Look for this magic mic: NBC is bringing back the iconic voice of 79-year-old Al Michaels for the 2024 Olympics using AI. Peacock subscribers will get personalized Olympic recaps tailored to their interests. If you only like gymnastics and breakdancing, he’ll focus on those highlights.
How to stop spam texts for good
© Feodora Chiosea | Dreamstime.com
Remember back in the day when you didn’t think twice about putting your cell number and email address into any form that asked for it? If you’re thinking, “Uh, Kim, I still do that,” I’m about to make your life so much easier.
Even if you know better, all those years of sharing your contact info have left their mark. Add in the websites that peddle your details to anyone willing to pay, and most of us are left dealing with a ridiculous amount of spam texts.
Before we get to spam text do’s and don’ts, allow me to brag: I don’t get any spammy texts. Really, zero. After I signed up for Incogni, all that crap stopped. Use this exclusive link to get 60% off. Incogni removed me from 218 privacy-stealing data-broker sites, and all it took was three minutes of work on my end.
A tangled web
Why are you a target for so much spam? Ah, let me count the ways:
- Your data was breached and then compiled into a huge list sold on the dark web or through a people-search or data-broker site.
- You’re in a hacked database, like a list of homeowners or app subscribers.
- Yours is one of countless autogenerated phone numbers scammers took a shot on. After all, it’s not that hard to come up with a list of numbers.
- You downloaded malware that dug into your contacts.
- You installed an app that sold your phone number.
- You replied to a spam text (see below).
I can just text ‘Stop,’ right?
If only. Never reply to a scam text. Doing so confirms your number is active, and you’ll start getting even more scam texts. There are a couple of safe ways to stop the spam storm:
- See if your phone provider lets you forward texts to 7726 (SPAM) to auto-block them. Most do, including Verizon, T‑Mobile and AT&T.
- Look in your message app settings for a spam filter. On Android, you can find a Spam Protection feature. On iPhone, open Settings and tap Messages, then enable Filter Unknown Senders.
- Select the texter’s ID or number and look for an Info or Details section. You can usually find a way to block that number directly here.
This stopped spam texts for me for good
I’ve told you about Incogni before. They pull your info from data-broker sites that sell it to anyone willing to pay — including spammers. No joke, since I used it, my spam texts have totally disappeared. I just don’t get them anymore.
✅ Use this link to get 60% off when you sign up. Nope, I don’t get any residuals or kickbacks. It worked for me, and I know it will work for you. I’d love to hear how many data-broker and people-search sites Incogni removes you from!
🚨 Major coffee recall 🚨
Look for anything that says “Produced and distributed by Snapchill LLC.” You’ll find this under the nutrition facts.
$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.
🚕 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.
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.
Deepfake 'endorsements'
Don’t believe everything you see on the internet. It’s easier than ever to fake famous faces.
🔥 Heads-up, Costco shoppers: About 567,000 myCharge PowerHub All-in-One 10,000 mAh power banks are being recalled due to overheating and fire risks. Look for model numbers AO10FK‑A, AO10FK‑B and AO10FK‑C on the unit. Stop using it now and get a free replacement.
Explosive new social trend 💩
Do I really have to say it? Don’t. Drink. Castor. Oil.
X is allowing P*RN
OK, Elon Musk must be really desperate if this is what Twitter is coming down to.
We are the No. 3 podcast!
OK, OK … No. 3 in Rwanda. But hey, that’s something, right?!
🚨 Don't download these apps 🚨
Don’t download these apps — or any that look or sound like one of these examples.
60-minute TikToks?
Do you think hour-long videos will do well on short-form platforms? I mean, come on! Who has the time?