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Whooping cough cases up more than 340% over this time last year

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Whooping cough (pertussis) infections continue to rise in the U.S., with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating more than 17,600 cases as of Oct. 5.

That’s more than a 340% increase over the 3,962 cases reported last October.

Pre-pandemic, cases would typically exceed 10,000 per year, spiking to 18,600 in 2019.

Post-pandemic, whooping cough diagnoses plummeted, with just 2,100 cases reported in 2021.

WITH WHOOPING COUGH CASES ON THE RISE, DO YOU NEED A BOOSTER VACCINE?

The 10 states with the highest number of cumulative (year to date) cases include Pennsylvania (2,209), New York (1,228), Illinois (1,153), California (1,123), Wisconsin (903), Washington (844), Ohio (814), Texas (676), Oregon (546), Arizona (491).

Whooping cough (pertussis) infections continue to rise in the U.S., with the CDC estimating more than 17,600 cases as of Oct. 5. (iStock)

What’s causing the uptick?

One theory for the spike is that cases fell sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, as mask-wearing, social distancing and other infection protocols helped to protect against whooping cough.

“They are increasing more now as our immune systems are exposed to viruses and bacteria we haven’t seen and are slower to respond,” Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, previously told Fox News Digital.

WITH WHOOPING COUGH CASES ON THE RISE, DO YOU NEED A BOOSTER VACCINE?

Whooping cough outbreaks typically occur when there are populations with low vaccination rates, Katy Dubinsky, a New York pharmacist and the CEO and co-founder of Vitalize, a private supplement company, previously told Fox News Digital.

DtaP vaccine

The DTaP vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis infections in children. (iStock)

“Pertussis is highly contagious, and in areas where herd immunity is not strong due to insufficient vaccination, the disease can spread more easily,” she told Fox News Digital.

“Additionally, the immunity from the vaccine or previous infection wanes over time, which can also contribute to outbreaks.”

What is whooping cough?

A highly contagious respiratory tract infection, pertussis gets its more common name, “whooping cough,” from the severe hacking cough that some people develop.

In addition to the cough, initial symptoms mimic those of a cold — including nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, and red, watery eyes, according to Mayo Clinic.

A baby coughing next to the

While the vaccine offers protection against severe illness for children, infants who are too young for vaccination are at the highest risk. (iStock | National Institutes of Health)

Symptoms get worse over time, often leading to severe and uncontrollable coughing fits, which end with a “whooping” sound after the patient breathes in due to a buildup of mucus in the airways, the same source noted.

“This is an underappreciated problem, and a good reason why I am giving out Tdap vaccines to my adult patients regularly,” Siegel told Fox News Digital on Friday.

“This disease is especially problematic in young children, because they have less developed airways.”

Tdap is a combination of three vaccines that protect against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis infections in teens and adults.

The DTaP vaccine is the same trio of vaccines administered to children.

Pertussis test

“Pertussis is highly contagious, and in areas where herd immunity is not strong due to insufficient vaccination, the disease can spread more easily,” a doctor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

“The vaccine works — and it lasts three to five years,” Siegel said. “Everyone should have an up-to-date vaccine.”

While the vaccine offers protection against severe illness for children, infants who are too young for vaccination are at the highest risk.

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“This disease is especially problematic in young children, because they have less developed airways,” Siegel cautioned.

It is recommended that pregnant women get the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, as it helps protect the newborn until they can receive their own vaccinations.

When to seek medical attention

Due to the potential severity in young infants and those with weakened immune systems, it’s important to seek medical attention if pertussis is suspected, experts advise.

Sick woman

In addition to the cough, initial symptoms mimic those of a cold — including nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, and red, watery eyes. (iStock)

“Unfortunately, the diagnosis is often missed because the dry cough may be mistaken for a virus,” Siegel said.

Adults can be treated with doxycycline, a type of antibiotic that prevents the growth and spread of bacteria.

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Azithromycin is the common treatment for children, according to Siegel.

“The condition becomes dangerous when it leads to severe coughing spells that cause difficulty breathing, vomiting or interrupting normal breathing patterns in infants,” said Dubinsky.

“The diagnosis is often missed because the dry cough may be mistaken for a virus.”

In addition to giving antibiotics, it’s important to manage symptoms, especially in severe cases, she said.

“This might include hospitalization for infants or those with severe symptoms to monitor and treat complications.”

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Approximately 160,000 children under the age of 5 die globally of pertussis each year, and there are 24 million cases annually, per CDC data.

Hurricane Milton in Florida prompts family to drive 1K miles to save grandma

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A woman and her mother drove a total of 54 hours to take their family member out of Hurricane Milton’s path.

Jennifer Seaman and her mom, Sue Schaffnit, began to worry about Schaffnit’s mother who was living in Venice, Florida, in an assisted living home. 

Seaman’s grandmother, 93, was located just south of Sarasota, Florida, where residents were affected by the Category 3 hurricane landfall. 

