Justin Tucker allegations: Ravens GM talks about claims against kicker

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February 25, 2025

Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta spoke about sexual misconduct allegations against kicker Justin Tucker during a press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine Tuesday.

The Baltimore Banner reported that 16 massage therapists at eight spas have claimed Tucker engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior during spa sessions from 2012-16.

Tucker has denied all allegations, but DeCosta called the allegations “serious and concerning.”

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Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker warms up against the Kansas City Chiefs prior to a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. (Denny Medley/Imagn Images)

“The amount of allegations are serious and concerning,” he told reporters in Indianapolis.

“I think we’re fortunate the league is doing an investigation. We’ll wait as patiently as we can for as much information as we can. We’ll make our decisions based on that.”

DeCosta added he has met with Tucker and the league since the allegations surfaced, though he didn’t disclose specifics about the talks with his kicker.

NFL INVESTIGATING JUSTIN TUCKER’S SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS, INTERVIEWING ACCUSERS: REPORTS

“I think in this case we’re awaiting as much information as possible. I met with the league. I believe the league is meeting with other people in Baltimore as well. We’ll wait for the details of that investigation and make our decision based off that.”

DeCosta said the team was aware of the allegations published by The Baltimore Banner, and it was the first time the team became aware of the allegations.

The NFL reportedly began interviewing massage therapists who accused Tucker of inappropriate sexual behavior.

Baltimore Ravens placekicker Justin Tucker arrives before a game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. (Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images)

Last month, the first six alleged victims claimed Tucker exposed himself repeatedly during sessions spanning four years, including his rookie campaign, when the Ravens won the Super Bowl.

The accusations placed him at four different spa and wellness centers, with claims he would brush the therapists with his genitals and commit other acts of sexual misconduct.

More massage therapists have come forward since the original Baltimore Banner report with similar allegations.

NEW YORK JETS PLAYER ROBBED AT GUNPOINT IN NEW JERSEY AFTER BEING ‘TARGETED AND FOLLOWED’ BY SUSPECTS: REPORT

Tucker released a statement through his attorneys last month, calling the accusations “unequivocally false.”

“Throughout my career as a professional athlete, I have always sought to conduct myself with the utmost professionalism. I have never before been accused of misconduct of any kind, and I have never been accused of acting inappropriately in front of a massage therapist or during a massage therapy session or during other bodywork,” Tucker’s statement said.

Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker watches his kick as he misses a second field goal attempt during the second half of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles Dec. 1, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

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“I have never received any complaints from a massage therapist, have never been dismissed from a massage therapy or bodywork session and have never been told that I was not welcome at any spa or other place of business.”

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

UK Starmer ramps up defense spending ahead of meeting with Trump

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February 25, 2025

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The United Kingdom took steps on Tuesday to ramp up its defense spending ahead of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s meeting with President Donald Trump this week.

Starmer said that in the face of continued Russian aggression against Ukraine and, by extension, Europe, the UK will increase its defense spending to 2.5% of its gross domestic value, up from the 2.3% it currently spends – an increase that amounts to £13.4 billion, or nearly $17 billion more each year on defense.

In addition, Starmer said the UK will continue to increase its defense spending goal to reach 3% of its GDP during the next Parliament, which, barring any snap election, will begin after 2029.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer gives a speech on Jan. 6, 2025. (Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP)

GERMANY’S NEW CONSERVATIVE LEADER LOOKS TO ‘ACHIEVE INDEPENDENCE’ FROM US

Starmer’s announcement not only comes two days ahead of his planned visit with Trump in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, but as European leaders are increasingly calling for drastic increases in defense spending to decrease their reliance on the U.S. and counter Russia.

“At moments like these in our past, Britain has stood up to be counted [on]. It has come together, and it has demonstrated strength,” Starmer said in an address to Parliament. “That is what the security of our country needs now, and it is what this government will deliver.”

Starmer’s push to increase defense spending was not met with approval by all UK lawmakers.

Some took issue with how the prime minister found the funds to support his spending increases, as it will mean cutting overseas support for development aid from 0.5% of the UK’s gross domestic product to 0.3% over the next two years.

Member of Parliament (MP) Charolette Cane told Starmer that while she backed the UK’s continued support of Ukraine, she said cutting international aid that helps bring stability to vulnerable populations was “hugely short-sided.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shake hands at the start of their bilateral talks at the Mariinskyi Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (Carl Court/Pool Photo via AP)

UKRAINE ENTERS FOURTH YEAR OF WAR WITH RUSSIA: ‘CLOSER TO THE BEGINNING THAN WE ARE TO THE END’

“Helping communities be stable and secure reduces the risk of war and unrest,” she argued in the House of Commons following the prime minister’s announcement. However, Starmer argued it was a decision he had to make to avoid getting into a battle over how the UK would meet this spending increase.

