The troubling truth about our country’s recycling programs

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April 22, 2024

INFECTIONS FROM POTENTIALLY DEADLY BACTERIA IN BABY FORMULA ADDED TO CDC WATCHLIST

Toddler milk products have grown into a multibillion-dollar global business, despite warnings from health authorities that the benefits of this milk formula are unproven.

The products are marketed with claims of improving brain development or immune function, but the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warned in an Oct. 2023 report that toddler formula is “unnecessary and potentially harmful to young children.”

“For healthy toddlers without a specific medical diagnosis, there is no evidence of a need [for] or benefit from toddler milk,” Dr. Jenelle Ferry, a neonatologist and director of feeding, nutrition and infant development at Pediatrix Medical Group in Tampa, Florida, told Fox News Digital in an interview.

In spite of these warnings, toddler milk has grown into a $20 billion worldwide business, according to a recent report.

“It is disappointing that regulations have not been strengthened, given package claims and marketing messages that imply toddler milks are beneficial, or even necessary, for a toddler’s healthy growth,” Fran Fleming-Milici, PhD, director of marketing initiatives at the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health at the University of Connecticut, told Fox News Digital.

Toddler milk has grown into a $20 billion worldwide business, according to a recent report, even as some say that “for healthy toddlers without a specific medical diagnosis, there is no evidence of a need [for] or benefit from toddler milk.” (Getty/iStock)

Infant formula vs. toddler milk

Most infants in the U.S. receive some or all of their nutrition from formula, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Standard infant formula can be supplemented with appropriate solid foods at around 4 to 6 months of age, ensuring intake of essential nutrients like iron, calcium and zinc, the AAP said in a previous statement.

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Infant formula is regulated under The Infant Formula Act, which requires that the products meet nutritional requirements as the only source for babies through the first 12 months of age, the statement added.

If a toddler beverage is intended for infants younger than 12 months, the product must comply with the FDA’s infant formula regulations in addition to all other applicable food regulations, an FDA spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warned in an Oct. 2023 report that toddler formula is “unnecessary and potentially harmful to young children.” Advocates for the formula, however, feel differently. (iStock)

There are two different types of toddler milk on the market: transition formulas for infants and toddlers 9 months to 24 months old, and toddler milk for children 12 months to 36 months age, according to a previous research report from the NYU College of Global Public Health.

Unlike infant formulas, toddler milks are not nutritionally complete, experts said.

“A healthy diet for toddlers would limit excess processed foods, salt and sugar.”

Approximately 80% of toddler milks have higher sugar content than whole milk and 100% have less protein, the AAP stated.

After toddlers are weaned off breast milk or infant formula, Ferry recommends that they drink milk and water, with the majority of their nutrients coming from solid foods.

“A healthy diet for toddlers would limit excess processed foods, salt and sugar,” she said.

Regulation of toddler milk

“Toddler beverage products intended for children 1 year and older are regulated as conventional foods and must comply with the FDA’s labeling regulations,” an FDA spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

“This includes providing the Nutrition Facts label, specifically for children 1 to 3 years of age.”

When it comes to marketing toddler milks, manufacturers must adhere to certain rules.

Most infants in the U.S. receive some or all of their nutrition from formula, according to the FDA. (iStock)

“Manufacturers cannot make claims regarding disease conditions, but can use language relating to symptoms, even if they are not supported by evidence,” he told Fox News Digital in an email.

They can claim their product is lactose-free, for example — but cannot claim that it is helpful for lactase deficiency, he said.

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“Nutrient content claims or health claims are not allowed on food products intended specifically for use by infants and children under 2 years of age unless specifically provided for by regulation,” added the FDA spokesperson.

“In general, the product labeling must be truthful and not misleading.”

Cross-promotion in marketing and packaging

Some experts warn that infant formula and toddler milk are often marketed and packaged in a way that may lead parents to believe they are the same in terms of nutritional content.

“The cross-promotion of toddler milks with infant formula … allows for the trust caregivers have for formula brands to be transferred to a product that is not regulated, contains added sugar, and is not recommended by the AAP,” warned Fleming-Milici.

Standard infant formula can be supplemented with appropriate solid foods at around 4 to 6 months of age, ensuring intake of essential nutrients like iron, calcium and zinc, the AAP said. (iStock)

“Research shows that these messages lead caregivers to believe toddler milks are superior to their family meals and plain cow’s milk – which is much less expensive and is what experts recommend.”

A WHO report noted that “formula milk marketing, not the product itself, disrupts informed decision-making and undermines breastfeeding and child health.”

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Showing parents educational videos to correct misleading marketing can help to reduce sugary drink consumption in the first few years of a child’s life, Fleming-Milici’s research found.

“Exposure to the videos significantly reduced positive attitudes toward toddler milks and fruit drinks, and reduced intentions to serve both,” she told Fox News Digital.

Potential nutritional benefits

Advocates, however, argue that toddler formula is helpful to many young children who don’t get the proper nutrients in their diet.

“In general, the product labeling must be truthful and not misleading.”