GRANDMOTHER’S BIBLE SURVIVES HURRICANE HELENE AFTER STORM DESTROYS HER HOME: ‘IT WAS THE LORD’

Seaman told SWNS that she and her mother wanted to make sure their family member was safe during the storm — but all flights out of the area were full. 

Seaman said she wasn’t going to let her grandmother sit through the hurricane.  (SWNS)

“Around 9:00 p.m. [Oct. 6] when things started to get more severe, I was talking to my mom,” she said, adding, “We were back and forth on the phone, checking flights, but everything was booked.”

An hour later, the pair decided to get in the car and drive from Peoria, Illinois, to Venice and pick up Grandma themselves.

FLORIDA MAN WON’T EVACUATE FOR HURRICANE MILTON, PLANS TO ‘SWIM OUT’ TO SAFETY AFTER SURGE HITS

Seaman said, “I went to my mom’s house, and we spent about five minutes deciding what we were going to do and went. We didn’t pack bags or have a change of clothes.”

The two women spent 20 hours driving in the car before arriving in Venice — a 1,210-mile journey. 

Florida drive Hurricane Milton

Seaman and her mother drove from Illinois to Florida to pick up their 93-year-old family member. The round-trip car ride took 54 hours to complete. (SWNS)

Seaman said the home her grandmother was staying in had planned to shelter in place and encouraged the residents to stay through the storm. 

“I think for my mom and I, if something bad was to happen or if the storm was to take a massive turn and wipe people out, the last thing we wanted was my grandma to have died without family with her,” she said. 

HURRICANE CHASER IN FLORIDA SAYS MILTON PROMPTED ‘RACE’ FOR RESIDENTS TO EVACUATE

After picking up Grandma, the women got back on the road to leave Florida — sitting in gridlocked traffic for six hours while only moving 100 miles.

“As we were getting out, the storm was picking up intensity,” Seaman told SWNS. 

Seaman and grandmother leaving Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton

Jennifer Seaman, 40, (left) and her grandmother (right) took the trip back to Illinois from Florida just ahead of Hurricane Milton making landfall. (SWNS)

The three of them found a hotel outside of Atlanta, Georgia, where they checked in for a three-hour power nap, according to the outlet.

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After that, they got on the road and drove the remaining way back to Illinois.

Grandmother and granddaughter and maps

A woman and her mother drove 54 hours to pick up their family member from Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton. They said the drive wasn’t easy, but everyone made it home safe. (SWNS)

Seaman told SWNS that her grandmother was “very relieved” to leave before the hurricane hit, but wants to get back to Florida. 

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“She is anxious to get back and see how everything is, but we have seen the flooding in Venice and the power is out, so we can’t contact her assisted living home,” Seaman said. 

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Fox News Digital reached out to Seaman for additional comment. 

New Social Media Networking Platform Puts The Focus On Authenticity

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Has social media run it’s course?  Not likely. Apps like TikTok, Facebook, and Linkedin more popular than ever.  But with fewer people finding it useful and a flurry of mental health-related lawsuits, some users are complaining those big platforms just aren’t keeping up with the times, especially when it comes to workplace networking platforms, which are being criticized for not adjusting for new post-covid workplace realities.  Now social media networking is getting a big makeover, with a new focus on user authenticity.  

Krishna Dosapati, the CEO of newly-launched networking site Clockout, says the de-coupling between big tech and young professionals is becoming obvious.  “You have an entire generation of people who are joining the workforce at a time where everyone is working from home,” she told Fox News. “Meetings are taking over zoom. And so people are really, really isolated.”

And that’s creating a growing need for authenticity when it comes to online networking.  New apps like Clockout are now stressing real-life connections, with users able to create their own industry-based social clubs.  More than a thousand have been started so far, with about 40,000 users attending live, in-person events.  Dosapati says the key is combining old fashioned social gatherings with high-tech networking, especially with a recent survey showing up to 85 percent of all jobs are filled through personal connections, either virtually or in-person. 

“We make the interface so fun and organic and the focus is those connections rather than posts or likes or anything like that, she says, adding that when she sees someone she wants to connect with on Clockout, “it’s very organic for me to say, Hey, like, I see you’re a founder, you’re in New York, do you want to grab a coffee? And that sparks a really authentic and organic conversation. And that allows me to form a real connection with that other person that other platforms just don’t focus on.”

And it appears to be working; Clockout says it has a long waitlist of people waiting to get approved for the platform.  It’s just one example of how social media is evolving to help professionals build community through authentic interactions. 



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Hilton unveils travel trends for 2025 in new report

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As vacationers book trips for 2025, a new report is revealing emerging trends in the travel space.

Hilton has released its annual trends report showing a shift from 2024’s “Year of the Great Recharge” with travelers looking for more adventurous endeavors. 

A Hilton spokesperson told Fox News Digital via email that 2025 is set to be the “The Year of the Travel Maximizer.

