Sienna🦋🇺🇸

World traveler, #foodie, thinker,
#animal lover, #free traveler,

[Sienna🦋🇺🇸 @Dandelion_x9]

Amazon's Prime members are eligible for refunds of up to $200 under an expanded settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), but not everyone is eligible.

CBS News reports that Amazon is issuing refunds to eligible customers under a revised $2.5 billion settlement with the FTC. The settlement addresses allegations that Amazon misled customers into subscribing to its paid Prime membership service.

The FTC stated last month that more consumers were eligible for Amazon refunds and increased the maximum refund from $51 to $200. As of September, Amazon had refunded customers more than $845 million; under the settlement, Amazon agreed to issue $1.5 billion in refunds and pay $1 billion in civil penalties.

The lawsuit stemmed from allegations that Amazon used a "dark mode" interface to mislead consumers into automatically subscribing to Prime at checkout and created cumbersome processes that made unsubscribing difficult.

Who is eligible for the new refunds?

The Federal Trade Commission's initial order, issued in September 2025, only required Amazon to refund customers who used fewer than 10 Prime benefits (such as free shipping) within a year. The revised order now requires Amazon to refund members who signed up for Prime between June 23, 2019, and June 23, 2025, and used up to 20 benefits within a year.

When will Amazon customers receive their refunds?

Amazon began automatically issuing refunds to more customers on the 1st. According to the FTC, millions of customers who used up to 20 Prime benefits are now eligible for a refund of up to $200.

If the refund amount does not reach the threshold by February 2027, Amazon will automatically issue an additional $149 to consumers who have already received refunds under settlement agreements. All eligible customers will receive their refunds by April 2027.

How will the refunds be issued?

Amazon will issue refunds to consumers via electronic payments (Venmo or PayPal) or by mailed checks.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers do not need to submit a refund request, respond to any notifications, or fill out any forms.

The FTC points out that Amazon handles refunds, and the FTC itself will not contact customers regarding this matter.

The FTC also warns that anyone impersonating the FTC and attempting to contact consumers regarding the Amazon settlement is highly likely a scammer.

[Sienna🦋🇺🇸 @Dandelion_x9]

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that Frank Strada, the state corrections commissioner who oversaw the execution of Christa Pike, a female murderer, resigned on March 3. The execution attempt failed; Pike, who survived a lethal injection, was taken to the hospital unconscious and is on a ventilator.

This was the first execution of a woman in Tennessee in 200 years, and Pike is the first death row inmate to survive a lethal injection.

Strada supervised the execution. According to a statement obtained by The Tennessee, he insisted that the corrections commissioner performed its duties "according to established procedures." However, he said, "Even so, my resignation is in the best interests of the people of Tennessee as an independent review proceeds."

Strada will step down this month.

Fifty-year-old Parker survived Wednesday night after being injected with two lethal doses of pentobarbital and was rushed to the hospital. The case has now entered an unprecedented phase, with legal and ethical debates erupting over how authorities should handle the still-living Parker.

[Sienna🦋🇺🇸 @Dandelion_x9]

Alpha School, Chicago's first private school to use artificial intelligence (AI) as a primary teaching tool, opened in September. Students spend only two hours a day learning core subjects through the AI ​​system, with the remaining time devoted to "life skills" courses such as public speaking, financial literacy, teamwork, and leadership. This disruptive educational model, costing $55,000 annually, has sparked debate about the effectiveness of AI education.

According to CBS News, Alpha's Chicago campus, located at 350 E. South Water St., enrolls students from preschool to eighth grade and is one of approximately 50 campuses nationwide, with over 1,500 students across the country.

Alpha's most distinctive feature is the absence of traditional subject teachers. Students arrive at school at 9:00 AM and use the AI ​​learning system for core subjects such as math, reading, writing, language, and science. The school states that the AI ​​can adjust the content according to each student's level and learning speed, thus completing the main subjects in approximately two hours per day.

Students spend approximately six and a half hours a day at school. After completing two hours of core curriculum, the remaining time is dedicated to courses such as public speaking, financial management, teamwork, and leadership skills, as well as activities like rock climbing and fashion design.

