Digital threats and lorazepam, plus breakthroughs in antibiotics

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April 3, 2025

Fox News’ Health newsletter brings you stories on the latest developments in healthcare, wellness, diseases, mental health and more.

TOP 3:

– Get the latest measles case counts across the U.S.

– What is lorazepam, the drug featured on ‘The White Lotus’?

– Researchers discover new class of antibiotics

This week’s health stories included the latest measles outbreaks across the country, with 483 total cases reported this year as of March 27. (Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images)

MORE IN HEALTH

NEVER TOO LATE – Proper nutrition in middle age has key longevity benefit. Continue reading…

MEASURING ALZHEIMER’S – New blood test gauges how far dementia has progressed. Continue reading…

PLAYING FAVORITES – A new study examines why parents might favor certain children. Continue reading…

This article was written by Fox News staff.

Death of former New York Yankee Brett Gardner’s son leads to disputed carbon monoxide theory

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April 3, 2025

DEATH OF EX-YANKEE’S SON IN COSTA RICA HAS EXPERTS SOUNDING ALARM ON HEALTHY TRAVEL

Experts are speaking out about the potential dangers attached to carbon monoxide, as authorities continue to probe the death of teen Miller Gardner, son of former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner.

While the cause of Miller Gardner’s death remains unconfirmed, Costa Rican Judicial Investigative Agency (OIJ) General Director Randall Zúñiga told reporters at a press conference on Monday that high levels of carbon monoxide contamination were found in the Gardner family’s hotel room, and that it might have caused the teen’s death.

“Which then leads us towards a line of investigation in which it seems that this person could have died from inhaling these very dangerous gases,” Zúñiga said.

Zúñiga said investigators who work on a specialized dangerous atmospheres team detected “high emissions of pollution of…carbon monoxide” in the room at Costa Rica’s Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, which is where the Gardners were staying.

Officials at the hotel are denying the carbon monoxide claims.

“The levels in the hotel room were non-existent and non-lethal. There was an error in this initial reporting. As mentioned, we await for conclusive results to confirm the cause of this unfortunate death,” a hotel spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

The spokesperson also said the room has been “closed off out of an abundance of precaution.”

Miller Gardner, 14, is photographed with his father, Brett Gardner, a former New York Yankee. Miller Gardner died last month in Costa Rica. His death is currently being investigated. (Courtesy of New York Yankees)

Dr. Nicole Saphier, a Fox News medical contributor, said no parent should ever have to endure the tragedy of losing a child.

In regard to carbon monoxide, she said the gas is “a silent, deadly threat.”

“We often focus on smoke alarms, but carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and can overcome a person before they even realize what’s happening,” Saphier told Fox News Digital.

Saphier said every household should have multiple functioning carbon monoxide detectors, especially near sleeping areas.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

“When we travel — whether staying at a hotel, Airbnb, or even in an RV — it’s worth considering bringing a portable carbon monoxide monitor for added protection,” she suggested.

The death of Miller Gardner, son of former New York Yankee Brett Gardner, has experts speaking out about carbon monoxide after the teen died while on vacation in Costa Rica. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and a Fox News senior medical analyst, said, “symptoms can come on rapidly within minutes or hours and can include headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness and vomiting.”

If you experience symptoms that you think could be from carbon monoxide poisoning, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends opening doors and windows, turning off combustion appliances and leaving the building.

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Siegel said prompt treatment with oxygen can sometimes reverse carbon monoxide poisoning.

Between 2009 and 2019, deaths from non-fire-related carbon monoxide poisoning have been on the rise, according to a new report released by the CPSC. (iStock)

“It is absolutely shocking to me that it took this long to be disclosed as a likely cause of death, when they could have done a test for carbon monoxide in [Miller Gardener’s] blood within hours during his autopsy weeks ago,” Siegel told Fox News Digital.

Between 2009 and 2019, deaths from non-fire-related carbon monoxide poisoning were on the rise, according to a report released by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in March 2023.

Fox News Digital reached out to OIJ in Costa Rica for additional comment.

