Wyoming’s Game and Fish Department built a fake bear on a remote-controlled platform that charges at you going 35 mph. Truly the Teslabear nobody wanted. The test? See if you can whip out bear spray in time. Spoiler alert: Most people would be toast. Your best bet is to keep that spray holstered, and never in your backpack.
Insurance rates rising, here’s what you can do
My car insurance just jumped 32%. No, I didn’t get into an accident or rack up a few speeding tickets. Since 2020, car insurance rates have skyrocketed by 37%, and in 2024 alone, they climbed another 16.5%. Some states saw hikes of over 50%!
Even if your ride isn’t fresh off the lot, you’re paying the price.
🚗 New cars = $$$ repairs
Bumpers used to be, well, bumpers. Now? They’re loaded with radar sensors, cameras and computers for crash prevention and parking assist. Even a minor fender bender can cost thousands to fix. But there’s more…
💡 LED headlights are brighter: Gone are the days of swapping out a $20 bulb. A new LED headlight? $1,500 or more.
⚡ EVs cost more to repair: On average, EV repairs cost $6,618, compared to $4,437 for gas-powered cars. Why? Battery replacements, software issues and the average EV repair take 20 days. That’s 40% longer than gas cars.
🛠️ Aluminum is lighter: Manufacturers use aluminum to boost fuel efficiency and safety, but it’s harder to repair than steel and costs more.
💰 How to save on your car insurance
- Review your coverage – Do you really need full coverage on an older car? Raising your deductible can lower your monthly payment.
- Ask about discounts – Got an anti-theft system? Accident-free record? Defensive driving course? Call your agent and ask what you qualify for.
- Try usage-based insurance – If you don’t drive much, programs like Mile Auto or Nationwide SmartRide could save you 30% or more.
- Bundle up – Combining auto, home, life or even pet insurance with one provider can unlock serious discounts.
- Compare rates – Use sites like The Zebra or Insurify.
🧭 What about those trackers
“Just pop a tracker in your car, and boom, lower rates!” Sounds good, right?
Well, that device tracks your speed, braking and every trip you take. I hear you: “Kim, our phones already track us.” True, but I’m not handing over even more data for a tiny discount.
Guard what matters
🛡️ Protect your things and your peace of mind.
- A personal safety alarm (37% off) is essential.
- Put this great travel door lock (30% off) on any door.
- A fake rock (13% off) is better than the “key under the mat” trick.
- Hide your sensitive info with an identity theft roller (33% off).
- This paper shredder (23% off) runs 60 minutes straight.
👛 Safe n’ sleek: These men’s wallets (9% off) and women’s wristlets (28% off) block digital theft in style.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
💬 Discord is super popular with kids: If yours use it the chat app, go to User Settings > Privacy & Safety > Safe Direct Messaging > Keep Me Safe. This enables the explicit media content filter. It’s worth explaining to your kiddo why you’re turning this on.
Amazon vs. The Consumer Product Safety Commission
The feds say Amazon’s liable for unsafe third-party products. Amazon’s counter? The Safety Commission itself is unconstitutional.
Watch your pulse: If you have no pulse and don’t move for 20 seconds, Google’s Pixel Watch 3 calls emergency services. The FDA just gave Google the go-ahead to roll it out. Have one? Go to Safety & emergency > Loss of Pulse Detection to turn it on.
🚘 Safety must-do: Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall page to see any safety recalls for your vehicle. Just enter your VIN in the search field. If none show up, you’re good to go. You can also download the SaferCar app (iOS & Android) if you’d like that better.
Safety first
🔐 These gadgets are no-brainers to bring on your next trip to protect yourself and your stuff.
- Major security flaws have compromised a huge portion of keycard hotel locks. Easy fix: This doorstop with a built-in alarm (2-pack for $14).
- Traveling with valuables? Bring your own safe. Hotel rooms don’t always have one. This portable option is on sale for $21.
- Whether you’re traveling abroad or just going out at night, take a personal alarm. This sleek option is 20% off and fits on your keychain.
- Only one in four U.S. homes has a carbon monoxide detector. Bet your Airbnb doesn’t. This one’s 32% off!
- Two words: Fanny pack. Wear it across your chest like I do and call it a “cross-body.” This one’s inexpensive and looks great.
🛍️ Miss window shopping? I do mine on Amazon. Hit this page for my “I didn’t know I needed that!” picks.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Safety first: Look at the file extension after downloading a PDF online. You’re looking for .pdf. If the file name ends with .exe, delete it. It’s likely malware.
I love it when things are functional … and mini. Mini is great, too.
- A universal charging cable, complete with USB, USB-C, micro-USB and Apple Lightning adapters.
- An emergency Advil stash (10% off).
- A $9 seatbelt slicer and safety hammer for escaping a wrecked car.
- An eyeglass repair kit under $5.
- An Apple AirTag holder (30% off). Ta-da! Your keys are now unlosable.
I order supplements online: Mix two scoops of collagen* into your coffee or smoothie. I do this every morning to keep my skin, bones and joints happy. (Psst, it’s 45% off and you’ll get free shipping with my link.)
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Pump it up down: Your iPhone’s speaker goes a lot louder than what’s good for your ears. From Settings, pick Sounds & Haptics > Headphone Safety > Reduce Loud Audio. This one’s good to adjust for the kids, too.
🍑 Imagine accidentally leaking your own nudes: That’s what happened to one guy thanks to a little-known Google Pixel setting. Pressing the power button five times activates Emergency SOS. It calls emergency services and sends a video recording to your chosen contacts. He was naked in bed and half asleep. You can turn it off under Settings > Safety & Emergency > Emergency SOS.
Useful site: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s list of recalls is worth scanning now and then. Sometimes, you can get a replacement or refund for the recalled product. If there’s a major recall, I’ll warn you here or in my Current Alerts newsletter.
The LA fires: The sheer destruction is overwhelming, and it may be some time before we fully understand the lives lost and the toll taken. My heart is with everyone affected, and I’m keeping you all in my prayers. As a homeowner in an evacuation zone, I fear the worst for my own property, but material things pale in comparison to the loss of life and safety for so many. This 3D map allows you to zoom in and explore the impacted areas. It’s a stark reminder of the fires’ far-reaching devastation.
ADT hides a cyberattack
Hackers got into ADT’s systems, stealing customer info, and they waited months to tell anyone. Plus, why cash apps aren’t safe, Roblox’s kid safety problems, and flip phones making a comeback.
Check for recalls on your car now
Millions of vehicles with safety defects are on the road. Don’t risk your life. I have an app to easily check for recalls.
2.6 million Stanley mugs recalled: Not the 40-ounce ones everyone’s obsessed with. The lid threads on the 12- and 16-ounce Switchback and 12-, 16- and 20-ounce Trigger Action travel mugs shrink when they get hot and pop off. So far, 11 of the 38 people who have reported burns needed medical attention. Hit this link for a free replacement lid.
Don't buy your toys on Temu or Shein – Here’s why
A new report uncovers risks that could put your child’s safety in jeopardy. I’ll tell you what every parent needs to know.
400,000 is the number
There’s a hidden risk lurking on Amazon that could put your safety on the line. Find out what you need to know before your next click.
How tech saved lives in Georgia school shooting
A tragic shooting at Apalachee High in Winder, Georgia, left four dead and nine injured. It may have been worse without a new safety system — teachers used a digital panic button to save lives. Plus, Amazon Alexa loses billions, Taylor Swift surveillance, and FB censors opinions.