“I’m certainly not pretending it’s a decision I wanted to make as prime minister,” Starmer said in response. “It’s a decision that I’m driven to make because of the security and safety of our country and our continent.”

MP Jim Shannon, on the other hand, looked to remind his fellow parliamentary members that during the Cold War the UK spent 7% of its GPD on defense and called on Starmer to clarify how his discussions with the U.S. had been taking shape.

Starmer said he has held “a number of conversations” with Trump and that U.S.-UK teams are in continual conversations.

Donald Trump talks to reporters after watching the Daytona 500

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters upon arrival in West Palm Beach, Florida, on February 16, 2025. Trump has demanded that all NATO nations ramp up defense spending. (REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque)

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“We must reject any false choice between our allies, between one side of the Atlantic or the other. That is against our history – country and party – because it is against our fundamental national interest,” he said in a nod to concern that there are increasing divisions between the U.S. and European allies.

“It has survived countless external challenges in the past. We’ve fought wars together, we’re the closest partners in trade, growth and security,” he added.

“This week when I meet President Trump I will be clear – I want this relationship to go from strength to strength.”

Apple’s iPhone voice-to-text writes ‘Trump’ when user says ‘racist’

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February 25, 2025

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Apple’s iPhone voice-to-text feature is sparking controversy after a viral TikTok video showed a user speaking the word “racist,” which at first showed up as “Trump” before switching back to “racist.”

Fox News Digital was able to replicate the issue multiple times. The voice-to-text dictation feature was observed briefly flashing “Trump” when a user said “racist” before it quickly changed back to “racist” – just like in the viral TikTok video.

However, “Trump” did not appear every time a user said “racist.”

The voice-to-text feature also wrote words like “reinhold” and “you” when a user said “racist.” Most of the time, the feature accurately wrote “racist.”

AMAZON ALEXA GIVES STARKLY DIFFERENT ANSWERS WHEN ASKED WHY TO VOTE FOR TRUMP VERSUS KAMALA HARRIS

Apple iPhones show "Trump" occasionally when users say "racist"

Apple’s iPhone voice-to-text feature appears to write “Trump” occasionally when a user says “racist.” (Fox News)

An Apple spokesperson said Tuesday that the company is addressing the issue.

“We are aware of an issue with the speech recognition model that powers Dictation, and we are rolling out a fix as soon as possible,” the spokesperson said.

Apple says that the speech recognition models that power dictation may temporarily display words with some phonetic overlap, before landing on the correct word. The bug affects other words with an “r” consonant when dictated, Apple says.

APPLE UNVEILS HISTORIC $500B INVESTMENT IN US MANUFACTURING

This is not the first time technology has sparked controversy over what was perceived as a slight against President Donald Trump.

A video went viral in September showing the Amazon Alexa virtual assistant explaining reasons for voting for then-Vice President Kamala Harris while refusing to provide similar responses for Trump.

Representatives from the online shopping giant briefed staffers from the House Judiciary Committee about the incident and explained that Alexa uses pre-programmed manual overrides created by Amazon’s information team to respond to certain prompts from users, according to a source familiar with the briefing.

For example, Alexa would tell users who asked for reasons to vote for Trump or then-President Joe Biden, “I cannot provide content that promotes this specific political party or candidate.”

Prior to the release of the viral video, Amazon had only programmed manual overrides for Biden and Trump, failing to add Harris because very few users were asking Alexa about reasons to vote for her, the source said.

REP. JIM JORDAN REQUEST AMAZON BRIEFING OVER ALEXA’S TRUMP CENSORSHIP

The Amazon Alexa virtual assistant previously explained reasons for voting for then-Vice President Kamala Harris while refusing to provide similar responses for then-former President Donald Trump. (Amazon)

Amazon became aware of the issue with Alexa’s pro-Harris responses within one hour of the video being posted on X and going viral. The company fixed the issue with a manual override for such questions about Harris within two hours of the video going up, according to the source.

Before the fix was deployed, Fox News Digital prompted Alexa with questions asking for reasons to vote for Harris and received a response saying that “she is a female of color with a comprehensive plan to address racial injustice and inequality throughout the country.”

TRUMP, MUSK ENDORSE VIVEK RAMASWAMY FOR OHIO GOVERNOR

The source said that Amazon apologized for Alexa’s display of political bias at the briefing and said that while it has a policy that aims to prevent Alexa from “having a political opinion” or “bias for or against a particular party or particular candidate… obviously we are here today because we did not meet that bar in this incident.”

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The tech giant has since audited its system and has manual overrides in place for all candidates and a number of election-related prompts. Previously, Alexa only had manual overrides for presidential candidates.

FOX Business’ Eric Revell, Hillary Vaugh, and Chase Williams contributed to this report.

Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.

Story tips and ideas can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.