“Research demonstrates that nutrient intake for young children often falls below adequate levels for iron, vitamins D and E, calcium, choline, potassium and fiber,” a spokesperson from the Infant Nutrition Council of America (INCA) told Fox News Digital.

INCA is a Washington, D.C.-based association of manufacturers of infant formulas and toddler milks, representing brands including Abbott Nutrition, Gerber Products Company, Perrigo Nutritionals and Reckitt Benckiser.

Advocates argue that toddler formula is helpful to many young children who don’t get the proper nutrients in their diet. (iStock)

“For kids 12 months to 36 months who need nutritional support, toddler nutritional drinks have been shown to contribute to nutritional intake and potentially fill nutrition gaps, as recognized globally in the international Codex Alimentarius standard,” the INCA spokesperson added.

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When children need extra nutrition because of a medical condition — such as failure to thrive or an intestinal or metabolic disorder — they should receive specialty liquid nutrition rather than products marketed as toddler milk, Ferry noted.

A spokesperson from Nestlé, which makes a variety of powdered milk products for toddlers, said in response to an earlier Fox News Digital query that the company “seeks to provide a range of foods and beverages to support consumers at all stages of life.”

“National health studies indicate that U.S. toddlers have nutritional gaps in their diet often related to picky eating,” (iStock)

The spokesperson added, “Nestlé has consistent standards that apply to our responsible marketing for products intended for babies and young children. Those standards and practices fully comply with the WHO [World Health Organization] code and follow either local law or our own policy — whichever is stricter.”

A spokesperson from Similac also submitted a statement to Fox News Digital in response to an earlier query as well.

“National health studies indicate that U.S. toddlers have nutritional gaps in their diet often related to picky eating,” the spokesperson said. “When they don’t do well transitioning to table foods, or won’t drink milk, our toddler drinks contain many of the complementary nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, that they may be missing in their diet.”

The spokesperson also said, “Toddler drinks may be an option to help fill nutrient gaps for these children 12 to 36 months of age. Abbott does not recommend or indicate its toddler drinks for infants under 12 months of age.”

Fox News Digital also reached out to other companies that make powdered milk products for toddlers.

Parents of young children should always check with their pediatricians for the best and latest nutrition advice.

Melissa Rudy of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

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

Military veteran embraces ‘new service’ of helping others after his Parkinson’s diagnosis : ‘There is hope’

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April 22, 2024

WHAT IS PARKINSON’S DISEASE? SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, WAYS TO COPE WITH DIAGNOSIS

After 17 years of serving his country, Mark Kelm is now providing a different type of service: He’s advocating for others who, like him, are living with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Kelm, who lives in a small Minnesota town with his wife of 23 years and three children, was just 38 years old when he was diagnosed with PD, a nervous system disorder that causes tremors, stiffness, loss of balance and other movement issues.

He credits his military background for preparing him for this latest challenge.

“I believe the times that I had in the military really prepared me to handle living with a disease like Parkinson’s — knowing how to adapt and overcome in any given circumstance,” he told Fox News Digital in an interview.

“And I think those life skills that I learned in the Army are still quite useful today.”

After 17 years of serving his country, Mark Kelm is now providing a different type of service: He’s advocating for others who, like him, are living with Parkinson’s disease. He’s shown in the family picture at left, center, plus on the right. (Mark Kelm)

Surprise diagnosis

Raised by a police deputy and a nurse, Kelm said that for as long as he can remember, his life has been geared toward service.

Since enlisting in the Army Reserves in 1989, Kelp has served many years of active duty, spent time in the National Guard and held a role as a military chaplain.

In 2006, Kelm transitioned to a role as a chaplain for a federal law enforcement agency.

Two years later, at just 38, he was alarmed when he started experiencing involuntary twitching.

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“One muscle in my arm kept twitching, and it was causing my finger to twitch as well, and it just wouldn’t stop,” he recalled.

That began Kelm’s journey toward a diagnosis of young-onset Parkinson’s, which he received at the Mayo Clinic’s neurology department in Minnesota.

“That was a pretty dark day — knowing that it’s a progressive, degenerative neurological disorder that currently does not have a cure or any disease-modifying drugs,” he said.

Mark Kelm, pictured at right, enlisted in the Army Reserves in 1989 and served for many years in active duty. (Mark Kelm)

“As a chaplain, I performed funerals for people who had died from complications of Parkinson’s. So I was very familiar with some of the end-stage aspects of the disease.”

Kelm started taking Levodopa, a central nervous system drug that helps to manage Parkinson’s motor symptoms.

“I believe the times that I had in the military really prepared me to handle living with a disease like Parkinson’s.”

For eight years, he “stayed quiet” on the disease. In 2016, he said, “It was affecting me enough that I no longer could hide it.”

That’s when Kelm retired from full-time work — but his next chapter was just beginning.

New form of service

“After having my own little pity party after my diagnosis, I realized that wasn’t really helpful,” he said.