STRANDED TRAVELER GIFTED FLIGHT UPGRADE AFTER CHANCE ENCOUNTER WITH AIRLINE CEO

“After the last few years of pandemic travel followed by the great recharge, there is a renewed sense of adventure. Travelers are now looking to pair their desire to relax with high-impact adventures and experiences to get the most out of their time and financial investment,” said the spokesperson of the global hospitality company.

Hilton has released its annual travel trend report and pegged 2025 as the “Year of the Travel Maximizer.” (iStock)

Data that was collected by Hilton involved 13,000 travelers across 13 countries. Feedback was also received from more than 4,100 Hilton team members and dozens of travel experts.

US SPOTS WHERE YOU CAN MINE FOR DIAMONDS AND GEMSTONES

For “Go Getaways,” the report found that seven in 10 global travelers opted for being active on trips while one in four travelers seek unique experiences and 20% are looking for outdoor-oriented activities in 2025.

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Travel trends for 2025 revealed by Hilton

Tourists appear to be seeking more adventure-based activities and opportunities to rest and recharge, according to Hilton’s recently-released report. (iStock)

“The 2024 traveler was all about resting and recharging, and while that spirit certainly hasn’t shifted drastically, the 2025 traveler is looking to really maximize their time on the road,” said the Hilton spokesperson.

Another theme found is families taking multi-generational trips, with 37% of vacationers going on trips with their parents, and two in five inviting extended family members.

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“The multi-generational trip planner, often the matriarch of the family, is increasingly looking for unique, once-in-a-lifetime adventure destinations or experiences to create an enticing option for everyone,” said the report.

Traveling and hiking

Hilton’s report on emerging travel trends said that more people are taking trips with their parents and extended family members. (iStock)

The report also revealed that “50% of global travelers book restaurant reservations before booking their flights, which really emphasizes how much travelers are [prioritizing] food and beverage experiences.”

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Hilton also coined a new emerging travel group, “frollegues” which is when friends who are colleagues book trips together. 

Vladimir Putin meets with Iranian President Pezeshkian to celebrate ‘very close’ relationship

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Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday, hailing the “very close” relationship between Russia and Iran. 

The meeting comes as Iran braces for an Israeli response to its missile attacks on Tel Aviv earlier this week. 

“We are actively working together in the international arena, and our assessments of events taking place in the world are often very close,” Putin said, as reported by Russia’s state news agency TASS.

The cooperation between the two sanctioned nations has sparked renewed alarm in the West. U.S. officials have said Tehran is supplying Moscow with ballistic missiles to use in its fight against Ukraine. 

In return, Russia is suspected of providing Iran with sensitive nuclear technology – as it draws nearer in its capabilities to being a fully nuclear-armed state. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, left, on Friday, hailing the “very close” relationship between Russia and Iran.

“Russia is the world’s largest nuclear power. It holds an advantage even with the United States when it comes to nukes, especially in the tactical warhead realm and, obviously, it can share,” Rebekah Koffler, former senior official in the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and author of “Putin’s Playbook,” told Fox News Digital.

“Nuclear is not the only capability – strategic capability of concern – there’s also cyber and space weapons,” she said. 

Former President Donald Trump launched the U.S. Space Force in August 2019 to counter Russia and China’s capabilities in space.

“Russia has, again, one of the world’s most robust counter space weapons and has a developed, mature space warfare doctrine,” Koffler went on. 

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“Nuclear weapons do not work without satellites. Whatever Iran has right now, however close they are in terms of developing the actual capability, can’t do anything without a satellite network. You can’t do targeting, you can’t do command and control, missile warning, all that stuff, you cannot negate the adversaries command and control capability, and that is what Russia can, and probably has, to some extent, provided to Iran, although there’s no conclusive analysis.” 

During the gathering, Putin reportedly backed up Pezeshkian’s condemnations of Israel. Pezeshkian said that Israel must “stop killing innocent people” and blamed the U.S. and European Union for supporting Israel in the war. 

The pair met on the sidelines of an international conference in Turkmenistan. Pezehskian agreed to visit his counterpart in Russia, according to state-run RIA news agency.

“Economically and culturally, our communications are being strengthened day by day and becoming more robust,” Pezeshkian was cited as telling Putin by Iran’s official IRNA news agency.

“The growing trend of cooperation between Iran and Russia, considering the will of the top leaders of both countries, must be accelerated to strengthen these ties,” he said.

The meeting comes as Iran braces for an Israeli response to its missile attacks on Tel Aviv earlier this week.

The meeting comes as Iran braces for an Israeli response to its missile attacks on Tel Aviv earlier this week.

Netanyahu and Biden

Israel previously had a close relationship with Russia, but now Russia views them as on the side of the U.S.  (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

NORTH KOREA TROOPS NOW FIGHTING FOR RUSSIA IN UKRAINE, SEOUL SAYS 

The meeting represents a stark reorienting for Putin, who in the past has been the “most pro-Israel president in Russian history,” according to Koffler. But both Russia and Iran face steep sanctions from the U.S. 