Israeli child uncovers 3,800-year-old Canaanite amulet in unusual location

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April 2, 2025

ANCIENT TOMB TIED TO ROMAN GLADIATOR DISCOVERED BY ARCHAEOLOGISTS

An Israeli child made a discovery of biblical proportions during a family trip last month.

The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) reported on Monday that 3-year-old Ziv Nitzan came across a 3,800-year-old Canaanite amulet back in March. The Canaanites were the original inhabitants of the Levant and were descended from Noah’s grandson Canaan, according to the Old Testament.

Omer Nitzan, Ziv’s sister, told the IAA that her family was walking along Tel Azeka, a hill in the Judaean Foothills, when the 3-year-old spotted the artifact.

The tell, or mound, is the location of the ancient town of Azekah, which is referenced in 1 Samuel 17:1 during a biblical battle between David and Goliath.

An Israeli child spotted a Canaanite artifact during a family trip last month. (Israel Antiquities Authority)

“We were walking along the path, and then Ziv bent down – and out of all the stones around her, she picked up this particular stone,” the proud sister recounted. “When she rubbed it and removed the sand from it, we saw something was different about it. I called my parents to come see the beautiful stone, and we realized we had discovered an archaeological find!”

The find, which dates back to the Middle Bronze Age, was immediately reported to the IAA. The scarab was either used as a seal or amulet, according to Dr. Daphna Ben-Tor.

“[Scarabs] were found in graves, in public buildings and in private homes,” the expert was quoted as saying. “Sometimes they bear symbols and messages, that reflect religious beliefs or status.”

ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNCOVER PROOF OF ANCIENT BIBLICAL BATTLE AT ARMAGEDDON SITE: ‘EXCEPTIONAL PHENOMENON’

3-year-old Ziv Nitzan was given a certificate of appreciation for the discovery. (Israel Antiquities Authority)

Pictures show the well-preserved scarab bearing the shape of a dung beetle, which was considered sacred in Ancient Egypt.

“It was a symbol of new life, because of the dung ball it created and then laid its eggs into it, from which new life would hatch,” the IAA explained. “Its name in Egyptian derives from the verb ‘to come into being’, or ‘to be created.’ This is because the Egyptians saw the scarab as a symbol of the incarnation of God the Creator.”

For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle.

The amulet was found at Tel Azeka, which is the location of Azekah, an ancient town in the Judean Foothills. (Israel Antiquities Authority)

Ziv Nitzan was awarded a certificate of appreciation for her efforts. Tel Aviv University professor Oded Lipschits expressed gratitude for the find, telling the IAA that he’s been excavating Tel Azekah for nearly 15 years.

“The excavation findings show that during the Middle Bronze and Late Bronze Ages, here in Tel Azekah, thrived [as] one of the most important cities in the Judean Lowlands,” Lipschits said. “The scarab found by Ziv joins a long list of Egyptian and Canaanite finds discovered here, which attest to the close ties and cultural influences between Canaan and Egypt during that period.”

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In a statement, IAA Director Eli Escuido said that the family “deserve[s] praise” for the remarkable find and described plans to showcase the seal to the public.

The ancient scarab dates back 3,800 years. (Israel Antiquities Authority)

“Thanks to her, everyone will be able to see it and enjoy it. In honor of Passover, we will present the seal in a special exhibition set up by the Israel Antiquities Authority at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel, alongside other findings from the Egyptian and Canaanite eras,” Escuido said.

“In our public tours we will present impressive items for the first time, including seals of the pharaohs, Egyptian statues, ritual vessels, and evidence of the Egyptian cultural influence in the Land of Israel – and everyone is invited!”

Backpacker saves $15K traveling Australia for free by pet-sitting

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April 2, 2025

AS AIRLINES BUTTON UP DRESS CODES, THESE CLOTHES WILL GET YOU KICKED OFF A FLIGHT

A backpacker traveled around Australia for free by pet-sitting — and has saved thousands of dollars doing it.

Hailey Learmonth headed to Australia in January 2023 after Googling “how to travel for free,” as SWNS reported.

