June 2025

There were 1,837 posts published in June 2025 (this is page 27 of 184).

You Can Still Apply for Your Share of That $126 Million ‘Fortnite’ Settlement

In December of last year, the FTC issued a first round of payments in a 2022 settlement that required Fortnite maker Epic Games to refund $245 million to players. Now, the Commission is re-opening claims, with $126 million up for grabs. Even if you have to split that, the average sum for each impacted user in the last round of payments was $114, so this isn’t small potatoes. Here’s how to get your piece of the pie.

What did Epic Games do?

First, some history. Essentially, this all comes down to confusing UI. In 2022, after a legal battle with the Federal Trade Commission, Epic Games agreed to pay a total of $520 million in relief for an alleged violation of COPPA, or the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. The FTC accused the company of using “dark patterns” to trick users, especially children, into buying unwanted in-game items. These included button placements that might cause a user to accidentally buy an item they only intended to preview, or to accidentally click a hidden buy button while the game was loading. As a result, Epic agreed to adjust the game’s design to address these issues, as well as pay $275 million in penalties and $245 in refunds to players. It’s that latter sum that we’re concerned with today.

Who is eligible for a payment?

Even if you don’t play Fortnite yourself, you could be eligible for a payment. According to the FTC, any of the following groups of people can file a claim for their share of the settlement:

  • If you were charged in-game Fortnite currency for items you didn’t want between January 2017 and September 2022.

  • If your child made Fortnite charges for you without your knowledge between January 2017 and September 2022.

  • If your Fortnite account was locked between January 2017 and September 2022 following a complaint about wrongful charges.

Do I need to file a claim?

If you have not yet filed a claim, now is your chance. However, if you already filed before the previous deadline of February 14, no action is required on your part. Alongside opening up space for new claims, the FTC also announced that its second round of payments is already underway, with just under 970,000 checks or digital payments currently heading out to those who already filed a valid claim.

How do I file a claim?

To file a claim for the next round of payments, simply visit this page on the FTC site and click the Apply for a Refund button before the new deadline of July 9. You’ll need to be over 18 and supply your claim number or Epic Account ID, and then simply fill out if you would like to be paid via check or Paypal. If you already field a claim following the prior cutoff of Feb. 14, you don’t need to do anything right now—that claim will be applied to the next round of payments automatically. If you’re under 18, the FTC says a parent or guardian can file a claim on your behalf.

When can I expect my payment?

The FTC says the next round of payments should go out in 2026, after the Commission has reviewed and validated all claims. Checks will need to be cashed within 90 days, while PayPal payments will need to be accepted within 30 days.

Any questions can be sent to admin@fortniterefund.com or asked directly via 1-833-915-0880.

How to Speak With a Real Person at Target Customer Service

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The back-to-school summer shopping season is upon us, with major retailer sales like Prime Day rolling in, including Target’s Circle Week sale. If you’re here, you’ve likely had a hard time trying to get hold of someone with a conscience on the other line. It’s not easy, but here is the best way I found to get a real customer service representative from Target on the phone.

The best phone number for Target’s customer service department

If you Google Target’s customer service number, the first number you’ll see at the top of the search result is 1-800-440-0680. However, it’s hard or even impossible to reach a real person using that number. However, in my experience, if you call 1-800-591-3869, you can eventually reach a customer service agent.

If Target recognizes your phone number

The pre-recorded message will automatically pull up your last order from Target.com and ask if you need help with it. Regardless of why you’re calling, press 1 to confirm you need help with it. You’ll be given additional options to narrow down the reason for your call, but if you don’t select an option, Target will automatically connect you with a live agent on the phone who can help you with anything related to your account.

If Target doesn’t recognize your phone number

If your phone number isn’t automatically linked to your account, you’ll want to press 1 to enter your phone number. Once you do, Target will connect you with someone who will verify your information and send you an email verification. Once you finish that, that person will be able to help you answer questions regarding your account.

Unlike Amazon, there is no call-back service provided by Target, so calling yourself is the quickest way to get a hold of a real person.

Why You Shouldn’t Panic About Gemini’s Privacy Changes

This week, Google sent an email to some Gemini users outlining changes in how the AI chatbot will interact with other Android apps, including Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities. Initially, the message was interpreted to mean that Gemini would potentially have more access to user data, but it turns out the update may not actually threaten privacy—and could in fact be an improvement.

What’s changing with Gemini app permissions

The email states that Gemini will be able to “help you use” the above apps regardless of whether Gemini Apps Activity is enabled, though users can turn these features off in the Apps setting page. The update is set to roll out automatically beginning on July 7.

When Gemini Apps Activity is on, Google stores your Gemini history, including conversations with Gems and Gemini Live chats, in your Google account. Previously, if this setting was disabled, you weren’t able to use Messages, Phone, Utilities, or WhatsApp extensions in Gemini, meaning you had to allow Google to save and store your conversations if you wanted to take advantage of AI features.

The update appears to allow you to access Gemini’s functionality in these apps even if you have Gemini Apps Activity turned off, so you don’t lose anything by declining to have your chats stored and used in various ways.

It makes sense to have concerns about what engaging with AI means for your privacy. Earlier this month, we covered the nightmare that is Meta AI’s default data privacy settings, and we already know that your chatbot interactions are used not only to train and improve the models but may also be reviewed by humans. It’s also unlikely most users are actually reading privacy policies or digging through settings to ensure their data isn’t being scraped, stored, or shared in ways they may not consent to if they were. But this update doesn’t appear to further compromise your privacy and data security when using Gemini.

