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I'll be blunt: This is a very challenging time for independent journalism.
First, social media companies like Facebook and X, which had long been a source of exposure and growth for independent outlets, sharply limited outbound traffic to news sites.
Now, Google frequently directs users to AI-generated slop instead of relevant news articles. This has dramatically reduced the number of readers who discover independent media through search.
These companies do not care about journalism. Or whether their users are well-informed. They care about profits.
To survive and thrive in this hostile environment, Popular Information needs your help. Support independent accountability journalism by upgrading to a paid subscription. You can make a real impact for just $6 per month or $50 per year.
Thank you for your readership and consideration.
— Judd
Amazon Prime Day is a four-day sale promoted by the mega-retailer as a rare opportunity to secure "deep discounts" on a variety of consumer items. In reality, Amazon deploys deceptive tactics to exaggerate its markdowns and create a false sense of urgency. Featured items are often available at similar or lower prices at other times.
Nevertheless, major media outlets produce a massive number of "articles" promoting Amazon Prime Day, as if it is a genuine news event. This isn't an accident. Amazon provides financial incentive for news organizations to produce this content.
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Bank of America estimates that Amazon will rack up "$21 billion in total sales over the four days, up 60% from last year's estimates." In many cases, buyers are being manipulated into purchases with scammy tactics.
The Shark Pet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, for example, is a featured "Early Prime Day" product. Amazon says the sale price for this vacuum, $149, represents a 50% discount off of the $299.99 "list price."
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The online tool Camel Camel Camel, which tracks prices of Amazon products over time, reveals that, since monitoring began in 2019, the vacuum was not listed at $299.99 until May 21, 2025. Its average price is about $200. Over the last year, the same vacuum was available for $149 in November, December, March, April and May.
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The same vacuum is available right now for $149 at Best Buy, Macy's, Lowe's, and Ace Hardware.
Similarly, in another featured "Early Prime Deal," the Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL is on sale for $119.99, which Amazon says is a 33% discount off the list price of $179.99.
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But Camel Camel Camel tracking reveals that the airfrier was not listed at $179.99 until May 19, 2025. It has been available for $119.99 or less every month since last November. Last November and December, the same product was sold on Amazon for $89.99.
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The same air fryer is also currently available for the same $119.99 price from the manufacturer, Macy's, Best Buy, Kohl's, and Wayfair.