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Articles by Robert Puente
The bizarre secret behind the ‘Kars 4 Kids’ charity Original
That annoying “Kars 4 Kids” jingle you hear on the radio is officially being pulled off the air. The Do It Live! crew breaks down the shocking California court ruling that found the charity violated false advertising laws, where your donation was actually going, and the 30-day ultimatum given by a judge. We look at the bizarre legal documents revealing where the funds were really being spent, and why the commercial completely hid the truth from the public.
SAWS CEO: A rate increase is needed to keep our water system efficient, reliable
Workers install an outlet pipe at the Agua Vista Station in the Stone Oak area back in 2018. One reason the San Antonio Water System is seeking its first rate increase since 2020 is to maintain and improve infrastructure. JERRY LARA/San Antonio Express-News Robert R. Puente is president and CEO of the San Antonio Water System.
6 game changing Alexa skills you didn't know you needed
1.9K If you’ve got an Amazon Echo speaker, you already know how much fun having Alexa at your fingertips can be despite the risk to your privacy and security. Whether playing music, answering random questions, or venting your frustrations, Alexa has become a part of your daily routine. Did you know, however, that it can do so much more? There are some seriously cool Alexa skills out there that can elevate your Echo speaker to a whole new level of intelligence.
Scott & Mark Hoying Share New Children’s Book Original
You know Scott Hoying as a lead singer in the Grammy-winning Multi-platinum Acapella Supergroup “Pentatonix“… But these days, this artist is also an author, penning a new children’s book with husband Mark Hoying. The happy couple joined the KTLA Weekend Morning News to share the inspiration behind “How Lucky Am I?” and how the book came about. Scott also teased his performance for KTLA’s WEHO Pride Parade Special Sunday, June 1st on KTLA & KTLA+.
The Road to WeHo Pride: VINCINT Performs “Good II Me” Original
The big WeHo Pride celebration is still months away, but Pride is already in the air here at KTLA. In our new series The Road to WeHo Pride, we will feature a new queer Outloud artist every month, leading up to the big Outloud Music Festival at WeHo Pride. This week, Outloud CEO Jeff Consoletti joined us, alongside singer-songwriter VINCINT, to spill the tea on how Outloud has evolved over the years, and what we can expect from this year’s festival May 31st thru June 2nd in West Hollywood Park.
Latin Grammy Winner Andrés Cepeda brings tour to SoCal Original
He’s a beloved superstar in Latin American Music, and now, four-time Latin Grammy winner Andrés Cepeda is bringing his powerhouse tour to Southern California. Cepeda will play one-night-only at the Orpheum Theatre in Downtown L.A. on April 19th. But before he brings down the house with his ballads, he stopped by the KTLA Weekend Morning News to share the scoop on his tour.
Protect your bacon: the rise of pig butchering scams and how to avoid them
3.4K Picture this: you’re minding your business, browsing the latest cat memes, when suddenly, a mysterious message from a stranger lands in your inbox or DM’s. It’s not the classic junk email from a Middle Eastern Prince looking to give away half his fortune. Instead, it’s a lot more creative, crafty, and for many, a much more believable scam. These thieves know exactly how to bait their hooks with the most tempting lures to reel in unsuspecting folks. It’s a sad reality.
Best ways to search for anything
632 Stop spinning your search engine wheels and discover the ultimate tips to search smarter, not harder, and find what you’re really looking for. We all know how overwhelming it can be when you’re on the hunt for a specific search result, yet instead, you get hundreds, if not thousands, of useless results. Don’t worry; I’ve got a handy trick for making your searches more specific and efficient. First, let’s start with the basics.
5 things to do first if you got a new Mac
94 You know that feeling when you unbox a new Mac for the first time? It’s awesome, right? You can’t help but admire how sleek and smooth it looks, and how bright and beautiful it glows when you turn it on. And don’t get me started on those crisp and clean keys that make typing a breeze. Before we jump into all the cool stuff you can do with your Mac, there are some important things you need to set up first. Don’t worry, I’ll guide you through them step by step. 1.
Cyberattack on DC election site exposes voter data to hackers
23 Voter fraud is, unfortunately, an all too real reality. It seems to be more rampant today than ever before, and maybe that is because of incidents like data breaches. It’s sort of an oxymoron – reverting to digital and paperless systems has made our lives much more convenient yet, in turn, has also made us vulnerable to those who can hack their way through our digital fortresses.
