New fencing around the playground outside Sto-Rox Primary Center in McKees Rocks approved in light of incident of non-verbal five-year-old boy with autism leaving recess there before he was found safe

(Photo Courtesy of the Allegheny County Police Department)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(McKees Rocks, PA) School board members from the Sto-Rox School District have recently approved fencing that is new around the playground outside Sto-Rox Primary Center in McKees Rocks. One reason this approval was made is because on September 2nd, 2025, a non-verbal five-year-old boy with autism walked away from recess outside Sto-Rox Primary Center in their playground area, which caused a big search before he was found later that day. Within the next month is when the new fencing will be installed and just more than $16,500 is what it will cost to install that new fencing. Sto-Rox School District officials confirm that the five-year-old boy who escaped from recess outside the Sto-Rox Primary Center on September 2nd2025 is doing well and is back in school. Two people are also going to be watching the kids during recess at Sto-Rox Primary Center instead of one.

A spur restriction on I-376 Beaver Valley Expressway in Potter Township will occur, weather permitting

(File Photo of Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Potter Township, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that on Monday, September 29th and Tuesday, September 30th, weather permitting, a spur restriction on I-376 (Beaver Valley Expressway) in Potter Township will occur. From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on those two days, a closure of the spur from eastbound I-376 to southbound Route 18 (Frankfort Road) at the Monaca/Shippingport (Exit 39) interchange will occur as crews from Lindy Paving will conduct milling and base repair operations there. Traffic from the ramp will be directed to keep going straight to the traffic light and then turn right onto Route 18. A single-lane closure on southbound Route 18 will also occur in the area of the spur on Monday and Tuesday if weather permits. 

Pittsburgh’s “jock tax” on visiting athletes, performers at publicly funded stadiums shot down

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – People stand on the field in Acrisure Stadium before an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Seattle Seahawks in Pittsburgh, Sept. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pittsburgh’s so-called jock tax, which levies a 3% tax on income earned by visiting athletes and performers at publicly funded stadiums, discriminates against nonresidents, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

City residents who play or perform at the stadiums pay a 1% tax on income, plus a 2% school district tax. The city argued that the net effect of the taxing scheme was therefore the same. However, the high court, like lower courts who first heard the case, disagreed, noting that nonresident workers are not subject to the school tax.

“The city does not provide concrete reasons that would justify taxing nonresident athletes and entertainers more than resident athletes and entertainers,” Justice David N. Wecht wrote for the seven-member court. The decision was unanimous, although the judges were divided in their reasoning.

The ruling, which echoed those issued by lower courts in the case, is expected to cost the city millions in lost revenue. The city had collected $2.6 million from the tax so far in 2025, a mayoral spokesperson said.

“This decision will further shift the cost burden of essential city services onto our residents, while reducing the responsibility of performers and professional athletes to contribute to covering the significant costs associated with large public events,” Olga George, a spokesperson for Mayor Ed Gainey, said in an email.

The judges, though, noted that state lawmakers authorized the tax in the early 2000s not to offset the cost of stadium construction but to boost the city’s strained finances.

The plaintiffs include former Pittsburgh Penguin Scott Wilson; Kyle Palmieri of the New York Islanders; former baseball player Jeff Francoeur; and the players’ associations of the National Hockey League, National Football League and Major League Baseball.

Man who fired on ICE facility in Dallas, Texas hated United States government, sought to kill federal agents, officials say

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Joseph Rothrock, special agent in charge, FBI Dallas, responds to questions during a news conference at a U.S. Attorney’s office Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

DALLAS (AP) — The gunman who opened fire on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas hated the U.S. government and wanted to incite terror by killing federal agents, officials said Thursday, offering the first hint of a motive in the attack.

Citing handwritten notes found at his suburban home, authorities said 29-year-old Joshua Jahn set out to ambush the agency and then fatally shot himself following the assault.

The shooting at daybreak Wednesday targeted the ICE office building, including a van in a gated entryway that held detainees. One detainee was killed, and two others were critically wounded. No ICE personnel were hurt.

