800,000 VW electric vehicle owners’ data exposed by software bug

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January 13, 2025

NEW ORLEANS TERRORIST RADICALIZED BY ISIS ONLINE WITHIN WEEKS, FBI DIRECTOR SAYS

A New Jersey teacher has been arrested after a potential threat to staff and students shut down an entire school district on Monday, authorities said.

Amir Doctry, a 45-year-old staff member currently on administrative leave from the Montclair School District, was arrested without incident in connection with the threat, the Montclair Police Department said.

Doctry was charged with making terroristic threats and has additional charges pending.

Police said authorities learned of the alleged threat on Sunday and immediately launched an investigation. Police did not detail the threat, though they said it was made online via social media and was “directed at a specific staff member.”

Doctry was charged with making terroristic threats and has additional charges pending. (FOX5 New York WNYW)

Doctry allegedly threatened to shoot and kill the principal of Northeast Elementary School, where he was a staff member, FOX5 New York reported.

Amir Doctry, 45, is a staff member currently on administrative leave from the Montclair School District, police said. (FOX5 New York WNYW)

Police worked with the Montclair Board of Education, the FBI and other local authorities to identify the source of the threat. All schools in the district were closed on Monday as a precautionary measure.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT ARRESTED FOR KIDNAPPING, ATTACKING TEEN NEAR TRUMP’S BACKYARD: POLICE

Following Doctry’s arrest, police said there was no further danger to the community.

Police said there was no further danger to the public. (FOX5 New York WNYW)

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“Our commitment to the safety of our schools, students, staff, and residents remains unwavering,” police said. “We encourage parents, students, and staff to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to the Montclair Police Department.”

Ancient tomb belonging to doctor who treated Egyptian pharaohs discovered by archaeologists

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January 13, 2025

HIDDEN STAIRCASE IN CHURCH LEADS ARCHAEOLOGISTS TO UNEARTH 400-YEAR-OLD BURIAL VAULT

Archaeologists have unveiled a 4,100-year-old tomb belonging to a physician who treated the Egyptian Pharaohs.

The tomb was found in the southern part of Saqqara, Egypt, belonging to Teti Neb Fu dating back to King Pepi II’s reign of the Old Kingdom, according to the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

In a Facebook post, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities shared photos showing the intricate carvings and lively artwork.

The discovery was made in a French-Swiss collaborative archaeological mission.

Egyptian officials recently announced the discovery of a tomb belonging to an Egyptian pharaoh doctor. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

“Teti Neb Fu held prestigious titles such as Chief Palace Physician, Priest and ‘Magician’ of the Goddess Serket (expert in venomous bites), Chief Dentist and Director of Medicinal Plants,” read the post.

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The tomb also includes a painted false door along with scenes of funeral offerings.

The tomb belonged to Teti Neb Fu who treated Egyptian pharaohs, dating back 4,100 years. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

Although there is evidence of ancient looting on burial grounds from that time period, Fu’s tomb remains intact, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

The group shared Fu’s tomb offers “a rare glimpse into daily life and cultural practices during the Old Kingdom,” said the post.

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In addition to the tomb, a stone sarcophagus was discovered bearing inscriptions with the physician’s name and titles.

The tomb was found in Saqqara, Egypt. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

Saqqara is located about 25 miles southwest of Cairo as “one of the most important cities in ancient Egyptian history,” says the Ministry’s website.

It adds, “Saqqara is truly an open-air museum, one that has all of ancient Egyptian history on display” with kings and noblemen from c.3040–2686 BC being buried in the cemeteries.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities for comment.

The future of trucking rolls forward in Shell’s experimental big rig

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January 13, 2025

I’M GIVING AWAY THE LATEST & GREATEST AIRPODS PRO 2

The Shell Starship Initiative has been on an interesting journey since its inception in 2018, with a mission to redefine energy efficiency in the commercial trucking sector. Starting with diesel engines, the first two versions of the Starship made impressive strides in fuel efficiency, but now with the introduction of the Starship 3.0, we’re witnessing a remarkable shift towards sustainability. This latest iteration features the innovative Cummins X15N natural gas engine, which not only enhances performance but also significantly reduces emissions.

