People are using ChatGPT at the office, but hiding it from the boss. Here’s why. Plus, a self-driving 18-wheeler hits the road, facial recognition at airports, and Gen Z’s new side hustle. Also, caller Andrew from Florida saved a girl caught in a rip current with a drone.
🛰️ Shrimp nets, meet rocket parts: Florida shrimpers on the Space Coast say they’re dragging up more than seafood, namely chunks of space junk. Experts agree it could be from rockets. Rocket junk is casually tossed in the Atlantic all the time, and launches are only picking up. Brace yourself for a new sea-to-table menu.
500,000
That’s how many more home sellers there are than buyers right now. It’s the biggest seller surplus Redfin has ever recorded, including 2020 when no one was even sure if open houses were legal. Florida’s feeling the heat with six of the top 10 buyer’s markets, but sellers everywhere might want to start adjusting expectations and maybe listing prices.
🚨 Precious metal scams: A Florida couple lost over $2 million after fraudsters told them there was a warrant out for their arrest. The fix? Buy gold bars and coins in exchange for their freedom. They handed it to a courier and only found out months later it was all a lie. Folks, police will never ask you for money or gold.
Don’t trust pop-ups: A Florida man got a message on his laptop that looked like it came from a cybersecurity company he uses. Then scammers called and said someone took out a gambling loan in his name. The fix? Deposit $38K through a Bitcoin ATM. Yeah, they got him. If someone phones demanding crypto, hang up.
🤑 Teen crypto heist plot: Two Florida high schoolers allegedly kidnapped a millionaire at gunpoint, blindfolded him with a towel and dragged him into the desert to steal $4 million in crypto. How’d they know to target him? Loose lips sink ships.
Why does the TSA scan your face? — April 19th, Hour 2
Rosemary from Florida wants to know what really happens to your face scan at the airport. Is it stored forever? Plus, secrets not to tell ChatGPT, why 5G isn’t always what it claims to be, and how to score money with Google Opinion Rewards.
$7 billion
What Universal’s new theme park in Florida cost to build. This one’s a little different, with fewer roller coasters and more immersive worlds using augmented reality. When it opens in May, you’ll be able to see Harry Potter and How to Train Your Dragon brought to life. The kicker? Entry is $139 (paywall link). Uh, Daniel Radcliffe better greet me at the gate.
📦 “Help me”: A brave woman in Florida whispered that to her Amazon delivery driver, who saw marks on her neck and called 911. The police arrested her ex-husband, Frank Mandolini, for allegedly choking her. He still lives with her and their daughter. His excuse? He told the cops he didn’t “cause her to lose her breath.” Sound familiar to you? Call 911 or 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233), text START to 88788 or go here. I care about you.
About time: If your teen is using the AI chat app Character.AI, turn on Parental Insights to get a weekly report showing how much time they spend on it, which bots they talk to and for how long. This comes after a heartbreaking case where a Florida mom said her 14-year-old son took his own life after forming a bond with a chatbot on the app. Bottom line: These AI friends aren’t always harmless.
✅ From Ed in Florida: “Kim, I want to get away from Google. If I sign up for StartMail, will it import all my email and contacts?” Yup. You can transfer your entire mailbox, including messages and contacts, with zero downtime and 100% security. So easy! Save 60% with my special link.
$150 million
That’s what it’ll cost to live next door to Jeff Bezos on Indian Creek Island near Miami Beach, Florida. Sound ridiculous? The lot was actually listed for $200 million in December, so technically, it’s a discount.
🙏 Siri to the rescue: I love stories about tech saving lives. A 70-year-old in Florida had a stroke and couldn’t reach his landline. He spent 48 hours drifting in and out of consciousness, then he crawled into the living room. He yelled for Siri to call his daughter, who then contacted 911. He’s doing well! Most stroke patients need help within an hour. Talk about beating the odds.
$150 million
Asking price for Tom Brady’s mansion, complete with a basement bunker. The former NFL superstar bought a lot on Florida’s Indian Creek Island for $17 million in 2020. Property costs there skyrocketed thanks to Jeff Bezos, who bought three properties (paywall link) on the manmade barrier island.
❄️ 8.9 inches of snow: Blanketing Pensacola, Florida, and the pictures on social media are a riot. My favorites: A gator lounging in the snow and the coldest-looking beach I’ve ever seen! Stay safe, folks. Time to pull out a big heated blanket.
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Big Parkinson’s breakthrough: Delray Medical Center in Florida just introduced Exablate Prime, a tool designed for the fight against Parkinson’s disease. It sends ultrasound waves to heat the brain areas that cause tremors. The tech is promising for patients with Alzheimer’s and chronic pain, too. There’s a year-long waitlist.
Cracking the case: You can buy mystery bundles of unclaimed mail starting around $40. The boxes could contain anything from knock-off Chanel bags and fake IDs to total junk. Florida-based Fundelivered has sold over 90,000 bundles in the last three years. I wanted to buy one, but they’re sold out. What a great business idea, right?
Amateur radio gets through when nothing else can
After Hurricane Helene, a group quietly stepped in before anyone else. Now, after Milton hit Florida, they’re back, but rarely make the headlines.
Tesla traps toddler inside after battery dies
A girl was saved from a Tesla Model Y in 100-degree weather in Arizona. Plus, two Florida seniors were scammed out of $400,000 in gold, and there’s a nationwide coffee recall. Plus, we talk to Brian Morrison, creator of Free Blockbuster — it’s like those little free libraries, but for movies.