Jahn “specifically intended to kill ICE agents,” firing at vehicles carrying ICE personnel, federal agents and detainees. “He also fired multiple shots in the windows of the office building where numerous ICE employees do their jobs every day,” said Joseph Rothrock, agent in charge of the FBI’s Dallas field office.”

Jahn’s notes indicated “that he did not expect to survive this event,” Rothrock said. “He wanted to cause terror.”

The gunman, who authorities said fired indiscriminately from a nearby rooftop, was involved in a “high degree of pre-attack planning,” FBI Director Kash Patel said on the social platform X.

Patel quoted a note that said: “Hopefully this will give ICE agents real terror, to think, is there a sniper with AP rounds on that roof?” The note used an apparent abbreviation for armor-piercing bullets.

The attack happened as heightened immigration enforcement has generated a backlash against ICE agents and stirred fear in immigrant communities across the country.

The assailant appeared to have acted alone. Nancy Larson, the acting U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Texas, said investigators discovered the notes at Jahn’s residence. Another note said, “Yes, it was just me.” Other notes were sharply critical of ICE agents and indicated he hoped to avoid hurting any detainees.

Investigators have not found that the gunman was a member of any particular group or entity, Larson said. And while he broadly wrote about hatred of the federal government, he did not mention any federal agencies other than ICE, she said.

The gunman had also downloaded a document titled “Dallas County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management” containing a list of Homeland Security facilities, Patel said.

Hours before the shooting, the assailant conducted multiple internet searches for ballistics information and video of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on a Utah university campus this month, Patel said. Last month, the man searched for apps that tracked the presence of ICE agents, he added.

On Wednesday, Patel posted a photo on social media showing a bullet found at the scene with “ANTI-ICE” written on it. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ordered more security at ICE facilities across the U.S., according to a post by the DHS on X.

Shooter arrived before dawn with a ladder

The ICE facility is along Interstate 35 East, just southwest of Dallas Love Field, a large airport serving the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, and blocks from hotels.

Jahn was seen driving into the area about 3 a.m. with a large ladder on top of his vehicle, Larson said. The ladder is believed to have been used to climb to the roof of a nearby building.

The gunfire started around 6:30 a.m., Larson said. Shots were sprayed along the length of the ICE facility, into the windows and into the van, she said.

Jahn legally obtained the bolt-action rifle used in the shooting in August, Rothrock said.

He “also acknowledged the potential for other casualties,” Rothrock said. “He knew with a high likelihood ICE detainees would be transported that morning in the exact location where he was facing from his perch” atop the roof.

Following ICE procedures, the detainees were restrained inside the van, said Marcos Charles, field office director of enforcement and removal operations for ICE.

“Under gunfire, multiple federal agents ran into that fire to remove these individuals and to attempt to render lifesaving aid under the most dire circumstances,” Rothrock said.

Authorities have not released the names of the victims.

Who was the gunman?

Noah Jahn described his brother as “unique” and told NBC News that the anti-ICE messages were surprising.

“He didn’t have strong feelings about ICE as far as I knew,” Noah Jahn said. “He wasn’t interested in politics on either side as far as I knew.”

He said the two grew up about 30 miles away in Allen, Texas, and that his brother took an interest in coding but was unemployed. Noah Jahn said he last saw his brother two weeks ago at their parents’ house and that nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

A spokesperson for Collin College in nearby McKinney, said via email that a Joshua Jahn studied there “at various times” between 2013 and 2018.

In late 2017, Jahn drove cross-country to work a minimum-wage job harvesting marijuana for several months, said Ryan Sanderson, owner of a legal cannabis farm in Washington state.

ICE has been targeted elsewhere

Noem noted a recent uptick in targeting of ICE agents.

On July 4, attackers in black, military-style clothing opened fire outside the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, southwest of Dallas, federal prosecutors said. One police officer was wounded. At least 11 people have been charged in connection with the attack.

Days later, a man with an assault rifle fired dozens of rounds at federal agents leaving a Border Patrol facility in McAllen. The man, identified as Ryan Louis Mosqueda, injured a responding police officer before authorities shot and killed him.

