How do you explain this to the cops?
Automakers want to get rid of AM radio
When I was growing up, my dad worked for United Airlines, and I traveled a lot. I would always sneak a portable AM radio in my backpack, and as the plane crisscrossed the country, I would tune into various stations along the way. Never would I have imagined what that little hobby would become for me.
While FM radio listening is huge, AM radio is still massively important. When hurricanes knock FM stations off the air, AM stations are often more resilient.
AM radio is so crucial that FEMA is installing emergency studios, transmitters and generators at 77 mostly AM radio stations nationwide to maintain communications in the event of the worst (with special thanks to all ham radio operators!).
The car companies making decisions
You need to know several automakers told a Senate committee they’ll nix (or have already nixed) AM radios in all their vehicles. This includes BMW, Mazda, Polestar, Rivian, Tesla, Volkswagen, Volvo, Porsche and Mercedes.
Ford has since reversed its decision (at least temporarily) after considerable negative feedback. Ford says no one listens to AM radio anymore. Huh?
Know the numbers
Every day in America, at least 4,185 AM radio stations broadcast news, talk shows, sports and other important programming. AM radio draws an audience of 82.3 million people — more than one in three American radio listeners — each month.
Get this: 57% of AM radio listeners tune into news/talk stations, the very outlets that carry breaking local news. Plus, in rural areas where FM radio signals are iffy, people rely on AM to stay plugged in.
Thanks to its long broadcast range, listeners can still tune into an AM station, regardless of where they are. Think about that the next time you’re road-tripping off the grid. So, why remove AM radios?
The REAL reason
Electromagnetic interference in electric vehicles. Because the electric motors in EVs throw off harmful static, AM radio quality suffers in an EV to the point where it’s unstable and unlistenable.
Tesla's unsafe autopilot
Elon Musk’s Tesla has reported over 1,200 autopilot crashes in the past three years. Also, look out for foreign nations spreading misinformation on social media, fake reviews targeting restaurants, and the rise of restaurant robots.
⚠️ Glad I got rid of my Tesla: The EV company has reported more than 1,200 Autopilot-related crashes to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration since 2021. The biggest culprits: Autopilot struggling to recognize obstacles and veering off the road in wet conditions. Tesla says to keep your hands on the wheel and be ready to retake control at all times (paywall link). Gee, thanks …
You might think electric cars are new. Nope! Who gets credit for inventing the first electric vehicle? This is a tough one. Was it … A.) Thomas Edison in 1893, B.) Nikola Tesla in 1923, C.) Thomas Davenport in 1834 or D.) Karl Benz in 1941?
$1.5 billion raised
By AI defense tech startup, Anduril. It’s run by the founder of Oculus VR, Palmer Luckey, who wants to create a Tesla-style factory that pumps out autonomous drones and other AI battlefield tech.
Tesla hit-and-run crash
A Jeep plowed through an intersection in Nevada, hitting a Tesla. The Tesla immediately sped away from the scene. Its driver managed to get the EV under control, but they soon realized the Jeep had driven away, too. No word yet on whether the Tesla’s Autopilot or Full Self-Drive mode was enabled during the crash. Check out the video!
The Wall Street Journal exposes Tesla's unsafe autopilot
They’ve reported over 1,200 autopilot crashes in the past three years, including some fatal. Here’s the full story.
The trouble with new Tesla
They were once all the rage, but now the once-futuristic car brand is starting to seem outdated. Buyers are noticing.
$50,000 exception
To Tesla’s one-year resale penalty. After a divorce, Utah retiree Blaine Raddon couldn’t fit his Cybertruck at his new bachelor pad. So, he made a stink on social and, lo and behold, got an email from Tesla saying they had reversed their resale penalty. Blaine sold his Cybertruck and made a $2,000 profit.
💥 Got hit and ran: A Jeep plowed through an intersection in Nevada, hitting a Tesla. The Tesla immediately sped away from the scene. Its driver managed to get the EV under control, but they soon realized the Jeep had driven away, too. No word yet on whether the Tesla’s Autopilot or Full Self-Drive mode was enabled during the crash. Here’s the video.
Tesla - What a difference a year makes
In just a year, Tesla’s sales have plummeted, and cars sit unsold. The once-mighty market leader is now humbled.
Pulled over in my Porsche
I was driving to work in my new ride and got pulled over. Let’s just say my morning didn’t quite go as planned.
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.
A close call: An Arizona woman’s worst nightmare came true when her Tesla Model Y trapped her 20-month-old granddaughter on a hot morning. After she strapped the toddler in and shut the door, the car’s battery died. Firefighters broke the car window to get her out. Thankfully, the little one’s OK.
Buy a Tesla truck and you're stuck
Thinking about buying the new stainless steel Cybertruck? Here’s why reselling it might not be so easy.
Tesla, meet train: A Tesla driver nearly crashed into a moving train when his car failed to brake in self-driving mode. His dashcam shows him swerving at full speed just in time. Just three years ago, Tesla’s image rank (a measure of its brand reputation) was eighth among the top 100 companies. Now, it’s plummeted to No. 63. Can’t imagine this is helping.
Tesla's slipping reputation
Just three years ago, Tesla’s overall image ranked eighth among the top 100 companies. Here’s why that’s slipped.