There are no traditional teachers on campus; instead, staff members called "Guides" accompany and assist students. Chief Guide Carrington Haas stated that they primarily support students on a motivational and emotional level, and lead lunch, breaks, sports, and other activities.

Brian Howell, Associate Dean for Parent Affairs at Alpha Chicago, said that AI is merely a tool; it does not dictate what students should learn or control their daily schedule. Ultimately, human decision-making remains the responsibility. The school claims that AI, by improving the efficiency of core subject learning, actually allows students more time for interpersonal interaction and practical life skills training.

However, this educational model also faces criticism. Rebecca Winthrop, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution who has visited Alpha, said that the school’s emphasis on life skills has potential, but parents should understand that it is still an experimental educational model and currently lacks independent external research to verify the learning outcomes claimed by the school.

[Roll @Rollmeta]

There’s a reason Doginal Dogs continue to thrive…

ITS COMMUNITY

@doginaldogs 🐶🐶🐶

[Former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 @FmrRepMTG]

Where are the DOGE checks and tariff refund checks and where is the cheap gas after stealing Venezuela oil and where is the reduction in national debt???
Hey but don’t be a panican!!
Trump is now promising a $5,000 bribe only if you elect Republicans, which will cost $1.35 TRILLION tax dollars!!!
The slop is so sloppy it’s beyond comprehension!!!

[Sienna🦋🇺🇸 @Dandelion_x9]

The United States plans to expand the use of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and their patrol range to curb illegal immigration and drug smuggling, highlighting the growing popularity of these faster and cheaper patrol boats.

Reuters reports that the Pentagon began a pilot program for unmanned surface vehicle patrols along the U.S.-Mexico border in January, with promising results. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Western Hemisphere Security, M. Roosevelt Ditlevson, revealed that the Pentagon plans to increase the current pilot program of ten USVs to 50 and expand patrols to include the Rio Grande on the Texas-Mexico border and the Gulf Coast.

The report indicates that these canoe-sized Lightfish USVs, manufactured by San Diego-based startup Seasonats, can conduct autonomous surface patrols for extended periods without human intervention. They are relatively inexpensive, costing only about $250,000 each, yet are sufficient for surveillance and security missions, significantly reducing the manpower and cost burden on the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) in deploying patrol boats and aircraft along the U.S.-Mexico border. The Lightfish unmanned surface vessel (USV), manufactured by Seasonats, is 11 feet long and weighs 340 pounds. Launched from a dry dock or the rear of a pickup truck, it is solar-powered and can operate continuously on water for months.

Equipped with various devices including photoelectric sensors, infrared detectors, and sonar, the Lightfish can transmit real-time tracking data directly back to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or the Coast Guard.

Dietrich Lefson told Reuters that the Lightfish USV detects an average of 452 targets per month, assists in the arrest of 350 people, and has seen 100 cases where illegal immigrants abandoned their attempts to enter Mexico after spotting the USV and returned.

As the Pentagon seeks faster, cheaper, and all-weather technologies, more and more USV and drone manufacturers are gaining opportunities to capture business previously dominated by traditional defense contractors. Currently, in addition to Seasonats, companies such as Saronic, Saildrone, and Splash have also launched similar USVs.

Dietrich Lefson believes that unmanned surface vessels (USVs) are a highly cost-effective tool for combating crime, allowing for flexible interception and deployment in the ever-changing locations of drug cartels.

He added that while gradually expanding the scale of USV operations, they will continue to explore different technological solutions, emphasizing that they are "not bound by suppliers, but only hope to obtain the best technology."

Since the Russia-Ukraine war, drones and USVs have demonstrated their advantages and have rapidly gained popularity within the US military.

[Vancity Vice @VanCityVice]

A traffic director walks into a vehicle and acts like she got hit. Saanich, BC

[Secretary Markwayne Mullin @SecMullinDHS]

This morning in Louisiana the deportation planes were loaded up to send illegal aliens to their final destination — HOME.

We will not rest until every one of these criminal invaders has been removed from our homeland.

