A doctor who lost half a million says greed got the best of him. Melinda Gates finally talks Bill, Epstein, and trust. Plus, an Uber driver drives off with a sleeping child, and my go-to tip to lock in the lowest hotel price.
🚐 Uber and Volkswagen are teaming up: They’re launching a robotaxi service in the U.S. with self-driving electric microbuses. First stop? Los Angeles, starting in late 2026. But don’t get too excited just yet. You’ll still see a human behind the wheel until at least 2027. Why? They’ve gotta wait for those permits to clear.
61%
That’s the share of parents who use DoorDash. More than half of families with kids are ordering delivery at least once a week. Because between soccer practice and homework meltdowns, no one’s got time to sauté. Basically, Uber Eats is the new family dinner.
🚗 A parent’s worst nightmare: An Uber driver recently took off with a sleeping 5-year-old daughter still in the back. The mom, Julia, called 911, but Uber refused to call the driver without paperwork. It took Toronto cops over an hour to find the girl safe. Uber’s apology? A $10 future ride credit, because nothing says “sorry, we misplaced your child” like one free quarter-ride to Chili’s.
🧠 AI’s climbing career ladders: One venture capitalist just said the thing that makes headlines: AI isn’t just “augmenting” workers, it’s replacing them. Victor Lazarte of Benchmark (backers of Uber and Snap) said lawyers and recruiters are first on the chopping block. Somewhere out there, a robot is bingeing caffeine to cram for the LSAT.
Alexa+ is ready for a price: The new Amazon AI can guess a movie based on clues. Ask for “that one with the sparkling vampires,” and it pulls up “Twilight.” It’s getting integrated with thousands of apps, too, so you can do things like order an Uber without lifting a finger. I expect more skills for $240 a year!
💰 Armed rideshares are popping up everywhere: The new Protector app (iPhone only) lets you book armed guards and Escalades to chauffeur you around for $200 an hour. Think Uber, but with active or retired law enforcement and military officers behind the wheel. BlackWolf hires military and law enforcement too.
✈️ Traveling abroad? Starting Feb. 27, Uber is rolling out a Preferred Currency Pricing feature that quietly tacks on a 1.5% conversion fee. It keeps prices in your home currency, but you’re just paying extra. Here’s how to turn it off: Open the Uber app > Account > Wallet > Preferred Currency > No preferred currency.
Spend less on your Uber rides
We’ve all felt that gut punch when the rideshare fare pops up. Here are some insider tips to help you save.
Uber with guns
Ever have a moment in an Uber or Lyft where something just feels off? There’s a new rideshare on the scene and it’s bringing the heat.
Take an Uber? You’re giving up your right to sue
Here’s a story that might make you think twice before your next Uber ride.
Airline data breach puts podcaster Payne Lindsey in danger
True-crime podcaster Payne Lindsey, creator of Up and Vanished, was all set to fly to Nome for his latest investigation but bailed at the last minute. He didn’t tell anyone, yet somehow rumors started swirling on social media that he was there. Payne joins us to break it down, plus we’re talking Verizon outages, a couple blocked from suing Uber, and leaked MrBeast “founder mode” documents.
3 weird things you can book online
Sure, you can get an Uber or a hotel stay, but there’s so much more you can rent. I have a list of some of the craziest ones.
$214.53 per person
To charter an Uber Yacht in Ibiza. Yeah, seriously. Starting July 26, Ibiza travelers can prebook a yacht for up to eight people, which includes pick-up and drop-off, use of a personal skipper, champagne, snacks, and goodie bags. Uber will launch “limo boats” in Venice and Greece later this month.
The NFL may owe you a ton of money
Paid for the “Sunday Ticket” subscription service? A jury found that the NFL broke antitrust laws in how it handled some Sunday games. Uber’s “One Less Car” challenge, and no more green texts with your Android buddy. Also, a creepy AI ad from Toys ‘R’ Us!
🚕 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.
Google Search is changing
Web traffic is dying, and now Google is putting AI answers at the top of its search results. What does this mean for your favorite websites? Plus, Uber’s new shuttle service, Tesla drivers ditch self-driving mode, and Jeff Bezos’ email etiquette.
Uber’s new shuttle service: Each one will hold between 14 and 55 folks. Schedule shared rides and reserve up to five seats ahead of time in busy areas. Another change: Costco members (who don’t want the $1.50 hot dog deal) ordering through Uber Eats get discounts.
3 ways to save on an Uber
Ride fares can pile up fast, but with a few savvy moves, you can keep those costs down.
Bonus episode: The Kim Komando Show, April 20
One tech CEO thinks AI girlfriends are the next billion-dollar biz. Meanwhile, a tragedy: an 81-year-old man kills an Uber driver he mistook for a scammer. Plus, what your hotel card key reveals about you.