🥫 Inflation hits hard: A guy is going viral on TikTok for tapping the “Reorder” button in his Walmart grocery app. What was $126.67 two years ago for groceries (45 items) is now $414.39 for the very same products. I wouldn’t be surprised if Walmart limits access to past order histories.
No more touchscreens in your car!
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes for accidents across the country, and now touch screens are to blame.
In which major U.S. city do Uber drivers make the most money?
$57,000 median wage
For journalists. Just this year, the Los Angeles Times, Time magazine, NBC News, Forbes, National Geographic, Business Insider and Sports Illustrated all have laid off writers. We’re hiring talented writers and editors if you are one or know one.
No more standing in lines: Disney World is ditching the Genie+ system … well, kind of. Starting July 24, it’s rebranding to Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass. You can now prebook ride times 14 days before your vacay kicks off instead of the frantic 7 a.m. scramble on park day. Yay for planning!
Watch out for scam ads on social
Scammers are upgrading their tactics. The latest scam uses enticing ads featuring AI art, making everyone think they too can be a content creator.
DIY Projector
Sometimes, it’s just too hot to go outside and play. Why not try this DIY smartphone projector? You can enjoy time with the kids while staying cool.
🚲 A big hill to climb: Peloton’s dropped three of its star instructors from its roster. Their money situation is shaky at best, and there’s a rumored private equity takeover coming. I guess their overnight success might’ve just been a flash in the pan (or a stationary bike in the pandemic).
No more password sharing on Disney+
If you mooch off someone’s streaming service, time is up. Disney+ is the next streaming service banning password sharing.
Best (and worst) dating profiles
Know someone using all the dating apps, but they never seem to go on dates? They might be committing these online dating faux pas.
🚕 Uber is giving out $1,000 to 175 folks who take on the five-week “One Less Car” challenge. From July 22 to Aug. 25, it’ll be Uber rides and public transportation only for the lucky few. The challenge is open to residents of Los Angeles; Chicago; Washington, D.C.; Miami; San Francisco; Toronto and Vancouver. Enter here.
No more green texts with your Android buddy: Apple now supports Rich Communication Services — in iOS 18 beta, at least. Once this hits prime time this fall, you can send and receive high-quality photos and videos, know when they’re typing, and get read receipts, no matter the device.
🎬 Media milestone: The first ad made with about 85% of OpenAI’s Sora AI model just debuted at the Cannes Film Festival. The one-minute vid shows a young Charles Lazarus dreaming up Toys R Us. You can watch it here. When you do, look at all the AI … and the jobs replaced.
Wait on a new iPhone or Pixel: Google announced a surprise event for Aug. 13. Rumor has it we’ll see the Pixel 9 (and Pixel Watch 3) in action. I’ll update you on all the particulars, but just know the current Pixel model will get cheaper as soon as this one is announced. The same goes for the new iPhone with iOS 18 that’s slated to drop in September.
Major slipup in Cleveland: A man accused of aggravated murder was accidentally released from jail due to a court typo. His case number, 685908, was mixed up with case number 685909. Now, police and U.S. marshals are scrambling to find him. Lock your doors.
11,688 Cybertrucks
Made since November. The Teslas are recalled for faulty windshield wiper motors and loose trim pieces, too. Oops. If you’re one of the few owners who’ve had one delivered, a recall notice will hit your mailbox … on Aug. 18.
🚨 Major coffee recall 🚨
Look for anything that says “Produced and distributed by Snapchill LLC.” You’ll find this under the nutrition facts.
Chilean gang caught planting cameras
If something feels off, then it probably is. These people are working hard to get your valuables, and I’ll warn you what to watch for.