $1.5 trillion defense budget, including nearly $70 billion for the war.
Key Facts
The war on Iran officially costs $37.5 billion according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
This figure was shared during a Senate appropriations committee hearing.
The U.S. defense budget request is $1.5 trillion, with nearly $70 billion for the Iran conflict.
The $37.5 billion includes some costs into the end of September but lacks detailed breakdowns.
Earlier estimates from President Trump’s administration put the cost at $29 billion in May.
Some outside analysts estimate the war’s domestic cost could reach $150 billion due to effects like higher energy prices.
Fighting between the U.S. and Iran has continued after a ceasefire agreement ended last week.
President Donald Trump has threatened more strikes on Iran and vowed retaliation after the deaths of two U.S. soldiers.
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Senator Patty Murray questioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about the Trump administration’s request for an extra $67 billion to fund the increasing conflict with Iran. She criticized the administration for trying to avoid the usual government approval process for this funding.
Key Facts
Senator Patty Murray challenged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the additional war funding request.
The Trump administration requested $67 billion more in funds related to the Iran conflict.
Senator Murray accused the administration of trying to bypass the normal government approval steps.
The funding request comes as tensions and conflict with Iran increase.
The discussion was part of a public exchange broadcast by CBS News.
The usual appropriations process means Congress reviews and approves government spending.
Senator Murray’s concern centers on transparency and proper planning for war expenses.
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Australia’s foreign affairs minister Penny Wong met with China’s foreign minister Wang Yi during a meeting in Manila. They discussed concerns about China’s recent test of a nuclear-capable submarine missile and talked about peace, stability, and other issues in the Indo-Pacific region.
Key Facts
Penny Wong met Wang Yi at the ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting in Manila.
This was their 12th meeting.
Wong expressed Australia’s worries about China’s recent nuclear-capable submarine missile test.
Many Pacific island countries are also concerned about the missile test.
They discussed the importance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific area.
Wong raised consular issues, including a case involving Dr. Yang Jun.
Australia emphasized respect for its laws, sovereignty (control over its own affairs), freedom of expression, safe maritime conduct, and human rights.
The meeting took place alongside ongoing regional diplomatic talks during the ASEAN event.
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Iran held funerals for 32 children who died in a US strike on a school in Minab on February 28. The attack killed at least 170 people, and search teams are still finding more victims’ remains.
Key Facts
A US strike hit a school in Minab, Iran, on February 28.
The strike killed at least 170 people.
Among the dead were at least 32 children.
Iran has held funerals for these children.
Search and excavation efforts continue to recover more bodies.
The incident took place in Iran’s city of Minab.
The US carried out the strike that caused the casualties.
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Khalil al-Hayya has been chosen as the new leader of Hamas, a Palestinian group he helped start about 40 years ago. He has faced Israeli attacks and imprisonment before, and recently led talks to try to stop the fighting between Israel and Gaza.
Key Facts
Khalil al-Hayya was part of a small group that led Hamas for nearly two years.
He joined Hamas when it began approximately four decades ago.
He has survived several attempts by Israel to kill him.
Al-Hayya has been arrested multiple times by Israeli authorities.
He led Palestinian groups in negotiations aiming to end the war in Gaza.
Over two million Palestinians continue to face frequent Israeli attacks despite a ceasefire.
Hamas is under pressure to give up some power.
Experts discuss how al-Hayya might handle the ongoing challenges faced by Hamas.
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