Hackers are waging a digital battle in the Israel-Hamas conflict
80 As the world’s focus remains fixed on the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict, a digital battlefield emerges in the shadows. Behind the scenes of this traditional warfare, hackers have launched disruptive cyberattacks in support of both sides. War hackers are silent and dangerously disruptive. The reality is stark: if hacker groups can target critical infrastructures in Israel, similar attacks could potentially be directed toward other nations, including the United States.
Elon Musk sparks outrage by telling X users to follow accounts that spread false narratives about Israel
29 It’s no secret that when there’s a major global event, social media platforms become a hub of information, both accurate and misleading. But what happens when the owner of a major social media platform takes a personal interest in promoting questionable sources? That’s precisely what’s unfolding on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict.
How does Israel’s Iron Dome defense system work
45 The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict witnessed a surge of hostilities over the weekend as Palestinian militants from Gaza launched a surprise attack on Israel, which the Israeli prime minister called the deadliest offensive in 50 years. The attack, dubbed Operation Al Aqsa Flood by Hamas, involved over 3,000 rockets, drones, and commando raids that targeted Israeli cities, military bases, and infrastructure.
Naomi Campbell rocks a screenless wearable AI Pin with a sneaky sci-fi twist
34 Ever wished your shoes had rockets attached for that instant zoom to work? Or dreamt of clothes that could change colors to match your mood? While we may have to wait a bit for those, a new high-tech gadget is here to transform your lapel into a sleek tech companion that can whisper the news, translate languages, take an optical look around, or even take calls.
How Tom Hanks' fake AI dental plan video is just the beginning of bogus celebrity endorsements
93 Imagine scrolling through social media only to stumble upon a version of yourself promoting some random brand, or maybe starring in a commercial you’ve never seen, or perhaps even endorsing a political stance you’ve never taken. A bizarre reality, right? This eerie scenario isn’t far off for Tom Hanks, who recently found his AI-generated twin making a pitch for a dental plan.
Beware of Bing Chat and its AI conversations that can lure you into malware traps
61 Every day, AI seems to flip a coin between being our tech hero or digital villain. One day, it’s saving the day; another day, it’s stirring up some trouble. In this mix, Bing Chat made a splash by teaming up with OpenAI, turning the mundane task of searching into a friendly chat. With Microsoft leading the way, these tech giants were able to integrate the capabilities of ChatGPT into the Bing search engine. This integration was meant to change the search engine game.
The alarming surge of home title theft and how to protect your property
59 Home sweet home is a sentiment many of us cherish. Yet, imagine brewing your morning coffee only to discover that your beloved abode isn’t yours anymore. No, we’re not scripting a new Twilight Zone episode. This scenario captures the chilling reality of home title theft. It’s a crime as real as your daily caffeine fix. We recently received an email that puts this into perspective. Charlie from Charleston, South Carolina, brings up a question that is bothering a lot of folks these days.
How to customize Alexa’s voice, Wake Word, and Hunches
49 Ever felt that your smart home assistant’s voice doesn’t quite match your aesthetic or mood? Well, Alexa is lending an ear to your preferences. There’s a charm in personalizing every tiny detail of our gadgets, and Amazon’s Alexa isn’t one to be left behind. First up, here’s how you can adjust her accent.
How AI tools could turn into job killing machines
57 Imagine walking into work, feeling the hum of the office around you, and settling into your desk, all the while unaware of the unseen eyes monitoring your every move. It’s happening on a grand scale as corporations use advanced software to keep tabs on their employees. There’s a twist in the narrative here. This extensive data collection is feared by experts to be a stepping stone, a way to train AI to replace human roles in the workforce.
Meet the world's first AI massage robot
16 Do you ever feel like you need a break from the stress of everyday life? Do you wish you could just relax and enjoy a soothing massage? So many of us are looking for ways to unwind and recharge our batteries. How can we do that when we are busy with work, family, and other obligations? That’s where Phill the massage robot comes in.
This new smartphone poses a problem for Apple in China
97 Imagine you are a giant in the smartphone industry, with millions of loyal customers and cutting-edge technology. You are on the verge of becoming the world leader, surpassing rivals in innovation and quality. Then everything changes. That’s what happened to Huawei in 2019, when the U.S. government decided to ban it from doing business with American companies, citing national security concerns. The ban was not only limited to U.S. firms.
