Federal Trade Commission Sues Amazon For Fraud
June 22, 2023- The Federal Trade Commission sued Amazon Delivery Service on Wednesday, stating that the company tricks customers to sign up for Prime while also sabotaging attempts to cancel the subscription.
The Federal Trade Commission is taking action against Amazon.com, Inc. for its years-long effort to enroll consumers into its Prime program without their consent while knowingly making it difficult for consumers to cancel their subscriptions to Prime.
In a complaint filed today, the FTC charges that Amazon has knowingly duped millions of consumers into unknowingly enrolling in Amazon Prime. Specifically, Amazon used manipulative, coercive, or deceptive user-interface designs known as “dark patterns” to trick consumers into enrolling in automatically-renewing Prime subscriptions.
Amazon also knowingly complicated the cancellation process for Prime subscribers who sought to end their membership. The primary purpose of its Prime cancellation process was not to enable subscribers to cancel, but to stop them. Amazon leadership slowed or rejected changes that would’ve made it easier for users to cancel Prime because those changes adversely affected Amazon’s bottom line.
“Amazon tricked and trapped people into recurring subscriptions without their consent, not only frustrating users but also costing them significant money,” said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan. “These manipulative tactics harm consumers and law-abiding businesses alike. The FTC will continue to vigorously protect Americans from “dark patterns” and other unfair or deceptive practices in digital markets.”
For now, the FTC’s complaint is significantly redacted, though the FTC has told the Court it does not find the need for ongoing secrecy compelling. Nevertheless, the complaint contains a number of allegations related to the company’s decision not to make changes to prevent nonconsensual enrollment in Prime and the difficulties consumers faced in attempting to unsubscribe from the service. Specifically, the complaint charges that Amazon used so-called “dark patterns” to cause consumers to enroll in Prime without their consent, in violation of the FTC Act, and the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act.
During Amazon’s online checkout process, consumers were faced with numerous opportunities to subscribe to Amazon Prime at $14.99/month. In many cases, the option to purchase items on Amazon without subscribing to Prime was more difficult for consumers to locate. In some cases, the button presented to consumers to complete their transaction did not clearly state that in choosing that option they were also agreeing to join Prime for a recurring subscription.
The FTC charges that Amazon put in place a cancellation process designed to deter consumers from successfully unsubscribing from Prime. Previous reporting about the process in the media has noted that Amazon used the term “Iliad” to describe the process, which the reporting cites as an allusion to Homer’s epic poem set over twenty-four books and nearly 16,000 lines about the decade-long Trojan War.
Consumers who attempted to cancel Prime were faced with multiple steps to actually accomplish the task of cancelling, according to the complaint. Consumers had to first locate the cancellation flow, which Amazon made difficult. Once they located the cancellation flow, they were redirected to multiple pages that presented several offers to continue the subscription at a discounted price, to simply turn off the auto-renew feature, or to decide not to cancel. Only after clicking through these pages could consumers finally cancel the service.
The complaint notes that Amazon was aware of consumers being nonconsensually enrolled and the complex and confusing process to cancel Prime that the company’s executives failed to take any meaningful steps to address the issues until they were aware of the FTC investigation. In the complaint, the FTC also alleges that Amazon attempted to delay and hinder the Commission’s investigation in multiple instances.
The Commission vote authorizing the staff to file the complaint was 3-0. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.
Meal A Day And Senior Citizen Center Calendar June 26-30th, 2023
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for the week of June 26-30, 2023 includes:
MONDAY, June 26 – Cabbage Casserole, Vegetable of Day and Bread
TUESDAY, June 27 – Eggplant Parmesan, Cucumber Salad and a Roll
WEDNESDAY, June 28 – Mexican Chicken Spaghetti, Vegetable of the Day and Bread
THURSDAY, June 29 – Chicken Taco Salad, Salsa and Guacamole
FRIDAY, June 30 – Ham & Cheese Sandwich, Carrot Salad and Chips
This And That For June 2023 By David Wall
Water availability will continue to be a problem now and in the future. You can help by storing rain water, saving bath water wasted by running until the water gets warm, drip garden irrigation, saving the water from boiling vegetables which contains nutrients plants will love, enlarging ponds when they are very low, and so many more ways. In the NETSEO area, there are probably several hundred thousand gardens. If each of us could reduce water requirements by just 5% That would be quite a savings, not to mention lower water bills!