Anthony “Chay” Pantaleo (Passed on September 22nd, 2025)

Anthony “Chay” Pantaleo, 58, of Monaca, passed away on September 22nd, 2025, because of a car accident. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was born in Aliquippa and was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Eleanor Marie Pantaleo, his nephews, Anthony “ Munchie” Pantaleo and Nicolas “Peanut” Pantaleo and his brother-in-law, Dennis Kilburn. Family was the cornerstone of Anthony’s life. He is survived by his beloved wife, Shannon (Kilburn) Pantaleo, his daughter, Kirstin Pantaleo, and his stepson, Brandon Peace. His pets, Toffee, Dipstick and Victoria, also held a special place in his heart. He was also a loving brother to Thereasa, Loraine, Annamarie (James) Fairman, Vincent ‘Jimmy’ (Joyce), and John Pantaleo, who also survive him. He was a great uncle loved by his many nieces and nephews and a caring son-in-law to Barbara Kilburn, who also survive him. His departure from this world leaves a void that can never be filled, yet his spirit and legacy will forever be celebrated. He grew up in the close-knit community of Aliquippa and carried the town’s values of hard work and camaraderie throughout his life. Anthony was a graduate of Aliquippa High School and he went on to obtain his CDL license. His entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly as he co-owned A.P. Painting with his long-time friend Billy Spooner, where his sharp wit and intelligence made him a mentor and friend to many. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Pittsburgh sports teams and his love for classic cars was evident, with his 1967 Impala SS being his pride and joy. Known as the “soup master,” he also had a knack for classic video games and a penchant for shopping and taking long drives with his buddy, Harvey. His interests were as diverse as his personality. He enjoyed his breakfast routines at Yianni’s, grabbing Mac donuts before school and indulging in late-night snacks at Applebee’s. His daughter Kirstin always sought his advice, especially on fashion. His playful assurance that he was “just 20 minutes away,” became a fondly-teased quirk among friends and family. His generosity knew no bounds. Whether feeding the ducks with day-old Nickles bread, sharing the beauty of the fall leaves, or providing a sweet treat for every occasion, he made sure nobody ever left his home hungry or without leftovers. His “just because” surprises showed how deeply he cared, always ensuring that those in his company felt loved and taken care of. His humor, often laced with sarcasm, was a sign of affection, and if he joked with you, it was because you were loved. As a child, unable to pronounce his own name, he called himself ‘An Chay’, a moniker that stuck. He had a connection for everything and a solution for every problem, always ready to extend a helping hand. His life was a testament to love, laughter, and loyalty. His legacy, like his humor, will forever shine brighter than any rainy day, leaving us with cherished memories and lessons learned. He was a funny and intelligent man.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday, September 28th from 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a blessing service will be held on Monday, September 29th at 10 A.M., with Father Gilbert from Mary, Queen of Saints Parish officiating. Interment will follow in Mt Olivet Catholic Cemetery, 2186 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa. A luncheon will immediately follow at St. John the Baptist Church Hall, 1409 Pennsylvania Avenue, Monaca.

Please wear Pittsburgh Steelers attire on Sunday.

To leave an online condolence, view his video tribute, add photos or get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

Fellow officers recall courage, devotion of 3 Pennsylvania detectives killed in ambush

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Officers salute during a procession for slain Northern York County Regional Police detectives Cody Michael Becker, Mark Edward Baker and Isaiah Emenheiser, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, in Red Lion, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

RED LION, Pa. (AP) — Three Pennsylvania detectives shot to death last week while attempting to arrest a stalking suspect were remembered at their funeral Thursday as exemplary officers and devoted family men.

The service for Northern York County Regional Police detectives Cody Michael Becker, Mark Edward Baker and Isaiah Emenheiser was held more than a week after they were ambushed by a man who had been inside the home of a woman he was accused of stalking.