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Doctor gives update on Pope Francis’ health status and prognosis

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February 25, 2025

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Is Pope Francis going to live? Is he going to die? Will he remain as pope?

How much can be learned from the daily or twice-daily Vatican announcements and from media reports?

Below are my current answers, based on my interpretation of the available information (which is, of course, subject to change).

POPE FRANCIS’ MEDICAL CONDITION: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT BILATERAL PNEUMONIA

The pope has a long history of medical problems, including respiratory infections. Back in 1957, he had a piece of one lung removed.

(Despite this, Pope Francis is not a smoker, and in fact ordered a ban on the sale of cigarettes in the Vatican’s duty-free shop beginning in 2018.)

Pope Francis holds the Holy Book of Prayers as he celebrates the Epiphany mass on January 6, 2020, at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. (Vincenzo Pinto/AFP via Getty Images)

The Catholic leader was last hospitalized for pneumonia in 2023. He previously underwent abdominal surgery, when part of his colon was removed.

Most recently, the pope was hospitalized for a respiratory infection on Feb. 14, 2025, at Gemelli Hospital, one of the best hospitals in Italy.

What is the pope’s medical condition?

The pope’s condition has been described as bilateral pneumonia, which generally appears as consolidation on a chest x-ray or CT scan.

Pneumonia is an infection in the air sacs of the lung. Bilateral pneumonia is more problematic and difficult to recover from than unilateral pneumonia or pneumonia in one lobe, especially in an elderly patient with scarring from previous surgeries and bouts of pneumonia.

The pope is presumably being treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and is reportedly non-septic.

LUNG CANCER RISING AMONG NON-SMOKERS — HERE’S WHY

Though pneumonia is the most common cause of bacterial sepsis in the elderly, the statistic that one out of three cases leads to sepsis is misleading, because it refers to the period before the antibiotic era.

Given that the pope has likely been given antibiotics for several days and appears to be stable, the chances of him developing sepsis are greatly reduced.

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition of hemodynamic compromise (where the body is not getting enough blood flow to function properly), which causes a drop in blood pressure.

The condition generally causes a high fever, and heart and kidney output may decrease.

“Although the pope’s prognosis is currently unknown, it doesn’t sound like he is truly in critical condition.”

Often, a septic patient needs special drugs (pressors) to maintain blood pressure, and toxins and acid (lactate) can build up in the blood.

Blood cultures can turn positive with a pathogen, which in this case would presumably be a bacteria.

Why is the pope on oxygen?

The pope is receiving what is known as high-flow oxygen by nasal cannula (a device that provides extra oxygen through a tube and into the nose), which can vary in oxygen percentage.

This is a treatment for respiratory decompensation (breathing difficulties), but is not as aggressive as CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) or mechanical ventilation.

“The fact that the pope is not currently on a ventilator is a good sign that he is not decompensating or septic and that his chances of recovery are possible or even probable,” writes Dr. Marc Siegel. (Fox News)

The fact that the pope is not currently on a ventilator is a good sign that he is not decompensating or septic and that his chances of recovery are possible or even probable.

It is not yet clear why he needed blood transfusions (although they do improve oxygen-carrying ability) or why his platelet count was reportedly low.

Reports of complications

Over the weekend, on Saturday, the pope reportedly experienced an asthmatic episode, which was presumably treated with oxygen and with bronchodilators to open his airways (which constrict during an airway attack).

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An existing asthmatic condition can be exacerbated by pneumonia. In the pope’s case, it appears to have responded well to treatment.

The media has also been ablaze with references to “kidney failure,” leading people to put that together with double pneumonia and instantly believe the pope is through.

Pope Francis obituary, file image of the dead pontiff

Pope Francis meets President Donald Trump in the Private Library of the Apostolic Palace at Vatican City on May 24, 2017. (Vatican/Pool/Galazka/Archivio Grzegorz Galazka/Mondadori via Getty Images)

While Pope Francis is certainly far from out of the woods, per Vatican reports, it is important to clarify that mild renal insufficiency simply means blood flow to the kidney is mildly reduced, perhaps from low volume or dehydration, and it might well be improving from the blood transfusions he is receiving.

As long as his urine output keeps up and his kidney function doesn’t worsen, this should not be a major obstacle.

What is the pope’s prognosis?

Although the pope’s prognosis is currently unknown, it doesn’t sound like he is truly in critical condition, a term doctors tend to reserve for much more unstable patients.

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It is hopeful to read in the local Italian press (translated to me) that the pope is once again up and reading newspapers and had a successful night.

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

He is reportedly considering possible successors, but hopefully he will be alive to choose them.

Don’t underestimate the impact of great medical care combined with the power of prayer.

Marc Siegel, M.D. is a professor of medicine and medical director of Doctor Radio at NYU Langone Medical Center. He is Fox News Channel’s senior medical analyst and author of “COVID: The Politics of Fear and the Power of Science.” Follow him on Twitter @drmarcsiegel.