Kelm’s older daughter, who was in high school at the time, immediately started researching his disease. She soon became involved with fundraising and awareness efforts through the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Kelm, at right, is pictured on a mission trip to Uganda in 1998 while he was serving as a military chaplain. (Mark Kelm)

He was so impressed by his daughter’s efforts that he decided it was time to “get off the bench and get back into the game.”

Kelm has since “jumped in with both feet.”

He became the national chair of the Parkinson’s Foundation People with Parkinson’s Council, which ensures that the perspective of people living with PD is integrated into the foundation’s program development.

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In 2020, Kelm helped create an annual Parkinson’s Awareness Day at Target Field, in partnership with the Minnesota Twins.

He has also organized events to raise funds for the Minneapolis-based Struthers Parkinson’s Center, and volunteers on the U.S. Department of Defense’s medical research programs for Parkinson’s.

“My service is connected to Parkinson’s now,” Kelm told Fox News Digital.

Kelm, at far right, is pictured with his family during a visit to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. (Mark Kelm)

“It has been an absolute blessing, because it’s allowed me to meet people from all around this great nation and even the world,” he went on.

“It’s been very positive for me, and I’m very hopeful that there’s a lot of research being done right now.”

Kelm’s advocacy could also indirectly benefit his health, according to Dr. James Beck, PhD, chief scientific officer for the Parkinson’s Foundation in New York City.

“My service is connected to Parkinson’s now.”

“The symptoms of PD – slowness of movement, difficulty in movement, etc. – can shrink a person’s world,” Beck told Fox News Digital.

“Mark’s effort to be involved and make a difference has helped him learn more about his own disease and to be a model advocate for his own care and health.”

What to know about early-onset Parkinson’s

People who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s before age 50 are considered early-onset patients.

Just 4% of people are diagnosed before the age of 50 — and Kelm was one.

Early-onset patients are three times as likely to have a genetic form of the disease, according to Beck.

In 2020, Kelm helped to create an annual Parkinson’s Awareness Day at Target Field, in partnership with the Minnesota Twins. (Mark Kelm)

“People with EOPD typically have a much slower rate of progression of their disease than those diagnosed at an older age,” Beck noted.

Younger patients, however, are more likely to notice stiffness earlier in the course of the disease.

“They will often experience dystonia (e.g., cramping of a hand or toes) as an early symptom,” Beck said.

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Patients with early-onset disease will also often experience levodopa-induced dyskinesia (involuntary movements of body parts) more frequently than those diagnosed after the age of 50, according to Beck.

Kelm said he does experience dyskinesia from time to time.

“At first, I thought, ‘I’m going to beat this,’” he said. “And after a few years, I started having some swallowing issues, which led to choking while eating.”

Kelm is pictured with his wife of 23 years, Beth Kelm. “She is the rock of the family. She does 99% of the work, and I go in for the 1% of glory.” (Mark Kelm)

“It was a wake-up call, and an awareness that I needed to do more to manage the disease.”

Coming to terms with his mortality was tough, Kelm acknowledged — but he found some comfort in knowing.

“I found peace in knowing that everything is going to be OK.”

“You don’t die from Parkinson’s — you die with Parkinson’s,” he said. “You die from complications of the disease, especially if you’re younger. And I found peace in knowing that everything is going to be OK.”

He added, “All of us are going to leave this earth one way or another. Some of us are given knowledge beforehand, while others are not.”

The military-Parkinson’s link

There are currently more than 110,000 veterans with Parkinson’s disease who receive care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

In 2009, the Health and Medicine Division of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released a report stating that there is “suggestive but limited evidence that exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides used during the Vietnam War is associated with an increased chance of developing Parkinson’s disease.”

Second from right, Kelm is pictured delivering tailgate Communion while serving as a military chaplain. (Mark Kelm)

As the Parkinson’s Foundation stated, PD is a “presumptive condition for veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and certain other toxins during military service.”

Due to this designation, veterans with Parkinson’s who were exposed to these toxins are automatically eligible to receive health care and disability benefits from the VA.

Beck of the Parkinson’s Foundation said it makes sense that there could be a link between PD and military service.

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“Although I have not seen a report of a direct increase in PD after military service, given the environmental exposures of many of our service members – head trauma, solvent exposure, etc. – it would not surprise me to see a higher prevalence of PD among veterans,” he told Fox News Digital.

Kelm noted that although the U.S. veteran population is getting smaller, the Parkinson’s rate within the community is “increasing significantly.”

Kelm and his family are pictured at the Minnesota Twins game on Parkinson’s Awareness Day at Target Field. (Mark Kelm)

He told Fox News Digital, “I suffered two TBIs (traumatic brain injuries) in service, which the VA believes likely contributed to my Parkinson’s, along with chemical exposure.”

The Parkinson’s Foundation partnered with the VA in 2020 in an effort to improve the health, well-being and quality of life for veterans with PD and their loved ones.

Breaking the stigma

Many military veterans with Parkinson’s find it difficult to bring themselves to ask for help after so many years of supporting others. This was the case for Kelm after his diagnosis.