Bare garden soil is rapidly becoming a giant no-no. Keep it covered. I prefer miniature and Dutch white clover which enrich the soil. Even weeds are better than bare soil. When summer temperatures get to or exceed 90°, soil temps can reach 150°. What you think are problems caused by air temp are caused more by soil temps which can affect activity and interfere with plant photosynthesis.
If we get another dry summer this year, don’t forget to water your trees with a 2” watering every two weeks.
Cardboard covering works well with raised bed gardens. Simply cover the bed with cardboard. Then cut 4-6” holes where you’ll plant your vegetables. You can use bricks, rocks, etc., to prevent the cardboard from blowing away.
We hear a lot about plants for pollinators, but usually think nothing about plants for moths. Moths do their pollinating at night. They don’t get to do it as long or as densely as daytime pollinators, but believe it or not, moths pollinate much more efficiently than bees. Also very important, turn off night lights which distract and prevent pollination.
If you’re really serious about improving your garden soil, consider Restoring the Soil or Dirt to Soil, two books that really make a difference.
Alamo Redevelopment Get $400 Million Boost From Texas Legislature
When Kate Rogers was hired in 2021 to lead the Alamo Trust, she encountered a “healthy level of skepticism” about whether redevelopment of the Alamo complex would actually come to fruition.
During the previous year, the project encountered controversy over moving the Alamo Cenotaph, multiple deep-pocketed donors to the project had dropped out, and San Antonio residents remained uncertain how the evolving site plans would actually look in the end.
But the project got its biggest boost to date on Sunday, when Gov. Greg Abbott signed the state’s $321.3 billion budget, which includes a $400 million allocation for the historic Alamo redevelopment.
However, the Alamo Trust, the historic site’s nonprofit steward, will still need to raise significant funds for the redevelopment, but the budget allocation shows the state’s commitment to the project.
The total cost of the project is set at $504 million, this project includes street closures, plaza improvements, a new museum, artifact collection and education centers.
That’s significantly more expensive than the $388 million projected in 2021, due to rising construction costs.
The project is on track for a grand opening on March 6, 2027 — one year after the 190th anniversary of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo.
The overall redevelopment has received other local and state funding, including $38 million from the city’s 2017 bond and $25 million from Bexar County over five years for the museum.
The Alamo Trust has raised about $50 million in private donations so far and plans to raise $75 million more: another $50 million for redevelopment costs and $25 million to set up an endowment for continued operating expenses related to on-site preservation and educational opportunities.
Entrance to the plaza and Alamo church will be free, in addition to smaller exhibits and artwork in the museum lobby, she said.
While construction in the plaza continues, the embattled Alamo redevelopment is now in a period of political calm compared with recent years.
The goal of the redevelopment is to preserve the Alamo’s historic structures, which were designated a World Heritage site in 2015, and enhance the experience of visitors by restoring the site’s “dignity and reverence,” according to the master plan.
Approvals for the project’s work and design will be required at various levels, including the city’s Historic and Design Review Commission and the Texas Historical Commission. Despite everything, Houston remains optimistic that the project will celebrate its grand opening on schedule, saying, “It’s a totally different vibe than it was several years ago.”
To learn more about the Alamo Trust visit: https://www.thealamo.org/alamo-trust
How To Prepare For Severe Weather
Severe weather systems in Texas, such as tornadoes, can pose serious threats to personal safety as well as disrupt power to homes for extended periods. Before an anticipated severe weather event, stock up on essential non-perishables such as canned fish, poultry and canned fruits and vegetables. A loss of power can severely affect meal preparations as well as the safety of important food items needed to sustain healthy living standards,. Texans should be mindful that severe weather season is now, and the threat of these weather systems can disrupt or severely hamper electrical services across the state.
Create a plan: While extreme weather may be somewhat unpredictable here in Texas, preparing and planning for them should not be. Before an anticipated severe weather event, stock up on essential non-perishables such as canned fish and poultry and canned fruits and vegetables, If a blackout is expected to last longer than four hours, consider preplanning recipes using an emergency preparedness cookbook. .Additionally, stock up on sources like dry ice or cold packs to help keep perishable food items cold without power.