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The future of trucking rolls forward in Shell's experimental big rig

Starship 3.0 (Shell) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Evolution of the Starship initiative

The Shell Starship Initiative began with a clear goal: to set new benchmarks for energy efficiency in commercial trucking. The first two versions of the Starship were powered by diesel engines, achieving notable fuel efficiencies compared to industry standards. However, the introduction of the Cummins X15N natural gas engine in the Starship 3.0 represents a pivotal shift away from diesel, addressing both environmental concerns and operational efficiency.

The X15N engine, launched in 2024, is designed specifically for heavy-duty applications and overcomes previous limitations associated with natural gas as a fuel source. It provides similar power outputs to diesel engines but does so with enhanced fuel efficiency and significantly lower emissions. This is particularly important as the trucking industry faces increasing pressure to meet stricter environmental regulations.

Starship 3.0 (Shell) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

YOU WON’T BELIEVE HOW FAR VOLVO’S NEW ELECTRIC SEMI-TRUCK GOES ON A SINGLE CHARGE

Key features of Starship 3.0

The Starship 3.0 is packed with cutting-edge features that set it apart in the world of trucking. From its innovative natural gas power train to its sleek aerodynamic design, every aspect of this vehicle has been meticulously crafted to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions. Let’s dive into some of the standout features that make the Starship 3.0 a game-changer for the industry.

Natural gas power train: The switch to the Cummins X15N engine allows the Starship 3.0 to operate on various forms of natural gas, including renewable natural gas. This adaptability not only enhances its eco-friendliness but also positions it as a practical option for fleets looking to transition away from traditional fuels.

Weight reduction: The new engine is approximately 500 pounds lighter than its diesel counterpart, which increases the potential freight-carrying capacity of the truck. This weight reduction is complemented by other lightweight materials used in the truck’s construction, contributing to an impressive ton-miles per gallon efficiency of 183, compared to an industry average of 72.

Aerodynamic design: The Starship 3.0 features a sleek design with curved edges and optimized aerodynamics that reduce wind resistance. Additional enhancements like low rolling resistance tires and integrated aerodynamic panels further contribute to its efficiency.

Advanced lubricants: Shell has developed specialized lubricants tailored for the higher temperatures generated by natural gas engines. The truck uses Shell Rotella NG Plus SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil, formulated specifically for this purpose, alongside advanced transmission lubricants that improve overall performance.

Real-world testing: The input from experienced truck drivers, such as brothers Brian and Eric Rector, has been invaluable in refining the Starship’s design and functionality. Their hands-on experience with all three iterations of the truck has provided critical data that informs ongoing improvements.

Starship 3.0 (Shell) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

BULLET TRAIN-LOOKING GIANT SEMI TRUCK TO HIT US HIGHWAYS

Performance metrics

The performance metrics achieved by the Starship 3.0 are impressive. It surpassed its predecessors with a freight ton efficiency that is 2.542 times better on a ton-miles per gallon basis, while also achieving an average fuel consumption of 9 mpg (diesel gallon equivalent) while hauling an industry maximum load of 80,000 pounds. Additionally, the emissions reductions associated with using renewable natural gas further enhance its environmental credentials, making it a viable option for fleets aiming for sustainability.

Starship 3.0 (Shell) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Kurt’s key takeaways

The Starship 3.0, with its innovative natural gas engine and impressive performance metrics, showcases how technology can transform the industry while addressing environmental concerns. This initiative not only sets new benchmarks for energy efficiency but also offers a practical roadmap for fleets looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Do you believe that transitioning to natural gas and other eco-friendly technologies is the key to addressing environmental challenges, or do you think there are other solutions that should be explored? Let us know what you think 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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How wildfire smoke affects the body: Doctors warn of health effects

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January 13, 2025

CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES: NAVY VETERAN AND MOTHER SHARES HEART-WRENCHING EVACUATION FROM HER HOME AND COMMUNITY

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The Los Angeles wildfires have caused devastating losses of homes and lives — and survivors may also face hidden, although still potentially very dangerous, health effects.

Wildfire smoke contains a “complex mixture” of fine particles that can pose hazards after just short-term exposure, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Known as PM2.5, or particulate matter, these microscopic particles and droplets are 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter.

“Your nose and mouth are entry points into your body,” Dr. Gustavo Ferrer, a Florida pulmonologist with extensive experience in respiratory health and air quality-related illnesses, told Fox News Digital.