How to disable Gemini Apps Activity

Gemini Apps Activity is enabled by default for users over 18. You can turn it off in the Gemini app by tapping your profile picture or initial followed by Gemini Apps Activity > Turn off > Turn off or Turn off and delete activity. Note that Google still stores your Gemini interactions on its servers for up to 72 hours when Gemini Apps Activity is off, but the activity won’t appear in your account.

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Be sure to target these Angels hitters vs. soft Nationals pitching this weekend

There are plenty of hitters to stream this weekend for fantasy baseball, led by several strong options in a potentially high-scoring series between the Angels and Nationals. The D-backs can provide contributors at a variety of positions for an expected lopsided series with the Marlins, and the Brewers should be a great source of starting pitchers for their home matchup with the Rockies. 

The Nats rank 28th in baseball in ERA and are especially vulnerable during series in which ace MacKenzie Gore is unavailable. Such is the case this weekend, which means the Angels can provide No. 2 hitter Nolan Schanuel (18% rostered on Yahoo), slugger Jo Adell (36%) and rookie Christian Moore (6%) as streamers.

On the other side of the same series, the Nats should get plenty of baserunners against three right-handed starters whom each have a WHIP over 1.30 and a bullpen with a 1.50 WHIP. Streaming options from Washington are highlighted by first baseman Nathaniel Lowe (47%) and rookie Brady House (6%).

Detroit should score plenty of runs in an important divisional series when it faces three right-handers who each have an ERA over 4.64. The Tigers have plenty of left-handed hitters, including leadoff man Colt Keith (10%), outfielder Parker Meadows (11%) and utilityman Zach McKinstry (31%), listed in my order of preference.

Colorado pitchers have struggled at virtually every venue this year, as the team has posted a 4.75 ERA when working away from their hitter-friendly home park. Brewers leadoff hitter Sal Frelick (37%) is a good option to add, and in 15-team leagues, Isaac Collins (4%), Caleb Durbin (6%) and Joey Ortiz (5%) can help to fill out lineups.

Arizona has been one of baseball’s best teams against right-handers this year (.802 OPS), which puts it in great position to succeed when it faces three unimpressive righties this weekend. Lefty slugger Pavin Smith (7%) is the easy player to stream for this series, and Alek Thomas (1%) is an option in deeper leagues.

Mets @ Pirates

Facing the Pirates but missing Paul Skenes is a recipe for success, which is the situation for the Mets this weekend. Jeff McNeil (14%) has swung a hot bat in recent weeks and is the only worthwhile streaming option from this lineup.

Atlanta’s offense has rarely run on all cylinders this season, and that situation is unlikely to change when they face three solid starters this weekend. Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson and Austin Riley are the only must-start Braves for this series. On the other side of the series, the Phillies will face two imposing starters (Spencer Schwellenbach, Chris Sale) and a solid bullpen. Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber are the must-start Phillies, while Alec Bohm and Nick Castellanos will find their way into some lineups.

The Mariners are finally getting healthy in their rotation, and this weekend the Rangers will face three successful right-handers. Texas has struggled offensively this season (26th in runs scored), and Wyatt Langford is dealing with a minor injury, which makes Corey Seager the only Ranger who belongs in lineups for this series.

As was predicted by most analysts, Miller has emerged as the D-backs closer thanks to his own strong performances (1.97 ERA, 1.03 WHIP) and injuries to Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk. The right-hander should pick up at least one save this weekend, when the D-backs host the 33-45 Marlins.

Arizona should rack up plenty of steals this weekend when they face a Marlins pitching staff that has allowed 22 more steals than any other team this season. The D-backs’ top stealers are widely rostered, but Gurriel already has seven steals and is an excellent secondary prize. Alek Thomas (1%) is a good option as well, as he is a lefty batter who will face three right-handed starters.

In order, here are the best streamers for the weekend, with their start date and Yahoo roster rate in parentheses.

  • Eduardo Rodriguez vs. MIA (Sunday, 30%)

  • Chad Patrick vs. COL (Sunday, 34%)

  • Quinn Priester vs. COL (Saturday, 35%)

  • José Quintana vs. COL (Friday, 22%)

  • José Soriano vs. WSH (Friday, 47%)

  • Landen Roupp @ CWS (Friday, 27%)

  • Jake Irvin vs. LAA (Friday, 21%)

  • Zack Littell @ BAL (Saturday, 47%)

  • Lucas Giolito vs. TOR (Saturday, 34%)

  • Justin Verlander @ CWS (Sunday, 24%)

  • Eric Lauer @ BOS (Sunday, 20%)

  • Dustin May @ KC (Friday, 42%)

  • Nick Martinez vs. SD (Friday, 19%)

  • Brandon Walter vs. CHC (Friday, 15%)

  • Luis Ortíz vs. STL (Friday, 19%)

  • Taj Bradley @ BAL (Sunday, 48%)

  • Cade Horton @ HOU (Friday, 22%)

Cuomo concedes to Mamdani in Democratic primary election for New York City mayor

Thursday, June 26, 2025

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Andrew Cuomo in 2019.
Image: Delta News Hub.

On Tuesday night, Andrew Cuomo conceded to democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani in the New York City Democratic Primary election for mayor. Though Mamdani holds 44% of first-choice votes to Cuomo’s 36% of first-choice votes, the race has not been called yet as the election is expected to proceed into its ranked choice voting system. As of late that evening, 90% of votes had been counted.

“Tonight is his night,” Cuomo said of his rival, who was endorsed by progressive figures Bernie Sanders and Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez.

Andrew Cuomo formerly had served as governor of New York State but resigned in 2021 amid a sexual harassment scandal. Mamdani was elected to the New York City Assembly in 2020 and has been reelected twice.


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