I’m a tech expert. These are the 5 time-saving tech tips I tell everyone

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February 25, 2025

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Technology can sometimes feel overwhelming, but mastering a few simple tricks can make life much easier. Whether you’re adjusting your phone’s sound and vibration settings, sharing a precise moment in a YouTube video or quickly fixing browser issues, these quick tips will save you time and frustration. Let’s dive into these five tech hacks to streamline your devices and make them work smarter for you.

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I’m a tech expert. These are the 5 time-saving tech tips I tell everyone

A woman looking at her cellphone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Tech tip #1: Adjusting sound and vibration on iPhones and Android devices

Need to customize your device’s sound and vibration settings? Here’s how to do it on both iPhone and Android.

For iPhone:

Go to Settings
Click Sounds & Haptics
Adjust the Ringer and Alerts slider (Ringtone on iOS 18.2) to change the notification sound volume
Toggle Vibrate on Ring or Vibrate on Silent to control vibration settings

(With iOS 18, Vibrations are referred to as “Haptics.” Tap on Haptics to control when your phone vibrates. In addition, users can choose from even more options, like “Always Play,” “Play in Silent Mode,” “Don’t Play in Silent Mode” or “Never Play.”) Customize your ringtone, text tones and alert sounds from this menu.

For Android:

Go to Settings
Click Sound (or Sound & Vibration)
Adjust Ring volume, Media volume, Alarm volume and Notification volume
Toggle Vibrate for calls and Vibrate for notifications to enable vibration

* Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

A woman browsing on her phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR MAC, PC, IPHONES AND ANDROIDS – CYBERGUY PICKS

Tech tip #2: Make YouTube share exactly what you want

Want to share a specific moment in a YouTube video without making someone scrub through the timeline? It’s easy! Just pause the video at the exact point you want to share, click Share and check the box that says Start at [time]. Copy the link and voilà: Your recipient will jump straight to the action, whether it’s the punchline of a joke or the key moment of a tutorial. Try it out and save everyone some scrolling.

Want to easily share your photos and videos with loved ones? These sites are a great place to start.

YouTube app (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

BEST LAPTOPS OF 2025

Tech tip #3: Quick fix for a stuck tab in your browser

Have you ever clicked on a tab that just won’t load or respond? Here’s a handy trick to refresh it without losing your place. On most browsers, just right-click the tab and choose Reload (or press Ctrl+R on Windows or Cmd+R on Mac). Still stuck? Open a new tab, copy the web address from the unresponsive one and paste it into the fresh tab. It’s a simple way to get back on track without breaking a sweat.

Want to go the extra mile? For a more thorough refresh that clears the cache, you can use Ctrl+Shift+R (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Shift+R (Mac). When might this be helpful? A hard refresh clears the browser’s cache for the page, ensuring you see the most up-to-date version of the website without old data interfering.

Bonus tip: Learn how to stop tab overload by following these steps.

A person working on their laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

BEST WAYS TO GIVE YOUR OLD IPHONE A SECOND LIFE

Tech tip #4: Brighten your screen in a flash

When your screen is too dim or too bright, adjusting the brightness can make all the difference for comfort and visibility.

Apple (Mac): Look at the top row of your keyboard. Find the sun icons on the F1 and F2 keys. Press F2 to increase brightness. (On some MacBooks, you may need to hold the fn key while pressing these.)

iPhone/iPad: Open the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of your screen (or up from the bottom on older models). Use the brightness slider (marked with a sun icon) to adjust the brightness.

Windows (PC): Locate the brightness keys, usually marked with a sun icon, on the top row of your keyboard. On most laptops, press the Function (Fn) key and then the key with a sun icon. No sun icon? Hit Windows + A to open the Action Center and use the brightness slider.

Android devices: Adjust brightness directly from the quick settings panel. Swipe down from the top of the screen, find the brightness slider (usually marked with a sun icon) and drag it to your desired level. If your Android device has a physical keyboard, the brightness keys may be similar to those on a PC.

Pro tip: Brighter screens use more battery! Keep your brightness at a comfortable level to save juice when you’re on the go.

Image of an open laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Tech tip #5: Save time with browser tab shortcuts

Have too many tabs open? Quickly cycle through them using keyboard shortcuts:

On Windows: Press Ctrl+Tab to move to the next tab or Ctrl+Shift+Tab to go back
On Mac: Use Command+Option+Right Arrow to switch forward and Command+Option+Left Arrow to go back

It’s a fast way to navigate without lifting your fingers from the keyboard.

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

Kurt’s key takeaways

Technology should make our lives easier, not more complicated. With these tips in your arsenal, you’ll spend less time fighting with your devices and more time enjoying what they can do for you. Remember, the best tech solutions are often the simplest ones; it’s just a matter of knowing where to look. Keep this guide handy and don’t be afraid to experiment with these features to find what works best for you.

