Plus, want to doomscroll on Twitter? In Arkansas, you’ll soon need an ID for that. I give my take on the state’s new law that says you need a license to get on social media. And if you’ve dabbled in crypto, buckle up as I uncover the latest scams. But that’s not all, I’ve got your back with insider tips on how to keep your private info on Facebook under lock and key.
Top 10 most dangerous cities in America, ranked
Hold on to your hat because this list might be more alarming than your worst tech glitches. Security Gauge pulled crime data from 18,000 agencies — including the FBI and local police — to find the most dangerous U.S. cities in 2023. Did yours make the list?
Most dangerous US cities
1. Bessemer, Alabama
Once known as “The Marvel City,” Bessemer is now infamous for a different reason. Home to just 27,000, this town clocked 33.18 violent crimes per 1,000 residents.
2. Monroe, Louisiana
While it reigned supreme on the crime charts for the past two years, Monroe’s been nudged down by Bessemer. Its 47,000 residents face a 1 in 38 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime.
3. Saginaw, Michigan
It’s not just proximity to Detroit. Saginaw has its own crime challenges. Case in point: A tragic shooting at an unsanctioned street bash that killed two and injured 15 more.
4. Memphis, Tennessee
Rock’ n roll, Elvis and … crime? With a population of around 700,000, Memphis has seen its murder rates climb, with experts pointing fingers at everything from policy to policing.
5. Detroit, Michigan
Detroit’s been grappling with crime for years, fueled by urban decay and population decline. With a crime rating of 23 per 1,000, locals face a 1 in 43 chance of becoming a victim.
How to bet on the Big Game online without breaking the law
When is the Big Game this year? It’s going down on Sunday, Feb.12th, and we’re ready to party hard. Online sports betting is a popular way to make things more interesting. It’s not legal in all states, however. If you’re not careful, you might run into trouble.
Temu's privacy threats, YouTuber's strange sex toy tax write-off & stealing cars through headlights
Focus on the positive: Huge deposits of lithium have been found in Arkansas, and it could reshape the world’s energy future. The resource was in short supply, but estimates suggest there could be between 5 million and 19 million tons buried there. That’s enough to meet the projected global demand for lithium car batteries nine times over.
10 most affordable cities
In the U.S. are primarily in the South and Midwest. McAllen, Texas, takes the top spot, with home prices averaging $275,000 (paywall link). Rounding out the top three: Wichita, Kansas, and Little Rock, Arkansas.
Tax-free weekends and tax holidays: When to save across the US
If you are looking for back-to-school supplies or holiday gifts but missed Amazon’s Prime Day, you are in luck. Amazon isn’t hosting another round of deals, but plenty of tax-free weekends are coming. Tap or click here to find out what Amazon mystery boxes are and if they’re worth the money.
Data breach alert: Unemployment applicants at risk for identity theft
COVID-19 may decimate the health of at-risk patients, but those of us who aren’t getting sick are still feeling the economic sting of the deadly virus. Since March, more than 30 million jobs have been lost in the U.S., leaving many Americans to rely on unemployment benefits to make ends meet.
A long road ahead: An Arkansas father faces first-degree murder charges after shooting a man he found with his missing 14-year-old daughter — a 60-something former Indiana police chief with a history of internet stalking and sexual assault against minors. Dad is now out on bail and raising money for his legal defense.
The state of Arkansas does what the Federal Government won't
Need an ID to be on social? Here’s why Arkansas says you should, in 60 seconds.