“As a chaplain, my job was for people to come to me — not for me to seek them out.”

“I was in a pretty dark place at first,” he recalled. “As a chaplain, my job was for people to come to me — not for me to seek them out.”

A doctor at Struthers Parkinson’s Center in Minnesota recognized that Kelm needed help and physically walked him to a psychologist’s office.

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“I sat down and started talking, and it really was my awakening — an awareness of how much I needed to listen to another person and have them sort through things.”

The psychologist helped Kelm realize that he could continue to serve others while also allowing others to serve him.

Second from right, Kelm is pictured during a mission trip to Uganda, during which the group helped to build a school for women. (Mark Kelm)

Over time, people in the Parkinson’s community began calling on Kelm to help others with young-onset PD who had recently been diagnosed.

“I want to reach out to as many people as possible and get them the help they need to live the best quality of life that they can,” he said.

“I want to let them know that there is hope. It’s not all darkness — there is light. They still have a lot of life to live.”

Guided by hope and faith

During the harder days, Kelm finds encouragement and comfort in his faith.

“It’s the belief that no matter what happens, I don’t have to fear, because I know God is is with me,” he said.

“I have hope that as my body becomes weaker, God’s strength will become more and more evident.”

“I have hope that as my body becomes weaker, God’s strength will become more and more evident.”

Kelm said he is also optimistic that headway is being made toward improved Parkinson’s treatments and a future cure.

He is optimistic, said Kelm, that headway is being made toward improved Parkinson’s treatments and a future cure. “The needle’s moving in the right direction,” he said. (Mark Kelm)

He is encouraged by the increases in fundraising and research.

“I’m hoping that I get to live until I’m 80 and chase grandkids around. But for that to happen, we’re going to have to do the research, so that science can point us in the right direction.”

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For others who are newly diagnosed, Kelm urges them to seek help and build a network — which may include a counselor or therapist, religious leaders, doctors, physical therapists or a speech therapist.

“Allow others to help you,” he encouraged. “It’s hard at first. You might think you can fight the disease and manage the struggle on your own. But even Jesus had help carrying the cross.”

For veterans with Parkinson’s, Kelm urges them to seek support from the VA.

“I’m hoping that I get to live until I’m 80 and chase grandkids around,” said Kelm, who is pictured with his family. “But for that to happen, we’re going to have to do the research, so that science can point us in the right direction.” (Mark Kelm)

“Look around, ask and talk to others, and you will find dedicated people who will allow you to flourish as you live with your Parkinson’s disease.”

Beck echoed the importance of being open about a diagnosis to “help bring Parkinson’s out of the shadows … It can be a difficult first step, but is worth it in the end,” he said.

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

“Loved ones will often already know something is amiss. Sharing your PD diagnosis with them will often result in relief at knowing what is wrong, and the opening of tremendous support.”

People can call the Parkinson’s Foundation’s free helpline at 1-800-473-4636, or can visit parkinson.org or parkinson.org/veterans for information about where to get support.

Fox News Digital reached out to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs requesting additional comment.

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

‘Vicious’ Anti-Israel attacks turn Dem party ‘hard Anti-Israel’: ‘They’re terrified of their rabid core’

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April 22, 2024

MUSLIM VOTERS OUTRAGED WITH BIDEN AFTER HOUSE PASSES $26 BILLION ISRAEL AID WITH HIS BLESSING

Fox News contributor Joey Jones discusses ‘vicious antisemitism’ demonstrated across universities and among the Democratic Party alongside ‘The Big Weekend Show’ co-hosts.

“This party has turned hard anti-Israel because they’re terrified of their rabid core,” Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, told Fox News host Maria Bartiromo on Sunday. “This, tragically, is cultural Marxism that our universities are indoctrinating young people [with]. Cultural Marxism breaks the world into oppressors and victims, and they have defined Jews as oppressors [and] they have defined Palestinians as victims.”

“This isn’t just something that’s happening in Columbia. USC had to take a valedictorian off the stage for their upcoming commencement because I guess she’s pro-Palestinian, and they were afraid she was going to incite a reaction with her remarks. And then at Yale today, a student was stabbed in the eye,” Jones said.

Pro-Palestine protesters demonstrate along NYPD police lines outside of Columbia University’s campus in New York City on Thursday, April 18, 2024. Multiple students were arrested as officers cleared an encampment on the campus’ lawn. (Peter Gerber for Fox News Digital)

Editor-in-chief of the Yale Free Press’ Sahar Tartak was covering an anti-Israel protest on campus when she was attacked by a protester.

“There [were] hundreds of people taunting me and waving the middle finger at me, and then this person waves a Palestinian flag in my face and jabs it in my eye. When I tried to yell and go after him, the protesters got on a line and stopped me,” Tartak told ‘The New York Post.’

“The lack of humanity for the people who stood between her and the cops, that the people who got in line and didn’t even go to help her. There was a significant lack of humanity that I think has happened, and also since October 7th, we’ve seen these protests around the country on different college campuses,” Fox News’ Alicia Acuna said.

ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTERS HEARD SHOUTING ‘WE ARE HAMAS,’ ‘LONG LIVE HAMAS’ AMID COLUMBIA U DEMONSTRATIONS

Students at Columbia University returned to the campus’ lawn area on Friday morning to continue their anti-Israel protest and say they will “hold this line” until their demands are met. (FNTV)

“As a reporter, I only hear those words from state leaders when they’re telling people to get out of the way of a hurricane or a tornado or a rising water, because there’s going to be a flood, and they could lose their life almost immediately,” Acuna continued.

“But this is being told to students who made it into the Ivy League, their parents, their families [are] so proud, they worked so hard. The biggest challenge for them should be academic, not whether or not they’re going to survive getting across campus. Something has changed in the last 48 hours. I think the White House needs to acknowledge that,” she said.

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Anti-Israel protesters occupy the Columbia University main lawn

Anti-Israel protesters took over the main lawn on Columbia University’s campus in New York City, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (WNYW)

“It’s not just ‘The Squad’ that’s pro-Palestinian, it’s the idea that, I’ll take oppressor and add colonizer. That’s something the Democrat liberal left has really indoctrinated into universities and told people that’s all we are [in] the West,” Jones said.

“I started looking at the groups that are there with these protesters. You’ve got the Party for Socialism and Liberation, they’re there on site,” Fox News contributor David Webb added.

“You’ve got RevCom, [the] revolutionary communists, another group… you know, this is RCA, [the] Revolutionary Communist America [group], these are the groups that are using this… in this case, the target is the Jews, but it’s really this cultural Marxism mixed with a common hatred of Jews,” Webb said.

Alba Cuebas-Fantauzzi is a freelance production assistant at Fox News Digital.

Kennedy says he loves his family ‘either way’ after relatives endorse Biden’s campaign over his

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April 22, 2024

ROYAL OAK, Mich. (AP) — Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Sunday acknowledged endorsements from more than a dozen of his relatives who are backing Democratic President Joe Biden, noting that he feels no ill will over the family political divide.

“Some of them don’t like the fact that I’m running,” Kennedy said of his relatives, after a comedy showcase in suburban Detroit to benefit his campaign.

Kennedy — who last year launched an independent presidential bid after first challenging Biden for the Democratic nomination — was reacting to the endorsements from his sister and other relatives last week, a move by the Biden campaign that signals how seriously the president’s team is taking a long-shot candidate using his last name’s lingering Democratic magic to siphon support from the incumbent.

In Philadelphia, Kerry Kennedy, a daughter of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, niece of former President John F. Kennedy and sister of the current presidential candidate, called Biden “my hero,” saying — without mention of her brother — that the family wanted to “make crystal clear” their support for reelecting Biden.

Biden, who keeps a bust of Robert F. Kennedy in the Oval Office, said the endorsements were “an incredible honor.”

Going on to describe family debates he said his father orchestrated among his children, Kennedy said Sunday night that the exercise showed him a respectful way to take opposing positions with people he cares about without taking it personally.

“I debated them with information and passion and not to hate each other because we disagreed with each other,” he said. “I love my family, either way.”

Kennedy — who mentioned Biden’s Oval Office RFK bust, as well as his relatives currently working both in the Biden’s administration and on his own presidential campaign — made his remarks in Michigan, where last week, the campaign secured access to the general election ballot. In front of the suburban Detroit theater ahead of the performances, several dozen protesters opposed Kennedy’s appearance, with signs aiming to align Kennedy with former President Donald Trump.

Kennedy has spoken publicly in the past about disagreeing with his family on many issues, but maintains it can be done in “friendly” ways. After a super political action committee supporting his campaign produced a TV ad during the Super Bowl that relied heavily on imagery from John F. Kennedy’s 1960 presidential run, Kennedy Jr. apologized to his relatives on the X social media platform, saying he was sorry if the spot “caused anyone in my family pain.”

“I love my family. I feel that they love me,” he said Sunday. “And I wish the same thing would happen for all of our country, where we disagree with each other without hating on each other.”

___

Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP

Conservative Brazilians laud Elon Musk at rally in support of Bolsonaro

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April 21, 2024

ELON MUSK TO FUND NEW FIRST AMENDMENT CAMPAIGN TO COMBAT ‘RELENTLESS ATTACKS ON FREE SPEECH’

Conservative Brazilians heaped praise Sunday on Elon Musk at a rally in support of former President Jair Bolsonaro, whose legal troubles are mounting in tandem with the billionaire entrepreneur’s feud with the South American nation’s Supreme Court.

“Brazil Thanks Elon Musk,” read one giant sign in English at the rally alongside Copacabana beach in the seaside city of Rio de Janeiro. Thousands of die-hard supporters of Bolsonaro attended.

Musk, a self-declared free speech absolutist, is a target in an ongoing investigation over the dissemination of fake news by supporters of Bolsonaro. Musk said the social platform X wouldn’t comply with a high court justice’s order to remove certain accounts accused of spreading disinformation.

Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX who took over Twitter — now X — in late 2022, accused Justice Alexandre de Moraes of suppressing free speech and violating Brazil’s constitution. He noted on X that users could seek to bypass any shutdown of the social media platform by using VPNs, or virtual private networks.

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That prompted de Moraes to include Musk in an ongoing investigation into so-called digital militias and open a new investigation into obstruction, incitement and criminal conspiracy.

Alexandre de Moraes, justice of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court, left, speaks during a session at the Supreme Court building in Brasilia, Brazil, on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Elon Musk’s X social media platform will comply with all orders from Brazil’s Supreme Court, a week following top Justice Moraes’s decision to open an investigation into Musk and the billionaire saying he would defy the court. (Ton Molina/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Several speakers lauded Musk at Sunday’s rally.

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“What you see here are people who love liberty, who will not give up and will not kneel down to dictators, people who are willing to give their lives for freedom,” said Gustavo Gayer, a pro-Bolsonaro congressman.

For his part, the former president lauded Musk for demonstrating “courage” in the face of what he called censorship by de Moraes.

“He is the man who really preserves true freedom for all of us,” said Bolsonaro, who is himself under investigation for a plethora of crimes ranging from aiding an effort to overturn the 2022 election results and plotting a coup against his leftist successor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Brazil is an important market for social media companies. About 40 million Brazilians, or about 18% of the population, access X at least once per month, according to the market research group Emarketer.

Health weekend roundup: A mother’s health mission, sleep-blocking foods, heat illnesses and more

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April 21, 2024

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Fox News Digital publishes an array of health pieces all week long to keep you in the know on a range of wellness topics: health care access, innovative surgeries, cancer research, mental health trends and much more — plus, personal stories of people and families overcoming great obstacles.

Check out some top recent stories in Health as your weekend continues — and prep for the week ahead.

These are just a few of what’s new, of course.

There are many more to see at http://www.foxnews/health.

Utah mom fights for her daughter’s access to ‘life-saving’ medication

For Ruby Smart, 15, Levemir is the insulin medication that works best to control her type 1 diabetes — but the manufacturer is discontinuing it.

Alison Smart is on a mission to protect her daughter’s access to the drug. Click here to get the story.

Utah mother Alison Smart (in green sweater, pictured with Ruby Smart, age 15) is fighting for her teenage daughter’s access to diabetes medicine. (Alison Smart/iStock)

CDC warns of extreme heat dangers

Is extreme heat a public health threat?

Fox News Digital reports the findings in the latest Mortality & Morbidity Report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including a spike in emergency room visits due to heat-related illness. Doctors chime in on the potential risk. Click here to get the story.

Many regions across the United States experienced “record-breaking high temperatures” in 2023 due to extreme heat, according to the CDC. (iStock)

Surprising reason for sleep struggles

If you’re having trouble falling or staying asleep, you might be overlooking one important lifestyle factor.

Two sleep specialists reveal essential ingredients for high-quality sleep. Click here to get the story.

What you eat can have an impact on how well you sleep at night, experts say. (iStock)

The girl who can’t smile

Tayla Clement, 26, was born with a rare disorder that has made it impossible for her to smile — but she says she is grateful for it.

The New Zealand woman discusses with Fox News Digital how she overcame trauma and learned to celebrate her differences. Click here to get the story.

Tayla Clement, born and raised in New Zealand, has Moebius syndrome, a neurological disease that affects one child out of every 50,000 to 500,000. (Tayla Clement)

‘Forever chemicals’ found in water across US

A new study found that higher amounts of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) were found in drinking water in certain parts of the U.S.

Public health experts weigh in on the risks of the toxic chemicals. Click here to get the story.

Happy beautiful young woman drinking water

PFAS “hot spots” were concentrated in the Midwest, New England and the West Coast, the researchers found. (iStock)

Pick-me-ups to beat the midday slump

Is the “post-lunch coma” slowing down your productivity?

A nutritional biologist shares six proven energy-boosters to to prevent post-meal fatigue. Click here to get the story.

This week’s health recap includes stories about heat hazards, a mother’s fight for her daughter’s diabetes medication, and a little-known disruption of healthy sleep. (iStock / Alison Smart)

Drinking pure orange juice is linked to surprising benefits

A new study found that people who drank 100% orange juice consumed fewer calories than those who drank a sugar-sweetened orange beverage.

Nutritionists reacted to the findings. Click here to get the story.

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

Americans need more sleep and less stress

Many U.S. adults are getting too little sleep and have too much stress, according to a new Gallup poll.

Dr. Marc Siegel of New York and a sleep expert and behavioral scientist discuss the connection between disordered sleep and dangerous stress levels. Click here to get the story.

The poll showed that 63% of Americans who reported wanting more sleep also “frequently experience stress.” (iStock)

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

5 great tips for planning your next travel getaway

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April 21, 2024

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER

Are you gearing up for your next big adventure but dreading the daunting task of planning? Worry not. We’ve got the ultimate travel toolkit to make organizing your journey a total breeze.