This Facebook Messenger phishing scam is stealing millions of passwords
69 Ah, Facebook Messenger. It’s where we swap memes, catch up on gossip, and reconnect with old classmates. Lurking behind that chat bubble is a new threat. It is a cleverly disguised scam by hackers aimed at both businesses and individuals on the platform. According to Guardio Labs’’ researchers, every week, an overwhelming 100,000 phishing messages target Facebook users from North America all the way to Southeast Asia.
How to protect your Mac from the new MetaStealer malware
68 If you own an Intel-based Mac, watch out. There’s a malware strain that’s after your data. It’s called MetaStealer, and it slipped right past the radar of many Mac experts. Gone are the days when Apple was almost invincible to viruses and malware. Now, with cyber threats constantly changing and improving, no brand, whether it’s Mac, Windows, or any other operating system, is truly safe anymore. MetaStealer is just the latest example of how hackers can exploit Macs.
Why that call from the Sheriff’s Department might just be a phone scam
46 Ever pick up the phone, hear a voice, and get that sinking feeling: “This can’t be real… can it?” That unsettling doubt is what David from Los Angeles felt, as did many others when they got a ring from the “LASD West Hollywood Station.” Complete with police chatter in the background and all the right details. These scammers have seriously upped their game.
How this robot janitor is cleaning toilets and doing the dirty work - CyberGuy
48 In a time where AI is being used in everything from sneakers to music and movies, it’s sort of interesting, perhaps even surprising, to see it tackle some of the less glamorous tasks, such as cleaning toilets. From New York’s backstreets comes Somatic’s autonomous toilet-cleaning robot, revealing that, yes, robots too can roll up their metaphorical sleeves for the less coveted gigs.
Ask Kurt: Should you give up passwords for good? Both Apple and Google want you to
70 When it comes to tech conundrums, our friend Kirk from North Carolina has served us a humdinger. Here’s what he’s asking, Is the Apple Passkey better than Google Passkeys? Ah, Kirk! That is a very good question. So, now we find ourselves with two ideal contenders: Apple’s passkey and Google Passkeys. They’re akin to world champion fighters Ali and Frazier in the password management world. How do Apple Passkeys work Apple Passkeys is a new feature that Apple introduced in iOS 16 and macOS 13.
QakBot malware network is dismantled in major crackdown
84 The U.S. government and international partners just tackled a big cyber headache: QakBot. This malware has been a menace for businesses and agencies for ages. The organized force not only shut it down but also managed to reclaim millions in lost funds. The FBI and Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have historically been either ineffective or quiet about tackling these organized threats. Here’s the scoop on this high-tech crackdown.
How cunning romance scammers duped Florida man of nearly a half million dollars
158 Let’s face it – online dating has always been a bit of a circus. Between ghosting, catfishing, and breadcrumbing, it’s a wonder anyone finds romance at all. It’s safe to say online dating is a downright chore these days. Remember those cringe-worthy dinner dates where you dropped a hundred bucks only to realize you’d never see the person again? Yeah, that was bad. But now there’s a new threat in town that makes those expensive meals feel like chump change.
Don’t fall for this latest antivirus protection scam
54 With technology zooming ahead at lightning speed, it’s not just about the latest apps or gadgets. Sometimes, it’s the sneaky pop-ups and unsolicited messages that catch us off-guard. While we’re busy marveling at new innovations, an underbelly of crafty tactics lurks in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to spring a surprise. Just ask Shelley from Salisbury, MD, who stumbled upon a digital curveball on an otherwise typical day.
Don't fall for that deceptive email asking for your help
193 It’s a jungle out there in the world of emails, a wild, unruly landscape where spam messages dart in and out like agile panthers, and phishing emails lurk like camouflaged pythons ready to pounce. Today, we turn the spotlight on a rather peculiar phishing email story that puts a twist on the tale. This isn’t just another “prince with a fortune” email. Oh, no.
Are AI deepfakes the end of acting as we know it?
152 Hollywood and AI are like that couple you see everywhere: inseparable, intriguing, and constantly making headlines. While studios are singing praises about AI’s endless capabilities, traditional performers are biting their nails, wondering where they fit in this evolving tapestry. How the AI celebrity revolution is playing out Ever wished for a personalized message from soccer sensation Lionel Messi?
