Last Updated on August 2, 2026 by Daily News Staff

(Family Features) Graduation is an exciting time, but it also means new responsibilities.

“Graduates are stepping into a world filled with opportunities and uncertainties,” said Kevin Quinn, VP, Auto Claims at Mercury Insurance. “Understanding your insurance needs is a crucial step in protecting your future.”

If, like many recent grads, you’ve been on your parents’ auto insurance and now need your own, consider these simple steps from Mercury Insurance to help you get the coverage you need.

1. Review Your Current Coverage
As a starting point, talk to your parents and their insurance agent to understand what coverage you currently have.

“Knowing what coverage you’ve had under your parents’ policy helps you understand what protections you might need going forward,” Quinn said.

2. Decide on Your Coverage
Understanding the different types of coverage available ensures you choose the right protection for your vehicle and situation. Different types of coverage include:

• Liability: Covers damage you cause to others.
• Collision: Covers damage to your car from accidents.
• Comprehensive: Covers non-accident damage (like theft or weather).

3. Check State Requirements
Every state has different auto insurance laws. Look up the minimum coverage requirements for your state or ask an agent to explain them.

4. Get Quotes
Shopping around is essential. Contact multiple insurance companies to get quotes. Different companies offer various rates and discounts, so take the time to compare prices and coverage options to find the best deal. For example, you can obtain a quote from Mercury Insurance online.

Many insurers also offer discounts for safe driving, good grades or combining policies. Be sure to ask about lower rates and potential savings for:

• Good driving record
• Completing driver education courses
• Bundling with other insurance policies

5. Review and Choose
Look over the quotes and coverage options. Select a policy that provides adequate coverage without stretching your budget too thin.

6. Set Up Your Policy
Once you’ve chosen a policy, work with the insurance company to set it up. For example, Mercury Insurance has a team of agents ready to help make this process as seamless and easy as possible. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions to avoid surprises later on and contact an agent if you have any questions.

For more information, visit mercuryinsurance.com or contact your local agent.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:
Mercury Insurance

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For years, headlines and social media posts have warned consumers about a so-called “yoga mat chemical” found in hamburger buns served by major fast-food chains. The claims sparked widespread concern, prompted petitions, and eventually led several restaurant companies—including McDonald’s—to change their recipes.

But what was the chemical, and is there actually a health risk today?

What Was the Controversial Ingredient?

The ingredient at the center of the controversy was azodicarbonamide (ADA), a chemical used as a dough conditioner. It helped improve the texture of bread, making dough easier to handle and producing softer, more consistent buns.

Ironically, the same compound is also used in manufacturing certain foamed plastics, including some yoga mats and shoe soles. That connection gave rise to the viral nickname, “the yoga mat chemical.”

While the comparison was technically accurate, it also lacked important context. Food-grade azodicarbonamide and industrial applications are very different, and many chemicals have multiple uses across industries.

Why Did People Become Concerned?

The concern wasn’t simply that ADA was used in food. Scientists focused on what happens during baking.

When bread is baked, most azodicarbonamide breaks down into other compounds. Some laboratory studies involving animals raised questions about one of these breakdown products, called semicarbazide (SEM), when administered in high doses.

Those findings prompted some countries to take a more cautious regulatory approach.

Why Is It Banned in Some Countries?

The European Union and Canada do not permit azodicarbonamide as a flour treatment agent. Their food safety policies often follow the precautionary principle, removing ingredients when safer alternatives exist or when scientific uncertainty remains.

In contrast, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that azodicarbonamide is safe when used within approved limits.

These differing regulations don’t necessarily mean one side believes the ingredient is dangerous while the other believes it is harmless. Instead, they reflect different philosophies about regulating food additives.

Does McDonald’s Still Use It?

No.

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McDonald’s removed azodicarbonamide from its U.S. hamburger buns in 2014 following growing consumer demand for simpler ingredient lists.

Today’s buns no longer contain the ingredient, joining a broader trend among food manufacturers to eliminate additives that have become controversial with consumers.

Are There Other Ingredients Consumers Should Know About?

Modern commercial bread still contains ingredients designed to improve freshness, texture, and shelf life.

These may include:

• Calcium propionate to prevent mold
• Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) as a dough conditioner
• Enzymes that improve consistency
• Emulsifiers that help maintain softness

These ingredients have been evaluated by food safety agencies and are generally recognized as safe when used according to regulations.

The Bigger Health Picture

Nutrition experts generally agree that focusing on one ingredient can distract from the larger issue.