“They were gentle, they were kind,” Northern Regional Chief David L. Lash recalled in a eulogy. “They confronted some of the most evil human behaviors imaginable. And not only did they face those challenges, they did so while holding fast to faith, compassion and uncompromising honor.”

Hundreds of police officers were on hand to mourn them at Living Word Community Church in Red Lion in southeastern Pennsylvania after a motorcade brought their flag-draped caskets from a funeral home.

Lash called the three “the best of us. Their sacrifice is a solemn reminder of the cost of service but also the courage required to stand in the face of darkness.”

Autopsy results released this week indicated that all three officers died of multiple gunshot wounds.

A prosecutor said the stalking suspect, 24-year-old Matthew James Ruth, fired on the officers as they opened the door to the woman’s home. Two other officers were seriously wounded. York County District Attorney Tim Barker said he believes Ruth, who died in an exchange of gunfire, had planned to ambush the woman he was accused of stalking.

Becker, 39, a resident of Spring Grove, had been a star multisport athlete in high school. Baker, 53, who lived in Dover, was a computer forensics investigation specialist. Emenheiser, 43, of York, was called a perfectionist with dreams of opening a gym.

Becker served as sergeant of detectives and had been on the Northern Regional force for 16 years. His obituary recounted how in 2010 he climbed to the second story of a burning building to catch children who were escaping through a window. He is survived by a wife and two children. A second service, a public funeral for Becker, will be held Sunday at Spring Grove Area High School in Spring Grove.

“Cody, I looked up to you,” said Northern Regional Cpl. Steven Lebo during Thursday’s service, calling Becker his best friend. “I envied you, I wanted nothing more than to retire together when our time at Northern Regional was complete.”

Baker, a U.S. Army veteran, spent three years with the Philadelphia Police Department before he joined Northern Regional in 2004, first as a patrol officer and then in computer forensics. He had been a detective for 15 years. He was an Eagle Scout and an adult Scouting leader. Survivors include a wife and four children; a fifth child predeceased him.

His daughter, Rebecca Lynn Baker, called him courageous, fearless, kind and compassionate, a devoted father who once showed up in pajamas when she ran out of gasoline late at night coming home from a beach trip.

“As important and prominent as his career was, his love for his family could not be touched,” she said, adding that he “took great pride in helping wherever and whenever he could.”

Emenheiser was a York College criminal justice graduate and served in the U.S. Secret Service before being hired by Northern Regional. He made 104 DUI arrests in 2010 and was named officer of the year, among other professional honors over two decades with the department.

In 2005, Emenheiser broke a window in a burning mobile home in Thomasville and carried a man to safety. Emenheiser’s interests included fitness, home renovations and coaching youth soccer. His surviving family includes a wife and two children.

Northern Regional Sgt. Andrew Miller told mourners how Emenheiser made a point to help mentor him while Miller was an intern. He got to know Emenheiser even better while when they worked overnight shifts together.

“To see someone come to work every day and perform to the best of their abilities, year after year after year, is truly amazing,” Miller recalled.

Loretta Mae Malack (1943-2025)

Loretta Mae Malack, 82, of South Beaver Township and Beaver Falls, passed away peacefully on September 17th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, following a valiant battle with cancer.

She was born in California on May 25th, 1943, the daughter of the late Hersel and Carolina (Hertzler) Keister. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, Joseph Malack and her brother, Carl Keister. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Joyce (Robert Jr.) Strickler, her loving granddaughter, Brienne (Josh) Krut, three cherished great grandchildren: Celeste, Davina, and Killian, her brothers, Robert (Sereta) Keister, Harold (Linda Ierace) Keister and Dale (Bob Salvadori) Keister, a special “birthday-twin” niece, Tara, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Loretta spent her life selflessly, being there in times of need for her family. Her legacy was most importantly known as a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  Her granddaughter and great-grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she cherished every precious moment she spent with them. Loretta loved traveling with her husband, family and friends. She would never miss an opportunity to enjoy a night out with family and friends at the casino.

Loretta’s wishes for cremation will be honored and a private memorial gathering will be held for family.