“The smoke you are breathing gets caught inside your sinuses, and if you’re exposed a lot, some of that will start to irritate the lining and lead to inflammation,” a doctor warned. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) (AP Newsroom)

“The smoke you are breathing gets caught inside your sinuses, and if you’re exposed a lot, some of that will start to irritate the lining and lead to inflammation,” he warned.

“These are signs that the pollution may be overwhelming the body’s natural defenses.”

Austin Perlmutter, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician in Seattle, noted that exposure to wildfire smoke can penetrate through the lung tissue and enter the bloodstream.

Specific health effects

People exposed to air pollution can have a number of different symptoms, including burning eyes, sore throat, cough, sinus problems, fatigue, headaches, chest pain, shortness of breath and brain fog, according to Perlmutter.

Prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke can also aggravate existing conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and other chronic respiratory diseases, Ferrer noted.

CALIFORNIA FIRES AND MENTAL HEALTH TOLL: CELEBRITIES AND THERAPISTS OFFER TIPS

“The smoke can also worsen pre-existing respiratory conditions, like asthma or emphysema,” noted Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News senior medical analyst.

“Also, not having enough oxygen can provoke a heart attack or stroke.”

People exposed to air pollution can have a number of different symptoms, including burning eyes, sore throat, cough, sinus problems, fatigue, headaches, chest pain, shortness of breath and brain fog. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) (AP Newsroom)

Wildfire smoke has also been linked to an increased risk of a number of diseases, including heart and lung problems and brain dysfunction, Perlmutter added.

Certain groups are at a higher risk, he cautioned, including people with underlying heart and lung diseases or other existing chronic diseases, as well as infants, young children and older adults.

“The smoke can worsen pre-existing respiratory conditions, like asthma or emphysema.”

There are also mental health effects, according to Siegel.

A 10-year study in Nature Mental Health showed a “significant mental health impact” on Californians exposed to wildfires, the doctor pointed out.

“People may feel anxiety over being displaced or fear of losing their homes,” Siegel said. “This may lead to them being unable to sleep.”

There is also the increased danger of falls and other injuries from being in damaged areas where fire-related devastation occurred, he added.

6 tips to protect health amid wildfires

Experts shared the following steps people can take to help reduce the risk of wildfire health effects.

1. Practice nasal hygiene

Keeping your nasal passages open and clean is essential, Ferrer emphasized.

“Washing daily, or up to two times a day or regularly, using a saline nasal spray can help clean the filter that’s inside your nose so it’s as effective as possible,” he told Fox News Digital.

Los Angeles downtown smoke due to wildfire

During periods of high smoke levels, it’s best to limit time outdoors and keep windows and doors closed, experts agreed. (Richard Vogel)

People can use a pre-made saline solution or make their own at home with distilled water and salt, he said.

2. Stay indoors and optimize indoor air

During periods of high smoke levels, it’s best to limit time outdoors and keep windows and doors closed, according to Ferrer.

Using HEPA filters can also help to improve air quality, Shah noted.

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“Invest in air purifiers with HEPA filters to trap fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke,” he suggested.

Shah also recommends using weather stripping where needed and changing HVAC filters at a higher frequency.

During the first few months of cleanup, excess chemicals and particulates that are released can significantly worsen air quality. (iStock)

People may also want to minimize “indoor air pollution,” Perlmutter added.

“Don’t light candles, fires or incense and don’t smoke indoors,” he advised. “If you cook, ventilate using a hood if you have one.”

3. Consider leaving the area temporarily

During the first few months of cleanup, excess chemicals and particulates that are released can significantly worsen air quality, warned Dr. Darshan Shah, MD, a board-certified surgeon and founder and CEO of Next Health in California.

“Consider relocating temporarily to a safer area until conditions improve,” he recommended.

4. Wear a mask

When venturing outside, experts recommend wearing a well-fitting N95 respirator mask to filter out smoke particles.

When venturing outside, experts recommend wearing a well-fitting N95 respirator mask to filter out smoke particles. (AP Newsroom)

“Cloth masks, dust masks and other lower quality masks likely won’t provide much protection,” Perlmutter said.

5. Monitor air quality

Experts recommend regularly checking the AQI (Air Quality Index).

“Use apps or websites (like AirNow) to monitor air quality and avoid outdoor activities when AQI is unhealthy,” Shah said.

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6. Do not tour burned areas

“Avoid visiting recently burned areas, as they pose a high risk of exposure to harmful chemicals and smoldering smoke, which can severely impact respiratory and overall health,” Shah advised.