Around 20% of the Jewish population in Israel are Russian expatriates. “Jewish people, traditionally, are very smart, highly educated, highly employable. And with Russia having a demographic issue, Putin ideally wants those people, or their children or their grandchildren to come back to Russia,” Koffler explained. 

The Israeli Prime Minister was initially resistant to providing arms to Ukraine when Russia invaded. But the Pentagon tapped into a little-known stockpile of U.S. weapons stored in Israel for its defense to help fill Ukraine’s request for artillery last year. 

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The U.S. has offered Ukraine over $100 billion in arms assistance over the course of the war. Russia views Israel, which is also armed by U.S. supply, as squarely in the camp of the Americans. 

“It’s not Iran that pushed Russia. Iran has no influence. Russia has always been the top dog in that relationship,” said Koffler. “But it’s Russia that oriented itself towards Iran as a result of the Biden administration’s policies.”

Going to haunted houses and watching horror movies are popular pastimes during Halloween, but why do people enjoy being scared?

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Many favorable Halloween activities, such as strolling through a haunted house or watching a horror movie, are filled with elements designed to elicit fear, yet they are still enjoyable pastimes for many.

When it comes to horror movies specifically, several polls have pointed to a fairly even overall split between those who enjoy them and those who would rather do without.

For example, a 2022 survey conducted by Statista found that 64% of adults ages 30 to 44 either liked or loved watching horror movies.

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So why do some people enjoy participating in scary activities while others do not find the same amusement? 

When watching a horror movie, viewers know that what they see while watching can’t actually hurt them — yet the viewing experience can still be a terrifying one. 

Many people find amusement in scary activities, such as watching a horror movie or going to a haunted house.  (iStock)

“When we think about triggers, we all come to our lives with a different story of experiences, and that’s a piece of it, but when we kind of pull the lens out a little bit more and take a look at all of our fears, they kind of fall into one of two buckets when we’re talking about an internal fear,” Dr. Mary Poffenroth, a scientist and fear expert based in Los Angeles and author of “Brave New You,” told Fox News Digital in a phone interview. 

“Either fear of not enough or fear of losing control,” she added. 

An example of the fear of losing control could be a person experiencing a jump scare, according to Poffenroth, which can be viewed as something that can’t be controlled. 

Self-confidence could be another factor that comes into play. 

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“If you’re somebody that maybe is struggling with self-confidence … and [you’re] putting yourself into scary situations or scary movies or haunted houses like that, you may feel like that fear [of] not enough, of not being courageous enough or brave enough or tough enough,” Poffenroth said. 

Such feelings that develop inside when a scary element is present start in the brain — which can signal to the body that it’s in danger, even though it may not actually be, according to experts. 

Woman watching a scary movie

Even though a horror movie can’t actually hurt you, it could cause a reaction like a jump scare — which can trigger a feeling of not being in control. (iStock)

“In our brain, we have two almond-shaped structures, one on the left, one on the right, that we’re going to refer to as the amygdala,” said Poffenroth. 

“Even though the entire process is a little bit more complicated, in easier terms, it’s the amygdala that is going to be the driver of our fear response, and the amygdala works in an on-off switch, even though there’s a spectrum of intensity.”

“When we overcome any obstacle, we not only feel better about ourselves, but we get those dopamine hits.”

The amygdala can either signal a person is in danger or alert the body that everything is safe. 

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“That amygdala can get turned on so easily in our modern world, and it’s super overprotective,” Poffenroth added. “It’s trying to get us to stay in the blanket cave as much as possible and not go out in the world, because the world is big and scary — but that’s not truly living the life that we say that we want.” 

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Some find an enjoyable adrenaline rush when it comes to activities that scare them. They can feel a strong sense of pride after overcoming an obstacle that stood in their way. 

“When we start to do scary stuff, and we overcome that kind of level or barrier, and then we level up, if you will — then we become more confident that we can handle bigger and bolder types of opportunities,” Poffenroth said.

Halloween decorations

Those who enjoy scary activities often find excitement in overcoming something outside their comfort zone. (Creative Touch Imaging Ltd./NurPhoto via Getty Images)

For those who find enjoyment in accomplishing scary feats, it could also simply be their personality that makes them this way, causing them to always want to step out of their comfort zone and push their limits.

“Sometimes that’s just a personality trait,” Poffenroth said. “For me, I really enjoy pushing the boundaries of what I think I can do, what society says I’m allowed to do, and that’s just something I enjoy.”

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“When we overcome any obstacle, we not only feel better about ourselves, but we get those dopamine hits, and that reward center gets fired up,” Poffenroth continued. 

“If we found it a positive experience, then we’ll want to do it more.”

MoneyGram hack exposes customers’ sensitive data, cripples services

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MoneyGram has confirmed a data breach that exposed sensitive customer data to hackers, forcing its services offline for five days in September 2024. 