The greatest health risks associated with fast food are more closely linked to:

• High sodium intake
• Excess saturated fat
• Added sugars
• Large portion sizes
• Frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods

An occasional fast-food meal is unlikely to determine someone’s long-term health. Overall dietary patterns, physical activity, sleep, and other lifestyle factors have a much greater impact.

Consumer Awareness Is Changing the Food Industry

Whether or not an ingredient poses a measurable health risk, public concern can influence corporate decisions.

Over the past decade, many food companies have reformulated products to remove controversial ingredients, reduce artificial additives, and simplify ingredient labels. In many cases, those changes have been driven as much by consumer preferences as by regulatory requirements.

The Bottom Line

The “yoga mat chemical” story captured public attention because it combined science, food safety, and memorable marketing. While azodicarbonamide was once used in some hamburger buns, including those supplied to McDonald’s, the company removed it from its U.S. buns years ago.

Current evidence suggests consumers are better served by paying attention to their overall diet rather than worrying about a single ingredient that has already disappeared from many products.

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Being an informed consumer means looking beyond the headlines, understanding the science, and recognizing that nutrition is about the complete picture—not just one ingredient.

Related External Links

• U.S. FDA – Food Additives & GRAS Ingredients Information for Consumers
• U.S. FDA – Food Additives and Petitions
• FDA – Azodicarbonamide (ADA) Food Substance Database
• Electronic Code of Federal Regulations – 21 CFR §172.806 (Azodicarbonamide)
• FDA – Types of Food Ingredients and Why They’re Used
• Health Canada – Permitted Flour Treatment Agents
• McDonald’s USA – Nutrition Calculator & Ingredient Information

🍴 What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News Food and Drink newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!

Jeep is bringing back a familiar name with a very modern twist. In a July 12 PR Newswire release, the brand unveiled the 2027 Jeep Wrangler Laredo, describing it as a heritage-inspired trim that revives an iconic 1980s-era nameplate—then pairs that nostalgia with serious off-road hardware based on the Wrangler Willys.

For Arizona drivers, this one lands differently than it might in cooler climates. The Laredo’s headline features—a tan soft-top option, 35-inch tires, and a lifted stance—touch the daily realities of desert heat, freeway commuting, monsoon-season visibility, and weekend trail access. Here’s the Consumer Corner breakdown: what’s real, what to verify, and who this trim actually makes sense for.

The quick takeaway

The 2027 Jeep Wrangler Laredo is essentially a Willys-based Wrangler with the Xtreme 35 Package baked in, wrapped in a distinctive Southwest-themed design and a premium interior. Jeep says orders open later this month, and pricing starts at $1,995 over a Wrangler Willys with the Xtreme 35 Tire Package.

That last line matters: this isn’t a “cheap Wrangler.” It’s a value comparison against a specific build (Willys + Xtreme 35). If you were already planning that setup, the Laredo may be a relatively small step up for a lot of visual and interior differentiation.

What Jeep is highlighting (and what it means in plain English)

1) Standard Xtreme 35 Package: the capability is the point

Jeep says the Laredo includes the Xtreme 35 Package as standard equipment, including:

• 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 tires
• 1-inch lift
• Bronze beadlock-capable wheels

Consumer translation: this trim is not just decals. The tire size and lift change the stance, trail clearance, and replacement costs. If you like the look and you’ll actually use the traction/clearance, it’s a meaningful upgrade.

Arizona angle: 35-inch all-terrains can be great for dirt roads and rocky trails, but they can also mean more road noise and higher replacement costs. In extreme heat, tire condition matters—ask what the replacement set runs installed and how often you realistically drive on surfaces that justify the upgrade.

2) The tan soft-top is back (and the roof choice affects daily life)

Jeep is reintroducing the “highly coveted” tan soft-top. Roof options mentioned include:

• Tan soft-top (heritage-inspired)
• Sky One-touch powertop (four-door only)
• Black hardtop (two-door and four-door)

Consumer translation: roof choice isn’t just aesthetics—it’s noise, heat management, convenience, and long-term wear.

Arizona angle: if you park outside in Phoenix-area sun, your roof choice affects cabin temperature, UV wear, and how quickly the interior feels like an oven. Before you commit:

• Sit in one on a hot day if possible (or at least after it’s been outside)
• Ask about warranty coverage for top materials and seals
• Consider how often you’ll actually run top-down versus how often you’ll be fighting heat and glare

3) Southwest styling: you’re paying for a specific identity

Jeep leans hard into “American Southwest” cues:

• Gobi accent grille
• Laredo hood decals (center + side)
• Bodyside decals and a rear lasso-style “4WD” decal
• Bronze tow hooks and bronze-accented badging

Consumer translation: this is a trim for people who want their Wrangler to look like this from the factory—without aftermarket guesswork. If you’d delete the decals on day one, you’re probably not the target buyer.