Keep it cold: When experiencing a power outage, regulating and maintaining the preexisting temperature of perishable food items is essential. For refrigerated foods, keep items under 40 degrees. Keeping the refrigerator door closed can keep foods cold for up to four hours, whereas keeping the freezer door closed can keep foods fresh for 48 hours in a full freezer and 24 in a half-full freezer. If cold food items reach the four-hour mark in the refrigerator, use a cooler and a cold source along with dry ice or cold packs to keep food cold.
When in doubt, throw it out: Don’t take any chances thinking food is safe to eat when it might not be. When in doubt, throw it out. Sometimes, it can be tricky to tell if perishable food items are safe to eat. However, regarding safety, it is best to be sure. Never taste test foods to determine if they are still safe to eat, If perishable food items such as meat, cut fruit and vegetables, eggs, milk and leftovers have been stored longer than four hours without a cold source, throw them out. It is better to be safe than sick.
Appliances; be safe, be Smart: First, identify what cooking equipment is best. Some standard alternatives to the indoor electric and gas stove include a charcoal or gas grill, camp stoves, fireplaces, wood stoves or a well-controlled outdoor fire. Next, understand the basic safety precautions for the selected equipment. Avoid asphyxiation from carbon monoxide by restricting only charcoal grills, gas grills and camp stoves to outdoor use. While using a fireplace or wood stove, ensure that the chimney functions properly and the damper is open or that the stovepipe has not been damaged on a wood stove. When cooking outdoors, scope out the perfect spot. Placing stones or a metal drum around the fire bed is essential to ensure any fire is well contained. Be mindful to never use gasoline to get a wood or charcoal fire started.
Take care of yourself: Close all drapes and blinds and use cross-ventilation and fans to cool your home. Dress in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Move to the lowest level of your home. Take your family and pets to a cool location if you have one. Try going to an air-conditioned public place like a movie theater or mall during the daytime. Check with your local emergency management to see if there’s a cooling shelter available in your area. Drink plenty of water and avoid heavy meals, caffeinated drinks and alcohol. Remember to provide plenty of cool water for your pets. Use alternative ways to prepare food, like a barbecue grill. Always grill outside. Check on children, seniors and those with medical conditions or disabilities. Turn off appliances to prevent damage from a power surge. Unplug major equipment, including air conditioning units, computers and televisions. Turn off all your lights except one so that you know when power has been restored. Keep refrigerator or freezer doors closed; don’t open unless necessary. A freezer will keep food frozen for up to 36 hours if the door remains closed, and an unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for up to four hours. If an outage lasts longer, remove and pack meat, milk and other dairy products in a cooler with ice.
Firefighter Budget Adjustment And Previous Year Emergency Call Volume
Hopkins County Commissioners met with members of the Hopkins County Firefighters on Wednesday to discuss firefighter budgets and other items.
During this meeting Fire Chief Andy Endsley showed the proposed personnel budget, this budget from the 2023 year currently sits at just over $800,000, stating the cost of salaries, overtime, holiday and other items. However, with the growing need for more personnel, equipment and other items within the department the budget was adjusted to appropriately allow finances for these items, this new budget for 2024 will be just over $970,000.
Also during this meeting a new incentive pay was pitched, this pay would give firefighters of different levels the chance to earn more money. these levels are as follows:
- TCFP Intermediate Firefighter- $100 per month
- TCFP Advanced Firefighter – $200 per month
- TCFP Master Firefighter – $300 per month
During the 2022 year there were more than one thousand different emergency calls made to the emergency lines, these calls were as follow:
- Structure Fires: 50
- Grass Fires: 172
- Vehicle Fires: 40
- Ems: 177
- Motor Vehicle Crashes: 210
- Rescues: 3
- False Alarm: 56
- Hazardous Condition: 60
- Good Intent: 334
- Public Assist/Misc: 71
Totaling to 1,195 separate calls.
Sulphur Springs Woman Back in Hopkins County Jail
June 21, 2023 – NESSICA RACHELE MCPHERSON, who also goes by the alias Nessica Rachele Hale, is back in Hopkins County Jail after Deputies retrieved her from the Lamar County Jail. She was transported without incident.
On Thursday, June 15, 2023, 48 Year-Old Nessica Rachele Hale of Sulphur Springs was arrested at the Parole Office in the 3900 block of North Main Street in Paris, TX for a Parole Violation Warrant and a Violation Probation-Possession Controlled Substance Warrant out of Hopkins County and was booked into the Lamar County Jail.