The American payment and money transfer platform, which operates through 350,000 locations across 200 countries and via its mobile app and website, revealed hackers stole a varied amount of sensitive customer information. 

This includes transaction details, email and postal addresses, names, phone numbers, utility bills, government IDs and Social Security numbers.

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woman at computer

A woman at a desktop computer (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What you need to know

BleepingComputer first reported the news of the MoneyGram cyberattack on Oct. 5, noting that hackers used a social engineering attack on the company’s internal help desk. At the time, the company didn’t disclose much information about the attack, stating,After working with leading external cybersecurity experts, including CrowdStrike, and coordinating with U.S. law enforcement, the majority of our systems are now operational, and we have resumed money transfer services.”

In an email to the publication, MoneyGram also confirmed that it has found “no evidence that this issue involves ransomware nor do we have any reason to believe that this has impacted our agents’ systems.”

However, in a notification on its website, MoneyGram has now revealed more information about the cyberattack. The company says that the threat actors had access to its network even earlier, between Sept. 20 and Sept. 22. It got to know about the breach on Sept. 27.

woman with cellphone

A woman with a cellphone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MASSIVE FREE VPN DATA BREACH EXPOSES 360 MILLION RECORDS

What information got stolen?

During the time hackers had access to MoneyGram’s network, they stole a significant amount of sensitive information, including consumer names, contact details (such as phone numbers, email addresses and postal addresses), dates of birth, a limited number of Social Security numbers, copies of government-issued identification documents (such as driver’s licenses), other identification documents (such as utility bills) and bank account numbers.

For a limited number of customers, MoneyGram says hackers also accessed MoneyGram Plus Rewards numbers, transaction details (like dates and amounts) and criminal investigation info (such as fraud cases). The types of information exposed varied by individual.

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woman at laptop

A woman working on a laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HERE’S WHAT RUTHLESS HACKERS STOLE FROM 110 MILLION AT&T CUSTOMERS

6 ways to protect yourself from a data breach

1. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts: One of the most effective ways to protect your personal and financial information from hackers is to enable two-factor authentication wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring two forms of verification before granting access to your account, such as a password and a one-time code sent to your phone. Even if your password is stolen, 2FA can stop hackers from getting into your accounts.

2. Monitor your financial accounts regularly: After a data breach, especially when sensitive financial information like transaction details and bank account numbers have been compromised, it’s crucial to regularly monitor your bank statements, credit card transactions and even small purchases. Look for unauthorized activity, no matter how minor it seems, and report it to your bank or service provider immediately.

With the MoneyGram breach, hackers accessed customers’ financial transaction details, which could lead to fraud or unauthorized transactions. By reviewing your account statements frequently, you can catch any unusual activity early and take action before significant damage is done.

3. Change your passwords and use strong, unique passwords: MoneyGram customers who reused passwords across multiple accounts should update their login information immediately. A strong password combines uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols, making it harder for hackers to guess or crack. Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords.

4. Sign up for identity theft protection: Given that hackers stole Social Security numbers, government-issued IDs and other sensitive information in the MoneyGram breach, affected customers should consider enrolling in identity theft protection. These services notify you if someone attempts to open new lines of credit or loans in your name, allowing you to take immediate action to prevent identity theft. Additionally, you can place fraud alerts or freezes on your credit reports to prevent unauthorized access.

For those impacted by the MoneyGram breach, where personally identifiable information such as government IDs and Social Security numbers were compromised, signing up for identity theft protection services can offer an extra level of security. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

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5. Be wary of phishing attacks and scams: After a data breach, there is often an uptick in phishing attacks, where scammers try to trick you into revealing additional personal information by posing as legitimate companies. Always double-check the authenticity of emails, especially those asking for sensitive information. Never click on links or download attachments from suspicious sources, and verify any requests for information by contacting the company directly. Since the MoneyGram breach occurred through a social engineering attack, customers should be on the lookout for emails, phone calls or text messages pretending to be from MoneyGram or related entities. Always verify any communication before taking action.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have 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 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

6. Invest in personal data removal services: While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

WORLD’S LARGEST STOLEN PASSWORD DATABASE UPLOADED TO CRIMINAL FORUM

Kurt’s key takeaways

Big tech companies are struggling to curb cyberattacks. Every month, we hear about a new data breach that puts the data of millions of Americans at risk, and most of the time, these firms face nothing more than a slap on the wrist. Meanwhile, the individuals whose data is stolen suffer the consequences for years to come. MoneyGram and other companies should invest more in their cybersecurity infrastructure to ensure that breaches like this don’t become the norm.

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Do you believe that legislation should enforce stricter penalties on companies that fail to protect customer data? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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A whopping 342,817 Lego Technic pieces are used to build a sports car

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When Lego bricks meet automotive engineering, magic happens. 