Got a tip you’d like to share and/or what other everyday tech challenges would you like help solving? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover .

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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Dr. Chandra Prakash Pioneers Next-Generation IT Solutions

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February 25, 2025

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20250225 213918582 — Dr. Chandra Prakash Pioneers Next-Generation IT Solutions 31

Dr. Chandra Prakash, a renowned software architect with a PhD in Information Technology specializing in security and machine learning, is transforming digital infrastructures in healthcare and enterprise software design.

Louisville, Kentucky, February 24, 2025, As a respected member of the Decision Science Institute (DSI) and a recently awarded Senior Member of IEEE in recognition of his outstanding contributions, is transforming digital infrastructures across healthcare and enterprise software design. Dr. Chandra Prakash has authored influential articles on Zero-Trust architecture adoption in healthcare, pioneered the modular monolith (modulith) paradigm to build resilient, high-performance, and scalable systems, and applied artificial intelligence to enhance clinical decision-making while optimizing supply chain operations. In advancing the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, Dr. Prakash has provided critical revisions that significantly improve its credibility and applicability in technology adoption studies.

A prominent contributor to the ASP.NET community, Dr. Prakash has authored 3,488 posts on the ASP.NET Forum—earning him a top contributor ranking among over 57,000 participants. In 2012, he developed the first framework for Sitecore, a leading CMS platform, streamlining content management and accelerating development cycles. He also built the first integrated external security solution within Sitecore to enable secure website functionality that was previously unsupported.

“In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, integrating robust security frameworks with innovative architectural design is not optional; it is essential,” said Dr. Chandra Prakash. “My research and industry engagements, including presentations at DSI and Tron in Japan, reflect my commitment to delivering secure, adaptive, and efficient IT solutions for modern enterprises.”

Dr. Prakash’s work has sparked industry-wide discussions on redefining cybersecurity and operational excellence. His methodologies, which merge the rigor of Zero-Trust principles with the flexibility of modulith designs and the predictive power of AI, are setting new standards for protecting sensitive data in healthcare and other critical sectors.

Looking Ahead: The Future of AI/ML in Healthcare Information Security

Dr. Prakash envisions a future where AI-powered tools and agentic systems collaborate seamlessly with cybersecurity professionals to generate real-time threat alerts. This proactive approach will minimize risks and enhance data protection capabilities, ensuring that organizations remain resilient against emerging cyber threats.

For further information on Dr. Chandra Prakash’s research and upcoming speaking engagements, please visit http://cprakash.com or contact him directly at cprakash@outlook.com

About Dr. Chandra Prakash:

Dr. Chandra Prakash is a software architect at a Fortune 40 organization specializing in secure and scalable IT solutions. His research spans advanced software architecture, secure design, and the application of machine learning in healthcare. With a prolific record of publications and presentations at major forums such as DSI and Tron in Japan, Dr. Prakash continues to push the boundaries while upholding the highest standards of cybersecurity and operational efficiency.

For further information on Dr. Chandra Prakash’s research and upcoming speaking engagements, please visit: http://cprakash.com

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20250225 214538304 — Dr. Chandra Prakash Pioneers Next-Generation IT Solutions 32

How VR technology is curing loneliness in seniors

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February 25, 2025

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Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Seniors are proving that age is just a number as they dive into the world of virtual reality (VR). This cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing senior care, offering thrilling adventures and therapeutic benefits that are changing lives one headset at a time.

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How VR technology is curing loneliness in seniors

A man wearing a VR headset (Mynd Immersive) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Skydiving at 80? No problem

Remember when adventure seemed like a distant memory? Those days of spontaneous travel and memorable experiences don’t have to be over. Virtual reality is your new passport to excitement, bringing the world right into your living room. Imagine soaring over the Swiss Alps or exploring the vibrant depths of the Great Barrier Reef – without packing a suitcase or worrying about travel insurance.

A group of smart people at Mynd Immersive, a pioneering company in VR for seniors, has created a virtual playground just for you, with over 200 immersive experiences designed specifically for active seniors like yourself. No physical strain, no exhausting preparations, just pure, exhilarating adventure at the click of a button. Whether you’re 55 or 100, these experiences are tailored to your comfort and curiosity.

Want to revisit the streets of Paris, where you honeymooned? Curious about walking on the moon? Interested in a front-row concert of your favorite era’s music? This isn’t just technology. It’s your ticket to rediscovering the world, challenging your own expectations and proving that age is truly just a number. Your next great adventure awaits, and you don’t even need to leave your favorite chair.

