It is the first time since late 2022 where the industry has recorded two consecutive funding months above $1 billion.
Bad actors and ‘block storms’ — Bitcoin dev calls for testnet reboot
Bitcoin’s testnet needs to be reset so it can remain free for developers to use, says software engineer Jameson Lopp.
Mexican authorities reveal bizarre reason they believe Australians, American were murdered on surfing vacation
Mexican authorities say two Australians and an American were killed on a surfing trip because thieves wanted the tires from their truck. Relatives of those killed confirmed their identities on Sunday, the Associated Press reported.
The latest details in the case come after a fourth body was discovered during a search for the missing men in Baja California. State prosecutors have not officially confirmed the identities of the missing men, but have said the victims’ family members are viewing the bodies to see if they can be identified by sight.
The corpses were found decomposing after the thieves dumped them into a remote well about 50 feet deep, some four miles from where the men were killed, authorities said. The well also contained a fourth cadaver that had been there much longer.
Chief state prosecutor MarÃa Elena Andrade RamÃrez said the probability that the corpses belong to the missing men is “very high,” noting that they still appeared to be identifiable by sight. “If they say that they are not completely certain that it is their relative, we would then have to carry out genetic testing.”
UTAH HUNTER FINDS SKELETAL REMAINS OF MAN MISSING SINCE 2019 IN REMOTE MOUNTAINS
Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson, top left, and US citizen Jack Carter Rhoad, right. (Reuters)
The three men, brothers Jake and Callum Robinson from Australia and American Jack Carter Rhoad, were on a camping and surfing trip along a stretch of coast south of the city of Ensenada when they went missing last weekend.
Andrade RamÃrez theorized the killers drove by and saw the foreigners’ pickup truck and tents and wanted to steal their tires. But “when [the foreigners] came up and caught them, surely, they resisted.”
She said that’s when the killers would have shot the tourists.
The thieves then allegedly went to what she called “a site that is extremely hard to get to” and allegedly dumped the bodies into a familiar well. She said investigators were not ruling out the possibility the same suspects also dumped the first, earlier body in the well as part of previous crimes.
“They may have been looking for trucks in this area,” Andrade RamÃrez said.
MAN CONVICTED OF KIDNAPPING GIRLFRIEND, SUFFOCATING HER IN NEVADA DESERT
The thieves allegedly covered the well with boards. “It was literally almost impossible to find it,” Andrade RamÃrez said, and it took two hours to winch the bodies out of the well.
The site where the bodies were discovered near the township of Santo Tomás was near the remote seaside area where the missing men’s tents and truck were found Thursday along the coast.Â
On Sunday, dozens of mourners, surfers and demonstrators gathered in a main plaza in Ensenada, the nearest city, to voice their anger and sadness at the deaths.
Locals march to protest the disappearance of foreign surfers in Ensenada, Mexico, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Karen Castaneda)
“Ensenada is a mass grave,” read one placard carried by protesters. “Australia, we are with you,” one man scrawled on one of the half-dozen surf boards at the demonstration. A woman held up a sign that read “They only wanted to surf — we demand safe beaches.”
Baja California prosecutors had said they were questioning three people in the case, two of them because they were caught with methamphetamines. Prosecutors said the two were being held pending drug charges but continue to be suspects in the case.Â
A third man was arrested on charges of a crime equivalent to kidnapping, but that was before the bodies were found. It was unclear if he might face more charges.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The third suspect was believed to have directly participated in the killings. In keeping with Mexican law, prosecutors identified him by his first name, Jesús Gerardo, alias “el Kekas,” a slang word that means “quesadillas,” or cheese tortillas.Â
Andrade RamÃrez said he had a criminal record, and that more people may have been involved.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Bitcoin reaches one billion transactions
An average of 178,475 daily transactions have been made on Bitcoin in its 5,603 day existence.
US Air Force Secretary Kendall flies in cockpit of plane controlled by AI
U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall rode in the cockpit of a fighter jet on Friday, which flew over the desert in California and was controlled by artificial intelligence.
Last month, Kendall announced his plans to fly in an AI-controlled F-16 to the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee’s defense panel, while speaking about the future of air warfare being dependent on autonomously operated drones.