A controversial new AI app allows you to text with Jesus (and Satan)
84 It’s not every day that the spiritual realm intersects with smartphone tech. But in the era of chatbots and AI, even the Biblical figures aren’t immune. Welcome to the world of “Text With Jesus,” where you’re just a tap away from a conversation with the holy—and, for a price, the not-so-holy. Deepening faith through “Text With Jesus” For those longing for a more personal connection to their faith, this app might be the digital salvation they’re seeking.
Despite an FBI takedown, the infamous Raccoon Stealer malware returns
107 In the world of digital wrongdoing, it seems some cyber pests never really go extinct. Remember Raccoon Stealer? If you don’t, it is a malware strain and you might want to brace yourself. It’s back, it’s bolder, and it’s up to no good—again. Picture this: A malware so astute it pilfers data from a whopping 60 applications. We’re talking login details, credit card numbers, those treasured browser histories you thought were safe, and even the ever-popular cryptocurrency accounts.
Real or fake? AI product reviews are making it impossible to know the difference
48 Ever scrolled through online reviews when deciding where to dine or which gadget to buy? Of course, you have. We all rely on these digital nods of approval. But here’s the twist: Can you trust every thumbs-up or scathing criticism you read? Of course not! Real places, real…fake reviews Gone are the days when fake reviews stuck out like a sore thumb. With AI tech (like our friend ChatGPT) stepping up its game, the line between human tales and digital fabrications is getting blurrier.
How to stay incognito and conceal your number when calling someone
152 Just when you thought your phone had exhausted all its secrets, it pulls a rabbit out of the hat – *a disappearing act* for your phone number, no less. It’s no illusion; instead, we are about to turn you into a master of phone number invisibility. Let’s dive in. 1. The magic number: *67 You want to call someone but keep your number undercover, like a cat burglar in the night. What to do? Simply dial *67, followed by the number you want to call. Presto! You’ve just turned into a phantom caller.
Is this new tech going to cost you your job? Here's proof.
94 The future isn’t just knocking at our doors; it’s breaking them wide open and walking right in. Bots and artificial intelligence (AI) are leading this revolution, reinventing traditional roles and reimagining what it means to work in the 21st century. Banking bots: transcending ATMs The realm of banking has felt the ripple effects of the automation wave. Automation, once associated merely with ATMs, has come a long way.
Crazy futuristic underwater jetpack lets you fly in the water like an aquatic superhero
58 Did you ever fantasize about owning a jetpack when you were a kid? If so, your dream may finally come true – with an aquatic twist. It’s time to turn those dreams of soaring the skies into zipping through the blue oceans because of a futuristic underwater jetpack here to change your underwater exploration game. We’ve seen underwater propulsion systems, but none quite like the CudaJet. The typical designs were strapped to the user’s arms or legs.
Meet the autonomous mega-mower robot putting an end to grass cutting as we know it
49 Don’t yawn and click off the page just because this story begins with grass. Yes, the stuff that grows in your backyard. You see, the world of lawn care just got its equivalent of a supersonic jet – the autonomous mega-mower by FireFly Automatix. We’re not talking about your dad’s trusty push-along. This is the mega-mower, a monster that’ll blitz an area equivalent to 19 NFL football fields on a single charge.
Don’t fall for this Instagram art scam
70 Picture this: You’re sipping your morning coffee, nestled in your favorite chair, scrolling through Instagram. It’s the usual spread—cat videos, foodies showcasing their avocado toast, and your friend’s 100th vacation pic. Among these regulars is a picture you posted yesterday. It’s nothing extravagant, just a candid shot of the city park during sunset or maybe a quirky selfie you took with that vintage hat you found.
Why your new neighbor could be a giant AI data warehouse
36 You know what they say about the American dream, right? Think about it—a decently sized home, kids playing in the yard, neighbors discussing last night’s game across white picket fences. But hold onto your remote controls because the American neighborhood is getting a plot twist. The plot twist in the American Dream Welcome to Aldie, Virginia. The folks there would’ve once waved hello to the postman; now they’re sharing their neighborhood skyline with a monstrous Amazon data center.
