Consumer News: Nearly 200,000 BMW owners urged to park outside because of fire risk

One unoccupied vehicle drove into flood waters and was swept away

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Waymo is recalling nearly 3,800 robotaxis after one autonomous vehicle drove into floodwaters in San Antonio, Texas.

• Federal regulators said the software could slow for flooded roads but not always stop, creating a potential crash risk.

• The recall adds to growing scrutiny of autonomous vehicle safety as Waymo expands service across major U.S. cities.

Waymo, Alphabets self-driving vehicle subsidiary, has issued one of the largest recalls in the history of the autonomous vehicle industry after a software flaw allowed some robotaxis to enter flooded roadways.

The voluntary recall affects 3,791 vehicles equipped with the companys fifth- and sixth-generation automated driving systems, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The action follows an April 20 incident in San Antonio, Texas, in which an unoccupied Waymo robotaxi drove into a flooded roadway during severe weather and was swept into a creek. No injuries were reported, but regulators said the incident exposed a dangerous weakness in the companys response to extreme weather conditions.

Flooded roads may be problematic

NHTSA documents state that on higher-speed roads, Waymo vehicles could detect standing water and reduce speed, but might still continue forward instead of stopping completely. Regulators warned that entering flooded roadways could lead to loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of crashes or injuries.

Waymo said it has already implemented interim software updates across its fleet, including tighter weather-related operating restrictions and revised mapping data designed to limit access to flood-prone areas. The company is also developing a permanent software remedy.

We are working to implement additional software safeguards and have put mitigations in place, including refining our extreme weather operations during periods of intense rain, a Waymo spokesperson said.

The recall represents another high-profile setback for the rapidly growing robotaxi industry, which has promoted autonomous vehicles as potentially safer than human drivers. Waymo currently operates commercial driverless ride-hailing services in cities including Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Austin, and recently expanded testing into additional U.S. markets.

Growing scrutiny

Despite its expansion, the company has faced mounting regulatory scrutiny over safety incidents involving its autonomous fleet. Federal investigators have previously examined reports of Waymo vehicles colliding with roadway barriers, illegally passing stopped school buses and entering restricted traffic areas.

Still, Waymo continues to argue that its vehicles are safer overall than human-operated cars. A company-backed study published last year found Waymo vehicles experienced significantly lower crash rates than human drivers across tens of millions of autonomous miles traveled.

Industry analysts say the latest recall highlights one of the most difficult challenges facing autonomous driving technology: handling unpredictable real-world conditions such as flooding, snow, debris and other hazards that humans often navigate using judgment and context rather than strict rules.

The recall also underscores the growing role of software updates in modern automotive safety. Unlike traditional recalls that require physical repairs, Waymos fix is largely being deployed through over-the-air software updates, allowing vehicles to receive new operating instructions remotely.

For buyers, its probably the best they could hope for

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage edged down to 6.36% this week from 6.37%, according to Freddie Mac.

• Economists expect mortgage rates to remain relatively stable in the next few weeks, hovering in the mid-6% range.

• Inflation concerns, Treasury yields and uncertainty over future Federal Reserve moves are likely to keep rates from falling sharply anytime soon.

Mortgage rates arent going down very much, but at least they arent going up. Rates drifted slightly lower this week, offering modest relief for homebuyers entering the late spring housing market, but economists say borrowing costs are likely to remain elevated through the next several weeks.

Freddie Mac reports that the average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dipped to 6.36%, down from 6.37% last week. A year ago, the benchmark mortgage averaged 6.81%. Rates on 15-year fixed mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing, slipped to 5.71% from 5.72% the previous week.

Recent data points to slightly better conditions for buyers, Freddie Mac said in its weekly survey, pointing to growing housing inventory and lower median new-home prices.

However, mortgage analysts caution that the improvement is unlikely to signal the beginning of a major downward trend.

Following bond yields

Mortgage rates closely follow the yield on the 10-year Treasury note, which has remained elevated as investors weigh inflation pressures, global instability and the Federal Reserves next moves on interest rates. The 10-year Treasury yield recently hovered around 4.4%, well above where it stood earlier this year.

Housing economists said they generally expect rates to stay in a narrow range between about 6.2% and 6.5% through the early summer unless there is a significant shift in inflation or economic growth.

Federal Reserve policymakers have held their benchmark interest rate steady this year after several cuts late in 2025, signaling continued concern that inflation remains stubbornly above the Feds 2% target. Although the Fed does not directly set mortgage rates, its policies heavily influence broader borrowing costs.

