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Breaking news and tips
Schools spy on kids even at home
School is back in session, but here’s something no one told you at orientation: Your kids may have more eyes on them than just their teachers’. Even if you don’t have kids in school, you really need to know about this.
A new study from UC San Diego uncovered what’s really going on with those student safety tools schools buy. You know, the ones that are supposed to stop bullying, flag mental health struggles and prevent school shootings? Well, they’ve morphed into 24/7 surveillance machines.
Get this: 86% of the companies that provide these services monitor kids day and night, not just during school hours and not just on school devices. That’s every Google search, every message, sometimes even at home on personal phones and laptops.
Nearly a third of these companies give kids “risk scores” based on what they type or search. The kicker? 71% rely on AI to flag behavior. Yes, an algorithm decides if your child is “risky.”
Imagine your kid writing out a text they never send and that draft gets scooped into some company’s database. Creepy doesn’t even begin to cover it.
📱 Yes, they’re watching at home, too
About 36% of companies monitor student-owned devices. All it takes is a school-required app, plug-in or software.
Late-night YouTube binges, private DMs and social media posts could trigger a red flag on some dashboard.
📌 Questions every parent should ask the school
I think these tools can do a lot of good. God knows we don’t want any more school shootings or kids slipping through the cracks.
But you and your kids need to understand exactly how they work and what happens to the data. Copy these questions and send an email to the school’s administrator or set up a meeting in person.
- Is our school using GoGuardian, Bark, Gaggle, Securly, Lightspeed or any online monitoring service? What exactly are they tracking?
- Are you monitoring personal devices at home?
- What happens if my child is flagged? How can I see my child’s dashboard?
- How long is student data stored, and can parents request deletion?
- Is student data ever sold, shared or used for anything beyond monitoring?
Labor Day tech upgrades
💻 My pick: Laptop screen extender (26% off)
What a view! Your laptop just grew two extra screens. Perfect for travelers, gamers or anyone pretending to multitask during video calls. Yea, you!
🖥️ Dual monitor stand (32% off, two-pack): No more hunching. This riser lifts your screens to eye level. Your neck will thank you.
🔌 Cable management box (39% off, two-pack): Cord chaos? Not anymore. Just pop on the wood lid, and act like you’ve always been this tidy.
⌨️ Redragon wireless keyboard (26% off): Creamy keys, hot-swap switches and a control knob will make you feel like a power user.
🎒 Laptop backpack (14% off): One built-in USB port + 17 pockets + 45 color options = 4.8 stars and 8,500+ happy reviewers.
⚡ More deals, more power: The sale’s just getting started. Hit my Amazon page for the whole parade of Labor Day tech steals.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
🚗💨 Your ‘smart’ car could be days away from going dumb
Here’s something used car dealers and private sellers won’t shout from the rooftops.
The average new car has 1,400 to 1,500 semiconductor chips. And high-end EVs? Try 3,000. Those computer chips power everything from heated seats to emergency crash alerts.
No more password headaches: NordPass securely stores all your logins and fills them in instantly, so you never have to remember a password again. Stop struggling with passwords, sign up today and save 52%!
“What did you say?” Barry doesn’t say that anymore since he got hearing aids. Horizon IX hearing aids deliver clear sound, smart comfort and seamless connectivity. Try them risk-free for 45 days, and enjoy lifetime support.
Why Starlink launches are about to double
SpaceX is increasing Starlink satellite launches from Florida and California to build out a 30,000-satellite internet network. Here’s why you’ll be seeing more Falcon 9 rockets lighting up the sky.
29 minutes, 3 seconds
That’s how long Vitomir Maričić held his breath, obliterating the world record. Fueled by 10 minutes of pure oxygen, the freediver stayed under nearly five minutes longer than the previous champ. That’s double a dolphin, close to a seal and just enough to find out who lives in a pineapple under the sea. (SpongeBob SquarePants)
📚 Make Kindle page turns clearer: Ever flip a page and wonder if you went forward or back? Turn on the swipe effect, so it’s obvious. Tap on a page, select the Aa (font) icon, go to the More tab, scroll down to Page Turn Animation and toggle it on.
Your AirPods just became a universal translator
Heading to Tokyo? Order sushi in Japanese, no classes required. With Apple’s new iOS 26 update (coming with iPhone 17), AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 can instantly translate conversations in real time.