What surprises can we expect from the highly anticipated release of the iPhone 15
26 Step aside, folks. The tech titan Apple is getting ready to pull another rabbit out of its silicon hat. This time, the iPhone 15 Pro promises a dramatic leap toward the company’s ‘dream iPhone.’ Imagine the thrill of holding a device that is all screen, with no borders, no cutouts – a tech spectacle that the creators in Cupertino have envisioned for years. The evolution of Apple’s dream Let’s time-travel back to 2017.
Guard your passwords: CherryBlos & FakeTrade malware threaten Androids
24 Picture this: You’re scrolling through your photos, reminiscing on good times, and out of nowhere – BAM! Your bank account is suddenly empty. How did that happen, you wonder? Well, my friends, welcome to the era of CherryBlos and FakeTrade, two cunning new forms of Android malware that were discovered by Trend Micro, which can lift your passwords and other precious data from your photo album. What’s CherryBlos? Let’s talk about CherryBlos first.
Meet the hamster ball robot that can fly and crawl
67 Our world is filled with many incredible inventions and feats of engineering. But, occasionally, something comes along that genuinely revolutionizes our perspective on what technology can do. Today, we’re focusing on the latest sensation in robotics – the Hybrid Mobility Robot (HMR) from Revolute Robotics. It’s a flying, crawling, autonomous robot that resembles a hamster ball. It sounds unbelievable, but this little sphere of technological wonder is already turning heads in the industry.
Just when you’ve seen it all.. flying fruit-picking robots take flight
49 With labor shortages leaving a wealth of fruit to rot on trees, farmers around the globe are seeing a glimmer of hope on the horizon as AI-driven robots fly to their rescue. These tech marvels are combatting an escalating labor shortage that’s leaving vast quantities of fruit to decay on trees.
AI’s impact on Hollywood amidst the “Barbenheimer” epic frenzy
27 So, you’ve probably heard about the latest stir in Hollywood – and no, it’s not about another celebrity feud or a blockbuster release. Instead, the buzz is all about artificial intelligence elbowing its way into the director’s chair, churning out movie trailers, title sequences, and even entire episodes of beloved shows. It’s an uncanny blend of technology and creativity that has everyone from industry insiders to casual moviegoers sitting up and taking notice.
Beware of this new Mac malware targeting your data and devices
37 In the grand scheme of cyber threats, a new villain has emerged from the shadows, targeting none other than our beloved Mac users. With a penchant for pilfering passwords, greed for grabbing crypto, and a propensity for pocketing personal data, this digital bandit goes by the name “Realst.” Masked behind the guise of counterfeit blockchain games, it poses an ominous threat to your virtual safety.
How scammers are using ‘Barbie’ frenzy to steal bank info from moviegoers
Hold on to your high heels, ladies and gents. There’s a new trend sweeping the cyber world, and it’s less glamorous than it sounds. As the glittery haze of the Barbie movie frenzy continues to enchant viewers globally, the underbelly of the internet is having a field day. The villains of the story? Crafty cyber scammers are capitalizing on the popularity of this trend to snatch your hard-earned money right out of your digital wallets.
How closely did the films of yesteryear predict our tech of today?
96 In the words of our favorite time-traveling Doc Brown, “Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.” Today, we’re not hitting 88 mph in a DeLorean, but rather, we’re taking a cinematic stroll down memory lane. Through this lens, we’ll explore how yesteryears’ visions of futuristic tech stack up against our present reality. It’s a journey filled with rogue AI, robots, and high-tech gadgets. Let’s see how close these science fiction flicks got to predicting our current tech era.
The must-try iPhone shortcut to help you remember everything
44 With the power of technology at our fingertips, it’s becoming easier to manage daily life, even for those grappling with issues such as short-term memory loss. Apple’s “Remember This” shortcut is one such tool that acts as an invaluable assistant for memory support and mindfulness. This shortcut lets you quickly build a visual and textual log of your daily activities and serves as a handy digital journal. Here’s a step-by-step guide on setting it up and using it effectively.
5 amazing tricks for sharing your favorite things online
87 You know that moment when you stumble across a hilarious video or an intriguing article, and you just have to share it with your friends? Sharing content is one of the best ways to connect with people online. Although, did you know there are some neat tricks to make it even more seamless? 1. To share a section of a webpage Take, for instance, sharing a specific section of a webpage. You don’t need to send the whole article and then describe where to look.
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