Memorial contributions in Loretta’s honor may be directed to the American Cancer Society, donate.cancer.org.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to provide care and guidance to Loretta’s family during this most difficult time and was in charge of her arrangements.

Man who opened fire on ICE facility in Dallas, Texas hoped attack would give agents “real terror,” FBI says

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FBI agents investigate the crime scene near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

DALLAS (AP) — The gunman who opened fire on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas, killing a detainee and critically wounding two others, left behind a note saying that he hoped the attack would “give ICE agents real terror,” the FBI director said Thursday.

The post by Kash Patel on the social platform X offered the first hint of a motive behind the shooting on Wednesday that targeted the ICE building, including a van in a gated entryway. The detainees were in the van. No ICE personnel were wounded.

The assailant, who authorities said fired indiscriminately from a nearby rooftop, was involved in a “high degree of pre-attack planning,” Patel said, and agents have seized electronic devices, handwritten notes and other evidence from a Dallas-area home.

“One of the handwritten notes recovered read, ‘Hopefully this will give ICE agents real terror, to think, is there a sniper with AP rounds on that roof?’” Patel wrote, quoting an apparent abbreviation for armor-piercing bullets.

The gunman had also downloaded a document titled “Dallas County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management” containing a list of Homeland Security facilities, Patel said.

Hours before the shooting, the assailant conducted multiple internet searches for ballistics information and video of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on a Utah university campus this month, Patel said. Last month, the man searched for apps that tracked the presence of ICE agents, he added.

Joshua Jahn, 29, was identified as the shooter by a law enforcement official who could not publicly disclose details of the investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

On Wednesday, Patel posted a photo on social media showing a bullet found at the scene with “ANTI-ICE” written on it. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ordered more security at ICE facilities across the U.S., according to a post by the DHS on X.

The attack was the latest high-profile targeted killing in the U.S. It happened two weeks after Kirk was killed by a shooter on the roof of a building at Utah Valley University and as heightened immigration enforcement has prompted a backlash against ICE agents and fear in immigrant communities.

The American Immigration Lawyers Association called the shootings “a stark reminder that behind every immigration case number is a human being deserving of dignity, safety and respect.”

“Whether they are individuals navigating the immigration process, public servants carrying out their duties, or professionals working within the system, all deserve to be free from violence and fear,” the group said in a statement.

FBI says attack was ‘act of targeted violence’

Authorities have given few details about the shooting and did not publicly release the names of the victims. The FBI said it was investigating the shooting as “an act of targeted violence.”

The gunman used a bolt-action rifle, according to a law enforcement official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Edwin Cardona, an immigrant from Venezuela, said he was entering the ICE building with his son for an appointment around 6:20 a.m. when he heard gunshots. An agent took people who were inside to a more secure area and said there was an active shooter.

“I was afraid for my family, because my family was outside. I felt terrible, because I thought something could happen to them,” Cardona said, adding that they were later reunited.

The ICE facility is along Interstate 35 East, just southwest of Dallas Love Field, a large airport serving the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, and blocks from hotels.

Who was the gunman?

Hours after the shooting, FBI agents gathered at a home in suburban Fairview, outside Dallas, that public records link to Jahn.

The house sits on a tree-lined cul-de-sac in a neighborhood dotted with one- and two-story brick homes. The street was blocked by a police vehicle, and officials wearing FBI jackets could be seen in the front yard.

A spokesperson for Collin College in nearby McKinney, said via email that a Joshua Jahn studied there “at various times” between 2013 and 2018.

In late 2017, Jahn drove cross-country to work a minimum-wage job harvesting marijuana for several months, said Ryan Sanderson, owner of a legal cannabis farm in Washington state.

“He’s a young kid, a thousand miles from home, didn’t really seem to have any direction, living out of his car at such a young age,” Sanderson told the AP.

Calls for an end to political violence

Shortly after the shooting and before officials said at least one victim was a detainee, Vice President JD Vance posted on X that “the obsessive attack on law enforcement, particularly ICE, must stop.”

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, who represents Texas, continued in that direction, calling for an end to political violence.