Everyday behaviors that are red flags for TSA and might get your held up at the airport

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January 13, 2025

ARIZONA FLIGHT PASSENGER GOES VIRAL AFTER LEAVING UNMARKED POWDERY SUBSTANCE IN LUGGAGE, TSA INSPECTS HER BAGS

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Don’t make these mistakes if you want your experience with airport security to go smoothly.

While these might seem like normal, common behaviors by flight passengers, if you commit these actions, transportation security officers (TSOs) may be on high alert and slow down your trip.

Jeff Price, an airport security coordinator-trainer and a professor of aviation management at the Metropolitan State University of Denver in Colorado, has an extensive background in airport management and 33 years of aviation security. He spoke with Fox News Digital about certain behaviors that flight passengers should be wary of when going through TSA.

“There’s a variety of things that people look for or the TSA personnel will look for — and many of them are the same things that we train airport personnel,” Price told Fox News Digital.

The owner of Leading Edge Strategies, an airport management training company, Price shared a variety of everyday behaviors that will raise flags for TSOs.

A professor of aviation management at the Metropolitan State University of Denver (not pictured) shared common behaviors by flight passengers that might raise flags through TSA. (iStock)

Price noted that it typically is not just one type of behavior that may alert TSOs.

Rather, he said, “you look for clusters of those activities. It’s typically never just one thing.”

He added, “There are really three things that you look for when you’re doing suspicious awareness training or suspicious awareness activities.”

FLIGHT PASSENGERS CAN BE DENIED BOARDING IF THEY DON’T FOLLOW THESE RULES, TRAVEL EXPERT WARNS

“You establish the baseline.”

Price went on, “You have to look at what’s normal. That’s the baseline … So then you’re looking for deviations from our baseline.”

Transportation security officers (TSOs) are trained to look for certain behaviors by passengers — and if these action appear in clusters. (iStock)

So what are some of the suspicious behaviors?

Price said one of the more common behaviors that might raise eyebrows among security is whether people are dressed appropriately for the weather at their departure or arrival point.

It can be suspicious if travelers are dressed for weather that does not align with either location — leading to a potential red flag from TSA.

AIRPORT SECURITY COULD STOP YOU IF TRAVELING WITH WRAPPED CHRISTMAS PRESENTS. HERE’S WHY

Another “common” behavior that could flag security personnel is when people are seen yawning excessively.

“Exaggerated yawning, lots of yawning — that might attract attention,” said Price. “When people are stressed, they tend to want more oxygen.”

One common behavior that may raise some questions is lack of eye contact or even the “thousand-yard stare.” (iStock)

Another bit of everyday behavior that might cause concern is what Price called “the thousand-yard stare” — or a lack of eye contact.

The aviation professor noted that eye contact makes some people uncomfortable and is a normal sort of behavior for them. This is why the idea of behavior clusters is important, as it is usually not just one action or behavior that poses a threat, he said.

‘AIRPORT TRAY AESTHETIC’ GOES VIRAL AS SOME TRAVELERS HALT SECURITY CHECKPOINTS FOR PHOTO OPS

“One of the things we do [to] train is we’ll send people out to watch [airline travelers] and just observe their behavior and get a baseline of what’s normal in the airport. Then we can start looking for what’s abnormal — and you start looking for clusters of that,” Price said.

He also noted that an excessive amount of talking or conversing with TSOs can be considered suspicious behavior.

Trying to converse with security personnel may look like you’re attempting to distract the officers from their job duties, said an aviation expert. (iStock)

“Sometimes that can be seen as trying to distract them from their job duties. Especially the folks working the X-ray equipment or the technology, the screening technology itself,” the security expert continued.

“They really don’t want to engage in conversation there. They’re focused on what’s in that bag.”

“It might just be that you’re upset with the whole process.”

Price said a security officer’s sense of smell will also play a role in recognizing certain behaviors, including an overuse of perfume.

While this action may not seem out of the ordinary in other circumstances, at the airport, it could appear to be an attempt to mask another scent.

The best thing you can do when going through security is to focus on the reason why you’re at the airport. (iStock)

Traveling can be frustrating and irritating, which may lead at times to aggressive behavior.

“Displaying aggressive [or] threatening behavior will definitely get the attention [of security personnel],” said Price.