The Danish toy company and British supercar manufacturer McLaren have outdone themselves with their latest collaboration: a fully drivable, life-sized replica of the iconic McLaren P1 hypercar made almost entirely out of Lego Technic pieces.

Lego McLaren 1

A life-sized replica of the McLaren P1 hypercar made almost entirely out of Lego Technic pieces (McLaren)

A monumental undertaking

This isn’t your average weekend Lego project. A team of 23 dedicated professionals from Lego and McLaren spent more than 8,000 hours bringing this ambitious vision to life. The result is a 1:1 scale model of the McLaren P1 that is not just for show; it actually drives.

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Lego McLaren 2

A life-sized replica of the McLaren P1 hypercar made almost entirely out of Lego Technic pieces (McLaren)

By the numbers

The sheer scale of this project is mind-boggling. The team utilized a staggering 342,817 Lego Technic pieces to construct the replica. To power the car, they incorporated 768 Lego motors, which enable it to reach an impressive top speed of 40 mph. Weighing in at 2,690 pounds, this model is a tad lighter than the original P1, which weighs 3,075 pounds. In total, the development and construction process took an astounding 8,344 hours.

Lego McLaren 3

A life-sized replica of the McLaren P1 hypercar made almost entirely out of Lego Technic pieces (McLaren)

REVOLUTIONARY FLYING SPORTS CAR COMPLETES ITS MAIDEN FLIGHT

From toy to track

What sets this Lego creation apart is its functionality. Unlike previous life-sized Lego vehicles, this P1 replica features fully functional steering, allowing it to navigate corners on a real racetrack. To put it to the test, McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris took the wheel and completed a lap of the legendary Silverstone Circuit, covering a distance of 3.66 miles.

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Lego McLaren 4

Lando Norris and a life-sized replica of the McLaren P1 hypercar (McLaren)

LIGHTNING-FAST FORMULA E RACE CAR DOES 0-60 IN 1.82 SECONDS FLAT

Engineering challenges

Creating a drivable car out of Lego pieces presented unique challenges for the team. They had to ensure that the structure could support its own weight while incorporating working steering and suspension systems. The compact design of the original P1 made fitting all the necessary components a puzzle in itself, requiring innovative solutions and meticulous planning.

HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET 

Lego McLaren car 5

Lando Norris and a life-sized replica of the McLaren P1 hypercar (McLaren)

A history of collaboration

This isn’t the first time Lego and McLaren have joined forces. The two companies have been collaborating since 2015, producing various Technic models of McLaren vehicles. However, this full-size, drivable P1 marks a new pinnacle in their partnership and showcases what can be achieved when creativity meets engineering expertise.

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Lego McLaren car 6

A life-sized replica of the McLaren P1 hypercar made almost entirely out of Lego Technic pieces (McLaren)

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Kurt’s key takeaways

The Lego McLaren P1 pushes the boundaries of what is possible with Lego bricks and highlights the potential for innovative cross-industry partnerships. As this plastic innovation embarks on its world tour, it is sure to inspire the next generation of engineers, designers and dreamers. Who knows? The child who is fascinated by this Lego supercar today might be designing the real hypercars of tomorrow.

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What other iconic vehicles or structures would you like to see recreated using Lego and why? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Breast cancer patient says new type of chemo saved her life: ‘I am thriving’

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Just as no two cancers are the same, treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all — and for one Arizona mother and teacher, personalized chemotherapy became the path to survival.

Tammy Morrow, 55, had been healthy for decades when, after seeing a doctor for what she thought was a stomach bug in December 2023, she was blindsided by a diagnosis of stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.

The cancer had spread to her bones, lymph nodes, liver and other areas, she told Fox News Digital. It became evident fairly quickly that her disease was beyond the scope of traditional treatments.

CHEMOTHERAPY DRUG COULD HAVE A SERIOUS AND SURPRISING SIDE EFFECT, STUDY FINDS

“I received one round of traditional chemo in the hospital,” said Morrow, who lives in Phoenix, Arizona. “After just the one treatment, all of my hair fell out within just eight days.”

Tammy Morrow, center, is pictured with her two sons, Gabriel and Izaak Morrow. “I am persuaded that I would not be alive today if I had not received care at Envita,” she told Fox News Digital. (Derek Morrow)

“The rapid hair loss demonstrates the systemic nature and toxicity of traditional chemo,” she added.

Morrow’s oncologist told her that she likely only had months to live, but she was determined to find another alternative.

Through her research, she found Envita Medical Center in Scottsdale, which offers a novel cancer treatment called Genetically Targeted Fractionated Chemotherapy (GTFC).

HALF OF CANCER DEATHS COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED THROUGH LIFESTYLE CHANGES, SAYS AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY REPORT

“When I arrived at Envita, I was not taking in food orally, and for almost three months, I had to receive all of my nutrition from a catheter delivered directly into my veins,” Morrow said.

She began receiving GTFC treatments, which she credits as “essential to survival.”