For over a year, Learmonth looked after people’s pets in exchange for staying in their homes for free, for anywhere between six days and three months.

The traveler has looked after dogs, cats, chickens and cows in Brisbane and the Gold Coast Hinterland, living rent-free and saving $15,000 that she would otherwise have spent on accommodations.

Hailey Learmonth, 27 (pictured), headed to Australia in January 2023 after Googling “how to travel for free.” From then until she left the country in May 2024, she stayed in other people’s homes for free while looking after their pets and homes. (SWNS)

The opportunity has given her the chance to explore all the “underrated” places in Australia while saving thousands on rent, nights out and booze, according to SWNS.

Learmonth, a freelance social marketer originally from Canada, said, “Dog-sitting is definitely the way to go if you are trying to save money.”

MAN TRAVELS TO 42 REMOTE ISLANDS TO PHOTOGRAPH MEDIEVAL CASTLE, STUNNING SCENERY

At the start of her journey, Learmonth created a profile on Trusted House Sitters and was matched with paying customers.

“It was a crazy experience. I’ve never lived that rural before, especially not on a farm,” she said of one stay.

Learmonth on a farm with cows, just one of the places she stayed while traveling for free.

“I’ve never lived that rural before, especially not on a farm,” said Learmonth, pictured at one of the places where she worked. (SWNS)

During her stint on the farm, Learmonth traveled around a 40-acre piece of land with the farm’s dogs. “We’d go to this dam and they’d paddle in the water. The cows would follow us down and everything!”

She even got fresh eggs for breakfast from the farm’s chickens.

TRAVELER GOES VIRAL FOR TRIP TO ONE OF THE MOST SECRETIVE PLACES ON EARTH

While traveling throughout Australia, Learmonth took freelance jobs and had a few stints in coffee shops to keep a steady income stream.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle

She saved all the money she earned because she didn’t need to spend money on rent.

“All in all, I saved around $15,000, and I was able to use the money … to go on road trips that I wouldn’t have been able to afford before,” Learmonth said, per SWNS.

Hailey Learmonth hugs a dog, just one of the many animals she watched during her travel around Austraila.

While traveling in Australia and watching people’s animals, Learmonth (pictured) had a few stints in coffee shops to keep a steady income stream. (SWNS)

“I was lucky enough to have my friend visit me toward the end of my time there, so I used the money to stay in nice Airbnbs and go out for nice meals.”

While she is back home in Canada now, Learmonth plans to travel again this summer and will use dog-sitting to save money.

“It is always an option, especially as I work remotely — I am still thriving in the area of cheap travel,” she said. “It is a really cool way to experience remote-working and explore a new area.”

A view from Learmonth's van overlooking water and a sunset.

Learmonth worked with a company that allowed her to relocate a van from point A to point B as a way to travel. (SWNS)

Learmonth shared the following tips for traveling on a budget.

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1. Find house-sitting and dog-sitting opportunities via Trusted House Sitters to live for free in exchange for providing services.

2. Travel to new areas with Campervan Relocations, a company that allows travelers to relocate a van from point A to point B for $1 per day. (Be flexible with timelines and open to new destinations, she recommended.)

3. Find work that provides accommodations to save on housing while working remotely.

Khloe Quill is a lifestyle production assistant with Fox News Digital. She and the lifestyle team cover a range of story topics including food and drink, travel, and health.

Browns’ Deshaun Watson sends cryptic post after owner’s comments

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April 2, 2025

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Deshaun Watson‘s antenna is apparently up.

Earlier this week, Cleveland Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam all but admitted regret in acquiring Watson and then inking him to a fully-guaranteed $230 million deal.

“We took a big swing and miss with Deshaun. We thought we had the quarterback. We didn’t, and we gave up a lot of draft picks to get him. So we’ve got to dig ourselves out of that hole,” he told reporters from the annual league meeting in Palm Beach, Florida. “Listen, I’ve said this I think numerous times, Deshaun Watson was an entire organization decision, and it ends with (co-owner) Dee (Haslam) and I, so hold us accountable.”