On Friday, the senior Air Force leader followed through with his plans, making what could be one of the biggest advances in military aviation since stealth planes were introduced in the early 1990s.
Kendall flew to Edwards Air Force Base – the same desert facility where Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier – to watch and experience AI flight in real time.
US MILITARY ‘OUT OF TIME’ IN PUSH AGAINST ADVERSARIES’ MODERNIZATION, AIR FORCE SECRETARY SAYS
The X-62A VISTA aircraft, an experimental AI-enabled Air Force F-16 fighter jet, takes off on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The flight, with Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall riding in the front seat, is serving as a public statement of confidence in the future role of AI in air combat. The military is planning to use the technology to operate an unmanned fleet of 1,000 aircraft. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
After the flight, Kendall spoke with the Associated Press about the technology and the role it will play in air combat.
“It’s a security risk not to have it. At this point, we have to have it,” the secretary said.
The Associated Press and NBC were granted permission to watch the secret flight with the agreement that neither would report on the matter until the flight was complete, due to security concerns.
AIR FORCE SECRETARY PLANS TO RIDE IN AI-OPERATED F-16 FIGHTER AIRCRAFT THIS SPRING
Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall sits in the front cockpit of an X-62A VISTA aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., on Thursday, May 2, 2024. The flight on the Artificial Intelligence-controlled modified F-16, is serving as a public statement of confidence in the future role of AI in air combat. The military is planning to use the technology to operate an unmanned fleet of 1,000 aircraft. Arms control experts and humanitarian groups are concerned that AI might one day be able to take lives autonomously and are seeking greater restrictions on its use (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
The F-16 controlled by AI is called Vista, and it flew Kendall in maneuvers reaching over 550 mph, putting pressure on his body of nearly five times the force of gravity.
Flying alongside Vista and Kendall was a human-piloted F-16, and the two jets raced within 1,000 feet of each other performing twists and loops, in an effort to force their opponent into a place of submission.
Kendall grinned as he climbed out of the cockpit after the hour-long flight, saying he saw enough to trust the AI technology in deciding whether to fire weapons during a war.
This image from remote video released by the U.S. Air Force shows Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall during his experimental flight inside the cockpit of a X-62A VISTA aircraft autonomous warplane above Edwards Air Base, Calif, on Thursday, May 2, 2024. The AI-controlled flight is serving as a public statement of confidence in the future role of AI in air combat. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Many oppose the idea of computers making that decision, fearing AI may one day be able to drop bombs on people without consulting with humans.
The same people who oppose AI-powered war machines are also seeking greater restrictions on its use.
One of the groups seeking stronger restrictions is the International Committee of the Red Cross.
“There are widespread and serious concerns about ceding life-and-death decisions to sensors and software,” the group warned, adding the autonomous weapons “are an immediate cause of concern and demand an urgent, international political response.”
EUROPE SEEKS TO BECOME ‘GLOBAL REFERENCE POINT’ WITH AI OFFICE
An AI-enabled Air Force F-16 fighter jet, left, flies next to an adversary F-16, as both aircraft race within 1,000 feet of each other, trying to force their opponent into vulnerable positions, on Thursday, May 2, 2024, above Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The flight is serving as a public statement of confidence in the future role of AI in air combat. The military is planning to use the technology to operate an unmanned fleet of 1,000 aircraft. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Still, Kendall says human oversight will always be at play when weapons are considered.
The Air Force is planning to have an AI-enabled fleet of over 1,000 AI-operated drones, with the first being in operation by 2028.
In March, the Pentagon said it was looking to develop new artificial intelligence-guided planes, offering two contracts for several private companies to compete against each other to obtain.
The Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) project is part of a $6 billion program that will add at least 1,000 new drones to the Air Force. The drones will be designed to deploy alongside human-piloted jets and provide cover for them, acting as escorts with full weapons capabilities. The drones could also act as scouts or communications hubs, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.
WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?
Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall smiles after a test flight of the X-62A VISTA aircraft against a human-crewed F-16 aircraft in the skies above Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., on Thursday, May 2, 2024. The flight on the Artificial Intelligence-controlled VISTA is serving as a public statement of confidence in the future role of AI in air combat. The military is planning to use the technology to operate an unmanned fleet of 1,000 aircraft. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
The companies bidding for the contract include Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, General Atomics and Anduril Industries.