🧬 Cancer vaccine: How about some great news? University of Florida scientists made an mRNA vaccine that cranks up the immune system like a rave DJ, and boom, tumors in mice shrank or disappeared. Pair it with immunotherapy drugs, and it’s even stronger. This is a step toward a universal cancer vaccine. Human trials are next. I hate cancer.
Early Labor Day deals
🪥 My pick: Oral-B iO electric toothbrush (30% off)
Save your gums and your dentist’s judgmental sighs. Bonus: includes a free travel case.
😁 Crest Gum Detoxify Plus (24% off, three-pack): Sensitivity protection + whitening + cavity control = your mouth’s dream team.
🍋 Garbage disposal cleaner tablets (36% off): A year’s supply of citrusy, gunk-free drains? Yes, please.
🧼 Tide PODS laundry detergent (15% off): These little guys pack twice the punch as regular laundry soap.
🩷 The Pink Stuff multipurpose cleaner (46% off): TikTok’s cleaning queen. Basically, elbow grease in a bottle.
🐶 Earth Rated dog poop bags (17% off): My unsung hero for every dog walk. Extra thick, no leaks, no disasters.
🐦 Early bird gets the bargains: Click this secret link, and load up before the weekend rush. My Amazon page has more steals you’ll love.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Is your data held hostage?
Trying to stop data brokers from selling your info? Good luck. George, your AI host, exposes how over 30 sketchy companies are hiding their opt-out pages from Google on purpose. Plus: Musk sues Apple over AI, job hunting goes retro, and Microsoft gives Excel a crystal ball it probably shouldn’t have.
Charlie Chaplin’s in theaters after 100 years
Charlie Chaplin famously rereleased his 1925 silent classic The Gold Rush in 1942 with new narration and edits, believing it would connect better with modern audiences. Now, thanks to film archivists and AI, the silent masterpiece has been painstakingly restored. The 4K version just premiered at Cannes and hit 250 theaters worldwide.
🤳🏼 Oops, she did it again: Britney Spears posted a nude photo on Instagram, just boots and a strategically placed rose emoji, and yep, social media exploded. The next day, she followed it with a raw post about her kids, past trauma and trying to heal. Some are whispering a comeback, others say it screams therapy. I think it’s just so sad.
Find forgotten 401(k) money: There’s $2 trillion sitting in old retirement accounts. When companies close, merge or lose touch with former employees, those funds go unclaimed. The good news? The Department of Labor runs a “Lost & Found” where you can check if any of it is yours. Worth a peek.
China built a pregnancy robot
A $14K baby-making machine? Yep, it’s real. Charles in Atlanta calls in to see if AI can help his band land more gigs. Plus: an $800K gold scam, a Bluetooth hack you need to know, and Amazon’s used car lot.
Stop peeping Toms
📱 My pick: Privacy screen protectors
For iPhones (17% off) and Samsungs (15% off): These anti-spy shields block side glances, so only you’ll see your screen.
🫣 Webcam covers (28% off, three-pack): Ditch the Post-it note. Fits laptops, tablets and smartphones. I slap them on all my tech.
💳 RFID-blocking cards (20% off, six-pack): Think of them as invisible armor. Slip one in your wallet and stop digital pickpockets cold.
⚡ USB data blockers (20% off, four-pack): Juice jacking? Not today. Charge up anywhere while keeping hackers out.
🚨 Hidden camera detector (22% off): Scans hotel rooms, Airbnbs and sketchy bathrooms. Bonus: spots GPS trackers.
🔒 Lock it down: Head to my Amazon storefront for the privacy picks and gear I handpicked. Your future self will thank you.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
📧 Take back that Gmail oops: Sent the wrong message? Click the Gear icon in the top-right > See all settings > under General, find Undo Send and set the Send cancellation period to 30 seconds. Next time you slip up, just hit Undo in the bottom-left.
You gave a game. They gave a nightmare: Nearly 400 families are suing Roblox, claiming the company ignored predators stalking kids. One mom says her 11-year-old was groomed on Roblox, lured on Discord, then raped by a 20-year-old pretending to be 15. He’s in prison now. If you’ve got kiddos, this is your nudge to check in. Ask your kids who they’re talking to online, not just what games they’re playing.