Second half of the year may see improvement

Industry forecasts suggest mortgage rates may gradually ease later in 2026 if inflation cools and the Fed resumes rate cuts. Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and the Mortgage Bankers Association all project rates could fall closer to 6% by years end, though few analysts expect a return to the ultra-low rates seen during the pandemic era.

For consumers, the near-term outlook means affordability challenges are likely to persist, especially as home prices remain high in many markets. But slightly lower rates and increased inventory may give some buyers more negotiating power than they had during the frenzied housing market of recent years.

Slower and calmer storytelling is disappearing from many apps

• Streaming is changing: Parents say many kids shows now feel more like TikTok and YouTube Shorts, with nonstop stimulation and fast pacing.

• Experts have concerns: Some child-development experts say highly chaotic content may affect focus, sleep, and emotional regulation in younger kids.

• Parents are pushing back: Many families are canceling some streaming services, limiting autoplay, and choosing calmer shows like Sesame Street and Bluey.

For years, many parents viewed streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video as the safer alternative to the chaos of YouTube.

But a growing number of parents say something has changed in the shows their kids watch these days.

The new norm seems to be shows with fast cuts, loud sound effects, frantic pacing, and always-on energy. These characteristics once felt mostly isolated to YouTube and TikTok, but are now creeping into mainstream streaming platforms as well.

Some parents even have a name for it, the YouTubeification of kids' TV.

Call it overstimulating, addictive, or brain rot, but many families say modern kids content feels very different than it did even just five years ago.

Why so many kids' shows suddenly feel chaotic

Many modern childrens shows and creator-driven videos now rely heavily on:

• Rapid scene cuts
• Constant motion
• Loud transitions
• Quick zooms
• Endless sound effects
• Bright flashing visuals
• Over-the-top reactions

The editing style closely mirrors the style of YouTube Shorts, TikTok, Instagram reels, and gaming creator content.

The reason is fairly simple. A childs attention has become one of the most valuable currencies online, so streaming platforms have joined the party and want a piece of it.

For example, platforms like Disney+ and Netflix are now competing against apps specifically designed to keep kids watching for as long as possible.

The result is that contentoptimized for retention and stimulation wins out over shows withslower and calmer storytelling. In turn, consumers get less calm and more stimulation.

Parents say streaming platforms no longer feel 'safe by default'

A major frustration among parents is that many originally paid for streaming services specifically to avoid this YouTube-style content.

Now they feel the same editing process is spreading everywhere online. And unlike older childrens programming, many newer shows feel designed to prevent kids from looking away for even a few seconds.

Thats a big shift from slower-paced classics like Sesame Street, Mister Rogers Neighborhood, Reading Rainbow, and Blues Clues. All of which were built around storytelling, conversation, music, and a childs emotional development.

What experts actually say about overstimulating content

This is where things get nuanced. There is not strong evidence that fast-paced editing damages childrens brains.

But many child-development experts do express concerns about:

• Attention fragmentation
• Overstimulation
• Emotional regulation
• Sleep disruption
• Reduced patience for slower activities

Some studies suggest that fast-paced shows may temporarily make it harder for younger children to focus and control their behavior right after watching.

Researchers also worry about what happens when kids become conditioned to extremely high stimulation levels all day long. Eventually it will mean that books feel slow, school feels slow, and real-life conversations and interactions start to feel boring.

That doesnt mean all modern media is harmful. But many experts encourage parents to pay closer attention to content quality and pacing not just screen-time totals.

The algorithm problem parents rarely see

One major issue is the recommendation algorithms that many streaming apps use these days to suggest shows your kids might like.

Even if you start with a relatively calm show that you know is solid, once the show ends, the recommended next show might not be one you approve of. Or worse yet, the autoplay systems starts to play garbage content and pushes them toward:

• Higher energy videos
• Faster pacing
• Louder creators
• More emotionally exaggerated content

This is because those videos often perform better on kids' engagement metrics, and its all about keeping their eyeballs on the screen.

Thats one reason many parents say the content becomes weirder or more chaotic as they continue to watch. These streaming platforms know exactly what theyre doing, and theyre optimizing the content to keep your kids watching.