Cleveland Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam all but admitted regret in acquiring Deshaun Watson and then inking him to a fully-guaranteed $230 million deal. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Well, shortly after those harsh comments, Watson took to Instagram to show off the work he’s been putting in his Achilles rehab.

In the social media post, Watson shared 20 photos of his rehab, mostly in the gym working out shirtless in the Browns’ facility.

“maybe, if I weren’t built for this, I’d let it phase me ..” Watson wrote.

Watson was suspended to begin his tenure in Cleveland and only appeared in six games in 2022. The following season, he was held to just six games again. He then only played seven games in 2024 after he suffered a ruptured Achilles during a home game. He ruptured the Achilles again earlier this year.

In his final season with the Texans in 2020, he led the NFL in passing yards. But since then, he’s yet to throw for 1,200 in any season. He didn’t play in 2021.

Watson was suspended to begin his tenure in Cleveland and only appeared in six games in 2022. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

EX-NFL KICKER ‘SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING’ CONGRESS RUN: REPORT

The Browns have re-worked Watson’s contract twice since December with void years being added through 2030 to give them some financial flexibility to spread out dead money on the contract instead of taking a massive hit in one season. Watson is slated to be a free agent after the 2026 season.

All signs point to Cam Ward going first overall to the Tennessee Titans, but Shedeur Sanders will likely be available to the Browns with the second pick. However, they haven’t exactly showed their hand at all, considering Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter will also likely be on the board.

The Browns have re-worked Watson’s contract twice since December. (Jason Miller/Getty Images)

“I think the message is if the right person’s there, we’re going to take him,” Haslam said recently. “If not, we’ll figure it out for a year or two until we get the right person. There’s good football players in this draft, and we’ve got to make sure we get the right ones for us.”

Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Archaeologists in Italy uncover 1,700-year-old tomb linked to Roman gladiator

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April 2, 2025

ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNCOVER PROOF OF ANCIENT BIBLICAL BATTLE AT ARMAGEDDON SITE: ‘EXCEPTIONAL PHENOMENON’

Italian archaeologists recently unearthed ancient Roman tombs during the excavation of a necropolis – including one bearing the epitaph of a gladiator.

The discovery was announced by the Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape (ABAP) Superintendence for the Metropolitan Area of Naples on March 21.

In a statement translated from Italian to English, officials said that the dig took place in Liternum, an ancient town near the city of Giugliano in Campania.

The excavation site was used as a necropolis from roughly the first century B.C. to the third century A.D.

Italian officials highlighted two funerary enclosures that still contained fragments of white cladding plaster “with a more recent decoration phase in red, separated by a closed space, and a very deep masonry well,” the press release said.

Italian archaeologists uncovered ancient Roman tombs, one of which features a gladiator’s epitaph. (ABAP Superintendency for the Metropolitan Area of Naples)

“One of the enclosures preserves in the center a quadrangular mausoleum…shaved on the surface, with niches plastered along the sides to accommodate cinerary urns,” the statement said.

Historians were able to unearth “grave goods” at the site, consisting of coins, lamps and small vases. The discoveries then helped them identify the “different building phases” of the structures.

Italian officials said the discovery offered “precious information on daily life, the ritual practices and social dynamics of the communities that inhabited the site.”

ANCIENT JEWISH RITUAL BATH, OLDEST OF ITS KIND IN EUROPE, UNCOVERED BY ARCHAEOLOGISTS

The recovered “grave goods” included lamps, small vases and coins. (ABAP Superintendency for the Metropolitan Area of Naples)

“Among the most relevant findings, several marble funerary inscriptions stand out, some of which are intact, [including] one bearing the epitaph of a gladiator, [which is] a precious document for understanding the role and memory of these fighters in Roman society,” the press release added.

ABAP superintendent Mariano Nuzzo said in a statement that recent archaeological discoveries near Giugliano have been “particularly fruitful.”

For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle.