“It might just be that you’re upset with the whole process. You’re having a bad day, but it’s also going to get you some additional attention.”

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When going through security on your way to board your flight, the best thing you can do is focus on why you’re at the airport in the first place.

“Just be focused on your intent. Why are you there at the airport?” said Price.

Be aware of how your actions may be perceived when going through TSA, as certain behaviors may raise flags. (iStock)

“You’re there because you want to catch your flight on time and get to your destination, so focus on those things that are going to achieve that goal,” he said.

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“Really just be cooperative with the security and the airline personnel.”

He said that security processes can be frustrating at times, but they’re a necessary evil.

“It’s going to be annoying at times, but that’s the nature of security. Security is meant to get in the way.”

One state leads country in human bird flu with nearly 40 confirmed cases

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January 12, 2025

LOUISIANA REPORTS FIRST BIRD FLU-RELATED HUMAN DEATH IN US

A child in California is presumed to have H5N1 bird flu, according to the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH).

As of Dec. 23, there had been 36 confirmed human cases of bird flu in the state, according to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

This represents more than half of the human cases in the country.

The latest pediatric patient, who lives in San Francisco, experienced fever and conjunctivitis (pink eye) as a result of the infection.

The unnamed patient was not hospitalized and has fully recovered, according to the SFDPH.

A child in California is presumed to have H5N1 bird flu, according to the San Francisco Department of Public Health. (iStock)

The child tested positive for bird flu at the SFDPH Public Health Laboratory. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will perform additional tests to confirm the result.

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It is not yet known how the child was exposed to the virus and an investigation is ongoing.

“I want to assure everyone in our city that the risk to the general public is low, and there is no current evidence that the virus can be transmitted between people,” said Dr. Grant Colfax, director of health, in the press release.

BIRD FLU PATIENT HAD VIRUS MUTATIONS, SPARKING CONCERN ABOUT HUMAN SPREAD

“We will continue to investigate this presumptive case, and I am urging all San Franciscans to avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds, especially wild birds and poultry. Also, please avoid unpasteurized dairy products.”

Samuel Scarpino, director of AI and life sciences and professor of health sciences at Northeastern University in Boston, is calling for “decisive action” to protect individuals who may be in contact with infected livestock and also to alert the public about the risks associated with wild birds and infected backyard flocks.

An infectious diseases expert called for “decisive action” to alert the public about the risks associated with wild birds and infected backyard flocks. (iStock)

“While I agree that the risk to the broader public remains low, we continue to see signs of escalating risk associated with this outbreak,” he told Fox News Digital.

Experts have warned that the possibility of mutations in the virus could enable person-to-person transmission.

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“While the H5N1 virus is currently thought to only transmit from animals to humans, multiple mutations that can enhance human-to-human transmission have been observed in the severely sick American,” Dr. Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, a San Francisco biotechnology company, told Fox News Digital.

As of Jan. 10, there have been a total of 707 infected cattle in California, per reports from the California Department of Food and Agriculture. (iStock)

“This highlights the requirement for vigilance and preparation in the event that additional mutations create a human-transmissible pandemic strain.”

As of Jan. 10, there have been a total of 707 infected cattle in California, per reports from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

In the last 30 days alone, the virus has been confirmed in 84 dairy farms in the state.

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.

Man proposes to girlfriend while flying thousands of feet in the air

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January 12, 2025

CALIFORNIA COUPLE GOES VIRAL FOR SHARING TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN THE US ‘AT LEAST ONCE IN YOUR LIFE’

A man decided to take his relationship to the next level and to brand-new heights by proposing to his girlfriend mid-flight.

Sam Riber, a 34-year-old CEO from Pennsylvania, took inspiration from the Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore movie, “The Wedding Singer,” to propose to his now-fiancé, Lissy Alden, 37.

The Philadelphia resident first met Alden, owner of mental and organizational fitness provider MYNDY, at a Shabbat dinner early last year. The two immediately felt a connection, as news agency SWNS reported.

“I almost didn’t go to that Shabbat dinner in February because I was tired, but my mom told me I needed to eat … I’m so glad I went,” Alden told SWNS.

“We have both dated a lot before, so when we both felt it was really right, we didn’t want to have to wait,” he said.

Sam Riber made a surprise proposal to his girlfriend after drawing inspiration from the comedy film, “The Wedding Singer.” (SWNS)

Nearly eight months passed by and Riber had already started coming up with a plan to propose to his girlfriend.