Signs content may be too overstimulating

Parents often describe the same patterns after certain videos:

• Meltdowns when screens turn off
• Increased irritability
• Hyper behavior
• Trouble focusing afterward
• Difficulty transitioning to non-screen activities
• Sleep problems

Of course, every child reacts differently. Many pediatricians say parents should trust what they observe in their own home rather than assuming all childrens content affects kids equally.

What parents can actually do

The folks at FairPlayforKids.org, who are dedicated to eliminating the harmful business practices of big tech, have created a fantastic guide to help parents navigate through all of this.

Here are four of the biggest recommendations they have for parents.

1. Look for good stories that keep it slow

Fair Play for Kids makes the point that young children learn the best when the storytelling is very clear and slow. This is especially true when the show follows an easy-to-understand beginning, middle, and end.

They recommend avoiding overly chaotic videos that constantly jump between scenes or cram too much information into a short window. And if a show has nonstop sound effects and flashy edits, turn it off for the sake of everyones sanityparents included.

Its refreshing to hear that many parents are rediscovering calmer shows like:

• Bluey
• Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood
• Sesame Street
• Kipper the Dog
• Wild Kratts
• Mister Rogers' Neighborhood
• Nature documentaries
• Art and music programs

Keep in mind that the goal is not to find the perfect educational program, but rather to reduce the nonstop sensory overload that many newer shows have.

2. Turn off autoplay

They also highly recommend turning off autoplay whenever possible,because endless back-to-back videos can make it much harder for young children to stop watching on their own.

Research has found that younger children benefit from clear stopping points rather than an endless stream of content.

One strategy is to create a transition plan before the screen time even starts. Try saying something like, You can watch one show, then we are going outside when it ends. That way your kid knows what comes next instead of feeling abruptly cut off.

3. Beware of the marketing

Its illegal for kids'TV shows to take money from companies in exchange for product placement in a scene. But in the online world, no such law exists.

Marketers have taken notice and have zeroed-in on your kids. Fair Play for Kids actually did a test and found that almost half of the videos viewed by children 8 and under, featured or promoted products for children to buy.

Many of these came in the form of unboxing videos where an influencer would open a product andexplain it in detail, all in the hopes of building trust and a potential sale. Often by turning kids into relentless little salespeople for the product at home.

They also point out that YouTube Kids is supposed to weed out all influencer videos, but some still make it on the platform, so be on the lookout.

4. Limit recommendations

When it comes to recommended videos, lets talk about the elephant in the room YouTube. Fair Play for Kids explains that YouTube offers ZERO ways to turn off recommendations, and they actually use all of the data Google has on you to make their video recommendations.

For this reason, they highly encourage you to keep your young kids off YouTube completely, and instead use YouTube Kids. On YouTube Kids, in your childs profile, you can select Approve Content Yourself so you can actually select the specific shows, or collections of shows, that your kid can watch.

The bottom line

If youre not happy with the chaotic kids content invading many of todays popular streaming apps, it might be time to talk with your wallet and cancel it.

If enough parents push back, perhaps this YouTube-style pacing will go away or at the very least lessen. In the meantime, parents should stay vigilant and pay close attention to what their kids are watching and what it could potentially be doing to their mood and behavior.

The company is beginning to pay for its 2023 data breach

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Comcast has agreed to a $117.5 million settlement tied to a massive 2023 data breach affecting more than 30 million customers.

• Eligible consumers may qualify for up to $10,000 in documented losses or a smaller cash payment estimated at about $50.

• Customers who received a breach notification from Comcast can file claims online through Aug. 14, 2026.

Millions of Comcast and Xfinity customers may be eligible for compensation after Comcast agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit stemming from a 2023 cybersecurity breach that exposed sensitive customer data.

The proposed $117.5 million settlement resolves claims that Comcast failed to adequately protect customer information after hackers exploited a vulnerability in Citrix software between Oct. 16 and Oct. 19, 2023. Comcast disclosed the breach in December 2023 and has denied wrongdoing.

According to court filings, the breach exposed data including usernames, hashed passwords, names, contact information, dates of birth, and in some cases the last four digits of Social Security numbers and security question answers.

Are you eligible?

Consumers are included in the settlement if they received a notice from Comcast informing them that their personal information may have been compromised in the October 2023 breach.

That means not all Comcast or Xfinity customers automatically qualify. Settlement administrators estimate the class includes roughly 31.7 million people.

How much money could consumers receive? Eligible consumers have several compensation options:

• Reimbursement of up to $10,000 for documented out-of-pocket losses related to the breach, including identity theft losses, fraud expenses, credit monitoring costs, credit freezes, and related fees.

