Consumer Corner
How to Protect Yourself from a Smartphone Scam

How to Protect Yourself from a Smartphone Scam
(Feature Impact) The first sign is unexpectedly losing access to your cell phone. Soon after, when you connect to Wi-Fi, the gravity of the situation sinks in: a criminal has gained access to your cell phone number and is trying to siphon money from your credit cards and bank accounts.
The scam is called SIM swapping, or SIM hijacking, and it’s a concern for law enforcement in the United States and abroad as more than 5,000 people have reported SIM swapping scams to the FBI since 2022. Older adults, caregivers and families can benefit from understanding the warning signs of SIM swapping and taking simple security steps to prevent it from happening.
How SIM swapping works
A SIM card, or its digital version known as an eSIM, helps connect a phone number to a carrier network. In a SIM swapping scam, a criminal collects basic information about their victim, such as their name, birthdate and address, to try to move the victim’s phone number to a SIM card or eSIM profile the criminal controls.
Once complete, the scammer gains access to accounts you may be logged into on your phone, such as bank accounts or credit card apps, without touching your phone or being near you.
How to protect yourself from SIM swapping scams
Preparation is the best protection against SIM swapping. Cell phone users should use strong, unique passwords for each online account – password managers are a helpful tool in creating complex and randomized passwords. Use two-factor authentication where it’s offered; this adds an extra layer of security when accessing sensitive accounts.
Next, consumers should protect personal information they share online, whether on social media or in texts or emails asking for identifying data, such as PIN numbers, birthdates or one-time security codes. Be wary of anyone pushing you to share personal information, particularly if they’re pushy with their request or make it sound urgent.
Check your mobile carrier to see if it offers SIM protection. For example, Verizon customers can toggle on a protection feature on the carrier’s website or app to lock lines on their account to help prevent SIM changes.
If you get an unprompted notification that your SIM has been changed, or otherwise suspect you’ve been targeted in a SIM swapping scam, contact your banks immediately and have them freeze your accounts, including ones the criminals may not have targeted yet. Next, work with your cell phone provider to help regain access to your mobile device. If you’re able, share as much information as possible with law enforcement so they can investigate, or at least document trends, in how often this scam occurs.
To find more advice to protect against smartphone scams, visit Verizon.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
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Automotive
The 2027 Jeep Wrangler Laredo Is Back — What That Means for Buyers in Arizona
Jeep unveiled the 2027 Jeep Wrangler Laredo, blending Southwest-inspired heritage styling with standard Xtreme 35 capability. Here’s what Arizona buyers should verify before ordering.
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:
- Wrangler Willys + Xtreme 35 Tire Package (as close as possible to the referenced build)
- 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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Food and Beverage
Millions of Eggs Recalled Over Possible Salmonella Risk: What Consumers Need to Know
A major egg recall is affecting nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs sold under several popular brands. Here’s how to determine if your eggs are included and what steps to take if they are.
News You Can Use This Moment!

Consumers are being urged to check their refrigerators after a major recall involving nearly 1.6 million dozen shell eggs due to the potential presence of Salmonella Enteritidis, a bacterium that can cause serious foodborne illness.
The voluntary recall, announced by Midwest Poultry Services, L.P., affects white shell eggs and brown cage-free eggs produced at two Texas farms and distributed between June 6 and July 3, 2026. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the eggs were sold through grocery stores and foodservice distributors in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and New Mexico.
What Brands Are Included?
The recalled eggs were sold under several familiar brand names, including:
- Kroger
- Simple Truth
- Brookshire’s
- Country Morning
- Sunups
Not every carton under these brands is affected. Consumers should look for:
- Plant Code: P-1950 or 0840962
- Julian Dates: 157 through 184
- Best By/Sell By Dates: July 20, 2026, through August 17, 2026
Why the Recall Matters
Salmonella can cause symptoms including:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Symptoms typically begin 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food and usually last four to seven days. While many healthy adults recover without treatment, infections can become severe in young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating a multistate outbreak involving 98 confirmed illnesses across 17 states, resulting in 26 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported. Investigators say the recalled eggs are linked to part of the outbreak, although they do not account for every reported illness.
What Should You Do?
If you have eggs matching the recalled codes:
- Do not eat them.
- Return them to the store for a refund or dispose of them safely.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the carton.
- Clean and sanitize any refrigerator shelves, containers, or kitchen surfaces the eggs may have touched.
If you have already eaten the eggs and develop symptoms of Salmonella infection, contact your healthcare provider, especially if symptoms are severe or persist.
Are Arizona Consumers Affected?
The recalled products were officially distributed in six states, and Arizona is not listed among the primary distribution states. However, because food products can move through wholesalers, travelers, or secondary retailers, Arizona consumers who recently purchased eggs while traveling—or who received eggs from family or friends in affected states—should still check the carton codes.
The Bottom Line
Food recalls are an important part of protecting public health. Taking a few moments to inspect the eggs in your refrigerator could help prevent a serious illness. If your carton matches the recalled plant codes and date range, don’t take the risk—return it or throw it away.
STM Daily News will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as additional information becomes available.
Related Resources
Family
How Invasive Pests Spread and How You Can Help Stop Them