“In just 21 weeks, my diagnosis changed from terminal to normal.”

“I am persuaded that I would not be alive today if I had not received care at Envita,” Morrow told Fox News Digital. 

“Now, I am thriving.”

BREAST CANCER SIGNS, SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR, PLUS WHEN TO SCHEDULE ROUTINE SCREENING

Morrow’s last several blood tests have shown no evidence of disease, and her most recent PET scan in May confirmed that she is cancer-free.

“In just 21 weeks, my diagnosis changed from terminal to normal,” she said.

Making it personal

Genetically targeted fractionated chemotherapy (GTFC) is a targeted approach to cancer treatment that personalizes chemotherapy based on a patient’s genetic makeup and specific tumor biology, according to Dr. John Oertle, chief medical director at Envita Medical Centers. 

Tammy and husband

Tammy Morrow is pictured with her husband, Derek Morrow, before her diagnosis. (Tammy Morrow)

“This method also enhances the tumor’s ability to absorb the chemotherapy, allowing us to use reduced dosages while maintaining effectiveness,” Oertle, who specializes in “individualized, outcome-based care models for chronic disease and integrative oncology,” told Fox News Digital.

GTFC is designed to deliver medicine with more precision while having fewer side effects, he noted.

BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSES SPIKING AMONG WOMEN UNDER 50, NEW REPORT REVEALS

“Conventional chemotherapy targets all rapidly dividing cells, both cancerous and healthy, using high doses, which often leads to widespread side effects,” Oertle said. 

“Additionally, we have found that 90% of patients on conventional chemotherapy are dealing with cancer that has already become resistant to it.”

Tammy in hospital

Morrow had been healthy for decades when, after seeing a doctor for what she thought was a stomach bug in December 2023, she was blindsided by a diagnosis of stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. (Tammy Morrow)

GTFC is designed to specifically target cancer cells with genetic mutations, he said, so that more chemo gets into the tumor.

“While only 5% to 7% of conventional chemotherapy administered through an IV typically reaches the tumor, GTFC significantly improves this uptake,” Oertle said.

“As a result, we can reduce the overall dosage and administer treatment more frequently.”

“Not only are these specific treatments resulting in better outcomes, they are less harmful as well.”

Fox News medical contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier, who is not associated with Envita, referred to GTFC as “the future of cancer treatment.”

“Historically, we depended on traditional chemotherapy to kill cancer cells,” she told Fox News Digital. 

“Unfortunately, traditional chemotherapy isn’t very specific, so while it killed cancer cells, it also killed healthy cells.” 

Tammy Morrow

In the midst of cancer treatments, as she began losing her hair, Morrow had a friend give her a haircut. (Tammy Morrow)

Because of this limitation, traditional chemo can have “severe” short-term and long-term side effects, Saphier confirmed.

“GTFC is a targeted therapy, which is a type of cancer treatment that’s designed to attack cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone,” she went on. 

“Not only are these specific treatments resulting in better outcomes, they are less harmful as well.”

THESE 17 CANCER TYPES ARE MORE COMMON IN GEN X AND MILLENNIALS, AS STUDY NOTES ‘ALARMING TREND’

While there are some possible side effects with GTFC, they are “significantly fewer” than with traditional chemo, Oertle said.

“Many patients are even able to maintain their hair,” he added.

Tammy at gym with friends

Morrow, seen here with a few of her fitness friends at the gym, was an avid health and wellness enthusiast before getting diagnosed. (Tammy Morrow)

In Morrow’s case, she said her side effects were “minimal,” even after receiving GTFC chemo treatments once or twice every week for 21 weeks.

Her main side effects were weakness and digestive issues for a day or two after the treatment.

NOVEL CANCER TREATMENT OFFERS NEW HOPE WHEN CHEMO AND RADIATION FAIL: ‘BIG CHANGE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES’

“I was even able to work full-time during my treatment,” she said. “On a couple of occasions, I virtually attended work meetings while receiving the chemo treatments.”

Who can get GTFC?

In addition to breast cancer, GTFC can be an option for any type of cancer that needs systemic therapy, according to Oertle.

“For early-stage cancers, we utilize advanced blood tests to ensure that the disease has not spread,” he said. 

Tammy Morrow

“I pray that one day, I will have the money to help others receive care at Envita,” Morrow said. (Tammy Morrow)

“If the cancer remains localized, we offer other precision-based, less invasive treatments that may eliminate the need for GTFC. However, for cancers that have spread beyond the initial tumor, GTFC may be an effective treatment option.”

“Most people simply cannot afford to pay for this type of medical care.”

There are some barriers to receiving this type of chemo, however.

“It is very difficult to receive this care because no insurance company in America will cover the advanced and targeted integrated care Envita offers,” Morrow told Fox News Digital. 