While on a flight to Mexico for Alden’s birthday, Riber took that moment as an opportunity to get down on one knee while thousands of feet in the air, SWNS reported.

‘SLEEP DIVORCE’ ON VACATION: TRAVEL TREND HAS COUPLES ‘BREAKING UP’ AT BEDTIME

Riber and Alden are both film lovers — so the CEO decided that he wanted to recreate a scene from the 1998 comedy film.

Without Alden noticing, Riber was able to smuggle a prop guitar onto the plane and work in secret codewords with the flight attendants to pull off the surprise proposal, SWNS said.

man proposes to to girlfriend mid-flight SWNS

Riber pulled out a prop guitar and sang the song “Grow Old With You,” to recreate the proposal scene between Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore in the film “The Wedding Singer.” (SWNS)

Alden and her then-boyfriend were halfway through their flight from North Carolina to Mexico City on Dec. 24, Christmas Eve.

That’s when Riber pulled out his prop guitar and serenaded her with the same song Sandler’s character sang when he proposed to Barrymore’s character in the movie “The Wedding Singer” — “Grow Old With You.”

PENNSYLVANIA COUPLE TRAVELING ALL OVER THE GLOBE SHARE AMAZING PHOTOS, STORIES FROM WORLD TRAVELS

The fitness founder responded to the life-changing moment with a resounding, “Yes!”

“It was such a special moment,” Riber told the news organization.

RIber and Alden met early last year at a Shabbat dinner and the two immediately felt a connection. (SWNS)

“I almost couldn’t believe it all worked out.”

While Riber has been a fan of the movie for years, his now-fiancé was not as familiar with the movie.

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“Lissy had never seen it, so I had to find a way to introduce it to her without giving anything away,” the Pennsylvania CEO said.

“I managed to casually suggest a movie night. She went for it and luckily she absolutely loved the film, same as me,” he said. “We’ve since sung versions of that song to each other because we often quote or act out movies to entertain each other, but she had no clue about my wider plan.”

Alden said she looks back at the mid-flight proposal and calls it “a peak life moment.” (SWNS)

Riber was able to pull off the entire proposal without a hitch, thanks to the support of the flight attendants.

“I was lucky enough to have the support of the flight attendants, especially Teri Ramirez, who you see helping me with the PA system,” Riber said.

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“The team went above and beyond to help, even introducing our code word ‘juice’ so I would know when to go up and grab the guitar they’d been hiding for me.”

Alden took the opportunity to propose to his girlfriend thousands of feet up in the air while recreating a scene from a movie. (SWNS)

Alden initially thought the excitement on the flight had to do with her birthday, since Riber had already started to celebrate by bumping them up to first class, SWNS added.

“Although I had no idea he was going to propose then and there, we had talked about a future, so it wasn’t completely out of the blue,” the MYNDY owner shared.

“But, when he got down on one knee, I realized what was happening and just felt so happy.”

Reflecting back on the magical moment in the sky, Alden called the experience “a peak life moment.”

Sydney Borchers is a lifestyle production assistant with Fox News Digital.

America’s most expensive natural disasters in recent decades

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January 12, 2025

BERNIE SANDERS TAKES HEAT FOR BLAMING CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES ON CLIMATE CHANGE: ‘GLOBAL WARMING ATE MY HOMEWORK’

Over the last several decades, various types of natural disasters have wreaked havoc around the U.S., but which cataclysms have cost the most?

The National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) lists hundreds of costly disasters that occurred from 1980 through 2024.

“The U.S. has sustained 403 weather and climate disasters since 1980 where overall damages/costs reached or exceeded $1 billion (including CPI adjustment to 2024). The total cost of these 403 events exceeds $2.915 trillion,” the NCEI notes.

Hurricane Katrina tops the list with a staggering $200 billion price tag. (Tom Stoddart/Getty Images)

Hurricanes occupy nine of the top 10 spots on the “Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters” list.

Cost estimates provided by NCEI are not precise – there are various figures reported for the disasters on the list, including the CPI-adjusted estimated cost, as well as lower and upper bounds at 75%, 90%, and 95% confidence intervals.