Cost-cutting is one of the elements of AI that appeals to the Pentagon for pursuing the project.
In August 2023, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks said deploying AI-enabled autonomous vehicles would provide “small, smart, cheap and many” expendable units to the U.S. military, helping overhaul the “too-slow shift of U.S. military innovation.”
But the idea is to not fall too far behind China, which has modernized its air defense systems, which are much more sophisticated and put manned planes at risk when they get too close.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Drones have the potential of interrupting such defense systems and could be used to jam them or provide surveillance for crews.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Cardano founder proposes Bitcoin Cash integration in X poll
The ayes are winning with 8,301 votes for to 4,212 against, as of the time of this article’s publication.
8 important health stories to know about in case you missed them
Fox News Digital publishes a range of health and wellness pieces all week long to keep you in the know.
Health coverage includes articles on new medications, mental health challenges, groundbreaking resources, personal medical stories and more.
In case you missed them as the weekend winds down and you gear up for a week ahead, here are few of our biggest health stories from this week.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
These are just a few of what’s new, of course.Â
See a full list of recent health pieces at http://www.foxnews/health.Â
1. Anger can spike heart attack risk
Feeling angry for as little as eight minutes a day could raise your chances of experiencing a cardiac event, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. A cardiologist shares 7 strategies to cope with anger and reduce the risk. Click here to get the story.
Feeling angry for as little as eight minutes a day could raise your chances of experiencing a cardiac event, according to a new study. (iStock)
2. Eating this fruit could reduce diabetes risk
Regularly consuming avocados could be helpful when it comes to avoiding diabetes, according to a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Nutritionists weigh in. Click here to get the story.
Diabetes-reducing effects were observed in female study participants — but the same benefits were not found in men, per this research. (iStock)
3. High E. coli found in raw meats and dog food
Researchers discovered high levels of antibiotic-resistant E. coli in samples of raw beef, chicken, pork and lamb sold at grocery stores and pet stores. Experts indicate whether people should be concerned. Click here to get the story.
“E. coli is an intestinal bacterium that may propagate in cows and chickens used for meat, especially when they are raised in squalor or close together.” (iStock)
4. Texas cats die after drinking bird flu-contaminated milk
A group of cats who were given raw milk from diseased cows died between March 19 and March 20, according to a CDC report. Experts discuss how this highlights the importance of safe practices. Click here to get the story.
A cluster of cats on a Texas dairy farm (not pictured) died after drinking raw milk from dairy cows affected by bird flu, according to a CDC report. (iStock)
5. Caregiver stress can be reduced
Caring for an aging parent and a child at the same time can bring plenty of extra challenges. Experts share stress-reducing strategies for members of the “sandwich generation.” Click here to get the story.
For members of the so-called “sandwich generation,” doing double-duty caregiving can take a toll, experts say. (iStock)
6. Mammogram guidance is updated
Women should get mammograms every other year starting at age 40, according to updated recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The previous guidance said women should begin biennial mammograms at age 50. Click here to get the story.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, according to the American Cancer Society. (iStock)
7. Common nutrient can boost cancer immunity
Eating a diet rich in one vitamin has been shown to improve responses to immunotherapy and reduce tumor growth. Nutritionists explain the benefits. Click here to get the story.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
8. Earbuds could be a health hazard
“Noise-canceling earbuds may bring welcome silence, but they might also mask vital sounds that could save your life,” an expert warns. Here’s how to use the technology safely. Click here to get the story.
Each week, Fox News Digital publishes a range of health and wellness pieces to keep you in the know — eight key stories are highlighted in this article. (iStock)
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.
How to use VPNs without compromising your banking apps
Using a VPN — a virtual private network — to browse the internet can give you more security and privacy online. It can also be used to access websites that might not be available in your location. (For instance, Netflix may not be available in some countries, but you can access it with a VPN).Â
Some people may also use a VPN to make it appear that they are in a given location, even if they aren’t. This may help them to more easily navigate websites that put up blocks to people in different places.