[Jack Posobiec @JackPosobiec]

18 years ago, only one Duke student went on mainstream media to defend the Duke lacrosse players

His name is Stephen Miller

[Benny Johnson @bennyjohnson]

Two Louisiana brothers have been charged in connection with an alleged $1.7 MILLION Hamas fundraising network disguised as humanitarian aid for Gaza.

Federal prosecutors say Abdel Adhami, 35, contributed roughly $94,000 and Omar Adhami, 33, contributed about $11,000 to the network.

The operation allegedly collected more than $1.7 million since 2020, including at least $626,000 from U.S.-based donors.

Prosecutors say the brothers used multiple Snapchat accounts to push propaganda and solicit donations.

[Collin Rugg @CollinRugg]

NEW: Kentucky bourbon maker Wes Henderson accused of secretly recording guests at his $19 million castle hotel having s*x and undressing.

Henderson, a Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame member, is accused of being in possession of or viewing material portraying a s*xual performance by a minor.

According to a lawsuit, family members claim 15 hidden cameras were found recording in the house.

When the family members reviewed the videos, they allegedly saw themselves in intimate acts, undressing, and using the restroom.

The lawsuit claims that 40 people were recorded without them knowing.

"The cameras also captured the defendant, Wes Henderson, having s*x with other women (not his wife)," the lawsuit alleges.

"Upon information and belief, the cameras captured other adults having s*x..."

The footage also allegedly showed Henderson placing the cameras and pointing them towards the beds.

According to the lawsuit, Henderson also placed cameras "in various third parties' homes."

"After being confronted, and throughout the last 11 months, Wes Henderson has frequently apologized for his actions and requested forgiveness through several text messages to multiple members of his family," the filing says.

Henderson is a Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame member and is the founder of Angel’s Envy. The company was sold to Bacardi for $150 million in 2015.

[Sienna🦋🇺🇸 @Dandelion_x9]

The Cornell University gang rape case has escalated, with New York Governor Kathy Hochul stating on March 2nd that she has deep doubts about the completeness of the initial investigation and has lost confidence in the district attorney. She has appointed Attorney General Letitia James to conduct an independent investigation and, if necessary, file criminal charges. The university's handling of the case has also angered students and parents, who will hold a demonstration at the campus clock tower on March 5th.

Students gather at the university's famous clock tower to demonstrate on March 5th.

The Cornell University fraternity sexual assault case has sparked public outrage, and students will hold a demonstration at the university's iconic clock tower on March 5th. (Reporter...) A Cornell University fraternity sexual assault case has sparked outrage, with students planning a demonstration at the school's iconic clock tower on the 5th. (Photo by reporter Zhang Zongzhi) A former Cornell student filed a civil lawsuit in federal court this September, accusing her of being drugged and sexually assaulted by multiple men in October 2024 at the Cornell Chi Phi fraternity premises while lacking or being able to give valid consent. The lawsuit names seven current or former Cornell students as defendants. The woman, using the pseudonym Jane, is one of the defendants. Doe's female student alleges that the school concealed crucial details during the initial handling of the case.

Hotch criticized the district attorney for failing to interview the woman or obtain a complete interview transcript. She pointed out that the woman clearly stated to the school police that she was 100% certain she had been raped, but this statement was not included in the school police's report to the prosecutor. Why didn't the police fully report such a serious allegation to the prosecutor?

Janice James: Will Prosecute If Evidence is Sufficient

Janice James stated that her office will conduct a full investigation, including interviewing witnesses, and will prosecute if sufficient evidence is found. Hotch, in announcing her appointment, also indicated that James could submit the evidence gathered during the investigation to a grand jury. Hotch further stated that she will cooperate with the state legislature to address loopholes in state law regarding intoxication, consent to sexual activity, and the determination of sexual assault.

Sophia Dasser, editor of The Cornell Daily Sun, a student newspaper that continues to follow the case, is also involved. On September 29, Dasser published an open letter criticizing the university for only explaining the disciplinary actions after the woman filed a complaint, the criminal investigation was reopened, and national media attention focused on the case. She wrote, "Reporting on the case doesn't make the victim more unsafe; silence does."

Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten reopened the investigation on September 28, stating he would review new information in the complaint. He defended his previous decision not to prosecute, arguing that the woman's statement in November 2024 did not mention being drugged against her will or gang-raped; instead, she described the drugging and sexual activity as voluntary, conscious, and consenting. He also stated that the woman's lawyer had not previously contacted him regarding the discrepancies between her police report and the complaint.

The university stated that some students have already been disciplined or expelled. Under pressure from the public and politicians such as Hoch, Cornell University agreed on September 30 to hire outside lawyers for an independent review. How the university handled the allegations: The university stated that after receiving a report in 2024, it publicly announced an investigation, condemned the alleged conduct, suspended fraternity activities indefinitely, and established a task force to study prevention of campus sexual assault. The internal investigation, which lasted several months, resulted in disciplinary action or expulsion of some students, but the university did not release details citing student privacy regulations.

The Cornell University Student Union passed a resolution demanding that university leaders provide a "frank and transparent" account of their initial handling of the case.

Student Union President Eeshaan Chaudhuri said, "The point of this isn't just about getting justice for a single victim; the real solution is to fundamentally change a certain campus culture." According to the victim, she reported the incident to the campus police two years ago. However, the Tompkins County District Attorney's Office decided not to prosecute the men involved, all of whom are fraternity members.

This controversy has also spilled over off-campus. Hundreds of Cornell alumni announced in a letter to university officials that they would suspend "unrestricted donations" until Cornell publicly explains its internal investigation.

Several students stated that they plan to participate in a protest on October 5th at a school event... A demonstration was held beneath the Bell Tower.

This scandal has once again brought student social organizations like fraternities and sororities, deeply rooted in prestigious American universities, into the spotlight. These student groups, often with names containing two or three Greek letters, frequently host gatherings and parties associated with alcohol, drugs, and various unspoken rules.

#IAmJaneDoeSpreadsRapidlyOnline

As this on-campus sexual assault case at Cornell University resurfaced, the hashtag "#IAmJaneDoe" began to spread rapidly on social media.

[Sienna🦋🇺🇸 @Dandelion_x9]

SpaceX launched its Dragon spacecraft for NASA on July 1st, carrying out its 13th crewed mission (Crew-13). Mission commander Jessica Watkins led a three-male crew, docking with the International Space Station in just eight hours, setting a new record for the fastest docking in U.S. space history. Watkins also became the first Black woman to command a spacecraft in space.

The SpaceX Dragon launch was delayed by three weeks due to a fuel system leak. Thick clouds initially covered the morning of launch, but the sky cleared, allowing for a successful launch.

The Crew-13 crew will stay on the space station for six months.

Watkins is a geologist who participated in NASA's Curiosity Mars rover program 10 years ago and spent six months on the space station in 2022.

The other three astronauts are all newcomers. Luke Delaney, an American, is a retired Marine Corps pilot; Sergey Teteryatnikov, a Russian cosmonaut, served as a submarine engineering engineer for many years; and Royal Canadian Air Force Colonel Joshua Kutryk, whose wife is due to give birth to their third child in late November, will be the fourth astronaut to give birth while in Earth orbit.

NASA Space Station Program Manager Dana Weigel promised on the eve of the Dragon spacecraft launch that he would do everything possible to ensure Kutryk could maintain contact with his family. NASA established a communication link for astronaut Mike Fincke, who was stationed on the space station, during his wife's childbirth in 2004. Five years later, astronaut Randy Bresnik also made a phone call from orbit to the hospital where his wife gave birth; he will be the commander of the Artemis 3 mission next year.

The Crew-13 crew will replace the four astronauts who have been stationed at the orbiting laboratory since February. They stated that the mission name is a tribute to their predecessors, Apollo 13.

SpaceX has recently enjoyed a string of successes. Three hours after Crew-13's launch, SpaceX launched a Falcon rocket from California, sending more than 100 microsatellites into space. Another Falcon rocket launched late on March 1st from Florida, sending a classified satellite belonging to the National Reconnaissance Office into orbit. In the same week, SpaceX's giant Starship spacecraft successfully entered orbit for the first time.