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“Even though the chemotherapy drugs I received at Envita are a part of the normal medical protocol, because the method of delivering these chemotherapy drugs is not normal, my insurance company refused to cover any of it.”

woman receives chemo

While there are some possible side effects with GTFC, they are “significantly fewer” than with traditional chemo, an expert said. (iStock)

Morrow paid nearly $250,000 out of pocket for her chemo treatments. 

“Most people simply cannot afford to pay for this type of medical care — and I could not have afforded it, either,” she said.

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To cover the cost, Morrow’s two sons started a GoFundMe and raised almost $120,000, and Morrow and her husband took out a second mortgage to cover the rest.

“I would encourage people to not let the cost prevent them from seeking out this innovative and life-saving approach to cancer care,” Morrow urged. 

Woman getting IV

In addition to breast cancer, GTFC can be an option for any type of cancer that needs systemic therapy. (iStock)

“I pray that one day, I will have the money to help others receive care at Envita. In the meantime, my husband and I have two guest bedrooms waiting to be filled by out-of-town patients.”

Envita includes the below disclaimer on its website.

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“Disclaimer: Individual results will vary. Envita makes no guarantees for outcomes. Each patient’s case is unique. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment. Not every patient is a candidate for care or achieves these results. Treatments used in this case may not all be FDA-approved for the treatment of this condition.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the FDA requesting comment.

Stranded traveler gifted flight upgrade after chance encounter with airline CEO

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A woman who said she recently found herself stuck at an international airport with no flight home ran into an airline CEO who turned her entire day around. 

Julia Jaroslawski is a 20-year-old student from Chicago who ran into some travel trouble while trying to get back to the U.S. from Bangkok, Thailand. 

She told Fox News Digital that she flew to Doha, Qatar, for a layover and was hoping to fly standby to Chicago that day. 

FLIGHT PASSENGER ATTEMPTS TO STEAL UPGRADED SEAT AS PLANE BOARDS, SPARKING REACTIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

“Initially, conversations with the airline staff gave me confidence that I wouldn’t face any issues flying home, especially since there were plenty of seats available on the flight from Doha to Chicago,” she wrote via email.

Julia Jaroslawski was distraught upon learning she would be stuck in Doha until another flight became available to Chicago. (Julia Jaroslawski)

She added, “So, it came as a shock when, at the end of boarding, they informed me that I couldn’t be given a seat due to a weight restriction.”

With no realistic flight options for the rest of the day, Jaroslawski said she was feeling discouraged and overwhelmed. 

CRUISE PASSENGERS GO WILD HIDING RUBBER DUCKS ON SHIPS IN VIRAL GAME OF HIDE-AND-SEEK

“At that point, pure exhaustion hit me, and I couldn’t hold back my tears. I started searching for alternative flights with better connections, hoping to get home sooner, but the Doha-to-Chicago flights in the coming days were all fully booked.”

Julia Jaroslawski of Chicago, Illinois

Jaroslawski said she was shocked to learn that she had been speaking with the CEO of Qatar Airways. (Julia Jaroslawski)

Feeling stressed, Jaroslawski decided to walk around the airport and pray the rosary to try and calm herself down. 

She then visited a coffee shop and continued to look for alternative flights home.

WORLD-TRAVELING COUPLE WALKS ACROSS ‘LEAST-VISITED COUNTRY’ IN UNDER 60 SECONDS

“I ordered a simple matcha latte and took a seat at a table, unknowingly sitting just a seat away from the Qatar Airways CEO, facing the same direction,” she said. 

Julia Jaroslawski in business class on an airplane to Chicago,Illinois

Jaroslawski ate food, enjoyed the entertainment and more while on her flight to the United States. She was upgraded to business class. (Julia Jaroslawski)

“While I was on my computer searching for flights, the CEO noticed me and asked, ‘Is everything alright?’ Although I wasn’t crying anymore, the stress and exhaustion were still evident on my face,” she said.

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She continued, “He was genuinely kind, so I replied, ‘It’s been a tough morning, but I’m alright.’ We exchanged a brief conversation about my morning, and that’s when he mentioned business class.”

The man introduced himself as Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer and said, “I’m the CEO of Qatar Airways, and I’m giving you business class,” according to Jaroslawski.

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The college student said she was “in complete shock” as she was guided toward the business lounge to take a shower, eat and enjoy herself before her flight.

Traveler and business class seat

An Illinois woman was surprised with a free business class seat after she unknowingly started talking to an airline CEO at the airport. (Julia Jaroslawski | iStock)

“Within a matter of moments my day had flipped completely around, and I was filled with extreme gratitude,” she said. 

Jaroslawski described her flight as “luxurious and comfortable” and that she “slept like never before.”

But after arriving at JFK Airport in New York City, there were no connecting flights to Chicago that night, so she had to stay at the airport before getting on a flight to Chicago the next morning, Jaroslawski said.

“While my journey turned out to be much longer than expected, it’s one I’ll remember forever,” she said.

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Fox News Digital reached out to Qatar Airways for comment.