But because of these security measures, some VPN users like Ernie from Blue Ridge, Georgia, who wrote to us, may face the opposite problem of being blocked out of websites, like online banking sites, that they usually would have no problem accessing. This can be frustrating and time-consuming to simply check something online, and it may lead many people to reconsider using a VPN altogether.
But is this the right move? Here’s what you need to know if this happens to you.
A person using a VPN on a laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
FOX NEWS AI NEWSLETTER: EMILY BLUNT’S AI ADMISSION
What does a VPN do?
If you already have a VPN, you might know how it works. But, in case you’re unfamiliar or to give a little recap, a VPN essentially creates a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. This tunnel helps protect your online activities from being spied on by others, including hackers, your internet service provider or even governments.
When you connect to a VPN, it encrypts your data, meaning all the information you send and receive is jumbled up so that it becomes unreadable to anyone who might intercept it. This encryption helps ensure that sensitive information like your passwords, emails and browsing history remain private. Â
It does this by masking your actual IP address, which stands for “internet protocol address,” a numerical label that identifies your device and your device’s general geographic location, with one from the VPN server, making it appear as though your online activities are coming from a different location.
This helps with privacy and allows you to access content that might be restricted in your actual location due to censorship or licensing agreements. Essentially, a VPN provides anonymity and freedom online by encrypting your data and hiding your online footprint.
MORE: BEST VPNS FOR BROWSING THE WEB PRIVATELY 2024
Why do some banks and websites not work when your VPN is on?
Because VPNs are designed to provide an additional layer of security and privacy to your online activities —including your banking transactions — some users run into trouble when they try to log into a bank with the VPN on. This is because some banks may block VPN connections as a security measure to prevent fraudulent activities. When you go to the website to log in, it might not let you proceed or give you an error page.
However, this is not a universal practice, and many banks allow VPN connections without issues. It can still happen, not just with banking websites, but with other websites.
A woman using a VPN while shopping online (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
MORE: WILL A VPN PREVENT APPS FROM TRACKING ME?Â
What to do if you can’t log in to your online banking with the VPN on
If you’re facing issues logging into your online banking or other websites, it could be due to your VPN. In fact, there have been many times when we thought there was an issue with a website or getting online, and it turns out the VPN was the culprit! So, here’s what you can do:
1. Contact your bank’s customer support: They may be able to provide you with more information on why the app is not working with a VPN and offer a solution.
2. Try a different VPN: Some VPNs with your banking app may work better than others. Try using a different VPN service to see if it resolves the issue.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
3. Disable the VPN when using banking apps: If none of the above solutions work, you can disable the VPN when using your banking app and enable it again when you’re done. VPNs with a plugin or widget pinned to your browser’s navigation bar can make enabling and disabling it very easy with a click of a button.
Disabling your VPN while using banking apps may be inconvenient, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution and prioritize your online safety.
If you’re concerned about privacy and security, ensure you’re connecting over a secure, private network and not public Wi-Fi.
A VPN on a laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
MORE: HOW DO I USE A VPN FOR ONLINE BANKING WHEN I TRAVEL?Â
The ultimate solution for private web surfing
While VPNs occasionally complicate access to certain websites, their privacy benefits cannot be overstated. So, consider using a VPN to protect against being tracked and identify your potential location on websites you visit. Depending on their privacy settings, many sites can read your IP address and display the city you are corresponding to. A VPN will disguise your IP address to show an alternate location. See my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
MORE: UNFORGETTABLE MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS 2024
Kurt’s key takeaways
Ultimately, regularly using a VPN when accessing the internet can be a great way to enhance your privacy and security while allowing you to access sites you may not otherwise be able to because of your location. However, this benefit is also a problem, as the VPN can prevent you from accessing sites you commonly need to get into, like your banking site. Despite this frustration, we recommend using a VPN whenever possible and taking the above measures to make your bank login seamless.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Have you ever encountered unexpected limitations or benefits while using a VPN? 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
Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:
Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Where to store your crypto: Wallets provide diverse options for holders
Choosing a crypto wallet can be intimidating for newcomers. Which wallet is the easiest to use and the safest for storing digital assets?