[Sienna🦋🇺🇸 @Dandelion_x9]

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated on February 2nd that a software glitch affecting some Boeing 737 MAX aircraft does not pose a safety threat.

The FAA stated that after a comprehensive inspection, an FAA safety expert panel determined that the software issue in some Boeing 737 MAX models does not constitute a safety hazard, "because pilots still have full control of the aircraft and provide clear and unambiguous instructions to the crew."

According to US media reports, Boeing recently discovered a software problem in some of its 737 MAX models during landing. This problem forces the autopilot system to switch to a less automated mode for pitch control, increasing the workload for the crew compared to the standard mode.

The FAA stated that it will issue a special bulletin to airlines, guiding them on how to identify and respond to this issue.

United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and several other airlines have issued statements indicating that they will not use any aircraft equipped with the defective software.

According to a CNBC report, the software issue could affect the airworthiness certification of the Boeing 737 MAX 10. The 737 MAX 10 is the largest model in the MAX series and the only one yet to receive airworthiness certification. Boeing previously expected the aircraft to receive certification this fall.

[Melody Wright @m3_melody]

🚨September Listings for Sale (FRED/Realtor)

As discussed - inventory accelerating again

🆙5.41% YoY & 1.89% MoM compared to 3.60% YoY and 1.22% MoM in Aug

Avg increase from Aug to Sept since 2017: 0.66%

Median list price down -1.35% YoY vs -1.28% last month

[Sienna🦋🇺🇸 @Dandelion_x9]

American tech billionaire Elon Musk will officially return to the Trump administration as an advisor, co-leading the Pentagon's future warfare research program. Musk and Trump publicly clashed last year, but their relationship appears to have warmed, with Musk frequently seen at the White House again.

According to AFP, Musk previously served as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), spearheading massive layoffs in the U.S. federal government, before leaving in May of last year.

U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking at Quantico military base on the 30th of last month, stated that Project Meridian will be led by "America's finest talents to conduct research on future warfare."

Musk will co-lead Project Meridian with Palmer Luckey, 34, co-founder of defense technology company Anduril Industries, and Newt Gingrich, 83, former Republican Speaker of the House.

Herses stated that he has instructed the Meridian Project to complete and submit its research findings within 120 days.

Musk's companies are already prime contractors for the Pentagon, including SpaceX, which is responsible for building the satellite network for President Donald Trump's Golden Dome missile defense system.

His artificial intelligence (AI) company, xAI, also signed an agreement this year with the U.S. military, allowing the military to use the Grok chatbot developed by xAI on classified systems.

In 2024, Musk expressed his support for Trump and his willingness to help him return to the White House, but the two later publicly clashed over Trump's spending bills. However, they reconciled afterward, and Musk has resumed frequent appearances at the White House, though more discreetly than before.

Musk sat next to Trump during a lunch with AI industry leaders on the 29th of last month. Musk and other tech leaders signed a voluntary AI safety agreement that Trump described as "ethically binding."

Musk attended a state dinner hosted by Trump for Chinese President Xi Jinping last week; he also traveled with Trump on Air Force One during Trump's state visit to China in May as a member of the business delegation.

Musk has also resumed donating to Republican-related individuals and groups. According to filings with the Federal Election Commission, he has donated at least $90 million for the November midterm elections.

[eCoins.com @eCoins]

The Trump $1 Coin recently released and sold out at the U.S. Mint. eCoins has a limited supply available.

[Ken Ashley @kenashley]

Toured office space with a large requirement today. Love seeing how landlords try to differentiate their assets.

These pictures are from our stop at a Highwoods, Atlanta asset. They are a first-class shop!

Chips with dip, margaritas, and hot tacos- along with a lot of swag! Appreciate the hospitality @HighwoodsProp

Let’s go!

[jimmy dean @jimmydean197]

This is an active VRBO in Eagle Crest Resort and they aren't even receiving bites $85k below what they paid in 2021. We are absolutely headed for full mean reversion.

Active $525,000 03/25/26 OLP $549,900
Sold $609,500 11/05/21 OLP $590,000

[Matt | The Mini-Retirement Maximalist @TheMattViera]

What's stopping you from buying 39.6 acres in Wyoming and going off-grid?