
Handwritten notes help rescue missing mother and son in California forest
They became lost after following a GPS route that led them onto logging trails, where their Nissan Sentra eventually got stuck and Laird lost mobile phone signal.
To aid their rescue, Laird wrote handwritten notes detailing their predicament and location, which she left on the road, along with a trail of rocks and cloth strips.
Her son periodically blew a whistle as an international distress signal, while Laird switched on the car's hazard lights overnight.
A volunteer search and rescue team, already training nearby, discovered the notes, significantly accelerating the timeline for finding the pair and reuniting them with their family.
Mother and son dramatically rescued in California after authorities discover SOS notes
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Auto Blog
5 hours ago
- Auto Blog
State-by-State EV Savings: Slash Driving Costs by Up to 80%
View post: Why The 2025 Audi A6 e-tron Avant Is Exactly the Electric Wagon We Need In America Electric vehicles can slash your driving 'fuel' bill — but exactly how much you save depends on where you live, or rather where you charge. Here's a state-by-state look at per-mile EV costs using the latest electricity rates and gas prices. How Electricity Rates Shape EV Cost Your EV's operating cost comes down to two numbers: your local residential electricity rate and your vehicle's efficiency. According to the latest (2023) data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Louisiana averaged 13.46 ¢/kWh, Washington 13.03 ¢/kWh, Vermont 23.20 ¢/kWh, California 31.77 ¢/kWh, and Hawaii led the nation with 42.44 ¢/kWh (April 2025). Pairing these rates with an average EV efficiency of 3 mi/kWh yields per-mile 'fuel' costs ranging from just 4.49 ¢ in Louisiana to 14.15 ¢ in Hawaii. Meanwhile, AAA reports the national average for regular gasoline at $3.155/gal (July 18, 2025), which translates to about 10.52 ¢/mile at 30 mpg. State Rate (¢/kWh) EV Cost/mi (¢ at 3 mi/kWh) Gas Cost/mi (¢ at 30 mpg) Louisiana 13.46 4.49 10.52 Washington 13.03 4.34 10.52 Idaho 11.89 3.96 10.52 Georgia 14.84 4.95 10.52 Illinois 18.32 6.11 10.52 Florida 15.27 5.09 10.52 Vermont 23.20 7.73 10.52 California 31.77 10.59 10.52 Hawaii 42.44 14.15 10.52 EV operating cost hinges on your local electricity rate and your car's efficiency. With a representative 3 mi/kWh, charging in early 2025 cost roughly 4.49 ¢/mi in Louisiana (13.46 ¢/kWh), 4.34 ¢/mi in Washington (13.03 ¢/kWh), 7.73 ¢/mi in Vermont (23.20 ¢/kWh), 10.59 ¢/mi in California (31.77 ¢/kWh), and 14.15 ¢/mi in Hawaii (42.44 ¢/kWh) according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Meanwhile, at $3.16/gal for gas (≈ 10.5 ¢/mi at 30 mpg), fuel runs about 10.5 ¢/mi per AAA's national average. Beyond the Charger California's Clean Vehicle Rebate Project offers $2,000–4,500 rebates; Vermont provides up to $5,000 in state incentives plus utility rebates (e.g., Green Mountain Power's $3,200 cap) but still charges 6% sales tax; Washington utilities' off-peak TOU plans save about 20–30% on charging; and Entergy in Louisiana rebates $250–350 for home charger installs through its eTech Program. Total Cost Comparison Check your rate on your electric bill. Know your EV's efficiency (most average roughly 3 mi/kWh). Compute EV cost per mile: Rate ÷ Efficiency. Compare to gas: (Gas price ÷ Vehicle mpg). In low-rate states, EV 'fuel' runs 70–80% cheaper than gasoline. Even in California or Hawaii, incentives and off-peak plans keep EV costs on par, or slightly below, gas. Verdict: Plug In and Pocket the Difference Don't settle for $0.10–$0.14 per mile at the pump when you could be paying as little as $0.03 per mile on electricity. Crunch your own numbers now at the DOE's AFDC Vehicle Cost Calculator —enter your ZIP, your EV's efficiency and annual mileage, and watch your projected savings stack up. Whether you live where power is cheap or costly, this quick tool shows exactly how much you'll pocket by making the switch. Charge smarter, drive farther, and keep hundreds more dollars in your wallet each year. About the Author Brian Iselin View Profile


Auto Blog
5 hours ago
- Auto Blog
2026 Ford Explorer Just Got More Affordable
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. View post: Civic Vs. Accord: What's The Best Honda Sedan For Under $30k? View post: How The World's Best Hillclimb Racer Trains His Body to Race at 14,000 Feet Above Sea Level View post: Are Kias Reliable? Here's Everything You Need To Know Best-Selling Midsize SUV for H1 2025 The 2026 model year is quite important for the Ford Explorer. With over 104,000 units sold in the first half of 2025, the Explorer is currently the best-selling midsize SUV in the US – a strong start for the newly refreshed model. Now, the company is doubling down on that momentum with a refreshed pricing strategy that could shake up the segment. According to the order guide that CarsDirect got its hands on, select trims of the 2026 Explorer are now more affordable than before, including a new rugged variant aimed squarely at off-road enthusiasts. The all-new Ford Explorer Tremor was slated to replace the outgoing Timberline trim, and with its pricing now official, it may be one of the smartest new buys in the three-row SUV space. A More Affordable Family SUV The base 2026 Ford Explorer Active now starts at just $38,330, down $1,720 from last year. Similarly, the top-end Platinum sees a $1,695 drop, starting at $50,830. The newly added Tremor trim joins the range at $48,330, undercutting Honda's Pilot TrailSport by over $1,000. That price also puts it just $1,100 below