Arizona angle: decals and exterior finishes live a harder life in intense sun. Ask about care guidance (and whether the dealer is pushing paint/graphics protection as an add-on you don’t need).

Inside the Laredo: premium touches (but confirm what’s truly standard)

Jeep says the cabin is built around a Bison Brown interior with:

• Bison Brown Nappa leather seats with front heat and power adjust
• Mayan Gold accent stitching
• Exclusive Laredo badging, including a rear swing gate plaque with coordinates of Laredo, Texas
• A subtle cowboy hat motif in HVAC pad prints

Consumer Corner note: “premium materials” can be real, but trims sometimes vary by package availability and dealer ordering. When you see the vehicle in person, verify:

• Seat material and whether it’s true leather vs leather-trimmed surfaces
• Exactly which seats are heated (and whether ventilation is offered)
• Whether any interior elements are tied to optional packages

Arizona angle: leather and dark interiors can feel premium, but they also absorb heat. If you’re sensitive to hot seats and steering wheels, ask about:

• Remote start availability (where applicable)
• Sunshade options
• Tint legality and pricing (and whether the dealer is bundling it)

The money question: what does “$1,995 over Willys + Xtreme 35” really mean?

Jeep’s pricing line is smart marketing because it anchors the Laredo as a modest step up—if you were already buying that exact Willys configuration.

Before you decide it’s a bargain, ask the dealer for two itemized build quotes:

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1. Wrangler Willys + Xtreme 35 Tire Package (as close as possible to the referenced build)
2. Wrangler Laredo (same drivetrain/doors where possible)

Then compare:

• Out-the-door price (tax, title, registration, doc fees)
• Dealer add-ons (tint, nitrogen, paint protection, wheel locks)
• Insurance quote by VIN/trim (35-inch tires and higher replacement costs can affect premiums)

Arizona angle: don’t skip the insurance quote. Larger tires, higher replacement costs, and theft/vandalism risk can shift premiums. Get a quote using the exact trim before you fall in love with the look.

Who the 2027 Jeep Wrangler Laredo is best for

Best fit

• You already want a Willys + 35-inch tire Wrangler and prefer a factory-finished heritage look
• You care about distinctive styling and plan to keep the vehicle long enough for that identity to matter
• You want something that feels “special edition” without going full custom
• You do Arizona-style weekends: desert roads, trailheads, camping routes—where clearance and traction actually matter

Maybe not

• You’re shopping for the lowest-cost Wrangler payment
• You don’t want larger tires (replacement cost and ride feel can be different)
• You’d remove the graphics or prefer a clean, minimal exterior

Consumer Corner: what to watch for before you sign

Use this checklist when the Laredo hits lots.

• Confirm what’s standard: Xtreme 35 equipment, roof type, interior features
• Ask about tire replacement cost: 35-inch KO2s aren’t economy tires
• Check towing details: Jeep mentions an available trailer hitch and up to 3,500 lbs towing—confirm your exact configuration
• Verify roof options by door count: Sky One-touch is four-door only
• Get an out-the-door quote in writing: include add-ons and “market adjustment” if any
• Test daily comfort: cabin noise, seat comfort, visibility, parking practicality
• Arizona reality check: where will it park (garage vs outside), and how will you manage heat, glare, and interior wear?

Bottom line

The 2027 Jeep Wrangler Laredo is a nostalgia-forward trim that looks designed to be instantly recognizable—and it backs up the look with real off-road hardware via the standard Xtreme 35 Package. For buyers already leaning Willys + 35s, the Laredo’s pricing claim suggests it could be a relatively efficient way to get a more distinctive exterior and a richer interior without piecing together aftermarket parts.

For everyone else, treat it like any special trim: verify what’s standard, price it against the closest comparable build, and make sure the “icon” factor doesn’t distract from the monthly payment and long-term ownership costs—especially in Arizona, where heat and sun can turn small comfort details into daily dealbreakers.

Follow Jeep and company news and video on:
Media website: media.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Jeep brand: jeep.com
Facebook: facebook.com/jeep
Instagram: @jeep
X: @jeep
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/jeep
YouTube: youtube.com/thejeepchannel or youtube.com/StellantisNA

SOURCE Stellantis/ PR Newswire

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