The necropolis is located near Giugliano, Italy. (ABAP Superintendency for the Metropolitan Area of Naples)

“Thanks also to the excellent state of conservation of the wall structures and burials, [this necropolis] adds an important piece to our knowledge relating to the settlement of the colony of Liternum and it constitutes a unique opportunity to deepen the study of ancient civilization, and the historical and cultural context of the epoch,” Nuzzo said.

ABAP officials said that the recent discoveries will help historians develop a “better understanding of the physiognomy of the ancient landscape and the urban perimeter of the colony, of which very little is known yet.”

“[This will lead] us to propose new hypotheses also with respect to the route of the ancient Via Domitiana, on the sides of which such burials were to be placed,” the release said.

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Photo of Roman grave that was discovered by archaeologists in Italy.

The necropolis dates back at least 1,800 years, historians say. (ABAP Superintendency for the Metropolitan Area of Naples)

The latest discovery is one of several ancient Roman excavations in recent months, both in Italy and elsewhere.

A 1,600-year-old Jewish bath was recently uncovered in the Italian province of Lazio, making it the oldest of its kind in Europe.

Last autumn, an ancient Roman helmet turned up in an unusual location: a Danish village.

Around the same time, a 2,000-year-old Roman road was discovered in the heart of London.

Multiple sclerosis symptoms reduced with vitamin D in new study

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April 2, 2025

‘LIQUID GOLD’ COULD BRING NEW HOPE TO MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS PATIENTS, STUDY SUGGESTS: ‘PROFOUND BENEFIT’

Previous research has shown that vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) — and a new study suggests that supplementing it in high doses could help reduce symptoms.

The study included 303 adults in France who had experienced clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) — which is a single, initial period of neurological symptoms that could lead to MS — within the last 90 days.

One group of participants took high doses (100,000 IU) of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) every two weeks for 24 months.

Among that group, 60.3% experienced a relapse of symptoms or new or enlarged lesions in MRI scans.

One group of participants took high doses (100,000 IU) of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) every two weeks for 24 months. (iStock)

In comparison, 74.1% of those who took a placebo experienced those same effects — which is a “statistically significant difference,” wrote the researchers, who were from CHU Nîmes, Université Montpellier and multiple sclerosis centers in France.

The findings of the double-blind, randomized study were published in the journal JAMA.

NEW BLOOD TEST DIAGNOSES ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND MEASURES HOW FAR IT’S PROGRESSED

“Oral cholecalciferol 100, 000 IU every two weeks significantly reduced disease activity in CIS and early relapsing-remitting MS,” the researchers wrote.

“These results warrant further investigation, including the potential role of pulse high-dose vitamin D as add-on therapy.”

Among patients who took the vitamin D supplements, 60.3% experienced a relapse of symptoms or new or enlarged lesions in MRI scans, fewer than those who did not take it. (iStock)

Bruce Bebo, executive vice president of research at the National MS Society in Oregon, was not involved in the research but commented to Fox News Digital on what he described as a “well-designed study.”

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“These findings suggest that high-dose vitamin D may be a promising approach for reducing disease activity in the very early stages of MS,” he said.

Previously published studies, however, failed to link vitamin D supplementation with reduced MS disease activity, although they used lower doses, according to Bebo.

“Oral cholecalciferol 100, 000 IU every two weeks significantly reduced disease activity in CIS and early relapsing-remitting MS,” the researchers wrote. (iStock)

“Overall, the evidence suggests that the effects of vitamin D supplementation are likely to be modest, will require high doses and will be most effective when taken early in the course of disease by people who are deficient in vitamin D,” he said.

The American Academy of Neurology currently recommends a range of 300 to 4,000 units per day for an adult, with 4,000 units as the highest recommended dose by most health authorities, Bebo noted.

“It is important to note that the JAMA study used a significantly higher dose (100,000 units per day). While they did not report any adverse events, excessive intake of vitamin D can be toxic,” he cautioned.

“High doses can cause excess calcium in the blood leading to nausea, vomiting, weakness, frequent urination and, in some cases, kidney damage.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Anyone with MS who is interested in vitamin D supplementation should discuss it with a neurologist or primary health care provider to determine the best approach, he recommended.

Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.

Fox News AI Newsletter: Google’s new AI may know when your house is on fire

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April 2, 2025

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Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

– Google’s new AI tech may know when your house will burn down

– AI’s development is critically important for America – and it all hinges on these freedoms

– GenAI, the future of fraud and why you may be an easy target

AI SPOTS WILDFIRES: FireSat is a new satellite project designed to detect and track wildfires early. How early? The project aims to detect a fire that’s merely 270 square feet – about the size of a classroom – within 20 minutes. It’s also able to detect fires two to three acres in size, roughly the size of two football fields.

TECHNOLOGICAL MIRACLE: The Trump administration recently asked American developers, including OpenAI, for input on what the U.S. needs to do to stay ahead in the global AI competition. We believe that preserving AI’s ability to learn should be at the top of the list.

GEN-AI FRAUD ALERT: Generative AI refers to so-called artificial intelligence systems that create new content — text, images, audio or video — based on data they’ve been trained on. Unlike traditional AI that analyzes existing information, generative AI produces entirely new, convincing content. The most concerning part? These powerful tools are increasingly accessible to fraudsters who use them to create sophisticated scams that are harder than ever to detect.

A man typing on his laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox News here.

This article was written by Fox News staff.

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Canadian conservative says Ottawa should remove all tariffs

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April 2, 2025

TRUMP’S 11TH WEEK IN OFFICE SET TO FOCUS ON TARIFFS AS PRESIDENT TOUTS ‘LIBERATION DAY’

OTTAWA – As Canadians brace themselves for President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” of reciprocal tariffs on Wednesday, one political leader in Canada believes it could spark the start of a new era of Canada-U.S. relations free of cross-border taxes.

Maxime Bernier, who served as foreign affairs minister in former Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Conservative government and now heads the right-wing People’s Party of Canada (PPC), told Fox News Digital in an interview from Halifax that it is “absolutely” the time for Canada to remove all tariffs against the U.S.

He said the 25% duties the Canadian government, under then-Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, imposed on the U.S. in early February to counter Trump’s 25% tariffs against Canada “won’t hurt the Americans – it is hurting Canadians.”

New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a statement following his March 28 call with the president – the first contact between both leaders since Carney was elected Liberal leader by his party nearly three weeks before – that Canada would implement retaliatory tariffs in response to Wednesday’s U.S. “trade actions.”

President Donald Trump, left, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. (Getty Images)

The PPC leader said that Trump should be told that “the real reciprocal response” to tariffs is “zero on our side, zero on your side.”

Bernier said that instead, Carney and his main rival, Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, are being “fake patriots using a dollar-for-dollar trade war against Trump” and telling Canadians: “That’s the best thing to do.”

“We cannot impose counter-tariffs,” said Bernier, who also served as industry minister in the Harper government.

“The Americans are 10 times bigger than us. We won’t win a trade war,” he said, underscoring that retaliation will lead to a recession in Canada.

Former Canadian Conservative politician Tony Clement, who served alongside Bernier in Harper’s Cabinet, told Fox News Digital that “from an economic point of view,” removing Canadian tariffs “makes a lot of sense” and “may come to that at some point, but the public isn’t there right now.”

“From a point of view of the emotional wounds of Canadians created by Trump and his annexation talk and tariffs, I’m not sure that a political voice would survive if it went down that public-policy route,” said Clement, a former Canadian industry minister in the Harper government.

Maxime Bernier, leader of the People’s Party of Canada, meets with his supporters at an election rally in Borden Park on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

“The mood of the people is outrage. I’ve never seen people in Canada this incandescently mad at the United States,” he said, who is campaigning in the Toronto area for Poilievre’s Conservative Party ahead of the April 28 general election. “There is complete distrust of whatever Trump says because it can change within 24 hours.”

He said that both Poilievre and Carney have highlighted the importance of removing “the specter of tariffs for a long period of time – if you can trust Trump to be a bona fide negotiator.”