From finding the best flight deals with Kayak to snagging that perfect window seat via ExpertFlyer, we’re diving into the top travel resources that savvy globetrotters swear by.

So buckle up, and let’s explore how these five great tech tools can turn your travel woes into wows.

A couple holds hands on the beach while on vacation. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

1. Best flight finder: Kayak

If flying either domestically or internationally, Kayak is an excellent site to search for the cheapest flight deals. With the exception of airlines such as Southwest, Kayak searches tons of airlines for the cheapest flight based on specific or flexible dates. This is especially helpful if you want to compare costs and amenities across multiple airlines, hotels and rental car companies.

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Additionally, they offer “hacker fares,” which help you combine flights from different airlines to create your ideal journey. The only hitch is that you won’t make the final booking on its website. Kayak will guide you to a third-party website, such as Expedia or the airline itself, to book the flight, car or hotel room.

Kayak’s website (Kayak)

MORE: THE BEST TRAVEL GEAR FOR 2024

2. Seat selection savvy: ExpertFlyer

Flying? Any seasoned traveler knows that the seat you pick for your flight can determine how your vacation begins and ends. It can either be the most relaxing flight or a complete nightmare. If you want to beat other travelers on your flight for the best seat on the plane, check out ExpertFlyer.

Whether you’ve booked online, offline with a travel agent or directly through the airline, the free account lets you set an alert for a specific seat option (window seat, anyone?). Once you receive the alert, you can change your seat assignment to your preferred seat.

ExpertFlyer website (ExpertFlyer)

MORE: HOW TO MAKE USE OF GOOGLE FLIGHTS’ NEWEST FEATURE

3. Best road trip guide: Roadtrippers

If you’re more interested in taking your vacation via car, motorcycle, or RV, Roadtrippers can help you can help you create the journey by populating fun stops between your departure and destination location. Compatible and accessible across multiple devices, you can plan your trip on your desktop and take it on the road with you on your phone or tablet.

For RV drivers, the Roadtrippers Premium account can give you RV-specific GPS navigation, which includes turn-by-turn directions appropriate for your RV. You get 3 stops for free or 150 stops with the Roadtrippers Premium. The app is available on iOS and Android.

Roadtripper website (Roadtrippers)

MORE: DISCOVER THE FUTURE OF RVING WITH THE ELECTRIC TRANSFORMER HOUSE

4. Best last-minute save: HotelTonight

Most travelers tend to book their accommodations as soon as their flights or train tickets are booked. However, even the best-laid plans go haywire in some situations, and you are left looking for a hotel room at the last minute.

Whether you’re dealing with an overbooked hotel or a misleading accommodation listing, HotelTonight can help you find discounted rooms the same day at 1,000 properties worldwide. The app is available on iOS and Android.

HotelTonight website (HotelTonight)

MORE: FILTERING FLIGHTS BY AIRCRAFT TYPE UP 15X FOLLOWING 737 MAX 9 INCIDENT

5. Best navigation gets better: Google Maps

While used frequently by many people daily to navigate cross-city traffic, Google Maps boasts new updates that make travel planning and sharing easier. It is available on iOS and Android.

Discoverable lists: Now, you can aggregate lists from top travel and city sites such as Lonely Planet, Open Table and The New York Times. Starting with select cities in the U.S. and Canada, you can search for a curated list of recommendations from others who know the city well. There are also lists based on places other users are interested in or love on Maps. You can search for top, trending and gem restaurant lists.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

List customization: Go ahead and compile your recommendations from a variety of different sources, such as social media, so those you share your list with know why you picked a specific place. You can also choose how the list is ordered so you can arrange it by chronology or preference.

Understand better with AI: Ever wish you could get more details while browsing specific restaurant reviews or photos? Now you can with artificial intelligence, which can do things like help you identify the name of a dish or price — making for a more immersive experience.

MORE: UNEXPECTED HERO APP TURNS AROUND TERRIFYING TRAVEL TROUBLE

Kurt’s key takeaways

With so many options and so little time, summer vacation planning can feel like a full-time job. New tech, however, can truly take the guesswork out of the planning. In fact, it can be downright fun. Whether you are traveling by plane or car, summer vacation planning might be as fun as the trip itself.

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

What type of traveler are you? Do you like to plan months in advance or the week of the trip? How do you take the stress out of travel planning? 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

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

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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The secret meaning of your iPhone clock’s 4 different colors

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April 21, 2024

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER

While casually scrolling on your iPhone, you may have noticed different colors behind the clock in the top left corner. These colors are not random, and you should know what they mean.

You might see a blue, green, red or purple color as a bubble behind your clock at the top left corner status bar if you own an iPhone X or later, or across the entire status bar if you have an iPhone 8 or earlier.

Knowing what these different colors mean can improve how you use your phone and enhance your privacy and security. Learn more about what these different colors behind the clock mean for iPhones (X or later) below.

Four colors of bubbles in upper left corner of an iPhone screen (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What does it mean if you see the blue bubble on the top-left of your iPhone?