How Invasive Pests Spread and How You Can Help Stop Them
(Feature Impact) Invasive pests can hide in places you’d never expect, and once they spread, they can destroy the trees, plants and food people rely on every day. These pests pose a serious threat to agriculture, forests, ecosystems and the food supply. Many invasive species cannot travel far on their own; instead people unknowingly move them from place to place.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, invasive pests hitchhike on everyday items such as plants, produce, firewood, vehicles and outdoor equipment. That makes many common activities – from traveling and online shopping to camping and gardening – potential “pathways” for invasive pests to move and reach new areas. Understanding these pathways is the first step to stopping pests before they spread.
Traveling Abroad
When you travel abroad and return from another country, the agricultural items you bring back can introduce new invasive pests into the U.S. and threaten crops or trees that have no natural defenses against them. Even harmless-looking fruit, seed packets or souvenirs made with plant materials can carry pests such as fruit flies and diseases like citrus canker. That’s why it’s critical travelers declare food, plants and other agricultural products when entering the country from abroad.
Shopping Online
Just because you can order seeds and plants from sellers around the world, it doesn’t mean those items are legal or safe to import. In fact, some invasive snails and plant diseases have entered the U.S. this way. Many agricultural products from overseas require permits, inspections or special paperwork before they can enter the country. Buyers should check where an item ships from, learn the import requirements before purchasing and make sure sellers follow all labeling and shipping rules.
Partaking in Outdoor Activities
When you spend time outdoors hiking, camping, hunting or fishing, you could inadvertently spread invasive species. For example, transporting firewood from one location to another can spread tree-killing insects, such as the emerald ash borer, which can live inside the wood and emerge later in a new area. The safest choice is to buy or use firewood where you burn it. Additionally, clean all outdoor clothing, gear, equipment and vehicles before leaving an area.
Moving Outdoor Equipment
When you move to a new home, your move can create another opportunity for invasive insects to travel. Before relocating patio furniture, grills, trailers or lawn equipment, inspect and clean them carefully. Look for insects, plant debris and egg masses like spotted lanternfly egg masses, which can blend into outdoor surfaces and look like smears of mud or clumps of dirt. A few minutes of checking and cleaning before you move can help prevent pests from invading your new neighborhood.
Invasive pests cost the U.S. billions of dollars every year and damage forests, farms, parks and backyards. Stopping invasive pests starts with simple steps anyone can take: checking what you pack, clean, move and buy. When everyone does their part, fewer pests spread and communities stay healthier and more resilient.
Visit aphis.usda.gov/hungrypests to learn more about how invasive pests spread and the simple steps you can take to help stop them and protect America’s agriculture and natural resources.
Invasive Pest Protection Checklist
- Declare all food, plants and agricultural items when returning from another country.
- When ordering items online, check where the products ship from and verify U.S. import rules before buying.
- If you’re camping, buy firewood where you plan to burn it. Clean clothing, gear and vehicles before leaving.
- Before moving to a new home, inspect outdoor furniture and equipment, looking closely for egg masses or insects.
Content courtesy of USDA.
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SOURCE:
United States Department of Agriculture
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