A woman wearing a VR headset (Mynd Immersive) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

BEST CREDIT CARDS FOR SENIORS AND RETIREES 2025

The device behind senior VR experiences

Mynd Immersive uses the HTC VIVE Flow immersive glasses as their primary device for delivering virtual reality experiences to seniors. The VIVE Flow is a lightweight, compact VR headset designed to be comfortable and easy to use, making it suitable for older adults in various care settings. This device is part of Mynd Immersive’s Mynd Essentials package, which also includes a CareTablet and a hard case for storing the devices and attachments.

More than just fun and games

While the entertainment factor is undeniable, VR’s impact on senior health is where it truly shines. Studies have shown that VR can be a powerful tool in combating some of the biggest challenges faced by seniors.

Dr. Zachary Lutsky, a board-certified emergency physician with more than 20 years of clinical experience, says, “Loneliness can be severely detrimental to the elderly population, as it is linked to multiple negative health outcomes, including cognitive decline, increased risk of heart disease, weakened immune system, depression and even premature death.”

Virtual environments provide a calming escape from daily stressors, effectively reducing anxiety in older adults. The immersive experiences offered by VR can also enhance memory function, as nostalgic trips down memory lane stimulate cognitive processes and aid in recall. Perhaps most importantly, engaging in VR activities keeps minds sharp and active, potentially slowing cognitive decline.

This technology offers a unique combination of mental stimulation and emotional engagement that traditional activities often struggle to match. By providing seniors with novel experiences and challenges, VR helps maintain mental acuity and promotes overall brain health, making it a valuable asset in the field of senior care.

VR headset and CareTablet (Mynd Immersive) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

BEST TECH FOR SENIORS

The numbers don’t lie

The proof is in the real-world experiences of seniors engaging with virtual reality. According to research at the Virtual Human Interaction Lab at Stanford University, an impressive 79% of seniors report feeling happier and more connected after using VR technologies. This groundbreaking statistic isn’t just a number. It represents a significant breakthrough in senior care and mental wellness.

This technology isn’t merely changing how seniors spend their leisure time. It’s fundamentally improving their quality of life. By providing immersive experiences that range from nostalgic memory tours to global adventures, virtual reality is offering seniors a new way to engage with the world, combat isolation and maintain cognitive vitality.

The data suggests more than just entertainment. It reveals a transformative tool that can address critical challenges of aging, including social isolation, cognitive decline and limited mobility. With over 200 virtual experiences designed specifically for older adults, Mynd Immersive is at the forefront of this technological revolution in senior care.

A man wearing a VR headset (Mynd Immersive) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

BEST TECH TO HELP A LOVED ONE WITH MEMORY ISSUES

A gateway to better health and deeper connections

Virtual reality is breaking down the walls of isolation that often come with aging. Seniors can now “travel” the world, attend virtual family gatherings or even revisit cherished memories from their past. This digital connection is proving to be a powerful antidote to loneliness, with 60% of seniors reporting feeling less isolated after engaging with VR.

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A man wearing a VR headset (Mynd Immersive) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Virtual reality is a lifeline to adventure, health and happiness for our older population. As we continue to embrace this technology, we’re not just adding years to life but life to years. So the next time you visit your elderly loved ones, don’t be surprised if you find them virtually scaling Mount Everest or dancing in the streets of Rio, because with VR, age truly is just a number.

What experiences would you or your senior loved one be interested in exploring through immersive VR experiences? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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Drugs that reduce dementia risk — and others that increase it

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Reporters News Wire

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February 25, 2025

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Some medications could have the unintended benefit of reducing dementia risk.

That’s according to a recent study by the universities of Cambridge and Exeter, where researchers evaluated several existing drugs to see if they could do double-duty as dementia treatments.

The team reviewed data from 14 prior studies, which included more than 130 million patients and one million dementia cases, according to a press release.

They determined that several classes of prescription drugs were shown to affect dementia risk.

DEMENTIA RISK COULD BE LOWERED BY DOING THIS FOR 5 MINUTES A DAY: STUDY

The findings were published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions.

Researchers determined that several classes of prescription drugs were shown to affect dementia risk. (iStock)

“We urgently need new treatments to slow the progress of dementia, if not to prevent it,” said co-first author Dr. Ben Underwood, from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, in the release.

“If we can find drugs that are already licensed for other conditions, then we can get them into trials and — crucially — may be able to make them available to patients much, much faster than we could do for an entirely new drug.”

Drugs that reduce and increase risk

Antibiotics, antivirals, anticoagulants (blood thinners) and anticonvulsants (medications used to prevent or treat seizures) were all linked to a reduced risk of dementia, according to the study.

Four vaccines — for hepatitis A, typhoid, hepatitis A and typhoid combined, and diphtheria — were also associated with a reduced risk.

“If we can find drugs that are already licensed for other conditions, then we can get them into trials and — crucially — may be able to make them available to patients much, much faster than we could do for an entirely new drug.” (iStock)

“This finding supports the hypothesis that common dementias may be triggered by viral or bacterial infections, and supports recent interest in vaccines, such as the BCG vaccine for tuberculosis, and decreased risk of dementia,” the researchers wrote in the release.

Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, were also found to reduce dementia risk.

“Inflammation is increasingly being seen to be a significant contributor to a wide range of diseases, and its role in dementia is supported by the fact that some genes that increase the risk of dementia are part of inflammatory pathways,” the release stated.

TWO ALZHEIMER’S DRUGS HELP PATIENTS LIVE INDEPENDENTLY AT HOME FOR LONGER PERIODS

Some drugs were associated with an increased risk of dementia, including antipsychotic medications.

There was “conflicting evidence” for other classes of drugs, including those indicated for blood pressure, depression and diabetes.

“Though dementia lacks a cure and available drugs present challenges, my experience highlights the value of personalized care,” one doctor (not pictured) told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

Two medications are currently approved for Alzheimer’s treatment in the U.S. — lecanemab (Leqembi) and donanemab (Kisunla).

Both are monoclonal antibodies that are administered via IV infusions. They work by reducing the build-up of amyloid plaques in the brain, but they are only effective for those with early-stage Alzheimer’s and have the potential for some serious side effects, according to experts.

“You should never change your medicine without first discussing it with your doctor.”

Dr. Chris Vercammen, a board-certified internal medicine physician at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), was not involved in the study but shared his reaction to the findings.

“This review identifies classes of medications that have an association with an increased risk of dementia,” Vercammen, who specializes in geriatrics and palliative care, told Fox News Digital.

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“Systematic reviews offer the advantage of aggregating data across multiple studies, which can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the current state of knowledge on a subject.”

The study did have some limitations, the researchers acknowledged, due to differences in how each individual study was conducted and how the data was gathered.

One doctor said the findings are “plausible” and highlight the importance of comprehensive medication reviews for older adults at risk of dementia. (iStock)

Vercammen agreed that these types of reviews are limited by the overall quality of the available studies.

“Furthermore, unlike meta-analyses, they do not provide a summary effect size for each medication, which makes it difficult to discuss risk precisely.”

Despite the limitations, Vercammen said the findings are “plausible” and highlight the importance of comprehensive medication reviews for older adults at risk of dementia.

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Lourida emphasized that all drugs have benefits and risks.

“You should never change your medicine without first discussing it with your doctor, and you should speak to them if you have any concerns.”

Personalized care involves “addressing the practical needs of the person living with dementia and their caregivers — the ‘second patients’ — who provide essential daily support.” (iStock)

Vercammen agrees that patients who are considering new medications or treatments should consult with their doctors.

“Though dementia lacks a cure and available drugs present challenges, my experience highlights the value of personalized care,” he told Fox News Digital.

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

“This involves addressing the practical needs of the person living with dementia and their caregivers — the ‘second patients’ — who provide essential daily support. This is the essence of continuous, compassionate care in the absence of a cure.”

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.

Travel hack to avoid plane seat squatters sparks debate on social media

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Reporters News Wire

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February 25, 2025

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A flight passenger is taking a unique stance on seat squatters by encouraging others to test their luck in hopes of avoiding travelers who rob seats.

In the “r/unitedairlines” forum on Reddit, one user posted a screenshot of a barely-booked flight.

“The seat squatters can’t ruin your flight if you do it to yourself,” the post was captioned.

FLIGHT PASSENGER ASKED TO SWITCH SEATS 3 TIMES BY 3 DIFFERENT PEOPLE ON 1 TRIP

The accompanying photo shows the user selecting a middle seat, hinting that a flyer may be less likely to encounter a seat squatter if they secure a less desirable seat on a plane.

“If seat map shows the row is empty, I’ll book the window and to prevent a seat squatter, sit in the middle while everybody else boards,” one person commented.

A user on Reddit (not pictured) posted a trick to avoid seat squatters, writing, “The seat squatters can’t ruin your flight if you do it to yourself.” (iStock)

“Booking the windows seat and [a]isle seat, and leaving the middle seat free. Idea is that nobody will pick the middle seat when checking in,” another user wrote.

“LOL I was once on a flight where my husband was on the window and I got the aisle and the guy offered to switch with one of us. I was like “nah, I’ll see him when I land,” another person said.

One Reddit user defined a seat squatter as “someone who sits in your seat and tries to send you to their, pretty much always, worse seat. They don’t ask. They just take.”

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

“I play the window/aisle game when I travel with my wife. No one ever says no to a window/aisle from middle. However, we don’t care,” another person commented.

Gary Leff, a Texas-based travel industry expert and author of the blog “View From the Wing,” told Fox News Digital that most of the time, seat squatting is accidental.