Eliminating Canadian tariffs, without a quid pro quo from Trump, could “show weakness to a bully,” added Clement, who, prior to entering federal politics in 2006, served as a Cabinet minister in former Ontario Premier Mike Harris’ Progressive Conservative government.

MARK CARNEY WINS LIBERAL PARTY NOMINATION TO REPLACE TRUDEAU AS CANADA’S NEXT PM

Canadians hold an “Elbows Up” protest against U.S. tariffs and other policies by U.S. President Donald Trump, at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto on March 22, 2025. (REUTERS/Carlos Osorio)

In the statement released following his recent conversation with Trump, Carney said that both leaders “agreed to begin comprehensive negotiations about a new economic and security relationship immediately following the election.”

Conservative strategist Yaroslav Baran, who served as communications chief for Harper’s successful Conservative 2004 leadership campaign, and director of war room communications for the Harper-led Tories during the 2004, 2006 and 2008 federal election campaigns, told Fox News Digital that under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), “trade in goods and services ought to be tariff-free” between Canada and the U.S., excluding carveouts on the Canadian side for dairy, eggs, poultry and softwood lumber.

However, Baran added that he “can’t see the removal of all Canadian tariffs on U.S. products as long as the U.S. has tariffs on Canadian products.”

Vehicles in line to cross into the United States at the Canada-U.S. border in St-Bernard-de-Lacolle, Quebec, Canada, on Thursday, March 6, 2025. President Donald Trump exempted Canadian goods covered by the USMCA from his 25% tariffs, offering major reprieves to the U.S.’ two largest trading partners. (Graham Hughes/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Bernier acknowledged that while Trump’s tariffs will hurt Canadian exporters to the U.S., “the solution is to have a more productive economy with real free-market reforms” in Canada through such measures as lowering corporate taxes, promoting internal trade and fostering growth in the country’s oil and gas industry, all of which are featured in the PPC’s election platform that includes the establishment of a “Department of Government Downsizing” to abolish “ideologically motivated programs that promote wokeism,” not unlike the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency.

The PPC leader also said that Canada should be willing to “put everything on the table” under the USMCA “right now” and before the trilateral trade deal is scheduled for a joint review next year.

According to Bernier, that should include ending the “cartel” of supply management that sets quotas and prices, and protects Canada’s dairy, poultry and eggs sectors from foreign competition, which he described as “a communist system” that finds Canadians paying twice the price of those agricultural products than Americans do in the U.S., and which also imposes duties – ranging from 150% to 300% — on U.S. imports of the same products beyond limits agreed to but yet to be reached under the USMCA.

During the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement in 2018 that led to the USMCA, the first Trump administration sought to have Canada’s supply management system eliminated.

Christopher Guly is an Ottawa-based journalist and longtime member of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. He has reported from Canada for several media outlets in the U.S. and the U.K. He can be followed on X @ChristopherGuly

FBI warns about new extortion scam targeting sensitive data

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April 2, 2025

STAY PROTECTED AND INFORMED! GET SECURITY ALERTS & EXPERT TECH TIPS – SIGN UP FOR KURT’S ‘THE CYBERGUY REPORT’ NOW

Ransomware is a major threat to every industry. In recent years, hackers have increasingly targeted companies with ransomware, locking their data unless a ransom is paid. In some cases, they also threaten to leak the stolen data online if the company refuses to comply, as seen in the UnitedHealth breach, where hackers reportedly demanded $22 million.

However, ransomware attacks are not limited to companies.

According to the latest FBI warning, they also target employees, particularly corporate executives.

The agency cautions that cybercriminals are sending extortion letters, threatening to release victims’ sensitive information unless a ransom is paid.

Hacker at work (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What you need to know

The FBI is warning businesses, particularly those in the healthcare sector, about a scam involving physical ransom letters sent via the U.S. Postal Service. These letters, falsely claiming to be from the ransomware group BianLian, demand Bitcoin payments ranging from $150,000 to $500,000 in exchange for not leaking supposedly stolen data.