the now-discontinued 2024 Explorer Timberline. For shoppers looking for an affordable but capable SUV with legitimate trail-readiness, the Tremor could hit a sweet spot, both in terms of cost and performance. The 2026 Explorer Tremor takes over where the Timberline left off, but it's more than just a visual upgrade. Built for light off-road use, the Tremor rides on 18-inch black alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, comes with auxiliary lighting, and features a lifted suspension with retuned sway bars for better clearance and control. Ford also added underbody skid plates and unique Electric Spice accents on the wheels and tow hooks for a rugged aesthetic. Inside, the Tremor doesn't skimp on comfort, offering massaging front seats, Ford's latest infotainment suite, and available BlueCruise hands-free driving. There's a Steep Premium If You Want Top-Dog Power While the Explorer Tremor's $48K base price looks enticing, there's a catch. The 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine is only available via the $11,505 Tremor Ultimate Package, bringing the total closer to $60,000. That's more than an ST 4×4, and it could impact how value-conscious buyers perceive the trim. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Still, with the base Explorer now cheaper than the equivalent Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Pilot, Ford is positioning itself well. Rebates that once sweetened 2025 Explorer deals are gone for now, according to CarsDirect, but even at MSRP, the 2026 model has become a stronger competitor. The introduction of the Tremor, alongside simplified trim offerings and reduced pricing, suggests that Ford wants to keep the Explorer's crown as the midsize SUV king. Source: Ford About the Author Jacob Oliva View Profile


Auto Blog
12 hours ago
- Auto Blog
Volkswagen Launches Killer ID.4 Lease Offer for July
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. View post: Mitsubishi's New 3-Row SUV Looks Perfect for Families: So Why Won't It Come Here? A budget-friendly entry to the EV world Volkswagen is making electric vehicle ownership more accessible than ever with a new lease offer on the 2025 ID.4. Known for its smooth ride, spacious interior, and solid range, the ID.4 has become a strong contender in the compact electric SUV segment—and this July, VW is sweetening the deal even further. For a brand that's been ramping up its electric strategy globally, this is one of the most aggressive pricing moves we've seen yet. In a summer full of EV discounts and manufacturer incentives, Volkswagen's ID.4 lease stands out not just for its low price, but for the value packed into the vehicle itself. It's a full-size EV experience at a compact-car cost. 0:02 / 0:09 What is the Jeep Wrangler 4xe Backcountry? Watch More How the 2025 ID.4 lease deal stacks up The standout deal this month is for the 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro RWD, which can be leased for just $129 a month for 24 months (10,000 miles per year), with $2,499 due at signing. That works out to an effective monthly cost of just $233—a figure rarely seen in today's EV market. Unlike some competitors, this isn't a bare-bones lease for a stripped-down vehicle. 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 — Source: Volkswagen Volkswagen is offering up to $9,250 in lease cash depending on the trim, though even the base ID.4 models still qualify for at least $7,500. In June, lease rates hovered around 1% APR but have effectively dropped to zero thanks to boosted incentives. The deal is available through July 31, and while there's no word yet on whether it'll extend into August, this could be a short-lived window to lock in a stellar price. A practical and refined electric SUV The ID.4 has never been about flashy gimmicks or track-day numbers. Instead, it focuses on delivering a refined, everyday EV experience that works for families, commuters, and first-time electric car buyers. The rear-wheel-drive Pro trim offers an EPA-estimated 291 miles of range, which should be more than enough for daily driving and weekend errands. If you need more traction or power, the dual-motor all-wheel-drive variants offer up to 330 horsepower while still maintaining a respectable 263 miles of range. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 — Source: Volkswagen Inside, the ID.4's cabin feels spacious and thoughtfully designed. A large center touchscreen and digital gauge cluster handle most controls, with VW's latest infotainment system offering improved response times and a cleaner layout than earlier versions. The flat floor and wide cabin make the rear seats especially comfortable for passengers, while cargo capacity tops out at over 64 cubic feet with the seats down—plenty for gear, groceries, or road trip supplies. Final thoughts Volkswagen's July lease deal is one of the most compelling reasons yet to consider an EV this summer. With a sub-$250 effective monthly cost, roomy interior, and a driving experience that feels planted and comfortable, the 2025 ID.4 hits a sweet spot between affordability and practicality. For those who've been curious about going electric but hesitant about the cost, this lease may be the perfect low-commitment way to give it a try. 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 — Source: Volkswagen While the ID.4 might not grab headlines the way some flashier EVs do, this lease offer certainly could. If you're thinking about making the switch, this might be one of the smartest moves of the season. *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. About the Author Elijah Nicholson-Messmer View Profile