McPherson was arrested last month in a Sulphur Springs hotel with around 50 grams of methampetamine. See that story here.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Hunt Arrested for Sexual Assault of a Child
June 21, 2023 – RONNIE ELDON HUNT, a 47 year-old truck driver from Sulphur Springs, was arrested Tuesday at the Sulphur Springs Police Station.
Hunt was at the Police Station being interviewed by an investigator. A warrant for his arrest was generated and he was taken into custody without incident. Hunt is charged with.
1 21.02(B) SEX ABUSE OF CHILD CONTINUOUS: VICTIM UNDER 14
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Sulphur Springs Native Releases SSISD Integration Documentary
Anthony Goodson, a native of Sulphur Springs, has released a documentary entitled Because Of You that chronicles the story of the first eight African-American students to be integrated into the Sulphur Springs Independent School District in 1965. Goodson, who now lives in Garland, Texas is also the host of the podcast “ReBrandUs“. Goodson’s podcast is a faith-based conversation of current topics and challenges in today’s world.
Anthony’s father, Tony Goodson, was one of the first eight students to be integrated as he entered his sophmore year. Because Of You, tells Tony’s story, as well as the other seven students that chose to integrate that year. More followed in subsequent years until SSISD became fully integrated.
To see the full documentary and hear the stories of these first eight students, click on the YouTube link below:
Because Of You Documentary available on YouTube
Caroline Prickette Crowned 2023 Dairy Festival Queen
The 2023 Dairy Festival concluded Saturday night, June 17, 2023, with the 62nd Annual Dairy Festival Pageant. This year’s theme was “Kickin’ It Up For Dairy.”
The community gathered at the Hopkins County Civic Center and waited in anticipation to see who would win the 2023 Dairy Festival Queen Pageant.
It was a tough competition. The twelve contestants gave the 2023 Dairy Fest Queen Judges quite the challenge, but Caroline Prickette won the title of 2023 Dairy Festival Queen at the end of the night.
Along with the crown, which was placed on Prickette’s head by 2022 Dairy Festival Queen Colbie Glenn, Caroline Prickette, daughter of John and Gena Prickette, will receive a $1,250 Scholarship. She also received a Silver Bowl, flowers, and will represent the community at events such as ribbon cuttings, fairs and other area events as an ambassador for Hopkins County and the dairy industry over the next year.
Caroline Prickette also won the 2023 Talent Award, which includes a $500 Scholarship. Prickette did a fun and unique rendition of “I’ve Been Everywhere” during the talent contest. Caroline Prickette was also rewarded for selling the most Dairy Festival tickets.
Addison Graves, daughter of Dave and Jennifer Graves, won second place in the ticket sales competition.
First runner-up for the crown was Kate Monk, daughter of Kevin and Kristin Monk. She wins a $1,000 Scholarship and a Silver Bowl, and flowers.
Winning a $750 Scholarship, and a Silver Bowl, is second runner-up Emerson Penny, daughter of Asher and Meredith Dial,, and Chris and Jeana Penny.
Third runner-up for the title of 2023 Dairy Festival Queen, earning a $500 Scholarship and a Silver Bowl, is Tomi Pirtle, daughter of Clay and Tanna Pirtle.
The Dairy Festival Contestants vote for the Contestant they feel is the most sincere, kind and helpful. This year the Tracey Gold Fox Miss Congeniality Award went to Sara Voss, daughter of Eric and Amy Voss.
Every five years the Dairy Festival Board retires a Queen’s Portrait. This year the Board presented Sadie Evans, the 2016 Dairy Festival Queen, with her Portrait.
Saturday’s Dairy Festival Pageant was emceed by Craig Roberts, who entertained the audience with cow jokes in between events. Some of the jokes were texted to him right then and there by audience members. Alina Tatum Sanders sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem. As the judges tallied up their scores Brad Cummings entertained the audience with a couple of songs.
Usherettes for this year’s pageant were Alaina Johnson, Trinity Martin, Aspen Mayhew, Kolbi McCoy, Maddie Poskey, Sadie Shutt, Jordan VanWinkle, and Coryn Young.
Save the date! The 2024 Hopkins County Dairy Festival is scheduled to be held June 7th through 15th. Additional information will be posted as it become available on the Festival’s social media accounts, as well as at www.hopkinscountydairyfestival.com