The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, an advocacy group, said the shootings are “a heartbreaking reminder of the violence and fear that too often touch the lives of migrants and the communities where they live.”

Noem says ICE agents have been targeted

Noem noted a recent uptick in targeting of ICE agents.

On July 4, attackers in black, military-style clothing opened fire outside the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, southwest of Dallas, federal prosecutors said. One police officer was wounded. At least 11 people have been charged in connection with the attack.

Days later, a man with an assault rifle fired dozens of rounds at federal agents leaving a Border Patrol facility in McAllen. The man, identified as Ryan Louis Mosqueda, injured a responding police officer before authorities shot and killed him.

In suburban Chicago, federal authorities erected a fence around an immigration processing center after tensions flared with protesters. President Donald Trump’s administration has stepped up immigration enforcement in the Chicago area, resulting in hundreds of arrests.

Dozens of immigration field offices across the country house administrative employees and are used for people summoned for check-in appointments and to process people arrested before they are transferred to long-term detention centers. They are not designed to hold people in custody.

Security varies by location, with some in federal buildings and others mixed with private businesses, said John Torres, a former acting director of the agency and former head of what is now called its enforcement and removals division.

Amazon to pay $2.5 billion to settle FTC allegations it duped customers into enrolling in Prime

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – An Amazon Prime driver makes a delivery outside an apartment building in Pittsburgh, March 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

SEATTLE (AP) — Amazon has reached a historic $2.5 billion settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, which said the online retail giant tricked customers into signing up for its Prime memberships and made it difficult for them to cancel after doing so.

The Seattle company will pay $1 billion in civil penalties — the largest fine in the agency’s history — and $1.5 billion will be paid back to consumers who were unintentionally enrolled in Prime, or were deterred from canceling their subscriptions, the agency said Thursday.

The surprise settlement comes just days after the trial began in U.S. District Court in Seattle this week. At the heart of the case is the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act, a 2010 law designed to ensure that people know what they’re being charged for online.

FTC officials said Amazon had its back against the wall and the consumer refund amount exceeded even the agency’s expert projections.

“I think it just took a few days for them to see that they were going to lose. And they came to us and they paid out,” said Chris Mufarrige, director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection, on the settlement negotiations.

Amazon, however, said it was confident it would win case but that it chose to resolve it quickly instead of going through potentially years of trial and appeals. The company admitted no wrongdoing in the case, which was first filed two years ago.

“Amazon and our executives have always followed the law and this settlement allows us to move forward and focus on innovating for customers,” said spokesman Mark Blafkin in a statement. “We work incredibly hard to make it clear and simple for customers to both sign up or cancel their Prime membership, and to offer substantial value for our many millions of loyal Prime members around the world.”

Certain Prime customers who are eligible for automatic refunds of up to $51 include those who may have signed up for a membership via the company’s “Single Page Checkout,” among other links, between June 23, 2019, to June 23, 2025. Those customers will be reimbursed within 90 days of the settlement order.

Amazon is also on the hook to set up a claims process for more than 30 million customers who may have been affected by the other issues at the heart of the FTC case, including its cancellation process.

Amazon Prime provides subscribers with perks that include faster shipping, video streaming and discounts at Whole Foods for a fee of $139 annually, or $14.99 a month.

It’s a key and growing part of Amazon’s business, with more than 200 million members. In its latest financial report, the company reported in July that it booked more than $12 billion in net revenue for subscription services, a 12% increase from the same period last year. That figure includes annual and monthly fees associated with Prime memberships, as well as other subscription services such as its music and e-books platforms.

The FTC said Amazon deliberately made it difficult for customers to purchase an item without also subscribing to Prime. In some cases, consumers were presented with a button to complete their transactions — which did not clearly state it would also enroll them in Prime, the agency said.

Getting out of a subscription was often too complicated, and Amazon leadership slowed or rejected changes that would have made canceling easier, according to an FTC complaint.

Internally, Amazon called the process “Iliad,” a reference to the ancient Greek poem about the lengthy siege of Troy during the Trojan war. The process requires the customer to affirm on three pages their desire to cancel membership.