Marked with “TIME SENSITIVE READ IMMEDIATELY,” the letters allege that the attackers gained access through social engineering and exfiltrated sensitive files. However, no proof is provided, and investigations have found no signs of actual ransomware intrusions in affected organizations. The letters appear to be templated, with only minor variations, and include a QR code linked to a Bitcoin wallet. Some also feature a compromised password, likely to make the threat seem more credible.

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Sent from Boston with U.S. flag stamps, these letters differ significantly in tone and wording from known BianLian communications. Authorities believe this is a fear-based scam designed to trick organizations into paying a ransom for a breach that never happened.

Man scrolling on his cellphone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Healthcare industry needs to work on cybersecurity

Ransomware is hitting healthcare harder than ever. It is now the third-most targeted industry after finance and manufacturing, with attacks rising more than 32% from 2023 to 2024. These attacks do not just put data at risk. They also disrupt hospitals, slow down care and create chaos for doctors and patients.

The Ascension cyberattack in May 2024 is a clear example. Hackers locked medical staff out of critical systems, shut down phone lines and blocked tools needed for tests, procedures and medications. At first, the breach was reported with an estimated 500 affected individuals, but by December, that number had jumped to nearly 5.6 million.

UnitedHealth’s Change Healthcare unit experienced a massive data breach in February 2024 that further highlighted the vulnerability of the sector. Initially reported to have affected around 100 million people, the number later grew to 190 million, making it the largest medical data breach in U.S. history.

This breach affected nearly half of the country’s population. UnitedHealth attributed the attack to ALPHV/BlackCat, a Russian-speaking ransomware group that later claimed responsibility for the attack before being dismantled by law enforcement.

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Woman using multiple devices (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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7 ways to avoid ransomware attacks (and fake ransomware scams)

1. Install strong antivirus software and regularly update software: The first line of defense against ransomware is ensuring that your systems are equipped with the latest security tools. Keep all software and devices up to date to avoid vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Install firewalls, strong antivirus software and intrusion detection systems to block malicious activities before they can cause harm. Regularly patch operating systems and applications to stay ahead of cybercriminals. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

2. Implement strong password policies and use a password manager: Ensure all passwords are unique, at least 15 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Also, consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely. This reduces the risk of password reuse and weak passwords, which are common entry points for ransomware attacks. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 here.

3. Educate and train employees on cybersecurity awareness: Many ransomware attacks start with phishing emails or social engineering tactics. As seen in the scam targeting executives, attackers often use fear-based tactics to manipulate victims into acting quickly. Train your employees, particularly high-level executives, to recognize suspicious emails, fraudulent requests and phishing attempts.

4. Backup data and maintain a secure recovery plan: Data backups are a critical safeguard against ransomware. Regularly back up critical data to secure, offline locations that ransomware cannot access. Testing your recovery plans frequently ensures that if an attack does occur, you can recover quickly with minimal impact on operations. In addition, consider using a cloud service with encryption to ensure that even if an attack happens, the backup remains safe.

5. Utilize two-factor authentication (2FA): Two-factor authentication is an essential security measure that adds an extra layer of protection to sensitive systems and data. With 2FA, even if attackers manage to obtain login credentials, they won’t be able to access critical systems without the second factor of authentication, whether it’s a code sent to a phone or biometric verification.

6. Verify threats before taking action: If you receive a ransom demand (digital or physical), investigate its legitimacy. Scams often lack proof of data breaches or network compromise. Consult cybersecurity experts or law enforcement before responding.

7. Report suspicious activity: Notify law enforcement or organizations like the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center if you encounter scams or ransomware threats. Reporting helps authorities track and mitigate these activities.

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Kurt’s key takeaway

Healthcare is seriously lagging when it comes to cybersecurity. It’s crazy that so many health institutions don’t have a CISO or a dedicated security team. Instead, the IT department, which isn’t always trained in cybersecurity, gets stuck trying to handle it all. With so much sensitive data at risk, it’s shocking that so many healthcare organizations still treat cybersecurity as an afterthought.

Cyberattacks are only going to get worse, and unless the industry steps up its game, it’s just a matter of time before more hospitals, clinics and health systems get hit. It’s time to take security seriously.