Some travelers on Reddit (not pictured) argued that the trick gives flyers the opportunity to become seat squatters themselves. (iStock)

“When it’s intentional seat squatting…that’s only ever to get a more desirable seat. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone choose to try to take someone else’s middle seat,” Leff said.

“It’s certainly true that picking an undesirable seat will make it less likely you’ll deal with seat squatters, you will then wind up in… an undesirable seat,” he added.

Leff said that since it is unlikely to encounter an airplane squatter, selecting an undesirable seat may not be worth the trade-off.

AIR TRAVELERS WHO FEAR FLYING REVEAL THEIR TOP RITUALS BEFORE BOARDING A PLANE

The Reddit user’s flight appeared to not be entirely booked, and there may have been a possibility for him or her to switch to an open seat on either side.

“So you are a seat squatter then,” one user wrote.

Some Reddit users (not pictured) admitted to booking less-desirable airplane seats to avoid travelers asking them to swap. (iStock)

“If you are lucky with the flight not being fully booked you will have a higher chance of a free chair between the two of you,” said another.

“My wife and I do the same,” another person added.

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Leff said that airlines have changed policies regarding switching seats when flights are not fully booked.

“You used to be able to take any open seat in your cabin once the doors closed. You might move closer to the front, grab an aisle seat or head for an empty row in the back so you could stretch out,” he said.

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Leff said he still recommends seeking assistance from flight crew if you encounter a seat squatter.

“You’re generally entitled to the assigned seat on your boarding pass.”

Cities in Alaska, Texas among ‘hardest-working’ places in US, says new report

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Reporters News Wire

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February 25, 2025

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A new study is revealing which cities in America are considered to be the “hardest working,” and the top and bottom spots may or may not surprise you.

WalletHub released its 2025 report after conducting research across 116 major cities. The cities that ranked were based on 11 key metrics, ranging from the employment rate to average weekly work hours to the share of workers with multiple jobs.

The average U.S. worker puts in 1,799 hours per year, according to WalletHub.

BEST AND WORST US STATES TO DRIVE IN: SEE WHERE YOURS RANKS ON THE LIST

Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, said that hard work is the backbone of America’s economy.

A 2025 report by WalletHub dives into the hardest-working cities in America. The research looked at 116 major U.S. cities. (iStock)

“While working long hours, minimizing time off, and having side jobs all lead to increased productivity, they can also have negative effects on people’s physical and mental health,” said Lupo.

Lupo added, “It’s important for people to figure out how to work hard without overworking.”

FAMILY HISTORY IS INSPIRING VACATIONS IN ‘ROOTS TRAVEL’ TREND AS INDUSTRY EXPERTS WEIGH IN

See if your city landed in one of the top spots.

1. Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage, Alaska takes top spot as America's hardest-working city.

Anchorage was ranked the hardest working city, according to a WalletHub report. (Zihao Chen via Getty Images)

Anchorage takes the top spot as the hardest working city with a high employment rate of nearly 97% and the third-highest rate of workers with multiple jobs at 7.6%.

WalletHub also found Alaska is one of the five states where the average person works more than 40 hours per week.

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2. Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., takes a top spot as America's hardest-working city.

Thirty-one percent of Washington, D.C., residents are members of volunteer groups or organizations. (Fox News Photo/Joshua Comins)

The nation’s capital landed in second place as WalletHub found the highest share of workers who do not take vacation time at 64%.

“People in D.C. are willing to take relatively long commutes to work, at over 30 minutes on average, which adds on to their workday,” the report said.

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

Thirty-one percent of the district’s residents are members of volunteer groups or organizations.

3. Irving, Texas

Irving, Texas, took the third spot while Burlington, Vermont, came in last place as the hardest-working city out of 116 U.S. cities. (iStock)

Irving had the third-most hardworking residents since it has the lowest share of households where no adults work – around 12%.

“One consequence of Irving residents’ hard work is the fact that they have a much lower amount of leisure time compared to people in most cities, the sixth-least in the nation,” Wallethub reported.

“While Irving workers should be applauded for their dedication, it’s also important to avoid overwork and take some time to relax.”

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Another Texas city, Dallas, followed Irving in fourth place. The fifth-place spot was awarded to Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Austin, Texas, was ranked sixth, followed by Denver, Colorado, taking seventh place.

Virginia Beach, Virginia; San Francisco, California and Arlington, Texas, round out the top 10.

The bottom five cities named were Bridgeport, Connecticut; Newark, New Jersey; Buffalo, New York and Detroit, Michigan.

Taking last place in the 116th spot was Burlington, Vermont.

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Tech tip #1: Adjusting sound and vibration on iPhones and Android devices

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Skydiving at 80? No problem

The device behind senior VR experiences

More than just fun and games

The numbers don’t lie

A gateway to better health and deeper connections

Kurt’s key takeaways

Drugs that reduce and increase risk

1. Anchorage, Alaska

2. Washington, D.C.

3. Irving, Texas

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