1. Hurricane Katrina, $201.3 billion

In this satellite image from NOAA, Hurricane Katrina is seen in the Gulf of Mexico on Aug. 28, 2005. (NOAA via Getty Images)

Topping the list with an estimated CPI-adjusted cost of $201.3 billion is Hurricane Katrina, which slammed the U.S. in 2005. The lower bound for the cost at the 95% confidence interval is $151.3 billion while the upper bound is $242.8 billion.

“Category 3 hurricane initially impacts the U.S. as a Category 1 near Miami, FL, then as a strong Category 3 along the eastern LA-western MS coastlines, resulting in severe storm surge damage (maximum surge probably exceeded 30 feet) along the LA-MS-AL coasts, wind damage, and the failure of parts of the levee system in New Orleans,” a summary notes. “Inland effects included high winds and some flooding in the states of AL, MS, FL, TN, KY, IN, OH, and GA.”

2. Hurricane Harvey, $160 billion

Hurricane Harvey, which hit the U.S. in 2017, is the second most costly disaster on the NCEI list, at an estimated CPI-adjusted $160 billion. The lower bound at the 95% confidence interval is $108.8 billion while the upper bound is $211.2 billion.

“Category 4 hurricane made landfall near Rockport, Texas, causing widespread damage. Harvey’s devastation was most pronounced due to the large region of extreme rainfall producing historic flooding across Houston and surrounding areas,” part of the summary states.

3. Hurricane Ian, $119.6 billion

The third-costliest disaster on the NCEI list is 2022 Hurricane Ian at $119.6 billion, adjusted for CPI. The lower bound at the 95% confidence interval is $83 billion while the upper bound is $155 billion.

“Ian made landfall near Cayo Costa, Florida, as a Category 4 Hurricane with sustained winds of 150 mph,” and “slowly crossed Florida” before it “re-emerged over the Atlantic as a tropical storm, re-intensified into a Category 1 hurricane on September 30, and made landfall near Georgetown, SC, with sustained winds of 85 mph causing more coastal flood damage and destroying several large piers near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina,” the description notes.

HELENE ‘LIKE A BOMB WENT OFF’: FLORIDA REP KAT CAMMACK DETAILS SEVERE HURRICANE DAMAGE

Destroyed homes and debris are seen on Matlacha Island in Lee County, Florida, in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian on Nov. 7, 2022. (Giorgio VieraI/AFP via Getty Images)

The Rest of the Top 10

Ian is followed on the list by Hurricanes Maria (2017 – $115.2 billion), Sandy (2012 – $88.5 billion), Ida (2021 – $84.6 billion), Helene (2024 – $78.7 billion), Irma (2017 – $64 billion) and Andrew (1992 – $60.5 billion).

A “U.S. Drought/Heat Wave” in 1988 is listed as the 10th-costliest disaster on the list, with an estimated CPI-adjusted cost of $54.6 billion.

“1988 drought across a large portion of the U.S. with very severe losses to agriculture and related industries. Combined direct and indirect deaths (i.e., excess mortality) due to heat stress estimated at 5,000,” the summary notes.

What about wildfires?

While many Americans have been paying attention to the horrific fires devouring parts of California since last week, wildfires do not make it into the top 10 of the NCEI’s list.

In that category, NCEI indicates fires in 2018 were the costliest, listing “Western Wildfires, California Firestorm,” at an estimated $30 billion, CPI-adjusted.

The Camp fire in 2018 tops the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s (CAL FIRE) lists for “Top 20 Deadliest California Wildfires” and “Top 20 Most Destructive California Wildfires.” The fire resulted in 85 deaths and destroyed 18,804 structures, CAL FIRE indicates.

The January 2025 Palisades and Eaton fires have already landed at spots three and four on the list of most destructive state wildfires, with 5,316 structures destroyed in the Palisades Fire and more than 5,000 destroyed in the Eaton Fire, though the figures are not final.

LOS ANGELES FIRES: MORE THAN 10,000 HOMES AND BUSINESSES DESTROYED, AT LEAST 10 DEAD

AccuWeather’s preliminary estimate for the damage and economic loss associated with the fires ravaging parts of California is $135 billion to $150 billion.

AccuWeather estimates $13 billion to $16 billion for the 2023 Maui wildfires and $225 billion to $250 billion for 2024 Hurricane Helene. The NCEI lists the 2023 Maui fire as “Hawaii Firestorm” and indicates an estimated CPI-adjusted cost of $5.7 billion.

Alex Nitzberg is a writer for Fox News Digital.

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