A blue bubble in the top-left corner of an iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

When a blue bubble appears in the top-left corner of your screen — right behind your time or clock — this means an app is actively using your iPhone’s location or you are using Screen Mirroring.

CHANGE THIS APPLE MUSIC SETTING ASAP TO PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY

What does it mean if you see the green bubble on the top-left of your iPhone?

The green bubble in the top-left corner of an iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

When a green bubble appears in the top-left corner of your screen — right behind your time or clock — this means you’re on a call or your iPhone is being used as a personal hot spot. If you’re not using it and you see the green bubble, another device may be connected to your hot spot and potentially using your data without your knowledge.

How to prevent unauthorized use

To prevent unauthorized access to your personal hot spot, ensure you have a strong password set up.

Go to Settings
Click Personal hot spot
Tap on Wi-Fi Password to create a secure password. It’s also a good practice to regularly check and change this password.

Identifying who is using your hot spot

You can see how many devices are connected to your hot spot by opening the Control Center. For iPhones with Face ID, swipe down from the top-right corner; for iPhones with a home button, swipe up from the bottom. Press and hold the wireless section to see the number of connected devices.

Kicking off unauthorized users who are using your hot spot

If you find an unknown device connected to your hot spot, you can disconnect it by changing the hot spot password or turning off the personal hot spot feature.

Go to Settings
Click Personal hot spot
Toggle off Allow Others to Join.
Then, turn it back on and share the new password only with trusted devices. Also, consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

Remember, monitoring your hot spot connections regularly is important to ensure no unauthorized usage, which can lead to data loss and potential security risks.

MORE: AVOID PUBLIC WIFI BY USING YOUR IPHONE AS A HOT SPOT

What does it mean if you see the red bubble on the top-left of your iPhone?

A red bubble in the top-left corner of an iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

When a red bubble appears in the top-left corner of your screen — right behind your time or clock — this means your iPhone’s recording sound or your screen.

MORE: THE NEW IPHONE SECURITY THREAT THAT ALLOWS HACKERS TO SPY ON YOUR PHONE

What does it mean if you see the purple bubble on the top-left of your iPhone?

A purple bubble in the top-left corner of an iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

When a purple bubble appears in the top-left corner of your screen — right behind your time or clock — this means your iPhone is using SharePlay, which can be used to share content such as games across iPhones.

Navigating apps, calls and hot spots with a tap

Now that you know what these different colors mean, you can be more aware if your iPhone is doing something you don’t want it to do.

Curious to see exactly what app or iPhone function is being used with these different color bubbles? If you tap on the clock when there is a color behind it, it will take you to the app or the control settings for the function that is being utilized.

For example, if you tap the clock when the bubble is green, and you are on a call, it will return you to the main window where you can see who you are speaking with.

If your iPhone is being used as a personal hot spot, tapping the green bubble will send you to the personal hot spot section of settings, where you can see who is using it and turn it off if you never intended it to be used as a hot spot in the first place.

An iPhone personal hot spot being used (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

This is where knowing what these color bubbles are comes in handy. On one hand, you can use them to maneuver apps or settings on your iPhone easily. From the security and privacy perspective, you can now be alerted when any apps or other people are utilizing information or functions from your iPhone you don’t want them to.

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Uncover and block unwanted access to your iPhone’s camera and microphone

If you see that your iPhone’s microphone and/or camera are in use even though you don’t have an app opened, it likely means that an app has permission to use those features on your phone even when it isn’t being used or your phone may have been hacked. In our article, “Is your device spying on you?” you will find step-by-step instructions to see which apps have permission to access your microphone or camera and how to turn those features off.

If you’ve gone through your permission settings and your microphone and camera are being accessed without your consent, there is a chance that some malicious spyware may be using your device to spy. If you’re not sure your phone has been compromised, you can check for these additional signs outlined in our article, “How to tell if your phone has been hacked.”

To avoid this, consider adding good antivirus software to your phone to prevent malware. Also, the best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

MORE: ‘IN CASE OF EMERGENCY’ IPHONE SHORTCUT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE

Kurt’s key takeaways

The colorful indicators on your iPhone serve as a visual guide to what’s happening behind the scenes. Whether it’s the blue bubble alerting you to location services or screen mirroring, the green bubble indicating an active call or hot spot usage, the red bubble warning of recording in progress or the purple bubble signifying SharePlay activity, each color plays a crucial role in enhancing your awareness and control over your device’s functions.

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

By understanding what these colors represent, you can take proactive steps to protect your privacy, manage your connections and optimize your iPhone experience. This subtle yet powerful feature underscores the importance of being informed and vigilant about the digital footprints we leave. So, the next time you notice a colored bubble behind the clock, remember it’s more than just a design choice — it’s a gateway to understanding and managing your iPhone’s diverse capabilities.

How do you think Apple could further improve the color notification feature to assist iPhone users in managing their devices’ functions? 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

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

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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Meet “Eve” – A Virtual Companion Designed For Seniors and Other People Who Live Alone

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April 21, 2024