• Compensation for lost time spent dealing with the breach, capped at five hours at $30 per hour.

• An alternative cash payment estimated at around $50 for consumers who do not submit documentation for losses. The final amount may increase or decrease depending on how many claims are filed.

Class members are also eligible for three years of identity theft and credit monitoring services.

How to file a claim

Consumers can file claims online through the official settlement website at ComcastBreachSettlement.com.

To submit a claim, consumers will generally need the Class Member ID included in the breach notification sent by Comcast. People who lost their notice can use the websites lookup tool or contact the settlement administrator to retrieve their information.

The deadline to file a claim is Aug. 14, 2026. The courts final approval hearing is scheduled for July 7, 2026.

Consumer advocates also warn customers to be cautious about phishing tied to the settlement. Legitimate claims can be filed free of charge, and consumers should avoid anyone requesting payment or sensitive financial information to help process a claim.

Its part of an elaborate scam operation

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Consumers across the U.S. are reporting mysterious blank voicemails from unknown numbers, often without their phone ever ringing.

• Experts say the messages are usually part of a robocall verification scheme designed to identify active phone numbers for future .

• Consumers should avoid calling the numbers back, delete the messages, and use carrier spam-blocking tools to reduce future targeting.

Millions of smartphone users have experienced it: You glance at your phone and see a new voicemail notification, even though the phone never rang. When you listen to the message, theres either silence, a brief rustling sound, or a robotic click before the message ends.

Cybersecurity experts say these ghost voicemails are rarely harmless glitches. In many cases, they are part of a larger robocall operation aimed at identifying working phone numbers and targeting consumers for future .

How the scam works

The scam typically begins with an automated dialing system that places thousands sometimes millions of calls in rapid succession. Rather than allowing the phone to ring normally, the system disconnects almost immediately or routes the call directly to voicemail.

That leaves behind a blank or nearly blank message.

While the message itself may seem meaningless, the real objective is data collection.

Scammers use the tactic to determine whether a phone number is active and monitored by a real person. If the voicemail system answers and stores a message, the number is flagged as live. That information can then be sold to telemarketers, scam networks, or criminals conducting phishing attacks.

Why your phone doesnt ring

Several technologies allow calls to bypass the normal ringing process.

One common method involves ringless voicemail technology, originally developed for marketers. The system deposits a message directly into voicemail servers without completing a traditional phone call.

Legitimate businesses have used ringless voicemail for advertising campaigns, but scammers increasingly exploit the same technology because it avoids some robocall detection systems and reduces the chance consumers will immediately block the number.

In other cases, scammers simply hang up after one partial ring, too quickly for the consumer to notice, but long enough for the carrier to route the call to voicemail.

The bigger objective

The blank voicemail itself is usually only the first step.

Once scammers know a number is active, consumers may begin receiving:

• Fake bank fraud alerts

• Phony package delivery texts

• Medicare or insurance

• Tech support

• Cryptocurrency investment pitches

• AI-generated voice impersonating relatives or employers

Some operations also use verified numbers to build detailed consumer profiles that can later be combined with breached personal information purchased online.

The result is a more convincing and potentially more dangerous scam attempt down the road.

Can listening to the voicemail harm you?

In most cases, simply listening to a blank voicemail will not infect your phone with malware.

However, experts warn consumers not to call the number back, click links sent afterward, or respond to follow-up texts.

Returning the call confirms to scammers that the consumer is engaged and reachable, which can lead to even more robocalls.

There is also a financial risk in some cases. Certain direct consumers to international premium-rate numbers that generate charges when called back.

What consumers should do

Experts recommend several steps to reduce exposure to these schemes:

Dont call back unknown numbers

If the voicemail is blank or suspicious, avoid returning the call unless you can independently verify the caller.

Block the number

Most smartphones allow users to block suspicious callers directly from the call log or voicemail screen.

Use spam-filtering tools

Wireless carriers offer free or low-cost robocall filtering services, including:

• AT&T ActiveArmor

• Verizon Call Filter

• T-Mobile Scam Shield

Third-party apps such as Hiya, Truecaller, and RoboKiller can also help screen suspicious calls.

Report persistent scam calls

Consumers can file complaints with:

• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

• Their wireless carrier

Keep voicemail passwords secure

Some scammers attempt to hack voicemail accounts using default PINs. Consumers should use strong, unique voicemail passwords whenever possible.