The FTC began looking into Amazon’s Prime subscription practices in 2021 during the first Trump administration, but the lawsuit was filed in 2023 under former FTC Chair Lina Khan, an antitrust expert who had been appointed by Biden.

The agency filed the case months before it submitted an antitrust lawsuit against the retail and technology company, accusing it of having monopolistic control over online markets.

As part of the settlement terms, Amazon is prohibited from misrepresenting the terms of the subscriptions. It must fully disclose the costs to be incurred and obtain the customer’s express consent for the charge. For example, it must have a clear option for customers to accept or decline a Prime subscription being offered during a purchase, avoiding potentially confusing language such as: “No thanks, I don’t want free shipping.”

Automatic renewals for memberships must be clearly marked and the company is also required to use a cancellation process, which “must not be difficult, costly, confusing or time consuming,” according to the settlement.

Amazon said the settlement doesn’t require it to make any additional changes — only to maintain its current sign-up and cancellation process that it had put in place in recent years.

Vikings and Steelers will clash in Dublin for first NFL regular-season game in Ireland

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws a pass against the New England Patriots during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

(AP) The Minnesota Vikings and the Pittsburgh Steelers will play the NFL’s first regular-season game in Ireland when the two teams meet at Croke Park in Dublin. The Steelers have deep ties to Ireland. The Rooney family, which has owned the club since its inception more than 90 years ago, traces its roots to Newry in Northern Ireland. Both teams come in with 2-1 records. Minnesota blew out Cincinnati last week thanks to an opportunistic defense and solid play by backup quarterback Carson Wentz. Pittsburgh held off New England last week but knows it needs to play better going forward.

Minnesota (2-1) vs. Pittsburgh (2-1) in Dublin, Ireland

Sunday 9:30 a.m. EDT, NFL Network

BetMGM NFL Odds: Vikings by 2 1/2

Against the spread: Vikings 2-1; Steelers 1-2

Series record: Patriots lead 19-16

Last meeting: Patriots beat Steelers 21-18 in Pittsburgh on Dec. 7, 2023.

Last week: Vikings beat Cincinnati 48-10 at home; Steelers beat New England 21-14 in Foxborough, Mass.

Vikings offense: overall (28), rush (13), pass (30), scoring (6).

Vikings defense: overall (6), rush (22), pass (3), scoring (9).

Steelers offense: overall (30), rush (31), pass (24), scoring (12).

Steelers defense: overall (28), rush (26), pass (26), scoring (22).

Turnover differential: Vikings plus-2; Steelers plus-5.

Vikings player to watch

CB Isaiah Rodgers. The first player in Vikings history with two defensive touchdowns in a game, Rodgers led the romp over the Bengals by scoring on an 87-yard interception return and a 66-yard fumble return in the first half. He added two forced fumbles and two pass breakups.

Steelers player to watch

DT Cam Heyward. The 15-year veteran raised eyebrows by staging a “hold in” during training camp in hopes of getting a raise. Whatever rust — and ill-will — he might have had to brush off is now long gone. Heyward had one of the best games of his stellar career against the Patriots, picking up a sack, forcing a fumble and deflecting a pass that ended up in the hands of teammate Brandon Echols in the end zone to cut short a New England drive.

Key matchup

Steelers CB Jalen Ramsey vs. Minnesota WR Justin Jefferson. With Pittsburgh’s new-look secondary expected to return to full strength for the first time since Week 1, Ramsey — who has been working in various roles, including safety — can return to his main job of matching up with the opponent’s top receiver. This week, that means taking on Jefferson, whose numbers have been modest (by his standards) through three games. That could change with fellow wideout Jordan Addison back following a three-game suspension, meaning Jefferson might see a little less double coverage and a lot of Ramsey.

Key injuries

Vikings: DT Javon Hargrave (chest/ribs) and OLB Andrew Van Ginkel (neck) were held out of practice on Wednesday, with the hope of ramping them up as the week unfolds. … QB J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is out again, with Carson Wentz filling in. Center Ryan Kelly (concussion) is on track to return after missing the previous game, but rookie left guard Donovan Jackson (wrist) is out. Two starters remain on short-term IR with hamstring strains: LB Blake Cashman and RB Aaron Jones.

Steelers: Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith (ankle) will miss his second straight game. Safety DeShon Elliott (knee) could be back after getting injured in the season opener three weeks ago. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring) could also return after sitting out the past two games.

Series notes

Pittsburgh leads the series 10-9, but the Vikings have won two of the past three meetings, including a 34-27 victory in 2013 in a game played in London. That was the second neutral site meeting between the two clubs. The first was 50 years ago in New Orleans when the Steelers won the first of their six Super Bowl titles by stopping Fran Tarkenton and the Purple People Eaters in a 16-6 victory. … Because the 2013 game in London and this one in Dublin were scheduled as home games for the Steelers, the Vikings will play a 23-season span with just one visit to Pittsburgh if the NFL scheduling formula remains the same. Their most recent road win against the Steelers was in 1995.

Stats and stuff

This is the first NFL regular-season game played in Ireland. Pittsburgh previously faced Chicago in a preseason game in Dublin in 1997. … The Steelers have deep ties to the Emerald Isle. The Rooney family emigrated to the United States from Newry, County Down. The late Dan Rooney, a longtime Steelers executive and Pro Football Hall of Famer, served as U.S. ambassador to Ireland from 2009 to 2012. … This is Pittsburgh’s eighth international game (including preseason). The Steelers are 3-4 all time when playing outside the United States. … Pittsburgh is looking for a second straight 3-1 start. … Minnesota is 4-0 in regular-season international games, all in London. … Wentz was 14 for 20 for 173 yards, two touchdowns, no turnovers and a 129.8 passer rating in his Vikings debut last week. … RB Jordan Mason had 116 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries last week, the first Vikings rusher with 100-plus yards and two-plus scores in a game since Dalvin Cook on Dec. 9, 2021, against the Steelers. … Vikings OLB Andrew Van Ginkel had his fourth multi-sack game last week in 19 games with the team. … The Vikings defense has seven forced fumbles, including one in each of the past two games by LB Eric Wilson. … Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers will make his 31st start against Minnesota, whom he saw at least twice a season while playing in Green Bay. Rodgers is 17-12-1 when facing the Vikings. Rodgers has passed for 59 touchdowns against Minnesota, his second-highest total against an opponent, trailing only Chicago (64). … Rodgers needs 16 completions to pass former Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger for sixth on the NFL’s completion list. Rodgers is at 5,425, with Roethlisberger just ahead at 5,440. … Pittsburgh has won two of its first three despite being outgained in every game. A leaky but opportunistic defense produced five takeaways last week against New England, including two in the end zone to win for the first time in Foxborough, Mass., since 2008. … Steelers LB TJ Watt ended a streak of seven straight games without a sack when he got to New England’s Drake Maye twice last week. Watt will play in his 125th regular-season game on Sunday. Watt’s 110 sacks through 124 games are third most all time. … Pittsburgh will be on a bye next week. The Steelers have won seven of their past eight pre-bye games. … Pittsburgh’s offense has struggled to move the ball at times but has taken advantage when in close. The Steelers have scored touchdowns on seven of their eight trips inside the opponent’s 20 (87.5%), the second-best touchdown rate in the league. … Pittsburgh’s offensive line, which allowed nine sacks through two games, didn’t let New England get to Rodgers once last week. … Steelers RB Jaylen Warren is starting to take control of the starting job. Warren has 54 touches through three games and had a career-best 18 carries last week against the Patriots.

Fantasy tip

Vikings K Will Reichard has made a 50-plus-yard field goal in each of his past seven regular-season games, the longest active streak in the NFL and the longest run in team history. He’s 6 for 6 on field goals and 7 for 7 on extra points this season. In four career outdoor games, the second-year player has not missed a kick: 5 for 5 on field goals and 12 for 12 on extra points.